Category: Zeal
Subject: Zeal
Sermon: What Can I Do?
Using John 15:1-ff, Josh Cox encourages his listeners to consider their responsibilities to bear fruit by asking “What can we do to bear fruit in the kingdom of God?”
Sermon: Apathy to Zeal
The terms apathy and zeal are defined, and examples are given of each in scripture. God’s response is also noted, as exhortations are given for Christians to exhibit fervor for God and His work.
Sermon: Now that the Meeting is Over, What Next?
Sermon 9 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
In this lesson, brother Foster brought the meeting to a close with an encouraging and uplifting exhortation to zeal and steadfastness in applying the preaching we hear to our daily lives.
Invitation: Give Me Thy Heart
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin notes that all we have belongs to God. We are merely stewards. If we recognize this, whether it is our money our our heart, all decisions we make will be made with God at the forefront of our mind.
Sermon: Rehoboam – A Failure in Leadership
Using the text of 1 Kings 12, and examining the events which led to the rebellion against Rehoboam, we see his culpability in the division of the kingdom, and make applications to our own lives.
Invitation: When Enlightenment Really Isn’t
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin examines a misguided claim of spiritual enlightenment, showing the fallacy of focusing on the faults of others rather than the challenges of self.
From the Preacher’s Pen: A Fan for the Lord
As I am writing this short article, the Texas Rangers are 10 runs ahead, and about to secure their second straight trip to the World Series. A good portion of the Fort Worth/Dallas area is giddy with the pleasure of witnessing such a momentous event.
Those last few words are written a bit “tongue-in-cheek.” While it is certainly exciting, our society goes a bit far in describing an annual sporting event as “momentous.” And yet, such hyperbole will be the norm for the next couple of weeks, as the Texas Rangers try to join the Dallas Mavericks as champions this year.
There is nothing wrong with the excitement of the moment, and me and my boys were jumping up and down as the Rangers were building their early lead. But, I long for Christians to have the “first love” (cf. Revelation 2:4) that is shown by so many fanatical followers of sports in our nation.
How do you feel about God? Perhaps we should feel as the Psalmist did, as recorded in Psalm 42:1-2, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”
Sermon: Doors
The metaphor of a door is used often in scripture. It references opportunity, the need for action, the desire of the Lord, and the way to salvation. The sermon discusses four of these points.
Mining the Scriptures: Revelation 2:1-7
This letter the Lord wrote to the church at Ephesus was the first of seven written to churches in Asia. At the time of this writing, Ephesus was a large city — the most important seaport in Asia Minor.
Each of these letters follow the same pattern, and are found in chapters 2 and 3.
The Lord first commended the church at Ephesus for its work. The church was apparently diligent, steadfast, fruitful, and contended earnestly for the faith (Jude 3). They “hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans” as did the Lord.
However, something was missing. He admonished them for having “left your first love.” Though there was still the form of faithfulness in Ephesus, some zeal or vigor was missing. That lack of passion for Jesus was the reason for this censure.
The Lord called them to repentance, and here as elsewhere indicated that their salvation hung in the balance. This clearly indicates the fallacy of those who hold the doctrine of “once saved always saved.”
Here, those who “overcome” and receive the tree of life are the faithful and zealous. This is a wonderful lesson for us today!
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).
Invitation: That’s Just Sad
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin uses Hebrews 5:12-ff to point out the sadness of a Christian life that is marred by apathy. He uses this as a call to conviction and committment as the invitation is offered.
Audio: Click Here .
From the Preacher’s Pen: Focus and Effort
It is commonly recognized that proficiency in any pursuit comes as a result of focus and effort. A mother insists that a child do his best and work hard in school, promising that if he will, he will get good grades. A coach demands that his team pay attention, and give 110% and assures that success will follow.
The same is true with regard to success in spiritual pursuits. Proficiency in the knowledge of God’s word takes focus and effort. Paul instructed Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The phrase “Be diligent” is translated in the KJV as “Study.” We study to know God’s word, this takes diligence (focus and effort).
It takes diligence and effort to “add to your faith” (cf. 2 Peter 1:5-8). It takes diligence and effort to “Walk in the Spirit” (cf. Galatians 5:16-26). These examples suffice to prove the point.
If you want to please the Heavenly Father, you must make an effort! Sluggards are simply not acceptable to Him. The wise man of Proverbs asks the question, “How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?” (Proverbs 6:9). Something to think about!
From the Preacher’s Pen: Consider Your Ways!
Consider the following admonition given at the beginning of the book of Haggai.
“Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Consider your ways!’” (Haggai 1:3-5)
The application of this admonition should not be found exclusively with regard to the rebuilding of God’s temple, or the obvious present day application of caring for the building and grounds where we assemble. (Although that certainly would apply).
The question is, where do your interests and attention lie. Are you living selfishly, concerned primarily with your own comfort and concerns? Or, are you (first of all) concerned about the things of God?
Look around! The brethren at West Side have obligations. Toward God, toward one another, toward the lost. There are sick people, physical needs, preaching to be done — and, yes, work to be done on the building and grounds where we assemble.
Each of us need to “Consider” our ways, to make sure God is being put first!
From the Preacher’s Pen: We Are Not Alone!
In 1 Kings 19:10, Elijah lamented to God, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” He had in rapid order celebrated a great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and experienced the terror of Jezebel’s mortal threat, as she vowed to have his head by the next day.
Elijah was a great man, but this was a moment of weakness and despair. While we do not wish to judge him harshly, his despair led to self-pity. His belief that he alone remained faithful to God was mistaken. The Lord later appeared to Elijah, and said, “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him” (vs. 18).
This is a good lesson for us, as we sometimes may despair in our service to God. In our difficulties, it may seem that our trial is unique, and it simply is not. In a similar vein, Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). In reality, our circumstance is similar to that of other men, and especially of fellow Christians. This knowledge should give us both strength and comfort.
We are not alone, God and His people are with us. May we faithfully labor in His vineyard!
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 .
