Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

As a prophet, Joel was responsible to turn the people back to the Lord. When crisis strikes in our lives, it is time to examine our hearts and see if there is something that demands our attention. This applies to us as individuals and to our nation.

We should not be surprised at the frequent distractions that arise; neither of the lies the enemy sends our way. But we must be deliberate in saying "no" to the things that would slow us or discourage us in our work for the Lord. Fight to the end!

What makes a good father? Love, attention, protection, provision, wisdom, guidance, leadership? Although none of our earthly fathers are perfect, our father in heaven possesses all of these attributes. All who have received the Son are children of God.

Because we spend a lot of time and energy on our most valuable possessions, sometimes it seems that they own us. We must remember that the value of these things is temporary and arbitrary. In contrast, God's value is eternal and intrinsic.

The Bible tells us who God is and who we are in relation to him. He made as a little lower than God, not a little higher than the animals. It is in His image that we were made. In Jesus, the full meaning of God's position with man is made clear.

Nehemiah's detractors ridiculed his efforts, but Nehemiah's work was guaranteed to succeed because he relied on God's direction and strength. We also must be diligent in the tasks the Lord has given us, resisting opposition and knowing the battle is His.

God wants us to carry out fully the work He has given us. Archippus needed encouragement in this area as we do today. Every month 1,500 people leave the ministry. We must expect hardships and we must first count the cost of serving Jesus.

Today's message highlights four very different believers: Jesus Justus, a fellow worker and comforter to Paul, Epaphrus, a prayer warrior who cared for the people, Luke, a doctor who listened, and Demas, who loved the world and deserted his post.

God is the God of second chances. Although John (Mark) was a quitter in his youth, his cousin Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, did not give up on him. Mark later became useful to Paul also. And Peter, who once denied Jesus, encouraged Mark!

We can be slaves to sin, slaves to man, or slaves to God. Jesus gave us the example by taking the form of a bondservant to His disciples. We also learn from the example of Aristarchus, a faithful friend to Paul in difficult situations.

In his letters, Paul demonstrates that people are important to him. He sends one brother to the Colossians to both let them know how Paul is doing and to encourage them. In the first part of today's message we hear from two of our own fellow saints.

We should pray often and our prayers should be for open doors to tell others about Jesus. When those prayers are answered with opportunities, do not give in to fear. Have a story on your heart that you want to share. God will provide the words.

Christ gave himself so that we could be purified. We ought then to live, not as we used to, but soberly, righteously, and godly, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. God's grace transforms every part of our lives, not just those we don't like.

Going to church, giving money, and reading the Bible are not enough. You must be born again through the imperishable word of God, through receiving and believing, and through the Holy Spirit. By His death and resurrection we have a chance for new life.

The breakdown of authority in society reflects the breakdown of authority in the home. Parents need to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord, remembering to be on their knees before Him, seeking strength for this task.

The Bible informs husbands that he who finds a wife finds favor from the Lord. Husbands are to show their wives agape love and not to be harsh. The acronym "PLOD" reminds us to pay attention, listen, observe, and dwell with our wives.

Submission is not a dirty word. God has made the husband as the overseer in the home and a wife is called to submit her heart to him, not to obey, but to allow him to lead. Yet a wife need not fear that leadership if the husband is following Jesus.

Isaiah recognized his sinfulness in the presence of a holy God, yet he accepted God's cleansing. His immediate response was a willingness to be sent by God. Likewise, we must be willing disciples with no strings attached.

Each church needs a vision just as does each individual believer. Ours is based upon Proverbs 29:18, 24:3-4, Acts 2:42, and, by a negative example, Zachariah 11:15-16. A vision combined with a task brings victory!

One of the most memorized passages of scripture is Psalm 23. Describing the personal relationship between sheep and shepherd, and filled with descriptive imagery giving us peace and hope in times of trouble, it is a help to many.

In today's message, Jim leads us through scriptures that remind us of God's plans and promises for the nation of Israel and the church.

The Nicaragua Mission Team discusses the way God worked in and through them during the trip to serve and bless Jesus, the missionaries, and the people, to perform outreach and work projects, and to reestablish connections.

Girls from Teen Challenge Providence share how Jesus is working in their lives through powerful testimonies and music. Also, Pastor Rich continues in Colossians asking if we are able to name Jesus in everything we do.

How are you at submitting to authority? It is God's will that we respect and obey those over us, being model citizens in our work, school, home, church, and community. In this way, we bring glory to God by whose name we are called.

Spend time in the word through personal reading, devotionals, music, and books. Do it at a time that works for you in a quiet place. Do it because you want to receive direction and encouragement. Do it because it is God's will for you.