Paul prayed for the Ephesians to be strengthened in Ephesians 3:14-21. This strength is needed for Christians to walk worthy of their calling, and bring glory to God. The prayer gives us insight into what this strength is, and how it is derived, as well as what it produces within us. Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click …
Continue reading Sermon: A Prayer for StrengthLove
One 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 aposlte 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 love, joy, peace” (Galatians 5:22). Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click on the title in the track list and select “Save link as…”
Continue reading Sermon: The Fruit of the Spirit (2) – Love, Joy, PeaceLuke 7:36-50 records an incredible interaction Jesus had with a Pharisee and a woman who was a known sinner in the city. Jesus places the actions of the woman in contrast to that of the Pharisee to demonstrate the fact of her forgiveness, and what it provoked in her. The amazing account of God’s mercy moves us to confidence, …
Continue reading Sermon: The Love of a Forgiven WomanJohn recorded Jesus speaking about the necessity of walking in the light lest one stumble (cf. John 11:9-10), and then wrote something similar in his epistle, connecting it with love (cf. 1 John 2:7-11). The light of truth and the light of love converge in John 11 as Jesus walks in the light of His Father’s will which includes …
Continue reading Sermon: The Light of Truth and LoveWhat should we do when we feel like, or see signs of, our faith beginning to wane? When my love to Christ shows signs of weakening, what can I do to rekindle it? Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click on the title in the track list and select “Save link as…”
Continue reading Sermon: When My Love to Christ Grows WeakPeter addressed his first epistle, “To the pilgrims of the Dispersion…elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Peter 1:1-2). These Elect Pilgrims, Christians, are encouraged to endure while suffering for doing good. The foundation for that endurance is addresssed in chapter 1 – faith, hope, and love. Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click on the …
Continue reading Sermon: Elect Pilgrims – Faith, Hope, and Love“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) The love of Christ showed for us by …
Continue reading Sermon: The Love of Christ Compels UsPaul was thankful for the news he received from Timothy about the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. They continued in their work for the Lord even though tested by firey trials. However, Paul’s love for them is shown in his earnest desire that they “abound more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1). In chapter 4, Paul covers some areas …
Continue reading Sermon: To the Church of the Thessalonians – Their Growth (Chapter 4)