Sound Teaching

James 1:1-4

The epistle of James is a general epistle, in the sense that it was written to a broad group rather than a specific individual or church. It was written to the “twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” indicating Jewish Christians throughout the world. Though the introductory paragraph does not specify Jewish Christians, the contents of the letter show that his intended audience is believers in Christ.

James’ letter is eminently practical, and his first admonition in verses 2-4 certainly deserves this designation.

The trials of life are tests, and if we pass the tests, we benefit greatly as a result. When the text says that tribulation produces patience, it acknowledges the fact that we learn as we endure. We grow stronger, we are tempered and we mature. As such, when we come out the other side, it can be said of us that we are “perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

While tribulation is not pleasant, such testing is nevertheless cause for joy. It is because of the spiritual growth we experience. And, even more so because it shows our Lord that we are worthy to join with Him in suffering and future glory.

The First sermon in our series on “Simple Answers to Tough Questions.” Is Dancing Sinful?

A common sense, biblically based answer to the question.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

I am going to include in this post all of the sermons preached by brother Keith Greer in our recent meeting, November 7-12, 2009.

The Perils of Postponement (Saturday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Rise Above Minimal Service (Sunday Class)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Prayerlessness (Sunday AM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Uncompromising Faith (Sunday PM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Will God Bless America? (Monday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Sorry, did not record.

Same Principles in Every Age (Tuesday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Keys to Joy (Wednesday AM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Gratitude (Wednesday PM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

God Said, But… (Thursday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Brother Greer did a fine job this past week, and I commend each of these lessons to you!

Hebrews 1:1-4

The first four verses of both the first and second chapters of Hebrews are similar in that they declare the superiority of the words of our Lord. However, while the second chapter points out the responsibility we have to heed and obey the words of Jesus, the first chapter keeps the focus on the Lord Himself.

The words spoken by Jesus are superior because of who Jesus is. He is the Heir of all things. He is the Creator of the universe (cf. John 1:1-4). He is the personification of God, and our blessed Redeemer. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and is presently reigning in His kingdom at the right hand of the Father. He is superior to the angels, and as stated by the writer, “has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (4).

These words serve as the premise of the Hebrew epistle. The Hebrew Christian should not place his trust in the Old Covenant. Rather, he should turn to the New. Salvation is in the words, sacrifice and mediation of Jesus Christ. All who have gone before are flawed, and unable to save. In these last days, God has spoken to us “through His Son.”

A couple of years ago I sought to admonish a brother in Christ for mistreating another brother. The man thought his brother was teaching error, and in his interaction with the man, acted in an inappropriate manner. When I pointed out the mistreatment, this brother was very cavalier in his treatment of his fellow Christian. Here is an exact quote from his pen:

“When the apostles dealt with error, they did not consider what the errorists felt about fairness. … I try to act in such a way to ensure fairness to truth, whether those who oppose me deem that as fair or not.”

Continue reading “Fomenting” →

On Tuesday, November 3, the state of Maine voted on a referendum regarding a state law that would have allowed homosexual couples to marry.

According to an Associated Press article, the pro-homosexual lobby had a tremendous advantage:

The stars seemed aligned for supporters of gay marriage. They had Maine’s governor, legislative leaders and major newspapers on their side, plus a huge edge in campaign funding. (David Crary, AP National Writer)

Continue reading “In The News: Ungodly Leaders” →

Brethren, let’s be considerate of one another!

In Hebrews 10, the writer states, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (24-25).

Not everyone took advantage of the opportunity we had last week to be edified during our meeting. If you didn’t come, you missed out on some fine lessons and encouragement.

If you chose not to come, rather than being hindered from coming, you also could be said to have been inconsiderate of your brethren. (Those are the Hebrew writer’s words, not mine!) So, let’s be better about considering others, and take advantage of our opportunities to edify one another.

The apostle Paul, in Philippians 2:5-8 indicates that we are to have the mind of Christ. Those things that are characteristic of Christ, things such as:

• Love
• Obedience
• Sacrifice
• Submission
• Loyalty
• Purity
• Industry
• Courage

Should be characteristic of us as well, as Christ has left “us an example, that you should follow His steps” (cf. 1 Peter 2:21-22).

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Philemon 1-7

At the beginning of Paul’s letter to Philemon, he was very complimentary of his friend and brother. He acknowledged the “love and faith” that he had toward “the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints.” He also mentioned the good things in Philemon’s character, and the fact that the brethren had been “refreshed” by his character and works.

His diplomacy had a very specific and important purpose. Paul desired that Philemon be receptive to his petition on behalf of Onesimus. By his kind words and solicitous manner, Paul influenced Philemon to do the right thing in accepting Onesimus back, not only as a slave, but as a “beloved brother” (vs. 16).

A distinction must be made. Paul was not “flattering” Philemon. Flattery is deceitful and insincere. Paul was honest and genuine in his praise of a worthy brother. Also, seeking to influence people to do right is very different from attempts to manipulate. It is different both in tactics and motivation. What Paul did in his praise of Philemon was good and right, and to be emulated by all Christians.

“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:9-10).

The term “hospitable,” in this text, is easily defined. It means “fond of guests.” The concept of Christian love demands that we not be grudging regarding the keeping and care of guests. Having brethren into your home is an expression of love, care and appreciation for them.

Next week the brethren here have an opportunity to have a preacher of the gospel into their home. Brother Greer is doing us a great service in preaching the truth of God’s word. It is a great gift that we are unable to repay in kind. But, we can be hospitable to him, and we can do it without grumbling! (Spaces remain available on the meal list).

This past week I came across an article titled, “Evolution is a Fact and a Theory,” from The TalkOrigins Archive. The article is written by an evolutionist, Laurence Moran, and seeks to explain why the attacks of creationists against the theory of evolution are invalid.

In the article Moran quotes from a 1981 article, written by Stephen J. Gould, that appeared in Discover Magazine in 1981. Gould asserts that certain aspects of evolution are a matter of fact, and others are a matter of theory.

Continue reading “In The News: Is Evolution Fact or Theory?” →

This series is entitled “A Refutation of the A.D. 70 Doctrine.” It was preached at the West Side church on three consecutive Sundays, on October 11, 18, 25, 2009.

The series was not intended to be an extensive review of the doctrine, also known as Realized Eschatology. Such an undertaking would require much more time than reserved for this series. Instead, Stan examined what the Bible teaches about the end times, introduced the error, and established a few clear principles that clearly show this peculiar doctrine to be false.

This post contains links to all the materials available from the series.

• Lesson 1 – Bible Eschatology PPT MP3
• Lesson 2 – Introduction to Realized Eschatology PPT MP3
• Lesson 3 – Refuting Realized Eschatology PPT MP3

This is the third lesson of three designed to refute the A.D. 70 Doctrine. This doctrine asserts that all prophecy was consummated at the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Hence, the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the end of the world all have already happened.

Lesson 3 continues the second lesson in refuting the doctrine of Realized Eschatology.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon is based on the text of 2 Corinthians 1:3-6. We may suffer persecution and distress in our lives as Christians, but we are partakers in the suffering of Christ, and as such we have consolation and comfort as a result of our relationship to him. Of course, ultimately that consolation has an eternal application because of our hope of heaven.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon is introduced by the text of Isaiah 2:1-3, where it is said, “Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths” (vs. 3).

This indicates that in the Kingdom of God, invitations will be extended to others. We as Christians are responsible for extending that invitation. Practical applications include inviting people to worship services, inviting them to study the Bible, and inviting them to obey the gospel of Christ.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .