Sermons and Biblical Studies

Does It Matter What Others Think? June 20, 2001 The answer is not simple. Some Biblical texts seem to say no. Others, yes. For example, Jesus warned us: "Woe to you when all men speak well of you" (Luk_6:26). And his own enemies saw in him an indifference to what others thought: "Teacher, we know … Continue reading “20 DOES IT MATTER WHAT OTHERS THINK?”

The Value of Learning History A Lesson From Jude November 27, 2000 The little letter of Jude teaches us something about the value of learning history. This is not the main point of the letter. But it is striking. In this next-to-last book of the Bible, Jude writes to encourage the saints to "contend earnestly … Continue reading “19 THE VALUE OF LEARNING HISTORY”

Why God Wills Work September 4, 1983 1Th_4:9-12 The most fruitful question that I asked in preparing for this message is: How does a human being differ from a beaver? I was trying to get at the essence of what work is. Because what I want to do this morning is to help us see … Continue reading “18 WHY GOD WILLS WORK”

Talitha, the Person Who Is Adopted Thoughts about Racial Harmony and Sanctity of Life January 20, 2000 Our daughter, Talitha, is a human being. Only one thing greater could be said of her. I pray daily that it will be said, namely, that she is reconciled to God through Christ. That is one truth. Talitha … Continue reading “17 TALITHA, THE PERSON WHO IS ADOPTED”

Walk Worthy of God? February 9, 1999 The Greek adverb, aksiws, is translated "worthy of" in all six of its New Testament uses in the NASB. Five of those uses refer to our acting "worthy of God" or the gospel or our heavenly calling. What does this mean? Does it mean that we are to … Continue reading “16 WALK WORTHY OF GOD?”

The Ethics of Ayn Rand Appreciation and Critique Summer, 1979 The following essay is now dated in certain ways. Ayn Rand died March 6, 1982. There are numerous works about her that have appeared since I wrote this in 1979, including James T. Baker's Ayn Rand (1987); and Barbara Branden's, The Passion of Ayn Rand … Continue reading “15 THE ETHICS OF AYN RAND”

Challenging Church and Culture with Truth January 21, 1996 Our mission and Spiritual Dynamic declare that the all-satisfying supremacy of God shines most brightly through sacrificial deeds of joyful love. The cry of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of our people is for a fresh, decisive emphasis on relationships of Love. Therefore we eagerly … Continue reading “14 CHALLENGING CHURCH AND CULTURE WITH TRUTH”

How Aliens Keep the Identity of Their Homeland September 19, 1993 1Pe_1:1-2; 1Pe_4:7-10 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may … Continue reading “13 HOW ALIENS KEEP THE IDENTITY OF THEIR HOMELAND”

The Mission and Vision of Bethlehem Baptist Church: Volume Eleven Good News to the Poor Unpacking the Master Planning Team Document Unfolding Fresh Initiative Five December 10, 1995 Gal_2:9-10 Fresh Initiative 5.Good news to the poor. We will develop new strategies for proclaiming the all-satisfying supremacy of God's love and justice to the poor through … Continue reading “12 MISSION/VISION OF BETHLEHEM BAPTIST VOLUME 11”

The Mission and Vision of Bethlehem Baptist Church Volume Nine Urban-Suburban Partnership Unpacking the Master Planning Team Document Unfolding Fresh Initiative Two November 26, 1995 Col_3:8-17 Our mission and Spiritual Dynamic declare that the all-satisfying supremacy of God shines most brightly through sacrificial deeds of joyful love. The cry of the Holy Spirit in the … Continue reading “11 MISSION/VISION OF BETHLEHEM BAPTIST VOLUME NINE”