Category: Preaching
Subject: Preaching
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.
From the Preacher’s Pen: “You did not tell me the truth”
Consider the following quote from one preacher:
I would rather have thousands say to me at the judgment, “We heard you preach, and you hurt our feelings,” than have just one lost soul to say, “I heard you preach, but you did not tell me the truth.”
John T. Lewis
I understand the importance of tact in preaching the gospel of our Lord. It does no good to couch truth in terms that are unpalatable to the ears of the lost. If we can speak the truth in a way that will lead the hearer to receive it rather than reject it, we should. However, in all things, the truth must be taught!
It also is important to consider that no matter how the truth is preached, the rebellious will not accept it. When Stephen was stoned to death by an angry mob (cf. Acts 7), the fault was with the hearts of the hearers, not Stephen. For some men, no matter how careful our words, they will be offended. Jesus taught his disciples that as servants, they were not above Him as their Master. Jesus was hated, and sent to the cross. He told them when they went forth to teach His gospel “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22).
Sermon: Challenges in Personal Evangelism
“I’m gay, would me and my partner be welcome at your church?”
How would you answer this question? It is typical of challenges facing God’s people in the world today. This lesson uses this question, actually asked, to discussion the responsibilities of God’s people to share the gospel with the lost of the world.
Sermon: How Would Your Life Differ?
How would your life differ, if you:
* Could no longer read your Bible?
* Could no longer sing in worship?
* Could no longer pray?
* Could no longer assemble for worship?
* Could no longer tell others about Christ?
Hopefully, our lives would be much different. If not, changes are in order!
Sermon: Sharing the Gospel
A list of seven reasons are given why a child of God should/must commit to the work of preaching the gospel of our Lord.
