Text: 1 Corinthians 11:16-34 Churches of God (v. 16) Similar to Paul’s mention of the “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16) Can we do anything we want as long as the congregation agrees to it? … No — we’re still accountable to God/Christ Required to act by His authority (Colossians 3:17) This is why sound churches […]
March 6, 2011
The Plumb Line
Text: Amos 7:1-9 Three Warnings of Destruction Locust-swarm, vegetation destroyed — Amos protested, God changed His mind (v. 1-3) Fire, farm land destroyed — Amos protested, God changed His mind (v. 4-6) God would spare the people no longer — no protest from Amos (v. 7-9) Why did Amos not protest the final warning? … […]
May 31, 2010
Charges Brought Against Paul
Text: Acts 24:1 Paul’s example shows us how to deal with false charges and persecution The Charges Causes division (Acts 24:5) — those who depart from the truth are the ones who cause the division, not the faithful (Jude 19) Opposes the government (Acts 24:5) — Christians are to submit to the government (Romans 13:1), […]
January 26, 2010
The Progression from Sound Doctrine to False Teaching
Text: 2 Timothy 4:2-4 What is Sound Doctrine? The word we are to preach, the truth (2 Timothy 4:2-4) The gospel (1 Timothy 1:10-11) The words of Christ (1 Timothy 6:3) and the apostles (2 Timothy 1:13) All of God’s word (Acts 20:26-27), only God’s word (1 Peter 4:11), without changes (Galatians 1:6-7) What is […]
December 15, 2009
What is Truth?
Text: John 18:37-38 What is truth? It depends on our perspective. Truth can be… Comforting or Uncomfortable The word of God is intended to comfort us (1 Thessalonians 4:18) The truth is uncomfortable for some — convicts us of sin (John 16:8), exposes all of our flaws (Hebrews 4:12-13), calls us to sacrifice (Luke 9:23) […]
November 10, 2009
The Work of the Holy Spirit
Text: John 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15 Who is the Holy Spirit? Not some mystical force or influence He is a person – Jesus used He, not it to refer to the Spirit (14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7,8,13,14,15) Who is Jesus Talking To? – The Apostles What Would the Holy Spirit Do? Provide help/comfort (14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7) — How? […]
October 12, 2009
More Righteous than the Religious
Text: Matthew 5:20 The scribes and Pharisees were the religious leaders of the day. Yet Jesus said our righteousness must surpass theirs to enter heaven. We must do more than fit in with those that the world recognizes as religious. We follow a higher standard. Murder (Matthew 5:21-24) Generally understood: Murder is wrong, those who […]
