Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
Sermon: It is Finished
Speaker: Josh Cox
An examination of Jesus’ last words on the cross as He died for the sins of mankind. Applications are made to our own lives.
Sermon: Metamorphosis
Speaker: Justin Carrell
Justin uses the illustration of the metamorphosis of a butterfly to illustrate the importance of a transformed life (cf. Romans 12:1-2).
Making Plans
Dick Hatch and I managed to establish a Thursday afternoon Bible class in the assisted living facility where he lives. Just about any afternoon would have worked, but I started out convinced that Thursday is great. I could see myself being there every class without fail.
In reality, I have missed two of the first six weeks we have had the class! The first Thursday I missed was because of sickness and ice on the roads. (I know, it is supposed to get up in the 90’s today). The second was this past Thursday when I had to take my mom to the hospital. “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men …” (Robert Burns, “To a Mouse”)
Paul had a similar thing happen to him in Acts 16. After spending some time in the region of Galatia, he decided he wanted to go on to Asia to preach there. But, the Holy Spirit did not allow it. So, instead he and his companions “tried to go into Bithynia”, but again the effort was vetoed by the Spirit. Finally, a vision appeared to Paul, with a man of Macedonia pleading with him to come help them in that region (Acts 16:6-10).
We can’t know what God has in store for us. Only one thing is certain. “…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… you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil” (James 4:14-16). Humble yourself and obey God now!
Click below to…
Sermon: Seeking Counsel
Speaker: Ian Tilley
Ian describes the importance of recognizing the benefit of counsel, or own need of it, and the importance of humbling ourselves that we might receive advice that others might give.
Sermon: How Do I Apply God’s Truth in My Life?
When the truth falls on a good heart, the response of faith leads to total commitment. May we all examine ourselves to ensure we are faithful to His will!
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
The Danger of Assumption
When the wicked in the world engage in evil without suffering consequences, what do we think? Do we think that this not fair? Do we think that God is not fair? Do we think that God is evil? Some have gone beyond thinking it, and have actively said as much.
God has something to say on the matter. In Psalm 50, He speaks to the wicked regarding their evil works. Consider His words:
“These things you have done, and I kept silent;
You thought that I was altogether like you;
But I will rebuke you,
And set them in order before your eyes.
“Now consider this, you who forget God,
Lest I tear you in pieces,
And there be none to deliver:
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;
And to him who orders his conduct aright
I will show the salvation of God.”
(Psalms 50:21-23)
It is a mistake to assume that God is anything at all like the wicked. Though He does not always work in ways we understand, we know two truths absolutely. One, those who “forget God” will eventually pay for their sin, (cf. Romans 1:28-32). Two, the one who “orders his conduct aright” will be saved by God (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7).
God is righteous in character and judgment. In the end, righteousness will prevail!
Click below to…
A Righteous Person
In Titus 3, the apostle Paul gave instructions to Titus as an evangelist about what he must teach. These instructions serve to express, through positive affirmation and negative rebuke, the type of person a Christian should be. Consider the following attributes, taken from the list:
-
Obedient to civil authorities
-
Ready for every good work
-
Unwilling to speak evil of others
-
Peaceable, gentle, humble to all men
-
Wise, obedient, perceptive, self-controlled
-
Refusing anger, malice, envy and hate
-
Careful to maintain good works
-
Avoiding foolish arguments
-
A maker of peace with brethren
-
One who rejects those who bring division
A Christian should be pleasant to be around. He recognizes the importance of getting along, having a selfless and perceptive mind, and being in control of his impulses. Seldom will he be a part of conflict, and then only when the defense of truth is required. Because he emulates his Lord, he seeks to be a positive influence on others, making their eternal welfare his priority.
Look at the list, and determine what improvements might be needed to be the kind of person God wants you to be! “Let our people also learn to maintain good works” (14).
Click below to…
Sermon: Creatures of Habit
Speaker: Justin Carrell
Justin points out that humans are prone to develop habits, both good and bad. He encourages us as Christians to help one another to create good habits that will please God.
Sermon: Providing Honorable Things
This lesson is a discussion of Paul’s efforts to act in a transparent and honorable way in conducting the Corinthians gift to Judea (2 Cor. 8:21). Applications can be made in the area of Christian influence.
The Patternists: Conduct Yourselves in Fear
The apostle Peter, in his first epistle, emphasized the importance of living holy lives. “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 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 1:13-16).
