Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
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:
Sermon: 7 Things the Lord Loves
Proverbs 6:16-19 identifies 7 things that are an abomination to God. It stands to reason that an approximate opposite of these things would be pleasing to God. The sermon shows that this is true, with practical applications.
Sermon: Abraham – A Friend of God
The Bible identified Abraham as a “friend of God.” The sermon discussed the attributes of Abraham that commended him to God, and makes application for God’s children today.
Invitation: Focus on the Gift, Not the Box!
Invitation delivered by: Roger Paulsel
Roger uses a humorous personal experience to illustrate an important point from Acts 17. All God gives us is for the purpose of our seeking for and finding Him (cf. vs. 27).
Sermon: What Should I Do?
The Lesson discusses questions you should ask yourself before deciding upon any action. These will be helpful in ensuring you are doing what the Lord intends for you.
Invitation: When Enlightenment Really Isn’t
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin examines a misguided claim of spiritual enlightenment, showing the fallacy of focusing on the faults of others rather than the challenges of self.
From the Preacher’s Pen: The Path
The following is a poem written by Tracy Gallman. Sister Gallman prepared the children’s curriculum for our recent Family Bible Study Week. The poem appeared in that material. I commend it to you!
The Path
“Walking in Sunlight”
There is a Path we are called to walk on;
By faith and not by sight.
A path where Jesus is
A Path that reveals His light.
His light will guide you and teach you
About His love and care,
The Path will never be lonely
As long as Jesus is there.
The Path may at times become rocky
And full of weeds, but…
Don’t lean on your own understanding –
Look to Jesus – Trust Him –
And with new eyes you will see
The path that Jesus sees.
Jesus calls all who hear
To follow Him along their way,
He promises to guide, guard and Save you
If in His Path you will stay.
Tracy Gallman