Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

Because we have a sinful nature, self-control is necessary to bridle the beast within. The Holy Spirit has been given as a gift to do this, since we can only control ourselves in the power He supplies. It is His strength in the heart of who we are.

Older women are to train the younger to love their husbands and to be self-controlled and pure. This purity begins by filling our minds with what is right. Women should be guardians of the home, setting a tone of peace and godliness.

Older women are called to purity and to be teachers of the younger women. They are not to speak badly about others since slander is from the devil. They are not to be slaves to alcohol and should be examples by the way they live.

Are we teachable? This can be a problem, especially for older men, but there are special lessons for older saints, including exercising sound judgment, being serious without being gloomy, showing self-control, being faithful, and not being self-centered.

False teachers are everywhere and they cause division within the church and within families. Many of them are deceived and many are just in it for the money. False teachers are interested in gaining disciples for themselves rather than for Jesus.

The book of Proverbs brings us wisdom, understanding, and protection. Some of its themes include fearing the Lord, showing humility, having self-control, being honest, diligent, and generous. Each provides unique blessings if we first trust in the Lord!

One of the leadership qualities required by God is to be blameless (not sinless since no one would qualify). Yet, even those who lived sinful lives can be leaders when they leave those things behind, keep short accounts with God, and stick with His Word.

When in a trial, we want to know how long it will last. God's Word reminds us, when we are in despair, of His faithfulness. We must change our focus from ourselves to the Lord and trust in Him, rejoicing, and singing because of what He has done.

Dealing with things we have left unfinished can be painful, but it is important that we complete the work God has given us (Col 4:17). We need to first count the cost (Lk 14:28) but we can be nourished and satisfied in laboring for Him (John 4:34).

Biblical hope is always based on what God can do, not on what we can do. God works with those that come to Him in faith even against all earthly hope. We should rejoice in the hope of the glory of God and remember that He gave us His word to give us hope.

Greet people with grace, mercy, and peace... words that are important. We need to grow in grace and be more gracious to others, we need to remember that God's mercy makes us alive in Christ, and we must be at peace with God to receive the peace of God.

First and foremost, Titus was a servant of God. As fellow servants, we should be working to grow in our faith and to trust God more. When we abide in His word, we will have the truth, which sets us free. (Special music by Kathleen Carnali)

Titus is a pastoral epistle along with 1 & 2 Timothy, written for the care of the churches. In it, we find examples of having enthusiasm for the Lord, caring for people, and taking initiative and getting involved. We are called to be servants like Titus.

When we recognize that we need forgiveness, it becomes possible to forgive others, but when we do not forgive others, our own forgiveness from God is blocked. We are told to forgive like God forgave us: repeatedly and even when it costs us dearly.

Our God is a God who provides for His people like a shepherd, yet can also bring nations to their knees. He is a God so holy, that sin cannot be in His presence, and yet He is the God who casts sin away and who delights in showing mercy!

What is important in our days? Having time with God so that He can satisfy us with His unfailing love. We can sing for joy and be glad all our days even when facing trouble if we pray for God to establish the work of our hands for us.

Our enemies like it when we fall and want to remind us of our weaknesses, but Proverbs 24:16 tells that that "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again." It is not falling, but failing to get up that is the worst.

It was not his personal problems, but the lack of godly people that brought Micah to despair. Although our natural inclination is to be miserable when things seem hopeless, we are reminded to look to the Lord, who has the hope and the answers.

Pastor Rich reflects on a short list of "things that matter" after his open-heart surgery. They include faith, which allows us to call out to Jesus, an ever-present help in times of trouble, family and friends, fellowship, and our future in heaven.

Placing hope in the things of this world is not fitting for Christians. Our hope in God is an anchor, and what ties us to that anchor are His promises. We can expect Him to keep His promises because He controls the hearts of man.

Being gentle is a prerequisite to rejoicing because it helps us avoid discord. It is also essential to not be anxious, remember God's great love for us, and be thankful. The most important key to rejoicing is praying for help when things get difficult.

An often-misunderstood concept, the phrase "separation of church and state" penned by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Baptist churches, was meant to keep Government from meddling with the free worship of God.

Honor is a powerful tool to build the body of Christ and to win the lost. Those whom we should honor include family, authorities, and above all, God. Honor is sincere when we treat others as special and do more than what is expected with a good heart.

Selected Verses from Hebrews

God has let us know how He wants His people to live, and that when we do wrong, we will suffer consequences (God will discipline those whom He loves). We have been warned, and yet we are often too stubborn to listen. Our works should please the Spirit.