From the Word and Works archives.

Holy Spirit Indwelling — Robert Welch

Recorded: July 10, 1984 Location: High School Road Church of Christ Lectureship, Indianapolis, Indiana

Primary Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 3:2; Ephesians 3:16–19; Romans 8:9–14

In this lectureship sermon, Robert Welch examines the biblical teaching concerning the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and addresses differing interpretations of how the Spirit dwells within Christians.

Welch begins by affirming the personhood of the Holy Spirit and distinguishing the Spirit's indwelling from miraculous spiritual gifts and inspiration. Drawing from passages throughout the New Testament, he considers what Scripture means when it speaks of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers.

Central to his argument is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the revealed Word of God. Welch maintains that the Spirit truly dwells in Christians in a figurative sense through the Word as it is understood, believed, and obeyed, rather than through a literal, personal indwelling.

Among the subjects discussed are:

• The personhood and nature of the Holy Spirit.

• The distinction between the indwelling of the Spirit and miraculous spiritual gifts.

• The meaning of the Christian's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

• The indwelling of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

• Figurative language used in Scripture to describe spiritual relationships.

• The relationship between faith, God's Word, and the Spirit's influence.

• The Spirit's leading, speaking, intercession, and sealing.

• The importance of distinguishing biblical statements from human speculation.

Welch also examines the claims of the charismatic movement and differing views among brethren concerning a literal, personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the lesson, he urges listeners to carefully examine the language of Scripture and to avoid asserting more than the biblical text establishes.

The sermon concludes by emphasizing obedience from the heart to the revealed Word of God and inviting listeners to examine their relationship with the Lord.

Scripture References: Acts 2:17; Acts 8:18; Romans 1:11; Romans 8:9–14, 26–27; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 5:3; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 3:2; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 2:22; Ephesians 3:16–19; Ephesians 1:13; John 6:63; John 14:6; 1 John 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:19; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Romans 6:17.

A Note to Our Listeners:

As we make these older sermons available, it is ultimately the responsibility of each listener to determine whether what is taught is in accordance with the truth. We encourage every listener to carefully examine what is heard and to study the Scriptures with due diligence.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

From the Word and Works archives.

Priscilla — William C. Sexton

Recorded: July 10, 1984 Location: High School Road Church of Christ Lectureship, Indianapolis, Indiana

Primary Scripture: Acts 18:1–28

In this lectureship lesson, Bill Sexton examines the life and character of Priscilla, one of the notable women of the New Testament. Drawing primarily from Acts 18, Sexton considers her partnership with her husband Aquila, their association with the apostle Paul, and their willingness to teach Apollos the way of God more perfectly.

Sexton emphasizes the importance of husbands and wives working together in service to Christ, the opportunities Christians have to teach others, and the courage required to remain faithful despite opposition and persecution.

Among the subjects discussed are:

• Priscilla and Aquila's partnership in marriage, work, and service to God.

• Their instruction of Apollos and the responsibility of Christians to teach others.

• Their hospitality and the church meeting in their home.

• Their willingness to risk their lives in support of the apostle Paul.

• The importance of remaining faithful when relocating or facing difficult circumstances.

• The role and responsibilities of women in the New Testament church.

Throughout the lesson, Sexton stresses that every Christian has opportunities to contribute to the Lord's work, regardless of prominence or public recognition. He reminds his listeners that God remembers faithful service, even when others may overlook it.

The lesson also reflects the religious and cultural discussions concerning the roles of men and women taking place during the early 1980s.

Scripture References: Acts 18:1–28; Romans 16:3–4; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19; Titus 2:3–5; Galatians 3:26–29; Hebrews 6:10; Mark 8:34–38; 1 Corinthians 11.

A Note to Our Listeners:

As we make these older sermons available, it is ultimately the responsibility of each listener to determine whether what is taught is in accordance with the truth. We encourage every listener to carefully examine what is heard and to study the Scriptures with due diligence.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

In this sermon preached on May 9, 1976, at the Shelbyville Road Church of Christ, A.C. Blackwell asks a challenging question: Will it cost too much to be a Christian?

Beginning with Jesus' teaching in Luke 14, Blackwell considers the cost of discipleship and the sacrifices that may accompany a life devoted to Christ. He asks his listeners to consider what has already been paid for them and whether we could ever truly repay the price that was paid on our behalf.

Following Christ may sometimes require difficult choices. Blackwell speaks of the responsibility to tell the truth even to those we love, recognizing that they may not always appreciate or accept what they hear. He also recalls Jesus' words that He came “not to send peace, but a sword,” emphasizing the divisions that commitment to truth can sometimes bring.

Blackwell illustrates his message with the story of a man who owned a liquor store but, after becoming a Christian, gave up the business and eventually turned the property into a church building. Through stories such as this, he challenges the listener to consider what he or she is willing to sacrifice in order to follow Christ.

Can We Pay The Cost? is a lesson about commitment, sacrifice, conviction, and the true cost of discipleship.

From the Word and Works archives.

A Note to Our Listeners: As we make these older sermons available, it is ultimately the responsibility of each listener to determine whether what is taught is in accordance with the truth. We encourage every listener to carefully examine what is heard and to study the Scriptures with due diligence.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” — 2 Timothy 2:15

From the Word and Works archives.

Problems of Preachers — Herschel Patton

Recorded: July 10, 1986 Location: High School Road Church of Christ, Indianapolis, Indiana Occasion: High School Road Church of Christ Lectureship

In this lectureship address, Herschel Patton examines the difficulties encountered by those who devote their lives to preaching the gospel.

