Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

Because of hard hearts, Israelites wandered the desert. Because of high aspirations, angels were cast down from heaven. Because of immorality, Sodom and Gomorrah were burned. Because God is just, there is a hell. Because He sent Jesus, there is hope.

Every false teacher denies who Jesus is or His sovereignty in some way or another. Many emphasize human will over God's. We have freedom in Christ, but it is freedom from sin not freedom to sin. The word of God teaches us to say no to worldly lusts.

Since there are so many false teachers and doctrines, it is our duty to defend the truth. The faith was entrusted to us to protect. This requires that we study the word, object to falsehoods, and pass Christian faith on from one generation to the next.

As believers, this is a reminder of whose we are. We are called to light and a holy life through the gospel, chosen by Him before the foundation of the world, loved by God the Father. He has His eye upon us to see that we reach our eternal inheritance.

It might not have always been easy growing up with Jesus. His own brothers did not believe in Him and Jesus said a prophet has no honor in his home. But after the resurrection, His brothers taught that familiarity is not a substitute for knowing Him.

Change is difficult and often unwelcome, but God is in the business of making things new. He gives us new birth and a new heart. He is actively giving us new life every day. We should live as His new creation.

Jesus is life and came to give us eternal life, light, grace, and truth. He came into this world and experienced pain, suffering and death because He loved us and wanted to give His life for us. Jesus gave us the right to become children of God.

In the case of Jesus, the Great, Holy One, and Son of the Most High, His name means that He is going to save us from our sins. Only He can do it and His name is above all names. In fact, every knee will bow at the mention of the name of Jesus.

Getting together with others face-to-face and addressing them by their name (which is what sets them apart) is an encouragement. Sometimes we need to fight the temptation to want to be alone. We can bring peace to others by drawing near to them.

Who are the people in your life that you want to emulate? Someone who is spoken well of by others might be a good role model, but more importantly is that the truth is evident in their life. Ultimately, we need to look beyond people and follow Jesus.

There is something powerful about music that honors God. Music will be everywhere in heaven and singing from our hearts prepares us for our future home. We can rise above our circumstances in thanksgiving if we get our minds and hearts fixed in Him.

We are encouraged to be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in everything. This leaves no room for excuses. Paul was not naturally cheerful, but after meeting Jesus, he became a totally different person by the joy of knowing Him.

Expect problems from everyone, but view them as Paul did. Problems can be opportunities that can energize us for service. Too often, Christians are afraid of stirring up problems and shy way from them rather than seize them for Christ.

Pride, ambition, and power are not just problems in the secular world. They can be problems in the church too. Pride is danger and a sin that we must avoid.

The most important thing is to be faithful with the resources and opportunities God has given us. Just showing up is a sign of faithfulness. Whether we have been given much or little, we can do something, but without love, it is worthless.

There are two aspects of a Christian testimony: the truth that is in us, and our walk with the Lord. We get the truth in us by being in the Word. What others see in us and hear from us should then be consistent with what we claim to believe.

John gives us a great example of the importance of relationships through his "dear friend" Gaius. Our prayers for our friends should include prosperity of sole, which requires a close walk with Jesus. We should not hesitate to sacrifice for our friends.

It is more important today than ever before to get together and encourage one another. Joy can come out of being together with other believers. Satan can stop us from fellowship, but one day we will see God face-to-face and we will really know Him then.

We cannot accommodate those who bring false teachings. This requires that we are very familiar with the truth and that we correct those who are in error. The media we consume, the friends we keep, and the spouse we choose should not pull us away.

Most of the things that we think are important have only temporal consequences. The big question is, what are you going to do with Jesus? Recognize that He is the holy one of God and repent. We must sanctify ourselves and grow in grace to serve Him.

We have to have a healthy measure of caution in our walk of faith. True spirits acknowledge that Jesus came in the flesh but anyone who goes ahead of the Word, following human tradition that does not put God first, is a false teacher.

For the Christian, walking means practical daily living and consistent forward progress in our faith. Walking in the truth means to obey it, not just to study it or argue about it. We have a choice to follow the truth. Walk as children of light.

Encouraging words bearing the God's truth and said with meaning are what people need to hear. It all starts with grace (God's unmerited favor), mercy, (which are new every morning) and peace, (which for the believer comes through prayer).

There were false teachers long ago and there are today too. Fortunately, we have the truth and it will remain forever because it is the truth of God. We must know the truth, believe the truth, and obey the truth by abiding in His word.

God has promised to provide and to be with us in times of trouble. He turns our valleys of despair into doors of hope. Hope placed in God does not disappoint. When we place our trust and hope in Him, even against all odds, we are blessed.