Category: Preaching

The Christian Chronicle claims to be “An international newspaper for member of Churches of Christ.” We have mentioned the paper in the past, noting that it chronicles the efforts and activities of the most liberal of congregations that go by the name “Church of Christ.”

In the last issue (February 2007) the Chronicle began a series entitled Are We Growing?, intended to run through the remainder of the year. In the initial article, statistics are cited to indicate that while the population of the United States grew 32% from 1980 to 2006, membership in the church of Christ grew only 1.6% in the same time.

It is not our purpose to discuss the methodology which led to the numbers cited, nor to determine the actual accuracy of the estimates. It is enough to note that in many instances the lack of growth is obvious. In fact, we should as a congregation redouble our efforts in this area. It would be a wonderful thing if we could substantially increase the number of souls who worship here, especially if said numbers came through the conversion of the lost.

Continue reading “Are We Growing?” →

Preachers need to preach relevant, convicting, informative sermons. And, those who hear such messages are obligated to receive them with open and honest hearts.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Matthew 10 describes the limited commission given by Jesus to his disciples, and the persecution they could expect in their preaching. Our Lord indicated in the text that the fear of God should trump any fear of man, and motivate them to fulfill their duty.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The book of Acts contains numerous accounts of the gospel working in the hearts of man. Some responded to the preaching of truth to their salvation, others refused repentance. But, the word of God is a sharp, two-edged sword, and the power of God unto salvation.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Podcast Number 19

What do Christians need to be able to preach the gospel to the lost? Education? Charisma? Eloquence? No, none of these. There are certain things, revealed in this podcast, that Christians need to be effective in sharing the good news.

To listen to this Podcast, click here .

To subscribe to the podcast feed, click here .

We need to have big evangelistic goals, coupled with the desire and steadfastness to share the gospel with the world.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sermon Title: Paul’s Preaching at Lystra

The example of Paul’s preaching at Lystra (Acts 14) shows us that the efficacy of the preaching of the gospel is dependent entirely upon the goodness of the hearts of men.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

No matter how far you are behind the loop, podcasting is pretty easy to understand. The name is derived from Apple’s ubiquitous iPod series of personal music players, a name that has come to stand for the concept as well as the product, like Kleenex or Xerox, and like Walkman used to be.

The idea is that a podcaster makes a recording, or a show, and distributes it to people to play on their MP3 players. Listeners can fast forward, rewind and replay to their heart’s content. Think of it as TiVo for your iPod.

It’s easier than it sounds. “All you need is a PC and a microphone,” says Maffin. “You can pick up something suitable at an electronics store for $15 and the software is free.”

Producers (or podcasters) create their show on a personal computer, using a microphone for their voice. They can use easily acquired software to edit in music, effects and other recorded sounds as required…

…”There are literally thousands of podcasts on a variety of subjects,” says Willi Powell, strategic development manager for Apple Canada and a confessed podcast fan.

“Of course, it all starts with music, but you can find everything from news to religion to home improvement.”…

Jerry Langdon
Toronto Star Online (thestar.com)

Analysis:

We have started a podcast on the soundteaching.org site, and are offering a new edition of the podcast each Friday afternoon. While much of the material at the site the members have already seen (bulletin articles and sermons), these podcasts are unique to the site itself. So, they will benefit the brethren here.

Continue reading “Podcasting” →

Sermon Title: The Greatest Need

The greatest need for humanity is not peace on earth, or food and clothing. It is the preaching of the gospel of Christ. As Christians, we are the ones who have been charged to spread the word of God to the lost.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The new year is upon us, and it is a good time to establish some resolutions and goals for this congregation as we enter the year 2006.

While I know that such resolutions are somewhat arbitrary, given that there is nothing special in the date of January 1st itself, nevertheless it is as good a time as any to evaluate our progress in the work of our Lord, and to encourage in each of us a more zealous effort in the future.

In the past year we have had several long time members move away for retirement or to begin working with other congregations. While we are proud, for example, of the preaching efforts of brother Kris Braddock, his and Courtney’s association with the brethren here is missed, as are all who have left our number and moved to other places.

Continue reading “Congregational Goals” →

More than a third of all Americans who are connected to the Internet have used it to access religious and spiritual information, a recent Pew Research Center study shows. Moreover, there has been a significant increase in the daily use of the Internet to access religious information. What researchers call “religion surfers” almost doubled to 35 million from 18 million between March 2000 and November 2002. The growth appears to be only “slightly linked” to the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. The most recent research found that not only has interest in religion held since 9/11, but it increased 25 percent during the subsequent 15 months. The poll found Internet users between the ages of 18 and 29 to be the least interested in searching out religious material (24%), while those ages 30-49 (33%) were the most interested.

Religion Today/ Agape Press
via MissionNet

Analysis:

The internet if often in the news because of its abuses. Pornography is rampant, stealing is common, and the private nature of obtaining the information and material allows such sinful activities to go, for the most part, undetected.

Continue reading “One Third of Web Users Seek Religious Information” →

In Hebrews 10:24-25, the Hebrew writer expounds upon one of the primary purposes for the worship assemblies, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” When we come together, it is for edification.

Edification is accomplished by several means. As we speak to one another in song (cf. Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16); pray (cf. Colossians 3;16); declare the Lord’s Death in his supper; (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:26), etc.; we are built up in Christ.

Continue reading “Christian Worship: Preaching / Teaching” →