Category: Worldliness
Subject: Wordliness
From the Preacher’s Pen: Shining Your Light VS Fitting In
I recently came across an article that was discussing advice given by a “preacher” to a young Christian who was wondering if it was acceptable for Christians to go to night clubs. The preacher wrote him:
“… I urge you to stop living under that unbiblical legalism and live more like Jesus. Jesus hung around prostitutes and sinners and partied with tax collectors.”
Later, the preacher ridiculed what he considered that legalistic view:
“We can’t hang out with sinners but — at most — we can stand at a distance and preach at (usually condemn) them. Not a brilliant tactic. Not successful. Not like Jesus…”
In reality, the Lord ate and drank with sinners (cf. Luke 5:30) — He didn’t “party” with them. And, He had a purpose in approaching them, “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” (vs. 31-32).
We are to be in the world, but we are not to be of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11). And, we are certainly not to be like the world (cf. Philippians 2:14-15). The young man was not asking permission to “shine his light” he wanted to be justified in “fitting in.” That is something Jesus never sought to do! In this unfortunate example, the preacher’s words are shameful and wrong!
Sermon: Dangers Facing the Church
This sermon was adapted from an old bedsheet sermon chart created by Steve Hudgins years ago. The sermon was preached in two parts, AM and PM. I combined the two into a single recording of about 83 minutes. The sermon discusses 9 dangers facing the church: Ignorance, Neglectfulness, Worldliness, Boastfulness, Compromise, Materialism, Indifference, Doctrinal Error and Apostasy.
Sermon: Five Great Bible Questions
The sermon, based on a sermon chart by Steve Hudgins, seeks to answer the following questions that appear in the Bible: 1) “Where Art Thou”; 2) “To Whom Shall We Go?”; 3) “Lord What Will You Have Me to Do?”; 4) “What Must I Do to be Saved”; and 5) “What Doth Hinder Me?”
Note: In addition to the audio link, there is a link to a zip file which extracts to a self-contained Prezi presentation. Also, there is a link to a handout that was included in the sermon as a hardcopy reminder of the material.
In the News: Last Second Shot!
Friday night the Castleberry girl’s basketball team won a game with the most exciting finish you can imagine. They were playing Mineral Wells, and were shorthanded. One of their players had blown an ACL ligament the previous week, and was out for the season. Their best player had a virus, and though she was playing, was struggling physically. None of their shots were falling, and they were down 12 points to start the fourth quarter.
The deficit continued until about halfway through the quarter, and then all of a sudden the shots started falling. The girls knew they had to win to keep their hopes of going to the playoffs alive. They dug down deep, and narrowed the deficit to one point. With 2.6 seconds left, Castleberry had the ball out of bounds. Josh (my son is the coach) drew up a play, and their best player banked home the shot for the win. The stands erupted, the girls (and Josh) went crazy, and everyone cheered.
Invitation: Living for the Moment
Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox
Jeremiah uses the text of Luke 16 (The Rich man and Lazarus) to point out the consequences of living life for the moment, without concern for the future.
In the News: Our Unstable World
The recent Baghdad bombing captivated and distressed the world’s population, as news services showed pictures of the devastation, and reported on the dead. A recent news article from the Sydney Morning Herald, dated December 24, 2012, in Australia, noted:
The attacks were the worst since a string of bombings in August that killed 74 people. But they were merely the latest in a country where stability and plurality remain a bitter illusion. The 16 bombs, 63 deaths and 185 wounded will undoubtedly be viewed through the prism of the grave political crisis that, within a week of the US withdrawal, has put an end to any hope of the country moving forward under a nationalist banner.
Additionally, the long time despot and leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, died on December 17th. There is much conjecture and concern as to what effect his passing will have on the stability of that nation. This is especially troubling since North Korea has nuclear capabilities. The fact that China, which has emerged as one of the preeminent economic and world powers is an ally of North Korea gives even greater cause for concern.
The Intolerance of Toleration
I recently came across an internet article listing the 5 most hated YouTube videos in internet history. This list was based upon the number of “thumbs down” designations given. Fifth on the list is the music video, “Baby”, by teen pop singer Justin Bieber. First on the list is a young lady who videotaped her opinion that the earthquake and resultant tsunami that devastated Japan was an answer to prayer, that God might convince the atheist of His existence. Interestingly, the girl later admitted that her video is a hoax, deliberately outrageous with the intent of provoking the ire of viewers.
Invitation: Priorities – God or Money?
Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox
Josh uses teaching in Luke 12 and Mark 10 to point out that a focus on worldly possessions, or the means of obtaining said possessions, is a vain pursuit. Instead, it is proper to focus primarily on our service to God.
Audio: Click Here .
