Category: Preaching
Subject: Preaching
Sermon: The Work of Evangelism
Speaker: David Hightower
This short invitation lesson is David’s first effort. David is a fine young Christian, and his lesson on the importance of Evangelism as a work of every Christian is worth a listen and viewing!
Entrusted with the Gospel
The apostle Paul considered himself a steward. God had given him responsibilities as an apostle, and he took those responsibilities seriously. He wrote to the Thessalonians, “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). As he wrote on another occasion, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
What is interesting about the Thessalonian text is how Paul defines faithful stewardship. “…even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.” In the proclamation of truth it is important to please only one, God. That doesn’t mean that others will not be pleased, but that is not the mandate.
We need to understand this as well. When we preach God’s word, our intent must be to please Him. Whether or not men approve in the telling is not only not our concern, but not in any way within our control. Peter preached the gospel, leading to many conversions, (cf. Acts 2). Stephen preached the same gospel, leading to his own death (cf. Acts 7). Both pleased God in the telling. Jesus Himself had those who “heard Him gladly”, and those who put Him to death for what he had to say.
Do you want to be God’s faithful steward in the spread of the gospel? Then handle it in such a way as to please God, not men.
Click below to…
The Patternists: Support of the Preacher
In 1 Corinthians 9, the apostle Paul found it necessary to defend his right, as well as that of his preaching companion Barnabas, to receive material support in the pursuit of preaching the gospel.
This was in response to an “examination” by others, who apparently objected to his taking money and support from congregations. (It is interesting how possessive some brethren can be about money that belongs to the Lord!). His defense begins in verse 4.
“Do we have no right to eat and drink? Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?” (9:4-7).
Pappy’s Bad Word
One interesting part of being a Pappy is that you may forget some of the “bad” words parents teach their children not to say. A couple of times I have used the word “stupid” in front of my granddaughters, and they have been scandalized! “Pappy, that’s a bad word!” So Pappy has to say he’s sorry, and promise not to say it again.
The word “stupid” is certainly an ugly word, and we generally are right to avoid it’s use. It is also an appropriate word to use from time to time. One such time is in describing a man who hates to be corrected.
“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1).
The Hebrew word that is translated stupid in the NKJV is ba’ar. It is translated “brutish” in older translations as a nod to its etymology. You have heard the insult “dumb cow” or “dumb as a cow”? Cattle are not known to be particularly smart animals. The Hebrew word is taken from a root which means to consume or eat cattle. If you are brutish, you are like a cow. In a word, stupid!
God’s people appreciate both His word, and those who are willing to reprove and rebuke in accord with that word. A person who is unwilling to take such correction is actually acting in a self-destructive manner. He is being stupid! It is not always comfortable or enjoyable to be corrected by someone more knowledgeable, but it is smart to listen.
Click below to…
Sermon: Philip’s Preaching in Samaria
A sermon showing the power of the gospel in the conversion of men, illustrated by the preaching Philip did in the region of Samaria.
Gospel Meetings
Why do we have gospel meetings? That is a good question. A better question might be, what are you wanting from our gospel meeting starting Saturday?
First, understand that the gospel meeting has been prepared specifically to benefit you. A decision has been made to support a man for a week in an effort to strengthen you as a Christian. A significant amount of the Lord’s money will be utilized. Plans and preparations have been made. The meeting has been scheduled long in advance to give everyone an opportunity to clear their schedule and be present at every service. The preacher has prepared as best as possible to edify those who hear him.
We have invited others from other congregations. They may or may not come. We have made efforts to invite people from our community. Typically, those efforts have limited success, but we are hopeful that a few might decide to attend. But, we are confident our own members will understand the importance of this effort — both for personal growth, and to encourage one another.
Surprisingly, some of our members don’t seem to think the meeting is important. They show this by their lax attendance. So, let me share with you my view.
There is nothing more important to me than my own spiritual welfare, (cf. 1 Timothy 4:16) . There is no better way to strengthen myself spiritually than through a study of God’s word. There is no more intense week of study that has been scheduled by the congregation this year than the one which will begin Saturday. So, I think it is one of the most important weeks of the year, period.
I’m going to be there every service. I think it will help me get to heaven. It is that important. What do you think?
Click below to…
The Patternists: Fellowship in the Gospel
Paul expressed thanksgiving for the disciples in Philippi, writing, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).
The word “fellowship” used here describes a wonderful truth that brings blessings to God’s people. While all may not have the same talent, capability and opportunity to share the gospel message, we are able to have fellowship in the work by supporting those who can and do! Fellowship is defined as “joint participation, association, intercourse.” Put simply, if I support a man who preaches the gospel, by extension I am participating in that work!
Continue reading “The Patternists: Fellowship in the Gospel”
Walk in Wisdom
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).
