Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
The Patternists: Wage the Good Warfare
I would like to share a few thoughts regarding Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18-20:
“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.”
First, what does it mean for Timothy to wage the good warfare? It is evident that we are at war with Satan. There is the responsibility that each has to fight personally against Satan. This is why we don the armor of God (cf. Ephesians 6), that we may be able, “to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
Hold the Traditions
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
Paul’s exhortation to hold the traditions which you were taught must be reconciled with the common view that tradition in the church is an evil that should be avoided. This can be easily done by looking at the entire verse. The “traditions” that we are to hold on to are the ones that have come through the agency of the Holy Spirit!
Progressivism in the church is dangerous. It is not that we object to a TV or projector over an overhead, chalkboard or bedsheet. It is also not an objection to the use of the internet, social media and Bible apps on our phones. Some may argue that the older ways are better, but typically it is because they are used to them, not because they are intrinsically better or more righteous.
But, there are certain “traditions”, with us for almost 2,000 years that are sacrosanct. They are God’s ways, thoughts, and methods. They are better than the “improvements” that may claim must be made to keep God relevant in our modern times.
Changes in worship, morals, objectives and work are sometimes championed because “times have changed.” That doesn’t matter. God told us how He wants us to worship Him. He established once for all what is moral (righteous) and immoral (sin). He has given us His work to do in His way. So, hold fast to the traditions of God!
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Sermon: The Court of Public Opinion
Public Opinion and peer pressure can bring fear to Christians, and even lead men to do things that God condemns. The wise man, who has discernment, listens to men rather than God.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
Daniel both identified and interpreted a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, as recorded in Daniel 2. The dream revealed the coming Messianic kingdom, and its New Testament fulfillment is explained.
Do We Really Love Our Brother?
I saw this quote on Facebook this past week, and thought it was worth examination. I state for the record that I have not read the book, and know nothing of the author. So, I have no way of knowing whether I would approve of the overall work. But, this quote has much to commend it.
“A close-knit society with shared ideals and goals frequently finds it relatively easy to foster love, tolerance, and inner cohesion. … Ideally the church is different. It is made up of people who are as varied as can be. … The *only* thing that holds such people together is their shared allegiance to Jesus Christ, their devotion to him, stemming from his indescribable love for them.
“This is why it is always wretchedly pathetic when a local church becomes a cauldron of resentments and nurtured bitterness. This pitiful state of affairs may erupt simply because there is very little at the social, economic, temperamental, educational, or other levels to hold people together. Therefore, when Christians lose sight of their first and primary allegiance, they will squabble. When social or racial or economic or temperamental uniformity seems more important than basking in the love of God in Christ Jesus, idolatry has reared is blasphemous head. When protestations of profound love for Jesus Christ are not mirrored in love for others who profess to love the same Jesus Christ, we may legitimately ask how seriously we should take those protestations.” (Carson, “Praying with Paul,” 24)
There is a wide divergence in background, culture, economic standing, race, and age in the church. Paul made this clear as he acknowledged the tension between Jews and Gentiles in the first century. Some Jewish Christians were teaching that Gentiles had to become Jewish proselytes to be accepted by God. In response to this he wrote, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29).
The Patternists: Moses’ Great Mistake
Numbers 20 records a willful mistake that Moses made, as he reacted in anger toward the ungrateful congregation. The Israelites were at Kadesh, lingering there following the death and burial of Miriam. There was no water for the people, and they begin to grumble, just as they had countless times before.
On a previous occasion when water was needed, God had instructed Moses to strike the rock at Rephidim. The occasion was almost exactly like this one (Exodus 17:1-7). The people contended with Moses. He stated himself that they asked, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (7).
Our Condescending God
The word condescend is an interesting one. We tend to bristle when someone speaks in a condescending tone toward us. It is a sign to us that they think they are better, stronger, smarter, wiser than us. It seems to indicate arrogance, and we find it unseemly.
The word condescend is defined by Webster: 1) to assume an air of superiority. 2a) to descend to a less formal or dignified level. 2b) to waive the privileges of rank.
While the word does hold negative connotations, such is not necessary. Consider the reality that God is truly superior. If He condescends to His creation, it is not a negative thing. It is an indication of His love and concern for us.
