Sound Teaching

Paul, in greeting the Corinthians in his first epistle to the church there, identifies himself as an “apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God.” This was his common greeting, necessitated by the Judaizers who constantly attacked his legitimacy as an ambassador of the Lord.

The letter is written to “the church of God which is at Corinth.” This is not a proper name for the church, but rather a phrase designating ownership. The church belongs to God. The church consists of those who have been called out of the world, separated through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. As such, it is proper only to refer to it as belonging to God, or Jesus (cf. Romans 16:16).

The Greek word ekklesia, from which the English term “church” derives, denotes sanctification. The church is called out, or separated from the world. This is accomplished when an individual, by calling “on the name of Jesus Christ”, is cleansed from sin. He is reconciled to God, and is rightly called a saint. This sanctification, as pointed out here by Paul, is accomplished in Jesus Christ. His sacrifice makes us holy, and separates us from the world.

Invitation delivered by: Joshua Jackson

In our lives as Christians, we either do, or we do not. Too often Christians say that they “tried” to obey, or “tried” to avoid sin. Consider passages such as Matthew 25:34-46, either we will have done God’s will, or not. Our eternal destiny is at stake. Yoda had it right!

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In Acts 19:1-7, Paul came across some disciples in Ephesus that knew only the baptism of John. An examination of the text allows us to refute some common religious error regarding the reception of the Holy Spirit, and the nature of authorized Christian baptism.

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Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox

Jeremiah uses the text of Luke 16 (The Rich man and Lazarus) to point out the consequences of living life for the moment, without concern for the future.

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A simple examination of Peter’s gospel sermon in Acts 2, answering the five questions: 1) Who was it preached to? 2) When was it preached? 3) Where was it preached? 4) What was preached?, and 5) Why was the sermon preached.

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin supplies an explanation of the text of 1 Timothy 2:11-15, as well as making proper applications regarding the teaching opportunities and responsibilities available to women.

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“Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly–and indeed you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

(2 Corinthians 11:1-3)

The apostle Paul greatly desired the faithfulness of the brethren in Corinth. It was his intent that through his efforts they might fully please God. Therefore, he exhorted them, realizing that there were great impediments strewn by the Adversary.

Continue reading “Satan’s Deceptions” →

Paraskevidekatriaphobia is a medical term, derived from the Greek language, used to nominate the fear of Friday the 13th. (paraskevi—Friday; dekatreís—13; phobia—fear). The day (one of which occurred this past week) is considered by many a day of bad luck, though such a correlation with the date seems to be of relatively recent origin, (the last 150 years or so).

The term phobia is used to designate an extreme or irrational fear or aversion. Consider the following quote from Wikipedia:

Continue reading “In the News: Paraskevidekatriaphobia” →

Paul was quick to express his appreciation for the faith of God’s saints in Rome. He commended them, saying, “your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (vs. 8). How commendable, to have such faith as to be known by brethren everywhere as accepted by God!

It is because of this faith that Paul prayed for them daily, and desired to come and minister to them, by imparting some spiritual gift (vs. 11). Paul wrote this letter near the end of his third missionary journey while in Corinth. Though he desired to come to Rome, it was a while before his wishes were met (cf. 15:22).

What Paul and the Romans enjoyed, though separated, was the “mutual faith both of you and me” (vs. 12). This is the greatest reason for Christians throughout the world to be encouraged. No matter where you go, there are those of like precious faith that, by that faith, may rightly be regarded as a spiritual family. The Christian is never without encouragement and support where another Christian is to be found. Cultures, races and languages all may be different, but for all disciples of Jesus, our mutual faith remains.

The lesson examines both the message of the gospel itself, as well as the responsibility that the child of God has to preach that gospel to the lost.

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Three principles are examined in this lesson on Stewardship: 1) All things belong to God; 2) We are to be stewards in what we have and who we are; and, 3) We will be held accountable for our stewardship.

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Prior to his ascension, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” As was His common practice, our Lord responded by telling them what they needed to hear rather than what they wanted to hear. Though the advent of the kingdom was indeed near, (and accomplished only 10 days later, as recorded in Acts 2), Jesus first informed them that it was not their place to know the time (vs. 7).

Then He told them what they needed to know, giving them a lesson on power. He told the apostles that they would receive power. The Greek word here is dunamis, and indicates power or might. What is evident when the scriptures are examined, is that this might is not military, social or political. The might supplied through the work of the Holy Spirit is bound up in inspiration! “However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would enable them, through truth, to witness for Him. This the apostles did first on Pentecost, and the spiritual Kingdom of God was realized.

When defending my faith to a skeptic, I have been asked on a few occasions, “But, what if you are wrong?” It is a question that arises from my acknowledgment that I accept the claims of scripture by faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Setting aside the evidence that supports my faith, let us consider for a moment the question asked.

Paul actually addressed just this question, in acknowledging the ramifications of the contention that there is no resurrection of the dead. In 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, he wrote, “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (vs. 16-19).

Continue reading ““But, What If You Are Wrong?”” →

I am not particularly fond of politics, but I have been casually following the debates and campaigns of the Republican candidates for the Presidency. Many are aware that for a time Newt Gingrich had enjoyed a lead in the polls, as the Iowa Caucuses neared. However, political analysts believe that a series of attack ads by a political group that is backing Mitt Romney led to a change of sentiment by voters, and a disappointing 4th place finish for Gingrich in Iowa.

Gingrich has been very civil toward other candidates during debates and campaigning, taking the high road, and eschewing negative campaigning to this point. He has called for other candidates to do the same. However, indications are that things have changed. After his disappointing finish, Gingrich has made clear that he will begin to be more pointed in his criticism of Romney’s policies and history as governor of Massachusetts.

Continue reading “In the News: Pragmatism VS Idealism” →

Invitation delivered by: Roger Paulsel

Roger uses a humorous personal experience to illustrate an important point from Acts 17. All God gives us is for the purpose of our seeking for and finding Him (cf. vs. 27).

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