Tri-Annual Singing!
June 20, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Righteousness
Subject: Righteousness
Sermon: Speaking the Truth Honestly
Jesus spoke the truth about Himself, His purpose in coming to the earth, and His Kingdom. He serves as a wonderful example to us. Our words should be accurate, honest and trustworthy!
From the Preacher’s Pen: “I DO”
A recent question to “Dear Abby”:
Q: My question is very simple, Abby. Who determines right or wrong in your life, your opinions, your column? This will tell me all I need to know about your wisdom or advice.
A: Actually, I think your question is anything but “simple,” and the answer is: I DO.
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11/12/14)
Abby’s response to the question is indicative of current views regarding ethics. It was also characteristic of an earlier age. The book of Judges describes the condition of Israel in this way, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (17:6). The statement was made as an explanation of the practice of idolatry, a heinous and treasonous practice against their God.
The problem with me deciding what is right and wrong, is that I am not the true arbiter of morality. God is! So, if I self-determine my ethics, I am destined to make mistakes. As the wise man stated, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). Paul mourned the sins of Israel, saying, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3).
Instead, may we admit as did the prophet, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).
Sermon: God’s Measure
God’s ways and thoughts are higher than our own. We can’t know His will unless He reveals it to us. It is not surprising that God’s measure of worth is often at odds with the thinking of men.
Exceeding the Righteousness of the Pharisees
The Pharisees were a sect of Jews during the time of Jesus known for a strict adherence to the Law of Moses. The name means “separatists”, and the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia notes that they were, “those who carefully kept themselves from any legal contamination, distinguishing themselves by their care in such matters from the common people, … who had fewer scruples.”
The scrupulosity of the Pharisee is acknowledged by the Lord in Matthew 23:23, when in speaking with them he said, “For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin…” Earlier in the chapter, He told his disciples “whatever they [the Pharisees] tell you to observe, that observe and do.”
Continue reading “Exceeding the Righteousness of the Pharisees”
Invitation: Demolition and Rebuilding
Invitation delivered by: Brad Gallman
In this talk, Brad noted that one must first demolish a building before a new, better building can be erected. The same is so with God’s efforts toward men. The old man is demolished, that a new man may be created by Him.
Mining the Scriptures: James 1:17-18
As James indicated in the previous verses, we deceive ourselves if we blame God for the evil that exists among us. Because of who He is, God is capable only of good. He is eminently righteous. He gives us every good and perfect gift. The designation James uses here, the “Father of lights”, is found only here. Light is often contrasted with darkness in scripture, as an illustration of good versus evil. God authors only that which is luminescent — only good. “…God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
An example of His goodness is His determination in man’s redemption. It was God’s will to bring about reconciliation with man. This is accomplished through the “word of truth.” As Paul wrote, the gospel is the “…power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
The benefits of His grace make Christians “a kind of firstfruits.” As Paul wrote, “that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:12). God is worthy of praise alone!
From the Preacher’s Pen: God’s Justice and Mercy
The world has a skewed view of the Almighty God of heaven. Some consider Him to be a hateful, vengeful God. When they consider God’s treatment of the pagans in Canaan, of Sodom and Gomorrah, and other examples of God’s judgment, they see only His reaction, not the just causes that precipitated that judgment.
Others go to the other end of the spectrum. They see the love of God expressed in Jesus’ life and death and consider Him to be a benevolent God that will overlook sin, and allow all men a heavenly home.
Both images are partly accurate, but entirely wrong because they are incomplete. They emphasize one aspect of God, while rejecting another! God is both just and merciful. Any accurate view of the Almighty must balance these two attributes. The Psalmist, in Psalm 85, expresses that balance well.
“Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven” (10-11).
The Psalmist understood the fierceness of God’s anger. Israel was guilty of sin, and so God showed them His wrath. However, upon their repentance, the Psalmist confidently called upon God to “Show us Your mercy, Lord,
And grant us Your salvation” (7). Eternal salvation is available to all who fear Him, showing God’s justice, and His mercy!
Invitation: Winning the War Against the Flesh
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The apostle Paul, in Galatians 5 talks about the conflict that exists in every man, between the lust of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. He also explain how to win the war against the flesh.
Invitation: The Foundation of Men
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The invitation was based upon Proverbs 12:2-3. Men are not established by sin. Rather, the foundation is to be found with God.
Invitation: Why God’s Armor is Needed
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Using Ephesians 6:12, Stan explains why the armor of God is needed.
In the News: Used Car Salesmen
Senator Harry Reid was quoted this past week as saying that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was like a used salesmen, in that he was willing to say absolutely anything to get elected. (Just like a used car salesman is stereotyped as being willing to say anything to sell a car).
I got a kick out of the appearance of a used car salesman on FOX News following the remark. The man strenuously objected to how he and his fellow used car salesmen were characterized, and suggested that their reputation far surpasses the current view the American people have about the U.S. congress.
Invitation: The Right Way to be Right
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin explains that while it is necessary to be right concerning the things of God, such should emanate from a love for God and truth, not pride.
Sermon: “You thought that I was altogether like you”
The 50th Psalm reveals God to be a righteous judge. One that will reward the righteous, and punish the wicked. We have no right to question God and His righteousness, but man commonly does, not realizing that God is not like us!
From the Preacher’s Pen: A Lesson from 9/11
Today we have reached the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade center in New York , and the Pentagon.
No doubt you (as do I) remember where you were and what you were doing when you got the news of the attacks. All of America watched the television, thrilled to the bravery of our firefighters and police, and mourned the loss of American lives. Voices were raised as one in condemning the cowardly attacks against our nation, and in the call for retribution against our enemy.
An important lesson seemed to be learned by our nation, as so many turned to God in the midst of the crisis. A call to righteousness was heard, and prayers were offered in the realization that our greatest help comes from the Almighty.
Unfortunately, the focus on God was short lived. As time passed, most lost the ardor and virtue that was so prevalent among Americans in the weeks following the attacks. Partisan politics returned as the parties sought to capitalize from the event. An easily distracted populace returned to its pattern of conspicuous consumption and pursuit of worldly pleasures.
As we contemplate the attacks a decade later, may we realize the importance of turning to God as our help and stay. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
Sermon: Put on the Lord Jesus Christ
The sermon is an explanation of Romans 13:11-14. A wonderful passage indicating the importance of a dedicated and focused “walk” to fulfill righteousness and refuse the flesh.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
