The
Preacher's Study Free Area
Note:
There are no sermons in this section. If you are looking for sermons, go
either to the sample sermons area or the Premium area of the website. This
section contains lessons, articles, studies, and essays. You may use the items below
freely provided they are not published beyond your local congregation. This means they
cannot be published in a book or on the Internet. Some are short. Some are quite long. Not
all are viewable in your browser without special viewing programs. Those in PDF
format must be viewed with the free Acrobat reader. Word 97 files are viewable with
Microsoft Word for Windows or the Microsoft Word Viewer.
Get Acrobat Reader Items on this page: 67
Files added: 05/23/08
Why We Have Chosen Not to be
Involved in the 40 Days of Purpose Program (Dave
Redick) A brief critique of this popular program and the book behind it. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97 format.
Views of the Book of
Revelation (A. Ralph Johnson)
A 38 page explanation of the Historical, Preterist, and Futurist views of the remarkable
book. Has accompanying chart.
To view you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word
97 format.
Problems with Popular
Premillennialism (A. Ralph Johnson)
Just because a particular view is popular does not mean it is right. This study is
a thoughtful critique of the Premillennial view of interpreting Bible prophecy. To view
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word
97 format.
Islam and Christianity Compared
(A. Ralph Johnson)
A 46 page treatment of this vital subject. To view you
must have Adobe
Acrobat Reader.
Jesus A Real Man (A.
Ralph Johnson)
Some have claimed that there was no historical Jesus. They claim His existence was all a
myth, derived from beliefs in ancient gods, or from Messianic hopes of the Jews. The
evidence that Jesus was a real person may be compared to the construction of a bridge.
Some pieces are stronger and some not so strong. However, together they interact in such a
way that they provide an overwhelmingly powerful support. To
view you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Also available in Word 97 format.
Why Does the Jew Suffer? (A.
Ralph Johnson)
An interesting discussion between the author and an Orthodox Rabbi about some of the
issues that exist between Christians and Jews. To view
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Also available in Word 97 format.
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit -
Have You Committed It? (A. Ralph Johnson)
A common question we receive in our email has to do with this subject. Tormented by the
possibility that they may have committed this sin, people write looking for understanding
and relief from their fears. This article was written in response to such a question. Also
available in PDF format.
Blasphemy of the
Holy Spirit (Dave Redick)
Classroom notes of a presentation on the same topic as the one above. Presents a little
different perspective, but similar conclusions.
Commentary on Ephesians
(Charles Dailey)
A practical and useful commentary for the popular mind written from the vantage of wanting
to explain what the original author intended to say. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. (426 KB) Visit Charles Dailey's website at: http://CharlesDailey.net.
Calvinism Examined
(A. Ralph Johnson)
An examination of Calvinistic views of predestination, unconditional particular election,
and eternal security. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
Personality of the Holy
Spirit (A. Ralph Johnson)
There are those today (most notably the Watchtower organization) that have
concluded the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead is an impersonal force and not
an actual being. This article is a Biblical refutation of this view. To view you must have
Adobe
Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
The Way of Peace (A. Ralph
Johnson)
Should Christians participate in military service? This has been a problem since
early centuries of the church. History tells us that early Christians refused, and this
became one of the things that increased pressure for persecution. However, that was under
a pagan power. As beneficiaries of a Christian influenced government, in many respects
serving to protect us from our enemies, are we not obligated to obey the government and
share in the responsibilities of maintaining it, just as we are to pay taxes? To view you
must have Adobe
Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
Tyre, the City
Cast into the Sea (A. Ralph Johnson)
It is a powerful confirmation of the hand of God that certain predictions were made
centuries before the events were completely fulfilled, each in its distinctive way. One of
the most extraordinary of these is the Tyre, the city that was to be cast into the sea.
About Those
Pesky Genealogies (Stephen Lord)
Every Bible reader has encountered "so-and-so" (whose name is
unpronounceable) "begot so-and-so" (whose name can't be pronounced either). What
is the significance of the Bible's genealogical lists?
How Can We
Know? (A. Ralph Johnson)
How can we know the truth? How can we know what is right? Does it make any difference what
we believe and do? What must we do to be saved? To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
Bible Truth Outlines (William E. Paul)
A growing collection of lessons dealing with basic Bible issues. Each lesson is brief,
making this series useful for classes and Sunday evening services. These lessons reside on
The Preacher's Study website. This link will take you to the table of contents.
Who is
Jesus - God or "A God"? (A. Ralph Johnson)
An in-depth analysis of this important issue. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97
Format.
