Love Worth Finding | Audio Program

743 episodes — Page 10 of 15

Guide to the Great Unknown

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Joshua 3:1-5 In Joshua 3, the children of Israel were on the brink of blessing. Between them and a land of opportunity was a raging river of difficulty. However, they had with them the Ark of the Covenant, a reminder of God’s presence with His people, and their guide to the Great Unknown. “And Joshua said to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you’” (Joshua 3:5). Joshua instructed his people to keep their eyes on the ark, to move only when it moves, to follow its lead. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will guide us through uncharted places. We don’t have to know the future to walk victoriously, so long as God’s presence leads us. We must be sure not to run out in front of God’s plans; timing is more important than time. He must remain at the head, and it’s our job to simply follow. When we keep our eyes on Him, He will also grant His unfading promises. Jesus is our ark of the covenant; He is proof that God keeps His promises to us. Those promises are good for all saints, in all seasons, and in all situations. His Word is settled in Heaven, unfading, even today. When He guides us, Jesus will also guard us with His unfailing power. The children of Israel passed through the Jordan River on dry ground because they were guarded by the God of power. If we believe in God’s unfailing ability as the Israelites did, there’s no telling what sort of blessings we’ll experience. In order to trust in God, we must know Him. Adrian Rogers says, “Every command of the sovereign God is a promise of the living God that He will perform in you and through you what He commands you to do.” The Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River is a picture of the Gospel, in which Jesus went into the river of death and stopped it from flowing so that we may pass through. As the Lord our God, He is sovereign; as the living God, He is sufficient. And as God of all the Earth, He is in control of every situation. Apply it to your life Are you facing a new season of life or uncharted territory? Don’t get ahead of your Guide; follow God through the Great Unknown today.

Dec 29, 2022

What Child is This?

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 1:1-4 Our eternal destiny hangs on one question, asked here three ways: Who is the baby born in Bethlehem? What Child is this? Who is Jesus Christ? Some believe he was simply a great man, a moral teacher or a messenger of God. But as believers, we know the right answer: Jesus is the Son of God. We worship one God, who has revealed Himself in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We know that Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, but He is also God the Son. John 1:1-2 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” The Trinity is a sacred mystery; it does not rise or fall on logic, but by divine revelation. Not understanding the Trinity shouldn’t bother us; instead, it should give us comfort. Adrian Rogers says, “I wouldn’t have any confidence in a God that I could understand.” We must recognize the sovereign majesty of the Trinity.God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are equally sovereign. “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:3-4). The Trinity is evident in creation (Genesis 1:1) and in the greatest commandment (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). The Trinity is also evident in the Christmas story (Matthew 1:20-23) and in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus Christ’s beginning was not in Bethlehem. The Son of God is spoken of throughout the Old Testament, in prophecy and physical presence. He has no beginning and He will never have an ending. Once we accept this knowledge, we can receive the Trinity’s saving ministry.Our destiny depends upon the work of the Trinity. Ephesians 1:3-5 shares that we are selected by God the Father. He knew from all eternity that we would receive and trust him. Ephesians 1:6-7 reveals that we are saved by God the Son, who has redeemed us by His blood. And once we’ve trusted in Jesus Christ, God the Holy Spirit seals us in, becoming our eternal security Apply it to your lifePraise God, that He is bigger than our understanding. Today, worship Jesus, the Son of God and God the Son. Lay down your intellectual pride and offer your heart to Him.

Dec 21, 2022

The Wisdom of Christmas

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 21:12 We don’t know much about the wise men who came to worship Jesus after His miraculous birth; however, we do know they exemplify the supernatural wisdom of Christmas. Matthew 2:1-2 says, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’” Adrian Rogers says, “The wisest thing you could do at Christmastime, or any other time, is to worship Jesus.” In spite of difficulty, distance, discomfort, and danger, these wise men sought to worship Jesus Christ. They received the ministry of the Spirit, who put it in their hearts to find Him. It is God who puts the desire in our hearts to seek Him, just like He put it in the hearts of the wise men. They also had the message of the Scripture; these men were familiar with the prophetic place of Christ’s birth, because they knew the Word of God. Many people missed His First Coming because they simply did not read, believe, or obey the Scripture. These men witnessed the miracle of the star; the shekinah glory of God led them step-by-step. Likewise, when we set our hearts to know God, no matter what it takes, He will guide us every step of the way. We also see what these wise men brought to the Lord Christ: gold, frankincense and myrrh (see Matthew 2:11). Gold, the most precious metal they knew, speaks of His sovereign dominion as the King of kings. Frankincense, a sweet perfume used in the tabernacle to worship God, speaks of His sinless deity; it signifies that He is God. Myrrh, a bitter herb used to embalm the dead, speaks of His sacrificial death; He was born to die. Adrian Rogers says, “From the time He was a child, He had the shadow of a cross.” These gifts remind us that our wealth, worship, and witness belong to Him, the King of kings, Lord of lords and Savior of the world. Apply it to your life Do you want to be wise this Christmas? Consider these wise men: how they sought the Lord and what they brought Him. Your wealth, your worship, and your witness belong to Him.

Dec 16, 2022

The Biography of the King

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Isaiah 53:1 Seven centuries before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah wrote the biography of the King, the promised Messiah, and Savior of the world. Isaiah 53 first prophesies the supernatural birth of the King: “For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground...” (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus’ miracle Virgin Birth is essential to our faith. Without the Virgin Birth, Jesus would have been under the curse of Adam, and couldn’t have been our atonement for sin. Adrian Rogers says, “He was born of a virgin that we might be born again. He became the Son of Man that we might become sons and daughters of God.” This passage also declares the simple life of the King. “He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2). Many were looking for a dazzling hero, a political Messiah. Yet, the Son of God was born in a rather insignificant village; by all appearances, He was quite ordinary. Jesus laid aside His splendor and majesty so that we may know Him by His character, and have faith in Him accordingly. Third, this passage describes the substitutionary death of the King. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus took our sins, shame, separation, and suffering. We owe everything to the Savior, who took our place and became the object of God’s wrath. Fourth, we see the saving resurrection of the King. “<a href="http://...When" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...When</a> You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days...” (Isaiah 53:10). Three days after His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead and walked out of the grave; we serve a living, risen, victorious Savior. Finally, this passage shares the sovereign reign of the King. “He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities” (Isaiah 53:11). We can know Him, receive justification, and be made alive to serve Him in His endless victory. Apply it to your life Have you been justified by the King—made alive by our living Savior? Consider the prophetic biography of Jesus Christ today.

Dec 15, 2022

Jesus: The One and Only

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Colossians 1:19 Out of the billions who have ever lived, only a handful of people have made a lasting imprint upon society. There is one who stands head and shoulders above all others: Jesus, the One and Only Son of God. Adrian Rogers says, “To explain Jesus is impossible, to ignore Him is disastrous, and to deny Him is fatal.” Words don’t come close to explaining the majesty of Jesus Christ, but there are three things we can learn about Him from Colossians 1. First, Jesus alone reveals the Father. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15). Jesus has the monopoly on divine revelation; the only way we can know God the Father is through Jesus. This verse also explains that He is the first-born, above all things, King of kings and Lord of lords. Second, Jesus alone rules the Universe. “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). Jesus is the power of creation. Adrian Rogers says, “That little baby in Matthew 1 is the Mighty God of Genesis 1.” He is the preserver of creation, the one who holds it all together. By Jesus, all things consist; He’s the one who fuels the sun, who veils the moon with beauty, and keeps the stars on their courses. He is the purpose of creation; it was all made by Him and for Him, and we are moving toward the day when He is crowned Lord of All. Finally, Jesus alone reconciles the lost. “<a href="http://...and" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...and</a> by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). When we see Jesus’ deity, we can understand the greatness of His death. His deity makes His death meaningful, and His death makes His deity knowable. Jesus stepped down from glory and became like us in order to reconcile us to God the Father. He alone is worthy of our praise. Apply it to your life Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who reveals the Father, rules the Universe, and reconciles the lost? Serve Him today and share your faith in Him with others.

Nov 30, 2022

Soon Coming of Our Lord

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Revelation 1:3 Eternity is only a heartbeat away; at any moment Jesus may return, as Revelation 1:3 warns, “<a href="http://...the" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...the</a> time is near.” When Jesus came to this earth the first time, He came with His glory veiled; when He returns, His glory will be unveiled, and we will truly see Him. The Book of Revelation gives insight regarding the soon coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He is the resurrected Christ with undiminished humanity. Jesus is fully God and fully man; He has not laid His humanity aside. He is the reigning Christ with unrivaled majesty. In Revelation 1, Jesus appeared to the Apostle John wearing the robes of royalty. Adrian Rogers says, “When He came the first time, He came to redeem; when He comes again, He will come to reign.” He is the righteous Christ with undiminished purity. Revelation 1:14 describes His purity and holiness: “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow…” He is the revealing Christ with unhindered scrutiny. Jesus sees us and sees through us; He cannot be deceived, for: “His eyes like a flame of fire…” (v. 14) He is the relentless Christ with untarnished integrity. “His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace…” (v. 15) Brass is an emblem of judgment, and the feet speak of His going forth; when Jesus returns, He is not coming to redeem, but to judge. He is the regal Christ with unchallenged authority. Revelation 1:15 continues to speak of the power of His voice: “<a href="http://...and" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...and</a> His voice as the sound of many waters…” He is the regulating Christ with unequaled mastery. Jesus continues to be the One who holds everything in His right hand. He is the revenging Christ with unspoiled victory. At Armageddon, Jesus’ words will be like a two-edged sword. Adrian Rogers says, “The Lord Jesus who spoke them into existence will speak them into oblivion.” He is the resplendent Christ with undimmed glory. The radiance of our Lord will light all of Heaven for all eternity. He is the reassuring Christ with undeniable deity. Jesus, who became the death of Death, is the One we worship. The Jesus we see in Revelation requires our full submission, our reverence and our great assurance. Apply it to your life As you study Revelation 1 today, give Jesus your full submission and reverence, and receive His great assurance.

Nov 28, 202237 min

How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 23:6 The devil’s deceitful and counterfeit thrills never last; in fact, Satan always gives his best first and the worst last. On the contrary, every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before, and even still, He saves the best for last. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” God has promised us a place beyond death, and we can anticipate it through Christ. By looking forward to our dwelling in Heaven, we can make the rest of our lives the best of our lives. This passage reminds us, first, of the certainty of Heaven. In John 14:3, Jesus says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” Heaven is not a state of mind or a condition, it is a real and present place where Christians go after death. Heaven is also a perfect place. Revelation 21:4 says, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Adrian Rogers says, “Heaven is the presence of all that is good and the absence of all that is evil. It is all that the loving heart of God can conceive and the omnipotent hand of God can prepare.” It is also a purposeful place; without the hindrance of our sinful nature, we’ll serve God like never before. We can also anticipate the company of Heaven: all those in the family of God. We will keep our personalities, having not been absorbed into nothingness. We will know brothers and sisters in Christ and reunite with loved ones. Finally, we must remember the constancy of Heaven. For now, we are just pilgrims, sojourning on earth. But one day, we will settle in a place of constant joy, constant service, and constant praise. Apply it to your life Have you decided to follow Jesus, and make the rest of your days the best of your days? Considering the length of eternity, we can spend the rest of our lives in high anticipation for the place prepared for us.

Nov 11, 202236 min

How to Feel Good About God

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 23:5 Many go about today with an incorrect perspective of God. We may believe He is a cosmic killjoy, who only exists to break up our good times. However, when we know God’s heart and His goodness, we’ll find that we feel good about Him. In Psalm 23:5, David uses three Jewish customs to exemplify how God truly feels about His children. Understanding their meanings can show us how to feel good about God. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” The Bible is full of stories of banquets, weddings, and miracles performed over meals; one could call God’s Word a continual feast. David says that God has welcomed us to His table and that He’s expected us and prepared for our presence. Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus meets the deepest hungers of our hearts and satisfies the deepest longings. He prepared a table of replenishment when there was the enemy of inadequacy.” Our fullness comes from Jesus’ restoration, remembrance, and redemption. Jesus doesn’t keep score of our wrongdoings, nor does He ignore us in anger when we fail Him. His disciple, Simon Peter, experienced this when he denied knowing Jesus three times. After His resurrection, Jesus reunited with Him over breakfast and lovingly restored their relationship. “You anoint my head with oil…” To anoint guests with oil is to acknowledge them as valuable, and refresh them before the feast. We can be glad in His presence; His mercies are new each morning. (See Lamentations 3:22-23.) Serving God only gets better, and His grace gets even sweeter, and His presence gets more real. “My cup runs over...” Filling one’s cup to the brim is the utmost sign of hospitality and friendship. To claim that our cup is overflowing means God wants us to stay in His presence for longer. It signifies that we are loved, cherished, and welcome for as long as we want. God is not stingy with His blessings, nor does He hold back; He gives freely, lavishly, wondrously, and abundantly. His peace passes all understanding, and His joy is unspeakable and full of glory. Apply it to your life In Christ, we are full, refreshed, and free; don’t let the devil convince you to think negatively about God. Instead, remember Jesus’s words to you: “Come and dine.”

Nov 10, 202223 min

How to Smile at Death

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 23:4 In spite of our best efforts to forget, death is a very real fact. As believers, it’s something we don’t have to fear; rather, we can anticipate it. In Psalm 23, King David reveals how to smile at death: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (v. 4). First, David accepted death as an inevitable fact. There is no way around it, and no way to know when it will happen to us; we just know it will eventually, to each of us. Second, David acknowledges that death has been defeated. From this perspective, we see that there can be no valley without mountains, and there is no shadow without light. Adrian Rogers says, “Death is just a shadow because Jesus has become the death of death. He pulled the sting out of death, took the gloom out of the grave, took the dread out of dying. Jesus gives us a hope that is steadfast and sure. A shadow may frighten you, but it cannot hurt you.” We also learn that there is no evil without a greater good. Because Jesus is our Jehovah, truth is mightier than error, grace is greater than sin, our Sovereign is greater than Satan, and life is greater than death. David sees that death is no longer his enemy, but his servant. In death, we are finally made like Jesus, able to praise Him with our whole hearts alongside the saints of all the ages, becoming one with God. In death, we see God’s presence and power. Adrian Rogers says, “There’s nothing that will bring you face-to-face with God more than the dark valleys of life.” As stated in Psalm 23:4, His rod protects us from all of the powers of evil and His staff draws us close to Him. Finally, death reveals the purpose of the Shepherd: to bring us out to the other side. David knew enough about a shepherd to know that he would never lead his sheep through a valley unless he was leading them to a better place. Apply it to your life Do you want to smile at death? Accept death as a fact, acknowledge that it has been defeated by Jesus, and consider it a friend, used to reveal God’s presence, power, and purpose.

Nov 9, 202228 min

How to Get Right with God and Stay Right with God

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 23:3 It is in a sheep’s nature to wander away from the shepherd. But it is in the shepherd’s nature to restore his sheep. Likewise, we can expect to fall out of fellowship with God. But by His grace, we can learn how to get right with God and stay right with Him. Psalm 23:3 says, “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” If we have wandered from the path of righteousness, we must first remember the ministry of the shepherd. Jesus is the good shepherd who restores His sheep when they are led astray. He uses the rod for protection and correction. For the stubborn sheep insistent on his own way, Jesus uses the rod, which is a shepherd’s chief weapon for protecting and correcting his flock. God loves us too much to leave us in our stubbornness. It would be foolish to resent the rod or quit because of it. God’s correction reveals our sonship, renews our worship, and restores our fellowship. Though correction is not joyous, it brings peace and fruitfulness. He uses the staff to retrieve. The shepherd’s solution for the straying sheep is a staff, which is a crook used to harness and retrieve sheep. When we stray away from God, He retrieves us with His love and draws us back to Him with His grace. He anoints His sheep and restores them to righteousness. For the sheep that have been hurt by the enemy or the elements, the shepherd anoints their wounds with healing oil. God has anointed us with the Holy Spirit, which protects us from the enemy’s infliction. After He ministers to His sheep, God restores us that He might master us. After we’re restored, we ought to follow Him on the path of righteousness closer than ever, observing and obeying Him. Adrian Rogers says, “If we don’t go from restoration to righteousness, we will go right back to the same problem.” The shepherd’s reputation is based on the activity, welfare, and obedience of his sheep. We stay right with God in order to reveal His majesty to others. Jesus is our saving Jehovah; He leads us so that we can bring glory to His name. Apply it to your life Are you a sheep in need of restoration and guidance back to the path of righteousness? Love God, thank Him for His loving chastisement, observe, and obey.

Nov 7, 202233 min

How to Handle Stress (1361)

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 23:2 Psalm 23:2 says, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” Though we can obtain great intelligence here on earth, we are spiritually inept, much like sheep. In stressful seasons of life, we can convince ourselves that we don’t have time to be still and rest. But God has called His sheep to lie down in green pastures and to drink from the still waters; we need to learn how to handle stress. We can handle stressful times, first by knowing the security we have in our Shepherd. We are secure in Jesus: the good, great, chief Shepherd. The New Testament describes Jesus much like the Old Testament describes a shepherd: full of compassion, care, and courage. A good shepherd will fight for his sheep, fending off anything that threatens his flock. Likewise, this is telling of Jesus’s character in the Gospels, who leaves the ninety-nine to retrieve the one who has wandered. (See Matthew 18:12.) Jesus is also our sufficient Shepherd. One source of stress is the fear that our needs may not be met. But in Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to “<a href="http://...seek" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...seek</a> first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added...” In Psalm 23, the green pastures are symbolic of His Word; and the still waters, His spirit. God intends for us to have our fill in Him, and be satisfied. When we are first satisfied in our relationship with God, we can begin to manage our stress. Finally, we have serenity in our good Shepherd. Sheep will not lie down until they are content; neither will people. A reason for our stress could be that we've forgotten to take time to slow down, to be still, and know that God is God. (See Psalm 46:10.) Psalm 104:34 says, “May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the LORD.” It’s not enough to study Scripture; we must be in the habit of digesting what we’ve read, and regularly carving out time to rest in His promises. Apply it to your life Do you have a hard time handling stress? Find in Jesus Christ your security, His sufficiency, and the serenity that comes from meditating on the Word of God.

