Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
Invitation: The Stupidity of Evil
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Proverbs 12:1-3, shows clearly that a wise man accepts the instruction of the Lord, while the evil man is stupid in not doing so.
Sermon: Integrity
The sermon shows that we must walk in integrity (cf. Psalm 26:11) toward ourselves, others, and ultimately, God.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Useful for the Master
“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter [dishonor], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:21-22).
It is so important to be found useful. Spiritually, our standing with God is dependent upon our bearing fruit, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2).
As indicated in our text, usefulness is dependent upon preparation. And, in the context, the preparation centers around our character. In order to be useful to the Master, we must prepare ourselves! We must cleanse ourselves from those things which are dishonorable. “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (19). We must “flee youthful lusts” (22).
Positively, we must “pursue righteousness, faith, love” (22). As our hearts become pure, we will be fit for the Master’s use.
It doesn’t make sense to think that good works will come from one who is lacking in personal righteousness. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35).
Sermon: Making Wise Decisions
In Genesis 13, Lot is recorded making a poor decision in pitching his tent toward Sodom. We too can make unwise life decisions if we are not careful. The lesson contains suggestions to follow to help make wise decisions.
Sermon: A Holy Priesthood
Christians are described in the New Testament as Priests of God (cf. 1 Peter 2:9-10). We do not offer animal sacrifices. Instead we offer:
* Our Bodies
* Faith
* Support (for preaching)
* Praise (with our lips)
Sermon: Exhortations from Hebrews
Hebrews 13:1-17 gives a number of miscellaneous moreal and religious exhortations to the Hebrew Christians.
Sermon: Let Brotherly Love Continue
A simple lesson of exhortation to Christian living. we are to “let brotherly love continue” (cf. Hebrews 13:1) during:
* times of joy
* times of sorrow
* struggles with sin
* moments of disagreement
Sermon: The Fruit of the Spirit – Peace
A two part lesson, preached AM and PM on Galatians 5. The first lesson audio gives a short explanation of the Fruit of the Spirit, as listed by Paul in the text. The second lesson is a discussion of the attribute, “Peace.”Living Godly Lives
The apostle Paul wrote to Titus, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12). In these words are found the response of every Christian to the gift of grace. We have the hope of salvation because of what God has granted to us. Our response is an ordering of our lives: “we should live soberly, righteously and godly.”
The definition of the word godly is minimally helpful. The term refers to piety, devotion and reverence. More helpful are the verses that describe the kind of life that characterizes the Christian profession. For example, when considering the proper role model for a godly life, we consider Jesus Himself. Peter wrote, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Jesus was guileless (cf. 1 Peter 2:21-24), and pure (cf. 1 John 3:1-3). In His life, and in His death, He always sought to do the will of His Father in heaven (cf. John 15:10).
From the Preacher’s Pen: A Successful Life
A Successful Life
(Psalm 119:59-60)
“I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies. I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments.”
Take Inventory
“I thought about my ways…”
(1 Corinthians 11:28; 2 Corinthians 10:12; Luke 15:17)
Go to the Right Source
“And turned my feet to Your Testimonies”
(Romans 1:16; Proverbs 16:25; Psalm 119:105)
Do Not Delay
“I made hast and did not delay”
(Colossians 3:23; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Acts 16:33)
Do the Will of God
“to keep Your commandments”
(Matthew 7:21; 1 John 5:3; Hebrews 5:8-9)
A successful life will be rewarded by the Almighty! “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).
Sermon: The TRUE Daniel Plan
There is a new diet book out called, The Daniel Plan. It references a passage from Daniel 1:8, where Daniel refused the diet of the king of Babylon. There is a true plan found in the book of Daniel, which if followed, will bring spiritual benefits and health.
Sermon: Spring 2015 Meeting Sermons – Heath Rogers
Below are the links to the audio and powerpoint presentations from Heath Rogers, who held a meeting at the West Side church on May 9-14, 2015.
Lesson 1: “Whom Are You Seeking?”
Lesson 2: Help in Times of Trouble
Lesson 3: Lessons from Hezekiah’s Prayer
Lesson 4: Making Evangelism a Priority
Lesson 5: The Grace of God
Lesson 6: Mediocrity
Lesson 7: A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lesson 8: Can We Understand the Bible Alike?
Lesson 9: The Second Coming of Christ
Sermon: Ways of the Wise
Based in part on Ephesians 5:15-17. The sermon discusses the ways of the wise. A wise man: Receives counsel; Guards his tongue; Flees from evil; Is prepared; and Obeys God.
Note: Powerpoint file created by Jeremiah Cox.
Sermon: Stand Fast in the Lord
In Philippians 4, the apostle exhorts his brethren to stand fast in the Lord. The lesson examines the first 9 verses of that chapter to ascertain what that steadfastness entails.
Sermon: The Excuses of Moses
An interesting aspect of an examination of Moses’ excuses to God when he was charged with the task of leading the Israelites is that the excuses are common to each of us.
* Who am I?
* What shall I say?
* Suppose they will not believe me?
* I am slow of speech and tongue?
* Please send someone else!
