Teaching Truth Podcast

As Jesus introduces His Sermon on the Mount, He uses a series of statements to identify those welcomed into His kingdom. Sitting near the center in this listing of beatitudes, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” How, though, does one hunger and thirst for righteousness? This study will seek out the answer by exploring the surrounding verses and understanding what Jesus expects of His kingdom citizens.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on June 8, 2024.

This month, many high school and college graduates will begin to finalize decisions they have been contemplating for some time; whether to go to college or join the workforce, which college to attend, and what job to take after college are a few of such decisions.  Whether one is just beginning the walk of adulthood or is already a good way down the path, it is vital to make sure that all decisions that are made correspond to the will of God. his study will explore how such decisions are made and what type of mindset is required to make them.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on June 1, 2025.

Brent Romine brings a lesson titled, "Standing in the Breach." A sermon given on May 25, 2025.

Member speaker Andy Belknap brings a lesson titled, "Standing in the Breach." A sermon given on May 18, 2025.

The month of May will be filled with much advice from commencement speakers as they seek to give both high school and college graduates wise words for the next phase of life. While most of these words will be worthwhile, the wisest words are found within the Bible, as seen in Psalm 119. Within this beautiful and theologically rich section of Scripture, the psalmist asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” He then answers this question with a full endorsement of seeking the answer from God's words to humanity. This sermon will explore his answer and will seek to show its importance to those graduating and all who seek to find the way to purity. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on May 11, 2025.

This study will discuss God's expectations for us in relation to the blessings he has placed under our care. It will consider how we keep priorities straight and see the growth of God's kingdom as the ultimate good we can help to accomplish in our lives. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on May 4, 2025.

An appropriate view of the Bible is essential to mature as a citizen of the kingdom. To view it simply as a rule book of “dos and don'ts” misses the great wisdom recorded in its pages, as it directs one to becoming more like God. Viewing the Bible's wise teachings as optional also misses its prime intention of bringing one to spiritual maturity. In making this point to Timothy, Paul instructed him to “keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching” (I Timothy 4:16). This sermon will explore the intertwined nature of life and teaching (doctrine) not only in the life of a young preacher like Timothy, but in the lives of all who seek to be faithful children of God.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on May 4, 2025.

Repentance is far from a one-time action at the time of our conversion; it is a mindset the faithful will have from their baptism through the remainder of life. How, though, does one develop such a mindset? This sermon will demonstrate how the condition of our hearts answers this question. It will also discuss how God mercifully breaks our hearts to make us spiritually whole.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on April 27, 2025.

Twenty-first-century life is permeated with cynicism. Whether it is the outlook on politics, economics, humor, or even religion, a cynical attitude often prevails, which could be summed up in this way: the only thing you can trust about people is that you cannot trust people. This, however, is not the attitude God desires in His people because such a spirit defeats the hope with which He wants us to live. This sermon  will explore the dangers posed to the cynic and provide biblical suggestions for opting instead for a spirit of hope.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on April 20, 2025.

The word dead is used in many different scenarios. Besides the cessation of life, we also use the word to describe our phones, car batteries, and appliances that have ceased functioning. As the New Testament writer James calls his audience to action, he also uses this word to describe faith unaccompanied by works, with the point that dead faith is no faith at all. This sermon will explore James' admonitions toward good works. It will demonstrate that, far from drudgery, the opportunity to do good is how we show faith in action.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on April 13, 2025.

Branden Lingerfelt brings us a lesson from Daniel 3.  A sermon given on April 6, 2025.

Bryan Pennington brings us a lesson from 2 Chronicles 22 & 23.  A sermon given on April 6, 2025. 

There is great excitement in becoming a Christian and knowing that salvation is secured through the power of Jesus Christ. Still, the pressures of life, temptation, and plain old apathy can sometimes cause those once faithful to allow their excitement to wane. God does not want this, and He provides many ways to keep this flame burning. This sermon will examine the encouragement given to early Christians who read the letter of Hebrews. It will focus on how the writer encouraged their faithfulness and how we, in turn, can also be encouraged to stay the course.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on March 30, 2025.

A true understanding of sin's consequences will create excitement about God's plan of salvation. Understanding what God offers will be pursued with zeal to enter into eternal union with Him. A point brought out clearly in the books of Ephesians and Titus is this zeal will be seen in good works by those who love the Lord and receive His gracious salvation. This is what God has always wanted. This sermon will explore the importance of good works and how this illustrates a return to the grand purpose God has wanted for his human creation from the beginning. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on March 16, 2025.

