Sound Teaching

A discussion of Galatians 4:21-31. To make your appeal to the Old Covenant, you align yourself with Hagar and Bondage rather than Sarah and freedom. As Christians, we are children of the free woman!

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A discussion of Bible baptism, based on the command of Peter in Acts 2:38.

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I am typing this short article while away from home, and handicapped by having left my reading glasses behind. As such, my near-sightedness is making it difficult to complete the task.
Naturally, I am reminded of Peter’s words in 2 Peter 1:9, “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” The things to which Peter refers are: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.

Consider that when Peter wrote these words there was no relief for a short sighted person. While I can pick up my glasses, they had no remedy. Such words would be especially poignant to one who suffered from near-sightedness, but would be a vivid picture to all. The Christian without his virtues is severely handicapped. It is difficult for him to accomplish his life’s purpose to serve God, and receive the reward.

In contrast, Peter writes, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (vs. 8). Peter promises the clear-sighted Christian an entrance “into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (vs. 11). This requires diligence on our part (cf. vs. 10), and it certainly takes work to mature through the process of adding to our faith. What about it? How hard are you working to for such spiritual focus?

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

2 Corinthians 2:4 explains Paul’s motivation for admonishing the Corinthians. When we receive admonition, it is good to remember why our brother feels compelled to correct us.

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The book of Ecclesiastes contains several miscellaneous words of wisdom in its pages that have beneficial applications to the Christian’s life.

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The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a soldier to describe the Christian’s relationship to Christ. Several important lessons can be derives from the word picture he draws.

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This lesson was given at the Woodmont church of Christ, quarterly study on September 20, 2014. The subject is ethics, with a contrast between the humanly devised philosophies, and the objective Bible standard of right and wrong. Four examples are discussed in application of the principles: 1) Abortive types of contraception; 2) Extramarital Sexual relationships; Corporal Punishment; 4) Slavery.

The materials consist of an 80 minute lecture, a 30 minute Question and Answer period, and the Powerpoint presentation utilized in the initial presentation.

Audio (The Christian & Ethics – 80 minute lecture)

Audio (The Christian & Ethics – 30 minutes Question & Answer)

Powerpoint Slides

Article (DOCX) (The Christian and Ethics)
Same article in PDF Format (The Christian and Ethics)

Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

The text of 2 Corinthians 7 is used to describe the type of sorrow which leads to repentance and the forgiveness of sins.

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People deny, redefine, hide and explain away their sin in an attempt to avoid the consequence of disobedience to God. Instead, they need to confess and repent of their sin.

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In Daniel 1:8, the text reveals that Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the King’s delicacies. This text introduces the importance of having a heart with purpose to please God.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Ultimately it does not matter whether we are approved by others, or even by ourselves. All that matters is that we meet with God’s approval.

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Peter here affirms (beginning with verse 16) that the gospel concerning the Christ was confirmed by God Himself. Though such confirmations came on multiple occasions, Peter here directly refers to the transfiguration of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 17:1-9. Peter was an eyewitness of that event, and affirms that it is a confirmation of the fact that the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament are realized in Jesus of Nazareth.

At this point he makes a greater application. All scripture is derived from God. The Bible does not have its origin with men. It is not a product of any man’s will, but has its genesis with God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As such, no man has the right to ignore it, nor can he alter it with impunity. Instead, “you do well to heed” (vs. 19). It is described as our illumination in darkness. As the great prophet Jeremiah proclaimed, “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).

Children have far fewer “rights” than adults in most societies, including our own. They don’t have the right to vote, to buy alcohol, to live on their own, or to drive a car. While children are considered a precious commodity, it is understood by all that it will take time for them to reach a state where they can enjoy, appreciate and profit from independence. In the meantime it is the responsibility of parents to care for, protect and educate them in preparation for the time they will take their place as adults in society.

Continue reading “A Child’s Rights” →

I came across a quote from George Whitefield the other day. Whitefield was an Anglican preacher who lived in the mid 1700’s. Here is the quote:

“It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher.”

These words encapsulate the purpose of gospel preaching. It is designed to convict. Now, not all sermons have the intent of causing such displeasure, but many do. So, the next time you are irritated at the preacher for what he said, consider the fact that he is supposed to rile you up, supposed to make you unhappy, supposed to convict you of sin. That’s his job. If he does it well, you are going to be unsettled by his words from time to time. The question is, will you be unhappy with him (the wrong reaction) or with yourself (the correct reaction)? Think about it…

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

(2 Timothy 4:1-5)

The 119th Psalm describes some of the benefits that come from immersing oneself in the word of God. His law, precepts, statutes, commandments, are good for man, helping him in this world, and preparing him for the life to come.

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