Archive for March, 2009
Sunday, March 15th, 2009
Using God’s name in a playful way undermines His holiness, His Majesty, His glory and His greatness. The Bible tells that He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords; there is none like Him, no not one. Does saying “oh my God”, “golly” or “jeez” at a mundane event really tell the world what we think of our Lord? It does. It shows that we don’t view Him as He truly is - our supreme Creator and the Savior of man; worthy of all praise and adoration. I hope that the next time we are tempted to fit in with our friends, we will choose to be different than the world and choose to revere God “with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind”… including all our words.
Posted in Profanity, Reverence | Comments Off
Saturday, March 14th, 2009
We too need to beware of men. We need to know of their ability to hurt us, and their willingness to do so. At the same time, while such wisdom is required of us, it must be emphasized that such actions have no place among God’s people. While we are aware of the potential evil in others, may it be that none of us here at West Side are ever guilty of the same. Instead, we are to be “harmless as doves” toward our brethren.
Posted in Subject Index, Wisdom, Righteousness, From the Preacher's Pen | Comments Off
Saturday, March 14th, 2009
It seems to me that Paul was trying to get the Thessalonians to look out for and take care of each other. Sometimes, to take care of someone, you must warn them. Tell them of the consequences of their actions, so that they will not lose their standing with God. Other Christians may need comfort. The idea of “fainthearted” here indicates someone who is discouraged or troubled in spirit. Finally, some may be weak, and need to be upheld. We need to stick with those who are struggling, including babes in Christ, and support them until they become strong, and can do the same for others.
Posted in Subject Index, Love, Patience, Discipline, Chastening, Comfort, From the Preacher's Pen | Comments Off
Saturday, March 14th, 2009
Brethren, we are blessed to be members together here at West Side. It is good to be part of such a loving family. I pray this new feature will help us to celebrate that fact.
Posted in Subject Index, Brotherly Love, From the Preacher's Pen | Comments Off
Friday, March 13th, 2009
In Ephesians 5, the apostle Paul discusses the proper type of “walk” for a Christian, noting three things. He is to “walk in love”; “walk in light”; and walk circumspectly.
Posted in Sermons, Subject Index, Christian Living | Comments Off
Friday, March 13th, 2009
Joshua is a wonderful example of leadership. His example to us includes his success in roles such as a son, a slave, a servant, a soldier, a spy, a savior and a saint.
Posted in Sermons, Subject Index, Example, Joshua, Leadership | Comments Off
Friday, March 13th, 2009
Note: 2 Peter 1:8. The “Litmus test” for being accepted of God is bearing fruit. Therefore, we should live our lives to develop the proper characteristics that will allow us to bear fruit.
Posted in Sermons, Subject Index, Christian Living | Comments Off
Friday, March 13th, 2009
The Reformation movement was an effort to reform some egregious error in Catholicism, that led to the establishment of many Protestant denominations. In contrast, a movement to Restoration attempts to “restore” the simplicity, teaching and practice of the New Testament church.
Posted in Sermons, Subject Index, Authority | Comments Off