The Church in the Bible:
Booklet (Charles Dailey and Oren Knowlton)
What was the early church like? Does it exist today? A series of questions that will
rapidly increase your knowledge of the New Testament Church. [Note: This
file is designed to be printed as an 8 1/2 X 11 inch fold over, saddle stapled booklet.
You will need both text 1 and text 2 in order to assemble the booklet] Text 1 | Text 2 | Chart only
To view and print you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Visit Charles Dailey's website at: http://CharlesDailey.net.
Salvation is by
Remaining Faithful (Charles Dailey)
Is salvation a one time event or a process? Must Christians remain faithful to their
commitment to Christ in order to be saved? To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Visit Charles Dailey's website at: http://CharlesDailey.net.
How Often Did
the Early Christians Observe the Lord's Supper? (Charles Dailey)
Deals with the issue of frequency of partaking of the Lord's Supper. To view you must have
Adobe
Acrobat Reader. Visit Charles Dailey's website at: http://CharlesDailey.net.
Church
Membership: Is It Required? (Charles Dailey)
The church is a called out assembly. We cannot not assemble and say we
are in the church. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Visit Charles Dailey's website at: http://CharlesDailey.net.
Is Church
Attendance Necessary? (Dave Redick)
"Considering the lax attitudes of many religious people today, it would be easy to
conclude that church attendance is optional or perhaps only for those who are very
religious and extremely dedicated to their faith. Membership rosters in most churches,
compared to actual numbers in attendance, usually tell the story of people's
attitude..."
The
Kingdom is Now the Church (Charles Dailey)
Many today believe that the Kingdom of God is yet to come in the future. This paper holds
that the Kingdom is here today and will continue in a very special way into eternity. To
view you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. Visit Charles Dailey's website at: http://CharlesDailey.net.
Two Articles
on Gambling (Rodney Reyman and David Brink)
Gambling has become socially acceptable in many states. Many believe it is the answer to
financing important functions like education. Yet it has born and continues to bear bitter
fruit.
Is There
Anyone Who Cares? (Author Unknown)
"Do you wonder sometimes if anyone really cares? Our world can seem pretty cold and
heartless. Even relatives and friends can become so preoccupied with their own affairs
that they appear to have little concern for us. We'd like you to know that as Christians,
we do care..."
The Old
Order Changeth... (A. Ralph Johnson)
Getting older and watching life pass you by is no one's idea of a good time. Coping with
changes as one generation passes on and another takes over - well, let's just say if you
don't think it's hard, you're not there yet! In this poignant note to fellow Christian
ministers on a computer mailing list forum, Ralph Johnson captures what is in store for
all of us who live to a ripe age in the service of the Lord. Yet, he gives wisdom to cope.
Though the article is a little long, it is well worth your reading. I warn you though,
you'll probably shed a tear or two.
How A Minister
Uses Time: Part 1 (Dave Redick)
This message was done in response to inquiries about the use of the author's time in his
local congregation. The average person doesn't have a clue as to what a minister does all
week. ("What could be easier than speaking twice on Sunday then playing golf the rest
of the week?") The author did his best to take a "high road" approach with
this response, so it might be helpful to someone in a similar situation.
How A Minister
Uses Time: Part 2 (Dave Redick)
This lesson presents the ten areas of time concern of its author. Many ministers will
understand that juggling a list like this is difficult. Hopefully, their congregations
will understand too, and give support rather than criticism!
How A Minister
Uses Time: Part 3 (Dave Redick)
Continuing with my presentation of How A Minister Uses Time, the following
steps are the ones I typically use to prepare a sermon. The process may differ from
minister to minister, but most who preach biblical sermons will probably approximate the
steps below.
The Truly
Grateful Dead (Dave Redick)
A reflection written 8/9/95 in response to media coverage of the death of "Grateful
Dead" rock group founder, Jerry Garcia. Illustrates how different the value system of
this world is from the one to come.
Don't Just
Apologize! (Dave Redick)
A plea to go beyond "I'm sorry" all the way to "Will you forgive me?"
Much needed in churches.
Evidence (Dave Redick)
Worm's blood, donkey's dung, heal of Abyssinian Greyhound, urine of cattle, head of
stork, live mice (skinned and consumed whole by children)... No, this isn't a
sorcerer's spell. It is a list of remedies for common illnesses that comes from the time
of Moses. A short book review of the work of a very creative brother in Christ.
Christmas
or Not? (Dave Redick)
One family's resolution of the problems presented by the pagan origins of Christmas.
How May I
Help You? (Dave Redick)
The text from a hand-out pamphlet used prior to counseling non-Christians. Possible help
for a common problem.