Nov 3, 202232 min

The Secret of Satisfaction (1359)

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 23:1 We can have all the things of this world and yet still be dissatisfied in our lives. Wealth, fame, and fortune do not fulfill a longing only God can satisfy. The secret of satisfaction is found in Psalm 23:1, which says, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” This short verse is packed full of promises that, when correctly understood, can change our perspectives. We can be satisfied no matter what material wealth we may or may not have. First, we notice what the Psalmist, David, calls God: The Lord, which translates to “Jehovah.” Jehovah is the most sacred name, for it claims God as self-existing, having neither a beginning nor an ending. When we claim God as Jehovah, we speak of His deity. But in the next phrase: “<a href="http://...is" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...is</a> my Shepherd,” we speak of His humanity. Adrian Rogers says, “In the Lord Jesus, we have sovereignty and sympathy, a king and a shepherd. We have a God who is able and a shepherd who is available, a God in the heavens and a shepherd in our hearts.” In John 10, Jesus is called the Good Shepherd, who will lay down His life for the sheep (v. 11). But in Hebrews 13, He's called the great shepherd, who rose back to life for the sheep: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant…” (v. 20) He died to take care of the penalty of our sin, and He rose again to overthrow the power of our sin. And as the chief shepherd, He will one day take us from the presence of sin. Because He is sovereign, and He is our shepherd, the secret to satisfaction is the Lord, Himself. We must have a personal relationship with Him, as Jesus says in John 10:14: “I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.” A personal relationship with God means we are eternally secure in Him, permanently His, and protected by His grace. Apply it to your life The Lord God is our Shepherd, our provider, our healer, our peace and righteousness; He is the ever-present banner. We will never be satisfied apart from Him. Do you have a personal, permanent, protected relationship with Him?

Nov 1, 202232 min

Burdens

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Galatians 6:1-3 Whether we are saved or lost, we will all carry burdens at points in our lives; but we do not have to bear them alone. Galatians 6 shows us what to do with our burdens. First, this passage addresses the burdens we take up, the ones we share. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). As believers, we are called to take up the burdens of another brother or sister who is hurting—to restore those who have backslidden. We must remember that a broken person doesn’t need a lecture; he needs to be brought back to fellowship with God. A backslidden Christian is like a broken place in our net of believers. He needs us to approach him gently, humbly, and sympathetically. To fulfill the law of Christ, we must love our brother back to fellowship with God and mend the broken place in the net. There are also burdens we bear, the ones we shoulder. “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4-5). We are not called to lives of ease, but of discipline. God lays burdens upon us and expects us to shoulder them ourselves. It is our own responsibility to repent and be saved. Finally, there are burdens we give up, those we roll onto the Lord. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you...” Our loving Father urges us to lay brokenhearted burdens at His throne; our burdens can be used to bring us to our Master’s feet. Adrian Rogers says, “Burdens come to the high as well as to the low; they come to the rich as well as to the poor, to the saints and the sinners, the old and young. These are burdens we were never meant to carry alone.” Apply it to your life If you are a believer, you are called to lift another’s burdens and bring backslidden brothers and sisters back to Jesus. Realize your own burden of responsibility to share God with others; cast your heartaches upon Jesus, for He cares for you.

Oct 28, 2022

Forgiveness

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 18:21 One of God’s greatest gifts to us is forgiveness; He forgives us of our own sins, and He empowers us to forgive others who sin against us. Forgiveness is costly; the forgiveness of our sins cost the precious blood of Jesus. And sometimes, it costs something of us to forgive others. Yet, Scripture provides endless reasons to forgive, no matter the cost. First, we must forgive one another because God has so willingly forgiven us. Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Second, if we do not forgive, we shut out the forgiveness of God. Matthew 18:35 says: “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” Adrian Rogers says, “As long as you have an unforgiving spirit in your heart, you cannot get the forgiveness of God.” Third, if we don’t forgive, our unforgiving spirit will do us great emotional damage, namely, bitterness. We don’t just forgive an individual for their sake, but also for our own sake. So long as we keep our brother “on the hook” for something he’s done against us, we will also remain on the same hook. Adrian Rogers says, “When you forgive, you set a prisoner free, and discover that the prisoner was you.” Finally, forgiveness restores a broken fellowship. Matthew 18:15 says, “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” We must forgive freely and quickly, taking the initiative and approaching offenders with a heart ready to receive them. We must forgive fully, not half-heartedly, and it must be final. Once we forgive, we must bury the offense in the grave of God’s forgetfulness and not bring it up again. As a result, we set ourselves free from the prison of bitterness, and set our brother free from his guilt. Once free, there can be reconciliation, which can lead to revival. Apply it to your life Is there anyone that you’re harboring hate for or holding a grudge against? Is there bitterness in your heart? In the name of Jesus, deal with it; ask God for His strength to forgive. Don’t let an unforgiving spirit keep you from having genuine spiritual revival in your life.

Oct 27, 2022

When the Spirit Speaks

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 16:7 There are things we will never understand until we lay down our intellectual pride and let the Holy Spirit speak to us. Only when the Spirit speaks can we understand three truths regarding who we are and what God makes us. John 16:7 says, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” First, the Holy Spirit teaches the truth about the sinner’s basic problem. A man is a sinner because of what he is and what he has done. Born into this fallen world, it is in our nature to give in to sin. A man is also a sinner because of what he has not done. God made us to know, love, and serve Him; when we do not do that, we are refusing Him the glory He deserves. But our ultimate problem is that we are sinners for not believing, because the greatest sin is unbelief. Unbelief is the parent sin, out of which all other sins come; it is proof of man’s wickedness, and it is what separates us from God forever. Second, the Holy Spirit shows the truth about the Savior’s bountiful provision. When we believe in Jesus Christ, He changes what we are at our very core and gives us a new nature. Adrian Rogers says, “Christians are not just nicer people; they’re new creatures.” He also forgives us for what we have done. Every stain, blot, or blemish of our past is washed whiter than snow, buried in the grave of God’s forgetfulness. He gives us the righteousness we need in order to be saved. Finally, the Holy Spirit proclaims the truth about Satan’s broken power. Jesus’s death on the cross was God’s greatest victory over evil. Satan’s kingdom was crushed; he now sails a sinking ship and rules a doomed domain. When we receive Christ, we become more like Him every day. That is what our faith is all about, and what the Holy Spirit is working within us. Apply it to your life Have you laid down your intellectual pride and allowed the Holy Spirit to impart things only He can show you? Understanding man’s sinful nature and the Savior’s provision, are you becoming more like Jesus?

Oct 25, 2022

Salty Saints

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Leviticus 2:11 Leviticus 2:11 says, “No grain offering which you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven, for you shall burn no leaven nor any honey in any offering to the Lord made by fire.” Leaven in the Bible represents evil, sin, and corruption. Leaven ferments; it works quietly and stealthily in lukewarm conditions. Jesus warned us about three kinds of spiritual leaven in Matthew 16: -Leaven of the Pharisees, which is legalism -Leaven of the Sadducees, which is liberalism -Leaven of Herod, which is worldliness The absence of leaven in this offering reminds us that we must present the Lord Jesus Christ in His purity. The Bible also uses honey to represent excessive sweetness. The popular “honey gospel” tells us God is love: inexpressible, infinite, eternal love; but that’s only part of the truth. When this half-truth becomes the whole truth, it is entirely untrue. Yes, God is love, but He is also a holy God who will not acquit the wicked or condone sin. Adrian Rogers says, “Let us beware of loveless truth and truthless love.” The absence of honey in this offering reminds us that we must present the Lord Jesus Christ in His integrity. Leviticus 2:13 says, “And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt…” We are to present the Lord Jesus with much salt. Matthew 5:13 says, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?” Salt decontaminates, prevents decay, and restrains corruption. It activates, preserves taste, heals, stings, and penetrates. And if you’re not careful, it dissipates; when salt loses its savor, it has no other use but to be tossed out on the roads. The problem with our society is not the leaven, it is the salt-less saints. It’s time for salt to do its work. Adrian Rogers says, “When the message we preach is bloated with leaven and dripping with honey, rather than supercharged with salt, friend, we have become good for nothing, salt-less saints.” Apply it to your life

Oct 21, 2022

How to Understand the Bible

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: James 1:21-25 We cannot grow as Christians if we are not actively studying the Word of God. It’s not enough to know facts about and within Scripture. When we go to the Bible to extract truth, we fail; rather, we must receive the truth and welcome it in. The Book of James shows us how to understand the Bible, and reveals four ways to welcome the Word of God. We first welcome the Word with a repentant spirit. "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21). There is a moral qualification to hear from God; hangover sins and unrepentant hearts can keep us from understanding Scripture. When we study the Bible, it is crucial that we first make a full confession of sin and ask God to search our hearts for any trace of wickedness. We also welcome the Word with a receptive spirit, with meekness, which is a teachable spirit. James 3:3 says, "Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body." Likewise, God wants to break us and take us under His control, making us sensitive to His commands. Third, we welcome the Word with a responsive spirit. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). Once we understand the Scripture we read, we must obey it; if we don’t, we are self-deceived. Adrian Rogers says, “A study of the Bible gives you knowledge about God. Obedience gives you knowledge of God.” Finally, we welcome the Word with a reflective spirit. "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:25). When we read the Bible with a reflective spirit, the Bible reads us in return. It gives us a new perspective of our lives and shows our truest selves. Rather than quickly glancing at Scripture, we must learn to gaze into it. Apply it to your life Are you actively receiving the Word of God with a repentant heart and a receptive, responsive spirit? Remember, as Adrian Rogers says, “The best way to understand the part of the Bible you don’t understand, is to obey the part you do understand.”

