The Christian and Minimalism

Text: Colossians 2:8 When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he warned about human philosophy leading us away from Christ. Today, many promote the philosophy of minimalism. Some concepts in this philosophy will be appealing to many, even if they don’t embrace it in its entirety. What is minimalism? What place, if any, does it have […]

Why Was Paul Amazed at the Apostasy in Galatia?

Text: Galatians 1:6-9; Acts 13-14 Paul’s letter to the Galatians was addressed to the churches of that region – Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. These churches were established during Paul’s first preaching journey (Acts 13-14). The Christians in this region experienced a lot of opposition to the gospel, yet this was not what caused them […]

Does it Matter What We Believe?

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 Paul’s point in this passage is that we must be careful what we listen to and that we must believe only that which is true. Brethren sometimes wonder if it matters what we believe on certain doctrinal issues, since these would simply be matters of belief and not practice. Salvation is […]

Be Filled with the Spirit

Text: Ephesians 5:18 This is a Command Therefore, this does not mean that God miraculously fills us with the Spirit — we can obey this command How do we become filled with the Spirit? … By letting the word of Christ richly dwell within us (compare Ephesians 5:18-6:9 with Colossians 3:16-4:1) What is this verse […]

Doctrinal Correctness

Text: Acts 20:27 Is It Important What We Believe? NT teaches the importance of faith (Hebrews 11:6) Faith comes from the word of God (Romans 10:17) God revealed what He wants us to know (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) God’s word is true (John 17:17) — we must believe it (all of it) Should We Preach/Teach on […]

Doctrinal Purity

Text: 1 Timothy 4:16 Doctrine = teaching; Purity = unchanged/uncorrupted Does it matter what we believe? – 2 Thessalonians 2:10,12 NT examples of doctrinal impurity – 2 John 7-11; 1 Corinthians 15 Erroneous views can potentially lead to sin What if it doesn’t lead to sin? – still a matter of faith; do we believe […]

Rightly Dividing the Word

Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 The New Testament is our law today – Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 8:13 Some try and divide the New Testament Catholics – distinction between Gospels (red letters) and other books “Grace-unity” brethren – distinction between gospel and doctrine The Catholic position – John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 14:37 The “grace-unity” position – no […]