BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

Soundness

Recently, brethren have been critical of those who call for soundness in teaching and practice. In particular, they have expressed disdain for the phrase “a sound church.” Granted it is possible to possess a denominational concept regarding the identity of “a sound church.” There is not a list of “10 Essential Elements of a Sound Church.”
Yet, the concept of "soundness" is a biblical one which is applied to not only to teaching, but to the individual believer and the local church. Let's consider what the Scriptures mean by soundness asking ourselves whether or not we are sound.
 

18_The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)

Jesus directed a parable at the scribes and Pharisees in which He contrasts them with the harlots and the publicans. It is a parable which enlightens our understanding of their disobedient unbelief, and the magnificent grace of God toward every penitent believer.  

48_The Fifteen Periods of Bible History (Judges Part 6)

The Bible can be divided into 15 periods of Bible History. Recognizing these divisions is helpful for organizing the Bible chronologically in the mind and relating the various books to one another. The seventh of these 15 Periods is called the Period of the Judges. This period extends from the death of Joshua to the establishment of the Kingdom under Saul (Judges 1:1-1 Samuel 12:25). [This study considers the Judge, Gideon, also know as, Jerubbaal.]  

Imputed Righteousness (Romans 4:1-12)

The concept of imputed righteousness is really quite simple. The word impute means, to reckon, to count, to think, or to number. In Scripture Paul says that men are reckoned righteous by faith when their sins are forgiven. 

47_The Fifteen Periods of Bible History (Judges Part 5)

The Bible can be divided into 15 periods of Bible History. Recognizing these divisions is helpful for organizing the Bible chronologically in the mind and relating the various books to one another. The seventh of these 15 Periods is called the Period of the Judges. This period extends from the death of Joshua to the establishment of the Kingdom under Saul (Judges 1:1-1 Samuel 12:25). [This study considers the Judges, Othniel. Ehud, Shamgar, and  Deborah.]  

The Power of Choice (Joshua 24:15)

Joshua called the nation to make a choice to serve God (Joshua 24:15). It was a choice between choosing to serve God, the idols of their fathers, or those of the nations. The ultimate choice is always whether or not we will serve the Lord? Will we do right or will we do wrong? Will we do what God wants or what man wants? Will we do the bidding of heaven or will we do the bidding of Satan? In this study we consider the power of choice and how that power affects our lives and eternal destiny.

17_The Parable of the Eleventh Hour Laborers (Matthew 20:1-16)

The "eleventh hour" signifies much more than being late, or lacking opportunity. The great principal of this entire section (Matthew 18:1-20:28) is "the first shall be last and the last shall be first." What are the requirements for greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven?  

16_The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Forgiveness is an essential element of the the Kingdom character. Not only must those seeking to enter the Kingdom seek the mercy of the Lord, but they must demonstrate that same mercy toward their brethren and others. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant speaks to the heart of the matter, in its elements demonstrating how it is the merciful who are blessed and the forgiving that are forgiven.

46_The Fifteen Periods of Bible History (The Judges Part 4)

The Bible can be divided into 15 periods of Bible History. Recognizing these divisions is helpful for organizing the Bible chronologically in the mind and relating the various books to one another. The seventh of these 15 Periods is called the Period of the Judges. This period extends from the death of Joshua to the establishment of the Kingdom under Saul (Judges 1:1-1 Samuel 12:25). [Observations and conclusions about the character of the time, in particular the sin of Gibeah.]  

45_The Fifteen Periods of Bible History (The Judges Part 3)

The Bible can be divided into 15 periods of Bible History. Recognizing these divisions is helpful for organizing the Bible chronologically in the mind and relating the various books to one another. The seventh of these 15 Periods is called the Period of the Judges. This period extends from the death of Joshua to the establishment of the Kingdom under Saul (Judges 1:1-1 Samuel 12:25). [This lesson covers the historical purpose and chronological placement of Chapters 17 through 20.]