Those in specialized military training fully understand the power of motivation. Often, these men and women must endure what many would consider brutal training to achieve the desired success or promotion. Always keeping eyes fixed on the end goal motivates one to continue the training. Christian soldiers can learn much from this! This sermon will make these comparisons and explain how the people of God can keep their motivation strong until reaching the desired outcome of eternal union with God. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on March 2, 2025.

Often, the short account of Nadab & Abihu is lifted from its context, and in doing so, important learning from this text is missed. This study will focus not only on the sins of these two men but also on the actions of their father and brothers. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on March 2, 2024.

While pain is a part of every life, it is rarely, if ever, easy to bear. Many people struggle with emotions toward self, others, and God in the face of these difficulties. In this, we are not alone; humans of all generations have faced these crises. In His great wisdom, God preserved a psalm of David to help us in times of need. This study will explore how David dealt with the dilemma he faced and how we can learn from the lessons he recorded for us. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on March 2, 2024.

The word hope makes its first appearance in the New Testament via an Old Testament quote used by Matthew. In the midst of accounts illustrating the Pharisee's rejection of Jesus, Matthew boldly claims that Jesus is the Servant of the Lord about whom Isaiah prophesied many years earlier and that it is this Servant who is the salvation of all the world. This study will focus on Matthew's use of this Old Testament quote to show Jesus as our hope and the impact this hope must have on those who follow.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on February 23, 2025.

Member speaker Anthony Dempsey presents a sermon on living for eternity. A sermon given on Feburary 16, 2025.

Does Christianity call on us to believe the unbelievable? If yes, God has commanded us to do the impossible. Does Christianity call on us to believe the unexpected? The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Salvation for people who want out of the pit of sin is a gracious and merciful gift from our Lord. The Bible explains this in many ways and through many people; however, one of the most unusual views of God's saving power is seen in a prostitute living in ancient times. In this study, we will see much commonality between the attitude of faith she exhibited and what is seen in those who serve Christ today.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on February 9, 2025.

This sermon will center on Jesus' confrontation with the Jews (as recorded in John 8), which ultimately led Him to declare that their father is the devil.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on February 2, 2025.

Disaster is assured if we do not take the threat of our spiritual enemies seriously. While God does not give a great amount of detail on these enemies, what He does tell us should make us realize the magnitude of the war in which we are engaged. In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul shares details about these enemies and admonishes the Christian army to take up the whole armor of God. This study will focus on the sobriety every child of God must have, and the great strength God promises for our victory. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on February 2, 2025.

As Paul draws the Ephesian letter to a close, he admonishes his readers to demonstrate two great signs of strength. Ironically, the first of these is often viewed as weakness; in the eyes of many, submission to another's will reflects inferiority. This, however, could not be farther from the truth. This study will examine the apostle's view of submission through his three examples. Husbands and wives, parents and children, and slaves and masters reveal much about how one submits and, in doing so, reflects the Savior.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on January 26, 2025.

Larry Vinson is an evangelist living and working in Malawi, Africa. During a visit to the U.S., he brought us this message.

Subtle and not-so-subtle happenings around us can significantly impact how we think, even when we do not realize it. The Apostle Paul was well aware of this and warned the Christians of Ephesus to maintain their guard against the corrupt culture in which they lived. Setting the highest of standards, he told them to “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). This study will explore the apostle's teachings concerning this walk of love and the dangers that the surrounding culture imposes. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on January 19, 2025.

From an early age, most children hear many admonitions about the choices that they will make in life. Wise parents seek to help their children have a better future through this good teaching. In writing to the Christians at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul spoke of choices, making it clear that wise decisions spring from the right mindset. He instructed his first-century readers, as well as every reader since, that one either has a futile or renewed mind and this mindset will determine the wisdom of what is chosen in life. This study will focus on Paul's teachings concerning proper mindset and the impact that this will have on the choices made in one's life. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on January 12, 2025.

Churches serve a significant place in the plan of God. Small bands of Christians join together to both worship and carry out the work God has given them as lampstands holding up the light of Christ in their community. God has entrusted elders with the duty of shepherding and deacons to serve these churches. Deacons serve a vital role in a church's work running smoothly as they typically work behind the scenes to ensure this. This study will examine the qualities God requires for men to serve in this role as well as the work that they do.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on January 5, 2025.