How To Survive
a Move (Dave Redick)
We are a very mobile society. The average American family
moves once every five years. The most frequent reason given for such moving is relocation
due to job or career. Under such circumstances the church is effected. Many churches in
metropolitan areas experience a "turnover" rate of 20% or greater (people moving
out and people moving in). While this presents a challenge for today's church, a specific
peril is present for individuals and families who relocate and leave behind the stable
roots of their home church. Some who were once active Christians have become spiritual
casualties of this mobility. There are some of the spiritual dangers that can be present
in moving.
The Nature of Death and
Punishment: Section I (A. Ralph Johnson)
Does the human spirit have conscious existence in physical death? First of five
sections. This one deals with the Rich Man and Lazarus. This is a PDF files. To view them
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
The Nature of Death and
Punishment: Section II (A. Ralph Johnson)
Does the human spirit have conscious existence in physical death? Second of five
sections. Examines the nature of death. This is a PDF file. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97
Format.
The Nature of Death and
Punishment: Section III (A. Ralph Johnson)
Does the human spirit have conscious existence in physical death? Third of five
sections. Examines Biblical uses of Body, Soul, and Spirit. This is a PDF file. To view
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
The Nature of Death and
Punishment: Section IV (A. Ralph Johnson)
Does the human spirit have conscious existence in physical death? Fourth of five
sections. Examines the place of the dead. This is a PDF file. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97
Format.
The Nature of Death and
Punishment: Part V (A. Ralph Johnson)
Does the human spirit have conscious existence in physical death? Last of five
sections. Examines The "Second Death." This is a PDF file. To view you must have
Adobe
Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word 97
Format.
Sabbath or Lord's Day? (A.
Ralph Johnson)
Under the Old Testament God’s people were required to observe the
Seventh day (Saturday) as a day of rest and worship in remembrance of His completion of
creation (Ex. 20:11) and their deliverance from Egypt (Deut. 5:15). Anyone who so much as
gathered sticks or built a fire on that day was to be stoned to death (Num. 15:32-36; Ex.
16:23; 35:3). When Jesus died upon the cross he established a "New Covenant" (or
"Testament"—the Greek word in the original is the same) and abolished the
old (Heb. 8:13; 9:15-17; Col. 2:14). Therefore, we are no longer to be judged by the laws
of the Old Testament. However, some insist that we must keep Saturday as our day of
worship. They maintain that God had two sets of laws, one ceremonial, which passed away,
and the other, moral, (the ten commandments) which remain. The Sabbath, being a part of
the Ten Commandments, is considered to be "moral" and therefore still binding.
This paper is to set forth the evidence that we are not bound by the Sabbath laws.To
view you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
You Say Potayto, I
say Potahto: Is The "Faith" of the Bible "Faith Alone?" (By Steve
Taylor - Edited by Dave Redick)
One of the difficulties of understanding the Bible's many statements and inferences
regarding forgiveness of sin and salvation is that passages appear to say different
things. One associates belief with salvation, another repentance, another baptism. Are
these contradictions or is there an explanation? Steve Taylor points out in this article
submitted to an email discussion group that an often used but seldom acknowledged form of
speech, synecdoche, is at the root of the problem. If your theology forces you to
emphasize certain salvation "proof texts" but ignore others, you'll find help in
this article.
Elders and Deacons (By A.
Ralph Johnson)
An in depth study of the Biblical offices of Elders and Deacons. To view you must
have Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Also available in Word 97 Format.
Tips for Dealing with Watchtower
Followers (By A. Ralph Johnson)
Excellent 10 pages of instruction on this needed topic. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97
Format.
One Baptism (By A. Ralph Johnson)
There are five baptisms mentioned in the New Testament, yet Ephesians 4:5 says
there is "one baptism." Confusing? It won't be when you finish this study. 24
pages. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
Adventism, It's Roots and Fruits
(By A. Ralph Johnson)
When a salesman comes to the door we have laws to help safeguard our
interests. Of those, the right to know what we are getting into is especially important.
If we are considering an important business deal, we may consult a lawyer and perhaps even
have him present. Unfortunately, when religious advocates knock there is little legal
protection and people often fail to take steps to protect themselves. The damage done may
be emotional, destruction of one’s home, loss of income, loss of life and even loss
of your soul. In this area more than any other it is, "Let the buyer beware." To
view you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
God's Plan of
Salvation (By David Brown)
An in depth look at what the Bible teaches about salvation. While such a lengthy
study isn't always necessary for teaching new inquirers about Christianity, this lesson
deals with many of the objections and false teachings that have arisen in the context of
this subject. A special thanks to David Brown for allowing us to take this from his web
page. Also available in PDF format for accurate
printing.
