Roe V Wade Overturned!!!

Roe V Wade

While sitting at my computer considering what articles to write for the week, I witnessed the reaction of demonstrators to the news that Roe V Wade has been overturned by the Supreme Court by a 5-4 majority.

The decision (depending upon the relative position) is being rejoiced about, or mourned. This is one of the few issues where there is little grey are. It is black and white.

Regardless, overturning Roe V Wade does not end abortion in America. It is doubtful it will make it more rare, as it simply passes on the obligation for determine its legality back to the individual states.

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Sermon: TULIP – An Examination of Calvinism

TULIP

The lesson concisely examines and refutes the five major tenets of Calvinism, found in the acrostic TULIP. (Total Depravity; Unconditional Election; Limited Atonement; Irresistable Grace; Perseverance of the Saints).

Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:

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Sermon: The Suffering Savior

Suffering Savior

The Jews in the first century had a mistaken view of the coming Messiah. They believed in the restoration of a physical kingdom, and a defeat of Rome. The scriptures taught the necessity of a suffering Savior.

Did Jesus Heal a Homosexual Soldier’s Slave?

Christ and the Centurion

This past week, I was made aware of an argument, made by some, to contend that Jesus implicitly approved of a homosexual relationship. The account is Luke 7. I would like to examine that text and the argument.

In my research, it seems that the argument has two main features, both based on the meaning of Greek words. The first word is pais. Thayer defines the term — 1) a child, boy or girl. 2) A servant or slave.

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The Patternists: You “Ought” To

duty

“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

The English word “ought” is “used to indicate duty or correctness” (Oxford). The Greek word is dei, “it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper” (Thayer). It is important to key in on the word “necessary” in the definition, especially as it concerns the context of 1 Timothy 3.

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Reasons for Thanksgiving

praying

In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he began by expressing thanksgiving for them. Why was he thankful?

  1. Because it was fitting (3). In other words, there was a legitimate reason for his joy. Its origin was their conduct in Christ, which he lists in verses 3-4.
  2. Because their faith was growing exceedingly (3). These Christians hadn’t stalled in their faith as others did and can do today (Hebrews 5:12—6:6). Through diligence and effort, they were making progress, and growing stronger spiritually.
  3. Because their love for each other was abundant (3). John considered this the primary characteristic identifying the people of God (1 John 4:7-11). The Thessalonians were wonderful examples of the proper response to God’s love. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
  4. Because they were strong in faith and patience in the midst of tribulation and persecution (10). It is one thing to be strong when the going is easy. It is a true reason to rejoice when faithfulness is seen despite the devil’s attempt to destroy it. The zeal of the Thessalonians was truly praiseworthy.

So, a natural question to ask… Is our congregation one that Paul would “thank God always for”? Are we growing in faith? Abounding in Love? Remaining steadfast despite trials? It is important to be counted “worthy of this calling” (11).

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Sermon: Is the Bible Enough?

Is the Bible Enough

Speaker: Ian Tilley

Many churches seem to think that they need to modernize worship, add social programs and entertain to convert souls. This lesson shows that the preaching of the gospel is sufficient in and of itself to save the souls of men.

Sermon: The Eternal Word

The Eternal Word

In the beginning was the Word. God in the flesh. Jesus is God the Son, as affirmed by Jesus in John 1.

Sermon: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter”

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter

It was traumatic to Peter when the Lord looked at him, and he realized he had denied Him three times. We too seek to avoid such trauma, by rationalizing, covering up, lying about, and hiding our own sins.

Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:

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Sermon: Examining Our Claims of Salvation

Examining Our Claims of Salvation

Each of us should carefully and honestly examine the circumstances surrounding our own claimed conversion, to ensure that what happened is actually what God requires for us to be saved.

Sermon: Proper Attitudes Toward One Another

Proper Attitudes Toward One Another

As we work together as brethren, certain attitudes will help us to be successful in our efforts.

Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:

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Sermon: Liberty in Christ Jesus

Liberty in Christ Jesus

We have obtained liberty in Christ. Why would anyone want to return to a law that did not bring liberty, but rather bondage?

Lessons from a Barren Fig Tree

Barren Fig Tree

In Luke 13, Jesus spoke a parable discussing the need for repentance. He pictured a fig tree that did not bear fruit. The master of the vineyard told the keeper to cut it down, “why does it use up the ground?” (7). The keeper asked for another season to cultivate and fertilize it, with the hope that it would bear fruit. “And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down” (9).

The parable mirrors the petition made by Abraham to God, who had determined to destroy the city of Sodom, (Genesis 18:16-33). Abraham asked that the city be spared if fifty righteous souls could be found. He continued to intercede until God decided to spare the city if only ten righteous souls could be identified. Alas, the city was fully given over to ungodliness, and God destroyed the city.

A couple of things to note about the parable. First, there is no indication whether the master of the vineyard spared the tree for another season. (The petition was made, but we don’t know if it was granted). Second, without a change (from non-fruit bearing to fruit bearing) the fate of the tree was sealed.

How does this parable apply to us? First, we must note that our opportunity to repent is dependent upon God’s longsuffering. We may be granted a stay from judgment, but we have no guarantee beyond today! (cf. 2 Peter 3:9-10). Second, without repentance from our sins, our fate is also sealed. Twice in our context, our Lord said, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (3, 5).

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Sermon: Teach Me, O Lord (Psalm 25)

Teach Me O Lord

The Psalmist asked God to “show me Your ways”, “teach me Your paths”, “lead me in Your truth.” Jesus has done all of these things for us!

Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:

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Sermon: Individuals Helping Individuals

Individuals

Speaker: Justin Carrell

As Christians, it is our duty and should be our desire to be helpful one to another.