Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
From the Preacher’s Pen: Self-Deception
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise” (1 Corinthians 3:18).
It is very easy to deceive yourself in this life. It can happen in several ways. It may be that you compare yourself with another rather than the inspired standard (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:12). It may that your problem is arrogance, and you are dismissive of views other than your own. (cf. Proverbs 16:18). It may be that ignorance or prejudice leaves you vulnerable to being “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14; cf. 2 Peter 3:14-16). Regardless, self-deception is rampant.
The apostle Paul, in our text, shares the secret to avoiding self deception. Become a fool. The idea parallels his words in 1 Corinthians 1:8, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
It is only when we submit ourselves to the will of God that we can be assured we have a firm grasp on our relationship with Him. God has revealed Himself to us so that we have a full and complete understanding of what He requires of us. We can examine our lives and hearts, holding them up to the light of God’s word, and be either confident in our standing, or aware of the changes we need to make to be pleasing to Him. “Lean not on your own understanding!” (Proverbs 3:5).
FB: State of Your Life
This evening the President is set to deliver his final state of the union address to the combined houses of Congress, and the American people.
It is appropriate from time to time to take stock of where we are as a nation, to set goals, to correct mistakes, and to resolve to do better in the future.
It seems equally appropriate that we do the same with our individual lives. Paul wrote, “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).
So, how about it? What is the state of your life? What spiritual goals do you have? What mistakes do you need to correct? What are your specific resolutions as you seek to live “soberly, righteously and godly in the present age”? (cf. Titus 2:12).
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Sermon: Derailed While Young
There are many pitfalls that may befall a young person who is not sufficiently spiritually minded. The sermon considers 10 such dangers.
Invitation: Gird up the loins of your mind
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
1 Peter 1:13-16 teaches that we rest our hope fully on the grace of God by preparing ourselves to live righteous lives.
From the Preacher’s Pen: If then…
Paul wrote, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). The phrase “if then” refers back to his statement in the previous chapter, “buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (2:12).
Those who have been baptized have been raised with Christ. The blessings given by God at baptism (the “remission of sins” cf. Acts 2:38), require a response on the part of those who are born again to this new life. We are to “seek those things which are above.”
The idea that man has no part to play in his own redemption is very wrong. Paul wrote, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). He also admonished the Philippians to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (2:12-13).
Have you been raised to a new life? Then you need to ask yourself whether you are doing “His good pleasure” or your own. You are now a child of God, and it is your responsibility to “seek those things which are above.”
Sermon: The Three “R’s”
As 2016 nears, it is time to examine our Christian walk, determine areas that need improvement, and resolve to better serve the Lord in the future.
Sermon: A Pervasive Faith
Our faith in Christ should inform and impact every facet of our lives. If it does, we will walk in a manner worthy of our calling.
Invitation: Burdens and Loads
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Galatians 6:1-5 is examined, discussing the burdens and loads a Christian is called upon to bear.
Sermon: The Potter and the Clay
God is the Potter, we are the clay. We must allow him to prepare us for His use.
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.