Beginning with 2 Corinthians 11:23–29, Patton considers five problems illustrated by the experiences of the apostle Paul: persecution, frequent travel, difficulties with brethren, concern for congregations, and financial responsibilities.

Drawing upon approximately 45 years of experience in local preaching, Patton discusses the challenges of maintaining family relationships, dealing with opposition and criticism, exercising patience with fellow Christians, and managing financial obligations.

Throughout the lesson, he emphasizes the importance of wisdom, personal responsibility, proper conduct, and prayer. While some difficulties are unavoidable, others can be prevented or overcome through sound judgment and faithful adherence to biblical principles.

Patton concludes by expressing his confidence that the Lord will provide for those who faithfully serve Him.

Primary Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:23–29

Additional Scriptures: Job 14:1; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Luke 10:3; Matthew 10:16–26; John 15:18–21; 2 Timothy 2:24; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 3 John 9–10; Galatians 4:16.

A Note to Our Listeners:

As we make these older sermons available, it is ultimately the responsibility of each listener to determine whether what is taught is in accordance with the truth. We encourage every listener to carefully examine what is heard and to study the Scriptures with due diligence.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” — 2 Timothy 2:15

In this sermon preached on May 9, 1976, A.C. Blackwell speaks about the longing to go home—not merely to an earthly home, but to the eternal home prepared by God.

Blackwell recalls his own service during World War II and the overwhelming desire he felt to return home when the war was over. He uses that experience to illustrate the Christian’s anticipation of the day when we receive our final “discharge” from this life and are called home to heaven.

Along the way, Blackwell considers the evidence for the existence of God, including the testimony of creation, and draws from Hebrews 2 in discussing mankind and our relationship to our Creator. He also refers to prominent atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair as he contrasts atheism with belief in God.

Drawing especially from 2 Corinthians 5:1–9, Blackwell reflects upon Paul’s desire to be at home with the Lord. He also recalls Jesus’ promise of the Father’s house in John 14:2.

For the Christian, heaven is the home for which we long—a place without disease and death, where the evils of this world are left behind. Above all, it is home because Jesus is there.

From the Word and Works archives.

In this sermon preached on May 6, 1984, at the Pekin Church of Christ in Pekin, Indiana, William V. (Bill) Beasley examines the subject of superstitious religion and raises an important question: Where did our religion come from—God or man?

Beginning with Acts 17:16–22 and Paul's experience in Athens, Beasley asks what superstition really means. He observes that the term can be understood in different ways, depending upon how it is used and understood.

Drawing upon his experiences visiting Nigeria and India, Beasley considers how people from different cultures may view one another's religious beliefs and practices through their own understanding and experiences.

Turning to Galatians 4:8, he discusses the importance of knowing God and the relationship between that knowledge and religious belief. He also refers to 1 Corinthians 1:20, where Paul asks, "Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?"

Throughout the lesson, Beasley encourages listeners to consider the source of their religious convictions. Are our beliefs and practices founded upon the teachings of God, or do they originate in the ideas and traditions of men?

Superstitious Religion invites listeners to examine what they believe, why they believe it, and whether their religious practices are grounded in the Word of God.

A Note to Our Listeners:

As we make these older sermons available, it is ultimately the responsibility of each listener to determine whether what is taught is in accordance with the truth. We encourage every listener to carefully examine what is heard and to study the Scriptures with due diligence.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” — 2 Timothy 2:15

From the Word and Works archives.

In this sermon preached on May 6, 1984, at the Pekin Church of Christ in Pekin, Indiana, William V. (Bill) Beasley examines an important question: Why do so many people fail to obey the Lord?

Beginning with Hebrews 5:8–11, Beasley emphasizes the importance of obedience to God and the Bible's declaration that Jesus Christ is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.

Throughout the lesson, Beasley considers the reasons and excuses people give for failing to obey the Lord. He reminds his listeners that obedience is not merely a matter of religious obligation, but is closely connected to our love for Christ.

Drawing from John 14:15, where Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments," Beasley emphasizes the relationship between genuine love for the Lord and a willingness to follow His teaching.

Why Many Fail To Obey The Lord encourages listeners to examine their own response to God's Word and consider whether their actions demonstrate the love and obedience Christ requires.

Originally preached May 6, 1984.

A Note to Our Listeners:

As we make these older sermons available, it is ultimately the responsibility of each listener to determine whether what is taught is in accordance with the truth. We encourage every listener to carefully examine what is heard and to study the Scriptures with due diligence.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” — 2 Timothy 2:15

From the Word and Works archives...

In this sermon preached in June 1995 at the High School Road Church of Christ in Indianapolis, Indiana, John Welch turns to the account of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.

Beginning with John 4:5 and the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, John considers the thought that “The Samaritan Woman Was Somebody.” He discusses the problem of self-esteem and how easily people can fail to recognize their own worth.

John points to the Samaritan woman as someone who did not see her own worth. Yet through her encounter and conversation with Jesus, she came to understand that she was somebody—that her life had value.

Through this familiar account, John encourages the listener to consider personal worth from the perspective of Christ and what an encounter with Jesus can mean in a person's life.

A Note to Our Listeners: As we make these older sermons available, it is ultimately the responsibility of each listener to determine whether what is taught is in accordance with the truth. We encourage every listener to carefully examine what is heard and to study the Scriptures with due diligence.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” — 2 Timothy 2:15