Seasonal Preaching

Gambling is a pervasive problem in our society. It is important that Christians avoid the vice, but also know why it is sinful. What’s the problem with gambling?

2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21 record David’s sin in ordering a census. It shows the great cost of sin and salvation in the punishment brought because of the sin, and the great grace of God displayed. It also shows the great cost of sacrifice as David refused to offer that which cost him nothing (cf. 2 Samuel 24:24).

Some in the Lord’s church are discounting the importance of adhering to the pattern of the New Testament revealed by Jesus through the Holy Spirit. It is as though grace and mercy are distinct from the revealed pattern. The former should be emphasized, and the latter should have limited attention given to it. However, Scripture reveals precedent for pattern from the beginning, and in the very natu...

“Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”  (Luke 8:18) There are many differing views on a wide range of scriptural topics. Yet, Jesus declares there is one way (cf. John 14:6). How can we know the way, and be sure we are on it? The Master Teacher boils it down to the quality of hear...

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”  (1 John 2:1-2) John did not seek to engender confidence in Christians through a tolerance of sin. However, sin can and will strike a Chri...

“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation…of laying on of hands”  (Hebrews 6:1-2) The “laying on of hands” is considered milk by the Holy Spirit, but is a topic with much confusion surrounding it.

Jesus said,  “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day”  (John 6:44). What does it mean that the Father draws men to Jesus? How does He do it? 

Acts 12 renews some familiar themes. There is a resurgence of persecution, this time by the hand of an evil civil ruler, Herod Agrippa I. However, there is also a resurgence of God’s power, and success of the work of the church.

Acts 9:36-43 records the resurrection of a woman by Peter. The Holy Spirit reveals her name,  “Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas,”  and explains,  “This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.”  She stands as an example of true grace and beauty as defined by scripture.

Speaking of the state of God’s people which brought upon them the judgment of captivity, Isaiah wrote,  “But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away”  (Isaiah 64:6). What did he mean by this? What might be a filthy rag to God in our life?

The Bible reveals that Moses’ parents hid him, protecting him from Pharaoh’s decree,  “when [they] saw that he was a beautiful child”  (Exodus 2:2). What did they see? What did they understand? Parents today must learn from the faith of Moses’ parents.

Suffering, affliction, and death are common to man. The apostles experienced it greatly, but Paul’s description of His ministry is telling concerning the hope of Christians (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Christians look at the unseen, not the seen. As they trust in God, the negative affliction actually transforms them, and prepares them for  “the eternal weight of glory.”

Acts 3-4 record the continuation of events discussed at the end of chapter 2. The church has been established by the authority of Jesus who reigns at the right hand of God, and His power and Kingdom continue to be displayed. It is the name of Jesus which is at the helm of this incredible spiritual revolution, and those who have faith in Him are strengthened to bring glory to God through Him.

“The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.”  (Proverbs 29:25) Fear is debilitating, and will not allow us to be the disciples we are called to be. If we trust in the Lord we will be lifted above our fears, and find safety in Him.  This second part considers the fears we face in evangelism, and how to overcome them by faith.

Acts 1 records the events just prior to Jesus’ ascension, His ascension, and what the disciples did before the kingdom was established on the day of Pentecost. The text supplies us with several lessons to learn.

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”  (Hebrews 12:1). While there may be a particular sin which troubles us, underneath all specific sin is a problem we must lay aside if we are to win the race.

“The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.”  (Proverbs 29:25) Fear is debilitating, and will not allow us to be the disciples we are called to be. If we trust in the Lord we will be lifted above our fears, and find safety in Him. This first part considers the fears we face in our identity, and how to overcome them by faith, and our fellowship with God.

The Ephesians were affected by Paul’s imprisonment on their behalf, so he instructed them not to lose heart (Ephesians 3:13). He then prayed, and through such instructed the Ephesians, that the Spirit revealed gospel he had ministered to them would have its full effect in their lives (Ephesians 3:14-21). Rather than being discouraged by Paul’s plight on their behalf, they should honor his work in...

The Christian is to live a transformed life according to God’s will (cf. Romans 12:1-2). Part of presenting the body as a living sacrifice includes what we put on the body. Modesty, both inside and out, is a part of the transformation into the image of Christ.

The Christian is to live a transformed life according to God's will (cf. Romans 12:1-2). Part of presenting the body as a living sacrifice includes what we put on the body. Modesty, both inside and out, is a part of the transformation into the image of Christ.

The Christian is to live a transformed life according to God's will (cf. Romans 12:1-2). Part of presenting the body as a living sacrifice includes what we put on the body. Modesty, both inside and out, is a part of the transformation into the image of Christ.

Paul speaks about some who need to  “come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will”  (2 Timothy 2:26). What hope is there for one who has been recaptured by Satan? Can they be restored?

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”  (John 1:14) As Jehovah dwelt among the Israelites in the tabernacle, so God dwelt among men in the flesh in the person of Jesus. Still today, God seeks to dwell with us through His Son.

God convicted Judah through Micah of their sinful state before Him. Their reply manifested an ignorance of God, and His desire for His children. Micah explains what the Lord requires of His people (cf. Micah 6:8).

When the apostles were threatened by Jewish leaders they banded together in prayer to God (cf. Acts 4:23-31). Their resolve to do the will of Christ no matter what and their reliance on God in prayer is commendable, and should be emulated.