Tri-Annual Singing!
October 17, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Obedience
Subject: Obedience
From the Preacher’s Pen: Winter Weather and God’s Word
Job’s friend Elihu, in describing the majesty of Almighty God, said among other things:
“From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, And cold from the scattering winds of the north. By the breath of God ice is given, And the broad waters are frozen” (Job 37:9-10).
With the weather of the last couple of days, we are reminded of the power of our God. It is one of a myriad of ways that nature proclaims His glory. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
The same God that made the universe has revealed His will to man. Consider His words recorded by the prophet, “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).
The Almighty God who created the universe has promised us that His word will be accomplished on the earth. The only way this can be a pleasant truth is if one is in accord with that will. To oppose it is foolish. Those who do so are destined for ruin. There is, however, victory in Jesus!
Sermon: Stop Waiting in Line!
There is no waiting in line:
- To be heard by God in prayer.
- To receive spiritual blessings.
- To praise and worship God.
- To read and learn more about God.
Sermon: Fall Meeting 2013 (Jerry Fite)
The following wonderful lessons were preached by Jerry Fite at the West Side church from November 2-7, 2013. There were 9 lessons in all, with sermon audio and PPTX files supplied for each.
Unity in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)
(Saturday, November 2, 2013)
- A study of 1 Corinthians 12 explaining in the context of spiritual gifts, that the purpose of a unified spiritual body is edification. The Corinthians were to exercise their spiritual gifts to edify all, as they were united in loving care for one another.
The New Testament Canon
(Sunday Bible Class, November 3, 2013)
- The lesson discusses the canon of scripture, and how it is obtained. The point is made that the church did not determine what books were conanical. Rather, they acknowledged what all understood to be true.
Why Do You Do Good Works? (Ephesians 2:10)
(Sunday AM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- We are to do good works as a second opportunity to truly live. We are alive by the grace of God, and therefore should be zealous for good works.
Applying the Minister’s Checklist (1 Timothy 4:15-16)
(Sunday PM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- Paul revealed to Timothy certain things that should be present for him to be effective as an evangelist. In application, brother Fite asks, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child of God in the local church observed the checklist as well?
Hold to the Pattern of Sound Words (2 Timothy 1:13)
(Monday, November 4, 2013)
- In application, brother Fites calls for faithfulness to the gospel pattern in areas such as Music in worship, Benevolence, Evangelism and the plan of Salvation.
Must I Forgive? Then How?
(Tuesday, November 5, 2013)
- Jesus indicated in Matthew 6 that we must forgive others if we wish to be forgiven. The lesson examines the obligation to forgive, and what to do if a person is unwilling to ask forgiveness of us.
Pay Attention to Your Speech (James 3:1-12)
(Wednesday AM Class, November 6, 2013)
- An expository lesson discussing James 3. Brother Fite calls for us to pay attention to our speech. Our speech should bless, edify, give grace to those who hear, and be full of thanksgiving.
A Plan for Raising Children to be Joyous Christians
(Wednesday PM, November 6, 2013)
- How do we raise joyous children? By helping them to know: The Lord is the Creator of all; their Savior from sin; their High priest; and the presenter of the Crown of Eternal Life.
Before the Judgment Seat
(Thursday, November 7, 2013)
- When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, some will be surprised. Because they are classed among the wicked; they will be the last rather than the first, they will be lost because they were not abounding in the work of the Lord. Live so that you will not be surprised at the judgment seat of Christ.
Mining the Scriptures: Romans 1:13-15
The apostle here expresses his desire to overcome any obstacles, and visit the Romans, that he might, “have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles” (13). Remember, Paul was appointed by God to be an apostle to the Gentiles (cf. Acts 9:15).
His admission of indebteness to them is an interesting one. Why did he owe them? He owed them because of what God had done for him! Paul recognized that both the gift of salvation (cf. Romans 7:24-25) and the ministry to which he had been appointed (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10) were not his because of any merit on his part. If such a gift had been given to him, it seemed to him that he was obligated to do his very best, for the remainder of his time on earth, to avail others of that same gift.