After Paul's grand description of God's plan of salvation as a mystery now revealed, he turns attention to how this should impact those who faithfully choose to follow God. While one might expect Paul to discuss several moral or doctrinal issues, he instead turns His attention to unity. Indeed, a God who has sought to draw the families of heaven and earth together and who has broken down the wall between Jew and Gentile fully expects those who follow to love one another. In this lesson we will explore the apostle's admonitions. This study will explore God's foundation stones for unity and the responsibilities of each member of Christ's body as they seek to work together in love. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on December 29, 2021

“Seeing the Big Picture” is a phrase that has been in our vocabulary for at least 75 years. It denotes understanding how all the perceived “smaller parts” work together as a whole. Ephesians 1-3 is a “big picture” view of God's grand plan of salvation. In these chapters, Paul demonstrates how the mystery has been revealed in Jesus Christ and, as he brings these powerful thoughts to a climax, he prays for each child of God to understand what is being offered. This sermon will focus on this prayer and the thoughts leading up to it. It will delve into what God offers and the comfort that the people of God can take in God's eternal promises. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on December 22, 2024.

A report by Larry Vinson on his work preaching the gospel in Malawi. A sermon given by Larry Vinson on December 15, 2024.

Mysteries have long been a staple of popular literature. Readers enjoy putting the pieces together, including that final piece that helps everything make sense. In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul employs the term mystery to the plan of God. He explains that it is through Jesus that the mystery is made known. This study will examine the implications of this revealed mystery, seeing what it means on both a cosmic and personal level.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on December 15, 2024.

Knowing your family history is not always a good thing. While those related to presidents, celebrities, and philanthropists will brag about their DNA connection, it is a different story when the genealogy is filled with criminals and reprobates; these details are often left unspoken. As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he told the Gentiles about their family history, and it was nothing to bring pride. However, against this dark backdrop, he told them what they had now found in Jesus Christ. This sermon will examine this rich teaching and remind present-day Gentiles of their background and that the same blessings are available for any who come to Jesus Christ.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on December 8, 2024.

This sermon will explore Paul's powerful introduction to the book of Ephesians. In a sermon entitled, “Who is Chosen,” this rich text will be explored, along with a discussion of how it is often interpreted by those who hold to Calvinist doctrine. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on December 1, 2024.

As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he shared a very comforting thought that he was praying for them. This prayer was not for physical needs; rather, it was for their growth in understanding what is possible when one has faith in Jesus. This sermon will explore the three requests he made for believers both then and to come.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on December 1, 2024.

Feeling powerless is a frightening experience, yet it is one that often confronts humanity. Both in ancient times as well as modern, men and women struggle when they feel there is no one to help. In defeating such feelings, the author of Psalm 124 robustly stated that the Lord was on His side; later, Israelites would take the psalm as a hymn of victory to remind them of who fought their battles. This psalm continues to provide comfort in the present. This sermon will delve into the promises made by God that we can trust Him. It will explore what He has done for our rescue as well as the trust that we can have in Him in times of present battle. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on November 24, 2024.

Sometimes being close is good, but not good enough. Luke illustrates this with two accounts, one dealing with a foreigner and one with the Jews. As he recounts these events, he demonstrates that while the Jews in Jesus' presence are close to understanding his greatness, it is the foreigner who really “gets it.” These ancient accounts provide very important lessons for a modern audience. This study will explore the two accounts under consideration and illustrate the important conclusions they present for the one who is truly seeking to know and follow Jesus. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on November 17, 2024.

Member speaker Brian Moore brings us a sermon about courage. A sermon given on November 10, 2024.

A brief report on Greg Chandler's recent trip to Malawi. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on November 3, 2024.

As God established His plans for churches, He knew that guidance and oversight would be essential. Rather than creating elaborate hierarchies, voting conventions, or impersonal boards of directors, He instead instructed churches to choose men from their number to serve as leaders. The type of leadership they are to give is demonstrated in God designating them shepherds. This sermon will focus on the caliber of man God intends as well as the kind of relationship he is to have with the church he oversees.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on November 3, 2024.

