Suffering, affliction, and death are common to man. The apostles experienced it greatly, but Paul’s description of His ministry is telling concerning the hope of Christians (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Christians look at the unseen, not the seen. As they trust in God, the negative affliction actually transforms them, and prepares them for “the eternal weight …
Continue reading Sermon: The Eternal Weight of GloryHope
Acts 3 records the healing of the lame man who “laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful” (v. 2). Those who witnessed the lame man walking at the side of Peter and John were “greatly amazed” (v. 11). This opened a door of opportunity for Peter to speak about the Christ to the ones …
Continue reading Times of Refreshing
The earth rotates, revolves around the sun, and time continues. With the constant change in time there is a constant change in the events of life. These changes in life do not always work to our favor. In fact, the writer of Ecclesiastes explained, “I returned and saw under the sun that – The race is …
Continue reading Christians: Timeless Optimists“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) A life of true fulfillment, joy, peace, and hope is found only in God, His word revealed by the Holy Spirit, and our faithful obedience …
Continue reading Sermon: Joy and Peace in Believing
“Consistency, thou art a jewel.” We crave consistency, but rarely get it. Even when we do it is understood as a relative concept with varying degrees. Some have differing views on what constitutes consistency, and even that varies regarding the respective context under consideration. Regardless, even when we think we find consistency we inevitably discover …
Continue reading The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
The first epistle to the Thessalonians begins with a thankful remembrance of the faith displayed by the recipients of the letter. It impresses us with the power of our actions. Even the great apostle Paul was astounded by the faith of these brethren. Genuine faith can reach beyond the limits of our known geography. Paul …
Continue reading The Thessalonians’ ExampleBefore giving a detailed consideration of Christ’s High Priesthood, the Hebrew writer had to admonish his readers for their negligence in spiritual growth (cf. Hebrews 5:12-14; 6). Ironically, the subject he would find it difficult to explain to them because of their immaturity was the very thing that could help them through their tough situation. …
Continue reading Sermon: Growth, Grace, and Hope“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11, NASB). The appearance of God’s grace changed the world, and has the power to change lives. What does God’s grace do? How does it relate to us? We should understand and value the grace of God as scripture reveals it. Ppt: …
Continue reading Sermon: Grace AppearedThe scripture tells us that Jesus was in the tomb for 3 days and 3 nights. While His disciples sorrowed, and struggled, where was Jesus? What was His state before His resurrection, where was He, and what was He doing? There are several misconceptions people have about these questions. We must let the scripture speak, …
Continue reading Sermon: Low in the Grave He Lay“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) God has richly blessed us with the spiritual necessities to please Him, and secure …
Continue reading Sermon: Everlasting Consolation