Category: Devotion

Devotion

Sermon Minute: God Deserves More

Devoutly, Justly, Blamelessly

Devotion

The apostle Paul loved his brethren. It is evident in every epistle he wrote, including his first epistle to the Christians in Thessalonica. Paul defends his conduct beginning in the second chapter. He was bold in his preaching, despite previous persecution, and conflict in that city (2). He spoke honestly and he spoke the truth from God (3). He did not seek to flatter them, nor did he seek glory in his speech (5-6). He was gentle in dealing with them, and clearly expressed his affection for them (7-8). He labored day and night, both in a physical trade, and in his ministry toward them. He did not want to be a burden to them as he proclaimed to them the gospel (9).

This led him to say in verse 10 of the text, “You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe.” This wonderful proclamation both expresses Paul’s ministry, and the manner of life we all should practice.

Devotion, justice and blamelessness are the proper life choices of all who have named the name of Christ. It is a response to God for the gift of grace, and the discipleship that he requires of us. It is characteristic of our interactions with the world, and especially our brethren. Why? Because it serves as edification! Paul said that his actions were so that “you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (vs. 12).

Devoutly, justly, and blamelessly… does this correctly describe your interactions with God and man?

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Sermon: Principles of Leadership

Principles of Leadership

Jehoshaphat was an outstanding king of Judah. By looking at his character and reign, we can learn a great deal about the need for godly leadership in our country, homes and churches.

Compliments from Christ

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My son Jeremiah preached a lesson with this title a few weeks ago. This article basically takes his outline, and puts a portion of it in article form. The points made are worthy of consideration.

Everyone enjoys being complimented, but the value of a compliment is very much dependent upon the person who is giving it. A compliment from a wicked man would mean little, as would one that comes from insincere flattery. However, if a compliment were to come from the Lord Himself, that would truly be a great honor. So, consider the following individuals, and the compliments they received from the Lord. If the Lord complimented them, we know that if we do or are the same, we will please Him as well!

The Genuineness of Nathanael

“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’” (John 1:47). Consider Jesus’ description of the man, “an Israelite indeed…” This distinguishes between a merely physical lineage (born a Jew), and one who is truly faithful to the law of Moses, seeking to serve God. “For they are not all Israel who are of Israel” (Romans 9:6).

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Sermon: Are You a Friend TO Jesus?

Are You a Friend to Jesus

In order to be a friend of Jesus, like Abraham, you need to be friendly. I.e. – You need to be a friend TO Jesus. Things like sacrifice, loyalty and faith. Are YOU a friend TO Jesus?

Sermon: The Widow’s Offering

10 - The Widow's Offering

Jesus observed a poor widow putting a pittance in the treasury, and commended her for her devotion. There are lessons we can learn about sacrifice, generosity and devotion from her example.

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Sermon: Mary and Martha

8 - Mary and Martha

The lesson is an examination of Luke 10:38-42, and a comparison of the two sisters who Jesus loved.

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Devoted Disciples

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The Lord’s church today needs devoted disciples! Webster’s New World Dictionary, in describing the nuances of the term “devote”, states, “Devote suggests the giving up or applying of oneself or something with the seriousness or earnestness evoked by a formal vow (to devote one’s life to a cause).” Consider the Apostle Paul’s sentiment as recorded in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” It must be stated that the only true disciple of Christ is the devoted disciple of Christ.

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Sermon: Marks of True Devotion

Marks of True Devotion

A discussion of Romans 12:1-8, indicating the need for self examination to ensure we are diligently sacrificing ourselves to our Lord as transformed individuals. This requires us to be active in our service to Him.

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Sermon: Christians are Servants

Image As Christians, our service to God and His Son must be characterized by complete devotion (cf. Romans 6:15-23).

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Devotions, Devotionals, Devos

Image It is typical of the young to have their own lingo. It is a way of differentiating themselves from older generations. In the 1920’s if a teenager managed a ride in a breezer (convertible), then everything was copacetic (wonderful). In the 1930’s a Joe (average guy) was ecstatic with a sawbuck ($10 bill) in his pocket. In the 1940’s khaki wacky (boy crazy) girls sometimes flipped their wigs (lost control of themselves) when a cute boy walked by. In the 1950’s an ankle biter (child) might go ape (get excited) over a piece of candy. In the 1960’s it wasn’t hip (acceptable) to hang out (spend time with) the old man (your father). In the 1970’s it was a bummer (depressing) if someone was bogarting (being selfish with) the TV. In the 1980’s an enjoyable time was totally (completely) gnarly (very good). In the 1990’s, however, the same enjoyable time was all that and a bag of chips. In the 2000’s, one person might be going postal (becoming uncontrollably angry), while another person might just be whatever (indifferent). (Thanks to the internet for the above examples, though I have to admit that I have used the term copacetic myself from time to time!)

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Sermon: A Heart with Purpose

In Daniel 1:8, the text reveals that Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the King’s delicacies. This text introduces the importance of having a heart with purpose to please God.

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Sermon: Principles of Service

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul gives instructions to the Corinthians about their gift to the suffering saints in Judea. As part of the instructions, Paul teaches important lessons regarding love, integrity, devotion and service.

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From the Preacher’s Pen: Assessment Before Resolution

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Late December is a time where we commonly consider possible resolutions for the new year. I am a fan of resolutions. One of mine is to lose the rest of my excess weight, and keep it off by exercise and proper diet.

Of course there are spiritual resolutions to set, that if kept diligently, will be even more beneficial to each of us. “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

There is a step to be taken prior to the setting of resolutions. That step is assessment. It takes discernment and introspection. Whether you desire to time any resolutions with the beginning of the new year or not, such assessment is needful, and should be constant. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Perhaps there is some deficiency that devotional acts of prayer, study and meditation might fill. Maybe there is a bad habit or trait that can be altered through diligent effort. It is possible that a careless neglect can be made into a point of focus in the months ahead. Surely there is something done, or left undone that can be addressed after an honest assessment of our life and faith is made.
Might I suggest that each of us set aside time this next week, amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, to “examine” ourselves, and then upon that assessment resolve to improve in any appropriate facet of our life and faith? This would certainly please our heavenly Father, as we improve the expression of our devotion to Him.

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Sermon: Shortsighted

The lesson takes the text of 2 Peter 1:5-11 to establish the importance of diligence to the maturation of the Christian. Such maturation ensures fruit bearing, and an acceptance by God leading to eternal life. A lack of diligence is shortsighted and destructive.

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