Seasonal Preaching

Jesus has shown us that the path to heaven is already difficult (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). There is much we have to sacrifice and overcome to reach the Promised Land. However, God has also assured us of the certainty of salvation if we put our trust in Him. Yet, at times we may feel it is extremely difficult for us to be faithful. Why is this so? Perhaps we make it harder on ourselves than it needs to...

After his string of sins in 2 Samuel 11, David is confronted by Nathan the prophet in chapter 12. David’s sins are laid before him, he confesses sin, and is forgiven. From this account we learn about some tendencies man has to be blind to his sin, the purpose of God’s revelation to unveil our sin to us, and the forgiveness God offers.

Not long after the gospel was preached on Pentecost and the church was established, the disciples of the Lord began to face the intense opposition of which He forewarned. After Peter and John healed a lame man, and preached Jesus to the crowd they were arrested and threatened (cf. Acts 3-4). After being threatened, they returned to their companions and prayed (Acts 4:23-31). We can learn a lot by...

Peter told his readers to grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). In the first chapter he discussed how God was seeking to multiply grace to his readers (2 Peter 1:2-4). He then discussed their part – adding to their faith various graces (2 Peter 1:5-7). The third in the list is “self-control.”

When Jesus was 12, He lingered behind in Jerusalem when His parents left after observing the passover (cf. Luke 2:41-50). His parents supposed He was among the company, or perhaps their relatives. However, they were not certain, and He wasn’t. Many make the mistake of Jesus’ parents – they suppose Jesus is with them instead of making certain of it. We must examine ourselves to see whether we are i...

Peter told his readers to grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). In the first chapter he discussed how God was seeking to multiply grace to his readers (2 Peter 1:2-4). He then discussed their part – adding to their faith various graces (2 Peter 1:5-7). The second in the list is “knowledge.”

“He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.” (Proverbs 13:13) Many in the world, even the religious world, do not fear God’s word. However, in order to receive the reward we must fear God’s word.

“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) This sermon considers the “everlasting consolation” Paul mentioned.

Too many think they have a right to retaliate when they are wronged. In Romans 12:17-21, Paul discusses how the Christian is to react to evil. Our goal is to overcome evil, but that is only possible with good.

Peter told his readers to grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). In the first chapter he discussed how God was seeking to multiply grace to his readers (2 Peter 1:2-4). He then discussed their part – adding to their faith various graces (2 Peter 1:5-7). The first in the list is “virtue.”

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18) This two part sermon is first in a series of studies about growing in the grace of God. What does it mean to grow in grace? How does one grow in grace? Further studies will consider the virtues listed by Peter in 2 Peter 1:5-7 which the Christian is to add to his fa...

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18) This two part sermon is first in a series of studies about growing in the grace of God. What does it mean to grow in grace? How does one grow in grace? Further studies will consider the virtues listed by Peter in 2 Peter 1:5-7 which the Christian is to add to his fa...

When the Jews in Thessalonica who were not persuaded stirred up a mob, they accused Paul and Silas of turning the world upside down (cf. Acts 17:6). The Gospel is a revolutionary message that completely alters the paradigm for each individual who comes into contact with it. This is either for the better, or the worse depending on how they receive the message.

We are commanded to understand God’s word (Ephesians 5:17), and we are able to understand God’s word (Ephesians 3:4). However, there are many who do not understand God’s word (Isaiah 6:9-10). We need to know the hindrances to our being able to understand God’s word in order to avoid them.

“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) This verse is considered, especially in light of its connection to the Old Testament tabernacle ( “dwelt” – skēnoō – to fix one’s tabernacle, have one’s tabernacle, abide (or live) in a tabernacle (or tent), tabernacle (THAYER)).

Paul noted that we can understand the scriptures (Ephesians 3:4) and that we must understand the scriptures (Ephesians 5:17). Many suggest they cannot be understood, and others do not have the confidence to understand. How is one to understand the scriptures?

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.

The scriptures are inspired of God, or God-breathed (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16). This means that the holy writings are to be taken exactly as they are, and treated with the utmost reverence. If God said it, that settles it, and we must believe it and obey it.

Paul encouraged the Philippians, “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) The fact that God works in us toward our salvation is a most comforting doctrine. But how does God work in you?

When Jesus cleansed the temple at the start of His ministry, “His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.'” (John 2:17) Zeal for His Father’s will consumed Jesus’ life. He lived for God, and that eclipsed everything else. What consumes you?

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:1-2) This sermon considers the forgiveness offered by God.

Peter noted that “the God of all grace…called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 5:10). The glory we have been invited to share in with Christ in heaven is awaiting those who take three steps – Out of Self, Into Christ, and Through the Judgment.

While Moses showed great faith in leading the Israelites through the exodus, the success of the deliverance depended on the people acting by faith in God’s ability to deliver. They crossed the Red Sea by faith, defeated Jericho by faith, and encountered a Gentile woman who displayed great faith.

James addressed a type of evil judgment in James 4:11-12. Such judgment is without the Divine standard, thus, a usurpation of authority. We have no right to make judgments where God has not first made judgements.

The Hebrew writer considers the faith of Moses, starting with his parents, and progressing to the Passover.