In the News: Cheerleaders and Modesty
More and more often you hear of Christian young ladies participating in cheerleading activities. Is there anything objectionable about cheerleading? Well, yes and no. There is nothing objectionable in leading cheers at football games and other school events. However, too often cheerleading includes two things that a Christian girl should have no part in: 1) Immodest dress; and, 2) Lascivious choreography.
From the Preacher’s Pen: A Lesson from 9/11
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).
From the Preacher’s Pen: Greed is Fun?
I recently read a novel that contained a passage describing gamblers playing slot machines at a casino in Las Vegas. The description noted that the gamblers were not having a particularly good time. In the author’s words, “There were no smiles, no backslapping, just intense manic concentration, as if by so focusing, the winning bars would magically line up and pay off.” The author’s conclusion? “Greed was supposed to be fun, but apparently it was only fun if you were winning.”
As usual, the world grasps the truth of a vice, while some Christians who struggle with worldly desires can only rationalize. The appeal of gambling is in the winning of filthy lucre. It is popular because of the greed of men. Those who gamble entertain the basest motives, and contribute to what is a drain and scourge on our nation and it’s culture.
There is a reason that Las Vegas is known as “Sin City.” Gambling is not the only sin to be found there, but it is certainly the most prominent. As Christians, we have spent enough of our past lifetime engaging in profane activities (cf. 1 Peter 4:3), and should now aspire to holiness.
“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry ” (Colossians 3:5).
In the News: Another Rock Star Dies
British singer Amy Winehouse died on July 23, 2011. Winehouse was a talented performer with a distinctive voice and style, who died following a history of drug abuse, at the age of 27.
Her death is one in a long line of untimely deaths of celebrities and performers. In fact, the age of 27 seems to be significant, as singers Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix and Janice Joplin all died at that age as well. All were heavy drug users, and Hendrix and Joplin died of drug overdoses. Cobain committed suicide.
Sermon: Put on the Lord Jesus Christ
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 .
Men Too Often Forget!
The last several chapters of the book of Job are very interesting. In them, in no uncertain terms, God puts Job in his place. He describes Himself as creator, and the one who is in charge of the universe, the earth, and the animals upon it. In contrast, he shows Job his own impotence and lowly place. For example, he wrote in chapter 38:34-35, “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, That an abundance of water may cover you? Can you send out lightnings, that they may go, And say to you, ‘Here we are!’?”
I always think of that conversation between God and Job when natural disasters occur, like the earthquake and tsunami in Japan this past week. Men so often consider themselves to the masters of the earth. While technology is amazing, and we are fortunate to live in an age of comfort and security, so often we are confronted with how vulnerable we are to this great universe created by our God.
Sermon: Gospel Meeting (Mo Hafley) November 6-11, 2010
This post contains short summaries and links to both audio and Powerpoint presentations of all the sermons Mo Hafley preached for the West Side congregation in the Fall 2010 meeting, November 6-11.
Lesson 1: Looking Unto Jesus
In this sermon, Mo Hafley of Paden City, WV uses the text of Hebrews 12:1-7, to establish the nature of the Christian’s race on earth, and the motivation behind it as we look to Jesus, our Savior.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 2: How We Worship
This sermon by Mo Hafley is a discussion on proper worship to God, with an emphasis on focus and proper spirituality when we sing, pray, commune around the Lord’s table, give of our means, and listen to the preaching of the Word of God.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 3: A Few Days with Paul
This sermon by Mo Hafley is a discussion of Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica and Berea, as recorded by Luke in Acts 17:1-13. Paul and the first century disciples showed great courage in the preaching of the gospel of Christ.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 4: Parents and Children
This sermon by Mo Hafley is a wonderful treatment of God’s word on the topic of Parenting. In it, Mo shows what God expects of Christian parents, and even has some words of admonition for children.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 5: Preaching Properly
In this sermon, Mo Hafley discusses the proper tone we are to take in preaching. Emphasis is placed upon militance in preaching, as too often in our day and time people heap up for themselves teachers having itching ears. Soft preaching is not God’s way.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 6: Holy Living in an Unholy World
This sermon by Mo Hafley documents the moral evil that is present in our world, and especially our nation. Biblical advice is given to Christians, explaining how we are to navigate in such troublesome waters.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Lesson 7: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego
This lesson is an expository treatment of Daniel 3, showing the courage of these great servants of God. Regardless of consequence, Christians must emulate them.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 8: Evidences
This lesson by Mo Hafley is a concise detailing of various internal and external evidences, given to prove God’s existence, and the validity of the Bible as God’s revelation.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Lesson 9: Homesick for Heaven
This lesson was an appropriate ending to our gospel meeting with Mo Hafley. He used homesickness (an emotion we have all felt) to explain the type of desire and expectation we as Christians should have regarding our heavenly home.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
