Category: Preaching
Subject: Preaching
Accommodation and Principle
Acts 16 details the decision Paul made to take a young man named Timothy with him on his preaching journey. Timothy was the “son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was a Greek” (1).
The scripture says that since Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, he had this 50% Jewish man circumcised. The reason given in the passage, “because of the Jews there in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek” (3). Continue reading “Accommodation and Principle”
Extreme Responses to Preaching
In Acts 13 & 14, the Holy Spirit records the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. The men traveled to Cyprus, and the established churches in Galatia before returning to Antioch in Syria to give a report of their efforts.
The journey was momentous. The response to the preaching of the gospel was interesting to say the least. Paul and Barnabas were very successful in converting souls, both Jew and Gentile, to the Lord. For example, on the isle of Cyprus even the proconsul Sergius Paulus was converted (13:12). In Antioch of Pisidia (13:48), Iconium (14:1), Lystra (14:21-22), and Derbe (21), many souls were saved.
However, the journey was characterized by extreme and inappropriate responses to their efforts as well. Consider the following: Elymas the sorcerer interfered in their efforts to share the gospel with Sergius Paulus in Cyprus (13:8). Some Jews in Antioch of Pisidia spoke blasphemies against them, and persecuted them (13:45,50). An attempt was made to stone them in Iconium (14:5), and they actually did stone Paul in Lystra (14:19).
At the other extreme, in Lystra the city began to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods! This seemed to upset the men even more than the persecutions. “But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes… saying, ‘Men and brethren why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you…” (14:14-15).
The only appropriate response to the gospel is to believe! Any other response is extreme and wrong.
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Fall 2022 Meeting with Kyle Campbell
Our Fall Meeting, 2022 with Kyle Campbell, November 5, 2002. A series of fundamental lessons answering fundamental questions.
The theme: “Can you show”
Lesson 1: Can You Show That There is a God? (Saturday)
Lesson 2: Can You Show that the Bible is the Word of God? (Sunday 9AM)
Lesson 3: Can You Show that Jesus Rose from the Dead? (Sunday 10AM)
Lesson 4: Can You Show What the Bible Says? (Sunday 11AM)
Lesson 5: Can You Show That the Bible Can be Understood? (Monday)
Lesson 6: Can You Show How We are Saved? (Tuesday)
Lesson 7: Can You Show What Worship Is? (Wednesday 10AM)
Lesson 8: Can You Show What the Church Does? (Wednesday PM)
Lesson 9: Can You Show That Chrisitans are Moral People (Thursday)
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The Faith of Ananias
Ananias, the preacher whose message brought Saul to obedience exhibited great faith to go to Damascus to share the gospel with him.
Saul of Tarsus quickly established his name as a chief persecutor of Christians. He was present at the stoning of Stephen. We are told that he “made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” (Acts 8:3). In Acts 9, shortly before Ananias met him, we are told that Saul was “still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1) as he came to the city of Damascus.
And now, a disciple in Damascus was told to go to where Saul was staying to preach to him.
We might think, well of course he would go, this was a vision from the Lord. However, there are examples in the past where men either questioned and equivocated (Moses) or even disobeyed (Jonah) such a message from God.
Not Ananias. He told the Lord that he was aware of Saul’s reputation, and even his purpose in Damascus (Acts 9:13-14). But, at the Lord’s insistence, “Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ’Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you cam, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 9:17).
We rightly champion Saul who became a great apostle. But, Ananias deserves our praise and thanksgiving as well.
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A Change in Circumstance
On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, many memorable words were said, that we speak of often. There is a short discussion Jesus had with his apostles, recorded in Luke 22:35-38, is less familiar to many.
“And He said to them, ‘When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?’ So they said, ‘Nothing.’ Then He said to them, ‘But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” For the things concerning Me have an end.’ So they said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ And He said to them, ‘It is enough’” (Luke 22:35-38).
The previous occasion mention here by the Lord is the limited commission He gave to His apostles to go the lost sheep of the house of Israel, to preach to them “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (cf. Matthew 10:5-15). As the apostles affirmed, they were well cared for as they witnessed and preached to a largely accepting audience. At that point in his ministry Jesus and His ministry was very popular, though even then He predicted a time when they would be persecuted for being His apostles (cf. Matthew 10:16-26).
Sermon: Effectively Approaching People
Justin shares some practical considerations as we seek to share the gospel of our Lord with those who need it.
The Patternists: Are Repeated Warnings Tedious?
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul clearly showed his respect for and confidence in this fine congregation. They were faithful, loving and active in the work of the Lord. There are few notes of admonition in his letter. His primary intent is to thank them for their fellowship and love.
However, he makes an interesting statement in the first verse of the third chapter. “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.” While there was no need for him to admonish them, there was a need for him to warn them again about things he had already addressed. In doing so, he contributed to their safety – “but for you it is safe.”
Continue reading “The Patternists: Are Repeated Warnings Tedious?”
Sermon: Three Attitudes Toward Truth
Acts 17 shows a remarkable spectrum of responses to Paul’s teaching, ranging from open animosity, to dismissiveness, to belief and acceptance. What was behind such responses? How do men’s hearts differ?
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: Be Reconciled to God
An exegetical study of 2 Corinthians 5:12-21, explaining the importance of Paul’s ministry, and why we should all be striving for reconciliation with our God!
The Charge to Preach
Paul gave a serious charge to his ward Timothy, to preach the word! The charge was serious because it was made, “before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1).
Without forgetting in the context that Timothy was a young evangelist, I would like to emphasize how important it is to the Father and Son for disciples to share the gospel of our Lord. It is not worded as a suggestion, or even a plea. It is a charge!
The Almighty God in heaven, and His Son, to whom He gave the right to judge is giving an order to “Preach the word! Be ready in season, and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (4:2).
The world frowns upon any Christian who has the temerity to “proselytize.” However, that is exactly what God requires of us. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Simply put, we take our marching orders from the Lord. And, as our general, He has been given absolute authority over us. We are to do His will, without hesitation or question. His marching orders are to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Are we heeding the charge of our Lord?
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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
The Patternists: The Bearer of Bad News
Jeroboam was rewarded by God with the 10 tribes which made up the northern kingdom of Israel. He became their king, according to the prophet Ahijah, because the reign of Solomon led to Israel forsaking Jehovah, and engaging in idolatry, cf. 1 Kings 11:29-39. His tenure as king was conditioned upon his obedience to God. The prophet Ahijah shared with Jeroboam these words from God, “Then it shall be, if you heed all that I command you, walk in my ways, do what is right in My sight, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build for you an enduring house, as I built for David, I will give Israel to you” (38).
Jeroboam responded to Jehovah’s gift of the northern kingdom by rebelling against Him. Just as Solomon led Israel into idolatry, Jeroboam encouraged the northern Kingdom he ruled to worship gold calves he had fashioned for them.
Sermon: Pierced to the Heart (Acts 2 & 7)
Speaker: Ian Tilley
Two sermons, two groups pierced to the heart (Acts 2 & 7), and yet two different responses to the gospel of Christ. We can’t determine the results of our preaching, it is simply our place to plant the seed!
Sermon: Preaching and Persecution (Acts 5)
Peter and the rest of the apostles were persecuted by the angry High Priest and council in Jerusalem (Acts 5). Their response to the persecution give us wonderful lessons we can apply to our own efforts to share the gospel.
