Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
Mining the Scriptures: James 1:26-27
The final two verses of this first chapter of James contain a contrast between vain religion and pure religion.
First, vain (useless) religion is a religion that does not change a person for the better. Specifically, James describes one who thinks himself to be religious, but it has not touched his tongue (or his heart), cf. Matthew 15:18.
Second, pure (and undefiled) religion is characterized by both what is not done, and what is done. One whose religion is pure will show it by righteousness. He will keep himself “unspotted from the world,” cf. 1 Peter 4:3. Additionally, he does his duty, what God requires of Him. He visits “orphans and widows in their trouble,” cf. Galatians 6:10.
Simply put, our religion must first be true (accepting Jesus Christ as the Anointed, the Son of God), and also life changing. We must be a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17), living our lives according to Jesus’ own will (Galatians 2:20).
Sermon: Spiritual Maturity
Once you become a Christian, it is important to grow to maturity, progressing rather than regressing.
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Mining the Scriptures: Titus 3:1-2
At the end of chapter 2, Paul tells Titus to speak to his charges with “all authority.” In chapter 3 he begins by writing certain charges of which Titus should remind them.
First to be subject to rulers and authorities. While Christianity is radical, and we must obey God rather then men when there is a conflict between men and God’s will, in general we are be obedient to our civil government. This is made clear in Romans 13:1-7, as well as Jesus’ willingness to pay taxes to Caesar, cf. Matthew 22:15-22.
Obedience in general should be characteristic of the child of God. To parents, to civil authorities, in the church itself.
They were to be ready to do good, and to refuse to treat others badly. “To speak evil of no one.”
Their character needed to be Christlike, (peaceable, gentle, humble), towards all men. Not living like the Gentiles, rather having the character of their Lord (cf. Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-7, et al).
As Christians, we are to be different than we were, and than others continue to be.
Sermon: A Divisive Christ?
A discussion of Matthew 10:21-42 showing that reconciliation and peace with God, though it is valuable and secures us blessings, sometimes will cause division with even our closest family members.
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Sermon: Joses Barnabas (Son of Encouragement)
A discussion of the example of Barnabas, the companion of Paul and a great minister of God in his own right. There is much to emulate from his example.
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Five “Golden” Rules
(Adapted from a sermon outline “starter” that appeared on Facebook by Mark Posey on 1/19/24)
Anyone who is familiar with the teaching of Jesus Christ will know what is called the “golden rule.” “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
The rule encompasses the most important truth for the Christian, and that is the imperative of love. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). It is not inappropriate to call it the golden rule, though that is a name given it by man, not found in scripture. Continue reading “Five “Golden” Rules”
Sermon: The Just Shall Live By Faith
An examination of the phrase found in Habakkuk 2:4, establishing the difference between the proud and insolent, and the believer who humbles himself before God.
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The New Man Compared to the Old
In discussing the characteristics of the old man of sin, which accurately described the Colossians at one time, the apostle then told them in Colossians 3:9-10, “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”
The old man is described as one guilty of: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, disobedience, anger, wrath, blasphemy, filthy language, and as seen in verse 9, lying. Continue reading “The New Man Compared to the Old”
Mining the Scriptures: Philippians 1:21-26
Two possibilities were acknowledged by Paul while in prison. He could die (be executed) or he could be spared and continue his ministry.
Which was best for Paul? For him, it was to die. This is true for every faithful Christian. It is not a death wish to acknowledge the preference for eternity. Here we are limited in our fellowship with God. Beyond death is the reward of eternity in God’s presence, without the troubles and trials of life.
Which was best for the Philippians? It was for Paul to live. They needed him. As an apostle, a preacher of the gospel, and their companion in the faith, Paul helped supply their spiritual needs. His loss would challenge them spiritually. “Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (24).
Because others needed Paul to remain, his confidence was that he would be released to do his work. He trusted that God did not want his life to end, and if God did not want it to end, he had faith his work would “continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith” (25).
Walk Circumspectly
In Ephesians 5:15-16 the apostle Paul wrote, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” It is an interesting passage, expressing the need to live our lives as God directs, and expressing the motivation for our discipleship. Consider the following: Continue reading “Walk Circumspectly”
Sermon: Congregational Resolutions for 2024
Our last 9am sermon of the year looks forward to a prosperous and zealous year 2024 from the members at West Side.
Sermon: Repay No One Evil for Evil
As Christians, we are to emulate the goodness and love of Jesus Christ as we interact with enemies, and those who disappoint or use us.
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Not That I Have Already Attained
One simple passage that shows the error of the Calvinistic doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints, and speaks to the need for continued diligence is Philippians 3:12. “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”
Of any Christian in the first century who had the right (if it existed) to state he was guaranteed a place in heaven for what had already been done, it was Paul. He was both saved by the Grace of God, and amply demonstrated his faith in the “finished work of Jesus Christ.” However, he did not conduct himself as one whose fate was guaranteed, but as one who had to “remain faithful until death” (cf. Revelation 2:10).
Notice the next two verses, (13-14), “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
We, like Paul, must live our lives with the same point of view. “Not that I have already attained”… “I do not count myself to have apprehended.” We must “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
We wouldn’t want to miss out on the crown that God has promised to the faithful! (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Sermon: Lessons from 1 Thessalonians
In this lesson, speaker Tommy Davis surveys 1 Thessalonians, pointing out and commenting on some of the lessons Paul taught to this faithful and dedicate group.
