Category: Zeal

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.

Continue reading “In the News: “We Don’t Condone Heroics”” →

“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 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.

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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!

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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?”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?”

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.

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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!

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 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 .