Category: Worship practices

Do not add to or take from God’s commands

Do not add to or take from God’s commands

 

1. In the first century

 

(a) The sect of the Pharisees added to the word of God

(b) The sect of the Sadducees took away from the word of God

(c) Jesus and His disciples simply obeyed the word of God

 

2. Today

 

(a) Modern sects/denominations also add to the word of God

(b)  Modern sects/denominations also take away from the word of God

(c) Like Jesus, we must simply obey the word of God

Conclusion

Our lesson today has been:  Do not add to or take from God’s commands

Reject all modern sects/denominations which add to or take away from the word of God!

Simply be added to and remain in the church that Jesus built

 

 

The Women are to Keep Silent in the Churches (1Cor. 14:34)

The Women are to Keep Silent in the Churches

(1Cor. 14:34)

let’s all be reminded of:

  • The vitally important role godly women play in the church!
  Rules of

Speech

 Elaboration Justification
 

Tongues

 2 or 3,

in turn,

one interprets

 no interpreter

= keep silent

 speak to himself

and God,

not church
 

Prophets

 2 or 3,

others weigh,

one by one

 revelation to

one sitting,

first keep silent

 spirits of prophets

are subject to

prophets
 

Women

 keep silent,

subjection,

as Law says

 learn by asking

men at home

 improper for

a woman to

speak in church

Paul’s 4 arguments against women speaking in church

What about women singing, etc. in church?

Universal application (not just to the church in Corinth, not just the culture of Paul’s day, not just to the time of “gifts”) – this subjection was God’s plan from the beginning!

  • The gifts of tongues and prophecy have been done away with now that “the perfect” has come (cf. 1Cor. 13:8-10) = God’s completed revelation.
  • But let’s still do all things “properly and in an orderly manner” (1Cor. 14:40) = women silent in the churches!

————————————————

This is not a matter of superiority/inferiority – but different roles God has assigned in the church!

  • The tongue-speaker/prophet of 1Cor.14:28/30 who was to “keep silent” was not “inferior” to the others!
  • Not all men can fill the role of elders in the church, but this doesn’t mean they are inferior to the men who are elders! It’s just different roles.
  • Similarly, women cannot fill speaking roles in the church, but this doesn’t mean that women are inferior to men. It’s just different roles.

Abstain From Blood Acts 15v29 (Blood transfusions are okay)

Abstain From Blood Acts 15v29 (Blood transfusions are okay)
1. History of food and blood

(i) From creation

(ii) From Noah

(iii) Under the Law of Moses

(iv) Jesus’ teaching

2. The context in Acts 15

(i) The issue

(ii) The resolution

(iii) The letter

(iv) The circulation of the letter

3. Applications today

 

Don’t Give Up Meeting Together!

Don’t Give Up Meeting Together!

Hebrews 10 verse 25

1. Commanded to meet together (v. 25a)

2. A purpose for meeting together (v. 25b)

3. A motivation for meeting together (v. 25c)

Meeting together is not only commanded, but it is important for mutual encouragement, especially as we wait for Jesus’ return.
– Let’s commit to meeting together, encouraging one another, constantly aware of the Lord’s coming.
God’s commands are not burdensome (1Jn. 5:3)!

“Deliver Such a One to Satan”

“Deliver Such a One to Satan”

The church at Corinth had a problem which they did nothing about.

Paul writes to them to tell them what to do about the situation (1Cor. 5).

Since similar situations can arise today, we should take another look at this passage

We’ve seen … “Deliver Such a One to Satan” (1Cor. 5:5)

  1. The situation at Corinth
  2. The prescribed remedy
  3. Why “deliver such a one to Satan” (1Cor. 5:5)?

(a)  It is commanded!

(b)  For the sinner’s good.

(c)  For the good of the church.

  1. A happy ending

Like Corinth, there may be a time when we have to do some “house cleaning”!

  • We hope not, of course. But if so, then let’s not shirk from our task!
  • Sin needs to be shown for what it is.
  • This is for the good of both the sinner and the church!

Hand of God Est Ch8-10 Gods Providence

Hand of God Est Ch8-10 Gods Providence

The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

Mordecai Promoted, Esther continues to intercede

Mordecai applies the Kings Authority

Mordecai honoured and the Jews rejoice

Those who live by the sword Jews Gain the Mastery

Hamans Lineage destroyed

The King Grants another Wish to His Queen

The Feast of Purim A day of Gladness and Feasting

Should Christian keep the feast of Purim?

What Feast/Memorial should we keep?

Justification – Grace, Faith & Works (“Faith alone” is false!)

Justification – Grace, Faith & Works

(“Faith alone” is false!)

1. Justified by grace, faith & works. “Faith alone” is false!
2. Does James contradict Paul? Never! (Both men were inspired – how can the Holy Spirit contradict Himself??)
3. What about baptism (in water)? Part of the obedience of faith – it is not earning salvation by works according to the inspired apostle Paul.
4. The example of Naaman the leper. Naaman had to obey in order to be healed!

An Ideal Audience

What makes an ideal audience?

Some audiences are clearly not ideal:
– Acts 13:44-45  Some are full of jealousy, or have other hidden agendas.
– And are we an ideal audience here this morning?

1. “We are all here”
2. “Present before God”
3. “To hear”
4. “All that you have been commanded by the Lord”

Conclusion
An ideal audience says,
– Acts 10:33, 24
1. Let’s all be here always (barring illness, etc.), on time, and with as many others as we can bring.
2. Let’s know that God sees all that we do and strive to please God.
3. Let’s come to listen carefully and not sleep through the message.
4. Let’s hear only the word of God and hear all of the word of God.

Note: We will also do God’s will:
– Matt. 7:24-27
And Cornelius and his friends also did God’s will:
– Acts 10:48

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Have Ceased

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Have Ceased

1. What were the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit and why were they given?

2. Why have the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased?

3. Other Scriptures showing that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased

4. There are many false claims today