We have long tried to deemphasize the importance of possessions with phrases such as, “You can't take it with you” or, “You've never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul.” Still, Christians struggle with trust in “stuff” more than trust in God. This, however, is nothing new. As a man worried about receiving an inheritance interrupted Jesus' teaching, the Lord schooled him in the danger of this problem, leading to His Parable of the Rich Fool. While the parable helps make the point, it is even more powerful when dropped into the fuller context of Luke 12 and the Lord's teaching on trusting God. This sermon will focus on the parable and its context. The study will seek to show the dangers of a covetous view of the future and how this danger is resolved with a deeper confidence in the Lord. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on October 27, 2024.

Was Jesus unkind to a woman in need? When she approached Him to cast a demon from her daughter, did He not really want to help? Over the years, the account of Jesus' interaction with the Syrophoenician woman has troubled many; they have struggled to understand why Jesus reacts the way He seems to react. This study will examine Jesus' interaction with Pharisees, His disciples, and a woman in need and seek to better understand this grand story of faith.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on October 20, 2024.

A verse from an old hymn goes as follows: “My heart has no desire to stay, where doubts arise and fears dismay.” Doubt can be spiritually deadly; however, it is something that almost every Christian struggles with at some point in his or her life. When these times come, it is important to know how to deal with them so that faith is not destroyed, and the integrity of God is not brought into question. This study will focus on what is meant by doubt and biblical principles that will help successfully navigate these troubling times. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on October 13, 2024.

A sermon by member speaker Noble Harber on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

A sermon by member speaker Kevin Henson on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

As Paul wrote to the Philippians, he gave them a challenging command: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27). To fulfill this command, they were to live in a way that demonstrated love and appreciation for what had been done for them. While many things could have been discussed as examples of this, Paul chose brotherly relationships in Christ. This study will focus on the need for Christians to get along with one another and give no place for attitudes that break the fellowship of those living worthy of the gospel. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on September 29, 2024.

The temple of ancient Israel served a sacred purpose; it was a reminder that God was among His people. Everything about the building was to demonstrate regality and holiness, including the worship that was offered there. Levites were assigned to sing and play instruments in this worship. What, though, does this have to do with Christians? The Roman army razed the temple, leaving Mt. Zion without this structure for 2,000 years. While the temple of Jerusalem is gone, the idea of the temple lives on, with the Apostle Paul stating that Christians are the temple of God. This study will explore how as “mobile temples,” the people of God offer worship with their voices and hearts; thus, the holiness of the ancient temple lives on in the worship and service of God's people. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on September 22, 2024.

Singing is an important part of life. For centuries, humans have recorded history, taught lessons, and entertained one another in song. Most importantly, singing is an integral part of worshiping God; thus, saints throughout history have lifted their voices to praise Him. Because of its importance, the people of God must understand how He desires this singing to be offered, both in the attitude and manner with which it is presented. This study will discuss the history of singing as recorded in the Bible, with a focus on God's expectations and instructions for modern saints. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on September 15, 2024.

An old statement goes, “Put your money where your mouth is.” The meaning is that words are fruitless if there is nothing to back them up.” The Apostle Paul would agree with this concept and perhaps repurpose the statement to say, “Put your walk where your mouth is.” As he wrote to the Ephesian Christians, Paul keenly focused on the importance of their walk in Christ; he used the word walk seven times in the letter, with five of the occurrences found in chapters four and five. Interspersed with these walk directives, the apostle calls on Christians to pay close attention to what they say, ensuring that their words and walk are in one accord. This study will focus on Paul's commands relating to a Christian's words and how these words must always demonstrate full reliance on Jesus and His truth.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on September 8, 2024.

This study will primarily be drawn from Romans 5-6 to show how to overcome sin and death so that we can have eternal life through Jesus. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on September 1, 2024.

Sometimes the way to learn how to do something is by observing the mistakes of another. The Bible employs this kind of learning by recording the poor decisions made by those who turn down the way of righteousness. One such person is Esau. In fact, the Hebrew writer describes him as “unholy Esau.” This study will focus on the shortsightedness demonstrated by this man of old and how modern Christians can fall into the same kinds of mistakes he made. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on September 1, 2024.

God has placed great responsibility into the hands of His people and expects them to be worthy reflections of His goodness. This is true for God's people in both the individual good each does in daily activities and the collective good done by churches belonging to Christ. This study will focus on the need to understand the awesome responsibility given to God's people and the God-directed difference in approach involving the individual and church. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on August 25, 2024.