Oct 19, 202239 min

How to Know the Will of God

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Acts 9:1-6 Acts 9 tells the story of Saul’s conversion to becoming Paul. While on his way to persecute Christians, Saul came face-to-face with Jesus. And Saul’s first question to Jesus was: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do” (Acts 9:6)? We are clever creatures who have lost our way and must relearn how we can know the will of God. First, remember that God has promised to guide. Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." God has a moral plan for each of our lives. God’s will is sovereign; it is always done. There is no changing the fixed standard of right and wrong He has established. Though God’s will is particular for each of us, there are six universal truths about His plan: It is not a roadmap; it is a relationship. It is not the end of our joy, but the beginning. God does not speak only to certain people; He has a plan for everyone. Learning God’s will is not always a dramatic experience; oftentimes, it is spoken softly. God is not finished with us, whether we’re 9 or 99. God does not hide His will from us. He wants us to know it even more than we do. God’s guidance hinges on our willingness, meekness, and openness. He is willing to guide when we yield to His control. Sometimes, God will give visions, miracles, or dreams to reveal His plans, but many times, He speaks practically. He guides through Scripture, His people, and the Holy Spirit within us. We must be sensitive enough to hear and know His voice. God also leads with sheer wisdom, through the renewing of our minds. God opens and closes doors, and guides the meek through it all. Many times, we don’t even know it was the providence of God until afterward. We don’t have to be afraid of the will of God. Adrian Rogers says, “The will of God will not take you where the power of God cannot keep you.” Apply it to your life Are you trying to find the will of God for your life? How much time are you spending alone with God? If we want to understand God’s particular will for our lives, we must begin to obey the Scriptures we understand.

Oct 10, 202240 min

How to Have a Spirit-Filled Life

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Ephesians 5:18 The Christian life is a blessing, but if we don’t understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit, it can feel more like a burden. The secret to a blessed Christian life is being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is important to know how to have a spirit-filled life. Ephesians 5:18 says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit...” Having a Spirit-filled life is a command from God to obey, as well as a blessing to enjoy. It is also our obligation as Christians, because on our own, we don’t have the strength to do what the Bible commands us to do. The only way to truly worship God is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Our marriages and work relationships hinge on this as well. We serve our families and colleagues as we should when we first submit to the Holy Spirit. It is also how we win in this spiritual warfare we face every day. It is our only hope in ever witnessing to others. We are up against the organized, demonic forces of Hell. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Adrian Rogers says, “There has never been a greater day, a greater age, a greater opportunity to preach the Gospel of Jesus than right now.” What are the requirements of being filled with the Holy Spirit? There must first be a complete commitment to Christ. We must continually yield control to Him, consciously claiming our dependence on Him every moment. When we do this, we receive a spirit of adoration for God—a passionate, blazing love for Jesus Christ that doesn’t burn out. We also receive a spirit of appreciation for our circumstances. Ephesians 5:20 claims Christians are to be, “Giving thanks always for all things…” Finally, we receive a spirit of accommodation toward others. Every day, every place, we are learning to submit to and serve others. Apply it to your life Adrian Rogers says, “We need a generation of Spirit-filled people. As the night grows darker, the saints grow brighter, and the hunger intensifies. And there are people who are looking, waiting, wondering: Is there an answer? The answer is in Christ.”

Sep 28, 202236 min

How to Be Saved and Know It

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 John 5:11 Every Christian ought to have the privilege of knowing, beyond any shadow of doubt, that he or she is saved. But having doubts doesn’t necessarily mean we are not saved. Adrian Rogers says, “Doubt is to your spirit what pain is to your body; it doesn't mean you're dead, it means something's wrong.” 1 John 5 reveals how to be saved and know it, without hesitation. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:11-13). When doubts arise, we must remember, first, how we are saved: by grace, through faith (see Ephesians 2:8). Adrian Rogers says, “Grace is the unmerited favor and love that God shows to us. It's what made God love us when we were unlovely. God doesn't love us because we're valuable… we're valuable because He loves us.” Faith is not intellectual belief; it is trust and commitment to God. Think of grace as the hand of God reaching down to us, and faith is our hand reaching up to Him. Understanding this, we can find our assurance through three basic tests: -Lordship Test Is Jesus Christ the Lord of my life? If we claim to love God, we will keep His commandments. -Fellowship Test Do I love my brothers and sisters in Christ? Am I in fellowship with other believers? Fellowship is the nature of both the Christian and the Church. -Relationship Test Do I have a vital relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? The assurance of our salvation is on-going; it is not a past event, stamped by a time and date and place. It is a present decision to trust in Jesus, right now. We can trust in Him, for He alone is the assurance of our salvation. Apply it to your life Do you have doubts about your faith? Consider the lordship, fellowship, and relationship tests. If you don’t know whether your doubt is the Holy Spirit’s conviction, or the devil’s tactic, believe in Jesus.

Sep 15, 202229 min

God's Amazing Grace

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Ruth 2 After losing her husband in a pagan land, Ruth made the wise choice to stay with her mother-in-law and continue worshiping the one true God. God honored her choice and lavished His amazing grace upon her by way of Boaz. Ruth 2:1 says, “There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz…” The love story of Ruth and Boaz is a beautiful portrait of Jesus Christ’s love for the Church. First, this story reminds us of God’s saving grace. Because of her husband’s death, the law of the land claimed a curse upon Ruth. Boaz, a mighty man of great wealth, was a close kinsman of Ruth’s family. If willing, he could redeem her from financial bankruptcy and provide for Ruth in her weakened condition. Adrian Rogers says, “The law excluded her, but grace included her.” In the same way, Jesus is our near kinsman who willingly took on flesh and blood to be made like us in order to redeem us. Second, this grace is sovereign: the unseen hand of God brought Ruth to Himself. As a young, penniless widow, Ruth went to work in Boaz’s fields just in time for the barley harvest. Ruth showed up in the fields at the exact right time because God is sovereign, and He has a plan. Third, this grace was a seeking grace; once he saw her in the fields, Boaz took the initiative. God has taken the initiative with us, and continues to seek us through Scripture, our sufferings, and His servants. This was also a satisfying grace; throughout Ruth 2, we see Boaz looking out for Ruth’s needs as she worked the fields. This mimics how God satisfies our every need and provides for His children to further His kingdom. Finally, this was a securing grace; Boaz charged the other men of the field not to touch her. Ruth was now safe and secure under the watchful protection of her kinsman redeemer. And in Jesus Christ, we are not only saved and satisfied; we are forever secure. Apply it to your life Ruth was not placed in the fields of Boaz by accident. Likewise, you are not in your current circumstance by chance. Pray for God’s guidance and rest assured that He is with you, and He has a plan for your life.

Sep 5, 2022

Do You Have a Grudge with God?

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 11 It is very human to take up offense at little things, but it’s a dangerous thing to hold a grudge against the God of the Universe. There are four common scenarios many of us face and may be tempted to begrudge God. Scripture reveals how to change our perspectives before we harbor a grudge in our hearts. First, people get offended by God when they are persecuted for doing what’s right. In Matthew 11, John the Baptist had been arrested and faced the possibility of death. In a human moment, John honestly questioned Jesus, and he sent his question straight to Him. In response, Jesus was gentle, revealing to us that honest questions will receive sincere answers. God has not promised to keep us out of the dungeons, furnaces, or lions’ dens; if we end up in a valley, we must remember that God is God—He is on time and He is in control. Adrian Rogers says, “Christianity is not the subtraction of problems from life; Christianity is the addition of power to meet those problems.” Second, people may begrudge God when they are rebuked for doing wrong. In Matthew 15, Jesus expresses harsh rebuke to the Pharisees because of their self-righteousness. Our goodness is not enough to be saved; it is God who cleanses us from the inside. Third, people get offended by God because their expectations are not met. Becoming Christians does not deliver us from the unpleasantness of this world. In this life, we are sure to face disappointments, especially when we expect things that God has not promised. If we come to Jesus for some political, material motivation, we will be disappointed. Finally, people get offended by God because they envy other people’s blessings; they watch God bless other people, while they have not received the blessings they believe they’re due. In our flesh, we often forget that others’ blessings are not our diminishment; we must remember that God is not fair—and praise Him for that! The only thing we deserve is judgment, and yet He extends us grace, and so much more. We should instead be grateful for the blessings we receive and celebrate what God pours out on others. Apply it to your life Is your heart pure and free of any grudges against God? Prayerfully and carefully work through your relationship with Him; bring your honest questions to God and don’t come with false expectations.

Aug 30, 2022

What is the World Coming To?

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 2 Peter 3:6 It seems the more we try to put it in proper order, the messier the world becomes. As prophesied in Scripture, we will not know ultimate order and peace until Christ’s return. 2 Peter 3 gives insight into what this world is coming to, and how we are to conduct ourselves as we near the Last Days. “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior…” (2 Peter 3:1-2). First, we’re warned about those who will deny Jesus’ Second Coming: “...knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts…” (2 Peter 3:3). Ridicule and mockery have always been the enemy’s chief tools. When Jesus was first here, He was mocked; we can expect to be mocked for believing He will come again. Scoffers will inflict emotional and intellectual opposition to discredit, diminish, or distract from the importance of his Second Coming. But as Believers, we have the scriptural declaration of His coming. God has promised it in His Word, and His power declares that He is able. All of creation, including the cataclysm of the flood (See 2 Peter 3:6.) and the promise of fire (See 2 Peter 3:10-11.) reveals how God will intervene. Though He can, He has not intervened yet because of His tremendous patience. He keeps the door of mercy open, so we may enter while we still have time. Adrian Rogers says, “Even now, the raging waters of God’s wrath are furiously pounding against the dam of His mercy.” Finally, this passage reminds us of the sovereign demands of His coming. “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness…” (2 Peter 3:11). It is God’s desire that all come to repentance. We have a duty to share the saving message of Jesus Christ with others, and we have more opportunities now than ever before. Apply it to your life The souls of men are more important than anything else in our lives. As this world succumbs to more and more chaos, are you committed to sharing the Gospel with others?

