Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

It has been said that you are either in a trial, coming out of one, or going into one. Trials are inevitable, but have a purpose. Our response should consider that our faith is being tested during these difficulties, and we reap a reward for enduring.

The Bible calls us to preach the Word. But in order to proclaim God's truths, we must prepare by studying it ourselves and by being prepared to speak up, whether it is convenient or not, and regardless of how uncomfortable the situation may be.

The Bible gives the way to eternal life, is God's Word, is infallible, is useful for many purposes, and is under constant attack. It is no wonder that the enemy wants to keep us from the Word, but it needs to be part of our daily walk.

God doesn't just forgive us when we sin; He pursues us. Hosea powerfully illustrates this. When reading today's passage, we must identify with Gomer to appreciate the extent of the grace that God pours out to us in our sin.

Paul implores believers to continue in perseverance in our faith, learning and making corrections as we go. If we are convinced that His way is the best way, we will seek the proper context by learning from others and passing that knowledge along.

There are many promises in the Bible. Some are comforting, and some disturbing. Those who wish to lead a Godly life are assured persecution. But persecution refines the church and God promises to rescue us from it.

We are always an example to someone, but not always a good one. Believers should demonstrate a contrast to non-believers in our way of life and in our faith. By doing so, we exemplify Christ, who promises a blessing when we do His will.

There are many counterfeits out there. Some are easy to discern and others are not. Teachers of religion can be fakers too, and in order to recognize them we must know Jesus as savior and follow Him, know the Bible as truth, and not be easily fooled.

Yes, we are living in the last days, but they began at the time of Jesus. Therefor, we should be looking, watching, and living for Him. Whether or not the world matches the description in these verses, we should check our own hearts for these sins.

Pride and hurt feelings can lead to foolish arguments, but the people of God need to show humility and respect during any disagreement. Listening to opposing views and praying for those who are against you will help prevent quarrelling.

The picture that we identify with through baptism is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus tells us to be baptized and He himself was baptized. It is a sign of obedience and a witness to others of our commitment to follow Christ.

Hopelessness makes it hard to go on, but God wants to give us His hope through the Holy Spirit. Although there is natural hope, which is really just wishful thinking, spiritual hope is a confident expectation. This is the hope that will keep us going.

We are not called to be Lone Ranger Christians, but rather to help one another through love, devotion, acceptance, instruction, service, forbearance, and forgiveness. We call this Koinonia: partnership and participation.

There are many things to flee from--lust, ambition, worry--but how do you flee what's inside of you? You must be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Instead, run to things that are good: righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

We were created in order to do good works, but in order to be useful to the Lord, we must cleanse ourselves from things that are impure, or in error. As C.T. Studd said, "Only one life 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."

The cornerstone and foundation of salvation is Jesus, so it is not true that there are many paths to heaven. God's seal is upon this foundation and those who build on it are His. Who do you belong to? Can anyone tell?

If a part of the body loses the flow of blood, gangrene sets in and spreads. The same is true of false teachings, which cut us off from the truth. We need to teach the truth of God's Word often, and not quarrel about small matters.

Many of God's sayings are conditional statements and Pastor Rich presents several examples. Some put conditions on us for a blessing, or for removal of blessings. One of the most powerful though is that if we are faithless, He remains faithful.

To remember Jesus, we must bring Him to the front of our minds. In physical trials, we can recall His pain. In discouragement, take comfort that He is alive and His Word cannot be stopped. When facing persecution, remember He is worth fighting for!

We are not all called to be pastors, but we are all called to follow Jesus. Paul compared the difficulty of this to being a soldier, an athlete, or a farmer. Like them, followers may face some loss and hardship, but God's grace will see them through.

Like the baton in a relay race, the truth we pass on to others never changes. But to pass it effectively requires practice. We should pass on our knowledge to others, but they must be ready to receive it and we must be ready to let go.

By the grace of God we have been saved and that grace is unmerited favor; it is not given based on our works. Grace leaves no room for pride, but by humbling ourselves we can be a channel of God's grace to others.

Being a good friend to someone means being there in their time of need, regardless of our own wants or fears. True friends are faithful, do not give up, and value the importance of personal contact. Knowing this, there is no better friend than Jesus.

Don't add to, take away from, or try to improve the Word of God. Rather, keep it, guard it, fight for it, and pass it on. Ask yourself what does it say, what does it mean, and how is it applicable to me?

The wages of sin is death so we are facing an emergency situation: certain death. But for the believer, death has no power over us. We are saved from death and hell to life. Don't be satisfied with a saved soul and a wasted life.