Seasonal Preaching

When asked about divorce, Jesus went all the way to the beginning to establish God’s intention for the institution of marriage (cf. Matthew 19:1-10). What is the rule of marriage? What significance does God’s joining the two together have? What does Jesus say about divorce?

Submitting to the authority of the Lord is not optional. To reject His authority is to reject a number of other things pertaining to Him, and to be rejected by Him.

Paul admonished the Corinthians for their inability to receive spiritual wisdom due to their carnality (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:1-4). At the beginning of their faith such was understood, but as time elapsed they should have grown. Their negligence led to the divisions among them. We must grow out of our carnality into a spiritual man.

Evangelism is a fundamental responsibility for each and every Christian. Yet, often it is one that seems the most complicated. Perhaps we make it more difficult than it should be. Instead, we should have the attitude of Peter and John as they replied to the Sanhedrin,  “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard”  (Acts 4:20). This sermon offers some simple matters w...

We must simply believe what the Bible says. Nothing less, and nothing more.

We live in a society that has rejected absolute truth. We must not bend to the notion that truth is fluid, and not objectively concrete. Jesus is truth (John 14:6), and we follow Him. For this reason, we must reject the religious error of situation ethics – that love is the only “law” for Christians, and each individual Christian determines himself what would be “loving” in any given situation.

We need authority for all we do as a church, and we establish that authority using the divine methodology discussed in earlier parts of this series. Do we need authority for all we do as an individual? Are we to use the same methodology to establish authority for what we do as an individual?

The Bible warns Christians about the constant prowl of Satan (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). It is possible to be recaptured by him. Some who fall prey to Satan's trap struggle to get out. Why might this be the case? Can that one be restored?

Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). What did he mean by that? How does that apply to us?

When determining God’s will according to the scriptures, it is imperative we understand the significance of God’s silence on a matter. Does His silence permit, or prohibit?

Amos prophesied judgment against the nation of Israel. As great adversity would come upon them due to their sin, they would long to hear God's word, but would not be able to. Is it possible that such a famine of the word of God could come upon us today? If we aren't careful to avoid the example of the Israelites it will.

Authority has a dual nature – generic and specific. Generic authority includes, while specific authority excludes. Expediencies must be lawful, but fall within the realm of generic authority. We must be able to understand what fits the definition of an expediency according to God’s word.

The Christian must not only live in such a way that is honorable before God, but within his power he must show himself to be honorable before men. Paul is used as an example (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:21).

“For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” (2 Timothy 1:12) Paul encouraged Timothy to continue living, preaching, and defending the truth no matter what adversity he faced. Paul was confident in the Lord, and we can be too.

We need authority for all that we practice. The authority must come from the Lord (cf. Colossians 3:17). But how do we establish authority? God has revealed an inspired methodology to determining what He has authorized in scripture.

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

In reality, everyone appeals to what they believe to be a valid source of authority for everything they do, especially in spiritual matters, even if that source is themselves. However, God has made clear there is only one valid source of authority.

Must we have authority for all that we say and do? The Bible makes clear the need for authority in everything.

Peter, James, and John had the privilege of going further in the garden with Jesus when He went to pray. Luke records they were but a “stone’s throw” from Jesus (Luke 22:41). However, they showed that they were much further as they failed to watch and pray. Is it possible that we are at a greater distance from Jesus than we think? We must make sure such is not the case.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26) In order for God’s Spirit to dwell in us through the word leading to faithful obedience, we must have a heart of flesh.

“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) God works toward our salvation through His word by motivating us to do His will, and directing us in the right way.

How we hear God’s word is of great importance. If we are not hearing properly then we will not be able to understand the truth. Jesus’ parable of the sower, and explanation of His teaching in parables in Luke 8 is used to demonstrate this important point.

Paul prayed to God for the increase of the Philippian’s love as they labored in the gospel (cf. Philippians 1:9-11). Our love needs to be of the sort described by Paul.

The Hebrew writer demonstrated that the things made are shakable. This implies they are temporal. God has promised to shake all things one more time for their removal, that the unshakable can remain. Are we prioritizing the unshakable, or neglecting such for the shakable? (cf. Hebrews 12:25-29)

1 Timothy 1 is considered in context, and application is made. What is the purpose of the commandment, sound doctrine, the glorious gospel?