Previously, we discussed the responsibilities of church members to be three things: doctrinal fact-checkers, workers of the ministry, and a congregation with collective authority. We conclude our series this week by studying the qualifications for being a church member. Since elders and deacons are offices of leadership, Paul helpfully provided a list of qualifications for …
This sermon was originally preached in 2016. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to …
This sermon was originally preached in 2016. But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is …
The parable of the kingdom of heaven that will be our focus is the Parable of the Weeds as told by Jesus in Matthew 13:24-30. Helpfully, Jesus provides an explanation of this parable in verses 36-43 of the same chapter, so we will also give much attention to those verses. This sermon consists of two …
Continue reading The Parable of the Weeds | Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43
Having now addressed the responsibilities and qualifications for the two offices found within the church, we now turn our attention toward the entire congregation, the church members. As with elders and deacons, we will study both the responsibilities and qualifications of being a church member. Here we will focus on church members’ three big responsibilities: …
The church is terribly important in the Bible. After all, it is called the body and bride of Christ. For most men, their wife and their own body come pretty high up on their list of priorities, and I believe the Bible uses those metaphors for that very reason. Today, even many otherwise theologically sound …
Although I once gave little thought to church attendance, I now lean toward viewing serial church skipping as a sin against the congregation. If that sounds a little harsh, here are my reasons why. Consider for a moment secular organizations. No one is ever considered a part of a basketball team without having to commit …
SUGGESTED VERSES FOR MEMORIZATION & MEDITATION Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25 ESV) Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that …
In my spare time, I have recently begun to compose a membership packet for the church. Obviously, this has caused me to starting thinking deeply about the entire concept of church membership, so I decided to initiate the membership packet by answering the question of whether or not church membership is biblical (which is what …
B. C. Newton 