“ Important, Practical Series of Messages ” This message and series strikes against the growing acceptance of what is called "cremation" among society and even Christians and the implications of it. Faith and true beliefs are seen in what is practiced, not merely professed. The ideas of a disposable body life and an amoral economic efficiency has increased in this "live for now" society and is further evidence of national decline and apostasy, which is seldom stood against by Christian churches. The practice of Incineration ("cremation") as acceptable "burial" would be a shock to American christians just 100 years ago. It should be abhorred and resisted even among unbelievers as an awful dishonor to their deceased family members.
“ Crosses vs. True Christianity! ” The preacher expounds the correct interpretation and application of what Paul meant by "the cross" versus the outward icons improperly displayed by modern Christianity in America. Historically the displaying of icons and crosses (decorations and idolatry) has always been the mark of apostasy (e.g. Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Coptic Christianity, etc.) and spiritual deterioration of nations and societies which employed superstitious displays of crosses (feigning Christianity) instead of true repentance and conversion. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things *not seen*". Icons are a replacement for true faith and obedience to Christ and misinterpret passages like this.
“ Excellent Sermon! ” Thank you Elder Thomas for an excellent sermon.
Our born again Christ like spirit, truly does cause us to abhor sin.
In ourselves as well as in others.
Praise the Lord for your zeal for His Word and truth,and for sharing with your fellow believers.
Praise the Lord for His faithful pruning and chastening through His Spirit, as we continue to grow in His Love.
Many blessings to you and all the brethren, in the body of Christ our Creator,Lord and God.
“ Controversy about Subjection/Taxes ” There is confusion in Christianity about what constitutes "lawful authority" versus arbitrary authority, which by definition is tyranny. Mordecai refused to bow to Haman who was appointed by the King (see Esther), and is not condemned but justified in scripture for his apparent "disrespect" which made Haman very angry.
Historically, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin’s proposed national motto in 1776, “Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God,” from Acts chapters four and five, or to Matthew Henry’s commentary on John 19:15. Patrick Henry principled upon scripture in his "give me liberty" speech in defiance of the Stamp Act Tax. Unjust taxation and abuse of authority must rightly be resisted. Baptists have a history of resisting tyranny.
Jesus rebuked Peter for promising to pay the "tribute" and required him to go fish to pay for it (i.e. fish with gold coin in mouth).
Church imposed "tithes" (taxes) must also be resisted, which pertained only to Israel as a holy State government.
“ Challenges both Church and State ” Proves the modern "conservative churches" are liberal and PC-driven, denying the authority of scripture as much as the secular state. This is an awakening message, calling attention of the true condition of churches and government in the U.S.. Southern Baptists are criticized justly. Warns against Libertarianism and Statism as well as humanist Democratic philosophy versus God's moral laws and standards of "good" and "evil". God is unchanging. There is either theonomy or autonomy (arbitrary law) for moral standards.
“ Excellent, Relevant Sermon! ” Must hear this in its entirety. Refutes arbitrary and unjust preventive wars, refutes modern notions about Israel (and supporting its wars), condemns scorched earth policy, etc.. American Christianity while condemning abortion justly is guilty of the greatest hypocrisy of advocating unjust wars (i.e. murder), "Crusades" under pretenses of "war on terrorism" into Islamic nations or "making the world safe for democracy" (Wilson, FDR), and reaching back to the so-called Civil War. AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY WHICH SUPPORTS REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES IN PARTICULAR WHO ADVOCATE UNJUST OFFENSIVE WARS MUST BE REBUKED AND CORRECTED BY HEARING THIS SERMON. This will be politically-incorrect because it speaks plainly about America's sins of unjust wars instead of the hypocrisy of claiming "American exceptionalism" as a cloak for unrighteousness. The Law of God is still God's standard for righteousness contrary to both pacificism and unjust aggression. (Some disagreement with eschatology).