Emphasis will be placed upon preaching as a means of servicing that debt in our comments on verses 16 and 17. For now, note his complete dedication to the task. “For as much as is in me, I am ready…” (15). These words give us some understanding of the value of our gift from God. Grace brings salvation. Rather than thinking of grace as freedom from sin’s consequences (cf. Romans 6:1-2), we should see it as obligating us to righteous living! (cf. Titus 2:11-14).
Sermon: The Obedient Son
Sermon by Jeremiah Cox.
John 12:27. Jesus knew exactly who He was, and what He would have to endure. He was an obedient Son.
Sermon: Jesus is the Way
In John 14:1-6, Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the way. Do you want to be where Jesus is? Then you must be in, “the way, the truth, and the life” with Him.
Sermon: Self-Sufficiency
Deuteronomy 8:11-18. The text introduces the question, Is there room for God in your life? A comfortable life can be dangerous, as we forget God. Truly, we are sufficient only in God, because only God is sufficient!
The Patternists: The Consequence of Faith in God
Do you believe in an Almighty God who created the universe? Not all men do, but for those who believe in God, there is a consequence to their faith. God exists, so what’s next? The Psalmist said, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:14).
That God who is responsible for our existence deserves praise and obedience, if He so requires it. It is disrespectful of us to acknowledge His existence, and not willingly submit to His will. Consider the punishment of Aaron’s sons who were guilty of disobeying God (cf. Leviticus 10). God killed them because of their disobedience. When Moses explained to Aaron why Nadab and Abihu were destroyed, he quoted God as saying, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified” (vs. 3). Aaron understood, and accepted the punishment as just.
The lesson for us? God expects us to carefully follow His instructions. He deserves praise and obedience, and He does indeed require it! In our time, He has granted all authority to His Son Jesus Christ (cf. Matthew 28:18). As God Himself said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5). Those who refuse to listen to the Son, and obey His words are foolish indeed (cf. Matthew 7:26-27).
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From the Preacher’s Pen: Stop Giving Up!
The other day I came across a motivational message for exercise and weight loss. The message was one of “tough love”, stating, “If you’re tired of starting over… stop giving up!”
As someone who has struggled with my weight most of my adult life, (and is trying yet again to get down to a healthy number), the message resonated. The sentiment is rather harsh, but anyone who has tried and failed to lose weight, stop smoking, or break any bad habit knows that ultimately, the success that some enjoy is directly attributable to their will. While challenging, the message gives hope as well. If this time you can stick to it, you can overcome previous disappointments and achieve your goal. While education, strategies and support all may be integral — in the end it takes perseverance to accomplish your goals.
The lesson is an important one as it applies to our spiritual standing with God. The Christian walk is a lifetime endeavor, and some do not exercise the will to live it consistently and zealously. They may become apathetic, or may be overcome by temptation. Some may become weary of “starting over” even to the point of chucking it all and returning to the world. We may understand and empathize about the difficulties of living our lives for God, but ultimately there is no excuse for failing. In the end, it is a simple matter of will.
Paul wrote, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10). In other words, “stop giving up!”
Sermon: What Can the Righteous Do?
The Psalmist asked in Psalm 11:3, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The lesson seeks to answer the question, by suggesting that the righteous can:
- Continue to keep faith in God
- Continue to pray
- Be careful not to be consumed by anger
- Overcome evil with good
- Remember that they are living for heaven
- Obey God rather than men
Sermon: The Outward Man VS The Inward Man
The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4, explains how, though the outward man is perishing, the inward man is renewed each day.
Sermon: The Ark of the Covenant
The lesson gives a concise history and description of the ark of the covenant. Examining Israel’s dealing with the ark, several applications come to mind:
- God’s instructions are to be followed
- What happens when the glory of God departs
- The concept of Sanctification
- The consequences of disobedience
Sermon: Three Responses to the Gospel
The lesson is a textual sermon on Acts 17, showing the different responses shown to Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.
Invitation: Take Heed to Yourself
Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera
Armando uses the text of Deuteronomy 4:7-14 to emphasize how God expects us to keep the statutes and commandments that He delivers to man.
Invitation: The Exalted Jesus
Invitation delivered by: Josh Jackson
Jesus taught as one having authority (cf. Matthew 7). He is our Lord, the exalted one, and deserves our reverence and obedience.
