Tri-Annual Singing!
June 20, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Is It Possible?
When the question is asked, “Can the Bible be God’s inspired word?”, the simple answer is, “Yes!” As has been previously noted, the concept of inspiration presupposes the existence of God. While it is not the purview of this study to argue God’s existence, we agree with Paul’s contention, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20). As the Psalmist testified, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). The contention of scripture and those who believe it is that the very existence of the universe demands the hand of a divine Designer. If an omnipotent and omniscient God exists, then nothing could preclude Him sharing His will with man through any means He chooses. This truth is axiomatic.
The Patternists: Measuring Themselves by Themselves
In 2 Corinthians 10 Paul addressed the sentiments of his opponents. It appears that some had said unkind things about the great apostle, and it is probable that some in Corinth had a negative view of the great man of God.
Paul’s appeal to be heard by them was centered in the authority he derived from Christ. He belonged to the Lord (vs. 7); the authority he exercised in edifying them came from the Lord (vs. 8); and as such he promised to come to them with weight and power in his words of admonition (vs. 9-11).
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The Veil is Taken Away
Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:14).
The image of the veil accurately expresses the significance of passing from the Old Law to the New. Moses, in giving the law to Israel, paved the way for the redemption of mankind. The Old Testament contains so many things —types, prophecies, law — that God used to prepare mankind for His plan to bring salvation through His Son.
But, that Old Law of Moses was preparatory. It was a harbinger of what was to come. And so, when one looks exclusively at the Old Law, he gets neither the entire picture, nor the full benefits of God’s redemptive plan.
Paul wrote, “Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16). When the gospel is preached to man, some believe it and place their trust in Jesus Christ. In Him is that which allows believers to “be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19).
The blessing we receive by this unveiling? “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Praise be to God for His great blessings toward us.
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Sermon: For Conscience’ Sake
Paul expresses the type of attitude we should have toward Jews, Gentiles and God’s people, always expressing and showing concern for how our actions may impact our reputation, and the spiritual welfare of others.
Sermon: A Hard Heart
Hebrews 3 uses the Israelites in the wilderness as an object lesson about hardening our hearts against God. How does it happen, and can it happen to us? These are important questions to answer.
The Wise and the Foolish
Listening to the radio last week, the sports commentator was discussing a coach’s evaluation of one of his rookie players. He noted that the young man was very smart and teachable. He mentioned that this player seldom made the same mistake twice, and he never had to correct him more than once. Because of this aspect of his character, the coach was confident that the player would have a successful career as a professional.
The conversation brought to my mind the words of Proverbs 17:10, “Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.” With each of us there is the potential for mistakes. These may come from ignorance, or perhaps because we have been taught wrongly in the past. What distinguishes the wise man from the fool is whether correction is accepted.
As the Deer
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).
What a beautiful sentiment expressed here by the Psalmist. A famished deer, longing for the water that gives relief and refreshment — is used to express the desire the man of God has for His maker.
Did you know that in the midst of a secular world, where evolutionary theory and humanistic influences are used to attack faith in the Almighty, fully 89% of Americans still believe in God. Only 11% deny His existence, and only 9% total express their denial in sure terms (2014 Pew Research Study).
It is hard to destroy faith in God’s existence, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Unfortunately, it is much easier to undermine the effects of that belief.
The Psalmist wrote, “When shall I come and appear before God?” He desired to return to the sanctuary to worship the Creator. His faith was strong, and His desire for the Almighty stirred His spirit. Think of that next time you are deciding whether you wish to come to the sanctuary yourself. Do you long to come and worship your God?
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The Bible
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Bible is a familiar book to many. It is actually a library of 66 different books, 39 of them in what has been designated the Old Testament, 27 of them in the New Testament. There are books of history, law, poetry and prophecy, as well as gospels (volumes of “good news”) about Jesus Christ, and letters, both private, and public in nature. The Old Testament is a foundational text of the religion of Judaism. The entirety of the Bible is respected by those who call themselves Christians.
Sermon: The Judgment of Stewardship
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 give us some interesting and important insight into the importance of stewardship, and the reality that judgment comes from God, not man.
Sermon: The Establishment of False Religion
Judges chapters 17 and 18 record a man of Ephraim called Micah, who established his own religion by fashioning and idol, and hiring a Levite to be his priest. The record of Micah supplies some surprising parallels to the establishment of false religion in every age, including our own.
Spiritual Surgery
Recently I came across a sermon outline by Joe Price titled Spiritual Surgery. (He preached it a couple of months ago). This article is basically a fleshing out of the three main points in his outline.
The apostle Paul, in Colossians 2, refers to a spiritual circumcision, using the token of the covenant between God and Israel to make an important point. “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (2:11-12).
As physical circumcision was surgical removal (a cutting off, cf. Genesis 17:10-11; Galatians 5:12). Paul uses the same language to indicate they were to remove or put off the body of the sins of the flesh. This was not an unfamiliar concept to the Jews. In fact, Moses said something similar as he called upon the Israelites to repent of their transgressions against God in Deuteronomy 10:16, “Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.”
The Patternists: Defining “My” God
I came across a survey taken last December by the Pew Research Center. The title of the survey, “When Americans say they believe in God, what do they mean?”
The survey sampling revealed that 80% of people believe in God, and another 9% believe in some kind of higher power/spiritual force. That’s 9 in 10 Americans.
However, of the 80% that believe in God, only 56% percent of them believe in God as described in the Bible. More and more individuals feel free to describe God in their own terms rather than the terms He used to describe Himself!
An Excellent Wife (Or Husband)
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4).
The book of Proverbs was written by a father desiring to share wisdom with his son. In this case, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. We can as easily state that an excellent husband is a true blessing, but a husband that causes shame is like a cancer to his wife.
This truth is why it is so important to choose carefully the one who will be your companion for life. Jesus said, “So then they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6).
Marriage is a lifetime commitment. No man or woman has the right to renege on that commitment. The decision to marry has an impact not only on the rest of your life, but on your eternal destiny. When choosing, it is important to marry one who will help you to reach heaven. Be sure that no other person in your life will have a greater impact upon your standing with God.
It is possible to overcome a bad choice. However, it is not easy. There will always be regret and difficulty if your life companion is an obstacle rather than a blessing.
Choose wisely and well!
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Sermon: The Preacher and the Penitent
Luke’s narrative of the conversion of Cornelius and his household is unique in its use of two viewpoints to relate the facts. Both the preacher and the penitent are followed, with the two meeting as the gospel is preached and souls are saved.
Sermon: Boasting Against the Lord
There are many who seek to elevate themselves against God. They quickly learn that God is sovereign, and humbles the proud. Victory is found in humble service to the Lord.
