Obedience

“I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” (John 4:38) It is important that we remember those who labored before us, and the blessings we receive from their work as we seek to continue it with our own labors. Ppt: Outline: …

Continue reading Sermon: Entering Into the Labors of Others

The Corinthians had responded to the gospel of God’s grace and were saved from their immoral and idolatrous sinful life. However, Paul had received reports indicating their behavior had reverted to their past ways. Paul reminds them, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in …

Continue reading Sermon: Washed, Sanctified, and Justified

Often, circumstances arise which lead to reminiscence concerning loved ones who have passed. These moments also often times lead to meditations on what those passsed loved ones may think about current matters if they were around to express those thoughts. Usually, these conversations center around temporal matters which lack spiritual substance. The account of the …

Continue reading Sermon: If they were here, what would they say?

On two occasions, Jesus responded to the Pharasaic oppostions He faced by quoting Hosea 6:6. On one occasion He instructed them to “go and learn what this means”(Matthew 9:13). After this, He exposed their negligence, saying, “if you had known what this means…you would not have condemned the guiltless” (Matthew 12:7). “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the …

Continue reading Sermon: Go and Learn What This Means – “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”

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 Do

John’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 Grace

Amidst 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 Priority

Paul 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. …

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After his sin of unlawful sacrifice Saul was told that his kingdom would not continue, and that God has “sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” (1 Samuel 13:14) This tells …

Continue reading Sermon: A Man After his Own Heart

“Holy and reverend is his name.” (Psalm 111:9, ASV) A relationship with God is impossible without fear, and reverence. This is fundamental to His nature, and His dealings with man. Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click on the title in the track list and select “Save link as…”

Continue reading Sermon: Reverence