Was Cornelius Saved Before Water
Baptism? (By A. Ralph Johnson)
A short consideration of this important topic. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97
Format.
When Was Christ Crucified? (By
A. Ralph Johnson)
Wednesday? Thursday? Friday? Which was it? Is "three days and three
nights" to be taken literally? To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
Daniel - Evidence for Inspiration
(By A. Ralph Johnson)
The prophecies in Daniel are some of the most powerful evidences of
inspiration in the Bible. These details are so precise as to clearly have required
inspiration. To get around this, the rationalists are forced to try to prove that Daniel
was written after the fulfillment. This paper is to show evidence in favor of inspiration
and to answer objections against it. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
Daniel 11 - Verse by verse
commentary (By A. Ralph Johnson)
To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
Miracle Claims Tested by the
Holy Spirit's Word:
Section 1 - General Considerations (By A. Ralph Johnson) To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97
Format.
Miracle Claims Tested by the
Holy Spirit's Word:
Section 2 - The Gifts of the Spirit Individually Considered. (By A. Ralph Johnson)
To view you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
Miracle Claims Tested by the
Holy Spirit's Word:
Section 3 - The Miraculous Manifesting Gifts Have Ceased. (By A. Ralph Johnson) To view
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word 97 Format.
Miracle Claims Tested by the
Holy Spirit's Word:
Section 4 - Charismatic arguments. (By A. Ralph Johnson) To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Also available in Word 97
Format.
Resurrection Fact Sheet
A quick compilation of issues and evidences for the resurrection of Christ. Good
for teaching a class or for making a defense of the doctrine of the resurrection. To view
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Thy Kingdom Come (By
A. Ralph Johnson)
Certain concepts in Scripture hold keys to understanding. One of the important ones
is The Kingdom of God. What is it? How does it relate to us today? To view you must
have Adobe
Acrobat Reader. Also available in Word 97
Format.
Baptism - A Special
Study (Offsite file)
A series of outlines dealing with various issues pertaining to the importance of Christian
baptism. By Mark Copeland. (This link will take you away from the
Preacher's Study. Use the "back" button on your browser to return here.)
Matthew 24 Analyzed A fresh consideration of this often studied chapter of the gospel of Matthew.
(By A. Ralph Johnson) To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
Christianity is Faith in Action
Charles Dailey presents the need to obey the gospel in
this handy, printable prospectus. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader. Visit Charles Dailey's website at: http://CharlesDailey.net.
Review of the Book
"Christian Duty Under Corrupt Government" By A. Ralph
Johnson. This is a review is of a book written by Ted Weiland, who is associated with Pete
Peters in the Identity Movement of national ill-repute for its anti-Semitism and attacks
on U.S. Government. This book is primarily focused on the latter. Both Weiland and Peters
were at one time associated with Churches with which we are acquainted in Colorado and
Nebraska.This is much more than just a review of a book. It is a review of a whole system
of thinking that has pervaded churches in the Midwest with the concept that we are not
obligated to pay taxes and obey the government. The discussion focuses on the meaning of
such passages as Romans 13 and 1Peter 2:13-17. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
The Gospel of Plots,
Politics, and Paranoia By A. Ralph Johnson
This article was written during the height of the hysteria concerning a
feared was a Communist takeover of the world. Churches were being filled with this and
sometimes destroyed. Some people in our churches went to jail. Now, with the fall of
Communism, those dire warnings have proven wrong and much of the furor has subsided.
Unfortunately much damage was done and others are still suffering from becoming involved.
However, the problem is as old as civilization and continues to exist in other forms. We
mostly see it today in the "Identity Movement" which holds to much of the same
tenets. Some of this has even gone to the point of justifying amassing arms and launching
attacks that injure and kill innocent people. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
Christmas and
Common Sense By A. Ralph Johnson
Must Christians withdraw from the culture around them at Christmas?
Some say yes. This thoughtful article makes a case for not digging up origins.To
view you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader.
John Brown's Demise
(Profile of a Church Fight) A poem by A. Ralph Johnson.
Women
Speaking in the Assembly: Part 1 By Dave
Redick
Can a woman speak in church? A practical approach to this controversial issue presented at
a Sunday evening assembly. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
Women
Speaking in the Assembly: Part 2 By Dave Redick
A continuation of the message above. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Women Leading in the
Church By A. Ralph Johnson
Extensive treatment of this controversial issue. To view you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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