Sound Teaching

On the PBS channel’s website, I recently came across a transcribed interview with a woman named Lori Anne Ferrell. Dr. Ferrell is a professor of early modern history and English at Claremont Graduate University, in Claremont, California. The interview covered aspects of English history in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, around the time that the King James Version of the Bible was translated. During the interview, Dr. Ferrell was asked about the influence of John Wycliffe upon Christian thought in that time period. As a part of her response, she said:

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin uses parables found in Matthew 13 to help explain what is the Kingdom of God.

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The apostle Paul wrote this epistle to Titus, “a true son in our common faith” (vs. 4). The salutation indicates that, as with Timothy (cf. 1 Timothy 1:2), Paul’s teaching had led to Titus’ conversion.

It was common for Paul, in his epistles, to defend his apostleship as being from God. Paul was not a usurper. In these few verses he states an eloquent argument for his apostleship, as a part of God’s overreaching scheme of redemption for man.

Paul’s apostleship was according to faith. It emanated from God. He states that God had committed him to the proclamation of that faith. God chose through the “foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).

So, the emphasis here is not really on Paul as a bondservant and an apostle, but on the message he was to proclaim. Paul describes that gospel as that which “accords with godliness” (vs. 1). It leads to a holy life. As such, it is “in hope of eternal life.” That is, in leading the elect to righteousness, it provides standing with God in judgment. This eternal hope is something we are assured of, as it is promised by God, and God can not lie (cf. vs. 2, Hebrews 6:18). This promise, as Paul indicated, predates the creation of man (cf. vs. 2).

While God can not be kept from answering prayers offered to Him, there are things that a man can do that can interfere with his petitions to God.

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The sermon is an exegetical treatment of 1 Corinthians 15.

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The New York Jets backup quarterback has been a bit of a public relations sensation since entering the NFL. Most agree that the hype surrounding him is probably greater than his actual talent. But, that being said, he is extremely popular, in part because he is a very religious individual and is very forthcoming about his faith.

After touchdowns and on other occasions each game, Tebow drops down to a knee, and in front of tens of thousands of fans, and millions of viewers on television, says a short prayer. Some wag coined his practice “Tebowing” (the name is pronounced with a long ‘o’, like an archer’s bow).

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Senator Harry Reid was quoted this past week as saying that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was like a used salesmen, in that he was willing to say absolutely anything to get elected. (Just like a used car salesman is stereotyped as being willing to say anything to sell a car).

I got a kick out of the appearance of a used car salesman on FOX News following the remark. The man strenuously objected to how he and his fellow used car salesmen were characterized, and suggested that their reputation far surpasses the current view the American people have about the U.S. congress.

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In other comments we have referred to Paul’s consistent claim in his letters that his apostleship was from God. When the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus (in Acts 9), it was for the purpose of establishing his credentials as an apostle. “Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8).

Likewise, the greeting of “grace, mercy and peace” from God and His Son is typical of Paul’s letters, though the added blessing of “mercy” is limited to his letters to Timothy and Titus.

The affirmation that the promise of spiritual life is realized “in Christ Jesus” is the central theme of the gospel. It was also the central emphasis of Paul’s preaching. As Paul wrote, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, and his subsequent victory over death is the basis of our hope. It was Paul’s reason for serving as an ambassador of the Lord.

It is also important to note Paul’s tender reference to Timothy as “a beloved son.” Timothy was a constant and faithful companion to Paul, and gave him great comfort. For this Paul was thankful (vs. 3).

The ties of a durable marriage are not like the pretty silken ribbons attached to wedding presents. Instead, they must be forged like steel in the heat of daily life and the pressures of crisis in order to form a union that cannot be severed.

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching. 1989 (M. P. Green, Ed.)

The scripture informs us that marriage is a lifetime commitment. Jesus affirmed such in Matthew 19:4-6, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Jennifer Baker, of the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, reports that in America 45-50% of all first marriages end in divorce. Sadly, 60-67% of all second marriages end in divorce; and, the rate increases to 70-73% for third marriages. These statistics indicate that those who divorce do so primarily because of a failure on their part to commit to the relationship. It takes great effort and fortitude to forge a lasting marriage. The commitment is seldom seen in our society, but is possible for any couple who is determined to please God.

Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera

Armando explains the importance of understanding God’s will that we might be saved. Text: Matthew 13:1-ff.

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In this sermon, preached by Chad Gallman, the events that followed the trial of Jesus Christ are discussed.

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In this sermon preached by Josh Cox, Josh goes to the Bible to establish principles to guide a Christian who is contemplating getting a tattoo.

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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.

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In the Fort Worth Star Telegram on the crosswords page, there are two “jumble” type puzzles, where you have to rearrange letters to uncover the intended words. Each of them have a “payoff” word that comes with a clue. I liked the “Scramlets” puzzle from Tuesday. The clue was:

Politeness is the art of choosing among your thoughts.

Wisdom comes from the most unexpected places. The quote acknowledges that everyone has thoughts that are rude or inappropriate, but a polite person chooses carefully those thoughts he will express.

This reminds me of James’ thoughts regarding temptation and sin in James 1:14-15, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings for death.”

All are tempted to sin. No matter the enticement, no matter the desire, sin is avoided when we choose not to pursue it. The choice is not always easy to make, and is made easier only as a Christian matures spiritually. However, two things are indisputably true. First, we can resist the temptations to sin. Paul wrote, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Second, we are accountable for the choices we make! “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

The sermon explains the proper relationship the Christian should sustain with those who have not accepted Christ as their Savior.

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