An erroneous doctrine that promoted a Jewish-Christian hybrid had infiltrated the church in Galatia. There were some who were binding circumcision as a necessity for salvation. In writing to the church, Paul had to contend for the faith (cf. Jude 3) by defending his apostleship (cf. 1:6-2:21). Next he dealt more specifically with the issue. …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Galatians 3:1-9False Teachers
While defending his authority in Christ, Paul described the weapons of spiritual warfare as “mighty in God for…bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). This sermon discusses this concept and how it relates to Christians. Ppt: Taking Every Thought Captive Outline: Taking Every Thought Captive Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: Taking Every Thought CaptiveAnyone would think it absurd to turn away from a sincere, loving, and caring individual to a self-serving, manipulative, and hateful one. However, ironically Paul found the Corinthians acting thusly. Their actions were instigated by certain false teachers who claimed to be apostles themselves. The Corinthians were greatly influenced by their deception to the degree …
Continue reading Article: Paul’s Concern For All The ChurchesJude describes the false teachers as “spots in your love feasts.” He likely refers to common interaction amongst Christians due to their love for one another. This often included feasting (cf. Acts 2:46). However, we note that such feasts were forbidden in the assembly (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:17-22). These “certain men” were causing harm to …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Jude 12-15The apostle John begins his first epistle in similar fashion to his gospel, the subject being “the Word of life.” This “Word of life” “was from the beginning.” Like John’s gospel, this Word was not merely an idea or illusion, but was tangible. “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14). John, and the other apostles, had …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4Having just discussed the origin of prophecy (cf. 1:19-21), Peter introduces the topic of false teachers. Just like there were those who falsely claimed to be prophets of God, there will be those who falsely claim to be teachers of His word. These false teachers Peter warns about will crop up among the brethren. They …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-3There is nothing new about global terrorism. Terrorists have plagued the earth in the past, and will continue to do so in the future. There is a common denominator associated with the attacks that is supported by an overwhelming amount of evidence – they have been motivated by the Islamic religion. Recently, terrorists have once …
Continue reading Notable News: Call it what it is!51 years ago, a man by the name of Arthur Lampitt of Granite City, Missouri, crashed his 1963 Thunderbird into a truck. The accident broke Arthur’s hip, which turned the doctor’s attention away from his arm that was impaled by the 7-inch turn signal lever from his car. The man experienced little pain in his arm, …
Continue reading Notable News: “51 years after wreck, 7-inch car part removed from man’s arm.”Our finite minds cannot fully comprehend the concept of eternity. We must have faith in God “that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). 2 Peter 3 is examined to illustrate the importance of our remembrance of eternity. God’s delay does not mean He isn’t coming. …
Continue reading Sermon: Forgetting Eternity
“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets …
Continue reading Article: The “Doctrine of Christ” (2 John 9-11)