Believing Prayer

In the very biblical mode of prayer where we approach our Holy God, here is a prayer that emulates just how Christ taught us to pray.  It is thankful, hopeful, content, joyful, doctrinal and edifying to all!

http://believingprayer.com/you-are-god/

The Imitation and Fragrance of Christ

Ephesians

Paul’s Greatest Church Planting Success

 6 March 2018

Archdale church of Christ – Russ McCullough

Lesson # 11 – Ephesians 4.29 – 5.3

1.     How much corrupting talk may come out of the churches mouth?

2.     Per Thayer, “Corrupt” is defined as…”R_____________, P_______________, U___________ for use, W_______________.”

a.      Luke 6.43 ________________________________________

b.     Matthew 12.33 ____________________________________

3.     In this passage, what word does Paul use to contrast with corrupt?

4.     What two things take place when this opposite talk takes place?

5.     What deadly serious effect comes about when Christians use corrupt talk?

6.     “Grieve” means to cause: “…D______________, H______________ & S_________________.”  (per Thayer)

7.     How many other times is this word used in the NT?

8.     The Holy Spirit acts as a S_______ of our redemption.

9.     “Sealed” is us most in the book of R______________, appearing ____ times.

10.  What 6 things must all be eliminated from among us?

11. What is the significance of the number of these things?

12. What now comes into contrast with these things?

13. What is the significance of number of these things?

14. The elimination of corruptness and it’s replacement by good things is predicated upon what?

15. Ultimately, why must we forgive others?

16. In 5.1, why is the “therefore” there for?

17. What is the direct result of our adoption as children?

18. This direct result is also illustrated here?

19. When we eliminate C________________, embrace G_______________, P_____ A_________ six forms of death, F____________ as does God, I_____________ Him, and L__________ as did Christ, it is to God as a F____________ O_______________, a S____________ to God.

ANSWER GRID:

1.     How much corrupting talk may come out of the churches mouth?

None

2.     Per Thayer, “Corrupt” is defined as…”R_____________, P_______________, U___________ for use, W_______________.”

a.      Luke 6.43 ________________________________________

b.     Matthew 12.33 ____________________________________

Revolting, Putrefied, Unsuitable, Worthless, Both passages refer to that which is dead, totally unusable, and ready for destruction

3.     In this passage, what word does Paul use to contrast with corrupt?

Good

4.     What two things take place when this opposite talk takes place?

The building up (edification) and Grace to those who hear

5.     What deadly serious effect comes about when Christians use corrupt talk?

6.     “Grieve” means to cause: “…D______________, H______________ & S_________________.”  (per Thayer)

Distress, Heaviness, Sorrow

7.     How many other times is this word used in the NT?

None

8.     The Holy Spirit acts as a S_______ of our redemption.

Seal

9.     “Sealed” is us most in the book of R______________, appearing ____ times.

Revelation, 16

10.  What 6 things must all be eliminated from among us?

ALL bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice

11. What is the significance of the number of these things?

Six in biblical numerology always refers to man and his incompleteness before God

12. What now comes into contrast with these things?

Kindness, tenderheartedness, forgiveness

13. What is the significance of number of these things?

Three in biblical numerology refers to our triune God and His completeness

14. The elimination of corruptness and its replacement by good things is predicated upon what?

Imitators of God as beloved children

15. Ultimately, why must we forgive others?

Because Christ first forgave us of everything

16. In 5.1, why is the “therefore” there for?

To describe our walk

17. What is the direct result of our adoption as children?

Our walk in love

18. This direct result is also illustrated here?

To love each other and give each other to each other as did Christ before us

19. When we eliminate C________________, embrace G_______________, P_____ A_________ six forms of death, F____________ as does God, I_____________ Him, and L__________ as did Christ, it is to God as a F____________ O_______________, a S____________ to God.

Corruption, Grace, Put Away, Forgive, Imitate, Love, Fragrant Offering, Sacrifice

Boldness, Access, and Confidence Through the Faith of Christ

Lord's Day morning worship service sermon OUTLINE - 11 February 2018, Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210.  Your speaker is Russ McCullough.  The ACOC is a congregation of the undenominational church of Christ found exclusively in the New Testament.  "We preach Christ and Him crucified."  You will find presented "100% Organic Christianity - Nothing added, nothing deleted, nothing artificial."  Worship services are held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Lord's Day.  We also meet for Bible study at 9 a.m. on Lord's Day and at 7 p.m. Wednesday evenings.  YOU are always welcome!

