Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Sin
Subject: Sin
Sermon: Pursue? Or Flee?
Both the word Flee and the word Pursue are used in 2 Timothy 2:22-23. We discuss the significance of these words, and show certain things that should either be pursued, or run away from!
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Sermon: The Disapproval of God (Zephaniah)
A discussion of the book of Zephaniah reveals much about the behavior that disappoints God, and the judgment He visits upon those unwilling to submit to Him.
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Notable Facts About SIN
The work of God toward man is stated succinctly by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:1, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” The problem of life is sin. God gave men free will, and men determined to sin (from Adam on). As such, God’s grace became necessary so that we might be born again, achieving new life through the Son.
While men have a tendency to minimize the significance of sin and its consequences, we see a very different record in the Bible. Let’s compare the two: men’s views VS God’s view.
The idea that men are born degenerate sinners is not true. We understand that sin is not biological (in our genes) nor an inescapable part of a fleshly nature. This is a view that is espoused by Reformed Theology (Calvinism). Without getting to a detailed treatment of the view, we note that the Bible paints a very different picture. Continue reading “Notable Facts About SIN”
To Your Own Hurt
In Jeremiah 25, God is revealed to have sent His prophets to Judah. He sent them to warn Judah to repent to avoid harm. Consider His warning and their response:
“‘Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you. Yet you have not listened to Me,’ says the LORD, ‘that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt’” (Jeremiah 25:6-7).
Because of their rebellion, God sent Nebuchadnezzar to judge the nation, leading to destruction, oppression, and captivity for a period of 70 years.
An interesting phrase is used here, “to your own hurt” (7). Consider that God’s sincere desire is that every man receive His eternal blessings. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). The proof of His love and motivation toward man is seen in the sending of His son to the earth (cf. John 3:16).
When condemnation comes, it is not God’s doing. Men often do not act in their own interest. Peculiar, but very prevalent. This is why addiction, crime, etc. is rampant. When condemnation is present, it is because we act to our “own hurt.” Think about it!
(4 of 13) Shoring Up Weaknesses
In Romans 3:23, Paul affirmed, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This should be understood as a statement of fact rather than a necessary requirement for mankind. While it is true that we all have transgressed God’s commandments, we have free will and can choose not to succumb to any particular temptation which befalls us.
Jesus is the wonderful example to follow in this. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (4:15). Each of us fail because there is a war waging within us. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17). While the apostle hits the nail on the head here, he also confidently affirms in the same context, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Continue reading “(4 of 13) Shoring Up Weaknesses”
Sermon: The Reign of King Rehoboam
A sermon detailing the text of 2 Chronicles 10-12, examining the up and down nature of the reign of King Rehoboam. Applications are made with regard to the need for steadfastness and obedience.
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“If the righteous one is scarcely saved”
Peter had an arresting thought he shared in his first epistle, “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now, ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’ Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (4:17-19). Consider the ramifications of this text.
First, we know that any man who is saved is “scarcely saved.” It has nothing to do with how righteous a man may strive to be. The reason for this is sin. The universality of sin is declared by inspiration, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). As the cost of that sin is our separation from God, man himself is incapable of securing his standing with Him. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Continue reading ““If the righteous one is scarcely saved””
Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin
Most are familiar with these words. It happened during a feast held by the last King of Babyon, Belshazzar. The Bible states that Belshazzar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 5:2). There is some dispute by scholars as to this meaning, with some believing this indicates that Belshazzar was a descendent of the great king. Regardless, Belshazzar knew what had happened to Nebuchadnezzar because of pride (as stated in 4:19-37), and refused to learn the lesson Nebuchadnezzar had learned.
In chapter 5, we have the details given by the prophet regarding Belshazzar’s feast. It was a great feast for “a thousand of his lords” (5:1). It was a pretentious display of the king’s wealth, and in verse 4 we read, “They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.” Continue reading “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin”
Diotrephes the Prater
John’s third epistle is a personal letter to his beloved brother Gaius. There is a reason why John is known as the apostle of love. His greeting of Gaius is a wonderful example of John’s true devotion to others. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers … I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (2,4).
Further, a good portion of his letter is a commendation of the hospitality Gaius showed to other Christians, notably those who were traveling as ministers of the gospel of our Lord. John wrote, “We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth” (8). Continue reading “Diotrephes the Prater”
Take Away the Filthy Garments
In Zechariah 3:1-5 we see a vision delivered from God via Zechariah to the remnant of Israel. In it the present High Priest, Joshua, received cleansing as Satan, the adversary and accuser of mankind, stood by. The vision is not easy to fully interpret, but there are certain helpful truths that clearly present themselves.
First, understand that Satan is our personal opponent and seeks our eternal destruction (cf. Job 1:7-12). We are always to resist him through righteousness. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Second, understand that Satan has no power over God. God alone is sovereign and supreme. Like any other created being, Satan is subject to God and His judgment. As the text here shows, God rebuked Satan, and promised the redemption and restoration of His people despite Satan’s efforts. (cf. Amos 4:11).
Third and finally, consider the wonderful nature and extent of God’s cleansing. Without God’s mercy in sending his Son, our sins defile us. “And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6). The High Priest’s filthy garments were replaced with rich robes, and a clean turban was put on his head.
When we through faith in Christ respond to God, all of our filthiness is taken away!
Mining the Scriptures: Romans 1:29-32
In addition to homosexuality, clearly dealt with in previous verses, Paul lists a series of other sins that was characteristic of the Romans at the time of his writing. These sins are listed in verses 29-31. They include sexual sin, greed, hateful speech and actions, gossip, rebellion and cruelty.
The key to this list, concluding this chapter, is Paul’s condemnation not only of their actions, but condemnation of tolerance of the practices. “…Those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (32).
Why are these things condemned? Because God is righteous! As the Lord instructed Israel in Leviticus 19:2, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” Because God is holy, Paul wrote, “It is a righteous thing with God… [to take vengeance on] “…those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:6,8). Righteousness is a requirement of God!
Sermon: Why Become a Christian?
We are to become Christians because of the nature and consequence of sin; because of who Christ is; because of the certainty of death and judgment; and because of the benefits to our lives, both here and in eternity!
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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