Category Archives: Florida College Lectures

February 7, 2023 · 10:24 pm

Applications of a Life Worthy of the Gospel

I love the theme of 2023 Florida College Lectures, “A Life Worthy of the Gospel.” It’s personal. Practical. And powerfully penetrating.

As explained by Bible Chair, Jason Longstreth, in the Preface to the lecture book, the evening lectures are “designed to help us examine the priority, distinctiveness, and fullness of the gospel.”

The day time lectures emphasize a specific area of application. Yesterday, the focus was “our thoughts, preaching, prayer and daily life.” While we were unable to attend all of these lectures, here are a few highlights quoted from the manuscripts in the lecture book. Continue reading →

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February 7, 2023 · 5:30 am

Conduct Worthy of the Gospel

This week Norma Jean and I are attending the Florida College Lectures in Temple Terrace, Florida. It’s my 56th consecutive year to attend this annual event.

This year’s theme is “A Life Worthy of the Gospel.” It’s generally based on studies from the Macedonian epistles. And specifically Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Last night following 30 minutes of soul stirring, spirit lifting singing, Todd Chandler delivered a masterful and compelling keynote address entitled “Only Live Worthy of the Gospel: The Priority of the Gospel.” Continue reading →

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February 11, 2022 · 6:24 am

The New Exodus–Our Exodus

Norma Jean and I have enjoyed a rich and rewarding week at the Florida College Annual Lectures.

This unique series of lessons that used the Exodus from Egypt as a paradigm of God’s redemptive plan for all of humanity was interesting, insightful, and at times challenging. Also, we experienced a wonderful reunion and fellowship with many of our friends from all around the country, as well as making new friends

Last night’s lecture by Bible Chair Tom Hamilton spoke of “The New Exodus and the Final Exodus.” In brief summary, Tom offered six parallels that speak to us today. Continue reading →

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February 9, 2022 · 5:09 am

The Passover Lamb

“The exodus from Egypt is the most significant event in Israel’s history,” asserted Andrew Dow in his lecture “The Sacrifice of the Lamb” at the Florida College Annual Lectures yesterday morning.

It’s difficult to disagree with Andrew’s affirmation.

Imagine this.

A Jewish father in the first century is telling his sons the annual narrative of Israel’s release from Egyptian bondage 1400 years earlier. The story has been passed on from grandfather, to father, and to his sons. Continue reading →

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February 8, 2022 · 5:11 am

God. Is. Faithful.

“Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice?” cynically retorted the Egyptian Pharaoh. (Ex. 5:1).

This was in response to Jehovah’s messenger, Moses, who came with the command, “Let My people go.”

Who is the Lord? Well, Pharoah was about to find out in a dramatic, life-changing fashion. The ten plaques the Lord rained down upon the Egyptians was an “in your face” denunciation of their false gods. And a demonstration of His power. Continue reading →

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May 14, 2021 · 5:14 am

Friday’s List To Live By #39

Yesterday, at the Florida College Lectures, Norm Webb, Jr. who’s a gospel preacher as well as a financial advisor with Edward Jones presented an excellent lesson entitled “Rich Toward God: Using Wealth Faithfully for the King.”

His lesson combined the parables of the rich fool and the unrighteous steward. Today’s list, with only some slight modifications, comes from his lecture manuscript where he offered some practical suggestions for money management. Continue reading →

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May 13, 2021 · 7:06 am

Who Is My Neighbor?

“Few parables challenge us more than this simple story, commonly known as the Parable of the Good Samaritan,” opined Dennis Allan in yesterday’s Florida College Lectures.

This parable basis was Jesus’ response to a Jewish religious leader who was testing Jesus and trying to trap him.

“What shall I do to inherit eternal life? he questioned Continue reading →

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May 12, 2021 · 7:24 am

A Passage To Ponder: Luke 15

Last night at the Florida College Lectures, Phillip Shumake, presented a lesson from Luke 15, on probably the most famous of Jesus’ parables. Like Phillip and the Dutch artist Rembrandt, whose masterpiece depicted the return of the Prodigal, we also share fascination with this parable.

These parables were precipitated, as Phillip pointed out, by the Pharisees who criticized Jesus and murmured, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” The insinuation and implication is that Jesus associates with sinners because he is one of them. In other words, “birds of a feather flock together.”

In response to their accusations, Jesus told three parables. The lost sheep. The lost coin. And the lost son. Indeed these parable are like “a three act play” that present a unifying theme. All three were lost. And all three were diligently sought. And when they were found rejoicing ensued. Continue reading →

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May 11, 2021 · 6:35 am

Are We Really Hearing?

Last night we attended the opening session of the Florida College Lectures. The general theme this year is “Never Has a Man Spoken the Way This Man Speaks.” Specifically, it’s dealing with Jesus’ parables.

Edwin Crozier presented the keynote address entitled “How Will You Understand All the Parables? Subtitled “The Parable of the Sower.”
It was masterfully presented in a way that was thought-provoking, challenging, and stimulating. Continue reading →

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May 10, 2021 · 6:43 am

Word of the Week: Hearing

A concerned husband visited a doctor to discuss a problem he believed his wife was experiencing.

“Doc, I think my wife is going deaf. She never hears me the first time I say something.

Well,” said the doctor,  “go home and tonight about 15 from her and say something. If she doesn’t reply, move about 5 feet close and say it again. Keep doing this, so we can determine the severity of her hearing loss.”

That night, he stands bout 15 feet away while she’s in the kitchen chopping up some vegetables, and asks, “Honey, what’s for supper” Continue reading →

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