Sound Teaching

Invitation delivered by: Jerry Gallman

To grow in the favor of God, it is necessary to know God’s will for man. Growth in knowledge through study leads to growing in the favor or grace of God (cf. 2 Peter 3:18).

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President Barak Obama, on April 6, 2012, addressed the Women’s Economic Forum at the White House, appropriately praising his wife for her diligence in raising their daughters. He also had praise for his mother and grandmother. They are/were apparently industrious women who he praises as chief contributors to his character and success. In his speech he mentioned the fact that his wife was conflicted while working outside the home. Consider the following from the transcript.

Once I was in the state legislature, I was teaching, I was practicing law, I’d be traveling — and we didn’t have the luxury for her not to work. And I know when she was with the girls, she’d feel guilty that she wasn’t giving enough time to her work. And when she was at work, she was feeling guilty she wasn’t giving enough time to the girls. And like many of you, we both wished that there were a machine that could let us be in two places at once. And so she had to constantly juggle it, and carried an extraordinary burden for a long period of time.

Continue reading “In the News: “We didn’t have the luxury”” →

I recently came across an article that was discussing advice given by a “preacher” to a young Christian who was wondering if it was acceptable for Christians to go to night clubs. The preacher wrote him:

“… I urge you to stop living under that unbiblical legalism and live more like Jesus. Jesus hung around prostitutes and sinners and partied with tax collectors.”

Later, the preacher ridiculed what he considered that legalistic view:

“We can’t hang out with sinners but — at most — we can stand at a distance and preach at (usually condemn) them. Not a brilliant tactic. Not successful. Not like Jesus…”

In reality, the Lord ate and drank with sinners (cf. Luke 5:30) — He didn’t “party” with them. And, He had a purpose in approaching them, “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” (vs. 31-32).

We are to be in the world, but we are not to be of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11). And, we are certainly not to be like the world (cf. Philippians 2:14-15). The young man was not asking permission to “shine his light” he wanted to be justified in “fitting in.” That is something Jesus never sought to do! In this unfortunate example, the preacher’s words are shameful and wrong!

Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox

Titus 2:11-ff speaks of the grace of God, and what it teaches us with regard to obedience to Him.

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(This article originally appeared as a paid ad in (April 2012) in the newspapers published by Suburban Newspapers, Inc. The papers cover five small communities in the Forth Worth area).

In Ecclesiastes 12:13, a very wise man wrote “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” Such a simple truth, but one that is unfortunately seldom heeded.

Why do you go to church? It seems like for a lot of people, worship is entertainment; and a church’s purpose is to facilitate self-actualization. And that seems to be a bit backwards.

Worship should be (and if it is true worship, it is) an offering to God. The purpose of worship is to please God, not to please ourselves. In order for it to please Him, our worship must be in accord with His will. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

The purpose of the church is to do the Lord’s work in the world. It is a religious institution, dedicated to spiritual work. Members share the gospel with the lost, build one another up through worship and fellowship, and engage in benevolent activities. While entertainment and socializing seem to be the central priority of the church experience in our day and time, that is not what God intended for His people. Paul said that the church of the living God is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

Our view is not a typical way of looking at worship and service to God. Are you serious about your service to Him? Come visit the West Side church of Christ!
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Proverbs 6:16-19 identifies 7 things that are an abomination to God. It stands to reason that an approximate opposite of these things would be pleasing to God. The sermon shows that this is true, with practical applications.

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The Bible identified Abraham as a “friend of God.” The sermon discussed the attributes of Abraham that commended him to God, and makes application for God’s children today.

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Among other irrational thoughts discussed, Justin points out the absurdity of the idea that a person can be a Christian while practicing sin (cf. 1 John 3:4-9).

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Children are gifts given to us by God (cf. Psalm 127:3-5). As such, parents are obligated to care for them. They have the responsibility to provide for, teach, be an example to, and discipline their children.

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Powerpoint Slides

Over three years ago, Youcef Nadarkhani was cast into prison in Iran. His crime? Apostasy. Nadarkhani professes to be Christian, and serves as the Pastor of a Christian denomination in Iran. The authorities claim that he did not embrace his Christian faith until after he became an adult. It is a crime under Muslim law to reject Islam as an adult.

There were apparently inaccurate reports recently that Nadarkhani was executed for his “crime.” In fact, Iranian officials claim that Nadarkhani does not face the death penalty, but do not apologize for his imprisonment.

Continue reading “In the News: Offending Islam” →

Invitation delivered by: Darren Johnson

Darren discusses Paul’s warning that in the last days, some would “heap up to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). He points out the importance of heeding God’s worth, as only truth can save us!

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The sermon is an expository treatment of 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 emphasizing the nature of our hope, serving as motivation for our aim to always “be well pleasing to Him.”

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The sermon first establishes that all of God’s promises are sure. Then, discusses the following promises of God:

1. To supply every need we have.
2. That His grace is sufficient for us.
3. That His children will not be overtaken in temptation.
4. Victory over death.
5. That all things work together for good to those who love Him.
6. Those who believe and are baptized will be saved.
7. Eternal Life.

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Powerpoint Slides

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one” (Psalm 14:1-3).

Today, April 1, is commonly called “April Fool’s Day.” It is a day for misdirection and practical jokes. These things are just silly fun, as long as they do not get out of hand. However, some people are making fools out of themselves! Those who deny God’s existence take a stand that is intellectually absurd. First, this is so because it is impossible to determine that God does not exist, unless one is both omniscient and omnipresent. Second, and most importantly, there is abundant evidence that God does indeed exist!

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3).

Don’t be a fool today, or any day! God exists!

Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera

Men constantly believe that their way of looking at things is best. Often it is foolish and destructive. In contrast, if we accept the wisdom of God, we will always be blessed.

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