Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Sermon: The Origin of Math
Speaker: Josh Jackson
This lesson is a defense of God’s existence, using Romans 1 & Job 38,40 as texts.
Sermon: Remember!
Memories help us to avoid mistakes of the past, appreciate the present, and hope in the future!
Sermon: “Therefore let us”
Paul’s language in Philippians 3 describes a wonderful relationship between believers, as we together seek to gain the resurrection, and an eternal reward in heaven.
Sermon: Felix Trembled
When Paul spoke to the Roman governor concerning “the faith in Christ” it caused Felix to tremble with fear. Why? He spoke of righteousness to the sinner, self-control to the intemperate, and judgment to one unprepared. Felix’s fear was well founded.
The Patternists: The Basis for Paul’s Exhortation
In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul exhorted his brethren to abound in their obedience to the commandments of God. He was especially concerned with their moral purity, instructing them to “abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God” (4:3-5).
Sexual Immorality is the phrase used in the New King James version to translate the Greek term porneia. The term is defined by Thayer as “illicit sexual intercourse.” It is a broad term that would be inclusive of any sexual activity outside of the marriage bed, including adultery, homosexuality, incest and other perversions. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).
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“There is none who does good”
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; there is none who does good” (Psalm 53:1).
The infidel is a fool. He is wicked, living his life without the one thing that can bring good action — faith in God.
“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Romans 1:24-25).
There is a philosophical question that is often asked. Can atheism account for morality? In other words, without God, can there be true right and wrong, good and evil?
Accepting the reality of God, the point is moot. If God exists, and created us for His purpose, then one can’t be “good” unless one is doing God’s will. This is what the Bible affirms. Left to our own devices, we are incapable of serving God acceptably. “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). And, it is required of us, if we are to be good, to obey Him. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Don’t be a fool! Believe in God, and do His will!
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Sermon: How Jesus Overcame Discouragement
We have a wonderful Savior who has experienced what it means to be human. He had discouraging things happen to him, just as we do. He handled it in such a way as to be a wonderful example to emulate.
Sermon: Pursue Peace
Without pursuing peace, with holiness, it is impossible to please God. With this such an important consideration, the lesson discusses what is necessary to heed God’s command to do so.
The Patternists: Feel Compelled
Religious people typically act in accord with the dictates of the conscience. This is commendable. Paul made clear that we should always do what we believe to be right, “for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).
What is equally true is that many, in doing what they think is right, are actually violating God’s will. In other words, they are convinced they are doing what God wants them to do, but they are mistaken. This is a serious problem, as noted by the Lord Himself:
“But God composed the body”
In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul expressed the importance of every single Christian doing his or her part to bring growth to the local congregation. He noted that each individual member is unique, “And the eye cannot say to the hand, ’I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ’I have no need of you’” (21). He concluded that even those members who seem to be weaker “are necessary” (22).
Do we have the same view of our participation in congregational activities and duties? Do we consider our part to be necessary? Or even important?
Paul clearly states that “God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased” (18). “But God composed the body…” (24).
Never underestimate your importance to God and His people. Never underestimate what God expects of you, and how much His people need you to do your part.
Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (27). We need you to be an active member of the West Side congregation. We need to grow spiritually every day, and diligently perform the duties our Lord expects of our congregation. We can’t do that unless each and every one of us are doing our part. You are special! God knows it, and so do we. Do you?
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Sermon: The Facts of Christ
The facts about Jesus, because they are facts, constitute the saving gospel! (Romans 1:15-16), “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Sermon: Renewal
In Isaiah 40:31, the prophet makes the promise, “but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” In order to be renewed, we must trust the Lord, alter our thinking, and rededicate ourselves to His service!
The Patternists: Hold Fast
In 2 Timothy 1:13, the apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”
The words “hold fast” in the text (echo) means to have or hold fast, to adhere or cling to. Consider a small child who depends upon a blanket or stuffed toy for comfort.
The word “pattern” in the text (hupotuposis) indicates an outline, sketch, brief, example or pattern. Consider the idea of a pattern used by a seamstress, or a blueprint used by a contractor.
The word “sound” in the text (hugiaino) is used metaphorically to refer to something that is free of any mixture of error.
The exhortation to “hold fast the pattern of sound words” is modified by specifying the way that they are to be held, “in faith and love.” Adam Clarke well said, “Faith credits the Divine doctrines. Love reduces them all to practice.”
Much is said of faith and love. All are in agreement that these things are necessary. What is often denied is that we must “Hold fast the pattern of sound words.” Here Paul clearly shows this to be required by God.
Paul here emphasizes that God’s word is a pattern for us. He expected Timothy and us to properly respect and revere the Holy Spirit’s guidance in delivering to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us” (2 Peter 1:3). Our respect for God’s word requires us to obey it, in so doing showing our love both to God (cf. John 14:15), and to others (1 John 2:10).
Are you holding fast “the pattern of sound words”?
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Put on Love
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:12).
Paul, in this passage is discussing the character of the elect of God. He calls upon them to be holy, humble, kind, longsuffering, and willing to forgive. The overriding command is to put on love.
It is observed that the call to love is the overriding commandment of God. It encapsulates the law and the prophets (cf. Matthew 22:37-40). It is the characteristic that will preeminently identify a man or woman as a disciple of Jesus. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
In our text, this love is referred to as “the bond of perfection.” This word indicates a measure of completeness, or maturity to which the child of God strives. One who is capable of loving as God expects is a mature, complete Christian. Without love, regardless of the good works done, it is of no real profit (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). True Christian charity, or love, is indispensable. It serves to bind the other Christian graces together.
Do you want to be perfect, complete, whole? Put on love!
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Sermon: Are You a Friend TO Jesus?
In order to be a friend of Jesus, like Abraham, you need to be friendly. I.e. – You need to be a friend TO Jesus. Things like sacrifice, loyalty and faith. Are YOU a friend TO Jesus?