LISTEN! to this entire sermon on: SOUNDCLOUD:

https://soundcloud.com/archdale-church-of-christ/sermon-am-021118-ephesians-312-boldness-access-and-confidence-acoc-russ-mccullough

“The Faith of Christ Gives Boldness, Access, and Confidence”

“From Ulster Plantation to the Carolina’s with the Gospel!” *

Russell H. McCullough / Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210

www.archdale.org / gospelcall.blogspot.com - Date: 11 February 2018  

Text: Ephesians 3.7 - 12

Thesis: It’s not the power of our human faith but the Holy and Righteous faith of Christ in which we have DARING boldness, A DOOR of access, and DETERMINENT confidence!

Introduction – Today, many American theologians focus on the faith, or lack thereof, of individuals.  It is an ego centric rather than a God centric approach.  Man has the power if he just has enough faith to say the right words to God who then will be obligated to do the will of what man desires.  We call this the Word of Faith movement.  Kenneth and Gloria Copeland are two of the more prominent leaders of this movement.  Recently she said this regarding the flu:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=gloria+copeland+video+of+the+flu&view=detail&mid=D7F03A161609C458FA24D7F03A161609C458FA24&FORM=VIRE

Quote from Gloria Copeland as reported by Anna Sheffer on February 6, 2018 @ 10:45 a.m. per her blog; “Hello Giggles”

Thankfully, none of us has to rely on our faith, our imagination, or our own “power of positive thinking” for salvation for no man could ever have such faith…but Jesus Christ DOES have a PERFECT faith! 

For He, as John Gill once said, is “both the author and object of our faith.”

The key verse in this passage is vs. 12: “in whom we are having the boldness and the access in confidence through the faith of Him.” – Literal Greek to English translation from the Textus Receptus

Today, let’s look at the 3 blessings we have which Paul describes as “through the faith of Him.”:

·       DARING or “boldness” of faith in Christ

·       DOOR or “access” to God Himself through Christ

·       DETERMINATION or “confidence” in the faith of Christ

I Our Faith in Christ is DARING

a.   Boldness is directly connected to Jesus – Acts 4.13

b.   Boldness is one thing for which we must pray – Acts 4.23 – 31

c.   Example of the Boldness of George Washington at Princeton on January 2 and 3, 1777.

d.   Video clip on Boldness from Mt. Vernon historian, Rick Atkinson:

https://vimeo.com/152296577

II Our Faith in Christ gives us ACCESS to God Himself through prayer

a.   By one Spirit unto the Father – Ephesians 2.18

b.   I John 1.9 – 10

c.   Psalms 80.3 – 7

1.   The Congregation stands:

III Our Faith in Christ gives us CONFIDENCE

a.   All confidence comes from God – Psalms 65.5

b.   Confidence is a “refuge, a secure place, a fortress”

c.   Proverbs 3.26

d.   Proverbs 14.26

CONCLUSION:  Through Christ we have faith to be BOLD, to have ACCESS and to be CONFIDENT.

The Meaning of the Text in It’s Theological, Historical & Cultural Context: 

The power of God’s Will is not in our power but in the power of Christ whose faith was perfect and blazed a trail for each of our weak souls.

The Challenge of the Text for Christians Today:  In our weakness we find the power of Christ and in His power, we find faith.  With God everything is possible but with man, nothing at all is ever possible.

“The Gospel Call” – “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” = Acts 2.38

·         My fifth great uncle was Hugh Gaston who was rector at the Ballywillan Presbyterian Church (pictured above left) in County Antrim, Ulster Plantation (Northern Ireland) and wrote the most dangerous book of his time; Gaston’s Collections.  It allowed “the ploughman to know more Bible than his clergyman.”  Hugh fled to South Carolina where he died prematurely of the measles.  He is buried just one hour south of Charlotte in Chester County, S.C. in “Burnt Meeting House Cemetery.”   Uncle Hugh continues to inspire my ministry to this very day.  You can read more about Uncle Hugh here: http://www.ballywillanpci.org/rev-hugh-gaston

Ruins photo courtesy of: ballywillanpci.org.

