Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Paul’s Appeal to Philemon
It is important to learn how to get along with brethren. This is an effective skill that helps to maintain unity among God’s people. It is especially important when there is any hint of trouble—whether disagreements or other potentially challenging circumstances.
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Paul had such a sticky wicket to deal with when he converted an escaped slave, and had to petition the slave’s owner for mercy. Fortunately, the slave owner was himself a Christian, and so there was common ground that could help in resolving the potential conflict.
Subjective Commendation
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).
Why is it not wise to compare ourselves to other people? The answer is simple, other people are not the standard! This is a very subjective standard that serves to make people feel a bit better about themselves, but in no ways gives insight as to whether they are approved by God!
Take, as an example the Pharisee in Luke 18 who prayed, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men — extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector” (11). Setting aside the numerous problems with the man (he was proud, dismissive, and certainly ignorant of the relative righteousness of the man to whom he compared himself), his relative worth in relation to others had no bearing on whether he was accepted by God!
Our Lord clearly said that the Pharisee was not justified. Which shows another problem with such comparisons, it tends to come from a place of pride. “I am not like other men — extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess” (11-12).
Like Paul, we must recognize the foolishness of such comparisons. Instead, compare ourselves with God’s words, which shall judge us in the last day! (cf. John 12:48).
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Sermon: The Strength of Israel
In 1 Samuel 15, God is described as the Strength of Israel. The term here was used to establish the consequence of sin, and the fairness of God’s dealings with mankind.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: Confidence in Purpose
While Paul was in prison, he knew he might lose his life. But, if he lived, his purpose in living was Christ, (cf. Philippians 1:19-26).
Only One Gospel
Paul’s admonition to the churches of Galatia was centered in their departure from the gospel of Christ into doctrinal error. They had turned away “to another gospel, which is not an other; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7).
There is only one gospel. Only one good news with the capability of saving the souls of man. This is why the altering of it through error brings the curse of God upon those who would “pervert the gospel of Christ” (7).
In John 14:6 Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” It is astounding that so many would take the singular gospel of Christ, and seek to alter it in any way. It alone is the “power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
And yet they do. It is significant that the perversion of the gospel introduced by the Judaizers was an addition to the gospel. They taught that the Gentile had to become a Jewish proselyte to be saved. “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). Others today do the same. They may add to the gospel (pray the sinners prayer) or subtract from the gospel (saved by faith only). Some may deny the resurrection of the Christ, or His virgin birth, and yet claim discipleship. Others ignore his call to unity in faith. By this all rob the gospel of that which makes it God’s power to salvation.
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Sermon: Hannah’s Prayer
There are numerous important things about prayer that can be learned when we examine the prayer of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: The Names of Sin
There are many different synonyms used in scripture to capture the concept of sinfulness. An examination of some of these is a helpful exercise.
The Preeminence of Jesus Christ
Early in his epistle, Paul encouraged the Christians in Colosse to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him” (Colossians 1:10). A question to be asked, “Why are the Father and His Son Jesus Christ deserving of such faithfulness?” Paul answers the question in this text.
Jesus strengthens His disciples with His own glorious power, giving them might, patience, longersuffering and joy (11). Other passages confirm this same truth. Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). He affirmed in Ephesians 6 that by utilizing the protections afforded by the Lord (the armor of God), we can “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (16). Having done all, the Christian can stand with Jesus’ help (cf. 13).
“If it is from God…”
As the apostles proclaimed the gospel in the early days of the church in Jerusalem, the Jewish leaders debated what to do with them. They had already arrested Peter and John once, for preaching in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Now, the apostles had been arrested again for filling Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ.
They were furious, and plotted to kill the apostles. Then, a famous rabbi named Gamaliel spoke, counseling caution. His words had merit. If these apostles were working on their own, their efforts would eventually come to nothing. But, “if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God” (Acts 5:39).
Throughout the ages, this is exactly what men have done — fight against God. It always ended in destruction for them. God destroyed the world in the flood because men fought against Him. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with fire from heaven, because men fought against Him. The nation of Israel was taken into Assyrian captivity, Judah into Babylonian captivity, because His people fought against Him.
And now, the Jewish leaders, who had worked to have Jesus crucified on the cross, sought to fight against His disciples, and His kingdom. They too were doomed to failure. They listened to Gamaliel in part, after beating them and threatening them, they let the disciples go. Today, men continue to fight against God. But, the gospel continues to be preached, and the borders of His kingdom are enlarged. Man can fight against God, but man can never prevail.
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Sermon: The Once and Eternal King
Jesus Christ reigns on His throne today, and will continue to reign through eternity.
Devoutly, Justly, Blamelessly
The apostle Paul loved his brethren. It is evident in every epistle he wrote, including his first epistle to the Christians in Thessalonica. Paul defends his conduct beginning in the second chapter. He was bold in his preaching, despite previous persecution, and conflict in that city (2). He spoke honestly and he spoke the truth from God (3). He did not seek to flatter them, nor did he seek glory in his speech (5-6). He was gentle in dealing with them, and clearly expressed his affection for them (7-8). He labored day and night, both in a physical trade, and in his ministry toward them. He did not want to be a burden to them as he proclaimed to them the gospel (9).
This led him to say in verse 10 of the text, “You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe.” This wonderful proclamation both expresses Paul’s ministry, and the manner of life we all should practice.
Devotion, justice and blamelessness are the proper life choices of all who have named the name of Christ. It is a response to God for the gift of grace, and the discipleship that he requires of us. It is characteristic of our interactions with the world, and especially our brethren. Why? Because it serves as edification! Paul said that his actions were so that “you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (vs. 12).
Devoutly, justly, and blamelessly… does this correctly describe your interactions with God and man?
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Sermons: And Such Were Some of You
Ian Tilley discusses the state of sin as men transgress God’s laws, and assures that no matter the sin, forgiveness is possible for all.
Sermon: Legacies of the Faithful
As we contemplate the legacies of those who have gone before, we can make the proper applications to ensure we too will serve God acceptably.
