Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

We have been entrusted with the truth and each one of us has a responsibility to guard it against false teaching. We do this with the help of the Holy Spirit, by knowing the Word, turning away from godless chatter, being discerning, and speaking out.

Wealth can present dangers to both nations and individuals. One hazard is that our money will cause us to become arrogant and prideful. Another is that we put our hope in riches instead of God. It is better to be generous and rich in good deeds.

Contrary to secular opinion, we are not our own, but we are instead owned. As Christians, we must accept God's ownership of us before someone or something else does. God has paid the price for us and all glory must be His.

We should take hold of the eternal life, which is already ours. It is not a hope, but a present reality, which we can claim when we live in the power and values of God's eternal kingdom. He has given us life in full.

The third battlefront Christians face is the devil. We are told to resist him and he will flee from us. If we remember that He who is within us is greater than he who is in the world, and if we put on the full armor of God, we will be ready to fight.

Great faith begins with having a correct view of Jesus. Having strong faith in a false God is of no value, but even weak faith in the true God is sufficient. Knowing the Word of God will help us to trust Him and make our requests to Him in faith.

This week we begin discussing the three battlefronts of Christian living: the world, the flesh, and the devil. We do not belong to the world, and God's power allows us to escape its corruption. Only those who trust in Jesus can overcome the World.

In addition to fleeing from wrongdoing, men and women of God must eagerly chase after Him. As we do, He will provide for us righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Seek Him and live.

Sometimes you need to fight and other times you need to pray, but there are times when you just need to run. It is important to recognize those situations and to know how to flee. It can be both a sign of wisdom and a means of victory.

Are you Content with what God has provided? It could be that your love for material wealth is only made evident when you are asked to give it up. Relying on Christ for your daily needs is how we are to live.

Our Christian witness should be of primary importance no matter where we are or what our circumstances. This is true even for those under slavery, so that God's name may not be slandered. For we are slaves to Christ and not to sin!

Overseers, Elders and Deacons are roles not just titles and when selecting leaders, character matters, so do so carefully. Once selected, those who teach and lead require encouragement, and if they go astray, there must be discipline.

Most people understand the need to take care of their family members, but Christians are specifically instructed to do so. The Bible also gives us guidance on how to treat widows and others in our church family.

All believers have been given spiritual gifts. Timothy devoted himself to the public reading of the Word. Jesus went through the communities, teaching, preaching, and healing, even when He was tired. Don't neglect your gift. Keep at it!

Knowing Jesus is not just knowing about Him, but having a relationship with Him so deep that it transforms our entire person. Often our relationship with Jesus gets stronger as we share in His sufferings and sense His presence and power in our struggles.

If our lives do not match what we profess to believe, then either we will stop speaking to others about our faith, or our speech will become ineffective. We must be examples of purity in word and deed.

The biblical definition of hope is a confident expectation based on God's character, promises, and faithfulness. During those times when we feel hopeless, we must refocus on these things. Eternal hope belongs to those who have put their trust in Him.

We all know that in order to maintain healthy physical bodies requires diet and exercise. This is true for our spiritual lives also. We should not feed on spiritual junk food, but on the truths of the faith, exercising our faith through good works.

Some false teachers are deceived themselves. Others know they are spreading falsehood in an attempt to draw other disciples away. Whether the motivation is greed, power or something else, we are all vulnerable if we do not know the truth.

In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. This is the promise of a God who is omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and eternal. So we can be assured that He is consistent and faithful to fulfill His promises.

God has established three institutions: Marriage, Government, and the Church. The church is God's household and the word means "the called-out." It is a family, not a building and Jesus is at its center.

All believers are called to serve and have been given gifts we can use to do so. The word deacon means one who serves, but a title is not necessary. Just be about the Father's business. Deacon who? Deacon you!

Our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally. He is filled with compassion, not condemnation. When one of His sheep returns to Him, He is truly a happy Father. Fathers everywhere can learn from His example.

Personal character, the witness of the home, teaching aptitude, and a measure of experience are four of God's main standards for leadership in the church. Problems that prevent a leader from fulfilling his position include lack of character.

The Bible uses the words overseer, elder, and shepherd interchangeably. Those who are called to this position must serve willingly, not for power or obligation. They are to teach, preach, direct the church and shepherd the flock; truly a high calling!