Category: Sin

I recently came across the following quote from the pen of C.S. Lewis in his book, The Screwtape Letters, (pages 41-42). They are the words of a demon tempter to his young apprentice, explaining the difference between God given pleasure, and illicit perversions of it.

“Never forget that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy’s ground. I know we have won many a soul through pleasure. All the same, it is His invention, not ours. He made the pleasures; all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do is to encourage the humans to take the pleasures which our Enemy has produced, at times, or in ways, or in degrees, which He has forbidden. Hence we always try to work away from the natural condition of any pleasure to that in which it is least natural, least redolent of its Maker, and least pleasurable. An ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure is the formula.”

How true! Sexual activity within the loving confines of marriage is pure and uplifting. Fornication of all types leads to dissolution and complications. The same can be said for illicit drug use, the pursuit of money, and all sorts of activities that are not even objectionable if practiced with the moderation and priority God prescribes.

Remember, the devil seeks our ruin! (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). Sin is alluring, but it’s end is never satisfying to the soul.

I recently came across an internet article listing the 5 most hated YouTube videos in internet history. This list was based upon the number of “thumbs down” designations given. Fifth on the list is the music video, “Baby”, by teen pop singer Justin Bieber. First on the list is a young lady who videotaped her opinion that the earthquake and resultant tsunami that devastated Japan was an answer to prayer, that God might convince the atheist of His existence. Interestingly, the girl later admitted that her video is a hoax, deliberately outrageous with the intent of provoking the ire of viewers.

Continue reading “The Intolerance of Toleration” →

Why do men suffer? Is suffering caused by sin? Is suffering inevitable? What part does God play in man’s suffering? Is God to blame? Can suffering be profitable? All of these questions are answered by Wayne Goforth in this lesson.

Audio

To illustrate the condemnation reserved for false teachers, Jude used three examples in this text. First, those of the Exodus who exhibited unbelief despite the miraculous intervention of God. He “destroyed those who did not believe.” Second, the rebellious angels. Though little is revealed about this rebellion of higher beings, we know that God placed them under “everlasting chains.” Third, the immoral cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, that suffered by His hand, “the vengeance of eternal fire.”

These serve as an object lesson to the current false teachers that Jude warns his readers about. These evil men are sensuous and rebellious. Because of their evil ways, they are worthy of condemnation.

In verse 9 of the text, a reference is made to a conflict between Michael, the archangel, and the devil, about the body of Moses. We have no knowledge of the nature of the dispute, and it is worthless to speculate. However, the occasion is used to point out the audacity of the false teachers Jude condemns. Their brashness leads them to do things even Michael himself would not.

British singer Amy Winehouse died on July 23, 2011. Winehouse was a talented performer with a distinctive voice and style, who died following a history of drug abuse, at the age of 27.

Her death is one in a long line of untimely deaths of celebrities and performers. In fact, the age of 27 seems to be significant, as singers Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix and Janice Joplin all died at that age as well. All were heavy drug users, and Hendrix and Joplin died of drug overdoses. Cobain committed suicide.

Continue reading “In the News: Another Rock Star Dies” →

Pride is sinful. It is destructive to the character of a Christian, and corrosive to his relationship. It is wise to be humble, and folly to be arrogant. This sermon seeks to demonstrate the destructive nature of pride.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The difference between Israel’s victory at Jericho, and their defeat at Ai was God’s pleasure. He did not lead Israel to victory because of their sin. The sermon contrasts the two battles, and the reasons behind the different results. (Joshua 6 & 7)

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

This sermon examines the shameful nature of sin, and makes the point that when we sin, the Lord’s gaze is upon us. We may seek to rationalize, hide, lie about or cover up our sin, but our sin will find us out.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon establishes God’s intent in directing Christian’s to withdraw their fellowship from the unrepentant sinner among them. In doing so, the faithful protect themselves from the leavening influence of sin, and seek to bring the sinner to repentance. (1 Corinthians 5)

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Because of sin’s nature, it is necessary that blood be shed as payment. Jesus died and shed his blood as a vicarious sacrifice. The sermon describes the concept of blood sacrifice, and establishes why it is necessary.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon discusses the origin and problem of sin, and how God “solved” the problem of sin.

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The Bible reveals the devil to be a personal and imposing adversary, with devices that need to be recognized and resisted.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

After some delay, all eight sermons preached by Micky Galloway during his April 2010 meeting are now available online. These can be accessed in this post, or by going to the 2010 Sermons Archive page.

Sunday Morning Class: My People Love to Have it So

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sunday AM: The Soundness of God’s People

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sunday PM: The Promise

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Monday PM: Committment to Family

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Tuesday PM: A Marriage That Will Not Fail

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Wednesday AM: Jesus, The Master Teacher

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Wednesday PM: What God Expects of Us as a Family

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Thursday PM: Victory in Jesus

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
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The sermon examines the text of 1 John to explain the relationship the Christian sustains to error.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

An examination of sin.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .