Category: Zeal
Subject: Zeal
Sermon: Renewal
In Isaiah 40:31, the prophet makes the promise, “but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” In order to be renewed, we must trust the Lord, alter our thinking, and rededicate ourselves to His service!
Sermon: Zeal
God approved zeal is found in the pursuit of good things, is seen in the treatment of others, and grows out of genuine conversion. Are you on fire for the Lord?
An Earnest and Urgent Pursuit of Heaven
The Christian is defined by his purpose in life. It is not to get wealthy, not to get famous, not to “go for the gusto”, it is to serve the Lord. Few people live for this purpose. “…narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14).
The Bible reveals clearly two truths. First, men ought to have service to the Lord as their primary purpose in life. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Second, if a man lives his life without serving God, his life is ultimately empty of meaning. “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). (Note: the phrase “under the sun” indicates works that are done without an acknowledgment of God’s existence). Stated simply, the only way to have a meaningful life is to put God first.
Sermon: Zacchaeus
This lesson uses the example of Zacchaeus to illustrate how we may overcome formidable obstacles in order to see (be reconciled with) Jesus.
Sermon: What Will You Do in the New Year?
A lesson on committment and zeal as a new year begins. The thoughts were inspired by a free form poem written by a young Christian girl named Kelsey Harris. She passed away after battling a malignant brain tumor at the age of 16 in 2009.
A Militant Faith
A peculiar aspect of our culture is a tendency to shy away from any reference to militancy as a positive characteristic. I suppose that there has been so much violence that people are uncomfortable even entertaining the concept of a legitimate use of force — i.e., a defensive application.
And yet, scripture commonly makes use of the concept. For example, Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith…” In another place, Paul described the characteristics of the mature Christian in militaristic terms, exhorting the Ephesians: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13). Continue reading “A Militant Faith”
Sermon: Building for the Lord
The book of Nehemiah reveals a people successful in building for the Lord because they had a working mentality, a balanced approach, were hindrance resistant, and were conscious of their responsibilities to God.
Sermon: You have left your first love
Sermon by Brantley Gallman.
The Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:2-ff) is accused by the Lord, “You have left your first love.” This phrase is discussed in this lesson.
Sermon: Resolutions
With regard to any resolution made, the intent is useless without strategies and effort which bring it to pass. The same is true with the expressed revolve to serve God well and zealously.
Sermon: Marks of True Devotion
A discussion of Romans 12:1-8, indicating the need for self examination to ensure we are diligently sacrificing ourselves to our Lord as transformed individuals. This requires us to be active in our service to Him.
Sermon: David’s Charge to Solomon
The lesson is an explanation of 1 Chronicles 28:9, “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.” With application!
“Having then gifts…let us use them”
Lesson 2 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.
God does not accept idleness in His people. Each of us has the ability and opportunity to do work for the Lord.
Overcoming Obstacles
When an obstacle impedes progress, one of two possibilities emerge. The obstacle either prevents success, or the obstacle is defeated, with success realized despite its challenge.
Many serious spiritual obstacles can be defeated through determination and persistent effort. Josiah, the young king of Judah serves as a wonderful example in this. His challenge was to overcome the evil influences of his father and grandfather. Those men were evil idolaters, who led Judah in rebellion against God. Josiah ascended to the throne at the age of 8 years. Scripture reveals that he “did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2). He removed the idols his predecessors had put into the Temple, and restored true worship to the Lord. And, as ruler of Judah, he “made all who were present in Israel diligently serve the Lord their God. All his days they did not depart from following the Lord God of their fathers” (2 Chronicles 34:33).
Josiah was a unique king. “Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him” (2 Kings 23:25). However, we too can overcome any spiritual obstacle that may beset us, if we “turn to the Lord” with all our heart, soul and might.
Sermon: The Easy Way
Where is self denial? Where is “giving all diligence”? Where is “striving”? Too few are willing to sacrifice for their faith and their God.
Sermon: Do Not Become Sluggish!
In Hebrews 6:9-12, the writer calls us to fervency. We must be fervent in spirit, love and prayer, among other things. We need to be on fire for the Lord!
