Seasonal Preaching

“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20). God’s grace more than takes care of the problem of sin which began with Adam, and continued throughout human history. We are blessed by God’s grace, but we must understand where it abounds, and what it is intended to do for us.

God grants us hope through His Son. He works in us to strengthen our hope. Hope serves an important role in the life of a Christian. This sermon considers some functions of hope.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 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). The sin of unbelief, or lacking trust, is considered.

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20) It is important we follow James’ instruction on receiving God’s word if we are to be pleasing to Him.

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) What made the Bereans worthy of the Holy Spirit’s description?

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

“Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18) What seed produces righteousness? How is this to be sown? Is pruning necessary, and if so, how is one pruned to bear the fruit of righteousness?

It is God’s will that, as we walk by faith in Christ, we are filled with joy and peace, and abound in hope (cf. Romans 15:13). What a wonderful blessing.

The text of John 14:1-6, where Jesus comforts His disciples by emphasizing the many abiding places in His Father’s house, and that while He goes away He is going to return, is considered in its context.

Jesus was prophesied to be “a man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3). In many events of His life this prophecy is fulfilled. In John 11:35, the scripture simply records, “Jesus wept.” It is significant that Jesus wept, and the reasons He wept are also significant.

“The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and should to the Egyptians…So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain” (Genesis 41:56-57). The rise of Joseph in Egypt is considered, especially his instrumentality in God’s provision of sustenance, and parallels are drawn in application.

The Christian is in the world, but is not supposed to be of the world – worldly (cf. John 17:14-16). However, we must not make the mistake of thinking of worldliness in the basest of terms. There is a kind of respectable worldliness – worldliness that is comparatively more subtle. We must not be guilty of such.

“So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her.” (Genesis 29:20) The love Jacob had for Rachel stands as an impressive example to us today.

What makes a sound church sound?

Psalm 121 describes the help God offers His people. God is constantly extending His helping hand for our salvation. He protects us and provides for us that we may be saved in the end. What help does He offer to keep us saved?

Jesus explained that in order for many to be saved He must first die, just as a grain of wheat must die to produce much grain (John 12:23-24). He then made application to those who would follow Him. They must be willing to lose their life to save it (John 12:25-26). Ultimately, if we are to have salvation, we must first die to sin.

Amos prophesied judgment and destruction from God to the norther nation of Israel. Along with this there would be a judgment of famine. However, this was no ordinary famine, but a famine of the word of God (cf. Amos 8:11-14). Can there be such a famine today? If we do what the Israelites did to bring this famine on themselves there will be.

Can we have confidence in our salvation? That’s what having hope is all about – confident expectation. The Hebrew writer urged his readers to press on to the “full assurance of hope” (Hebrews 6:11-12).

After making Himself equal with God, the Pharisees sought to stone Jesus despite the miracles which confirmed His claim. Jesus responded with scripture, which would nullify their accusation. He did so with the mutual understanding that “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). We must understand the same.

In Psalm 50, the Holy Spirit speaks of God’s judgment of His people Israel, especially concerning their worship before Him, and the hypocrisy of their sinful actions. Applications are made.

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?

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.

In Matthew 12:22-30, Jesus was accused of casting out demons by the power of Satan. His response pointed out the logical failure of the argument, and the only logical conclusion of the truth. Similarly, with all error there is a logical failure, and the truth always wins.

The Hebrew writer exhorted the brethren to strengthen each other in the time of chastening so none would be lost spiritually (Hebrews 12:12-17). Not only would the apostasy of one be devastating to that individual, but it could defile many. We must seek to prevent roots of bitterness from springing up.

The changed lives devoted to Christ the Corinthians were living was Paul’s letter of commendation as an apostle (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:1-3). They were truly an epistle of Christ. Are you?