1984 - Shall I be Connected or Disconnected?

LISTEN! right now on SOUNDCLOUD!

https://soundcloud.com/archdale-church-of-christ/sermon-pm-020418-1984-romans-831-acoc-russ-mccullough

One can go to hell by oneself but Heaven is a group destination!  It's "if God is for us, who can be against us?" ...NOT...  "if God is for me, who can be against me?"

The Character of Mary

LISTEN! to "The Character of Mary" on SOUNDCLOUD!

https://soundcloud.com/archdale-church-of-christ/sunday-morning-012818-luke-1-acoc-the-character-of-mary-russ-mcculloughj

“The Character of Mary”

“From Ulster Plantation to the Carolina’s with the Gospel!” *

Text: 

Luke 1.26 - 28

Thesis: Mary, though a sinner, has many Godly character qualities we would do well to emulate AND her character was not sufficient for her own salvation.

Introduction:

1.      My Mother once told me to “have character, don’t be one.”

2.    The Oxford Dictionary defines character as those “mental and moral qualities that define an individual.”

3.     Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines character as; “a mark by cutting or engraving, as on stone, metal, or other hard material...”   “A mark or figure made by stamping or impression, as on coins...”   “The peculiar qualities that distinguish (one person) from others.”

4.    Share quotes 1 through 5

5.     Did Mary’s good character make her favorable?

6.    Does my good character make me favorable?

Lawful

              Moral

                           Troubled

                                                Discerning

                                                                     Fearful

(“endued with Grace”) Ephesians 2.5, 8, 14 -18         FAVORABLE

                                                                     Great

                                                Son of God

                           Reign on David’s Throne

              Reign over Jacob forever

Eternal Kingdom

CONCLUSION:  

·       We find the Grace of God the same way Mary did – Concession, surrender, submission, obedience, contrition, and brokenness.

·       All the good character of all the good people of all time is not sufficient to warrant out salvation.

The Meaning of the Text in It’s Theological, Historical & Cultural Context: Favor, Grace, and Obedience CANNOT be separated!

The Challenge of the Text for Christians Today – “The question is not; “Do I know Jesus?”  The question is; “Does JESUS know me?”  

The question right now

The question when you pull out of the parking lot

The question at 5:30 this evening

The question tonight at bedtime

The question when you get up in the morning

The question when you clock in to work in the morning

The question when you clock out tomorrow evening

The question every day and in every circumstance

Write it on your mirror in your bathroom; “Does Jesus know me?”

Finding grace is not the same as surrendering to grace.  The Rich Young Ruler found grace and he walked away from grace.

“The Gospel Call”

Find favor,

be endued with Grace,

obey the Gospel! 

Whatever you do today, DON’T walk away from God’s Favor.

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!”

·         My fifth great uncle was Hugh Gaston who was rector at the Ballywillan Presbyterian Church (pictured above left) in County Antrim, Ulster Plantation (Northern Ireland) and wrote the most dangerous book of his time; Gaston’s Collections.  It allowed “the ploughman to know more Bible than his clergyman.”  Hugh fled to South Carolina where he died prematurely of the measles.  He is buried just one hour south of Charlotte in Chester County, S.C. in “Burnt Meeting House Cemetery.”   Uncle Hugh continues to inspire my ministry to this very day.  You can read more about Uncle Hugh here: http://www.ballywillanpci.org/rev-hugh-gaston

Ruins photo courtesy of: ballywillanpci.org.

Russell H. McCullough / Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210

www.archdale.org 

gospelcall.blogspot.com - 

Date:  28 January 2018

The Purpose of God - Ephesians 1.10 - 14 - 10 January 2018

LISTEN! to a short summary of this class on SOUNDCLOUD!  https://soundcloud.com/archdale-church-of-christ/ephesians-110-14-10-january-2018-voice-180110

Ephesians

Paul’s Greatest Church Planting Success

 10 January 2018

Archdale church of Christ – Russ McCullough

Lesson #3 – Ephesians 1.11 - 14

1.     In whom do we receive what?

2.     Is predestination spoken here in the singular or the plural?

3.     This is according to whose purpose?

4.     Who is doing the work here?

5.     How is the truth conveyed?

6.     The gospel is linked to what?

7.     With what are we sealed?

8.     When and how are we thus sealed?

9.     This seal is also what regarding our inheritance?

10. Before we go further, just what is the PURPOSE God?

11.  The word translated “purpose” in Ephesians 1.11 is from the Greek word “P_______________” which according to Strong’s means; “A setting F____________, P_______________, I________________  (specifically the S___________________) as E______________ before God.”

