Mike Riley Sermon Outlines, Articles, Lessons, etc.

“Calling On The Name Of The Lord”

“And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name” (Acts 9:14 KJV). These words were spoken by the disciple Ananias to the Lord in reference to Saul, the former persecutor of the church of Jesus Christ. Saul had authority to cast into prison, “all that call on […]

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“Have We Been Converted To Christ?”

In Chapter 4 entitled, “Why Did Christ Die?“ of his book entitled , “The Need For Revival,” (Jimmy Allen, 1973, page 95-96), brother Allen writes the following observations regarding members of the Lord‘s church:

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Blessed Is The Man

In James 1:12, James speaks of a Christian man who endures temptation. This is the child of God who is targeted by Satan because he leans on the strength of the Lord to overcome the powerful road blocks that are put in his way as he strives to obey God.

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An Apology From Shep

One of my favorite authors is Laura Ingalls Wilder. In her book entitled “Little House in the Ozarks,” she writes about a dog by the name of Shep. As Shep grew older, his eyesight deteriorated to the point where he didn’t always recognize his family as friends.

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Remembering When

Sometimes my mind goes wandering back To an old familiar country road. I can smell sweet honeysuckle blooms Beside a creek that gleamed as it flowed.

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A Day Made Of Glass

Corning Incorporated (see article) has produced an above titled video along with a subsequent explanation of the technology used in a separate video which depicts a not-to-distant futuristic world showing how people might use enhanced technology in their everyday lives using glass.

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Resources For Family Devotionals

Since the family unit is of utmost importance in maintaining the moral fiber of our nation (or any nation), the following resources for helping preserve the family unit are provided:

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“Pray Don't Find Fault”

It’s easy to find fault with others, isn’t it? But let’s think about the following thoughts: If it’s the case that our all-knowing God is the only entity who knows everything about us (1 John 3:20; cf. Matthew 10:30), including our mistakes and frailties (Psalm 39:4-7), and if it’s the case that we as mortal […]

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Christianity Uncluttered

My wife and I were looking for a tool the other day. We knew (or we though we knew) exactly where it was (sound familiar?). As we climbed over the clutter in our storage shed, we both came to the same conclusion — we’ve got to get rid of this clutter!

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Summer Break

Dear Readers: Since the school district where I am employed is on Summer Break, I thought I would take the same Summer Break for a much-needed rest. The break will allow me to deal with some medical

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“I Met God In The Morning”

Before the problems and trials of each day present themselves, I’ve learned that the day is better served, when I’ve gone to God in prayer early in the morning. The following poem by Ralph Cushman, echoes these sentiments:

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The Power Of Purpose

When the church in Jerusalem heard that people in Antioch had turned to the Lord, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. The Bible says that when Barnabas had arrived and had seen the grace of God, he was glad “and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23 […]

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The Soul Winner’s Prayer

Oh, give me, Lord, Thy love for souls, For lost and wand’ring sheep, That I may see the multitudes And weep as Thou didst weep. Help me to see the tragic plight Of souls far off in sin: Help me to love, to pray, and go To bring the wand’ring in. From off the altar […]

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Proverbially Speaking

In the 2012, volume 50, number 2 edition of The Sword and Staff publication, pg. 2, comes the following proverbs of wisdom (appropriate Scriptures and related articles have been added):

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Barbs …. With A Point

The following barbs of wisdom come from The Sword and Staff publication, 2012, Volume 50, Number 2; pg. 13 (appropriate Scriptures and related articles have been added):

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The Main Attraction

I recall an advertisement not long ago in which a talented group of acrobats was billed as the “main attraction” to an amusement park. No doubt, the drawing power of this team was being used to the best advantage by the promoter.

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A Father's Day Prayer

Lord, we thank You this Father’s Day, for all godly fathers who have dedicated their time and talents in bringing up their children, “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). May You grant us more such godly and dedicated fathers, in Jesus’ name, Amen! —Mike Riley

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Quietness

People seem to hate quietness. They will do anything just to have a little noise. They must have the sounds of radios, stereos, tape players, talking, etc. going all the time. Even thirty seconds of complete silence is unbearable to most people.

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Living Successfully In A “Detached” Society

There’s no question in this writer’s mind that we’ve been living in what I call a “detached” society for the past three generations. Just a simple observation of people in everyday life, lends credence to this belief. Sadly, we see our society becoming more and more uninvolved, unconcerned, indifferent, and dispassionate about the physical, emotional […]

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Trivial Pursuits

Remember the game Trivial Pursuit? It is a board game in which progress is determined by a player’s ability to answer general knowledge and popular culture questions. I never could answer the ones on pop culture.

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