Category: Study
Subject: Study
Sermon: “I have set the Lord always before me”
The lesson takes its premise from Psalm 16:8. We are helped in setting the Lord before us by:
* Meditation
* Study
* Prayer
In so doing we receive “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
Sermon: How Would Your Life Differ?
How would your life differ, if you:
* Could no longer read your Bible?
* Could no longer sing in worship?
* Could no longer pray?
* Could no longer assemble for worship?
* Could no longer tell others about Christ?
Hopefully, our lives would be much different. If not, changes are in order!
Devotions, Devotionals, Devos
It is typical of the young to have their own lingo. It is a way of differentiating themselves from older generations. In the 1920’s if a teenager managed a ride in a breezer (convertible), then everything was copacetic (wonderful). In the 1930’s a Joe (average guy) was ecstatic with a sawbuck ($10 bill) in his pocket. In the 1940’s khaki wacky (boy crazy) girls sometimes flipped their wigs (lost control of themselves) when a cute boy walked by. In the 1950’s an ankle biter (child) might go ape (get excited) over a piece of candy. In the 1960’s it wasn’t hip (acceptable) to hang out (spend time with) the old man (your father). In the 1970’s it was a bummer (depressing) if someone was bogarting (being selfish with) the TV. In the 1980’s an enjoyable time was totally (completely) gnarly (very good). In the 1990’s, however, the same enjoyable time was all that and a bag of chips. In the 2000’s, one person might be going postal (becoming uncontrollably angry), while another person might just be whatever (indifferent). (Thanks to the internet for the above examples, though I have to admit that I have used the term copacetic myself from time to time!)
Sermon: Being Ready to Receive the Word
Sermon by Josh Cox.
In this lesson, Josh indicates the responsibility we have to be receptive to the word of God. Also discussed are certain suggestions on readying ourselves, and concerns that arise regarding inappropriate attitudes and practices concerning God’s word.
Sermon: Now That I’m A Christian
Speaker: Dennis Craig
Certain responsibilites and privileges follow one who becomes a Christian. The sermon discusses these things that follow becoming a child of God:
- Rejoice for Salvation
- Be Holy
- Study God’s Word
- Pray to God
- Assemble with the Saints
- Pepare for the Future
Invitation: Teach a Man to Fish
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
It is important to have faith that is based upon the word of God. You must have your own conviction. Your faith must be your own, rather than based upon feelings or personal views.
Invitation: Bible 201
Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee
Kyle delivered an interesting and enlightening Bible “quiz” to encourage daily Bible study.
Using New Muscles
Some of you may be aware that when Kyle Chamblee was younger, he used to be a competitive gymnast. He and I were talking the other day, and since he knew I played golf, asked me if playing golf ever left my muscles sore.
I told him, no, that it didn’t. Golf after all, is not the most intense form of physical activity. It is one of those lifetime activities that can be enjoyed at any age, and just about any fitness level.
Invitation: Bible 101
Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee
In his first effort to speak to the brethren, Kyle uses the construct of a “pop quiz” to teach some fundamental truths from God’s word.
Daily Bible Reading
At the first of just about every year, I take the time to encourage everyone to read their Bibles. I think it is important to establish a daily habit of Bible reading, and there are many schedules and techniques that can be used to facilitate that desire. But, the task can be intimidating, especially to those who have not been Christians for very long, or for those who are not “readers” among us.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Flexible Bible Reading Schedules
Today, a new year begins. Thus an perfect opportunity to make some new year resolutions regarding your service for the Lord. One of the best that can be made is to be more consistent and devoted in your Bible reading schedule.
Over the years I have suggested and supplied a number of different reading plans. Reading the entire Bible in a year is a good plan. Some may want to read through the book of Psalms or Proverbs. Others may want in the next several months to read through the New Testament, or a portion of it.
I have come across a website that allows you to pick the book or books you want to read, and the time you want to take to do so. If you wish, a daily email can be sent with the reading, or links to audio on the internet, where you can listen to the passage you have chosen rather than reading it. The best part about the site is its versatility. It is easy to use, and even the most technologically timid can utilize the site. So, my suggestion would be to check it out today or tomorrow, and use it (or some other schedule) to help you to be regular and dedicated in your reading of the word of God.
The URL to the website is:
From the Preacher’s Pen: Focus and Effort
It is commonly recognized that proficiency in any pursuit comes as a result of focus and effort. A mother insists that a child do his best and work hard in school, promising that if he will, he will get good grades. A coach demands that his team pay attention, and give 110% and assures that success will follow.
The same is true with regard to success in spiritual pursuits. Proficiency in the knowledge of God’s word takes focus and effort. Paul instructed Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The phrase “Be diligent” is translated in the KJV as “Study.” We study to know God’s word, this takes diligence (focus and effort).
It takes diligence and effort to “add to your faith” (cf. 2 Peter 1:5-8). It takes diligence and effort to “Walk in the Spirit” (cf. Galatians 5:16-26). These examples suffice to prove the point.
If you want to please the Heavenly Father, you must make an effort! Sluggards are simply not acceptable to Him. The wise man of Proverbs asks the question, “How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?” (Proverbs 6:9). Something to think about!
Sermon: Focus and Effort
Using passages from Philippians 3, Hebrews 2 and 5 and Philippians 4:8, the sermon establishes that a child of God must both make an effort (show diligence) and focus (meditate and study) to become mature in character and profession.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
From the Preacher’s Pen: Read Your Bible!
We are nearing the end of an old year, and the beginning of a new one. Each year I encourage the brethren to read their Bible completely through. You can do this by simply sitting down and starting with Genesis… Ending with Revelation.
However, there are a number of schedules to help organize the readings in a way to allow concurrent readings in the Old and New Testament. One of the best of these has been prepared by Mark Roberts, the preacher for the West Side congregation in Irving.
He allows churches to make unlimited copies to supply to their members. We appreciate this, and have put copies of this reading schedule in the foyer. Please take one, and set aside time in 2011 to read your Bible through!
Sermon: Have You Changed?
God’s Word is the unchanging standard. Therefore, when we compare ourselves to it, we can see whether we have changed. Some change is good, some bad. We must examine ourselves, comparing ourselves to God’s standard.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
