authority Archives - Page 7 of 23 - Plain Bible Teaching

Andy Sochor February 1, 2017

Christ’s Plan for His Church

In writing to the brethren in Ephesus, Paul explained that “the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church” (Ephesians 3:10). But when did the Lord decide that He would do this?

Some believe that Jesus “failed” to establish His kingdom when He came to earth so He established the church in its place until He returns a second time and will then set up His kingdom. However, the church was not established as an afterthought. It was not a backup plan. In fact, Jesus indicated that the church and the kingdom were the same, as He used the terms interchangeably (Matthew 16:18-19). Paul said that the Lord’s plan to make known God’s wisdom through the church was “in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:11).

Elsewhere in this letter, Paul described the church as the body and the bride of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23-24). This means that the church belongs to Him and is directed by Him. So what is Christ’s plan for His church? Let us consider a few points.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: authority, church, Jesus, salvation, word of God

Andy Sochor January 18, 2017

Progressivism

“My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those who are given to change” (Proverbs 24:21).

The wise man warned about those who are “given to change.” These are ones who want change for the sake of change. Sometimes change is good and necessary, but other times it is not. However, change is inherently part of progressivism – the idea that we must continue to move forward and not remain as or where we were. In this article, we are going to discuss progressivism in religion – what it is and why it is dangerous.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: apostasy, authority, error, fellowship, growth, love, progressivism, salvation, sin, tolerance, tradition, word of God

Andy Sochor December 14, 2016

Why We Do What We Do in Worship

As Christians, we have an obligation to “do all in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17). This means to do things by His authority (cf. Matthew 7:21-23). When it comes to the worship of the church, abiding by what has been authorized in God’s word means we will do those things that we can read about in the New Testament.

So what did the churches in the first century do when they assembled together to worship the Lord? There are five “acts” we can read about in the New Testament:
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: authority, giving, instrumental music, Lord's Supper, prayer, preaching, singing, worship

Andy Sochor October 24, 2016

Sermon on the Mount (Part 6): A Different Life

In this sixth and final lesson, we are going to look at how the life of a disciple is a different life. Our lives are filled with choices that we need to make. These choices reflect who we are. As Jesus’ disciples, we are to make choices in line with His will. This will invariably make us different from the world. In the end, these choices come down to deciding between what is right and what is wrong. We must be different by choosing what is right. Furthermore, we must be willing to be different for the sake of what is right.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: SERIES: Sermon on the Mount Tagged With: authority, faith, obedience, teaching, truth, works

Andy Sochor October 5, 2016

The Vanity of Our Efforts Without God

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep” (Psalm 127:1-2).

The psalm was written by Solomon – king of Israel and builder of the temple. He understood the need to rely upon God in building God’s house, in protecting the city, and in his labor.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: authority, church, elders, good works, gospel, pattern, preaching

Andy Sochor August 9, 2016

The Sin of Nadab and Abihu (Season 3, Episode 3)

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | RSS

The Sin of Nadab and Abihu (Season 3, Episode 3)

Chapters 6-10 in Leviticus focus on the priests. This section begins by describing the role of the priests in each of the five offerings. After that, we have the first of two events recorded in the book – the consecration of Aaron and his sons, followed by sacrifices and then the sin of Nadab and Abihu. In this episode, we will focus on the sin of Nadab and Abihu and what lessons we can learn from it.

If you found this episode to be useful, please share it with others. Also, if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a rating on iTunes or Stitcher. This also helps others hear about the podcast. Thanks.

Tagged With: authority, sin Leave a Comment

Andy Sochor June 7, 2016

Lessons from the Melodeon at Midway (Season 2, Episode 7)

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | RSS

Lessons from the Melodeon at Midway (Season 2, Episode 7)

One of the most significant events of the Restoration Movement was the introduction of a melodeon in the assembly of the church in Midway, Kentucky. According to L.L. Pinkerton, the preacher at Midway, this was the first time an instrument had been successfully introduced among those of the Restoration Movement. So how did the melodeon find its way into the worship of the church in Midway? It certainly did not happen overnight. If we can learn the lessons from this event, then hopefully we will be prepared to guard ourselves against potential apostasies today. So in this episode, we’re going to consider three lessons from the melodeon at Midway.