Mike Riley Sermon Outlines, Articles, Lessons, etc.

Counting The Cost Of Discipleship

One of the ministries the Montana Street congregation is engaged in here in El Paso, involves the teaching of the gospel to homeless folks who reside in our local homeless shelters. There have been at least six of these precious souls who have responded in

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The Incomprehensible Love Of Christ

In Ephesians 3:18-19, the apostle Paul prayed that the brethren:

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Divination And The Doctrine Of Christ

The desire to know the future and influence its events, has shown itself in all nations and ages. But when this idea is thoroughly researched, it becomes clear that a knowledge of the future does

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Some Thoughts Regarding Spiritual Nepotism

In recent years, the term “nepotism” has come to be seen as favoritism shown to any relative, usually in disregard of merit, ethics, or even law itself. In short, it is the practice of giving priority to relatives over things that are right — favoring family over God (cf. Matthew 10:37).

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What We Should Give Our Enemies

According to the inspired Scriptures, there are some things we should give our enemies that will glorify God (Matthew 5:16 – NKJV; Matthew 5:45 – NKJV).

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Are We Ashamed?

“Blushing” is the red coloring of the face that is caused by shame, guilt, modesty, or surprise. There’s an association between “blushing” and a sense of “shame and modesty.”

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Searching For Earth-Like Planets — A Fruitless Search

From a New York Times article dated March 6, 2009, comes the following news story headline: “Spacecraft Seeks Earth-like Planets.” Scientists have launched a Delta 2 rocket

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“Rejoicing To See Your Good Order”

In Paul’s letter to the Colossian brethren, he encourages them with these inspired words:

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Sometimes It Takes A Brick To Get Our Attention!

The story is told of a young and very successful executive who one day was speeding down a Chicago street in his new sleek 12-cylinder black XKE Jaguar. As he came upon some

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God's Desire For Spiritual Unity

God is the promoter for spiritual unity among men. In fact, He wants all men to be of one mind (Philippians 1:27). If all men will believe God’s truth and practice only God’s truth, unity will prevail. All will be of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).

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Good Advice From Desert Pete!

There are important life lessons which are learned from simple stories. In fact, our Lord used simple stories in His teaching to illustrate important spiritual truths. For example, the biblical

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Predestined For Eternal Life Or Eternal Death?

A querist asks, “From Ephesians 1:4-5, Are certain people predestined for eternal life by God and certain people for eternal damnation?” The text of Ephesians 1:4-5 NKJV reads: “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined […]

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The Extent Of God's Care For His People

Not long ago, I read of an American General in “Operation Desert Shield” who instructed his soldiers to drink at least six gallons of water every day to avoid dehydration. In fact,

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God Wants To Be Close To His People!

Regarding God’s closeness to His people, God said to Moses in Exodus 19:5 – NKJV): “Now therefore, if ye will indeed obey my voice, and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.” And in Deuteronomy 7:6 – NKJV, God said: “For […]

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Darwin Day Debate 2009

Dan Barker (atheist) and Apologetics Press staff member Kyle Butt (Christian theist) conducted a debate on the existence of God on the campus of the University of South

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Baptism And Works

In debating with denominational preachers concerning the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins, Ephesians 2:8-9 is always referred to. One argument that is made in an

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God's Faithfulness In Our Lives

After turning 60 years of age a few years ago, this writer is thankful for life’s lessons, joys, blessings (and yes, even disappointments) found in living those 60 plus years. Even though there have been some difficult times, I’ve learned that the

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Drink Responsibly?

Every day on one of our local radio and television stations, I’ve been listening to a beer commercial encouraging people to “drink responsibly” during the upcoming Super Bowl football game. Knowing that the consumption of only one alcoholic drink adversely

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Excuses Will Lead To Exclusion

In Luke 14:1 – NKJV, we find Jesus having a meal in the house of one of the chief Pharisees. One of the invited guests who was eating with Him exclaimed:

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Investigate, Investigate, and Investigate

We must be willing to investigate all religious teaching as to it’s validity. For example, there are “many” religious denominations in the world today, but there were absolutely no religious denominations in the first century (Note the phrase “one body” or “the body” in the following inspired passages: Ephesians 4:4; cf. Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians […]

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