A Mistaken View of the Old Testament
Some religious people believe the Old Testament to still be in effect. If not for all men, then at least for the Jewish people. While we believe the Law to be from God, and an important part of our story of redemption, Paul made it very clear that its authority was only temporary. This truth is taught time and again in scripture, but a very interesting argument on the matter is made by Paul in Galatians 3:15-18:
“Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise” (Galatians 3:15-18).
Sermon: Straight Answers to Questions About Modesty
A discussion of the topic of modest dress, especially as it concerns sexually alluring or insufficiently covering articles of clothing.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: Learning Contentment (Philippians 4:10-13)
A discussion of Philippians 4:10-13 applying Paul’s contentment in prison, and his recognition that with God’s help he could not be thwarted in his efforts to please Him, to our own lives.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
What Our Church Needs!
In Paul’s letter to Titus, he expressed the type of Christians that please God, categorized by age and gender. Consider the following verses:
“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things — that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:1-10).
First, note the phrase “sound doctrine.” The word ‘sound’ means “to be well, to be healthy, figuratively, to be uncorrupt, true in doctrine.” These things are as they should be. They are God’s desires rather than the desires of men. These are things we disregard at our own peril. Consider further these thoughts: Continue reading “What Our Church Needs!”
Clearly Evident
“Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden” (1 Timothy 5:24-25),
The premise of Paul’s words here is very simple, you can’t hide either your obedience or disobedience from God! “But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’”… “in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel” (Romans 2:5-6,16). Continue reading “Clearly Evident”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:16-21
The calling in Christ is described by Paul here. In calling, we must determine how we are called. It is through the gospel of Christ. God is not capricious, giving his grace to some, but denying it to others. The reason why so many who are humanly wise, mighty and noble are not of the elect is they choose not to be! They trust and depend upon themselves rather than upon God (cf. Proverbs 16:18).
God champions the humble. What He considers to be valuable differs greatly from the world’s definition of value. God chooses that which indicates man’s dependence upon Him, rather than things which promote selfishness and arrogance. Why? “That no flesh should glory in His presence” (29).
Accepting God’s wisdom, His righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3), and the blessings that accrue from our relationship to Him, this is what God desires for us. Don’t glory in yourself (pride); instead, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (31).
“…We could no longer endure it”
Paul was a man motivated by love and concern for others, especially his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. This is evident from his life of ministry, going to various congregations to preach to them, writing letters, and sending his companions when he couldn’t go himself to help them during trials or difficulties. One example of this is 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3:
“Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.”
Can you imagine a love for your brethren so strong that concern for their well being troubles you beyond the point of endurance? So, Paul sent Timothy to help them by establishing them in the faith, and encouraging them.
He did not want their faith to be shaken. It is the lot of all of us to suffer tribulation. The help of our brethren can aid our maintaining faithfulness despite such trials.
To our point, do you have the same love for your brethren that Paul exhibited? We are spiritual family! (cf. Matthew 12:46-50).
Sermon: Meditations on God’s Laws
A wonderful passage of scripture, Psalm 119:97-104 is discussed, showing the benefits of immersing yourself in God’s law, and proper attitude of the disciple.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: (Short) Useless Wrangling (1 Timothy 6:5)
In this short lesson, Stan examines Paul’s teaching, showing that as a Christian we must honor others rather than acting in self-centered, divisive ways.
Talking about Covenants
There are some terms that are used in scripture to explain how God’s authority works, and how it affects the Old and New Testaments.
In the NKJV of the bible, there are three primary words that are used to describe what these are. They are the words testament, covenant and will. Let’s define each.
In Galatians 3:17 Paul wrote, “And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.” The word covenant (diatheke) is a term with legal ramifications, defined by Thayer as “a disposition, arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid…especially the last disposal which one makes of his earthly possessions after his death, a testament or will.” Continue reading “Talking about Covenants”
The Problem of Pride
The problem of pride is one with which we all struggle. It ultimately causes all sin. We want what we want, and we decide to do what we want rather than what God wants us to do. It is a struggle for all of us, and so the righteous strive to heed God’s admonition, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8). Continue reading “The Problem of Pride”
Mining the Scriptures: Romans 1:26-28
This text is unpopular in our time, but it is very simple, clearly revealing God’s view of homosexuality and lesbianism. Paul wrote, as inspired by the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17), that women with women is unnatural and vile. Sex ultimately is established by God as a means of propagation, (cf. Genesis 3:28). It is not possible for women, in a same sex relationship, to “fill the earth”. God designed sexuality to be not only with a man and a woman, but a husband and a wife, (cf. Genesis 3:23-24).
The same is true regarding relationships between two men. It is an action of lust, it is shameful, and the one who does such suffers penalty from God (cf. Romans 2:32).
As verse 28 reveals, homosexuality and lesbianism are (in addition to other sins) actions which emanate from a debased mind, and are not fitting. Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who revealed only the things which came from Jesus and the Father in heaven (cf., John 16:5-15). The truth is very simple in this matter. It is only that some are unwilling to submit to it.
Euodia and Syntyche
The love letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians had a single sour note, revealed in Philippians 4. We know nothing of the circumstances, but in the midst of the righteous efforts of this faithful congregation, there was some kind of strife between two women of the number.
Paul wrote, “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Paul wrote with love and gentleness, but there was a problem of some type. It seems that if the problem were doctrinal, Paul would have arbitrated the issue by revealing God’s will on the matter. Most probably the strife that existed was something else. It may have been a matter of personality, perceived slight, or another inconsequential matter, though it may have seemed large to the ladies.
Regardless, it was something that could not rightly stand in the way of their unity. Paul had already encouraged the Philippians, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2). He now called upon those mature Christians in Philippi to “help these women” (3) gain a unity that was not present. The next time you think your issue is important enough to strive against your brother, think twice!
Sermon: How the Devil Works
A discussion of Genesis 3:6 and Luke 4:1-13, showing how the Devil works to tempt men, and what can be done to deal with the enticements he places before us.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: The Triumph of Our Faith (Romans 5:1-11)
A discussion of Romans 5:1-11, discussing salvation, obtained by God’s grace through our faith in Jesus, bringing us a firm hope of eternity with God.
Note: Be sure to add Categories Sermon and Subject Index