“ Needful and Relevant Sermon! ” This is a very good sermon that helps define the Commandment of God, refuting pacifism and passive self-murder on one hand and arbitrary or aggressive wars, personal revenge, arbitrary killing, or ruthlessness on the other. Very balanced sermon that also shows mistakes common about the Law in general, which is defended (not refuted) by Christ's gospel as God's standard of righteousness. One objection could be made in reference to Abraham and 'vigilantism' toward end. Abraham was acting as Father, Chief Magistrate, Lord, and Ruler of his tribal nation (God's appointment), and nephew Lot was in the government (seated in gates, Mayor?) of Sodom, thus an alliance (despite Sodom's wickedness) between governments by kinship and 'just war' to rectify and rescue their entire nation for Lot's sake *from an axis of evil kings bent on imperialism*. This also brought the praise of Melchizadek to Abraham, all very different from vigilantism's true definition, i.e. acting as if no laws exist.
“ Excellent Sermon: True Assurance vs. Presumption! ” This is an excellent, clear, and relevant message for today and refutes much of the errors of modern Christianity! This young pastor makes clear and distinguishes between true assurance of salvation for true believers and dangerous presumption of nominal Christians so prevalent today. This message does not take any detours or attempts to ear-tickle listeners with entertaining illustrations or quotations, but simply a thorough exposition of 1 John within its full context and comparing scripture with scripture. THIS IS TRUE TEACHING THAT CONTRADICTS ALL FALSE CHRISTIANITY, INCLUDING MODERN EVANGELICALISM (EASY BELIEVISM), CATHOLICISM (WORKS SALVATION), AND NEW CALVINISM FALSE'S TEACHING OF "GOSPEL SANCTIFICATION" AND "GOSPEL CONTEMPLATION" THAT IS CONTRARY TO JOHN'S TEACHING OF OBEDIENCE TOWARD GOD'S COMMANDMENTS (REVEALED IN THE LAW) THAT PROVES SANCTIFICATION AND INCREASES ASSURANCE OF A TRUE FAITH.
“ Important Message! ” The preacher here thrusts the sword of the word of God into the heart of political-correctness in this message, including taking to task the modern "sissified church"! It is only a false love that tolerates evil. True love absolutely hates evil ("for love rejoices NOT in unrighteousness" 1 Cor. 13). This is one of the differentiating marks of a true church and true Christian versus nominal Christianity. And this is a practical sermon.
David wrote in his Psalm, "Hate evil, you who love the Lord".
"Sympathy with sin is conspiracy with crime"--C. H. Spurgeon
“ Powerful, Needed Message! ” This is a very comprehensive sermon that expounds historically and scripturally the subject's importance and the preacher spares nothing in regard to today's Christianity as well as the depravity of America today. He also goes after the heretical philosophy that has crept in to the church about a false and absolute 'equality' (egalitarianism) which has undermined God's proper and delegated authority through parents. It is a high crime in scripture to be disobedient to parents which is "worthy of death", as he expounds.
“ A good sermon. ” Thank and praise God for a good sermon expounding Psalm 10. Your sermon has helped me to understand, appreciate the Psalm as one that teaches the judgment of God upon the wicked and the oppressor.
“ A sermon that is greatly needed, Seldom heard! ” Here is a message that I personally enjoyed, as it gets down to where the true believer has his struggles. Pastor Floyd evidently knows something of spiritual warfare, defeats and conquests, for he presents the life of faith most clearly here.
A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MESSAGE. Take the time, and may God meet with you in the hearing of His dear messenger!
“ Great Sermon! ” As I sit there while Bro. Glenn was preaching this sermon, I cried thinking oh my what have I done to my Lord. He was the sacrifice for me. He knew the meaning of sacrifice.
“ Great Sermon! ” Wonderful message, Brother Thomas. I appreciated hearing scripturally how biblical taxation should work and how the Civil Magistrate should function. Your family and PBC are always in our prayers!
12/9/12 7:22 PM
