Category: Sacrifice
Subject: Sacrifice
Sermon: Are You a Friend TO Jesus?
In order to be a friend of Jesus, like Abraham, you need to be friendly. I.e. – You need to be a friend TO Jesus. Things like sacrifice, loyalty and faith. Are YOU a friend TO Jesus?
Sermon: A Living Sacrifice
Romans 12 well describes the life of one who presents himself to God as a living Sacrifice. Such a life includes: Thinking Soberly, Functioning Faithfully, Loving Sincerely, Serving Fervently and Living Peaceably.
Sermon: Singing Praises to God
The lesson is a discussion of singing as an act of worship, and a means by which we can offer the sacrifice of our lips to a deserving God.
Sermon: The Widow’s Offering
Jesus observed a poor widow putting a pittance in the treasury, and commended her for her devotion. There are lessons we can learn about sacrifice, generosity and devotion from her example.
The Suffering of Jesus – Our Example
Peter wrote, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). He was referring to the necessity of bearing up under persecution. We are no better than our Lord. He suffered despite the fact that He was without sin (cf. vs. 22-23). So, Peter wrote, “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (vs. 20).
In the text we see a reason for Jesus’ willingness to suffer for us. “For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully” (vs. 19). Certainly this was the case with Jesus. He did not deserve the indignities he suffered while among men. However, He willingly endured them because of His Father’s will for Him. It was God’s plan to send Jesus to earth to die for our iniquities. Jesus could not, in good conscience, refuse to submit to His father’s will. Instead, He “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). We are to emulate Him.
Sermon: A Holy Priesthood
Christians are described in the New Testament as Priests of God (cf. 1 Peter 2:9-10). We do not offer animal sacrifices. Instead we offer:
* Our Bodies
* Faith
* Support (for preaching)
* Praise (with our lips)
Sermon: It was God’s will that Christ Die
An exegetical lesson covering the material in Hebrews 10:1-10. Animal sacrifices were not sufficient to take away sins, so God sent His son as a perfect and effectual sacrifice.
The Necessity of Sacrifice
Sacrifice, either metaphorical or literal, is a common component of most of the world’s religions. While some may believe the practice of sacrifice, (especially blood sacrifice), to be of human origin, the Bible reveals otherwise.
The first example of blood sacrifice was offered by Abel, as recorded in Genesis 4. Cain offered a grain sacrifice to God, but Abel offered the firstborn of his flock (vs. 4). God was pleased with Abel’s sacrifice, as the Hebrew writer stated, because it was offered by faith (cf. Hebrews 11:4). This means that Abel was following the directions of God, Who had commanded the animal sacrifice he offered.
Sermon: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Christians
Spring Meeting 2014: Kyle Campbell
(Note: The first 12 minutes of this lesson were not recorded, the remaining 34 minutes have audio that is reduced in quality, though still very understandable).
The 7 habits discussed by Kyle:
- Take up your cross *
- Die for Christ *
- Pray to the Lord
- Examine the Scriptures
- Encourage one another
- Forgive one another
- Teach non-Christians
* (Was covered in the first 12 minutes, so not recorded)
Sermon: Christ Our Sacrifice
The significance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and what it accomplished for men.
Invitation: Christ Our Sacrifice
Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee
Kyle reads the text of Hebrews 9 as a means of offering the invitation.
Sermon: The Shedding of Blood
The lesson explains the reason why the shedding of blood is necessary for the redemption of man, and why it is that Jesus Christ is the only sufficient blood sacrifice.
In the News: Honoring Sacrifice
(Note: P.A. and Tippy Foster are charter members of the West Side congregation. P.A. serves as on of the elders of our congregation. They are two wonderful and godly individuals).
Last Tuesday Debbie and I had the distinct privilege of attending a reception honoring P.A. and Tippy Foster among a group of about 80 World War II veterans. In that group was a survivor of the Bataan death march, who remained a prisoner of war for three and one half years. There were also several who had stormed the beach at Normandy on D-Day. Tippy had the distinction of being the only lady among those honored. P.A. and Tippy both served in the Navy during the war.
Several of the men told of their experiences during the war. Some of these stories were humorous, but in all of them there was the recognition of just how horrific war is, and how great were the sacrifices of both those who survived the conflict, and those who lost their lives in service to their country and humanity.
Mining the Scriptures: 1 John 2:1-2
The Apostle John reveals here his purpose in writing his epistle. It serves as an admonition to his readers, “so that you may not sin” (vs. 1).
This is the purpose of God’s revealed will. It serves as the source for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness, and thoroughly equips the man of God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). If one desires to avoid sin, he must immerse himself in the reading and meditation of God’s word. He then is equipped for the righteous life he craves.
That does not mean that he will live without sin, as John revealed just a few verses previous (1:8,10). When man sins, it is not a reflection upon any inadequacy in the Word — only the failure of man to properly apply it and obey it.
Facing the reality of sin, we are grateful for the payment made for our transgressions. Jesus Christ is the propitiation (atonement, expiation) for sin. Through His blood the price was paid, allowing reconciliation with God. His act of atonement was not for a few, but for “the whole world” (vs. 2). Anyone who desires may be redeemed by God.
