Category: Zeal

Subject: Zeal

“I Am Going Fishing”

Why in John 21 did Peter say, “I am going fishing”? We don’t know for sure, but we do know he was grieved for betraying Jesus on the night of his death. And, we know when he helped to establish the kingdom he remained faithful unto death.

A Zealous People

An important lesson and admonition discussing the requirement of God for us to show true zeal in our Christian life, and stating especially the response of God if we as a congregation are apathetic in our service.

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Elijah’s Life and Departure to Heaven

The second chapter of 2 Kings relates the departure of the prophet Elijah from the earth.  There is much about the chapter that is peculiar, but it clearly demonstrates both the power of God, and the significance of this man of God who did so much during his life.

We are all familiar with portions of Elijah’s life.  Although his youth and entrance as a prophet are shrouded in mystery, his actions during his time as a representative of the Almighty were glorious. Continue reading “Elijah’s Life and Departure to Heaven”

Total Commitment

Sometimes Christians don’t get it, but the Bible very clearly reveals that our walk with the Lord pleases Him only if it is characterized by total commitment. This truth was made very clear by the Lord in Luke 18, where Jesus admonished the young ruler. The young man was diligent is keeping the 10 commandments, revealed in Exodus 20.  He said, “All these things I have kept from my youth” (21).

Jesus wanted more from the man.  He was very rich, and apparently liked his riches.  Jesus knew they were too important to him, so he said, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (22). Continue reading “Total Commitment”

Sermon Minute: Steadfast to the End

Sermon: Paul’s Indomitable Approach to Life

The apostle Paul, even while in prison, was positive in outlook, and in his determination to minister to others.We can learn from his example.

Sermon: And Ezra Opened the Book

A discussion of Nehemiah 8, emphasizing the commendable attitudes and demeanor of God’s people as the Law of Moses was read.

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Sermon Minute: God Deserves More

Militance in the Faith

The term militant is defined in the English language as—1) engaged in warfare or combat : FIGHTING; 2) aggressively active (as in a cause) : COMBATIVE. (Merriam-Webster).

Interestingly, the term has a bit of a negative connotation in our day and time. To be militant in anything is frowned upon. That is why militance is paired with words like extremism, dogmatism, radicalism, and intolerance. Today a large section of our society looks askance at full devotion to any cause. Continue reading “Militance in the Faith”

Sermon Minute: A Renewed Mind and Life!

To view the entire sermon on YouTube, click here

Sermon: The Christian and Maximal Effort

Lupe Florez shares a message of personal integrity and effort as Christians, as we respond to the gospel, and God’s gift of salvation.

From Saul to Paul

In the apostle Paul’s previous life he was a successful man. A Pharisee of the Pharisees, his zeal for the law commended him to the Jewish leadership. He was a Roman citizen, a student of the respected rabbi Gamaliel, and of the tribe of Benjamin. Among the Jews, these attributes  brought him a great deal of respect.

And then, everything changed. The Lord appeared to him while traveling to Damascus (Acts 9), and Saul was confronted by a new reality. The Christians he actively persecuted turned out to be right! Their claim that Jesus was the Christ from God was absolutely true.  Saul of Tarsus was actively persecuting the Messiah and his followers.

So Saul changed. This was an indication of his personal integrity. His willingness to acknowledge fault and change direction is perhaps the most laudable thing about the man.  As he put it in Philippians 3:7-9, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him…”

From Saul the Persecutor to Paul the apostle, he showed himself an honest man, acting with integrity. As such, he earns our respect, and we should seek to emulate him. As Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

“We do not lose heart”

The apostle Paul was thankful for God’s mercy shown to him. It is because of that mercy that God both brought him to salvation, and enabled him in the work of an apostle. He said as much in 2 Corinthians 4:1, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”

Looking at the text, there are a couple of things to note. First, the idea of mercy indicates a compassion toward another that leads one to show pity, and help. This, God did in sending His Son to save us. Paul did not deserve salvation, and neither do we. But, God showed pity and sent His Son, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Second is Paul’s reaction to this mercy. Because it was received, and he was chosen to serve as an apostle, “we do not lose heart.” There are several translations of “we do not lose heart” that are found. For example: “we faint not” (KJV); “we never give up” (NLT); “we do not become discouraged” (NET). The term can refer to a weariness that leads one to fail to do what is righteous. It is also possible that such weariness leads one to succumb to temptation, and do evil.

Regardless, what Paul did was what our response to God’s mercy should be. Knowing what God has done for us, and the love He has shown, “we do not lose heart”!

 

Sermon: Shrewd Sons of Light

We are to be selfless, and interested in others. But, interestingly, to act as Christians, fully devoted to God and your fellow man is a shrewd (prudent) thing to do. In effect, you are acting in your own self-interest!

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Sermon: Work to Do in the New Year

There are three important things to work on as 2023 begins. Work on your love for God and man, Your zeal in obeying God, and your Thankfulness for His great blessings.