In her bitter trial of barrenness and persecution, Hannah poured her heart out to the Lord in faith. When God blessed her with a son, whom she called Samuel, noting that God had heard her, she turned to God in fervent praise. Her prayer-song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is filled with wonderful reflections on God and His …
Continue reading Sermon: The Prayer of Hannah – The Lord is a Rock Like No OtherJeremiah Cox
Following his exhortation for the Philippians to work out their salvation, Paul noted the Divine activity adjoining their efforts – “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) How does God work in us? What does it mean that He works in us to will? …
Continue reading Sermon: God Works in You to Will and to DoJohn’s account of Jesus washing the disciples feet in the upper room provides an example of humility, service, and love that each disciple is called to engage in. Jesus answered Peter’s objection to Him washing his feet, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” (John 13:8, ESV). The “share” Jesus alludes to is no …
Continue reading Sermon: Blessed are You if You Do Them – Engagement in GraceWhile awaiting a decision on his case, Paul was presented an opportunity when the governor, Felix, “sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” (Acts 24:24) Luke records that Paul “reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” (v. 25). Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click on the title in the track list and select “Save …
Continue reading Sermon: Concerning the Faith in ChristAmidst the rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees by Jesus in Matthew 23, He addressed a problem concerning their intense attention to small matters of the law, while failing to adhere to the weightier matters (v. 23). He likened this to straining out a gnat, but swallowing a camel (v. 24). This failure in proportion …
Continue reading Sermon: Gnats and Camels – Failure in Proportion and PriorityAs Paul defends his ministry against his opponents in Corinth, he highlights how much better the New Covenant is than that from Sinai. Several contrasts are drawn, and important insight is given from a scene at Sinai in Exodus 34. What does it mean that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). Ppt: Outline: …
Continue reading Sermon: Letter and SpiritPaul told Timothy about a coming apostasy where some would prohibit certain things God had blessed man with. He explained that “those who believe and know the truth” (1 Timothy 4:3) partake in these things, knowing they are from the Lord. The phrase, “those who believe and know the truth,” speaks of one class of people, but provides nuance. …
Continue reading Sermon: Those Who Believe and Know the TruthOne of several contrasts Paul makes in Romans 8 is between the disposition of bondage, and that of adoption (Romans 8:15). Rather than experiencing constant fear as those dominated by sin, and under condemnation, those in Christ are sons of God, and can call on Him accordingly. This is a blessed relationship. Ppt: Outline: To download, …
Continue reading Sermon: The Spirit of AdoptionPaul wrote to Philemon to encourage him to possess Christ-like character and behavior in receiving his runaway slave, now brother in Christ, Onesimus. The letter is unique, and despite its brevity, is packed with lessons to learn. The entirety is a depiction of spiritual leadership on Paul’s part. Like Paul, we should lead others to …
Continue reading Sermon: Love and Leadership – The Letter of Paul to PhilemonBy inspiration, the apostle Paul lists some virtues possessed by those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit through the word of Christ. “The fruit of the Spirit is…faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23). Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click on the title in the track list and select “Save link …
Continue reading The Fruit of the Spirit (4) – Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control