Sermons and Biblical Studies

Chestnut Street Church belonged to the Presbyterian Church North, which, a traveler from another planet might be shocked to learn, means this: that years after the Civil War had been lost and won, and Grant had clicked his heels and handed back to Lee his officer’s sword as a generous gesture toward a gallant but … Continue reading “CHURCH:
CONFLICT”

Often enough we have been warned that the morality of any nation or civilization will follow its concepts of God. A parallel truth is less often heard: When a church begins to think impurely and inadequately about God, decline sets in. We must think nobly and speak worthily of God. Our God is sovereign. We … Continue reading “CHURCH:
CONCEPT OF GOD; WORSHIP: ADORATION”

Always the most revealing thing about the Church is her idea of God, just as her most significant message is what she says about Him or leaves unsaid, for her silence is often more eloquent than her speech. She can never escape the self-disclosure of her witness concerning God.… So necessary to the Church is … Continue reading “CHURCH:
CONCEPT OF GOD”

It is too bad that anything so obvious should need to be said at this late date, but from all appearances, we Christians have about forgotten the lesson so carefully taught by Paul: God’s servants are not to be competitors, but co-workers. In any religious work there are two interests, either of which may be … Continue reading “CHURCH:
COMPETITION; SELFISHNESS; BODY OF CHRIST”

Throughout the New Testament after Pentecost one marked characteristic of all Christian meetings was the believers’ preoccupation with their risen Lord. Even the first Church Council (which might be called a “business” meeting if such a thing really existed in Bible times) was conducted in an atmosphere of great dignity and deep reverence. They talked … Continue reading “CHURCH:
BUSINESS MEETINGS”

Without Biblical authority, or any other right under the sun, carnal religious leaders have introduced a host of attractions that serve no purpose except to provide entertainment for the retarded saints. It is now common practice in most evangelical churches to offer the people, especially the young people, a maximum of entertainment and a minimum … Continue reading “CHURCH:
BOREDOM; CHURCH: ENTERTAINMENT”

What church board consults our Lord’s words to decide matters under discussion? Let anyone reading this who has had experience on a church board try to recall the times or time when any board member read from the Scriptures to make a point, or when any chairman suggested that the brethren should see what instructions … Continue reading “CHURCH:
AUTHORITY; BOARDS: LACK OF DEPENDENCE ON GOD”

The present position of Christ in the gospel churches may be likened to that of a king in a limited, constitutional monarchy. The king (sometimes depersonalized by the term “the Crown”) is in such a country no more than a traditional rallying point, a pleasant symbol of unity and loyalty much like a flag or … Continue reading “CHURCH:
AUTHORITY”

In our churches we have fairly well programmed ourselves into deadness and apathy. Think of this woman running to testify the good news brimming over in her soul. If someone had halted her by grasping her garment as she ran and had said, “Sister, we are glad to see the new light in your face … Continue reading “CHURCH:
APATHY; EVANGELISM: URGENCY OF”

There are Christians who grow up and have no relish for anything spiritually advanced. They’re preoccupied with their first lessons. The average church is a school with only one grade and that is the first one. These Christians never expect to get beyond that and they don’t want to hear a man very long who … Continue reading “CHURCH:
APATHY; CURRENT CONDITIONS: SHALLOWNESS; SPIRITUAL GROWTH”