Sound Teaching

Jesus told his disciples in John 5:18, 20, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you…” 20 “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”

In the last week there were two news releases that pointed out the hatred the world has for Jesus, (and God, cf. John 15:23). This hate is seen in reaction to those who purport to be his followers. (Note: I am not saying that their claim to be Christians is legitimate, only that they are perceived to be by the world).

Continue reading “In the News: Prejudice Against Christ” →

The last pair of pliers that I bought came from the 99 cent store. They, in fact have a good number of tools, all for 99 cents, and none of them worth a plugged nickle!

So, I used the pliers, which slip and twist, and generally do a terrible job… And I gripe about the pliers. Well, I suppose Debbie heard enough, and bought a new pair of pliers, not from the 99 cent store. I used them last week. They were great! The moral? You get what you pay for!

The same is true in matters of faith. Too many want value, but are unwilling to “pay the price.” Not like the man, “who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:46).

The salvation of your soul may cost you all that you have. But, it is worth the cost!

The Lesson notes the promises regarding, and fulfillment of those promises regarding the Kingdom of God. Passages such as Mark 9:1; Acts 1 and Acts 2 are examined.

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The Apostle Paul sprinkled various exhortations throughout his espitle to the Philippians. This sermon examines those exhortations.

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It is not surprising to know that this morning’s sermon is on the subject of Resolutions. Its intent is to encourage us to greater work and diligence to God in 2011. New Year’s resolutions are a natural topic as we begin 2011.
But, as this is the last Sunday of the old year, it is also appropriate for us to look back. As important as resolutions are, introspection is necessary as well.

No, we are not to look back with longing, nor despair, nor pride at the accomplishments of the past. Our intent as we remember is self-examination. “Examine yourselves, as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

How did you do in 2010? What did you do right? What do you need to do better in 2011? Today is a good day to ask yourself.

This sermon is expository, based on the text of Ephesians 3. The mystery surrounding the redemption of man has been revealed by God.

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The sermon encourages all to examine their priorities, and determine any needed changes to serve God acceptably in the new year.

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The lesson is an expository sermon based on the text of 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2. The sermon discusses Christ’s Second coming.

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We are nearing the end of an old year, and the beginning of a new one. Each year I encourage the brethren to read their Bible completely through. You can do this by simply sitting down and starting with Genesis… Ending with Revelation.

However, there are a number of schedules to help organize the readings in a way to allow concurrent readings in the Old and New Testament. One of the best of these has been prepared by Mark Roberts, the preacher for the West Side congregation in Irving.

He allows churches to make unlimited copies to supply to their members. We appreciate this, and have put copies of this reading schedule in the foyer. Please take one, and set aside time in 2011 to read your Bible through!

The lesson is an expository sermon on the text of Ephesians 4:17-24. One puts off the old man, and through repentance and conversion, puts on the new man.

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Friends stick close to one another, sacrifice for each other, are loyal to, and have faith in one another. Using these things as parameters, this lesson asks the question, “Am I a Friend to Jesus?”

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Instead of being rash, the Bible instructs us to follow a different path. In our speech, we must concentrate on hearing others and honestly evaluating the information they have to share before we react. We are to learn to control our temper.

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As we begin a new quarter in our Bible classes, and I look at the bulletin boards and classrooms, I am moved to thank all of the teachers for the time and effort they put in to teaching our children the precious word of God.

The work of the teacher is an important work. (This is doubly so, as they are instilling the principles of God and His word into their students). It is a work of great value and responsibility. James said, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). His words are not intended to discourage any man from teaching, but to get him to recognize the grave responsibility that is his.

Please take the time to thank you or your child’s teacher for the great and important work he or she is doing!

Christmas approaches. We will soon hear the repeated admonitions to “Remember the reason for the season.” We will not belabor the simple point that Christmas is a man-made holiday. Jesus did not authorize the observance of a day to commemorate his birth.

However, it is appropriate here to admonish all, “Jesus is the reason for every season.” It is absurd for men to believe they honor the Son of God by taking time out once or twice a year to consider His gift to mankind.

As His disciples, we should be ever mindful not only of His birth, but of his perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection. These are the things that afford us life and hope. These are the things we ought to remember, and daily offer up praises and thankfulness to Him.

The sermon text is Matthew 10:34-39. The lesson deals with the subject of priorities. Specifically, that Christ must take precedence in the lives of all who would name the name of Christ.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .