Sound Teaching

1 John 1:1-3

In John’s introduction to his first epistle, he quickly affirms two basic facts. First, that the gospel of Christ was authentic. He states that he was an eyewitness to that which brings eternal life. He heard it, saw it, gazed upon it, and handled it.

An examination of the gospels underscores the truthfulness of this declaration. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. The apostles not only heard of that resurrection, they saw and touched the Lord. They recognized His victory over death. Paul wrote, “…by Man also came the resurrection of the dead” (1 Cor. 15:21).

Second, that the gospel of Christ brings eternal life. He declared it to his readers that they might also “have fellowship with us.” Because it is authentic, it means Jesus truly is the Savior. He died for our sins, and was resurrected from the dead. His victory over death supplies for us the same hope!

While doing some research on the internet this past week, I came across the poster reproduced to the left. (The text reads: “Modern Science will save the world – or kill us all”

The poster is designed to dramatize that science/technology is commonly a two edged sword. The same technology that has produced nuclear power also produced the nuclear bomb. The invention of the combustible engine allows us to travel hundreds of miles in a day, but also has led to a number of potentially serious environmental problems—to say nothing of nearly $4.00 per gallon gasoline prices! The internet allows us access to almost unlimited information instantaneously, yet its largest tenant is the pornographer.

Continue reading “In The News: The Promises of Modern Science” →

Some people, most often in attitude rather than explicitly, exhibit the following attitude:

For some reason, God has released me from my spiritual obligations and responsibilities. I can shirk my duties without fear of punishment. God will not hold me accountable, despite not fulfilling my responsibilities toward him.

This lesson deals with such an ungodly attitude.

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The Calvinistic doctrine of salvation by Faith only is commonly being expressed in our time in the Phrase, “Trusting in the Finished Work of Christ Alone” The phrase intimates not only that obedience is not required of man, but also the impossibility of Apostasy.

It also contradicts plain teaching in Hebrews 11 & 12, and James 2, the texts under consideration in this lesson.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

On April 1, 2008, an article was posted to the website of Plain Truth Ministries. (To read the article, click here). The article was written by Monte Wolverton. It is titled, “Is It a Sin or is It Just Stupid?”

The article quotes a survey study by Ellison Research, which it states is a “Christian research firm” located in Phoenix, AZ. The survey sampled over 1000 adults, and came to the conclusion that most Americans believe in sin.

However, Americans vary widely in what they believe to be sin. Consider the following:

• 81% believe adultery is sin.
• 74% believe that racism is sin.
• 65% believe using hard drugs is sin.
• 41% believe that smoking marijuana is sin.
• 41% believe getting drunk is sin.
• 14% believe drinking alcohol is sin.
• 56% believe having an abortion is sin.
• 52% homosexuality is sin.
• 30% believe gambling is sin.
• 4% believe that dancing is sin.

Continue reading “In The News: Is It a Sin or is It Just Stupid?” →

2 Peter 1:1-4

The apostle Peter opens his second epistle by pronouncing a blessing upon those “who have obtained like precious faith with us.”

The key to this passage is the realization that all such blessings are found through Christ. The faith mentioned above is accomplished “by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

In the following verses, Peter establishes that grace and peace come through a knowledge of Jesus; that the power of Christ has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness”; and it is by Jesus that we have been given “exceedingly great and precious promises.”

The obvious conclusion is that as Christians, we are fulfilled. We have everything we need, equipped on this earth, and equipped for a future existence with God. All of this is accomplished through the power of Jesus Christ. Through Him, we escape to eternity.

Georgia executed killer William Earl Lynd last night, ending a more than seven-month nationwide hiatus on capital punishment prompted by the Supreme Court’s examination of lethal injection.

Lynd’s execution at 7:51 p.m. was the first since the court ruled April 16 that the three-drug protocol most commonly used in executions by states and the federal government did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

The court last night turned down Lynd’s last-minute request for a stay, as the Georgia Supreme Court had earlier in the day. He was executed at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson.

Robert Barnes
Washington Post, May 7, 2008

Analysis:

William Earl Lynd was sentenced to death by a jury of his peers because of the heinous nature of the crime he committed. He shot his live in girlfriend, Ginger Moore in the face while high on drugs. After Moore crawled from the house to the porch, he shot her again. He loaded her body into the trunk, then when he heard a noise from the trunk, he opened it and shot her again. After driving across state lines, he buried her, then shot and killed another woman. Since he took her across state lines, he was charged with kidnapping, and these extra circumstances were sufficient to get him the death penalty.

