Category: Steadfastness

Jeroboam convinced the Northern Tribes that it was too much to ask them to return to Jerusalem to worship God. Instead he fashioned golden idols, and introduced idolatry to the nation of Israel. (cf. 1 Kings 12). It is often claimed that God requires too much of us. Is it true? This sermon establishes that what God requires is reasonable and doable for the Christian.

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2 Timothy 2:20-21 and the surrounding context reveals that the Christian’s spiritual welfare depends upon their diligence in serving him. The difference between vessels of honor and dishonor is the willingness of said vessel to sanctify themselves to God’s service.

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I recently came across an interesting sermon outline by Mark Copeland with the above title. There were five major points in the sermon that I thought were very good, and wanted to share with you in article form.

In Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, the Lord wrote letters to seven different churches, some of which could be categorized as weak, and some as strong. One church in particular serves to make an important point. The church at Sardis, (cf. Revelation 3:1), was admonished by our Lord, “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” A congregation can have a nice building, have many members, can have a lot of “program”, and can run smoothly and still be dead.

The better way of gauging the relative strength of a church is by determining whether the congregation has the characteristics of the church as revealed in the New Testament. There are terms such as “body”, “family”, “temple”, “kingdom”, “bride”, that establish principles which are the foundation of strength among God’s people.

Continue reading “The Measure of a Strong Church” →

Becoming a child of God is described as being “born again.” It is the beginning of a new life, not the end. As such, the Bible continually admonishes the Christian to continue steadfastly in his life for Christ.

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The phrase “hold fast” is used numerous times in the New Testament, teaching us the necessity to be steadfast in our pursuit of God’s Word, and the hope of Heaven.

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Sermon by Guest Speaker Joshua Cox. Christians are to shine as lights in the world. This indicates that the Christian’s influence, shown in various aspects of his life as lived for God, should serve to give glory to God and influence others for good.

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In Philippians 2:12-13, the Apostle Paul exhorted Christians to “…as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” The text clearly shows that man has an obligation regarding his own standing before God. Though we are saved by grace, this does not excuse us from honest and diligent effort to obey God. He saves us, but we are sadly mistaken if we believe that He will save us without any effort on our part. Those who are unrepentant sinners will only suffer loss.

In the New Testament, there are two instances where a disciple is referred to as one who is “full of faith.” Stephen (Acts 6:5,8) and Barnabas (Acts 11:24) are the two men mentioned. The Holy Spirit chose two men who personify the apostle’s admonition to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Stephen suffered martyrdom because of his unflinching proclamation of the gospel of our Lord. In Acts 11, we are told that as a result of Barnabas’ preaching “a great many people were added to the Lord” (vs. 24). Barnabas continued steadfastly in his work, and was a great help and companion to Paul in his ministry.

Continue reading “Working Out Your Own Salvation” →

AOTS Number 69

A wonderful poem by Jane McWhorter shows how excellence in striving is beneficial in all walks of life.

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AOTS Number 66

Abraham Lincoln is a wonderful example of a man who persevered through many defeats. God expects perseverence by His children.

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AOTS Number 53

Are there any Patriarchs around today? Maybe not, but their example to us is a powerful help in living our lives for Christ!

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Noah, Enoch, Caleb and Abraham each showed a willingness to surrender their wills to God, and to act upon their faith. Their attitudes toward godly service serve as a wonderful example to us.

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AOTS Number 35

Every time that life knocks us down – with trials, tribulations and temptations – we must get back up if we expect to be successful in life.

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“Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. 8 And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed’” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

Consider the implications of Moses’ words to Joshua. He would take over the rule of the people of God, to lead them into the promised land. There would be many battles, many hardships, and (as it turned out due to the unfaithfulness of the people) many setbacks in his time as the leader of Israel. The words, spoken in front of all the people, were designed not only to bolster Joshua’s courage, but to present him to Israel as God’s chosen leader over them. The path taken would not be easy, but the victory of Israel was assured due to God’s presence. “He is the one who goes before you.”

Continue reading “Be Strong and of Good Courage” →

AOTS Number 24

As Christians, we are held by our God to a higher standard. It is appropriate for us to work on our faults, and conquer them that we might please God.

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A tent was the common dwelling for the nomadic people of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. Psalm 118:15 speaks of the “tents of the righteous”, and establishes a picture that is very instructive to the child of God.

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