Sound Teaching

After some delay, all eight sermons preached by Micky Galloway during his April 2010 meeting are now available online. These can be accessed in this post, or by going to the 2010 Sermons Archive page.

Sunday Morning Class: My People Love to Have it So

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sunday AM: The Soundness of God’s People

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sunday PM: The Promise

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Monday PM: Committment to Family

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Tuesday PM: A Marriage That Will Not Fail

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Wednesday AM: Jesus, The Master Teacher

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Wednesday PM: What God Expects of Us as a Family

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Thursday PM: Victory in Jesus

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

At the age of 18 years old, swimmer Kim Linehan held the world record in the women’s 1500 meter freestyle in 1981. A hard worker, Linehan had an extensive exercise regimen, and swam 7 to 12 miles every day. Once, when asked the hardest part of her workout, she said, “Getting in the water.” (as quoted in Reader’s Digest, June 1981).

There are many applications to draw from this illustration. For example, I find it to be true when writing. Either when writing for the bulletin, Watchman Magazine, or the newspaper, the most difficult part for me is getting started! In fact, I will often procrastinate, waiting for inspiration to strike, when I would be better served putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), and just start writing!

The same is true with regard to gaining a knowledge of God’s word. Most would like to become familiar with God’s will. They want the ability to quickly bring a passage to mind, or easily comprehend the writer’s intent in each book or epistle. But, the task seems daunting, unattainable.

But it is not! You may ask, what is the hardest part of gaining knowledge? The answer, “Opening the book!” Open it up, and begin reading. Pay attention, ask questions, be curious. It will take time, but once your Bible is open, you will never want to close it again. “When you read, you may understand…” (cf. Eph. 3:4).

The sermon examines the text of 1 John to explain the relationship the Christian sustains to error.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon discusses the truth, and exposes error being taught on the subject of Marriage, divorce and remarriage.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

In the July 3rd issue of The Christian Chronicle, coverage was given to a recent “international symposium of sacred a cappella music, involv[-ing] members of Churches of Christ as well as Mennonites, Eastern Orthodox, Reformed Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Roman Catholics.”

The symposium was a sequel to a previous effort which took place in 2007. Concerning that event, the article notes “‘The Ascending Voice’ debuted at Pepperdine in 2007 — the brainchild of [Darryl] Tippens, who saw it as a way to celebrate and promote a cappella worship in a world of praise bands and recorded music.”

Continue reading “A Capella Singing” →

Luke 1:1-4

In Luke’s introductory comments to Theophilus, he acknowledges that others had written accounts of Jesus’ life and accomplishments. Matthew, Mark and John are the three we have included in the New Testament in addition to this effort by Luke.

His desire was to share these things with Theophilus, putting them in order, so that his friend could “know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed” (vs. 4)

There are two reasons we can trust in Luke’s account of Jesus’ life. The first is that he was an eyewitness, “having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first” (vs. 3).

The second is that Luke’s account is inspired of God. Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16).

The name Theophilus means, “lover of God.” In fact, all who love God can look to Luke’s gospel, and in it find accurate records of Jesus’ life, teaching, works, death and resurrection. In so doing, we can have confidence in the validity of that Gospel. We can know, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!” (cf. 23:47).

I recently came across a survey on the internet, designed to ascertain what guys believe to be modest and immodest dress and behavior for girls. The survey is skewed by two things: 1) Respondents were primarily teenagers and young adult males; and, 2) Respondents were conservative in their religious views.

This bias is understandable, as the poll was designed unscientifically, and sponsored by a religious group called The Rebelution (1 Timothy 4:12, a teenage rebellion against low expectations).

The survey is subjective, asking guys whether they Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Are Neutral, Agree, or Strongly Agree with statements about issues of modesty for girls. The results are interesting, and young people are encouraged to visit the site with their parents. There will be ample opportunity for discussion as you read the results. The site URL is: www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/browse

Continue reading “In the News: Modesty Survey” →

Consider the following quote:

“For the postmodern and mystic, … words are only symbols for a subjective interpretation of and experience with the “Living Word.” (Randall Price, Searching for the Original Bible, page 27).

This quote accurately describes the attitude of the majority of religious people in our day. The Bible, while a comfort and precious object, has little bearing on their daily walk. Their view is that a relationship with Christ is sufficient, and that it can be obtained on their own terms.

But, in truth, our understanding of Christ, and our relationship with Him depends upon His written word. It is the “word of life” we are to be “holding fast” (cf Philippians 2:16). It is that which perfects a man (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It must be known and obeyed.

A sermon describing the dangers of the tongue, and how to control it.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

A discussion of the church.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon asks the questions: Are you regular in your attendance; do you demonstrate your love; are you an encouragement; are you dependable?

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

We have the ability to understand God’s word when we read it.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Mark 1:1-8

Mark begins his gospel with quotes from Malachi (3:1) and Isaiah (40:3), describing a messenger sent by God to prepare the world for the coming Messiah. Mark identifies that messenger as John the Baptist, who came “preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”

When an angel announced to John’s father Zacharias the impending birth of his son, he said he would “go before Him [the Christ] in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).

Jesus extended high praise to John for his person and ministry saying, “among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist,” and, “…he is Elijah who is to come, (a reference to Malachi 4:5)” (Luke 1:11,14).

John’s message was preparatory to the Messiah’s coming. One, John said, “whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose” (vs. 7). Where John baptized with (in) water, the Messiah would baptize with (in) the Holy Spirit, a reference to His divine nature. When the apostles received that baptism on Pentecost, Peter said it had come from the Christ (Acts 2:33).

For the last several weeks many Americans have been a bit distracted by the 2010 World’s Cup soccer tournament. It happens every four years, and for that period of time, some (not all) Americans suddenly become interested in the “other” sport of football.

Alas, the American team was defeated in the round of sixteen last week, and the ardor that accompanied the United State’s early success has largely cooled. Soccer is just not that interesting to Americans in general, in contrast to the fanatical love of the game that exists in other parts of the world.

Continue reading “In the News: Flavor of the Day” →

On July 4, 1776, the fathers of our country signed a Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Today, Americans celebrate that significant event with picnics, fireworks and parades.

Over 2,000 years ago, just a few days following the Jewish observance of the Passover feast, Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. His victory assures those who are His an independence and freedom that far surpasses that enjoyed by Americans.

“And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! … But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:17,20).

It’s great to be an American. But, it can’t compare to the freedom we have in Christ!