Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

We are saved first and then called to good works. This is the nature of our relationship with God rather than a religion of works. Relationships require listening not just talking. What we say is a reflection of the quality of our relationship with Jesus.

If we look back it should be to question our standing in Christ and see what he has done in our lives. God does not want us to live in the past, he wants us to look forward. We need to seek his will for what we should do with our lives. This is a process.

Jesus is the eternal God and a great teacher. This world is so dark, but Jesus is the light. The world needs a savior and Jesus is the lamb. He was a literal human being, the son of God and the son of man. Let us then receive, believe, follow him!

A mere hearer of the word might be proud, hard-hearted, and self-deceived always talking, but never doing anything. Such a person will hold a distorted, exaggerated view of himself, not seeing his own sin but the mirror of god’s word reveals the truth.

There are many things that keep us back from what God wants us to do. We are to put those things to death by turning away from them and toward prayer and the word of God. The word of God reveals to us the things that need to change. It gives us new life.

There are time for righteous anger, but those are usually best left for God. Anger is not good for our health and life is too short to spend it in vexation. Instead we should pray for those who irritate us. This gives room for God to do a work in us.

Our words come from our heart and we will be held accountable for all that we say. We must then think before blurting something out. Sometimes we just like to hear our own voice or show how much we know, bur we need God's help to restrain our speech.

We have to do more than just hear the words; we need to listen. That means understanding the speaker's perspective even if we disagree. Hearing comes from the word of God. He speaks in a still, small voice so we need to listen carefully.

In order to receive the new birth, we must first trust God's character and his will. His character is revealed through his creation and his word while his will is that people be born again. Believers must then bear fruit. Do not harden your heart.

Does God withhold good things from his people? No, but the enemy seeks to deceive us into believing this. In fact, all good gifts come from God. He only keeps back those things that would hurt us. Do not be misled about God's nature.

We cannot begin to deal with temptation until we realize that it comes from the world, the flesh, and the devil. Temptation is not sin, but sin separates us from god. It is better to not sin than to sin and be forgiven. God will provide a way out.

What does it mean to be blessed? It is not what the world thinks but it is having your strength and trust in God, being disciplined by him, fearing him, keeping his commands, seeking him with all your heart, being steadfast in trials, and more.

God looks at our hearts not our material status. Those who have faith have higher standing in God’s economy than those with riches. We cannot Judge someone's godly condition by their earthly prestige. In Christ, there is no gap between rich and poor.

Is your panic button bigger than your prayer button? We must trust in Jesus, knowing that he is who he says he is. The Bible does not call us to doubt, but to faith and trust. If we doubt, we will have no stability in times of trouble.

God must be the first place we go for answers. When we ask for wisdom, we are pleading for an essential need. Practical wisdom is what guides us through our daily lives. God provides it through his word and other mature believers.

Perseverance is actively waiting and not giving up. Perseverance is necessary for us to develop into full grown Christians. Persevering through trials develops character and leads to hope. How can anyone who doesn't know God get through this life?

Chances are you are either in a trial or in between trials. We will face many on our way to the kingdom of God. Whether internal or external, trials are used to prove our faith and character and to build perseverance. We can be joyful in their midst.

James life was changed by an encounter with Jesus Christ and it must be that way for all of us. We are all his servants. If we recognize him as Lord of our lives then Jesus will work through us to bring the aroma of life to those we meet.

The first thing we must do is put our faith in the almighty God. We then can have a confident expectation of all God has promised us--a hope that sustains us through the darkest times of life. Faith and hope will not be needed in heaven, but love will.

There are times when Christians feel hopeless. The devil is the god of this world and he uses media to entice us. We need to be careful what we take in. Reading the Bible, memorizing scripture, and singing are some ways we can fight against hopelessness.

God is faithful to his word, but this is not a guarantee of prosperity and health. Some saints were martyred and some were spared but for all, the ultimate reward is in eternity. Faith helps us get through anything we face in this life.

We must not confuse the foundational prophets with other prophets. A true prophet either foretells God's truth or tells the truth forth. The original prophets foretold the gospel. We must be willing to listen, testing everything against the scripture.

We are built for eternity and are heirs of God. Our abundance in this life must not distract us from our eternal destiny. Our purpose on this earth is to make the most of whatever crosses our path for the glory of God.

God wants to speak to us and he wants us to listen. Are we too preoccupied, too busy, or too tired to carry out his will? We need to keep praying even through distractions and fatigue. Strive for complete faithfulness to serve the Lord all of your life.

Who do you look to for protection? David understood that God provides shelter in life’s most dangerous moments. No matter what enemies we face, God will bring his work in us to completion. It is therefore natural to sing songs of his goodness.