Our purpose is to please God, not men. As such, we should be willing to preach His word to the world, even if it earns us persecution, and the disdain of others. That is what it means to be a bondservant of Jesus Christ.
The truth of God has long been established and validated. Modern day efforts to either corroborate or deny that truth should have little bearing on the Christian’s confidence and faith.
Guest speaker Brantley Gallman, from the vantage point of what a Christian young person would want in a future spouse, identifies three characteristics that all Christians should possess. They should be spiritually motivated, able and willing to communicate (especially with God), and possess confidence in the knowledge that they are in Christ. These things will help a Christian be a good mate and a faithful child of God.
Because of Christ’s authority and position, the wind and waves, the unclean spirits, disease, and even death obey His commands. If all of these things obey Christ because of who He is, and the authority He has been given (Matthew 28:18), should not we quickly, completely and unquestioningly submit to His authority?
If we suffer with Christ, we will also receive comfort through Him. As always, our standing with God and the privileges therein enjoyed are tied to our relationship with His Son, and the Grace that God delivered through Him.
In Israel’s covenant with God, cities of refuge were established, that allowed one who had taken a life accidentally to flee and escape the wrath of any avenger until such time as the congregation could rule on his fate. Hebrews 6:13-ff reveals that Christ is our refuge, and those who flee to Him reside in hope.
Israel disregarded the chastisement of God, causing the prophet by inspiration to proclaim in Amos 4:12, “Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; Because I will do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” We too must recognize the inevitability of judgment, and prepare that our meeting with God will lead to life rather than destruction.
The new birth is not just an initial obedience to certain commands. It puts to death the old man, and brings to life a new one. Such a new birth must be seen in our daily lives.
Brethren, beware! Homosexual activists are not simply wanting to be left alone to do as they wish. They are seeking legal acknowledgment of their lifestyle that will in time lead to governmental repression of our faith. Our society is becoming ever more antagonistic to God and His people.
The sermon discusses the text: Hebrews 11:6. To come to God, one must come humbly, in faith, and willingly. God determines the parameters of reconciliation, not man.
The scriptural concept of congregational autonomy protects God’s people from abuses of power, and doctrinal apostasy. It does not, however, allow any congregation to determine to disobey God. The sermon discusses the parameters and limits of autonomy as revealed in the New Testament.
It takes a strong presupposition that God does not exist to accept the idea that blind chance could bring about such an elegant design. It is much simpler and more reasonable to assume a divine and supreme intelligence is its author.
