Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

This week, Pastor Rich gives a brief overview of the Old Testament and the first minor Prophet, Hosea. God's unfailing love for Israel is clearly shown here. He could never forsake His people, even when they turn to other Gods.

As Pastor Rich concludes the book of Philippians, he reviews the essential elements of the book's theme of joy and provides a handy reference to key verses.

Young believers we should learn a consistent habit of cheerful committed giving, which is a fragrant offering to God. We do not give to get, but there is a connection between God's blessings and our attitude towards giving.

Contentment is what is contained within us, not the circumstances around us. For the believer, Christ is within us. Be content with what you have because He will never leave nor forsake you.

In this special message, Justin Montoya discusses four aspects of children's ministry: God's heart towards children, the importance of children's ministry, our approach to it, and practical ways for more effective ministry to kids.

Mankind's natural tendency is to think evil thoughts. God calls us to fill our minds with goodness. If we intentionally think of something often enough, we will get to the point where we can't stop thinking about it.

When in the midst of trials and anxious moments, prayer should be our first remedy. It is not that God will change our circumstances, but He promises us a peace that goes beyond our understanding if our minds are fixed on Him.

John Beers discusses the plight of the children in India and how Gospel for Asia is reaching many through their Bridge of Hope centers. The harvest is ripe and John explains how you can help now.

Conflicts and division can occur even among believers. When they do, we should remember that we are fighting a common enemy. By turning our hearts and minds towards rejoicing in the Lord, it is easier to be gentle with one another.

Stand firm in the Lord our rock and do not turn from doing good work. Jesus is our foothold and it is only our steadfastness in Him that will allow us to stand during persecution and difficulties.

True leadership presents itself as an example for others to follow. Since Paul followed the example of Christ, he was a good example for others. In the same way, we should be controlled by the spirit and not by the flesh.

In order to participate in the Greek games, you had to be a citizen of Greece. Since we are citizens of heaven, we ought to press-on to pursue after the Lord God with zeal, never slowing down nor turning back.

From cover to cover, the Bible is about knowing Jesus. The more time we spend with Him--in His word, prayer, and fellowship--the deeper that knowledge will be. Knowing Jesus is the essence of eternal life.

Mankind faces many enemies, but perhaps the two most vicious are sin and death. Fortunately for Christians, both have been defeated. The cross has vanquished the sting of death when Jesus died for our sin. Live in its shadow!

We are saved by faith. Anything that we add to that simple truth robs us of joy and denies the sufficiency of the cross. Our works and credentials are the things that keep us from knowing Christ as savior.

The examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus challenge is to show genuine concern for others, to be united with fellow believers as brothers, to be hard workers in the faith, and to be courageous soldiers in spiritual warfare.

Works do not save us, but once we are saved, Christ works in us to conform us to His will. We should be thinking and acting in a way that displays our faith and brings others to Jesus.

In these verses, we are told who Jesus is and see the example He set for us. Although He is fully God, he emptied himself for our benefit. Our attitude is the way we are oriented towards a reference. Let us be oriented towards serving others.

The comfort we receive during our suffering is meant not just for ourselves but to help others, also. If we do not pass this blessing on, we stagnate like the Dead Sea: always taking in but never giving back.

Joy as a Christian comes from living as a citizen of heaven, solidly grounded in the fundamentals of the faith. As we learn from the sufferings of Christ and of Paul, such joy may be found even in persecution and we do not need to fear it.

How would most people sum up the essence of life itself in a word? Money? Position? Health? For Paul, the answer was "Christ." If that is to be true in our own lives, it leaves no room for a passive existence. We should live to serve Christ with zeal!

God often uses the circumstances that bind us physically or emotionally to break down spiritual barriers. Such was the case with Paul's imprisonment, where his fearless commitment to the Gospel of Christ advanced his ministry even to the prison guards.

Like Paul, we should take joy in praying for others--both those who give us trouble, and our closest friends in Christ. By praying for others, we are bearing the fruit of righteousness by putting them before ourselves.

As God continues to work in us to shape our character, we are tempted to ask, "Are we there yet?" What is that good work that He promised to complete in us? While we may not know the details, what we do know is that He is making us more like Christ Jesus every day.

God has commanded believers to seek the lost, but how do we know whom we should approach? The apostle Paul tried many doors and was sensitive to God's leading. We should pray for the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of the unbelievers we encounter.