PM Scripture Reading: James 1.21-25 Brent T. Willey IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST “LEGALISTIC”? Introduction: We are often accused of being “legalistic,” largely because of our views on baptism, the Lord’s Supper & instrumental music. Do these insistent beliefs make us “legalists”? WHAT IS LEGALISM? “Strict, literal, (often too strict) or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code” (Webster). Does the Bible deal with the problem of legalism? Yes! Jesus: Matt. 15.1-9 Paul: Col. 2.20-23 Judaizers: Acts 15.5, 24; cf., Rom. 14.10-14; Titus 3.9-11 “LEGALISM” versus “LAW KEEPING” Obedience to God’s law is demanded! Jesus: […]

AM Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6.16-19 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey The Fallacy of “Unconditional Love” Introduction: It is often stated that “God hates sin but loves sinners” – often followed by, “God loves us unconditionally!” If God didn’t love sinners, He would love no one, “for all have sinned…” (Rom. 3.23). God’s love is undeniable. (Rom. 5.6-8) However, the two Greek words for “love” (agapao & phileo) do not inherently infer a lack of conditions. In His love for humanity indeed God sent His Son, but His love does not negate conditions. (John 3.16-21) Even though God loves sinners, […]

AM Scripture Reading: Luke 13.22-27 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THE NARROW WORDS OF JESUS Luke 13.22-27 Introduction: Jesus called people to discipleship, but His call was always a call to action, for immediate and continued obedience, for total commitment & consecration. Jesus responded to the question, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” by saying, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able ” (Luke 13.23-24). The restrictive response has nothing to do with “limited atonement,” but it has to do with the unwillingness […]

AM Scripture Reading: Daniel 5.22-31 This Morning’s Speaker:                 Brent T. Willey “WEIGHED IN THE BALANCES!” Daniel 5.27 Introduction: The word Mozendescribes the action of something being weighed: literally, “a pair of scales,” used in the dual sense. “Honest scales” (Lev. 19.36; Prov. 11.1) God uses honest scales! (Job 31.6; Prov. 16.11) The Aramaic form of mozen is found in Daniel 5.27. We too are “weighed in the balances,” and this “balance” has two sides that are necessary for procuring our salvation! I. THE BALANCE OF SALVATION Divine Side of Salvation: Grace! (Titus […]