Continue reading “In The News: Stay on Executions Over” →

Philemon 8-11

In the eighth verse of his epistle to Philemon, Paul clearly reveals the purpose of his writing. Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had apparently ran away from Philemon. He had met Paul, and Paul had converted him to Christ (vs 10). As Paul put it, “who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me” (vs. 11).

While Paul had the authority to command Philemon in his treatment of the slave, he did not exercise that prerogative. Instead, he appealed to Philemon as a faithful and loving child of God.

Onesimus had broken the law in running away. His return could have been dangerous for him, but Paul was convinced that the love of Christ, present in Philemon, would moderate his response to Onesimus’ return — especially since Onesimus was now a brother in Christ.

No matter our relative positions in life, when we are Christians, we are brethren.

A general sermon on the subject of Singing. Establishes authority for the act of worship, as well as showing how various innovations regarding musical worship over the centuries are unscriptural. The sermon shows why we sing, the benefits, and gives some practical suggestions to song leaders and the congregation.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here

Sermon Audio: Click Here

1 Timothy 2:1-4

Paul here exhorts Christians to pray for “all men, for kings and all who are in authority.”

The broad scope of such prayer clearly indicates the extent of the Christian’s charity. His desire is to be for the welfare of all men. As such, we are told even to “love [our] enemies” (Matthew 5:44).

The prayers are to include “supplications” (requests on behalf of another), and “intercessions” (an intervention for his benefit), as well as the giving of thanks. These are not imprecatory prayers (to invoke evil upon our enemies); rather they are petitions on their behalf and are intended to do them good.

Note also the benefit accrued to the Christian who prays, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
God desires that all men be saved, including both those in authority, and those who would benefit from their righteous rule.

In the prim 1950s, college dorms were off-limits to members of the opposite sex. Then came the 1970s, when male and female students started crossing paths in coed dormitories. Now, to the astonishment of some Baby Boomer parents, a growing number of colleges are going even further: coed rooms.

At least two dozen schools, including Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, Oberlin College, Clark University and the California Institute of Technology, allow some or all students to share a room with anyone they choose — including someone of the opposite sex. This spring, as students sign up for next year’s room, more schools are following suit, including Stanford University.

…Parents aren’t necessarily thrilled with boy-girl housing.

Debbie Feldman’s 20-year-old daughter, Samantha, is a sophomore at Oberlin in Ohio and plans to room with her platonic friend Grey Caspro, a straight guy, next year. Feldman said she was shocked when her daughter told her.

“When you have a male and female sharing such close quarters, I think it’s somewhat delusional to think there won’t be sexual tension,” the 52-year-old Feldman said. “Maybe this generation feels more comfortable walking around in their underwear. I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”

Still, Feldman said her daughter is partly in college to learn life lessons, and it’s her decision. Samantha said she assured her mom she thinks of Caspro as a brother.

“I’m really close to him, and I consider him one of my really good friends,” she said. “I really trust him. That trust makes it work.”

May, 3, 2008 ~ Associated Press

Analysis:

Young men and women who believe that they can live together, and not fall into temptation to sin sexually are most certainly (as mother Feldman in the article states) delusional. Such living arrangements ignore the dictates of the Spirit to “flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18); and to “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Continue reading “In The News: Co-Ed Dorm Rooms” →

Numerous times in the Old Testament the term “woe” is used with respect (most often) to sinful practices. Physical consequences, as well as the judgment of God upon the wicked makes the term appropriate. A list of 8 “Old Testament Woes” are discussed in the sermon.

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The Sermon reveals and explains 5 Bible based techniques a child of God can use to help him resist the temptations common to all men.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Jesus, in John 3, had a conversation with a ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus. While it is obvious by Nicodemus’ words he was impressed with Jesus, it must be noted that he was ignorant of who Jesus truly was, and was a bit cautious in his approach.

Nicodemus referred to the Lord as a “rabbi” (teacher), and acknowledged that the miracles Jesus performed marked Him as a man from God. However, the fact that John revealed the ruler’s approach to be “by night” indicates that Nicodemus may have desired not to be seen talking with such a controversial man.

Continue reading “Born Again” →

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

In this text, the apostle commended the Thessalonians for the love they exhibited in their lives, especially toward all the brethren in Macedonia.

It is interesting that their expressions of brotherly love extended beyond congregational boundaries. While our work is centered within the congregational construct, we have a brothers or sisters wherever God has children.

Though Paul was impressed with their expressions of brotherly love, he exhorted them to more lofty heights; both in the expression of that love, and in their execution of the Christian life.

They were to avoid conflict and gossip. They were to be industrious. They were to develop a good reputation, even toward those who were not Christians.

Such admonitions are important as we consider that our faith impacts every part of our lives. Only when we give each area sufficient attention can it be said that we “lack nothing” (vs. 12).