Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
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.
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).
