Category: Zeal

Apathy among the people of God is always a lamentable state. We must be zealous for our God!

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Numbers 13 & 14 reveal the faithfulness of Caleb. He followed the Lord his whole life, with his whole heart, despite the opposition and danger that accompanied his service. He serves as a wonderful example to us.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

A discussion of Colossians 3:14-25 indicating that the love we express (the bond of perfection), must be in accord with Christ’s will, and practiced zealously.

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In Daniel 1:8, the text reveals that Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the King’s delicacies. This text introduces the importance of having a heart with purpose to please God.

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We must not look back once we become a professing child of God. We must focus our lives on serving Christ first!

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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.

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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.

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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).

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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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Powerpoint Slides (will be uploaded soon)

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.”

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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!”