I had the privilege of speaking in a Gospel Meeting at the Eastside church of Christ in Morgantown, KY this past week – October 17-19, 2013. The three lessons I preached are listed below.
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October 16, 2013
Good Question
Asking questions is a good way for one to learn about the truths taught in the Bible. Even when the questioner is not seeking knowledge, but attempting to cast doubt or attack the Bible believer, questions can often provide an opportunity to teach others as the critic is answered.
The Bible contains several examples of good questions – some by those who were honestly seeking the truth, some by those who were trying to attack the truth. Examining these questions will help us to learn or be reminded of some important lessons that God has revealed to us in His word. So in this article, we will look at some of these good questions that we find in the Scriptures.
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October 10, 2013
Continue in the Grace of God
“For by grace you have been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8). The fact that salvation is by grace is one of the few points on which most – if not all – self-proclaimed Bible believing Christians will agree. But though we will all agree on the concept of salvation by grace, there is disagreement when you get below the surface.
A common misconception in the religious world is that we are saved by grace alone. Those who believe this will contend that salvation is wholly in the hands of God and that man can do nothing to impact his salvation – either to become saved or to remain saved. This doctrine of grace saving us unconditionally is completely false. Paul said, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11). But this simply means that God has made salvation available to all men by His grace. It does not mean that all will be saved. Jesus made it clear that many would go down the path that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
When Paul and Barnabas were teaching in Antioch of Pisidia, Luke recorded a summary of their message that helps present a picture for us as to what Christians need to remember with regard to God’s grace.
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September 29, 2013
Audio: Rules for Religious Discussions
It is incumbent upon Christians to be ready to teach others. Religious discussions will take place in different environments – friendly/hostile, public/private, in-person/online, etc. How do we make the best use of our opportunities to discuss the Scriptures with others? By remembering some rules for religious discussions.
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September 4, 2013
Testing God
The Hebrew writer quoted the psalmist’s description of the Israelites testing God in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:7-11; cf. Psalm 95:7-11). Testing God is directly connected to one’s faith. Immediately after mentioning the Israelites testing God, the Hebrew writer warned about the danger of “an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). He closed the chapter with a statement about the “unbelief” exhibited by those who tested God (Hebrews 3:19).
In this article, we will briefly consider three examples given in Scripture that show how one can be guilty of testing God. After noting these examples, we will also consider the severe consequences of testing God so we might learn not to do this ourselves.
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August 19, 2013
Making Wise Investments (Part 6): Faith More Precious Than Gold
The next and final lesson in our series will deal with the “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). But before we get to that, we must answer this question: How can we make it through the trials of life so that we will reach heaven? The answer to this question is that we will “obtain an inheritance…in heaven […] through faith” (1 Peter 1:4-5). Peter went on to describe the value of a proven faith.
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).
August 1, 2013
Making Wise Investments (Part 2): Buy the Truth
Our first lesson dealt with the value of the soul. Without understanding this, the other points in our study are useless. But now that we understand the value of the soul, how should we care for our soul? In this lesson, we will consider the importance of possessing the truth.
“Buy truth, and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).
