God never promised an easy life for Christians. The path toward which God directs Christians is narrow and difficult (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). He has not been silent, nor unclear about the subject of hardships in the life of a disciple. Following Christ demands self-denial, and sacrifice (cf. Matthew 16:24-27; Romans 12:1). Along the way there …
Continue reading Article: James’ Plan for Undergoing TrialsObedience
As of late, areas – in which drought and burn bans are the norm – have received a precipitous amount of rain. Lakes are at their highest, rivers are breaching their levees, flooding has destroyed land, homes, and lives. Social media has been laced with jokes about river-rafting down streets, and carrying about daily activities …
Continue reading Notable News: Rain, Rain, Go Away!After he described his conduct while ministering to the Thessalonians (cf. 2:1-12), Paul thanked God for the Thessalonians’ reaction to the gospel message. The apostles often had to stress the origin of their message due to their audience’s admiration for men-pleasers using “flattering words” (2:5). The Thessalonians did not receive the apostle’s message “as the …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20Upon his description of the Colossians’ state in Christ, the apostle Paul gives practical application. The Christian is to repent from his past sinful actions, or “put to death” and “put off” such actions. The apostle gives two reasons for eradicating these sins in their lives. 1) “The wrath of God is coming upon the …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Colossians 3:5-11God has given to us “exceedingly great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4). However, these promises are conditional. How do we secure our inheritance? Outline: Inheriting God’s Promises Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: Inheriting God’s PromisesThe concept and importance of zeal is discussed. In addition, absent, misdirected, and properly directed zeal are compared. We must be the “special people [of God], zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). Ppt: Zeal Outline: Zeal Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: ZealTemporary – Our time on earth is not meant to be permanent. James wrote, “for what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). All of our time is running out (cf. 2 Peter 3). Important – Time is given to us by …
Continue reading Article: TimeThis sermon examines the epistle of Jude. The epistle notes an important responsibility Christians have. They are to keep themselves in the love of God. There is a need to “contend for the faith” by standing opposed to ungodliness and all false doctrine. If we fail, there is punishment awaiting. Outline: “Keep yourselves in the …
Continue reading Sermon: “Keep yourselves in the love of God”The Bible is filled with examples. Many we are to follow, but there are some we are to avoid. Examples are powerful for that very reason – they can lead people down the correct path, or do the opposite. Paul told Timothy to set an example (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12-16). We should be doing the …
Continue reading Sermon: The Power of an ExampleInfluence is a powerful thing to possess. Everyone wields the ability to influence, although some have greater influence than others. A parent has a colossal influence on their child; a grandparent to a grandchild; siblings to one another; a teacher to a student; an elder to a local church; a mature Christian to a babe …
Continue reading Article: Beware of Your Influence