Category: Redemption
Subject: Redemption
From the Preacher’s Pen: Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776, the fathers of our country signed a Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Today, Americans celebrate that significant event with picnics, fireworks and parades.
Over 2,000 years ago, just a few days following the Jewish observance of the Passover feast, Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. His victory assures those who are His an independence and freedom that far surpasses that enjoyed by Americans.
“And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! … But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:17,20).
It’s great to be an American. But, it can’t compare to the freedom we have in Christ!
Sermon: The Children of God
It is interesting to compare the children of Israel, (God’s chosen under the Old Covenant), to God’s children under the New Covenant.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Mining The Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:3-6
1 Peter 3:3-6
In this text, the apostle praises God, and gives reason for that praise. He, according to His mercy has “begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
The term “begotten” in verse 3 is the same term in verse 23, where we are told we have been “born again” through the word of God.
The term is found only in these two verses. Interesting, it is a similar term to the one used in John 3:16, where Jesus is said to be the “only begotten” (gk., monogenes). Here all Christians are “begotten” (gk., anagennao).
Where Jesus, in a sense, is the only begotten; in another sense all Christians are begotten of God when we obey the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As stated in the text, when we are begotten, or born again, we are granted great privileges. We have hope, and an undefiled and incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven.
This is so because we are kept by God’s power. We are protected by Him because we are His children. This is a reason for rejoicing, no matter the present circumstances of our lives. We are the begotten of God!
The Search for Immortality
(And the Meaning of Life)
(Note: This Article, The Search for Immortality, (And the Meaning of Life) , was written by Tommy Davis, one of the members of the West Side congregation. I commend the article to you).
A few weeks ago, as my family and I watched a movie, I noticed a recurring theme in all forms of literature and movies — the search for immortality. This is not a recent phenomenon. The Egyptian pharaohs went to great lengths to achieve immortality. In fact, their culture almost revolved around the afterlife and immortality. Legends exist from nearly every society about those searching for the magic elixir that will let them live forever. What a colossal waste of time! From the day man was created, we have been immortal souls. We die as a direct consequence of our own sin. God gave us all a soul that will live forever; however, our problem comes because men want to live forever on earth. Why? It is a broken place full of death, disease, and heartache because of sin.
Sermon: It Is Decision Time
This ninth and last sermon preached by Jerry Fite in our gospel meeting May 9-14, 2009 has him exhorting those present to make the decision to serve God NOW.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: To Believe or Not to Believe
This fourth sermon preached by Jerry Fite in our gospel meeting May 9-14, 2009 asks the fundamental question that every man must and will answer. Do we, or do we not believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of mankind?
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: When Does Jesus Want to Enter Your Life?
This third sermon preached by Jerry Fite in our gospel meeting May 9-14, 2009 indicates that Jesus wants to come into your life now, immediately. Hence, we should respond to the call of the gospel while there is yet time.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: The Theology of Redemption
In the first three chapters of his epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul gives an overview of man’s need for, and God’s supply of redemption. Two things emphasized: 1) The power of the gospel; and 2) The universality of sin.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: God and You
God has proven that he cares for us. The ultimate expression of that love is His sending Jesus to earth, to die for our sins. As God cares deeply for you, it follows that you should care for Him as well. This is shown in faithful living before Him.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: The Paradox of the Suffering Savior
Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 4.
A seeming paradox of the Christian faith is seen in the fact that our Lord secured for us victory through his suffering and death on the cross. It is precisely because His enemies killed him that we can call ourselves “more than conquerors.”
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Divine Impartiality
Romans 2:11 states that there “is not partiality with God.” Because God is impartial and just, he has given everyone the right to hope. It follows that He requires the same with regard to the redemption of all men. God doesn’t play favorites. He “commands all men everywhere to repent.”
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Cities of Refuge
In Israel’s covenant with God, cities of refuge were established, that allowed one who had taken a life accidentally to flee and escape the wrath of any avenger until such time as the congregation could rule on his fate. Hebrews 6:13-ff reveals that Christ is our refuge, and those who flee to Him reside in hope.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: He Who Comes to God
The sermon discusses the text: Hebrews 11:6. To come to God, one must come humbly, in faith, and willingly. God determines the parameters of reconciliation, not man.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Mining The Scriptures: Acts 13:14-41
Acts 13:14-41
It has been said that the theme of Redemption runs as a scarlet thread throughout the Bible.
Paul, in his sermon to the Jews in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia, takes up that thread with the Jews’ sojourn in Egypt. Following the thread through the wilderness into Canaan, he mentions the period of the judges, and the Kings, including Saul and David. He indicated that the Christ of God would come through David’s seed, mentioned John the Baptist as the Christ’s forerunner, and proclaimed Jesus of Nazareth to be that Messiah.
He established the proof of that annointing by saying, “But God raised Him from the dead” (vs. 30). In that resurrection we have hope. As Paul said, “…by Him everyone who believes is justified…” (vs. 39).
Finally, Paul called them to repentance, the first work of preaching. He said, “Beware…” We too must beware sin, and embrace Christ.
In The News: The Promises of Modern Science
While doing some research on the internet this past week, I came across the poster reproduced to the left. (The text reads: “Modern Science will save the world – or kill us all”
The poster is designed to dramatize that science/technology is commonly a two edged sword. The same technology that has produced nuclear power also produced the nuclear bomb. The invention of the combustible engine allows us to travel hundreds of miles in a day, but also has led to a number of potentially serious environmental problems—to say nothing of nearly $4.00 per gallon gasoline prices! The internet allows us access to almost unlimited information instantaneously, yet its largest tenant is the pornographer.
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