Category: Zeal

Shortly after Rehoboam became king of Judah, the scripture reveals that he “forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel along with him” (2 Chronicles 12:1). The specific sins of the nation are stated in 1 Kings, as they “built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and wooden images on every high hill and under every green tree. And there were also perverted persons in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel” (1 Kings 14:23-24). God chose to chastise the king and the nation by raising up the king of Egypt against them. Shishak, the Egyptian ruler, invaded Judah with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and a large number of his people.

Continue reading “That They May Distinguish My Service” →

Peter calls upon Christians to grow spiritually. “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1:5-7). He supplies motivation, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:8). He also warns of a lack of growth, “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins” (1:9).

As it is with physical growth, certain things must be present in order to grow spiritually.

Continue reading “Spiritual Growth” →

Fairly soon after leading Israel out of Egypt, Moses met with his father-in-law Jethro in the wilderness. As they talked, Jethro witnessed Moses acting as judge before the people, and suggested that Moses give some of the responsibility to others. “And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you” (Exodus 18:22). Moses liked the idea, and it apparently pleased God as well, (cf. 18:19), so Moses followed the advice.

There is an analogue to this in the church. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4 that the work of evangelists, pastors and teachers is to equip the saints “for the work of ministry” (4:12). So, the whole body will grow by the work done by “every joint”, “according to the effective working by which every part does its share” (4:16).

Rather than the clergy/laity model, where the clergy ministers to the needs of the laity, God’s pattern is for the spiritually mature to equip all others so that they can themselves become ministers of the gospel. In simple terms, it is not my purpose to do for you. Rather, my purpose is to train you to do your own work; to equip you for ministry; to help you take part in the work of edification.

We each have our own part to play. Is your attitude, “What can you do for me?” Or, “What can I do for others?!”

Click below to…

JR Bronger from Blue Springs, MO preached a wonderful series of gospel sermons for the West Side congregation, May 1-6, 2021:

Saturday PM: The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9)

• A discussion of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. A religious terrorist who became a wonderful example of the saving power of God’s grace.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Sunday 1st Service: Evangelizing the World

• In the first century, Christians were able to spread the gospel throughout the known world, despite opposition and challenges. If we have the same mindset today, we can be just as successful!
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Sunday Class: Successful Marriages

• Foundational teaching on the subject of marriage. Principles which, if followed, will guarantee strong marriages existing in accord with God’s desire.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Sunday 2nd Service: The Hate of Christ and Christians

• The world hated Jesus Christ because of His mission and righteousness. He promised that the world would hate his followers as well. In our day such hate is prominent.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Monday PM: Christians Are Running a Race

• A runner himself, brother Bronger uses the Hebrew writer’s imagery in Hebrews 12:1-2 to establish a few important truths regarding the race the Christian runs.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Tuesday PM: A Rebel Returns

• A powerful lesson on rebellion and redemption, based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Young people need to hear this message!
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Wednesday PM: Do You Want to be Made Well?

• If you really wish for spiritual healing, you must stop thinking of yourself as a victim, stop blaming others for your failings, free yourself from fear and recognize the difference between wanting relief, and wanting a cure.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Thursday PM: Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart

• There were three responsible parties in the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. God Himself with His demands. The wicked court magicians. And most prominently, Pharaoh himself.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

The Hebrews epistle establishes that Jesus Christ, and all that surrounds His advent, ministry and covenant, are better than what came before.

• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Paul wrote:

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

Paul had the right attitude. His past life as a persecutor of the church was no longer relevant because of his obedience to the gospel of our Lord.

His conversion was not enough in and of itself, because he understood the danger of apostasy. “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

Paul understood that the only way to approach his life was to look forward. “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1). What matters is what I am doing now for the Lord. What matters is pressing forward — reaching for the prize — making heaven our goal.

Paul understood … do we? May we never rest upon our previous accomplishments. May we never take our relationship with God for granted. Press toward the goal!

Click below to…

Nehemiah was the right man in the right place and time for his service to God. He had a heart of compassion and concern for God’s people, and the confidence to provide for them with God’s protection and help.

• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

When scripture uses the term zeal, with all its synonyms, it is universally praised when it is exercised toward God. In contrast, the strongest words of condemnation are reserved for those who are apathetic in their attitude toward God.

• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:7-11).

This fairly long quote needs to be given in its entirety to establish Paul’s commitment and motivation. His commitment was total. There was no accomplishment, possession or relationship he previously experienced that any longer had any value to him outside of the context of his relationship with Christ. His commitment to His Lord was without compromise. In this he serves as an example to us. “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

His motivation was clear. He desired to be resurrected from the dead. His desire was eternal life, and his life was lived successfully (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8). At the end of your life, will you also be able to say, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that Day”?

Click below to…

The lesson shows the need for faithfulness and zeal, by noting the admonitions and commendations to the seven churches of Asia. The key is the individual in accomplishing this need (cf. Ephesians 4:11-14)

• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

The historical distinction between the Clergy and Laity is not authorized by scripture, and consistently leads to apathy and a lack of involvement in spiritual matters on the part of the laity. This problem has even influenced some in the Lord’s church.

• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

My son Jeremiah preached a lesson with this title a few weeks ago. This article basically takes his outline, and puts a portion of it in article form. The points made are worthy of consideration.

Everyone enjoys being complimented, but the value of a compliment is very much dependent upon the person who is giving it. A compliment from a wicked man would mean little, as would one that comes from insincere flattery. However, if a compliment were to come from the Lord Himself, that would truly be a great honor. So, consider the following individuals, and the compliments they received from the Lord. If the Lord complimented them, we know that if we do or are the same, we will please Him as well!

The Genuineness of Nathanael

“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’” (John 1:47). Consider Jesus’ description of the man, “an Israelite indeed…” This distinguishes between a merely physical lineage (born a Jew), and one who is truly faithful to the law of Moses, seeking to serve God. “For they are not all Israel who are of Israel” (Romans 9:6).

Continue reading “Compliments from Christ” →

My copy of the New King James version contains paragraph headings. Sometimes they accurately describe the paragraph following, sometimes less so. I really like the heading placed before Acts 2:40-47:

“A Vital Church Grows”

Here Luke described the early days of the Lord’s church. Jesus told His disciples it would come in glory and power, and on Pentecost it certainly did! Peter and the other apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, preached the gospel message for the first time in mankind’s history. On that very day, in that very place, the promise of our Lord, “and on this rock I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18) was fulfilled. Three thousand souls were saved that day (Acts 2:41), and as the days progressed the gospel message retained its power. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

Continue reading “A Vital Church Grows” →

Speaker: Tommy Davis

Using young King Josiah as an example, Tommy notes the importance of being radical in our service to the Lord

• Audio
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Using the texts of 2 Chronicles 29 and 2 Samuel 10, the lesson emphasizes the need for zeal, in order to live a Christ centered life.

• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon