Category: Grace
Subject: Grace
Sermon: The Capabilities of God
Daniel 3 is an arresting example of God’s capabilities to protect and reward those who are His. He has the power, and the mercy to be faithful in His promises to us.
FB: Resting Fully in Grace
“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).
People today have peculiar ideas about the grace we receive from God through Jesus. Never in scripture does the concept of grace bring with it the idea we are not obligated to obey God. Paul condemns the idea (cf. Romans 6:1). Paul also told Titus that grace teaches us to live soberly and righteously (cf. Titus 2:11-12).
Peter, in the text above says the same. Trusting in God’s grace is here illustrated as sober and holy living. As seen in the phrase, “gird up the loins of your mind” it takes diligent and concerted effort on our part. Because of grace, we must obey!
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Invitation: A Summary of God’s Scheme of Redemption
Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox
The text of Ephesians 2:1-10 is examined to provide a concise summary of God’s scheme of redemption for mankind.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Fairness Goes Both Ways
God is eminently fair. He is both merciful and just. As we acknowledge our salvation is dependent upon His grace, extended in His Son Jesus, we must also note that He rightly requires obedience on our part. That is His right, and it is fair of Him to demand our allegiance.
When rebellious Israel proclaimed God to be unfair in His dealing with them, He replied clearly:
“‘Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,’ says the Lord God. ‘Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord God. ‘Therefore turn and live!’” (Ezekiel 18:30-32).
While God does not enjoy condemning men, He is fair! Those who do not turn from their iniquity (repent) will be condemned for their sins. We must get a “new heart and a new spirit.” For us, that means being born again! (cf. John 3:3-5).
Fairness goes both ways. God is fair in rewarding those who practice righteousness. He is pleased to grant the godly eternal life. And yet, though it saddens Him, it is fair of Him to condemn the ungodly to eternal death.
God’s Sovereignty and Free Will
Earlier this week I came across a website critiquing the “restoration movement.” This particular author was writing from a Calvinist’s point of view, and was very critical of the three “sects”, The Christian Church, the Disciples of Christ, and the Church of Christ. He accused members as being theistic humanists, because of their “Arminian” belief in “so-called free will.” He claimed that although progress has been made, these denominations still had not discovered the grace of God.
I would like to respond.
Invitation: Wisdom and Grace
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In Colossians 4:5-6, the Apostle calls for wisdom, and graceful speech.
Sermon: Steps of Salvation
A simple lesson, using a chart for personal work (Slide #2) of the PPTX file. Explains both God’s Part, and Man’s Part in the salvation of any individual.
Mining the Scriptures: Galatians 2:1-5
Paul was continually embroiled in conflict with Judaizing teachers, who he here refers to as “false brethren.” Their view of the Christian faith nullified the grace of God. They viewed Christ as continuing the covenant between Jews and God, and viewed any Gentile Christian as a proselyte.
Circumcision, as a token of the covenant between God and Israel became the point of contention, and Paul was not going to compromise the gospel to appease these evil men. He protected Titus (a Gentile) by refusing to allow him to be circumcised. Paul’s correct understanding of the covenant of grace was that both He (a Jew), and Titus (a Gentile) were spiritual Jews, whose circumcision was not of the flesh, but of the heart! (cf. Romans 2:28-29).
We have liberty in Christ. Our appeal is to God’s grace. An appeal to the Old Law brings men into the bondage of sin.
Sermon: Grace and Obedience
The texts of Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 2:12-13; James 2:14-26 and Luke 17:7-10 are used to describe the relationship of grace and obedience to the salvation of men.
Sermon: Products of Our Environment
False views on Grace, Abortion & Modesty all serve to illustrate the subtle, corrupting influence of the world upon teaching and morality.
Sermon: Mercy and Truth Have Met Together
Psalm 85:10 expresses an interesting juxtaposition, “mercy and truth have met together.” The lesson explores the concept. Mercy and Truth come together at the redemption of man.
Sermon: Spring 2015 Meeting Sermons – Heath Rogers
Below are the links to the audio and powerpoint presentations from Heath Rogers, who held a meeting at the West Side church on May 9-14, 2015.
Lesson 1: “Whom Are You Seeking?”
Lesson 2: Help in Times of Trouble
Lesson 3: Lessons from Hezekiah’s Prayer
Lesson 4: Making Evangelism a Priority
Lesson 5: The Grace of God
Lesson 6: Mediocrity
Lesson 7: A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lesson 8: Can We Understand the Bible Alike?
Lesson 9: The Second Coming of Christ
Invitation: Crucified With Christ
Invitation delivered by: Josh Jackson
In Galatians 2:20, the apostle Paul expressed his recognition that his salvation was dependent upon Jesus Christ. We too should be crucified with Christ, and have Him direct our lives.
FB: Super Conquerors!
In Romans 8, the apostle Paul expressed a wonderful sentiment when he asked the rhetorical question, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (verse 31). The relationship we have with God guarantees our ultimate victory. Christians have on their side the Creator of the universe – the omnipotent, omniscient, eternal One.
Paul knew this, and wrote, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (verse 37). The phrase “more than conquerors” comes from a single greek term, hupernikao. The prefix huper strengthens the term, and carries the idea of “superior, abundant, exceeding.” The word indicates not only a victory, but that said victory is decisive and complete.
In effect, Paul states that through God and His Son we become super conquerors! Nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of god which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (verse 39).
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