Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
The Patternists: The Promise of Rest
The Jewish Sabbath serves as a type of the ultimate rest available to the Christian. This truth is made evident by the Hebrew writer in the fourth chapter of that letter. In verse 4, the reference is to Genesis 2:2, “For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.’”
That “rest”, and the fact that the disobedience of God’s people led them to lose out on the promise of rest in the promised land (cf. vs. 6), leads to an object lesson for Christians today.
Consider the expressed reason why God said to them, “They shall not enter My rest” (cf. Psalm 95:11). The text states, “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it” (vs. 2). Also, note verse 6, “Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience.”
Is Church Important?
In answer to the question above, it certainly is important to God! The act of His son’s sacrifice on the cross was to, “purchase with His own blood” the church (cf. Acts 20:28).
The term church, used correctly, refers to the redeemed. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
There is no more important fellowship of which to be a part. And, understanding the importance of the church, perhaps it is good to consider the purpose of its establishment.
Men have ideas about this. They believe the church should be an agent of societal change. Of course, there are many such organizations that exist, so the church would only be another voice in the crowd.
Some think the church is simply a community of people who enjoy each other’s company. The church is a place to visit, eat and play together with people you like. A kind of social club. Many congregations make socializing the primary emphasis.
God said the church was established to save people. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned'” (Mark 16:15-16).
The Lord’s church is unique in the world. It is the divine institution given the responsibility by God to share the precious message of salvation. It is disturbing that men would trivialize it by giving it purposes and works that are neither unique nor divinely authorized.
The West Side church of Christ focuses on God’s work. We would love to have you come visit our worship services. If you do, you have this promise – the effort to save and strengthen souls will be the focus of our worship, teaching and work. That’s what God wants, what we want, and we hope it is your desire as well. Please come join us!
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Sermon: Warnings About Disobedience
The Hebrew writer, in chapter 12, gives some strong warnings about the dangers and consequences of disobedience.
Sermon: True Value
We need to be careful, and recognize the true value of things in life. Whether it be of a child (including the unborn), our sacrificial gifts, or the preaching of the gospel. True value is not found in monetary cost.
Sermon: Hating the Prophet
The antagonism of man toward the proclamation of God’s will is amply illustrated by Ahab’s conflicts with the prophets Elijah and Micaiah. We must stand strong, and proclaim His word.
Sermon: Pride Manifested
Strife, worldliness, and judgmentalism are manifestations of pride, as revealed in James chapter 4.
Sermon: Let’s Get Excited!
Using the texts of 2 Chronicles 29 and 2 Samuel 10, the lesson emphasizes the need for zeal, in order to live a Christ centered life.
Sermon: Tim Stevens Meeting, Spring 2019
1 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to the Future of the Church?
2 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Forgiveness?
3 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Anger?
4 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Time?
5 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Attitude Toward God’s Word?
6 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Influence?
7 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Humility & Servitude?
8 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Repentance?
9 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Persecution & Endurance?
Sermon: Some Thoughts About Appropriate Dress
Matters of modesty and propriety in the area of a Christian’s dress are discussed in this lesson.
Sermon: Bad Investments
Bible characters such as Adam and Eve, Esau, the prodigal son and Judas all made bad decisions, choosing sin over righteousness.
The Patternists: Fear Him
“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:4-7).
We all have read these words from Jesus, but do we know what they mean? To wit, how does fearing the One who has the ability “to cast into hell” impact your life?
Reminding You
Most people enjoy learning new things. Gaining new knowledge is exciting and important. This is certainly so when God’s will is the subject being considered.
What is rare is the mastering of a subject. We are in awe of those individuals who show such a mastery. A philatelist who can discuss the value of an inverted Jenny, or the 1847 issue of the block of 16 Ben Franklins is pretty impressive to those of us who had to look up the term “philatelist” (stamp collector), and have no idea what an inverted Jenny is! Conversely, those of us who know Dirk Nowitzki’s rank on the list of career NBA scorers (6th), and who he last passed to get there (Wilt Chamberlain) may be considered a little crazy. (Note: I didn’t have to look those up).
Familiarity and relative mastery of God’s revealed will is impressive (few make the effort), and important (the subject is impactful of our final standing in eternity). As such it is worthy of our effort to not only learn new things, but to become completely familiar with what we already know. With that in mind, consider Peter’s words:
“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease” (2 Peter 1:12-15).
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Sermon: What Is and Is Not a Work
Speaker: Josh Jackson
Josh seeks to determine from scripture how the devil has confounded some regarding the necessity of obedience in order to be saved.
Sermon: “Who may abide in Your tabernacle?”
According to Psalm 15, only the upright, righteous, truthful, lover of good, obedient individual is welcomed by God into His presence. Those who backbite, do evil, gossip, mistreat and harm others are not welcome.
Sermon: More Than Enough
The lesson uses the text of Exodus 35 and 36 to establish the necessity of Zeal. God wants us freely willing to sacrifice our lvies and purpose in His service!
