Seasonal Preaching

Jesus’ parable about an exorcised demon’s furious return to an empty house warns about the danger of void. The void needs to be filled!

“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.”  (Proverbs 24:3-4) Society has sought to redefine the happy home. Scripture shows us the truth.

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”  (Ephesians 4:30) How could we possibly grieve God? What does Paul mean?

Paul encouraged the Corinthians by telling them of God’s activity in his trials –  “[God] delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us”  (2 Corinthians 1:10). The verb tenses Paul used are powerful, and provide us confidence.

“And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away…But Peter followed Him at a distance”  (Matthew 26:57-58). Peter following the Lord at a distance becomes a metaphor for how some follow Him today. Am I following Jesus at a distance?

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  (Matthew 6:9-10) Our prayer should be for the heavenly to be reflected on earth, and this comes with personal responsibility.

The world tells us that “getting” and “receiving” leads to the greatest happiness and fulfillment. Jesus taught something different –  “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  (Acts 20:35) What is the blessedness of giving?

Paul wanted the Ephesians to know  “what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe”  (Ephesians 1:19). This power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in believers to their salvation, and God’s glory.

The church in Laodicea received no praise from the Son of Man (Revelation 3:14-22). They were lukewarm, and their self-perception was completely opposite of reality. Yet, Christ stood at the door and knocked, wanting to dine with them!

The church in Philadelphia received no protest from the Lord. This faithful group of Christians provide a blueprint for faithfulness as a church despite  “little strength”  (Revelation 3:8).

Though David is a prime example of faith, he was far from perfect. He was a man with experience in sin. Because he loved God, he was also a man with experience in turning to Him for mercy. Psalm 32 presents David’s counsel to those who have sinned.

Judah had become so desensitized and hardened that “The look on their countenance witnesses against them, And they declare their sin as Sodom; They do not hide it.” (Isaiah 3:9) The world’s influence is undeniable, and we must avoid declaring sin along with it.

Jesus knew the reputation the church in Sardis had among men, but He brought them back to reality with stinging rebuke –  “you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead”  (Revelation 3:1). We must not trust in empty activity, but pursue fellowship with God, and therefore, spiritual life.

God is the God of hope, and nurtures hope in His children (Romans 15:13). Christians are to be an optimistic people.  “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  (Romans 8:31)

The “Son of God” addresses the church in Thyatira with an urgent rebuke and warning (Revelation 2:18 -29). Their tolerance of an insidious false prophetess and her error had taken its toll on them, and it was time to repent.

Jesus spoke of only two paths in life (Matthew 7:13 -14). These lead to very different places. Some are confused or ignorant about life, death, and the end of time, but while there are things we are not told, what we are told is certain.

Jesus had  “a few things”  against the church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17). They were true to His name and faith. They were not holding to error, nor actively participating in immorality. However, they were tolerating those who held doctrines contrary to Christ. They were called to repent.

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  (Revelation 2:10) Smyrna received no complaint from the Son of Man. Her faithfulness is evident, but it was about to be tested to the uttermost. Christ’s call? Be faithful!

“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance…”  (1 Timothy 1:15). There are five statements using this formula in Paul’s epistles to Timothy and Titus. They are rich with significance and application.

Communication is crucial to any relationship. If communication fails on either end the relationship is destined to fail. How crucial is communication in our relationship with God?

The first of the seven letters Jesus wrote to the churches in Asia is addressed to Ephesus. The congregation had much to praise, but there was something integral missing –  “you have left your first love”  (Revelation 2:4).

John was given a message to write down and relay to seven churches in Asia (Revelation 1:4). He was given a vision of “One like the Son of Man.” This glorious vision would give context and weight to the letters addressed to the churches. These we must hear!

Despite the clear teaching of the New Testament on the necessity of baptism for salvation, some resist, citing the thief on the cross as proof that baptism is not necessary. What about the thief on the cross? Does this account nullify the necessity of baptism for the forgiveness of sins?

Jesus rebuked spiritual leaders for seeking the glory of men (cf. John 5:44; 12:42-43). We must make the glory of God our greatest treasure. What does it look like to seek the glory of God?

Jesus is King (cf. John 18:36-37). Though many will acknowledge this fact with words they fail to do so with actions. If Christ is King, should we not submit to Him as King?