The text continues with a discourse on the redemption of his readers. They were redeemed with “the precious blood of Christ” (19). Christ was raised from the dead, “so that your faith and hope are in God” (21).
Continue reading “The Patternists: Conduct Yourselves in Fear”
Sermon: Night and Darkness
Day and Light are contrasted with Night and Darkness in scripture. The lesson discusses the realm of spiritual Night and Darkness, and the Holy Spirit’s call to Wake Up!
Glorifying God’s Word
There is an interesting phrase from the pen of the apostle Paul, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). The phrase is, “that the word of the Lord may…be glorified.” Paul was asking that these faithful brethren petition God on his behalf. It was his desire that through his efforts, the word of the Lord would spread swiftly. That is, that many would hear and repeat it. Also, that it would be glorified. By this Paul meant, as noted by Thayer, that through his efforts the value of the word of God would become evident or made manifest.
A similar statement is made by the Lord regarding our influence. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We extol the greatness and righteousness of God whenever we live in accord with His will. Men see it, and “glorify” Him.
Sermon: A Lesson on Service and Humility
In John 13:1-17, Jesus taught by example a lesson on service and humility by washing the feet of His disciples. There are lessons for us as well.
The Word of a King
(Ecclesiastes 8:2-4), “I say, ‘Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.’ Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, ‘What are you doing?’”
The wise man’s words ring true in our time. As pandemic mandates gain traction, and our society polarizes more and more each day, many feel that our government is guilty of overreach. Whatever your view of this particular matter, there are a few points that are beyond dispute.
FIRST, our responsibility to be obedient to the governing authorities is one that has God as it’s source. It is a part of our agreement as Christians. Paul agreed with the wise man on this matter (cf. Romans 13:2). Of course, there are limits (cf. Acts 5:29).
SECOND, doing what is unlawful (“an evil thing”) will bring consequences from the authorities — “for he does whatever pleases him.” It is always a losing hand to rail against “the man.”
THIRD, “Where the word of a king is, there is power.” We may not like it when the authorities abuse their authority. We may cry out and complain — but no amount of threatening on our part will keep them from doing what they want to do.
It is for this reason we long for eternity. We realize that in the end, this world is a mere layover to eternity. In the end all inequities will be resolved. All abuses will come to an end. All suffering will cease. Praise be to God! “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled’” (1 Peter 3:14).
Click below to…
Sermon: Fall 2021 Gospel Meeting (Dennis Scroggins)
All lessons preached by Dennis Scroggins, October 2-7, 2021
Lesson 1 (Saturday, October 2, 2021)
By Faith Noah Condemned the World
Dennis uses the example of Noah (and the text of Hebrews 11:7) to show that as he condemned the world by his righteous life, we as Christians are to shine as lights in the world as well.
Lesson 2 (Sunday @ 9am, October 3, 2021)
The Sin of Unforgiveness
Too often Christians harbor resentment and anger in their hearts when they have been offended. Such anger is self-destructive and sinful.
Lesson 3 (Sunday @ 10am, October 3, 2021)
Bitterness: The Devil’s Distraction
Bitterness of heart can destroy the spiritual well-being of the child of God. It is one of the Devil’s most successful tools in derailing the Christian walk.
Lesson 4 (Sunday @ 11am, October 3, 2021)
Spiritual Cannibalism
When Christians attack one another, it is a form of spiritual cannibalism. (Galatians 5:15), “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
Lesson 5 (Monday, October 4, 2021)
Friendship – Fellowship
The basis for Christian fellowship has never been friendship. It revolves around obedience and faithfulness to the Word of God. Too often in the world today, Christians forget this truth.
Lesson 6 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)
Why Does the Holy Spirit Speak to You, and Not to Me?
Many religious people believe the Holy Spirit speaks directly to them. The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth, and now we have it in written form. So many, though sincere, are misguided in their feelings on the matter.
Lesson 7 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)
Who is the Greatest Among You?
Greatness in the kingdom is the product of service. We must humble ourselves before God and man to serve Him as He desires.
Lesson 8 (Wednesday, October 7, 2021)
Progressive Church Movement Found in the Churches of Christ
A progressive attitude is present as a part of an ecumenical movement in many evangelical denominations. Progressive in the sense of a depature from the standard of God’s word. Unfortunately, such attitudes can be found in the Lord’s church as well.
