Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
“I Am the True Vine”
A discussion of John 15:1-8, discussing lessons learning about the Vine (Jesus) as well as the blessings and obligations the branches (Christians) have, being part of the Vine.
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Sermon: Dealing with Distractions
In our distraction filled society, the Christian needs to be sure not to be distracted from serving God. Four items are discussed: Morality, Attendance, Worship and Study.
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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
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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!
Our Civil Responsibilities
Christians, unlike other groups, have only a secondary allegiance to our country. Also unlike other groups that does not mean that we are in any way unpatriotic, or lacking gratitude for the nation in which we live. It also does not mean that we condone disobedience to the laws of the land, either civilly or criminally. Continue reading “Our Civil Responsibilities”
Sermon: Effective Sacrifice (Romans 12:3-21)
Our lesson discusses the text of Romans 12. where Paul begs the Romans to be effective, living sacrifices. Verses 3-21 details this can be accomplished.
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Mining the Scriptures: Philippians 1:27-30
Paul appreciated the Philippians greatly. Here in this text is the caveat he expressed. His great appreciation was contingent “only” with their continued “conduct” being “worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
There needed to be unity, standing fast “in one spirit, with one mind.” There needed to be effort, “striving together” for the gospel. There needed to be courage in the face of their opponents, here probably referring to non-Christian Gentiles, as Philippi was a Roman city.
Consider of what these things were proof. First that the Christian’s lack of fear showed their understanding that God was with them. It would indicate to the pagans surrounding them that perdition (ruin) followed those who opposed God, but that salvation from the one true God would be granted to the brethren in Philippi. Great conviction creates doubt in the mind of the enemy!
Yes, we will suffer, but in the end is glory! (cf. Matthew 10:28).
Mining the Scriptures: Ephesians 2:1-3
Paul here expresses the cause of spiritual death, “trespasses and sins” (1). This is to note our past position, before “you He made alive” (1).
That past position is one what all have experienced, as indicated by Romans 3:23. It is described as a walk here. But, not a walk of righteousness, rather one that is characterized by a following of the devil.
Devil worship is not the point. When we live our lives without obeying God’s will, by default we are in the camp of the enemy. It is for this reason that defenses such as, “They do more good than bad”, or “They are generally a good person” hold no credence to God.
Paul put it clearly in Romans 10. The righteousness invented by men do not properly substitute for the righteousness of God. Living for self is being a child of wrath, just like everyone else.
Instead, as Christians, we are to live according to His will!
What Our Church Needs!
In Paul’s letter to Titus, he expressed the type of Christians that please God, categorized by age and gender. Consider the following verses:
“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things — that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:1-10).
First, note the phrase “sound doctrine.” The word ‘sound’ means “to be well, to be healthy, figuratively, to be uncorrupt, true in doctrine.” These things are as they should be. They are God’s desires rather than the desires of men. These are things we disregard at our own peril. Consider further these thoughts: Continue reading “What Our Church Needs!”
Sermon: Invest in your Faith
Stan talks about the need for faith to grow, and shows via 2 Peter 1:5-8, the eternal consequences of a strong faith. Then actions and resources are examined to show how faith can be strengthened.
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Sermon: Some Simple Christian Instructions
The text of Colossians 4:2-6 is used to show that we as Christians ought to acts as diligent disciples of Jesus Christ. This is a short 10 minute invitation talk.
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A Simple Evaluation
We are often told the importance of counting the cost before becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. While we want everyone to make the commitment, the idea that it is an important and substantial decision must not be forgotten. Consider the words of Jesus Himself, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26-33). Continue reading “A Simple Evaluation”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:17-19
The text continues the call for righteous living by noting that each person is treated the same way by God. He judges “without partiality”, and “according to each one’s work.” This is imminently fair. God does not play favorites. Your standing before Him is a result of appropriate rules He has established that are the same for all men.
So, our sojourn on this earth should be characterized by a respect for the rules of God. Anarchy or rebellion is not acceptable, and will be judged harshly. The gift of grace is much too precious to be treated with disdain. How precious? Our redemption is purchased with something far greater than worldly treasures.
Our redemption is purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. He who lived perfectly died a sacrificial and vicarious death. He died for us! Isaiah wrote, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (53:5).
Working on the House of the Lord
The book of Haggai is a short work, a series of messages from the prophet to Zerubbabel (governor), Judah (high priest) and the remnant of Judah who had returned from Babylonian captivity. The people had returned to rebuild the temple, but years had passed with it unfinished. An introduction to the book indicated that Haggai’s message was a call for renewal, a renewal of courage, holiness, and faith. This seems to be a rather apt description of the message God gave to the prophet.
First, notice why the people had left the temple unfinished for several years. “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Consider your ways!’” (Haggai 1:4-5). The people had become distracted, shifting their priorities from the greater to the lesser. They were more concerned for their own comfort than for serving the Lord. Misplaced priorities are a big problem for just about every generation! In this the returned exiles were typical, “It is time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” The remedy is, as stated, to “consider your ways!” Continue reading “Working on the House of the Lord”
Mining the Scriptures: James 1:26-27
The final two verses of this first chapter of James contain a contrast between vain religion and pure religion.
First, vain (useless) religion is a religion that does not change a person for the better. Specifically, James describes one who thinks himself to be religious, but it has not touched his tongue (or his heart), cf. Matthew 15:18.
Second, pure (and undefiled) religion is characterized by both what is not done, and what is done. One whose religion is pure will show it by righteousness. He will keep himself “unspotted from the world,” cf. 1 Peter 4:3. Additionally, he does his duty, what God requires of Him. He visits “orphans and widows in their trouble,” cf. Galatians 6:10.
Simply put, our religion must first be true (accepting Jesus Christ as the Anointed, the Son of God), and also life changing. We must be a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17), living our lives according to Jesus’ own will (Galatians 2:20).