Aug 24, 2022

How to Run Like a Champion

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 12:1-2 Living the Christian life is much like running in a race, and Hebrews 12 shows us how to run like a champion. First, we must remember there is a purpose to pursue. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” (Hebrews 12:1). We are in this race until our very last breath. There is no retiring or quitting from this race against ourselves. There is a person to prepare. “<a href="http://...let" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...let</a> us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us…” (Hebrews 12:1). Many of us lag behind because we are weighed down by excess baggage. Remember: we are free to enjoy our hobbies, treasures, and friendships until they keep us from running our race. Adrian Rogers says, “Good things become bad things when they keep you from the best things.” If we’re not careful, our baggage will cause us to stumble completely. When we find ourselves tripped up by sin, we must confess and repent so we can get back on track. Third, there is a price to pay. “<a href="http://...let" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...let</a> us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1). No one strolls over the finish line; endurance is necessary in order to run a race well. We must get our hearts and minds right and finish the course. Fourth, there’s a promise to plead. “...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2). The One who first calls us to the race will enable us to finish the race. We must keep our eyes on God, who gives us faith, because He is the One we are running toward. Finally, there is a prize to possess. “<a href="http://...who" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...who</a> for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). As we run this race, living by faith, we know we are headed toward eternal victory. Because Jesus finished the race on Calvary, He has become our reward. The race will have been worth it when we see Him face-to-face. Apply it to your life Are you running with endurance today – setting aside the things that weigh you down and cause you to sin? Are you living a life of faith well, sharing the Gospel with others, so that they may enter the race toward Jesus?

Aug 22, 2022

When Faith Seems to Fail

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:30-34 In this life, we will experience situations in which we’ve tried to trust in God and our faith seems to fail. What do we do when we face trials, tribulations, or heartaches, and faith doesn’t seem to remove them? Hebrews 11 gives us insight for those who struggle to endure when times get tough. First, this passage reminds us that mature faith believes in the supernatural power of God. “<a href="http://...who" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...who</a> through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong...” (Hebrews 11:33-34). Mature believers know that God can do anything but fail. Anyone who has walked with Jesus for a long time has had an experience that can’t be explained apart from His power. When reminded of the numerous miracles of God, we can be comforted to know that if God does not do something, it is not because He cannot. Second, mature faith bows to the sovereign purposes of God. “Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35). Sometimes, God’s ways are mysterious, but that doesn’t mean they’re weak. Many of the early Christians were martyred for their faith; many Christians around the world still are. God has not promised a life without difficulty. He has simply promised Himself. He will never leave or forsake us, especially when we face difficulty. We must hold onto the promise that, through Him, we have the ultimate victory over death. Finally, mature faith is based on the settled promises of God. “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us” (Hebrews 11:39-40). When faith seems to fail, it may be that we are asking for something that God never intended for us. We must remember that God has a wonderful plan, and He will bring it to pass. We can depend on His steadfast, eternal promises from Scripture. Adrian Rogers says, “Real faith is to center your life on Almighty God.” Apply it to your life Do you have the faith to endure trials and heartaches? Are you willing to let God be God, and to trust Him even when things don’t make sense?

Aug 18, 2022

Star Wars

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:32-34 Hebrews 11:32-34 lists several champions of faith, who exemplify tremendous character all throughout Scripture. One figure mentioned is Barak, a military leader, whose faith in God helped deliver Israel from a 20-year oppression of Canaan. Judges 5:20 explains, “They fought from the heavens; the stars from their courses fought against Sisera.” These passages reveal four reasons why the heavenlies sided with Barak and fought to bring him the victory. First, we identify the woman that God chose: Deborah. Deborah was a judge and prophetess in Israel. She was a godly woman who used her gifting and wisdom to minister to Barak. God still chooses women like Deborah to use their gifts and talents in ministry. Second, we see the warrior that God called: Barak. There was a battle to be fought to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. God chose Barak to lead the charge because his faith was rooted in the God of Israel and he lived as he believed. Third, we recognize the warfare that God conducted. Barak and his army did not stand a chance against the Canaanites’ flashy weaponry and 900 iron chariots. But the fight was fixed, for the stars themselves fought the battle. Before the battle began, God sent a rainstorm to soften the ground. This rendered the chariots useless and weighed down the Canaanites’ heavy armor. Adrian Rogers says, “The God who created the Universe and flung those stars out into space, programmed everything against Sisera.” When we love and serve God, God is on our side and programs us for victory. Finally, we notice the wickedness that God cursed. Judges 5:23 says, “‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the Lord, ‘Curse its inhabitants bitterly, because they did not come to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.’” In a time of crisis, the city of Meroz did not join the fight against the Canaanites. This is a crucial reminder to stand up for what is right and to fight alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ. Apply it to your life Every day, we face battles even more real than the one on Mount Tabor. As we face spiritual warfare and principalities and powers of darkness, we must act as men and women of faith. Adrian Rogers says, “God will bring the stars behind the man who’s behind God.”

Aug 16, 2022

People God Uses

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:32-34 The champions of faith listed in Hebrews 11 give us an idea of the kind of people God uses to accomplish His mighty plans. Hebrews 11:32-34 says, “<a href="http://...For" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...For</a> the time would fail me to tell of Gideon… who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle...” This passage reminds us of Gideon’s story in Judges 6-7 and shows five characteristics of people that God uses. First, God uses common people. By His Spirit, God turned Gideon, a once fearful farmer, into a valiant warrior. God does not rely on our abilities, but on our availability to Him to work through us in extraordinary ways. Second, God uses cleansed people. Before God could send Gideon to battle, Gideon had to do away with the idols in His life and surrender in worship. Adrian Rogers says, “An idol is anything you love, fear, serve or value more than God.” God will not use us if there is unconfessed sin in our lives. We must crush our idols, repent, and be cleansed from the inside out. Third, God uses courageous people. In Judges 7, God gives Gideon the command to send away soldiers who are afraid. This shows us that God can better use a smaller number of brave souls than a larger group of fearful ones. As children of God, we have been given a spirit of power and love. This does not mean we become naturally courageous—it means we are filled with His Spirit. Fourth, God uses cautious people. We are called to be on guard at all times, ready to fight against the temptation to sin. Adrian Rogers says, “Sin is a combination of an unexpected opportunity, an unprotected life and an undetected weakness.” Finally, God uses confident people. Gideon led the charge with confidence because He knew God was with Him. God gave them victory that day, and when we are confident that God is with us, we can be used in victorious ways. Apply it to your life God has mighty plans and He wants to use us to accomplish them. Make certain that your heart is clean. He may not use you the way you expect, but if you make yourself available to Him, He will use you.

Aug 15, 2022

Transforming Power of Faith

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:31 Faith has the incredible ability to radically and dramatically change people. In Joshua 2, Rahab the prostitute was transformed by faith. She was a Canaanite woman living in spiritual darkness, but after God saved her, she became part of the bloodline of Jesus Christ. Rahab’s transformation reveals four things about the power of faith. First, the providence of God confronted Rahab. In Joshua 2, two spies approached Rahab’s home with a message of Jericho’s imminent destruction. Rahab believed them and agreed to hide them in her home. God works on both sides of our circumstances; He will bring people together in order to save them. He finds tender, ready hearts and brings to them soul-winners to share their faith. Second, the Spirit of God convicted Rahab. As she helped the two spies in Joshua 2:9-10, Rahab confessed that she knew what God had done for their people. She had heard of God’s mighty, miraculous power, displayed through them. The Holy Spirit convicts others through people who are living and walking in victory. As Christians, the Holy Spirit uses our transformed lives to convict others of their sins. Third, the Word of God confirmed Rahab. By receiving these two messengers into her home, Rahab welcomed in the Word of God, spoken through them. Hebrews 11:31 says, “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” Finally, the grace of God cleansed Rahab. The messengers instructed Rahab to hang a scarlet cord over her doorpost so that when they came to avenge Jericho, they would pass over her home and spare her. This act illustrates the principle of the Passover, in which God instructed the Israelites to paint their doorposts with the blood of sacrificial lambs, to spare them from the death angel. As a result, Rahab was delivered from destruction and her character changed; she was justified and made right in God’s sight. Adrian Rogers says, “There are none so bad they can’t be saved, and none so good they need not be saved.” Apply it to your life Has your faith transformed you from the inside out; have you been confronted by God’s providence? Has the Holy Spirit convicted you, Scripture confirmed your belief, grace cleansed you?

Aug 11, 2022

Overcoming Obstacles by Faith

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:30 Sometimes, we may experience obstacles that stand between us and our most holy ambitions. Adrian Rogers says, “Faith is the link that binds our nothingness to His Almightiness.” In Joshua 5, the Israelites had left Egypt and were ready to capture the land of Canaan. However, the pagan city of Jericho stood in their way. This story shows what it means to overcome obstacles by faith. Hebrews 11:30 says, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.” First, we should note the worship of faith. In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua encounters the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ, and as a response, he falls to his face in worship. Worshiping Jesus always builds our faith; when we face Jericho-sized problems in our lives, we must remember to set our affections on things above—fix our eyes on Jesus, and let our faith grow. Second, we see the obedient work of faith. The Lord did not tell Joshua to dig a tunnel or build ladders to scale the impenetrable walls of Jericho. Instead, He told Joshua to march around the city’s perimeter. God’s plan for victory seemed very strange; however, it is not our job to understand our instruction from God, but to obey, living by faith. The Israelites obeyed God, and that was enough. Third, we see the wait of faith. The Israelites were completely dependent on God’s timing. Many obstacles we face are opportunities to learn patience. Waiting on God is never wasted time. Our faith in Him is meant to last—to be strengthened through endurance. Fourth, we see the word of faith. Joshua spoke the Word of God to his army because he had received it for himself. By its simplest definition, faith is agreeing with the Word of God. We can only believe God for something that already is so in His heart and mind. Finally, we must note the wonder of faith. Joshua 6 tells us that the walls of Jericho came falling down. God gave the victory to Israel and brought judgment to the people of Jericho. In a nation as ripe for judgment as ours, a life of faith is our only hope. Apply it to your life Are you facing obstacles today that must be overcome by faith? Adrian Rogers says, “Take your eyes off Jericho and put them on Jesus. Don’t dwell on your problems; dwell on your Lord.”

Aug 10, 2022

Redeeming Faith

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:28 The Passover is a Jewish tradition that should be interwoven with our celebration of Easter. We as Christians have reason to celebrate Passover because it prophecies our redeeming faith in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:28 says, “By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.” The Passover was first introduced in the Book of Exodus. The Israelites sacrificed lambs and painted blood on their doorposts. The sacrificial lambs had to be spotless in order to cause the death angel to pass over their homes. After the lambs were sacrificed, the families shared them, celebrating their atonement. Through this tradition, God taught His people one of the fundamental truths of His Word: without shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. The Passover displays the prophetic anticipation of Calvary’s sacrifice. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb without spot or blemish. When we receive His saving power of salvation, we are nourished by Him. Further, we are called to share the feast with others. The Passover reminds us of the promised consummation of Calvary’s sacrifice. In the final week of His life, Jesus was examined and questioned by the religious leaders. This process mimicked how a Passover lamb was inspected. They could find no fault in Him, confirming to us that He was the promised one. John 1:29 confirms this promise: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” Finally, Passover calls for the perpetual celebration of Calvary’s sacrifice. 1 Corinthians 5:7 says, “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” No longer do we recognize Passover to obtain redemption. As Christians, we celebrate Passover through the Lord’s Supper, to remember our redemption through Jesus Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “In the Old Testament, they put the blood upon the doorposts. In the New Testament, we confess Christ openly as our Savior.” Apply it to your life Do you possess a redeeming faith in Jesus Christ, the spotless, sacrificial lamb of God? Share the feast with others today; celebrate what He has done. Openly declare your faith as the Israelites did when they painted their doorposts for all to see.

Aug 8, 2022

Faith for the Family

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:23-27 It takes a family to raise a child, and it takes faith to make a family. The most powerful and influential people on Earth are mothers and fathers of faith. Hebrews 11 tells the divine origin story of the prophet Moses, who was protected by his parents, Amram and Jochebed. “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child” (Hebrews 11:23). The story of these parents teaches us important principles about faith for the family. First, we note faith’s vision. Moses’ parents recognized that he was the special handiwork of God. It is our responsibility to see our children as specific, individual creations of God, and raise them accordingly. Second, we recognize faith’s valor. Amram and Jochebed hid Moses for three months because the King had commanded that baby boys be killed. By faith, they recognized this physical conflict as a spiritual conflict between the gods of Egypt and Almighty God, and “they were not afraid” (Hebrews 11:23). In these treacherous days, raising children is a spiritual battle and our only hope is a solid faith in Jesus Christ. Third, we see faith’s venture. Moses’s parents did not have a spirit of fatalism; rather, they did their part to protect their son, trusting God to do the rest. When facing challenges, we must do all we can do with a spirit of optimism. If it is God’s will, we can trust that He will move heaven and earth for our children. Finally, Amram and Jochebed displayed faith’s victory. Hebrews 11 notes that because Moses’ values were established in him by his parents, he valued his faith more than all the riches of Egypt. Moses embraced the virtues of knowing Christ eternally, and rejected the vices of this world, refusing to be called Pharaoh’s son. (See Hebrews 11:24.) Adrian Rogers says, “There are a lot of pressures on our kids today, and we’d better be certain they have something on the inside.” Apply it to your life Are you raising your children by faith? When posed with a choice, Moses evaluated the virtues his parents established in him in his youth. This led to a determination to follow God and eliminate the things of this world. It began with Amram and Jochebed, just like it begins with you.

Aug 4, 202232 min

The Blessing in a Box of Bones

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 50:22-26 As he reached the end of his life, Joseph gave instructions to his loved ones about what to do with the bones he left behind. Hebrews 11:22 says, “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.” Joseph had faith that God would deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, so much faith that he asked that the Israelites take his bones with them. When we understand the blessing in his box of bones, we will learn how to live confidently and die without fear. First, faith remembers the unbreakable promises of God. In Genesis 50:24, Joseph tells his loved ones, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Adrian Rogers says, “Faith is getting a promise from the Word of God.” Though Joseph was placed in a coffin in Egypt, he believed his bones would see this promised land, because his faith was rooted in God’s promises. Second, faith relies on the unshakeable power of God. At this point, the Israelites did not have reason to leave Egypt. There was a famine in Canaan, and they had made themselves comfortable in Egypt. Joseph’s faith was contrary to evidence; it was not shaken by fickle emotions or circumstances. Joseph knew time must pass and that what would be left of him would be bones. But centuries cannot erode away the promises of God. Finally, faith results in the unmistakable peace of God. Joseph reached the end of his life in perfect peace. The Book of Joshua tells us that Joseph’s bones did, in fact, make it to the promised land. Rather than building a monument of pride in Egypt, he chose his humble box of bones to be a monument of faith in Canaan. Joseph’s faith reminds us that our citizenship is in Heaven. We no longer have to fear death; we can make it our friend, if only we keep our eyes on Jesus all our days. Apply it to your life Does your faith remember the promises of God? Do you rely on His power and rest in His peace? Do not let your circumstances, emotions, or seeming delays erode your faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Aug 2, 2022

Victory Through Prayer

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Acts 12:1-11 The Book of Acts shares numerous accounts of triumph over difficulty, as the first Christians experienced victory through prayer. In Acts 12, the Early Church faced persecution from Herod, who unleashed violence and put the Apostle Peter in prison (v. 1-4). Yet, in verse 5, we see that “constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” As we fight our battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil, it is fundamental that we learn how to pray as the Early Church did. First, we must recognize the freedom of their prayers. Our enemy doesn’t want us to understand this. But try as he might, the devil cannot stop us from praying to our God; we are free to pray anytime, anywhere. Second, we see their faithfulness; they never ceased to pray. Whether God answers swiftly or there is a season of waiting, our approach to prayer should be faithful, constant, and frequent. Their prayers were also fervent: charged with intensity. Prayer is warfare—we should expect some opposition from the enemy; but we must pray wholeheartedly with fervor, concentration, and effort. Their prayers also brought them together in fellowship. Churches, which are built upon prayer, should be in the habit of drawing near to God together. The Early Church’s prayer also revealed their faith. They recognized that they were entering the throne room of God. And as we speak to God, we must do so with the faith that He will answer. We should also note the focus of that prayer. This church prayed specifically for Peter, who was in prison and set to be beheaded in the coming days. When we pray, we should avoid generalized requests and focus on specific concerns. Finally, we must remember the force of their prayer. God miraculously delivered Peter from prison. In the dead of night, Peter’s chains were broken, and the prison door was open. Peter walked out, just in time. Adrian Rogers says, “When we depend upon planning, we see what planning can do. But when we depend upon prayer, we see what God can do.” Apply it to your life Have you experienced victory through prayer? Remember: prayer is no substitute for work or common sense. But when you begin to merge prayer with obedience, God begins to work on your behalf.

Aug 1, 2022

Blessed Assurance

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Jude 1:24-25 In this seemingly hopeless world, many of us are facing difficulties and trials, desperately in need of some hope. Most of the Book of Jude paints a dark picture of what’s to come, yet it ends with a message of blessed assurance. No matter how grim the apostasy becomes, the children of God are going to make it through. Jude 24-25 provides three reasons for our blessed assurance. First, we are reminded of the sovereignty of the Savior: “Now to Him who is able…” (Jude 24). God is King of the Universe. He is able to do anything, and do it right. He is able to save us, to secure us and satisfy our souls. We will make it through the trials because He is able—our responsibility is our response to His ability. Second, verse 24 shows us the security of the saint: “<a href="http://...to" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...to</a> keep you from stumbling…” Adrian Rogers says, “People who are truly born again can never, ever again be lost souls: not because they hold onto God, but because God holds onto them.” God is able to keep us from falling because of His fathomless love. In His infinite power, Jesus Christ preserves us. The same God who runs the Universe knows when we’re hurting. We are also secure because of His eternal purpose. There is an eternal chain of redemption that cannot be broken. Those whom God has called are justified to bring glory to God. Adrian Rogers says, “What has been decreed by Heaven cannot be annulled by Hell.” Finally, we are assured by the sufficiency of salvation: “<a href="http://...and" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...and</a> to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior...” (Jude 24-25). Through our salvation, God is working to make His children holy, sanctifying us. He is making us more like Jesus Christ with every passing day. And one day, very soon, He will present us before Himself, faultless. As a Bride walks to her Bridegroom, so will we enter His presence, without blemish. Apply it to your life As we endure trials and difficulties of many kinds, we can have the blessed assurance Jude describes in verses 24-25. Remember that God is able, that we are secure in our salvation, and that we are being made like Him. Keep the faith—press on until the very end.