The Psalmist recognized this. “From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?” (Psalm 113:3-6).
God condescended to send His Son to earth to benefit mankind. His Son condescended to come, “taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:7-8).
God came down to our level, to lift us up to His. “Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!” (Psalm 113:2).
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Sermon: The Resurrection of Christ
The resurrection of Christ was predicted by prophets, promised by Jesus Himself, and proclaimed His deity.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: Duties of Local Church Membership
God requires that Christians work together in His service. Too many have a “consumer mentality” when it comes to choosing a church. We should join a faithful congregation, that strives to to God’s work in God’s way.
A Change in Circumstance
On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, many memorable words were said, that we speak of often. There is a short discussion Jesus had with his apostles, recorded in Luke 22:35-38, is less familiar to many.
“And He said to them, ‘When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?’ So they said, ‘Nothing.’ Then He said to them, ‘But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” For the things concerning Me have an end.’ So they said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ And He said to them, ‘It is enough’” (Luke 22:35-38).
The previous occasion mention here by the Lord is the limited commission He gave to His apostles to go the lost sheep of the house of Israel, to preach to them “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (cf. Matthew 10:5-15). As the apostles affirmed, they were well cared for as they witnessed and preached to a largely accepting audience. At that point in his ministry Jesus and His ministry was very popular, though even then He predicted a time when they would be persecuted for being His apostles (cf. Matthew 10:16-26).
The Patternists: Who Judges the Steward?
“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:1-4).
In our text Paul reveals himself as a servant of Christ. Christ had given him a specific stewardship. As an apostle, it was his responsibility to reveal God’s mysteries. His efforts enraged some. For example, the Judaizers in the early church despised the great apostle’s ministry among the Gentiles. It didn’t bother him in the least. He didn’t care. It was a “very small thing.”
“Let him become a fool”
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God…” (1 Corinthians 3:18-19a).
We are constantly bombarded with the world’s wisdom. It is seen on television as we watch the news, as well as entertainment. It even rears its head when you watch something as simple as sports. Moral issues, civic issues, questions of war and peace. How to help people. What is most important. Who is right and wrong. People argue back and forth, everyone sure they are right, and the other side is not only wrong but evil. But, few talk about God. Even fewer adopt what God has to say!
James warned about this, calling worldly wisdom demonic and divisive (cf. James 3:15). Here in our text, Paul called them fools who hold to worldly wisdom!
They are crafty, but God catches them in their deceit. Their thoughts are futile. (vs. 19b-20). It is misguided to place your trust in their schemes. The world is a mess because of them. “Therefore let no one boast in men” (21a).
Society seems doomed because too many are swayed by the futile thoughts of our cultural and political leaders and influencers. But it is not too late for you and I. We have to reject the wisdom of the world, and become fools for Christ!
Do you want true wisdom? Place your trust in the Lord!
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Sermon: Living a Balanced Life
The wise man in Ecclesiastes establishes the importance of living a balanced life (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). The only way this is possible is by having Christ at the center of your life.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: Proof of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection
Short 8:30 minute invitation talk.
It was not only the disciples of Jesus who witnessed His power over death. When Jesus raised Lazarus, for example, John 11 reveals that the Jewish leaders acknowledged His power as well. They sought to kill Him for it.
A Hard Saying
In a recent study I had with a number of non-Christians, we were covering the book of Luke, and came across the following passage: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery” (Luke 16:18).
One person remarked that the passage seemed unduly harsh and unfair. I responded that I understood he would feel that way, but asked others if they thought the same? Several admitted they did.
I must admit I was a bit surprised. I thought the response would be a bit more muted. It just shows how modern day thinking is so opposed to the morals espoused by our Lord.
Of course, Jesus had the same problem when these concepts were first taught by him. In Matthew 19, he said almost the same thing in verse 9. In response, His own disciples said, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” (Matthew 19:10).
It certainly is not easy to live up to the standards God has set for us morally. As Christians we are called to reject the darkness, and cling to the light. “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Not all are willing to heed Jesus’ words. That does not lead our Lord to compromise. Instead, He simply says, “He who is able to accept it, let him accept it” (Matthew 19:12).
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