Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
Sermon: Living a Balanced Life
The wise man in Ecclesiastes establishes the importance of living a balanced life (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). The only way this is possible is by having Christ at the center of your life.
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Sermon: Proper Attitudes Toward One Another
As we work together as brethren, certain attitudes will help us to be successful in our efforts.
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Sermon: Individuals Helping Individuals
Speaker: Justin Carrell
As Christians, it is our duty and should be our desire to be helpful one to another.
Sermon: What It Means to Transform (Romans 12)
A short 10 minute invitation talk, explaining Romans 12:1-2, by noting the further context in the remainder of the chapter.
The Patternists: Walk Worthy of the Lord
Beginning in Colossians 2, the apostle Paul labored to establish the primacy of Christ and His will. As men consider how we will live our lives, what our philosophies and actions will be, allegiance to Jesus as Lord is the best choice we can make.
In contrast, Paul stated, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (2:8). Human philosophy is persuasive, but ultimately flawed and impotent. But, we are “complete in Him [Christ], who is the head of all principality and power” (2:10).
Sermon: I Am the True Vine
Jesus is the source of life, and His disciples must be in spiritual fellowship with Him. Without Him we can do nothing.
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!
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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!
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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!
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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:
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Obedient to civil authorities
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Ready for every good work
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Unwilling to speak evil of others
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Peaceable, gentle, humble to all men
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Wise, obedient, perceptive, self-controlled
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Refusing anger, malice, envy and hate
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Careful to maintain good works
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Avoiding foolish arguments
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A maker of peace with brethren
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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).
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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.
