Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

Sometimes it may cost us something to be unashamed of the Gospel. But since Jesus has done such great things and has saved us from death, there is no reason to be ashamed of Him or to tell others about Him. Remember, Jesus is not ashamed of us.

What holds us back from fanning the flames of our spiritual fire? Fear, weakness, and lack of love or devotion are some reasons. The world, the flesh, and the devil give us a spirit of fear, but the spirit of God gives us power, love, and discipline.

Ravi Zacharias has argued that it is not too much pain that leads to an empty life, but the pursuit of too much pleasure, as was the case for the prodigal son. The "upside surprise" for him and for us is that God's joy and peace follow us wherever we go.

Are you okay with faith without fire? We are told to stoke the fire of out faith, to make it alive again. This can be accomplished by exercising the gifts of the spirit that we have been given by His grace.

The Bible is filled with examples of saints who trusted God in one instance and doubted Him in the next. Abraham, Asa, and Elijah are among those examples. When we are anxious, our witness if weak, but He can still use us when we put out trust in Him.

Our sincere faith is often a great encouragement to others when it is demonstrated without hypocrisy. This type of faith in Timothy encouraged Paul, as Timothy had been encouraged when he observed it in his grandmother and mother.

Paul knew his end was near and this book is his last known writing. If you were in the same situation, what words would you leave? Paul's final reflections include having fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Don't Quit!

The resurrection is important for two primary reasons: to prove who Jesus is, and to conquer sin and death. Now is a good time to examine yourself. Are you in the faith? If not, then now is a good time to turn to Him.

In contrast to Jonah, who looked over the city of Nineveh in anger that they had turned TO God, Jesus, as He rode into Jerusalem in triumph, wept because He knew that the people would turn AWAY from Him.

Although Jonah was shown mercy in being saved by the fish, he did not want to see mercy applied to Nineveh. Jonah had a heart problem. If such a great prophet of God can be afflicted, so can we. Let us rejoice in God's grace and mercy towards others.

When Jonah finally became obedient, it led to the greatest revival or awakening in history. Nineveh was a very large and important city and it took seriously God's warning to repent and put its faith in God. All true revival does the same.

God often gives us a second chance, but it is better to do it His way the first time. Although the devil wants us to think we're done after we fall, the victorious Christian life is a series of new beginnings, starting with being born again.

Although we often pray for things that we want, sometimes God provides things we don't want, but that we need. Such was the case with Jonah. His disobedience brought about his trouble, his trouble led to his prayer, and his prayer led to salvation.

Does our running from God affect anyone else? Yes. We do not live in a vacuum and others are affected by our sin. What does God do? He uses people around us, even unbelievers, to challenge us. God can even use our rebellion to reach other people.

As we start our series in Jonah, it is important to accept that this is an historical book. It is a fact too, that we, like Jonah, sometimes run from God. But when we go God's way, He will see that we get there... and He'll pay the fare!

This week, we review the history of Calvary Chapel in Rhode Island, with Pastor Rich and Paula leaving California and following a circuitous path leading to Greenmeadow. Our present is Acts 2:42 and our future is Revelation 21 and 22.

We will face difficult battles and even spiritual oppression, but how do we fight them? It is only by the blood of the Lamb (what Jesus did, not what we do), the word of our testimony (the evidence of Jesus in our lives), and by steadfast faith.

It takes faith to accept the unexplained. Norm uses a story about the death of Calvin Coolidge's son and another about the attempted assassination of Andrew Jackson to illustrate this point.

God created us to share His love. He demonstrates that love in the way a shepherd cares for his flock, protecting us, leading us along the right path, and providing for our needs. He knows each one and they know his voice and follow him.

Although God is eternal, limitless, and unchanging, mankind is bound by time. Are you using your time for God? Realize that we will give an accounting for our actions before Him and that we are stewards of our time. Have deeds that are authored by Him.

If you have accepted Christ as your savior, then you have a story. Do the work of evangelism! We are called to be ambassadors for Christ. Pray that God will give you a burden for the lost and be confident that the Holy Spirit will give you the power.

A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul. When Jesus was born, all of humanity received good news of great joy. This news changes us by giving us hope for forgiveness and salvation if we respond by accepting Jesus.

The beginning of the good news can be found back in Genesis. Even in the midst of the fall of man, God promised a plan to save. He fulfilled prophesy by coming through the lines of Abram, Judah, and David, and He promises to save all who come to Him.

Most of the news we hear today is bad. Some websites claim to have good news, but the Gospel is the best news humanity has ever received. The angels announced the birth of Jesus, which was the beginning of good tidings for the world.

The world is filled with trouble. Where do we turn? To God and His Word. Although circumstances around us would cause us terror, we will not fear because God is our ever-present help if we spend time with Him and surrender to Him.