Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
Sermon: A Single Minded Pursuit of the Kingdom
Jesus promised in His sermon on the mount that if we seek first the kingdom of God, all the necessities of life would be added to us (cf. Matthew 6:33). This lesson does not emphasize the promise, rather what does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God.
Invitation: The Character of the New Man
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin gives a paraphrase of Colossians 3, as Paul describes the character of the new man of Christ.
Sermon: Are You A Mature Christian?
Hebrews 5:2-ff helps to shape a discussion about Christian Maturity. What are some of the characteristics you will have if you can say that you are a mature Christian?
Sermon: On What Are You Building Your Life?
Jeremiah Cox asks “On what are you building your life?” He then shows through the scriptures the proper foundation for a life that is acceptable to God.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Be Strong in the Lord
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).
The call to “be strong” is one that can be appreciated by all Christians. We all want to be strong. No one wants to be weak. However, spiritual strength is a challenge. Our adversary, the devil “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
The fortunate truth revealed in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is that our strength is “in the Lord,” our power is “of His might.” He equips us in our battle with the devil.
While it is true that our redemption is accomplished through the sacrifice of our Lord, the emphasis of Paul in this text is the tools or “armor of God” that is supplied for our use. The list is given in verses 14-17:
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
When we equip ourselves with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the word of God and prayer, we will be blessed with God’s strength and might. Thus prepared, we will be able to “stand against the wiles of the devil” (11).
Sermon: Companionship in Chirst
Companionship in Christ means:
- Shared work and shared success
- Help for the one who stumbles
- Preventive support, leading to success
- Strength against spiritual danger
Sermon: “Let us go on to perfection”
The text of Hebrews 5:12 – 6:3 teaches us that we should mature in Christ. This should happen by reason of time (5:12); by reason of use (5:13-14); and because it is God’s will for us (6:3).
Sermon: The Cost of our Discipleship
Jonathan Hinds uses the text of Luke 14:25-ff to introduce a lesson on the subject, The Cost of our Discipleship.
Invitation: How to be Abased and to Abound
Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee
In a discussion of Philippians 4:12-13, Kyle points out that we must appeal to the strength of Christ both during bad times (when discouragement may set in), and during good times (when temptation may distract).
From the Preacher’s Pen: Set Your Mind on Things Above
In Colossians 3:1-2, the apostle 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. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” In light of the corruption that is present in our own society, such words are certainly needed.
The call is for Christians to comport themselves differently because of their relationship with their Savior. We have been raised with Christ. As Paul put it in Romans 6:4, “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” While not explicitly stated in the text, our leaving the waters of baptism, dead to sin and alive to Christ, is a raising that parallels the resurrection of our Lord. It is a new birth, a renewal, a conversion. We should not longer be as the world, but rather “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
The call is accomplished in the mind. We set our minds on things above. Our focus is not on the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, but on our eternal abode and the things of God.
Why do we do this? Back to Colossians 3:4, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” The old man (the man of sin) is dead. Because of this, the new man is to “put to death [his] members which are on the earth” (vs. 5). This is not optional. It is what it means to belong to Him.
Invitation: Participating in the Gospel
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Paul thanked God for the Philippian’s fellowship, or participation in the gospel of Christ. Whenever we “participate” in the gospel, we cause joy in heaven!
Invitation: All Members of the Body are Important
Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera
Armando used the text of 1 Corinthians 12:12-ff to establish the importance of every Christian as we seek to edify one another as members of the body of Christ.
Invitation: The Road to Salvation
Invitation delivered by: Josh Jackson
Josh uses the Paul’s epistle to the Romans to talk about the road to salvation. He emphasizes the need for salvation, how salvation is obtained, the need to remain on the road, and how that can be done.
Sermon: How to Excel at Life
Sermon preached by Brantley Gallman:
Guest speaker Brantley Gallman used the text of 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 to explain the type of life any human should aspire to. It is the Christian life, described by Paul as a life that is quiet, minding one’s own business, and working with one’s own hands.
A Transformed Individual
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2)
The apostle’s exhortation impacts every aspect of our lives. We are to be transformed by our faith. As our mind’s are renewed through our acceptance of God’s perfect will, we become better citizens, parents, children, friends, husbands and wives. In the context of the chapter, there are several indications of the character of such a transformed life:
