Sound Teaching

From the very beginning God had a plan in place to redeem man. This plan was necessary because of the sin of man. It consists of the grace of God, and man’s response to the saving power of the gospel.

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Invitation delivered by: Ben Schmidt

Ben points out that it is not enough to start serving God. We must continue steadfastly, loving him with all our hearts, souls and minds. cf. Mark 12:30.

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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).

Continue reading “In the News: Fal$e Teacher$” →

The conscience can be described as a moral computer. Scriptures clearly teach that we are to educate our consciences, and then always live in accord with what we believe to be right. To do this is to have a Pure Conscience.

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Powerpoint Slides

The lesson posits that the church that Jesus built can be identifed by its builder, as well as its place and time of origin. This church is the one true church, acceptable to God.

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“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

The call to “be strong” is one that can be appreciated by all Christians. We all want to be strong. No one wants to be weak. However, spiritual strength is a challenge. Our adversary, the devil “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

The fortunate truth revealed in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is that our strength is “in the Lord,” our power is “of His might.” He equips us in our battle with the devil.

While it is true that our redemption is accomplished through the sacrifice of our Lord, the emphasis of Paul in this text is the tools or “armor of God” that is supplied for our use. The list is given in verses 14-17:

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

When we equip ourselves with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the word of God and prayer, we will be blessed with God’s strength and might. Thus prepared, we will be able to “stand against the wiles of the devil” (11).

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin reads a series of passages which serve to identify and describe Jesus as the only begotten Son.

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Seventeen years ago Hillary Clinton wrote a book titled, It Takes a Village. The book maintained that for a child to develop properly and be successful, they need the help, education and support of their whole society. In other words, it takes a village to raise a child.

Clinton was criticized by many who felt that such a position would erode the rights of parents to raise their children as they see fit, with their values and world view. However, the book was well received, and Clinton has maintained an influential voice in American culture.

Continue reading “In the News: It’s My Child… Not Yours!” →

An expository lesson, dealing with Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

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This sermon is an examination of Jesus’ disparate teaching in Luke 12.

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Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee

Kyle points out that though some sins seem more egregious than others, all sin is capable of separating us from God.

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Early Tuesday morning brother Jack Simpson passed on to his reward. Be sure to pray for Phil and Paul, and the rest of the Simpson family as they mourn Jack’s death.

Jack and his wife Vera were long time members at West Side. I’m not sure if they were original members, but if not they came on board not long after. Jack served as an elder for the congregation for a while several decades ago.

Jack was an unassuming, mild-mannered man. He and Vera were faithful in their attendance and service throughout their lives. I remember several times during men’s meetings in the 1990’s his expressed desire that all we do as a congregation be in accord with God’s authority, revealed through His word. I always appreciated his admonitions in this regard.

Jack had a hard time of it physically in the last years of his life. Those who have known him for a long time realize that he had epilepsy. That is why Vera drove the car to services and around town. Despite the malady, he never complained. After losing his beloved wife, his own health declined, and he spent the last years of his life in a nursing home. As his condition worsened, hospice was called in, but he lived much longer than his providers expected.

Jack had a strong constitution, but he is now in a better place. That frail temple that housed his soul will return to the dust from which it came, but Jack has the hope of a faithful child of God. We rejoice with him and his family in that hope. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 4:15).

Jeremiah Cox preached this short lesson, brought on our fifth Sunday singing night. He asked the question, Are you ready for the judgment day? The lesson explains what it means to be prepared for Christ’s coming.

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Esther lived, and came to the position of queen during a time of great evil. The Israelites were in peril. The time in which she lived mirrors closely some of the ills of our society:

• An immoral king
• A time of drunkenness and immodesty
• A time where marriage was not respected
• A time where life was devalued

However, it was also a time where God’s providence was active, and where one person could make a difference. Much like today!

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It is interesting the many places from which wisdom may be derived. I was trying to solve the Scram-Lets puzzle in a recent edition of the Fort Worth Star Telegram, and came across the following quote:

“When I was a kid, my preacher told me never to look down on someone unless I’m helping them up.”

Wise words, and worthy of examination. Arrogance is a problem for many, and reminders to be humble are always needed.

Continue reading “No Place for Arrogance” →