Sound Teaching

I recently came across a fine article written by Rusty Miller, which appeared in the June 2003 issue of Abundant Life Magazine. The article was titled “Adultery’s Consequences”, and noted the damage that the sin of adultery wreaks upon society, the church, children, marriage and the soul. The article was a bit longer than the space allotted here, so I would like to take the main points, and concisely summarize them.

Teaching such as this is needed because of the frequency of the sin. It is certainly a societal problem, but how many times have we seen Christian families devastated by the sin of adultery? We wonder how a man or woman could behave in such a treacherous way. Lives and souls are destroyed by sexual infidelity. Consider the following:

Continue reading “The Damage Done by Adultery” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

1 Timothy 4:7-8 indicates that when we exercise ourselves toward godliness it profits us during this life (a wonderful benefit), but most importantly in the life which is to come!

Audio

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!

Audio

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

Audio

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.

Audio

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.

Audio

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.

Audio

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.

Audio

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.

Audio

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” →