Category: Truth
Subject: Truth
The Seed Principle
There is a simple, natural principle that has been used numerous times by the Holy Spirit to illustrate truth. We may call it the seed principle, and it was used (for example) by Paul when he wrote to the Galatians, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8). You reap what you sow — a sublime idea that has awesome implications regarding spiritual truths.
The idea holds with regard to amount, kind and the nature of the soil upon which the seed is sown. For example, Paul used the principle in exhorting the Corinthians to liberality in their giving. “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). Jesus, in His parable of the sower, indicated the importance of planting the seed (the word) upon good soil (the honest heart), referring to the honest man as one “who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:23). The seed principle even can be used to show God’s glory in the redemption of man. Paul deflected any personal glory in his work in preaching, saying to the Corinthians, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 6:7-8). All of these points can be illustrated equally by this simple, agronomic analogy.
Can We KNOW We Are Right?
We live in a postmodern age, one that has rejected the idea of absolute and verifiable truth. In the minds of many, the only intolerable contention is that we may know truth. Is this right? Is it possible to know (be certain) that we are right? The answer is most certainly yes!
To be clear, we are not maintaining that we have obtained perfect and complete knowledge of God’s word. The process of maturity is an ongoing one. However, an answer to this question will give us confidence as we seek to defend the truth against the various errors we confront. If we are given the charge to “contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), it logically follows that said faith is verifiable and knowable.
In the News: Desire the Word!
From time to time it is difficult for me to decide what to write for my frequent “In the News” articles. Sometimes there is so much to choose from in current events, that it is hard to decide what to write about. Other times I struggle to find anything that I feel would help those who read my articles.
Invitation: The word of the Lord may run swiftly
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The invitation discusses Paul’s prayer request to the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3. An application is made to the phrase, “that the word of the Lord may run swiftly”, and the understanding that men who reject the faith are “unreasonable and wicked.”
Sermon: Fall Meeting 2013 (Jerry Fite)
The following wonderful lessons were preached by Jerry Fite at the West Side church from November 2-7, 2013. There were 9 lessons in all, with sermon audio and PPTX files supplied for each.
Unity in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)
(Saturday, November 2, 2013)
- A study of 1 Corinthians 12 explaining in the context of spiritual gifts, that the purpose of a unified spiritual body is edification. The Corinthians were to exercise their spiritual gifts to edify all, as they were united in loving care for one another.
The New Testament Canon
(Sunday Bible Class, November 3, 2013)
- The lesson discusses the canon of scripture, and how it is obtained. The point is made that the church did not determine what books were conanical. Rather, they acknowledged what all understood to be true.
Why Do You Do Good Works? (Ephesians 2:10)
(Sunday AM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- We are to do good works as a second opportunity to truly live. We are alive by the grace of God, and therefore should be zealous for good works.
Applying the Minister’s Checklist (1 Timothy 4:15-16)
(Sunday PM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- Paul revealed to Timothy certain things that should be present for him to be effective as an evangelist. In application, brother Fite asks, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child of God in the local church observed the checklist as well?
Hold to the Pattern of Sound Words (2 Timothy 1:13)
(Monday, November 4, 2013)
- In application, brother Fites calls for faithfulness to the gospel pattern in areas such as Music in worship, Benevolence, Evangelism and the plan of Salvation.
Must I Forgive? Then How?
(Tuesday, November 5, 2013)
- Jesus indicated in Matthew 6 that we must forgive others if we wish to be forgiven. The lesson examines the obligation to forgive, and what to do if a person is unwilling to ask forgiveness of us.
Pay Attention to Your Speech (James 3:1-12)
(Wednesday AM Class, November 6, 2013)
- An expository lesson discussing James 3. Brother Fite calls for us to pay attention to our speech. Our speech should bless, edify, give grace to those who hear, and be full of thanksgiving.
A Plan for Raising Children to be Joyous Christians
(Wednesday PM, November 6, 2013)
- How do we raise joyous children? By helping them to know: The Lord is the Creator of all; their Savior from sin; their High priest; and the presenter of the Crown of Eternal Life.
Before the Judgment Seat
(Thursday, November 7, 2013)
- When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, some will be surprised. Because they are classed among the wicked; they will be the last rather than the first, they will be lost because they were not abounding in the work of the Lord. Live so that you will not be surprised at the judgment seat of Christ.
Invitation: The Wisdom of God
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The talk contrasts the wisdom of God with the words of men. (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
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: Fal$e Teacher$
I think I may have found a rap song that I like, kind of…
A “Christian Rap” artist by the name of Shai Linne recently released a song called Fal$e Teacher$, where he contends that those who are what he calls “prosperity preachers” are in fact false teachers. He specifically names twelve such teachers in his song, including such well known names as Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar and Kenneth Copeland.
(Note: Click here to listen to the song on Youtube).
Invitation: The Good Doctrine
Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox
The talk is an exposition of 1 Timothy 4:1-11, with an appeal to faithfulness in doctrine.
Sermon: Humbly Accepting Truth
The text of 1 Corinthians 2 shows Paul to be a man, though educated, who placed his trust in the gospel of Christ and it alone. As he humbly proclaimed it, we are to humbly accept it. The gospel is God’s power to save.
Invitation: It Matters Because It’s True!
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
People ask why the Bible matters in our modern times. The answer is, it matters because it’s true. Truth is timeless and always relevant, and God’s word is true, cf. Psalm 119:160.
Invitation: Nor Do They Understand
Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera
Armando explains the importance of understanding God’s will that we might be saved. Text: Matthew 13:1-ff.
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.
Invitation: Fair Minded? Or Simply Curious?
Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox
Acts 17 describes two different responses to the gospel of Christ. The Bereans were noble in their fair minded reception of truth. The Athenians however, were largely undiscerning as they equated the truth with any other “new thing.”
Sermon: Knowledge Puffs Up
The title of the sermon is a reference to Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 8:1-3. Throughout the ages, an inappropriate attitude toward knowledge has led to arrogance and other sins. An appropriate attitude towards truth acknowledges its importance regarding the salvation of man, but that knowledge itself is not the end, but rather a means to obtaining that end, the salvation of the soul.
