Category: Church
Subject: Church
Sermon: Hope, Self Esteem and Our Spiritual Family
Speaker: Josh Jackson
The world struggles with despair. The rise in suicide, drug abuse and sexual promiscuity are all indicators of dysfunction. The answer to these problems is spiritual in nature. Hope, Self-Esteem and the spiritual family of God.
Is Church Important?
In answer to the question above, it certainly is important to God! The act of His son’s sacrifice on the cross was to, “purchase with His own blood” the church (cf. Acts 20:28).
The term church, used correctly, refers to the redeemed. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
There is no more important fellowship of which to be a part. And, understanding the importance of the church, perhaps it is good to consider the purpose of its establishment.
Men have ideas about this. They believe the church should be an agent of societal change. Of course, there are many such organizations that exist, so the church would only be another voice in the crowd.
Some think the church is simply a community of people who enjoy each other’s company. The church is a place to visit, eat and play together with people you like. A kind of social club. Many congregations make socializing the primary emphasis.
God said the church was established to save people. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned'” (Mark 16:15-16).
The Lord’s church is unique in the world. It is the divine institution given the responsibility by God to share the precious message of salvation. It is disturbing that men would trivialize it by giving it purposes and works that are neither unique nor divinely authorized.
The West Side church of Christ focuses on God’s work. We would love to have you come visit our worship services. If you do, you have this promise – the effort to save and strengthen souls will be the focus of our worship, teaching and work. That’s what God wants, what we want, and we hope it is your desire as well. Please come join us!
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Sermon: Tim Stevens Meeting, Spring 2019
1 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to the Future of the Church?
2 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Forgiveness?
3 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Anger?
4 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Time?
5 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Attitude Toward God’s Word?
6 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Influence?
7 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Humility & Servitude?
8 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Repentance?
9 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Persecution & Endurance?
“But God composed the body”
In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul expressed the importance of every single Christian doing his or her part to bring growth to the local congregation. He noted that each individual member is unique, “And the eye cannot say to the hand, ’I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ’I have no need of you’” (21). He concluded that even those members who seem to be weaker “are necessary” (22).
Do we have the same view of our participation in congregational activities and duties? Do we consider our part to be necessary? Or even important?
Paul clearly states that “God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased” (18). “But God composed the body…” (24).
Never underestimate your importance to God and His people. Never underestimate what God expects of you, and how much His people need you to do your part.
Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (27). We need you to be an active member of the West Side congregation. We need to grow spiritually every day, and diligently perform the duties our Lord expects of our congregation. We can’t do that unless each and every one of us are doing our part. You are special! God knows it, and so do we. Do you?
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Sermon: Congregational Autonomy
A discussion and defining of the scriptural concept of congregational autonomy, coupled with an examination of historical abuses.
Sermon: The Church – God’s Family
The lesson discusses the various attributes that should be present in the church, which is described as God’s family. They are Love, Selflessness, Unity, Affection, Dependability and Encouragement.
Sermon: Desperately Seeking Relevance
The lesson seeks to establish the proper response of God’s people to a world that is indifferent to Christ and His church.
Sermon: Church of Christ FAQ Sheet
A number of Frequently Asked Questions about the Lord’s church, answered in this sermon.
Sermon: Some Identifying Marks of the Lord’s Church
The description given of the Lord’s church in the New Testament differs markedly from the denominations today. His church, however, exists and is identifiable in our time.
Sermon: Some Facts about the church of Christ
The Lord’s church is very different from the religious denominations you typically see in America. This sermon discusses some of the things that makes the church of Christ unique.
Challenges Confronting the Church
This class consisted of four lessons, taken from Mark Copeland’s topical sermon series. I chose four lessons from that series:
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Introduction
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Denominationalism
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Secularism
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Traditionalism
The class took place on each Wednesday evening in December, 2016. The material consists of:
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The four lessons (the material is the same as it appears on brother Copeland’s site, except for reformatting.
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The teacher’s notes (some highlighting, and the addition of scriptures)
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Audio of the four classes
Materials
Audio
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Lesson 1Challenges-Intro
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Lesson 2Challenges-Denominationalism
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Lesson 3Challenges-Secularism
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Lesson 4 Challenges-Traditionalism
“Having then gifts…let us use them”
Lesson 2 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.
God does not accept idleness in His people. Each of us has the ability and opportunity to do work for the Lord.
Sermon: The Church and Politics
There are civil laws governing how involved churches may become in the political arena. More importantly, there are guidelines that the church and individual Christians are given by God. These must be respected and obeyed!
