Category: Discipleship

Subject: Discipleship

Sermon: The Desires of Disciples

The Desires of Disciples

An examination of the proper desires of God’s people. For example to be lovers of God rather than the world, and to Honor and Obey Him, no matter the sacrifices that must be made.

Sermon: Put God First!

Put God First

If we give God the first hour of every day, the first day of every week, the first portion of every paycheck, the first consideration in every decision and the first place in our hearts, then we will understand what it is to be putting God first in our lives.

Sermon: A Different Way of Thinking

Sermon: Preached outside during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Jesus’ thinking about religion and faith was very different from those seen among the Jews and Gentiles in the first century. Interestingly, in the denominations today you still see a very different view of religion and faith from that held by our Lord.

The Mob Mentality

Caronavirus

We live in harrowing times. The present pandemic is becoming more and more intrusive in the world. Not only have many died from the COVID-19 virus, but there is a growing panic in America and throughout the world.

It is hard to know whether things are as bad as they seem to be. The virus is actually fairly mild compared to others, but it is new, and seems to be easily spread. Regardless, it is being covered by the media 24/7, and is resulting in major lifestyle changes in America.

Continue reading “The Mob Mentality”

I Press On

Press On

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 1:12). Paul’s words here are often passed over in favor of quoting the two that follow. “Brethren I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (1:13-14).

But, verse 12 adds much to the thought Paul is expressing in the text. Primarily, it states the fact that Paul had not yet attained whatever “that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” is. What is it? The glorious prize! The crown of righteousness!

You have two religious attitudes that prevail in our day. The first is the view that because I have been saved, the attaining of the goal is a fait accompli. I may should press on, but I don’t have to press on. I am saved. I am going to heaven. My eternal destiny is set.

The second is that expressed by Paul in our text. He was saved, but he knew that the crown of righteousness had not yet been awarded. As such, he lived with purpose. He sought daily to maintain his relationship with the Lord, pressing forward to attain the goal. He did not want to become a castaway! (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:27). Paul’s attitude is the correct one. Don’t presume, get to work!

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Sermon: Being a Child of God

Bible and Hand

Speaker: Tommy Davis

There is a great cause for joy when one is a child of God!

Sermon: What We Are

An examination of our identity as Christians.

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Sermon: Fishers of Men

17 - Fishers of Men

The text of Luke 5:1-11 is examined, noting a conversation Jesus had with Simon Peter, and a notable miracle. Peter, Andrew, James & John all became Jesus’ disciples at this time.

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Sermon: People of the Way

The Way

Acts 9 notes that Saul of Tarsus was seeking to persecute those of “the Way.” What is the origin and significance of that term as it is used to designate the people of God?

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Powerpoint PPTX File

Sermon: Christians Are…

Christians Are

The various ways that Christians are described – As disciples, saints, brothers, believers, sons of God – all teach important lessons regarding our relationship and obligations to God.

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Sermon: What if I am a One Talent Man?

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Regardless of my talent, I have value to the Lord. I am to be a good steward, and I am promised a wonderful reward!

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Sermon: Jesus’ Call – “Follow Me”

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The concept of discipleship, with its sacrifices as well as its rewards, is summed up in words Jesus spoke numerous times in Matthew’s gospel, “Follow Me.”

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The Practice of Discipline

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In Romans 16:17, Paul wrote, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”

Some would take this as a mere suggestion, that can be heeded or rejected at our whim. However, we note that Paul was writing this by inspiration. As such this is the urging of the Holy Spirit, not to be taken lightly.

Others had rejected Paul’s instructions regarding disciplining the unruly. The Corinthians had ignored Paul’s admonition to withdraw themselves from a sexually immoral brother (cf. 1 Corinthians 5). In response, Paul wrote, “And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you” (vs. 2). Later in the text, he wrote, “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (vs. 6).

When we reject the Holy Spirit’s admonition to discipline the disorderly, we are prideful. Such pride is sinful, and such action is willful. We are not at liberty to disregard God’s instructions on this or any other matter!

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Video: The Circle of Life

Sermon: Following at a Distance

Speaker: Brantley Gallman

Peter’s failing in Luke 22:54, where he “followed at a distance” serves as an object lesson to us.

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