12.  According to Thayer’s, the word “purpose” / P_______________ means; 1) “A setting F_________ of a thing, placing it in V____________, the S____________________; _____ Loaves of W________________ bread, corresponding to the _____ tribes of Israel, which loaves were O_____________ to God every S________________, and separated into ______ rows, lay for ______ days upon a table placed in the S_________________ or F____________  portion of the T______________ and afterwards of the T___________.  2) A P______________.”

13.  “P________________” is translated ________ times in the NT as “P_______________” and __________ times as “S_________________.”

a.      Romans 8.28 – 30 ____________________________________

1)    “Purpose” here is associated with F________________

2)    “Firstborn” is associated with “F_____________” in the OT

b.     Romans 9.8 – 13 ______________________________________

1)    “Purpose” is associated here with “E________________”

c.      Ephesians 1.10 – 14 ___________________________________

d.     Ephesians 3.7 – 11 _____________________________________

1)    “Purpose” here is associated with both the G____________ and God’s G______________

e.      II Timothy 1.8 – 14 _____________________________________

1)    “Purpose” here, again, is associated with G______________

f.       II Timothy 3.1- 16 ______________________________________

1)    “Purpose” here is associated with the S______________

g.     Hebrews 9.1 - 2 _______________________________________

1)    “Shewbread” is also referred to as the B___________ of the P______________.

2)    Leviticus 24.5 – 9 _________________________________

h.     Matthew 12.4 __________________________________________

i.       Matthew 2.26 _________________________________________

j.       Luke 6.4 ______________________________________________

14.  Jesus refers to Himself as the “B______________ of L_________”

a.      John 6.35 – 40 ____________________________________________

b.     John 6.49 – 51 ____________________________________________

c.      Luke 22.19 ______________________________________________

15. The “Bread of the Presence” was W____________ on the Day of P______________ which was __________ days after P_______________.

a.      Leviticus 23.15 – 21

CONCLUSION:

          The purpose of God is to be _________________ with man in C__________ who is the B_____________ of L____________.  The shadow of the P_____________ is the B__________of  the P______________, or the S________________ which was offered to God on the Day of ________________.  The reality of the P_________________ was given by God to man on the D_______ of P________________ in the form of B_____________ into C______________ for the R_______________ of sins and then to receive the G__________ of the Holy Spirit finalizing the P______________ of God with man, reconciling man to H_________________.  We memorialize His Presence in the Lord’s Supper every Lord’s Day.  I Corinthians 11.23 – 34

“…the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my Body which is broken for you.  Do this in remembrance of Me.”

ANSWERS

1. Him, inheritence
2. Plural
3. "Him who works all things"
4. God
5. Hearing
6. Salvation
7. The Holy Spirit
8. At our baptism into the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins per Acts 2.38
9. Guarantee / Earnest / Deposit / 
10. Write down what you believe to be God's purpose subject to further study
11. Prothesis, forth, proposal, intention, shew-bread, exposed
12. Prothesis, forth, view, shew-bread, 12, wheaten, 12, offered, Sabbath, 2, 7, sanctuary, front, tabernacle, temple
13. Prothesis, 6, purpose, 4, shew-bread
              a.1. first born
              a. 2. first fruits
              b. 1. election (plural as God is no respecter of persons)
              d. 1. Grace, gift
              e.1. Grace
              f.1. Scripture, Word, Logos, Christ
              g.1. Bread of the Presence
14. Bread of Life
15. Waved, Pentecost, 50, Passover
Conclusion:
Present, Christ, Bread, Life, Presence, Bread, Presence, shew-bread, Pentecost, presence, Day, Pentecost, baptism, Christ, remission, Gift, presence, Himself