Jul 28, 2022

Rescue the Perishing

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Jude 1:22-23 Our souls are worth more than anything this world has to offer; that’s why the heart of God is wrapped up in the matter of soul-winning. Jesus is the supreme example of this and commands us to follow His lead through the Great Commission. Adrian Rogers says, “If you are not endeavoring to bring men to Jesus Christ, you are living in sheer disobedience to your holy call.” Jude 22-23 reinforces the call to rescue the perishing and share the Gospel with this lost world. First, this passage shares the soul winner’s compassion: “And on some have compassion, making a distinction…” (Jude 22). We are motivated by God’s love for us to have compassion on others and share the Gospel with them. Our method of compassion is by way of the Church; the Church’s primary job is to seek the lost and bring them in. Second, we see the soul winner’s compulsion: “<a href="http://...but" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...but</a> others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire…” (Jude 23). The fire in this passage symbolizes the flames of Hell and separation from God. Our fear of our fellow man’s eternal doom urgently motivates us to tell him about Jesus Christ. Finally, this passage shares the soul winner’s caution: “<a href="http://...hating" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...hating</a> even the garment defiled by the flesh” (Jude 23). This passage indicates that the ones we snatch from the flames are moral lepers. In Scripture, sin is illustrated by leprosy: a horribly contagious disease that isolated men and labeled them “unclean.” In Leviticus, God instructed Moses to burn the garments the lepers wore with fire, lest they catch the disease. When we deal with lost souls, we cannot let our compassion and compulsion destroy our caution. We must never compromise our own morals to win somebody to Jesus Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “You never bring people to Jesus Christ by becoming like them; you may be with them, but do not become like them.” Jesus was a friend of sinners, and we should be as well; but He lived a holy life, and we should, too. Apply it to your life Do you have the soul winner’s compassion for sinners? Pray and ask God to give you a fresh urgency to share the Gospel with others. Pray for His Spirit to protect you, so that the contagion of sin will not touch you as you draw close to sinners.

Jul 26, 2022

Surviving Apostasy

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Jude 1:17-21 The Bible warns us that in the Last Days, many men shall depart from the faith. The Book of Jude prophecies the apostates to come and gives us insight on surviving the apostasy. First, we must remember our exhortation. Jude 17-18 says, “But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.” These verses warn us of apostates who want to disprove the Bible as the Word of God. We don’t have to be taken off guard or deceived. Second, we must recognize our enemy. “These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit” (Jude 19). Apostates present themselves as unifiers, yet they cause division because those who know and believe the truth cannot walk arm-in-arm with apostasy. They are depraved – being motivated by the flesh rather than by the Spirit of God. And because they don’t have the Spirit of God, they are dead in their flesh. We must retain our environment. “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 20-21). This passage urges us to keep ourselves in God’s love. Adrian Rogers says, “If you are going to survive the apostasy, the safest place is in the love of God.” Though we can’t lose God’s love for us, we can remove ourselves from the protection and provision of His love if we aren’t vigilant. We retain our environment by building our faith on God’s Word. We also remain in God’s love by praying in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit encourages, enlightens, and energizes our prayers; He expresses to us how we should pray. Finally, we must look to Jesus with steadfastness. Apostasy is one of the signs that Jesus is at the door; He may come any day now. We must be sure to keep our eyes on Him, who keeps us. Apply it to your life As Believers living on the edge of eternity, we must remember our exhortation, recognize our enemy, retain our environment, and look to Jesus with steadfastness. Get a hold of God’s Word and put it into practice; pray in the Spirit and look to Jesus, our blessed hope.

Jul 22, 2022

The Apostasy and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Jude 1:14-15 The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the greatest prophetic event of all the ages, and the signs of the times warn us that it is coming soon. One of the signs of the Last Days is apostasy—when people who have received truth go on to reject and ridicule it. Jude 14-15 warns apostates of their judgment to come from Jesus Christ Himself. First, we see the surety of His coming: “Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes…’” (Jude 14). Merely seven generations from Adam, Enoch was the first to prophesy the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. God gave Enoch a vision of the Second Coming, before Jesus had ever walked the Earth the first time. In days of apostasy, Enoch was a holy man who walked so closely with God, the Lord brought Him up, so he never actually died. Enoch’s “rapture” is a prophetic picture of the Church in the Last Days, when the Lord raptures His people and meets them in the air. Second, we see the severity of His coming: “<a href="http://...to" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...to</a> execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds...” (Jude 15). Adrian Rogers says, “The first time Jesus came to redeem; the second time He is coming to judge.” God’s heart yearns that we would not be judged. We see this in God’s promise to Enoch to withhold His judgment upon the Earth until after Enoch’s son, Methuselah’s death. Methuselah represents the mercy of God. Though men deserved to be punished for their wickedness, God held back His judgment until after Methuselah died. Then, God flooded the Earth, still sparing Enoch’s lineage through Noah. One of these days, mercy will give way to judgment. God has not forgotten His promise; Jesus is coming back to execute judgment. Third, we see the sanctity of His coming. Jude 14 says the Lord will return with “ten thousands of His saints.” This means we are coming back with Him. God’s kingdom will come; as waters cover the sea, the Earth will be filled with His glory. Apply it to your life Are you following Jesus now, while His mercy still holds back the judgment to come? Share your testimony with people today and pray they will come to know the Lord as Savior, lest they meet Him as Judge.

Jul 20, 2022

The Portrait of an Apostate

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Jude 1:12-13 An apostate is someone who rejects and ridicules the truth of the Gospel—he also tries to replace it in order to lead others astray. As believers, we must be firm in our understanding of biblical doctrine and beware of those who would deface it. Jude 12-13 paints a gruesome portrait of an apostate so that we can recognize those who bring harm to the Church. First, an apostate is dangerous like a sunken rock: "These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves” (Jude 12). The devil hates the unity we have in Christ. So, a devilish apostate will act as a rock in the river of love, dividing in order to destroy our godly fellowship. Second, an apostate is deceptive like a waterless cloud: “They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds…” (Jude 12). An apostate promises much, but produces little; his listeners walk away still thirsty for truth. Third, he is dead like a fruitless tree: “<a href="http://...late" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...late</a> autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots…” (Jude 12). There is no use pruning a dead tree; it will never produce fruit. Likewise, there is no fixing apostasy; it is rooted in a dead, unbiblical doctrine. Adrian Rogers says, “An apostate can imitate Christianity, but he cannot bear the fruit of the Spirit.” Fourth, he is disturbed like the raging sea: “<a href="http://...raging" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...raging</a> waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame…” (Jude 13). No matter what he portrays outwardly, an apostate has no inner peace in his heart. In turning from the truth of the Gospel, his moral discernment is destroyed. Finally, he is doomed like a wandering star: “...wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever” (Jude 13). An apostate has knocked himself out of orbit; never again will he feel the warmth of the Son. He is destined for aimless, everlasting darkness. Knowing their destiny, we should be heartbroken for apostates; nevertheless, we must contend for the faith. If we dare compromise the truth, we are in danger of becoming like them. Apply it to your life The tragic reality is that apostasy will only increase in the Last Days. Remember: Be firm in biblical doctrine, beware of those who would deface it, and contend for your faith.

Jul 18, 2022

Snakes in the Garden

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Jude 1:11 False doctrine is poisonous to the Church of Jesus Christ; it is the devil’s preferred way of infiltrating the Church and destroying it from within. The Book of Jude reveals the marks of apostasy. Apostates are like snakes in the garden, hiding in the grass, preparing to strike. An apostate is someone who has received the truth and rejected it—and has begun ridiculing it. Jude 11 says, “Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.” This verse mentions three men who illustrate the marks of an apostate: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. The first snake in the garden is Cain, who represents those who pervert the Gospel. In Genesis 4, Cain murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy. Abel, who understood the things of God, had offered to the Lord a blood sacrifice, which pleased Him. Cain, who did not understand the things of God, brought the fruit of the ground, which represented his own efforts. Adrian Rogers says, “There are only two religions: the true and the false—one is the way of Cain, and the other is the way of the cross.” The second snake in the garden is Balaam, who represents those who prostitute the Gospel. In Numbers 22-25, the very clever and gifted prophet Balaam, exploited the message of God for his personal advantage. This story is not arguing against paying those in ministry positions. Rather, it condemns those who will do anything for personal gain, including prostituting the Gospel. The final snake in the garden is Korah, representing those who protested the Gospel. In Numbers 1, Korah protested Moses and Aaron, God’s appointed prophet and priest. Korah did not respect their authority, so he rallied others to defy the prophetic message and priestly mediator God had established. Apostates seek to replace the truth with false religion, but like Korah, they stand on shaky ground; God is not pleased and will not be replaced. This is why we must know the truth of Scripture and live accordingly, lest we find ourselves struck by the snakes in the garden—or worse, become one. Apply it to your life We must know the marks of an apostate to recognize the snakes in the garden. Learn the truth and abide by it, living accordingly.

