Category: Preaching
Subject: Preaching
Sermon: Exhortations to an Evangelist
Paul’s exhortations to the evangelist Timothy in 1 Timothy 4 & 5 serve both to explain aspects of the evangelist’s work, and to supply every Christian with applicable principles of truth.
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)
Lesson 8 of 8
Speaker: Caleb Westbrook
The parable examines the different hearts of men as they hear the gospel of Christ, by comparing them to different types of soil. Which type of soil are you?
Teaching by Parables
Lesson 1 of 8.
Speaker: Stan Cox
The series begins with a discussion of the parable as a form of teaching commonly used by Jesus in His ministry. The lesson serves to introduce the week’s series.
FB: What is Doctrine?
Some are critical of preachers spending too much time preaching doctrine, and not enough time on more practical matters.
Paul told Titus in Titus 2:1, “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine…” But, the “doctrine” of which of Paul speaks consisted of practical matters regarding the behavior of younger women, older women, younger men, older men and bondservants.
The fact is, all Biblical teaching is doctrine. And, who is to say which aspect of that doctrine is most important? Rather than looking for someone who will tell you what you want to hear, find a preacher who has determined to “declare to you the whole counsel of God”! (cf. Acts 20:27)
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From the Preacher’s Pen: From You? Or Another?
In Esther 4:14, Mordecai, Queen Esther’s older cousin and father figure told her, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
This question was the culmination of Mordecai’s exhortation to Esther that she petition the king to save the Jews, who were targeted for perdition. Esther was initially resistant, fearing the wrath of her husband. However, at Mordecai’s words she said, “And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (vs. 16).
Regarding God’s providence, His will shall be done in all things. This is clear from the true statement uttered by Mordecia, “relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews.”
Consider that Mordecai was more concerned about the personal salvation of his younger cousin. While God’s will would be accomplished, it was important for her that she seek to assist God in His work.
The same is true for us. God has chosen to save the world through the preaching and influence of His people. Souls will be saved, and God’s will shall be done. The question is, will you be a part of that work? Your own salvation may depend upon it! “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).
Sermon: Despair – A Motivation to Share the Gospel
So many are lost in sin and despairing, not knowing where to turn. The gospel is a beacon of hope. As Christians, we should be motivated to share that precious message of salvation.
Sermon: Our Call to Preach the Word
God calls each of us to share the gospel of our Lord, despite opposition, in an attempt to save souls. If we won’t, no one will!
Text: Acts 4 & 5
Mining the Scriptures: Philippians 1:15-18
The gospel of Christ is God’s power of salvation (cf. Romans 1:16). When it is preached, it convicts the hearts of those who are honest and sincere. In the preaching, the message is what is important, not the messenger. That is not to say that God will not hold accountable those who preach, but are hypocrites. He will. That is not to say that when a messenger is personally unworthy of the message that it may not have a negative impact. I very well may.
However, whenever the gospel is preached it is a good thing! No matter if the motivation is impure or pure, no matter if the messenger is unworthy or worthy. Paul understood this, and rejoiced, though the preaching of the gospel may have impacted his own comfort and safety. Preaching the gospel will not save the preacher if his heart is not right, but it certainly has the ability to save the one who hears it. Praise God for His word!
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Sermon: The URGENCY of the Gospel
The URGENCY of the Gospel is seen in:
* The Plan of Salvation before Creation.
* The Compassion of the Christ
* The Crucifixion of the Christ
* The Exaltation of the Christ
* The Future Coming of the Christ
* The Christ’s Charge to the Church
The Preacher’s Authority
Mark records the preaching of Jesus in His home town of Nazareth in Mark 6. When the Sabbath day came, Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth to teach. So, His audience was made up of individuals who knew Him and His family. They knew him as “the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon” (vs. 3).
The text indicates they were astonished at Jesus’ teaching. However, such astonishment was not a good thing. They were incredulous. They could not believe that this man before them could legitimately be speaking with the authority of God. They exclaimed, “Where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!” (vs. 2).
Invitation: Woe is Me!
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In 1 Corinthians 9:3-16, the apostle notes that the preacher is worthy of support. But, Paul’s motivation was not money. As he wrote, “woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (16).
Sermon: Who is the minister at your church?
This question is commonly asked, and is answered scripturally in this sermon by referencing the work of the evangelist, the deacon, and the required service (ministry) of every Christian.
In the News: Red Cups & the Holidays
Have you heard the latest controversy here in America? This year, Starbucks eschewed the traditional Christmas themed red cups they serve, revealing instead a plain “ombre red” cup on November 1. Starbucks’ vice president of design and content Jeffrey Fields said that the cups, “usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories.”
From the Preacher’s Pen: Busy, But Blessed!
This past week we had a wonderful opportunity to hear God’s word preached each evening. Those who took advantage of these opportunities were encouraged and edified. They also became tired!
The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes wrote, “The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh” (12:11-12).
We were admonished and edified, both by the preaching, and by the songs and prayers that were offered up to God. Concerning the purpose of singing, Paul wrote, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).
So, we are thankful for opportunities like these, to grow and to encourage each other.
Sermon: A Doorkeeper in God’s House
The Bible refers to doorkeepers and gatekeepers (cf. Psalm 84:10; 1 Chronicles 9:17-27). This was a position of trust and importance, manned by humble and devoted servants. There are many good applications that can be made in the church.
