Sound Teaching

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:1-4).

The Word references the Son of God. One of three in the beginning, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. John here affirms the place God’s Son had in creation. As He and the Father are One, God’s Son can truly and fully be referred to as the Creator of all things. He is described as “the light of men” (5).

After the first 5 verses, there is an ellipsis dealing the John the Baptist. John was the one who came to “bear witness of the Light” (6). Notice the word “Light” here is capitalized, emphasizing our point that the “light” is another designation for the “Word”, signifying God’s Son. Hence the capitalized word indicating deity. John the Baptist is not God’s Son. He is the forerunner of the “Light.” “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight.’ ” (Matthew 3:1-3). Continue reading “The Incarnate Word” →

Paul here sets forth a classic if/then exhortation. The first half, “If then you were raised with Christ” (1). This refers to our redemption. Christ was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven. When we submit to God, in baptism we are in the same way raised to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

This newness of life is described here by Paul.  We are to “seek” and “set your [our] minds” on “things which are above” rather than “things on the earth” (1-2). We have been sanctified by God, and our lives should reflect the holiness to which we are called.

Redemption is described by Jesus as being “born again.” (John 3).  We are born again, as we have “died to sin” (Romans 6:10). Now we are “alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11), or as stated in our text our “life is hidden with Christ in God” (3).

The end of redemption is reward. God has promised this reward to all who have been born again.  When Christ comes again, “you also will appear with Him in glory” (4). (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:49).

In Galatians 4 the great apostle noted a change in his relationship with the churches in Galatia. It is generally agreed that the apostasy that threatened the churches had begun rather quickly, only a few short years after they were first established by Paul.  He went to Galatia and established churches there while on his first journey, recorded in Acts 13.

Consider how the apostle was treated by the Galatians when he came to them. There was an apparent physical infirmity from which Paul suffered while he was with them (13). They were very kind to him as he ministered among them. “And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus” (14). High praise indeed, bringing to our mind what Jesus said. In  response to the righteous who had cared diligently for the welfare of His “brethren” Christ said, “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’” Matthew 25:40. Paul went so far as to say, “For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me” (15). Continue reading “Paul’s Surprise” →

The book of Zechariah was written after the return of the remnant from captivity. The temple was only half built, and the prophet encouraged the people to complete the task.

The name Zechariah is significant.  The Hebrew name means “Yahweh remembers” or “Yahweh has remembered.” What we know is that even through such a strong chastisement of the people (the captivity), God was always aware of the covenant He had with the people of Israel.  He had promised the Messiah would come to them, and the captivity and destruction of the temple had not changed His intent. As Zechariah said, “The Lord has been very angry with your fathers” (1:2). However, it was the Lord’s intent to reconcile with his people.

Note these words, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Return to Me,’ says the Lord of Hosts, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Turn now from evil ways and your evil deeds.’” But they did not hear nor heed me,’ says the Lord” (1:3-4).

A lesson for us today. Our acceptance by God is conditioned upon our hearing and heeding His appeals. If we will return to God, be assured He is waiting and willing to receive us! (cf. 1 John 1:9).

Philippians 2 reveals Jesus as our exalted example. He determined to do His Father’s will even to the point of death. This is the basis for these words, to obey Him.  Paul’s words, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (12).

Points to be made from this text:  Our obedience is to be continuous whether before others or not. Our obedience is necessary to be saved. We consider who God is both in person and position, and we respond with respect and awe. Our purpose in existing as Christians is to do His will, not our own (cf. Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 2:20. Our obedience to God can not be grudging and please Him.  We must obey Him because we love Him, not merely out of self preservation. The world is evil and corrupt, our life should be different as we show rather than just tell of holiness and sanctification.

Such steadfastness in obedience is for our own good.  It proves that our profession of faith is not in vain!

We have had the concept of sanctification as a particular touchstone in our preaching the last several months.  The sanctification of God’s people is a primary truth which not only impacts our redemption, but also our responsibilities to God and man.

In Hebrews 10, the writer takes time to establish Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth,  as  prophesied in Psalm 40:6-8. “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Then I said, ‘Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.’” In verses 8-10, the Hebrew writer comments on the meaning of the Psalm as it pertains to Christ.  This serves as the grist for these thoughts. Continue reading “Another Point on Sanctification” →

Among Paul’s final exhortations to the Colossians in 4:2 he wrote, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” This reminds us of both the importance of our petitions, and the proper characteristic that should accompany them.

