Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
Mining the Scriptures: Titus 2:1-10
It is important to note that here Paul is giving Titus instructions on what to teach. It is important to declare the “whole counsel of God”, (cf. Acts 20:27). An aspect of that declaration is to teach every person, young or old, male or female, how they should direct their lives.
There are specific admonitions that different ages or genders need. This is not sexist or ageist, it is merely an acknowledgment of the order of life, and what God always requires of us. With this in mind, the text is a treasure trove of good instruction.
Older men are to be characterized by sobriety and reverence. The old women as well, and they are to teach the younger women with less experience. The younger women are to show love, deference and care to their husbands and children. The younger men are to be act with maturity. They are to have integrity and soundness in action.
Finally, bondservants are to serve their masters with fidelity as Christians should always do. The exhortations are simple, but needed. As too often they are ignored.
Sermon: Cannot See Afar Off
The list of 2 Peter 1 is described, and the consequences of not adding the attributes are discussed.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Spring Meeting 2023
A gospel meeting held May 6-11, 2023 with brother Jimmy Stevens from Seminole, TX. The following Lessons were taught. Available is the audio, PPTX files, and the Video of Each Lesson
God’s Promise to Satan (May 6, 2023)
Growing Weary (May 7, 2023)
Created for a Purpose (May 7, 2023)
The Power of True Faith (May 7, 2023)
Will Only Those Who are Baptized be Saved? (May 8, 2023)
What Did They Know Before Baptism? (May 9, 2023)
Moral Living in an Immoral World (May 10, 2023)
The Scriptures Don’t Lie (May 11, 2023)
Mining the Scriptures: 1 John 2:7-8
The idea of walking in Christ is the fundamental premise of the disciple. What is clearly evident is that love is the foundation of that walk. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). This is how the would be “known” as His disciples.
John’s statement that his commandment is not a new commandment indicates that Jesus’ required it from His disciples from the very beginning. John speaks in great detail about the importance of loving one another. He is known as the “apostle of love.” Perhaps this emphasis was because it was so revelatory to him. He and James were at one time called by Jesus the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). But John became associated most with the call to love. The command was “old”, or well established.
It was, however, “new” in the sense that Jesus’ call was revolutionary to a world in sin. Never before had “the true light” shined as it was in the hearts and lives of Jesus’ disciples.
Sermon: How Can Christians Stand Out from the World?
Christians should stand out, and be considered peculiar to the world. How can we obtain such a reputation? Speaker: Ian Tilley
Sermon: Lessons from Joel
There are good lessons to be learned from the life and ministry of the prophet Joel. Speaker: Justin Carrell
Sermon: Shepherds Who Scatter
A discussion of Jeremiah 23, with a call for leadership with integrity, and we emulate Jesus Christ.
The Christian Life
Speaker: Ian Tilley. A discussion of 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 giving practical advice on what God requires of the Christian as he lives his life.
You Do Not Know What Will Happen Tomorrow!
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13-14).
It takes a bit of arrogance (or ignorance) to actually believe that you have power over tomorrow. So often we see lives cut short by disease or accident, always with expressed shock and dismay. This is understandable, but the truth is such events happen often. Continue reading “You Do Not Know What Will Happen Tomorrow!”
Winning Souls Without A Word
Peter had instructions for women married to non-Christians. “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear” (1 Peter 3:1-2).
It is an interesting concept, winning souls to Christ “without a word.” Of course, this doesn’t mean that there is another way of saving souls other than through the preaching of the gospel (cf. Romans 1:16). Rather, it is a strong statement about the efficacy of good influence.
Many men are not swayed by the words of a preacher. However, if they see Christian principles in action — morality, integrity, kindness, mercy and love — they may become convinced that there is “something to” being a Christian. Then, when the gospel is shared, their heart is fertile and responsive to the truth.
It works when wives show a good example to their husbands, and when husbands show that same type of example to their wives. It also is effective in other familial relationships (an important principle for parents to consider), with friendships, and any others you may impact in the day to day exercise of your faith.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Sermon: Living a Balanced Life
A discussion of the text of Ecclesiastes, learning from the wise man how to live a balanced life.
Meditate On These Things
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
This passage, is of course, very familiar. But, it may be that a word study of the things, (true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praiseworthy), may be helpful. Continue reading “Meditate On These Things”
