Seasonal Preaching

The scripture tells us that Jesus was in the tomb for 3 days and 3 nights. While His disciples sorrowed, and struggled, where was Jesus? What was His state before His resurrection, where was He, and what was He doing? There are several misconceptions people have about these questions. We must let the scripture speak, and receive comfort from it.

Paul told Timothy to “be diligent” (2 Timothy 2:15). Diligence is the basic virtue necessary for achieving anything, even growing in Christ. It is not something distant from us, but is often neglected. If we are to improve, and be pleasing to God, we must be diligent.

Do we have the faith displayed by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego? (cf. Daniel 3)

In Luke 16, Jesus exhorts His disciples to be prudent concerning their spiritual future by being good stewards of what God had entrusted them. The discussion of mammon led to the Pharisees’ derision of Jesus. Jesus admonished them for their unfaithful hearts manifested in poor stewardship, especially of God’s word. When all is considered, we can understand what a faithful heart is, and how it func...

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) God has richly blessed us with the spiritual necessities to please Him, and secure salvation. Everlasting consolation and good hope are two of these blessings.

Matthew 4:1-11 records Jesus’ temptations prior to the start of His ministry. A study of the text provides insight into the schemes of the devil, as well as the way in which we are to endure temptation through Jesus’ example. What is truly at stake in temptation?

When the ship Paul was on wrecked, and all the passengers found their way to the shore of the island Malta, Luke records,  “And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.”  (Acts 28:2) What are ways we can kindle a fire for our brethren in this cold world?

People will go to tremendous lengths to save their physical life. Yet, this life is but a vapor. What about their spiritual life? This sermon considers the urgent call of the apostle Peter,  “And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”  (Acts 2:40, ASV)

The importance of praise and gratitude for God in the life of a Christian cannot be overstated. Psalm 95 is one of praise, adoration, and thanksgiving. However, the last half of the Psalm shows a great contrast with a stern warning about following the example of the rebellious wilderness generation. They were not mindful of God, nor thankful, and as a result were not faithful.

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:19). Through the spirit which Jesus Christ displayed in His life on earth, Paul would be able to remain faithful and magnify Christ in his body. We, too, need to possess this disposition of Jesus Christ to overcome trials of our faith.

Paul said,  “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”  (Philippians 4:11). Contentment is required by God of the Christian. However, contentment does not come naturally. It must be learned. How are we to learn contentment?

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13) Our salvation is our responsibility, but we have the reliably of God’s work in us. We are called to live above reproach, and rejoice.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’ And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4)

The church is according to God’s eternal purpose in Christ (cf. Ephesians 3:10-11). By design, the church is to bring glory to God in Christ. However, it is important we understand this functions on the local level. It is a Christian’s obligation to be joined to a local body of believers, and to contribute to the work.

The church is according to God’s eternal purpose in Christ (cf. Ephesians 3:10-11). By design, the church is to bring glory to God in Christ. However, it is important we understand this functions on the local level. It is a Christian’s obligation to be joined to a local body of believers, and to contribute to the work.

The church is according to God’s eternal purpose in Christ (cf. Ephesians 3:10-11). By design, the church is to bring glory to God in Christ. However, it is important we understand this functions on the local level. It is a Christian’s obligation to be joined to a local body of believers, and to contribute to the work.

Paul speaks of Christians being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise who also acts as a guarantee of our inheritance (cf. Ephesians 1:13-14). What is the seal of the Holy Spirit? How is He a guarantee for us?

Genesis 16 records the time when Sarai and Abram took matters into their own hands, seeking to find fulfillment in God’s promises through their own wisdom. Giving Hagar to Abram as wife proved to be problematic. One effect was the affliction of Hagar. The account preserves a most comforting aspect of God – “Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she sa...

The Bible tells us we have been given “exceedingly great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4). God’s promises are certain. We depend upon these promises, and must stand on them.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) We must not heed the advice of the world, but follow Christ.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 2-4) What shape would we be in if our physical prosperity and health matched our spiritual?

“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15, NASB). We are commanded to defend the truth, and have a ready answer for our hope. Some struggle to find the balance of humility and conviction in such responses. Christ being on the throne of ou...

“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”  (Galatians 6:8-9) The faithful must be on guard against weariness.

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION , so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9, NASB). There are people who belong to God, who are His possession, His inheritance, His portion. This blessed relationship is offered to all, but only enjoyed by those who let G...

“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:8-9) The faithful must be on guard against weariness.