Vigilance is a virtue in prayer. He hears and answers our prayers in His own time. Our continued petitions and willingness to trust in Him as time passes indicates the degree of our faith. “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?” (Luke 18:7 ).

Earnest prayer pleases God. The word is tied in to the Greek word translated continue. Constant prayer should not be ritualistic or empty, it should happen due to our true conviction in its effective nature. As James said about the one who doubts, “For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:7-8).

Thanksgiving is the final consideration by Paul. This is something fathers want from their children.  It is a sign of character, not to take for granted what has been graciously supplied. In scripture, God commands it! “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

A Discussion of 1 and 2 Peter, and the things the great apostle intended to remind us about before his passing. 

• Audio
• PPTX (Right Click to SAVE)
• YouTube Video of Sermon

<<———><><———>>

A discussion of the question whether Gentiles should be allowed in the Messianic Kingdom (Acts 10, 14, 15)

• Audio
• YouTube Video of Sermon

<<———><><———>>

An examination of Ephesians 4:29 helps to explain the premise of our article. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Important concepts here are edification and grace. Edification defined is “to build up…the act of one who promotes another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, happiness.” Such efforts to edify are required by God.  Grace is defined as “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech.” Our language toward one another should be to build up, to be that which will make us better and promote loveliness and righteousness rather than strife.

This is key — this job, this obligation to one another. It is a responsibility every child of God has to strengthen his brothers or sisters. Anything violating such an effort has no place, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth.” The next time you are tempted to speak without carefully considering to how it will impact your brother, you need to refrain. God expects us to take great care in how we speak. Continue reading “(6 of 13) Strengthening Each Other” →

Paul’s great teaching on man’s redemption is encapsulated in these few verses. They are plain, though often misunderstood by the biases and twisted theologies of men.  What is affirmed?:

We have been saved by the grace of God. This is God’s love expressed by a freely given gift of salvation. The sin of man brought death upon him, and only God’s mercy can lift that burden.  His justice demanded a sacrifice and God supplied His Son.  This is a fact to which we all give assent.

Salvation is not universal.  It is granted only to those who exhibit faith in Jesus. He is the sole Messiah.  He is God’s chosen, we must not look to another.

With these two truths in hand, we know that we can’t earn our salvation. No one can boast about his standing with God because it comes despite, not because of what we have done.

God has created us to obey.  To do His good works, works that God has determined beforehand we “should walk in them” (10).

In 1 Peter 1, the apostle pronounced a benediction [devout or formal utterance of blessedness] upon God for his “abundant mercy” (3).  According to Peter, this mercy is shown by His giving spiritual life to us, and a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (3-5). Continue reading “Abundant Mercy” →

Next Saturday our meeting begins with brother Bruce Reeves of Conway, AR ~ (October 18-23). Considering this effort we examine the purpose of these scheduled events that happen in the spring and fall of each year.

You get a different voice sharing important scriptural truths from God’s word. We invite capable men whose preeminent desire and purpose is to preach the will of God, His Son, and His Spirit. Bruce Reeves will do a wonderful job and probably will reveal those truths in ways, arguments, and illustrations that you have not heard before. (Each man is unique in his presentation as he shares our common faith).

You will receive an extended opportunity to worship God through prayer and song. Each week is a spiritual feast. If you approach the week in this way you may get tired physically, but your spirit will soar with encouragement and revitalization.

You will receive an opportunity to express hospitality and fellowship to one who is preaching the message of the cross. While Bruce will benefit from this show of love and fellowship, you will be blessed even more.  As Paul said, “but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account” (Philippians 4:17).

You will receive the opportunity to share God’s words with the lost. Invite friends and family! They need the Lord’s gospel!

The principle of sanctification is examined as it pertains to the Christian’s involvement in recreational drug use.  God’s call to holiness precludes our involvement!

• Audio
• PPTX (Right Click to SAVE)
• YouTube Video of Sermon

<<———><><———>>

A Discussion of the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch, recorded in Acts 8.

• Audio
• YouTube Video of Sermon

<<———><><———>>