Category: Zeal
Subject: Zeal
Sermon: A Committed Life
We must not look back once we become a professing child of God. We must focus our lives on serving Christ first!
Sermon: Proper Attitudes toward Spiritual Work
Every faithful Christian has that which he can and should do for God, as a member of a local congregation. To be useful for the Lord, certain attitudes must be present. Things such as eagerness, diligence, positivity and persistence.
Sermon: King David’s Charge
The text of 1 Kings 2:1-4 is examined, clause by clause. King David’s charge to his young son Solomon, as he neared his death, is one that has applicable principles for us today.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Back-bones Needed!
You may have noticed a few of my recent sermons emphasizing our need to be diligent and zealous in the dispatching of our duties before God. Complacency is a problem when seen among God’s children. “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). I recently came across the following illustration:
There are four main bones in every organization.
- The wish-bones: Wishing somebody would do something about the problem.
- The jaw-bones: Doing all the talking but very little else.
- The knuckle-bones: Those who knock everything.
- The back-bones: Those who carry the brunt of the load and do most of the work.
Bits & Pieces, October 15, 1992, pp. 16-17.
So, as a member of this congregation, ask yourself, “What kind of ‘bone’ am I?” Of course, what we need are some back-bones! We need individuals to be, “…steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Are you ready to do your part? “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).
Sermon: Can Conservative Churches of Christ Grow Today?
Spring 2014 Meeting: Kyle Campbell
Eight essentials for church growth, based upon New Testament principles, are contrasted with invalid modern day theories. With these 8 essentials present, the church can flourish today.
Sermon: The Body of Christ
One of the many metaphors that the Holy Spirit uses to describe the relationship between Jesus Christ and the saved is that of a body. The phrase, “the body of Christ” indicates Jesus’ dominion, and the harmony that should exist when each member of “the body” pulls together in service to the Head.
Sermon: Neither Will I Be With You Anymore
Israel’s Defeat at Ai is examined (Joshua 7), with proper applications made for Christians. In order for us to have God “with us”, we must refrain from taking part in what is accursed by God. There is a clear admonition to faithfulness, and to refrain from worldliness.
Invitation: Are You Crazy?
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
On several occasions the apostle Paul was accused of being crazy. In 2 Corinthians 5:13, he wrote, “For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God.” Maybe we too should be crazy for the Lord?
Sermon: Admonitions for the Priests of God
Speaker: Jonathan Hinds
The lesson uses the text of Malachi to admonish us as the priests of God (cf. 1 Peter 2:9). It is possible to despise the name of God, to weary him by our apathetic response of faith. We must take care to worship him with reverence and zeal.
Powerpoint Slides (will be uploaded soon)
Invitation: Seeing the Invisible
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
When we look for the invisible rather than the visible, it gives us the ability to handle the despair and pressures of this life. “Our light affliction” is “but for a moment.”
From the Preacher’s Pen: Stop Giving Up!
The other day I came across a motivational message for exercise and weight loss. The message was one of “tough love”, stating, “If you’re tired of starting over… stop giving up!”
As someone who has struggled with my weight most of my adult life, (and is trying yet again to get down to a healthy number), the message resonated. The sentiment is rather harsh, but anyone who has tried and failed to lose weight, stop smoking, or break any bad habit knows that ultimately, the success that some enjoy is directly attributable to their will. While challenging, the message gives hope as well. If this time you can stick to it, you can overcome previous disappointments and achieve your goal. While education, strategies and support all may be integral — in the end it takes perseverance to accomplish your goals.
The lesson is an important one as it applies to our spiritual standing with God. The Christian walk is a lifetime endeavor, and some do not exercise the will to live it consistently and zealously. They may become apathetic, or may be overcome by temptation. Some may become weary of “starting over” even to the point of chucking it all and returning to the world. We may understand and empathize about the difficulties of living our lives for God, but ultimately there is no excuse for failing. In the end, it is a simple matter of will.
Paul wrote, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10). In other words, “stop giving up!”
In the News: “We Don’t Condone Heroics”
I read this past week of a student in Calgary who was punished with in-school suspension for coming to the aid of a classmate who was being threatened with a knife.
According to the article, Briar MacLean stepped between a bully and his victim, pushed the knife brandishing boy away, and shortly after the aggressor was subdued. Briar was thanked by the victim, and went about his school day until being called into the office where he was required to remain until the end of the day, and was questioned by school officials and police. His locker was also searched.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Be Strong in the Lord
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).
The call to “be strong” is one that can be appreciated by all Christians. We all want to be strong. No one wants to be weak. However, spiritual strength is a challenge. Our adversary, the devil “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
The fortunate truth revealed in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is that our strength is “in the Lord,” our power is “of His might.” He equips us in our battle with the devil.
While it is true that our redemption is accomplished through the sacrifice of our Lord, the emphasis of Paul in this text is the tools or “armor of God” that is supplied for our use. The list is given in verses 14-17:
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
When we equip ourselves with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the word of God and prayer, we will be blessed with God’s strength and might. Thus prepared, we will be able to “stand against the wiles of the devil” (11).
Sermon: Strive to Enter In!
Sermon by Marc Smith.
Marc ended our gospel meeting with his exhortation to the congregation to “strive to enter in” to the narrow gate that leads to life. He rightly pointed out that effort is required in staying faithful and pleasing the Lord.
Invitation: Be Who Jesus Knows You Can Be
Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera
Jesus is certain we can make it to heaven. That’s why he prepared those mansions for us. We can have confidence too, and live for Him. All men can be saved!
