Category: Conversion
Mining the Scriptures: Titus 3:3
After Paul’s admonition to “obey”, he noted his own previous “foolish” state as a sinner. It is interesting to note his description, starting with the word “foolish” – unintelligent or unwise.
His foolishness led to disobedience – he had not complied to the will of God. He was contumacious – stubborn willful against authority. He was deceived – led away from the truth. He served his own desires and pleasures. In effect, he did what pleased himself, not what pleased God. He lived in malice – malignity, ill-will, a desire to injure; and envy – ill will, jealousy, spite. He was hateful – detestable or odious; and was actively involved in hating others.
Verses 4-7 indicate a change. This is conversion. But, prior to it Paul was like everyone else. By not serving God he was serving himself. He caused injury to the cause of Christ. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). Paul was honest in assessing himself, this led him to call others to righteousness!
The Call To God’s Eternal Glory
A study of 1 Peter 5:10, noting that you must step out of self, into Christ, and through to Judgment to enjoy the eternal glory of God.
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Sermon: Why Become a Christian?
We are to become Christians because of the nature and consequence of sin; because of who Christ is; because of the certainty of death and judgment; and because of the benefits to our lives, both here and in eternity!
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Why Stop the Chariot?
I recently came across a sermon starter (skeleton outline) from a Facebook group, written by Mark Posey. When I come across such items and borrow the material, I always try to give credit, but also typically change the title to something else. I couldn’t do it this time as the title best expresses the concept to be examined in the article.
The reference is, of course, to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, covered in Acts 8:26-40. To summarize, an angel of the Lord sent Philip the evangelist to a road between Jerusalem and Gaza. There Philip met a eunuch of Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians. He had come to Jerusalem to worship (indicating he was a proselyte), and was returning to Gaza in a chariot. He was reading from Isaiah 59, and Philip used the reading as a beginning point of their conversation. Continue reading “Why Stop the Chariot?”
Sermon: Efforts at Evangelism
The efforts of the apostles and other preachers of the New Testament, revealed in the book of Acts, served two purposes. First, to save souls. Second, to equip those souls to be soul winners themselves.
The Old Man VS The New Man
What does God intend the Christian to be? As indicated in Colossians 3:9-10, we are to put off the old man and put on the new man. The way this is done is described in Romans 6:1-4. It is the process of conversion. But, the two are described in our text of Colossians 3:1-17
So, what is this old man we put off? Consider the following, expressed in Colossians 3:5-9, “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.”
The new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Christ is described in verses 12-17, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Amen.
Our Warfare
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).
How many wars have been fought in the name of God? In the new covenant ratified with the blood of Jesus Christ, the concept of warfare changed. It has nothing to do with swords, chariots, horses, or bullets, missiles and ships. What does that mean? It means that the eight crusades, battles fought between the Catholics and Muslims from 1096 — 1291 were misguided. The Kingdom of Christ had no possessions or land to guard or reclaim.
It means that Medieval Catholic tortures as a part of the Inquisition, and the conversions at sword point of the indigenous population in the Americas were likewise egregious examples of the corruption of the Christian faith.
Our method of battle is persuasive. It is the casting down of arguments, not the blowing up of city walls. Our purpose to save is accomplished through the gospel, “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
All accounts will be settled in judgment. Rewards and punishments will occur after our time on earth is over (2 Peter 3:14), with Christ as our judge (Romans 14:10-12).
Sermon Minute: A Renewed Mind and Life!
To view the entire sermon on YouTube, click here
From Saul to Paul
In the apostle Paul’s previous life he was a successful man. A Pharisee of the Pharisees, his zeal for the law commended him to the Jewish leadership. He was a Roman citizen, a student of the respected rabbi Gamaliel, and of the tribe of Benjamin. Among the Jews, these attributes brought him a great deal of respect.
And then, everything changed. The Lord appeared to him while traveling to Damascus (Acts 9), and Saul was confronted by a new reality. The Christians he actively persecuted turned out to be right! Their claim that Jesus was the Christ from God was absolutely true. Saul of Tarsus was actively persecuting the Messiah and his followers.
So Saul changed. This was an indication of his personal integrity. His willingness to acknowledge fault and change direction is perhaps the most laudable thing about the man. As he put it in Philippians 3:7-9, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him…”
From Saul the Persecutor to Paul the apostle, he showed himself an honest man, acting with integrity. As such, he earns our respect, and we should seek to emulate him. As Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Sermon: Examining Our Claims of Salvation
Each of us should carefully and honestly examine the circumstances surrounding our own claimed conversion, to ensure that what happened is actually what God requires for us to be saved.
Sermon: Philip’s Work in Samaria (Acts 8)
A study of Philip’s ministry among the Samaritans, recorded in Acts 8.
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.
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).
Sermon: Philip and the Eunuch (Acts 8)
A discussion of Philip’s evangelistic efforts, and the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch, as found in Acts 8.
Sermon: Spring Meeting, 2021 with JR Bronger
JR Bronger from Blue Springs, MO preached a wonderful series of gospel sermons for the West Side congregation, May 1-6, 2021:
Saturday PM: The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9)
- A discussion of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. A religious terrorist who became a wonderful example of the saving power of God’s grace.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Sunday 1st Service: Evangelizing the World
- In the first century, Christians were able to spread the gospel throughout the known world, despite opposition and challenges. If we have the same mindset today, we can be just as successful!
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Sunday Class: Successful Marriages
- Foundational teaching on the subject of marriage. Principles which, if followed, will guarantee strong marriages existing in accord with God’s desire.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Sunday 2nd Service: The Hate of Christ and Christians
- The world hated Jesus Christ because of His mission and righteousness. He promised that the world would hate his followers as well. In our day such hate is prominent.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Monday PM: Christians Are Running a Race
- A runner himself, brother Bronger uses the Hebrew writer’s imagery in Hebrews 12:1-2 to establish a few important truths regarding the race the Christian runs.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Tuesday PM: A Rebel Returns
- A powerful lesson on rebellion and redemption, based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Young people need to hear this message!
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Wednesday PM: Do You Want to be Made Well?
- If you really wish for spiritual healing, you must stop thinking of yourself as a victim, stop blaming others for your failings, free yourself from fear and recognize the difference between wanting relief, and wanting a cure.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Thursday PM: Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart
- There were three responsible parties in the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. God Himself with His demands. The wicked court magicians. And most prominently, Pharaoh himself.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
