John 20:1-9
SERIES: The Gospel of John The Not Quite Empty Tomb SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: All but four of the major world religions are based upon mere philosophical propositions. Of the four that are founded upon a great person, only one claims an empty tomb for its founder. The father of Judaism, Abraham, died about 2000 BC. He was buried in the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron in the Holy Land, and I have personally visited his gravesite. The father of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, died…
John 20:11-29
SERIES: The Gospel of John Grief, Fear, and Doubt: Three Enemies of the Soul SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: Last Lord’s Day we had three great worship services. The music was marvelous, and our people were able to focus their hearts and minds on the risen Christ in a very special way. In a message on the Not-Quite-Empty Tomb, we noted that the Apostle John came to believe in the Resurrection, not through OT prophecies about it, nor through Jesus’ own predictions concerning…
John 20:24-29
In Celebration of Doubt SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: In Christian circles doubt tends to have a bad reputation. Belief and faith are the hallmarks of a Christian, not doubt and skepticism. But I want to suggest this morning that an honest doubter and a truth-seeking skeptic are far more honorable than those who profess to believe everything the Christian faith teaches but never take the time or effort to examine their personal views. Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” It’s also…
John 21:1-17
SERIES: The Gospel of John The Trouble with Fishing SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: We come this morning to the final chapter of the Gospel of John, planning to complete our journey next Lord’s Day. This is one of my favorite chapters in the NT, not because of profound theological content or inspiring prose, but rather because of its deep insight into human nature, as well as into the person of Christ. John 21 continues the very honest portrayal of the checkered…
John 21:18-25
SERIES: The Gospel of John “Lord, What About Him?” SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: Today we conclude an exposition of the Gospel of John which began in September of 1992. On that Sunday morning nearly 20 months ago I began this study by proposing the following: “The Gospel of John is the most amazing book that was ever written. It is a pool in which a child can wade or an elephant can swim. It is both simple and profound. It meets the spiritual need…
Why I Believe in the Bible
Why I Believe in the Bible Introduction: What is the most heinous sin a human being can commit? Is it brutal, premeditated murder? Is it the abuse of an innocent child? Is it gross sexual perversion and cannibalism a la Jeffrey Dahmer? Is it the annihilation of an entire race, as Hitler attempted to do? I think we can answer that question if we first ask and answer another one: What is the only sin that will send a person to Hell, the only sin God refuses to…
The Ordinances of the Church: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Theological Essay: The Ordinances of the Church: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper Introduction to the ordinances: Jesus gave many exhortations, commands and ethical imperatives to the church, and orthodox Christians consider all His teaching to be equally true and authoritative. However, two of His commands have been considered “ordinances” or “sacraments” due to their singular nature as perpetual public practices of the church. Those who use the term “ordinances” generally view baptism and the Lord’s Supper as symbols of grace. Those who speak of “sacraments”…
The Sabbath: A Requirement or a Choice?
Theological Essay: The Sabbath: A Requirement or a Choice? Michael P. Andrus August, 2023 Introduction: The Sabbath is a confusing topic for Christians today. In fact, there are at least four distinct views that evangelicals have taken on the issue of Sabbath observance: (1) Some believe Sabbath observance is required today just as in Moses’ day, and they mean Saturday. (2) Others accept all the Sabbath requirements but transfer them from Saturday to Sunday, which they call “the Christian Sabbath.” (3) Still others reject…
Biblical Ethics of Divorce and Remarriage
Theological Essay: Biblical Ethics of Divorce and Remarriage Introduction: “John Smith, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?” “I will.” “I, Susan Jones, take thee, John Smith, to be my wedded husband, to have and…
Speaking in Tongues: The Gift Not Everyone Wants
Speaking in Tongues: The Gift Not Everyone Wants Introduction: There are many different opinions and a great deal of mistrust between Christians who speak in tongues and those who do not. My hope is that this article might help us get over some of that mistrust so we can grow in our love and respect for each other. Bible scholars have been debating for years what Paul means when he refers to the gift of tongues. In simplest terms, speaking in tongues occurs…
Paul Stolwyk Memorial Service
Paul Stolwyk Memorial Service, August 20, 2022 (died July 18) Note: Paul Stolwyk was my associate pastor and dear friend at First Evangelical Free Church in St. Louis County. He was living in North Carolina when he died, but a memorial service was held for him at First Free a month later. I was one of five speakers, including Brad Harper, Rick Burke, Pam Schumacher, Brian Moore. Obituary: Paul Timothy Stolwyk was born on April 20, 1962 and died peacefully on July 18, 2022, in…
Funeral Service for Judy, Brent, and Hope BELDNER
Funeral Service for Judy, Brent, and Hope Beldner November 27, 1996 (died November 23, 24) Note: Dennis Beldner and his whole family, members of First Free in St. Louis, were on a trip to Florida. Just a couple of hours out of St. Louis they were in a terrible accident near Marion, Illinois and three members of the family—mother Judy, son Brent, and baby Hope—lost their lives. Dr. Saba Khalil and I left St. Louis as soon as we heard about the accident…