This past week I had reason to answer via email an article an institutional preacher had written, defending the practice of supplying a “fellowship hall” and kitchen to facilitate the common meal of a congregation.
The article was sent to me by one who believes that practice to be scriptural, but who has presented herself kindly as a seeker of truth. I prayed long, and carefully crafted a response to facilitate understanding and not to unnecessarily offend. In effect, I tried to follow the admonition of Paul in the passage above.
The intent of teaching is to convict and correct. To prejudice the hearer/reader through inappropriate rudeness or crassness is not conducive toward gaining a proper response from your audience.
Though our Lord and others spoke harshly to hypocrites and dishonest individuals, the truth seeker was always treated with kindness.
Think of that the next time you consider “shooting off” a response via email or social media. Or “shooting off” your mouth when discussing God’s word. Our purpose is to win souls, not drive them away!
Click below to…
Entrusted with the Gospel
God gave the apostles the work of presenting the gospel to the world. Paul wrote, “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
By extension, any time any Christian shares the gospel of the Lord, he is acting as a steward. As Paul wrote, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
It is logical, and also scriptural to assert that our speech when proclaiming the gospel is to conform to God’s expectations rather than men. Paul warned Timothy of a time when men would not want to hear the truth, and would instead “heap up for themselves” teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear rather than what they needed to hear (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Two questions we need to ask ourselves:
-
Are we the type of stewards who feel compelled to speak God’s word, as God desires?
-
Are we the type of listeners who are willing to listen to and heed truth, no matter how much it hurts?
Being entrusted with the gospel is special. It requires faithfulness and dedication on our part. May we all, like Paul, take this honor given us by God, and act in a worthy manner.
Click below to…
Tedious
“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” (Philippians 3:1).
Tedious: too long, slow, or dull;
tiresome or monotonous.
Paul, as an apostle and preacher, continually exhorted Christians to faithfulness, and was committed to instruction in the ways of righteousness. As such, he often repeated himself, even to the same congregations. This was not irksome to him. It was a labor of love. It was important. He told the Ephesian elders, “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God… Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:27,31).
Two certain motivations for Paul in the repetition were:
-
The sense of debt he felt toward God and man because of the grace shown him, cf. Romans 1:15-16.
-
As stated in our text, because such repetition was “safe” for those who heard and read him.
Being constantly reminded of God’s will for man provides Christians with security. It equips us “for every good work” (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). For the faithful preacher, it is never tedious to declare any aspect of God’s will, though it may have been preached thousands of times before. He knows its importance, and its benefit to God’s people.
The question for you… is it tedious for you? Or is it, (as it should be), appreciated, because of the security it provides?
Click below to…
Sermon: Hating the Prophet
The antagonism of man toward the proclamation of God’s will is amply illustrated by Ahab’s conflicts with the prophets Elijah and Micaiah. We must stand strong, and proclaim His word.
Entrusted with the Gospel
“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
What a blessed privilege enjoyed by Paul and the rest of the apostles! These men were not famous or important people. They were tax collectors and fishermen. When the gospel was first sounded forth from Jerusalem, the Jews who heard the apostles speaking in tongues were shocked! “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?…. Whatever could this mean?” (Acts 2:7,12).
What it meant was that these men were chosen by God to bring the “power of God to salvation” – the gospel – to the world. Paul, as one born out of due time, joined that group of men with this important task. He took it seriously. He determined to please God, not men. He determined to rest in the power of the gospel, rather than seeking approval by flattering words (2:5). He determined to never seek glory, though it would have easy for him to abuse his position of authority (2:6). In short, he accepted the gravity and weight of his appointment, and acted in keeping with that responsibility. “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (2:8).
It is our work to continue that proclamation of the gospel of Christ. Are we exhibiting that same integrity, determination and zeal present among the apostles? If not, why not?
Click below to…
Keith Lambert Meeting (November 4-7, 2018)
Below are all of the sermon audio files, Powerpoint files, and video files of the meeting with brother Keith Lambert, which was conducted on November 4-7, 2018.
Sunday Class, 11/4/18: A Clean Heart
Sunday AM, 11/4/18: What Will Make the Church Grow?
Sunday PM, 11/4/18: Learning to Hate What God Hates
Monday, 11/5/18: Are There Saved People in Every Church?
Tuesday, 11/6/18: The Devil is a Roaring Lion
Wednesday, 11/7/18: The Judgment Day
- Sermon Audio
- Powerpoint
- Video Note: Due to some technical difficulties, the video has been broken up into 3 segments (By watching all three, you get all but 5 minutes of the 51 minute lesson.
Sermon: Desperately Seeking Relevance
The lesson seeks to establish the proper response of God’s people to a world that is indifferent to Christ and His church.
