Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
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!
Invitation: Ongoing Christian Development
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
2 Peter 1:5-11 talks of the need of continual spiritual development as a child of God.
In Colossians 3, the apostle Paul establishes certain building blocks of Christian character.From the Preacher’s Pen: Shortsighted
I am typing this short article while away from home, and handicapped by having left my reading glasses behind. As such, my near-sightedness is making it difficult to complete the task.
Naturally, I am reminded of Peter’s words in 2 Peter 1:9, “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” The things to which Peter refers are: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.
Consider that when Peter wrote these words there was no relief for a short sighted person. While I can pick up my glasses, they had no remedy. Such words would be especially poignant to one who suffered from near-sightedness, but would be a vivid picture to all. The Christian without his virtues is severely handicapped. It is difficult for him to accomplish his life’s purpose to serve God, and receive the reward.
In contrast, Peter writes, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (vs. 8). Peter promises the clear-sighted Christian an entrance “into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (vs. 11). This requires diligence on our part (cf. vs. 10), and it certainly takes work to mature through the process of adding to our faith. What about it? How hard are you working to for such spiritual focus?
Sermon: Words of Wisdom
The book of Ecclesiastes contains several miscellaneous words of wisdom in its pages that have beneficial applications to the Christian’s life.
Sermon: A Committed Life
We must not look back once we become a professing child of God. We must focus our lives on serving Christ first!
Sermon: Proper Attitudes toward Spiritual Work
Every faithful Christian has that which he can and should do for God, as a member of a local congregation. To be useful for the Lord, certain attitudes must be present. Things such as eagerness, diligence, positivity and persistence.
