There is a vacancy within every man. A cavernous and frigid darkness once occupied with the Presence essential for life, yet emptied by free-will. A creation seen as good, dwelling with the Good, turned to the antithesis, betrayed by one “more cunning than any” (Genesis 3:1). He boasts liberty and offers pleasure while the reservation …
Continue reading Article: What should I speak?In the month of December, 2015 the Elm Street church of Christ will meet on the 2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 27th, and 30th. What about the 25th? The 25th falls on a Friday, a day we do not normally meet, for we gather on Sundays as we have authorized examples (cf. Acts …
Continue reading The Patternists: Violations of the Pattern: Observing Special Religious HolidaysGod demands that we only do and say the things authorized by Him. How do we determine – using scripture – what is authorized and what is unauthorized? This sermon seeks to answer such a question. Ppt: Considering Bible Authority Outline: Considering Bible Authority Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: Considering Bible AuthorityThe Lord’s church has continually been indicted with the “evil” of conservatism by those in the world. “Your church is too traditional” they might say. Conservative, to the world, carries with it mundanity. It is interesting that the antipathy the modern religious world has for traditional values does not see the inherent negativity in their …
Continue reading Article: Inherently Negative LiberalismWhen the Lord appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, He told Saul it was “hard for [him] to kick against the goads.” This is imagery of a rebellion against lawful, and therefore rightful authority. When Saul resisted the authority of Christ, he hurt himself in doing so. Ppt: It is …
Continue reading Sermon: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads”The “Faith Only” doctrine is very popular. However, it is not scriptural. This lesson speaks about the action of faith using examples from Hebrews 11, and ending with our command to be baptized – “buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who …
Continue reading Sermon: Faith in the Working of GodPaul begins his letter to Titus with a needed explanation. The defense of his apostleship is seen in various places throughout scripture. “As…one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8) his apostleship was questioned by some. However, Titus was aware of the legitimacy of his office, for Paul described him as “a true son …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Titus 1:1-4The scripture reveals that God hardened the heart of Pharaoh to fulfill His plan in the Exodus. The Calvinists use this as one of their many proofs of predestination. They teach that by the fore-ordination of God, individuals are either the elect to salvation, or eternally reprobate. This false doctrine is refuted, and the concept …
Continue reading Sermon: He Hardened His HeartPaul described the church as “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). This sermon discusses the concept of the church serving God in this capacity. Ppt: The Pillar and Ground of the Truth Outline: The Pillar and Ground of the Truth Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: The Pillar and Ground of the TruthIt is encouraging to see younger generations develop a zeal for God and His word. It is paramount with regard to the future of the church. We do not want to make the same mistake Israel made – “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did …
Continue reading Article: Are you sure you love the gospel, or do you love a philosophy?