Sound Teaching

The practice of hospitality is emphasized as an important part of the Christian walk. Gaius was commended by the apostle John for his expressions of hospitality for “the brethren and for strangers” (3 John 4).

Gaius’ hospitality included the keeping and feeding of preachers of the gospel of Christ. Because of his help to them, John said that Gaius did “well”, and indicated that when we receive these men, “we may become fellow workers for the truth” (vs. 8).

We put up a meal list for brother Micky Galloway, who will be preaching for us in our meeting April 3-8. This is your opportunity to emulate Gaius, and receive the commendation of our Lord.

If you show hospitality to a preacher, he gets a meal, but you get a far greater blessing!

My family had a wonderful day yesterday (and the Davis family did as well, I trust). I am so proud for Josh and Rachel, and I sincerely believe that they will have a long and happy life together.

I am thankful for my children, and for my family, and for my brethren in Christ. Things were very hectic at the wedding, and the reception following, and I didn’t get an opportunity to thank those who were able to come.

The apostle Paul wrote, “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).

We certainly had cause to rejoice yesterday. And, we are so grateful that our brethren were there to rejoice with us!

Revelation 3:14-22

Our Lord’s final letter to the seven churches in Asia was addressed to the Laodiceans. Laodicea was about 100 miles inland of Ephesus, just northwest of Colosse.

The city was a wealthy one, and apparently the church was as well. This letter is unique among the twelve, in that there is nothing positive said about the congregation.

Though rich materially, Jesus said that the church was, “wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.”

The sin of the Laodiceans was apathy, colorfully described as being “lukewarm.” Equally colorful is the response of the Lord, “because you are lukewarm … I will vomit you out of my mouth” (vs. 16).

The Lord rebuked the Laodiceans because He loved them. He loves us as well. Remember, apathy is unpalatable to Him. If we are going to stand acceptable in His sight, we must give ourselves wholly to His service. Nothing less will suffice.

This sermon seeks to give a scriptural answer to perhaps the most perplexing question that man can ask.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

This sermon describes, through the use of metaphors contained in scripture, the relationship between Christ and His church.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Using Peter’s first epistle, this sermon describes an aspect of God’s call to Christians. We are to be holy in all our conduct.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio AM (Part 1): Click Here .

Sermon Audio PM (Part 2): Click Here .

It is interesting to compare the children of Israel, (God’s chosen under the Old Covenant), to God’s children under the New Covenant.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

When contemplating the purpose of the Lord’s Supper, this sermon shows that we should look “within”, “without”, “forward”, and “backward.”

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Jude 1-2

Even the salutations of scripture contain wonderful lessons for the discerning reader. For example, in our text Jude describes himself as at “bondservant of Jesus Christ.” The word literally indicates a slave, and shows clearly the concept of submission and subservience. We are all to be bondservants of our Lord, submitting wholly to His will.

Jude refers to his readers as “sanctified by God the Father.” The word sanctified literally means to be set apart. God separates us from the world when we obey the gospel. But, the concept of sanctification requires that we live a life worthy of that separation (cf. Ephesians 4:1).

Finally, among the first words of Jude is the phrase, “preserved in Jesus Christ.” As Christ is our Savior, we are “more than conquerors” (cf. Romans 8:37). There is nothing on this earth, or under the sway of the devil, nor the devil himself that is able to separate us from Jesus Christ. As our Savior, he is “able to keep” what we have committed to Him “until that Day” (cf. 2 Timothy 1:12).

“Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.”

Last Tuesday Reuters reported that the head of the Lutheran Church in Germany, Margot Kaessmann, 51, the Lutheran Bishop of Hanover, was cited for running a red light while driving under the influence of alcohol. A state prosecutor told the German Newspaper Bild that Kaessmann had a blood alcohol level that was three times the legal limit. She is under investigation, and could lose her driver’s license for a year.

The Reuters article also noted that Kaessmann was a controversial choice to head the Lutheran church, because she had had a divorce.

(Protestant Leader Regrets Driving Drunk, 2/23/10, Christopher Lawton)

Continue reading “In the News: Lutheran Leader Drives Drunk” →

I recently came across two quotes on the subject of Holiness, which I would like to share with you…

“A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they just shine.” – D. L. Moody

“How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets real thing, it is irresistible.” – C.S. Lewis

One quote expresses the true thought that actions speak louder than words. While we are told to preach the gospel, our words have a greater potency is God can be seen in us.

The second quote accurately portrays the fact that a Christian is a desirable and pleasant person to know. He is who we all aspire to be. Are you living a properly holy life?

This sermon discusses the text of 1 Corinthians 15:45-ff, comparing and contrasting Jesus Christ and Adam.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

One of the definitions of the term olympian is “surpassing all others in scope and effect” (American Heritage Dictionary). This definition certainly applies to the sexual appetites of the athletes in the Olympic Village this week in Vancouver. Continuing the trend of recent Olympiads in Sydney (70,000) and Beijing (100,000), Canadian officials ordered and distributed 100,000 condoms to athletes for the Vancouver Olympics. That averages to 14 for each athlete.

In explaining the hedonism of the Olympic athletes, former Olympic skier Picabo Street said, “It’s hundreds of auras, which does lead to a huge movement of energy. It’s not normal, resting energy. It’s jacked-up, hyped-up, on-the-brink-of-my-dream-coming-true, got-to-get-it, got-to-do-it energy, and it’s there all the time.”

Continue reading “In the News: Olympian Promiscuity” →