Sermon: The Son of God Glorified

John 12, in the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem before his death, intimates the true nature of the Glorification of the Son of God.

Audio

Sermon: Harsh Words Against God

Malachi 3:13-14 reveals a time in Israel where men spoke “harsh words” against God. Such showed an inappropriate attitude of men toward God, that unfortunately is seen in our time as well.

Audio

The Intolerance of Toleration

ImageI recently came across an internet article listing the 5 most hated YouTube videos in internet history. This list was based upon the number of “thumbs down” designations given. Fifth on the list is the music video, “Baby”, by teen pop singer Justin Bieber. First on the list is a young lady who videotaped her opinion that the earthquake and resultant tsunami that devastated Japan was an answer to prayer, that God might convince the atheist of His existence. Interestingly, the girl later admitted that her video is a hoax, deliberately outrageous with the intent of provoking the ire of viewers.

Continue reading “The Intolerance of Toleration”

Invitation: Sincerity is not Enough

Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox

Jeremiah uses the example of Paul, who was sincere even when persecuting Christians, to establish the truth that sincerity is serving God is insufficient. We must also be living in accord with His will.

Audio

Sermon: The Weakness and Foolishness of God

The lesson text is from 1 Corinthians 1:18-ff. A proper explanation of the concept of God’s “weakness” and “foolishness” is given, with proper applications.

Audio

Sermon: Correcting Error by Using Acts 8

By looking at the conversions contained in the 8th chapter of the book of Acts, it is possible to correct several commonly held false doctrines.

Audio

Invitation: The Greater Blessing is in Giving

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Stan uses the text of Philippians 4:10-ff, to establish the truthfulness of the adage, it is better to give than receive. Paul was blessed by the gift given by the Philippians, but the church received the greater blessing.

Audio

Sermon: The Correct Path to Unity

John 17 and other passages are used to establish that unity can be obtained only as disciples submit to the authority of Jesus Christ in doctrine and conduct.

Audio

Sermon: What Should I Do?

The Lesson discusses questions you should ask yourself before deciding upon any action. These will be helpful in ensuring you are doing what the Lord intends for you.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Invitation: The Joy of Salvation

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Using the example of the Philippian Jailor’s conversion, Stan points out the joy that we obtain when we are obedient to the gospel (cf. Acts 16:30-33)

Audio

Invitation: When Enlightenment Really Isn’t

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin examines a misguided claim of spiritual enlightenment, showing the fallacy of focusing on the faults of others rather than the challenges of self.

Audio

12 – What Now?

Sermon: What Do We Require?

What are the requirements of membership in the Lord’s church? Whether the church as the term refers to body of believers, or the local congregation? And, who is it that determines those requirements?

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Mining the Scriptures: Mark 1:14-15

Shovel4

Our text reveals the fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6, which prophesied the coming of Elijah in preparation for Messiah. John’s preparatory work was finished, as signified by his imprisonment, and now Jesus of Nazareth began his ministry, “preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.”

John’s imprisonment by Herod led to his death by beheading (as seen in Mark 6:14-29). John himself foretold the transition in essence when he said in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Jesus ministry and teaching prefaced his kingdom, established after his death and resurrection (cf. Acts 2). At this time, he said, “the kingdom of God is at hand.”

There is a peculiar false doctrine that contends Jesus’ teaching in such places as Matthew 5-7 was not the gospel of the kingdom, rather a simple explanation of old covenant law. This passage shows the view to be incorrect. Jesus preached His own gospel, and His words must be heeded. As the Hebrew writer stated, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…” (Hebrews 2:1-2a).

In the News: October 21, Just Another Day

inthenews

Back in late May, we noted that radio personality Harold Camping had incorrectly predicted the world would end on May 21st. It was a big story at the time, though I am not sure why. Such predictions have been made since the first century, and have always been bogus. There is a reason for this, as the Bible clearly reveals that man can’t know the day of the Lord’s second coming, “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

Camping refused to admit that he was wrong when May 21st came and went. At least, not completely wrong. Instead, he claimed that Jesus had indeed come in judgment upon the world, but had in His mercy allowed the world to continue for five more months. He then proclaimed confidently that the universe would come to an end on October 21st. This tactic of revising predictions after the fact is again not unique. The Jehovah’s Witnesses, among others, have done it on several occasions.

Continue reading “In the News: October 21, Just Another Day”