The wise man looks anxiously for “a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (II Cor. 5:1-ff) knowing this is the place that the Savior has prepared for him and is far better than any dwelling here on this earth (John 14:1-4).
We are commanded to pray (1 Thess. 5:17; Phil. 4:6). If it is something Christians are expected to do, then getting in and doing it is important! A prayer does not have to be long or eloquent to be effective (Neh. 5:19; Matt. 6:7-8; Luke 18:9-14). Maturing in prayer life will find us developing the discipline of prayer so that we turn to God first in our lives when joys or sorrows or anything prevails (Jas. 5:13; 1 Pet. 5:6-7).
Christian Persistence INTRODUCTION: 1. Often the difference between heaven and hell is persistence. 2. The value of persistence was highlighted recently in the news. 3. If you fail to learn persistence you will fail to get to heaven. DISCUSSION: I. Focus on Possibilities, Not Circumstances 1. Remember the power of God. 2. Rom. 4:17-21 II. […]
When we offer songs of praise and thanks to God, thanksgiving must be a part of our worship. The songs we sing should always tell of His excellent greatness and let Him know specifically how thankful to Him that we are to be His people and to call Him our Father. Such will keep Him near to our hearts and keep us near to His.
In essence: do you want a summary verse that teaches how we should treat our neighbors, our friends, our enemies, our spouses, our children, our acquaintances in every situation imaginable? Practice the Golden Rule and you’ll seldom go wrong.
Introduction: John 8:1-11 1. The Jewish leaders felt that Jesus was vulnerable regarding the finer points of the law. He was “unlearned.” 2. So they tried to make Him stumble at a point where Jewish law and Roman law clashed, i.e., capital punishment. 3. They didn’t count on Jesus knowing the law better than they […]
PROPOSITION: To counter the current influence of the medical community with regard to alcohol.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Regarding the text…
1) Aaron and his sons had just been consecrated for their duties.
2) Offerings, according to the instructions of God, are prepared and God consumes them to show His approval and to confirm the priesthood in the eyes of the people.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Proverbs 20:1, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
2. The society you live in wants you to drink alcohol.
1) Drink it when you’re happy.
2) Drink it when you’re sad.
3) Drink it when you’re sociable.
4) Drink it when you’re eating.
There was a mighty king in a faraway land. He was an uncommonly good king. He was good to his people. One might even say that he sacrificed for their well-being. The citizens of that land bowed to the king and felt themselves fortunate to have such a good man to rule over them. It […]
SUBJECT: Sin
TITLE: Thou Shalt Not Follow A Multitude To Do Evil…
INTRODUCTION: Read Exo. 23:2
1. The history of Israel is rife with incidences where individuals followed the wrong leader.
1) The murmuring of the spies, Nu. 13-14
2) Korah, Dathan and Abiram, Nu. 16.
3) The Injustice of Naboth, 1 Ki. 21
4) The Insurrection of Absalom, 2 Sam. 15
2. New Testament accounts are not immune…
INTRODUCTION:
1. What can be more precious in the eyes of a father than his daughter?
1) Daughters are indeed a blessing from the Father.
2) They are a mirror of the beauty of the mother.
2. To watch a daughter grow is a rare privilege.
1) A father can have an effect on many generations through that daughter. “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”
2) She can bring you a lifetime of joy.
3. On the other hand…
1) She can make choices that may bring you and your house to utter ruin.
2) Many runaways run from good families.
3) If she makes the wrong choices she may ruin generation in the future. “The hand…”
Introduction: John 19:16-30
1. 2000 years ago an event occurred shocking to the sensibilities…
2. An innocent man allowed Himself to be put to death.
3. That event and subsequent resurrection raises questions that demand answers.
SUBJECT: Family – Fathers
PROPOSITION: To teach about the characteristics of Abraham as a father.
OBJECTIVE: That fathers might improve their fatherhood.
TEXT: Genesis 18:17-19
INTRODUCTION:
1. Two things come to mind as we look at the background of this passage.
1) The cities of the plain were set for destruction. Their sin was egregious, vv. 20-21.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Men may have trouble finding the truth as Pilate did. John 18:38
2. Everything God says is truth.
1) “Thy word is truth.” John 17:17
2) It is impossible for God to lie. Hebrews 6:18
3. Knowing this, not surprising to find that God hates a lying tongue. Proverbs 12:22. A lying tongue is opposed to truth.
4. We should shun lying, no matter its apparent advantage.
5. NOTE: What lying is not. 1 Samuel 16:2.
1) Concealment is not lying.
2) Some would have us believe that their every question must be answered fully or we must be liars.
3) Withholding information is not lying.
4) Having two purposes and only revealing one is not lying.
6. QUESTION: Why shouldn’t we lie if it’s to our advantage?
Introduction:
1. A few weeks ago I preached a sermon to Those Who Would Be Preachers. I encouraged them to:
1) Count the Cost of taking on the challenge of Gospel preaching.
a. 2 Timothy 4:5
b. 2 Corinthians 11:23-26. see also: Rev. 1:9; Hebrews 11:32-40.
c. You will pay for the privilege of being a preacher. The currency will be:
a) Sleep, wages, family.
b) Friends, wives, persecution.
c) Labor, watching family pay, pride.
d) Illusions of ‘saintly’ brethren.
2) Consider Your Qualifications for Gospel preaching (other than character, aptitude, voice.)
PROPOSITION: To teach the necessity of hearing God’s Word in order to salvation.
OBJECTIVE: That the hearer might understand that it is necessary to hear God’s Word for salvation.
INTRODUCTION: Read Romans 10:17 and Hebrews 11:6
1. Romans 10:17 stresses that faith comes through hearing God’s Word.
2. Hebrews 11:6 notes that faith is necessary in coming to God.
3. Proposition is settled right here.
4. Subject is important to counteract so-called “spirituality” today.
INTRODUCTION:
1. The example of Christ with regard to giving.
1) His miracles a matter of giving. Matthew 10:8
2) He gave His blood. Romans 5:8
2. The teaching of Jesus on giving.
1) The good Samaritan. Luke 10:25ff
2) Give even to your enemies. Matthew 5:43-48
3) The giver serves Jesus. Matthew 25:31ff
4) Give to the poor. Matthew 19:21
5) The return of giving. Luke 6:38
Introduction: Matt. 5:8
1. The idea of purity is ridiculed.
1) “self-righteous”
2) “old fashioned”
3) “repressed”
4) “impossible”
2. The world says:
1) Look up to those of the world, “worldly,” “been around,” “street wise.”
2) Pursuing pleasure and convenience is lauded.
3) Filth is IN – music videos, books, movies, magazines. Filth sells.
3. Jesus replies, “Blessed are the pure in heart…”
Obedience Sermon Outline Introduction: Rom. 6:16-18 1. The matter of obedience is devalued in today’s religion. 2. Some call it legalism if we emphasize obedience. 3. By Paul’s words we can hardly see where to stop emphasizing obedience. Discussion: Two choices presented. I. Obey sin and die or obedience unto righteousness, v. 16 1. We […]
INTRODUCTION: Numbers 6:1-21
1. God anticipated that there would be those in Israel who would want to go beyond the average.
2. God provided a way for them to do so.
3. They were to make a voluntary vow to God.
4. Not just any vow but one that God would specify.
5. I believe this to be a fore-shadowing of the Christian walk which is closer to God than the walk of any previous dispensation.
DISCUSSION: The Nazarite vow was…