Avenue T Church of Christ Sermon & Bible Class Podcast

jburns24

Welcome to the Avenue T Church of Christ Sermon & Bible Class Podcast, your source for enriching sermons and insightful Bible studies delivered straight to your ears. Join us as we journey through the scriptures, exploring their relevance to our lives today and discovering timeless truths that shape our faith and actions.

  1. FEB 16

    Jesus: In Context

    The sermon "Jesus: In Context" by Cole Tuck, delivered on February 15, 2026, concludes a series addressing commonly misused statements of Jesus. This final message focuses on Matthew 18:20 ("For where two or three have gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst"), correcting the widespread misconception that it guarantees God's presence only in groups of two or more (e.g., small gatherings, prayer meetings, family devotionals, or justifying skipping church assembly).  Cole passionately dismantles the popular but misguided application of Matthew 18:20, showing through careful exegesis that the verse is not about God's general presence (which is constant, as seen in Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 6:6, and 1 Corinthians 3:16) or a promise for prayer agreements. Instead, it provides divine reassurance and authority in the difficult process of church discipline, confronting and restoring (or, if necessary, withdrawing fellowship from) an unrepentant brother or sister in sin. The passage (Matthew 18:15-20) outlines Jesus' clear, step-by-step formula for handling sin among believers: Confront privately. Take one or two more witnesses (echoing Deuteronomy 19:15's requirement for establishing facts). Bring before the whole church. Treat the unrepentant as an outsider (Gentile or tax collector) if they refuse to repent. The "two or three" phrase ties directly to the witnesses in verse 16, and Jesus assures that when believers follow this loving, obedient process, He is present—affirming the decision, binding/loosing with heavenly authority, and supporting the church in upholding holiness. Tuck emphasizes that this is not about punishment but restoration, motivated by love (Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 16:14), and warns against substitutes like gossip, ignoring sin, or misusing the verse to avoid gathering with the full church. He highlights real-world misuses (e.g., small groups claiming sufficiency, excusing absence from assembly) and calls for contextual Bible study to avoid such errors. The sermon opens with a celebration of recent baptisms and closes with encouragement for fellowship, study, and obedience.

    37 min
  2. FEB 1

    Bible Class - Romans Party 19

    Sunday Febru The Bible class led by Cole Tuck on Sunday, February 1, 2026, focused on Romans chapter 9, a dense and theologically weighty passage often cited in discussions of Calvinism. The lesson emphasized a non-Calvinist interpretation, arguing that the chapter addresses God's sovereign choices regarding nations (particularly Israel vs. other nations/Gentiles) and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's promises through faith, rather than individual predestination to salvation or damnation.  In Romans 9, Paul expresses deep sorrow over many fellow Israelites rejecting Jesus as Messiah, despite their privileged heritage (vv. 1–5). He defends God's faithfulness: His word has not failed, because true "Israel" is not defined by physical descent but by God's promise and faith (vv. 6–9). Using examples like Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau, Paul shows God's choices are sovereign and not based on human works, merit, or ethnicity—but these examples refer to national roles in God's plan (e.g., through which line the Messiah would come), not individual eternal destinies. Paul quotes Malachi 1 ("Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated") to illustrate God's preference for Israel (Jacob's nation) over Edom (Esau's nation), not personal hatred or damnation of individuals. The chapter counters Jewish objections to Gentiles' inclusion in God's people: God's mercy and hardening (e.g., Pharaoh) serve His purposes, and no one can question the Creator's rights (potter and clay analogy, vv. 19–24). Ultimately, salvation comes through faith in Christ, not lineage or works. Gentiles attained righteousness by faith, while many Israelites stumbled by pursuing it through law/works (vv. 30–33). Paul highlights a remnant saved by faith, affirming that God's plan includes all who believe, Jew or Gentile. The lesson challenged Calvinist readings (TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, Perseverance of the saints) by showing the chapter's context is national election and covenant promises, not arbitrary individual salvation/damnation. It underscores God's love for all (seen in Paul's grief and desire for Israel's salvation) and the universal offer of salvation through faith.

    45 min

About

Welcome to the Avenue T Church of Christ Sermon & Bible Class Podcast, your source for enriching sermons and insightful Bible studies delivered straight to your ears. Join us as we journey through the scriptures, exploring their relevance to our lives today and discovering timeless truths that shape our faith and actions.