Sound Teaching

Paul, in chapters 21-26 of the book of Acts, had several opportunities to defend his actions when accused of heinous crimes. It is evident that Paul was persecuted because he was a Christian.

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Lesson 4 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

The Apostle Paul reveals the evidence for, and consequences of the Lord’s resurrection from the dead.

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Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Josh Jackson

Josh emphasizes that our preaching must be centered in the words of God rather than the opinions and philosophies of men.

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It is obvious that our country has undergone substantial and fundamental changes in the 236 years since our forefathers declared independence from English rule. A country founded upon the promise of religious freedom has become decidedly secular. Traditional moral standards have been replaced by a situational ethic, and what was once scorned is now championed. While there is obvious concern about our present economic and debt problems, few are interested in discussing moral issues.

Continue reading “In the News: Blasphemy and Idolatry” →

As we consider all of the acts of conversion recorded in the book of Acts, there are different circumstances, but the same steps required for conversion. Philip’s interaction with the Ethiopian Eunuch supplies us the opportunity to see the part that a preacher plays in the conversion of men.

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Lesson 3 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

Romans 8:31-39 gives us great comfort as we realize that in Christ we are “more than conquerors.”

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Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee

Kyle reads the text of Hebrews 9 as a means of offering the invitation.

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A contrast is here made by James between the poor Christian and the rich Christian.

Paul instructs the poor man to glory in his exaltation. In this there is the recognition that God is pleased when we have reason to rejoice and enjoy our lives. The life of the destitute is hard, with little relief. It is good and proper for him to enjoy any morsel of happiness or honor that he will receive. (A good lesson for us is to seek out the poor — in circumstance or spirit — and honor them. It will be a great encouragement to them).

In contrast, the rich man is to glory in his humiliation. In this there is the recognition that honor on earth is of no value with regard to the eternal standing of any man. The life of the rich man is full of accolades and ease. While the praise may be well earned, for a man to trust in such flattery, or believe there to be lasting value in riches, is dangerous and foolish. (A good lesson for us is to remember that any praise we receive for our earthly standing or secular accomplishments has little value. We must not place our trust in uncertain riches).

Let us all pursue an eternal reward, rather than riches that fade!

An expository lesson covering the text of Romans 15:1-6. God calls us to unity, to be of one mind, and one mouth as we receive one another.

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Lesson 2 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

Psalm 19:1-6 reveals that nature itself testifies to God’s existence and His glory. The man with an open and unbiased heart recognizes and accepts that testimony.

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Powerpoint Slides

For years the divorce rate in America has been at the 50% mark. While the rate is lower among members of the Lord’s church, it is still common to see marriages fail. There are a number of reasons why it happens. In the case of each failed marriage there is sin. The husband, or wife, or both, are living in a rebellious state before God. Such unfaithfulness leads to the dissolution of the marriage bond. The problem may be marital infidelity, pride, selfishness or dishonesty, but sin is present.

The simplest answer when seeking a cure for marital discord is to live faithfully before God. If a husband and wife are living righteously, their marriage will be successful and happy. However, it is necessary to explain what is righteous living in regard to domestic responsibilities. Above and beyond putting God first in our lives, here are a few “needs” that should be considered to ensure a strong and lasting marriage.

Continue reading “Keys to a Successful and Happy Marriage” →

The book of Hebrews contains a series of contrasts designed to establish the supremacy of Jesus Christ, and His covenant with mankind. The first of these contrasts consists of a comparison between Christ and angels.

1. Verse 4 indicates that Jesus is superior to the angels because His Father granted an inheritance to Him as a Son.
2. Jesus is superior to the angels because He is, in fact, God’s only begotten Son (5)
3. Jesus is seen to be superior in that God declares we are to worship Him, where angels are not to be worshipped. Rather they serve as ministering servants (6-7). Jesus is, in fact, God, reigning on His throne in righteousness (8-9).
4. Jesus is superior because He is the Creator of the universe. While the universe is temporal, and will one day cease to exist, its Creator is eternal and incorruptible. (10-12).

The angels are ministering spirits, appointed by God to serve us. In contrast God has exalted the Christ, and appointing for Him a place at His right hand, reigning in Heaven. He is not a servant, He is our Lord! (13-14).

Here are some further comments I have made in an online discussion on the subject of abortion. These are edited a bit to make them more usable in an article format:

Continue reading “In the News: At What Point Life?” →

(This is a comment I recently made during an online discussion on the subject of abortion. It is edited for space).

The abortion debate is polarizing. I think by nature it must be. If one holds my position, it is black and white, and there is a place for condemnation of the act. If one holds the other position, the belief is that condemnation is inappropriate. The crux of the matter is whether a fetus is a child. If one grants that the fetus is human, when that life is taken it is murder. If it is not human, then it is simply a part of the woman, and there is nothing immoral about removing it.

Morality is objective, not subjective or relative. The true standard of what is moral has been established by God, and man has no right to alter it. When men do so (be they individual or government) they substitute their own will for God’s. As it relates to our topic, abortion is a subset of the general category of murder (as is genocide, patricide, matricide, infanticide, etc.) We rightly have laws against all of these. When men choose to disregard these laws, we as a society judge and punish them. While mitigating circumstances (upbringing, mental illness, economic circumstances) may lessen the punishment, it does not change the fact that a crime has been committed, and innocent parties have been harmed. When in 1973 the laws on abortion were changed, the Supreme Court wrongly allayed itself against the will of God. Abortion should still be illegal. The purpose of government is to protect the innocent. There is no more innocent an individual than an unborn child.

So, to me there is little nuance, and there is every reason to judge and condemn. I will never hesitate to speak out for the most innocent and pure individual in every abortion scenario — the threatened unborn.

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin describes the aspect of love that would preclude a Christian offending his brother or sister in Christ.

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