Category: Righteousness

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Using Ephesians 6:12, Stan explains why the armor of God is needed.

Audio

Senator Harry Reid was quoted this past week as saying that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was like a used salesmen, in that he was willing to say absolutely anything to get elected. (Just like a used car salesman is stereotyped as being willing to say anything to sell a car).

I got a kick out of the appearance of a used car salesman on FOX News following the remark. The man strenuously objected to how he and his fellow used car salesmen were characterized, and suggested that their reputation far surpasses the current view the American people have about the U.S. congress.

Continue reading “In the News: Used Car Salesmen” →

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin explains that while it is necessary to be right concerning the things of God, such should emanate from a love for God and truth, not pride.

Audio

The 50th Psalm reveals God to be a righteous judge. One that will reward the righteous, and punish the wicked. We have no right to question God and His righteousness, but man commonly does, not realizing that God is not like us!

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Today we have reached the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade center in New York , and the Pentagon.

No doubt you (as do I) remember where you were and what you were doing when you got the news of the attacks. All of America watched the television, thrilled to the bravery of our firefighters and police, and mourned the loss of American lives. Voices were raised as one in condemning the cowardly attacks against our nation, and in the call for retribution against our enemy.

An important lesson seemed to be learned by our nation, as so many turned to God in the midst of the crisis. A call to righteousness was heard, and prayers were offered in the realization that our greatest help comes from the Almighty.

Unfortunately, the focus on God was short lived. As time passed, most lost the ardor and virtue that was so prevalent among Americans in the weeks following the attacks. Partisan politics returned as the parties sought to capitalize from the event. An easily distracted populace returned to its pattern of conspicuous consumption and pursuit of worldly pleasures.

As we contemplate the attacks a decade later, may we realize the importance of turning to God as our help and stay. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

The sermon is an explanation of Romans 13:11-14. A wonderful passage indicating the importance of a dedicated and focused “walk” to fulfill righteousness and refuse the flesh.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The difference between Israel’s victory at Jericho, and their defeat at Ai was God’s pleasure. He did not lead Israel to victory because of their sin. The sermon contrasts the two battles, and the reasons behind the different results. (Joshua 6 & 7)

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Many in the congregation are familiar with social networking on the computer. The most prominent example of this is Facebook, where “friends” share pictures, videos, internet links, and personal information online.

Some Facebook denizens have hundreds and hundreds of “friends”, which are in reality often merely acquaintances, schoolmates, and friends of friends. With such a large and varied “audience” reading the posts you send out, it is important to ask yourself how your Christian influence will be impacted, before posting any message, picture or other link.

Last week, I came across a beneficial quote regarding Facebook, attributed to David Lanius.

“We do need to always remember that our posts are a reflection of who and how we are. To those traveling on an honest, earnest, and genuine path of faith — diligence in purpose should always reflect His Holiness (1 Peter 1:15, Ephesians 4:29) lest we become the cause for others to sin or remain in it.”

Think about it!

This lesson by Stan was based on an article written by Joe Price. In recognizing that one has no control over his reputation, Stan establishes that the most important thing is to establish yourself as righteous in character. Reputation is only what others think you to be, Character is what you are, and God knows how you truly are.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

A Study of Psalm 101. The Psalm reveals the resolution of the King of Israel to reign with justice and righteousness in the Kingdom. His resolve, and attitudes toward both the wicked and just serve as an object lesson for Christian’s today.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

1 John 1:5-10

Here John relates to his readers a most important message, “God is light” (vs. 5).

This truth has far reaching implications. For example, if we are tempted and sin, it is not God’s fault. He is not responsible for temptation, and we are solely responsible for our own sinful actions (cf. James 1:13-15).

Second, (and the point of these verses), we can not practice sin and be in fellowship with God. As there is “no darkness” in him, those who “walk in darkness” can have no part with God.

That’s not to say that we never sin. In fact, John here says we are lying to ourselves, and also accusing Christ of lying if we say we are not guilty of sin. The fact that Jesus came to earth to die for our sins indicates that we all are guilty. John here affirms the same.
What this does indicate is that God requires us to seek to live righteously. When we sin, we are required to confess those sins to God, and ask forgiveness. God is gracious and faithful in forgiving us upon our repentance.

Have you sinned? Ask God’s forgiveness! We must walk in the light to have to have fellowship with Him.

2 Peter 1:5-11

Here the apostle Peter calls Christians to add to themselves various righteous characteristics. The list includes: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.

Peter indicates they are to do this for “this very reason”, referring back to the previous verses where eternal promises are alluded to as being given by God’s divine power. In effect, the promise of redemption and hope of heaven are our motivation to living a godly life. Considering what God has done for us in sending Jesus leads us to diligence, that we might mature into the disciples God would have us to be.

Verses 8-11 indicate that these promises are conditional, but sure. If we add these characteristics to the foundation, faith; there is no doubt as to what we will receive. “For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom…” (vs. 11).

It is our choice. Will we choose apathy, leading to spiritual blindness and apostasy? Or, will we choose zeal, leading to a sure standing with God, and an eternal abode with our “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”?

Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

The sermon examines God’s requirements for Christians today to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Jesus was plain in His preaching (cf. John 10:22-28), as were the apostles (cf. 2 Cor. 3:12). We should strive to be as well. The sermon describes 5 areas where plain speech is needed in teaching others:

• How to be saved from sins
• The Nature of the Church of Christ
• Assembled worship is required of Christians
• Christians are called to godly living
• A Judgment is coming!

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The Sermon uses the text of Isaiah 65:1-7 as a warning against Self-Righteousness. We must not trust in ourselves, do our work to be seen of men, or be guilty of hypocrisy, which often accompanies Self-Righteousness. Having said that, Self-Righteousness is NOT:

• Obeying God’s Law
• Zeal and Dedication
• Reproving and Rebuking Sin
• Believing God’s Word to be Authoritative and Absolute

Rather than being Self-Righteous, we must submit to the righteousness of God.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .