Recent Articles and Sermons
Sermon: The Suffering of Christ
Speaker: Justin Carrell. A discussion of how Jesus can empathize with us, as a man. He suffered greatly on the cross. Justin discusses that suffering that we remember as we observe His supper.
Sermon: We Need Friends!
A discussion of Ecclesiastes 4 that shows the vanity of a life lived without the benefit of friends and family. Jesus is the Christian’s ultimate friend!
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Sermon: What is the Church?
A contrast is made with societal views of the church, and what the Bible reveals concerning it.
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Sermon: Water to Wine (John 2:1-11)
A discussion of Jesus’ miracle, turning water into wine in John 2:1-11. We discuss the miracle, the conversation between Jesus and His mother, and the purpose of the signs Jesus performed.
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Why I Am a Christian
There are many reasons men give for not being believers in God. In this lesson, reasons are given to serve God and His Son Jesus.
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Sermon: “Nots” in the Devil’s “Tale” (John 8:43-47)
The devil is a liar. Many of his lies include “nots”. Let us not be deceived by them.
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Sermon: Pendulums
Every Christian needs to carefully examine their own tendencies in the moment, to determine whether they are at one extreme or another in any particular tendency, to ensure they are where God wants them to be. Guest Preacher: Justin Carrell
Note: Be sure to add Categories Sermon and Subject Index
Sermon: Honey and the Honeycomb (Psalm 19:9-10)
A discussion of the use of the terms honey and honeycomb in scripture, especially their metaphorical use to consider what his valuable, sweet and beneficial.
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Sermon: Jesus Christ’s Institution of His Supper
A discussion of Luke 22, one of the accounts of Jesus establishing His own memorial supper. The setting of the Passover, the emblems and their purpose are all talked about, and we are told what is expected of the faithful Christian.
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Sermon: Emotions and Emotionalism
A discussion of the legitimate place of emotions in our response to Christ and His mercy, as well as His expectations of us. A warning about letting emotions become our standard rather than God’s word is sounded.
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Sermon: The Mountain of the Lord’s House (Isaiah 2:1-4)
An examination of Isaiah 2:1-4, and the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom after the Lord’s death and resurrection. Who? What? Where? When? Why?
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Misconceptions in Lystra
In Acts 14 we read of Paul’s healing of a crippled man. Paul was preaching, but his message was not yet well known to many. So, when the man was healed the superstitious Lycaonians assumed Paul and Barnabas were gods. They thought Barnabas was Zeus, and Paul was Hermes since he was the chief speaker.
This indicates clearly the purpose of miracles. They do not identify truth, but do identify that those who perform those miracles are legitimate. Now, since the inhabitants of Lystra had no true knowledge of God or His Son, they did not know what these powers represented. Their ignorance led to supposition. This is always the case. And, since men do not know the things of God without his revelation, their suppositions were without merit. As Paul said about his own people in Romans 10, “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:2-3 ). Continue reading “Misconceptions in Lystra”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Timothy 1:16-17
After admitting that he was chief among sinners (15), Paul then writes that despite his low state he received mercy from God. This truth can be seen both in his conversion in Acts 9, and in his many personal explanations of that conversion to Christ.
Here he states why that mercy was shown to him. So that in him Jesus Christ’s longsuffering could be demonstrated. If God was willing to save the most violent and zealous enemy of the faith, and then use him as a preeminent apologist for that same faith, it is obvious that anyone who accepts Christ can be forgiven. This is a truth that gives hope to all.
It is for this reason in verse 17 Paul praises God so graciously in this spontaneous expression of praise. He is eternal and immortal — without beginning or end. He is invisible—indicating His spiritual and divine nature. And He is wise to an extent that defies comparison.
For these reasons He is worthy of the praise of our lips and pens.
Countercultural Chrisitianity
I have been considering the fact that the Christian faith is, by definition, countercultural. Consider the words of Peter, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12 ).
Christianity is not arrived at by birth or heritage. You aren’t Christian because your parents or grandparents are. And you aren’t a Christian if you do not adhere to the teaching of the Master, Jesus Christ. You must put Him on in faith, and remain steadfast in your life to attain the narrow gate and difficult way that leads to life.
That means there are “few” that find the way to heaven. This makes true Christians a subculture (a small group in a larger culture). But it makes true Christians countercultural as well. The term defined: “a culture with values and customs that are very different from and usually opposed to those accepted by most of society” (Brittanica).
Too many Christians identify primarily as Americans, or Texans, or Republicans, or Democrats, or white, black, or brown, etc. All of these MUST take a back seat to our faith in our values and decisions we make!
Sermon: Beloved
The apostle Peter warns his readers of dangers associated with the delay of Christ’s second coming in 2 Peter 3:1-18. He tells them to be mindful; do not forget; be diligent; and beware. Each exhortation is discussed
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