Jul 14, 2022

Dreams That Never Come True

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Jude 1:8 The Book of Jude warns us of the dangers of apostasy, which is when someone falls away from the faith. An apostate is someone who has been given the opportunity to receive the truth but has rejected it. Apostates cause great harm to the Church. In verse 8, Jude describes apostates as “filthy dreamers,” people with imaginations that are not rooted in truth. But the church is called to contend for our faith and truth, and make sure apostates’ dreams never come true. First, we must recognize that these dreamers defile the flesh. Because they ridicule the truth, apostates are more prone to sexual immorality than unbelievers. As people get away from the Word of God, they give way to their imaginations and dreams—as night follows day, they give way to their sensual sins. We see this so often with young people who have been raised in church but have never been saved. Once they enter adulthood and experience a new environment without the Holy Spirit’s restraint, they fall into ungodly lifestyles. Apostates are also marked by how they despise the Father. With rebellious hearts, they reject authority and despise dominion within the church. They don’t want to believe that the Word of God is truth. The final mark of apostates is that they disgrace the faithful, or, “speak evil of dignitaries” (Jude 8). Having rejected the truth, apostates will speak blasphemously against Almighty God and His Word. Adrian Rogers says, “There is nothing too glorious, nothing too holy that they will not defame.” Our world is full of these filthy dreamers, and unfortunately, apostates don’t ridicule from outside the Church—they do it from within. With a broken heart, Jude urges us to contend for the faith, to understand it, and know how to defend it, so that we may stop these filthy dreamers in their tracks and fill our churches with people who fear God. Apply it to your life Are you part of a church that believes that the Bible is the Word of God? Are you equipped and encouraged to contend for your faith—to understand it and know how to defend it? Recognize these marks of an apostate so that you may stand as others fall away.

Jul 13, 2022

The Battle for the Bible

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Jude 1:1-7 The Book of Jude warns us of something very sinister that will happen to the Church in the Last Days. Children of God cannot afford to be ignorant or neutral; Jude 1-19 sounds the alarm, calling us to the fight for the faith and do battle for the Bible. These verses first reveal the danger of apostasy. “For certain men have crept in unnoticed… ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). Apostasy, or turning back on the faith, is a very deceptive and destructive heresy. Jude warns of apostates, who have crept into the Church and deteriorated the integrity of God’s Word. This passage also gives a description of the apostates. Jude 17-19 claims that because they lack reverence for God, apostates freely mock holy things. They act without restraint, claiming the grace of God as a license to sin. And because they deny God as Lord of their lives, they exercise no rule or regulation. Adrian Rogers says, “The basic ingredient missing in the life of an apostate is a fear of God.” Third, this passage reveals the destruction of apostates. Verse 5 reminds us of the children of Israel, who were delivered from Egypt, yet perished at the hand of God in the wilderness. Despite their experiences, they were never truly devoted to God. There are people today who think they are saved, but they are not true believers. They have come to the borderline of truth but have never entered into that truth. Jude 6 says they will face destruction despite their profession, position, or possessions. Finally, Jude reveals our defense against apostates. If we want to contend for our faith, we must submit to the truth of the Gospel. We need to study what the Bible says. We must be familiar with its inerrancy, understand the deity of Christ, and know our salvation comes by grace through faith. Our defense against apostasy is to live out our faith with boldness, together, in churches rooted in biblical doctrine. We must share our faith with others, giving it away freely. Apply it to your life We have been called to contend for our faith and fight for the integrity of Scripture. Study the Word of God and be ready to give an account for why you believe what you believe. Share your faith with others today.

Jul 11, 2022

The Believer's Security Blanket

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Jude 1-4 The Book of Jude warns us of the apostasy that will take place in the Last Days, in which many will turn away from the faith. But we do not have to live in fear of losing our salvation. This book can be seen as a believer’s security blanket in dark days. Jude 4 says, “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” In the face of apostasy, Jude urges us to remember the completeness of our faith. There are no additions or corrections to be made to the Gospel. We must also remember the correctness of our faith. Sometimes, we can be certain of something, but still be wrong. This is why we must continually study God’s Word for direction. This faith has been committed to us. We are stewards of it, expected to speak up and contend for it. If we want to know we are secure in our faith as we watch others fall away, we must remember God’s sovereign purpose. We are called: summoned by the King of kings to be saved. Adrian Rogers says, “Our salvation did not begin with us; it began with God. If it began with you, you might lose it; but since it began with God, you can never lose it.” God foreknows, therefore He calls and justifies; those He justifies, He glorifies. If you have truly been called, this work He has done cannot be undone. We are God’s special people; God loves the lost, but the saved are His beloved. We are secure in God’s perfect love. Adrian Rogers says, “There is nothing that can separate you from the Love of God. Nothing you can do to make Him love you more, nothing you can do to make Him love you less.” Finally, we must remember God’s strong power, which preserves us. We cannot be lost by God; we are in good hands. Our Father keeps our salvation and preserves us by the blood of Jesus Christ. Apply it to your life If you are a believer, you do not have to live in fear that God will let you go. You are called, beloved, and preserved by Jesus. Tell someone about your security in Jesus Christ today.

Jul 7, 2022

Failure Is Not Final

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Luke 22:31-34 Adrian Rogers says, “Failure doesn’t need to be a hitching post to tie us to the past. Failure can be a guidepost to lead us into the future.” God is not finished with us in the dark nights of failure; His mercies are new every morning. Simon Peter’s denial of Jesus Christ in Luke 22 reminds us that failure is not final. In times of failure, we must first remember that Jesus is sovereign. “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times’” (Luke 22:61). Peter remembered that Jesus, who knew long before he did, that he’d deny Him, told him this would happen. This revealed that God was still in control, even when it doesn’t seem so. We can find comfort knowing the Lord sees our failures. These missteps do not come without His permission. In his failure, Peter also learned the sympathy of Jesus. In the midst of His own agony, Jesus turned to look at His backslidden disciple. Christ’s sympathetic love is what convicts and changes us. In our times of failure, we need to see our security in Jesus. “And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren’” (Luke 22:31-32). As the enemy sifted Peter to find out his sins, he also wants to find our flaws to use against us and condemn us. Jesus wants us to be sifted, too—not to exploit our impurities, but to cleanse us. Jesus prayed for Peter as he was sifted. Jesus prays for His believers, even to this day. He convicts us of our sins so that we will not wander for long. And when we return to Him, He is faithful to forgive. Adrian Rogers says, “The same Jesus who prayed for Simon Peter… is now in the glory praying for you.” Apply it to your life We will all fail at some point, but even in the darkest nights, a new day is dawning. God’s mercies are new every morning. Know that Jesus Christ intercedes for you, even now. Ask God for forgiveness and come back to Him.

Jul 5, 2022

Opening the Windows of Heaven

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Malachi 3:7-11 By definition, stewardship is our relationship with money: how we obtain, save, invest, spend, and give our wealth. God is interested in this relationship—in how we care for the things He places in our hands. Satan, who is also very interested, would love to keep us in financial bondage. Malachi 3 shows us how to open the windows of Heaven and receive the blessing of financial freedom. “Yet from the days of your fathers you have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. “But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’” (Malachi 3:7). If we want freedom, we must first recognize our failure; financial bondage is not just debt. If money increases our worries, or if we have plenty in the bank, but no treasure in Heaven, we are in financial bondage. Second, we need to renew our fellowship; God isn’t interested in our money, just our hearts. When we remember tithing is God’s way of revealing our priorities to ourselves, we will see tithing as a great blessing. It is our privilege to show God that He is first in our lives and everything else is second. After we return to our fellowship with God, we need to release our finances to Him. Adrian Rogers says, “If you can’t trust God with your finances, how is God going to trust you with true spiritual riches?” “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). According to Scripture, tithing is ten percent given to the temple of God (church), for the work of the temple. Giving to charities or ministries is good, but it is not a replacement for our tithes. When we learn to give back to God freely, we’ll see a spiritual renewal. God will renew our faith, rebuke our foes, and restore our fruitfulness. Apply it to your life Are you seeking freedom from an indebted spirit? Recognize your failure and renew your fellowship with God. Understand that He wants you, first and foremost. Then, show your faithfulness through tithing.

Jun 30, 2022

Christian Warfare

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Ephesians 6:10-20 Whether we realize it or not, we are part of a war between light and darkness, good and evil, Heaven and Hell, Jesus Christ and Satan. We cannot afford to be ignorant and we cannot possibly be neutral. Adrian Rogers says, “When you were born again, you were born from above. And you, being Heaven-born are Heaven-bound. You were born for the battle and you were born to win.” We’re not wrestling against flesh and blood. We’re wrestling against principalities and powers of darkness. Ephesians 6:10-20 shows us how to prepare ourselves for this Christian Warfare. In preparing for the battle, we must first remember our adversary. Satan is a decided fact; never underestimate him or count him out. He is a destructive force; systematic, spiritual, strong, and sinister. Yet, he is our defeated foe. Adrian Rogers says, “Satan had his back crushed and broken at Calvary; soon his head is going to be crushed when Jesus comes again.” We must remember our armor, which is specifically outlined in Ephesians 6: -The Belt of Truth -The Breastplate of Righteousness -Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, knowing nothing stands between our souls and the Savior -The Shield of Faith -The Helmet of Salvation God wants us to enter the battlefield armed with integrity, purity, tranquility, certainty, and sanity. Don’t leave off any piece of the armor of God in this battle. Christian warriors must understand their point of attack. We have the victory. God has equipped us with three things: The first is our stance. We are called to be strong, to stand against these dark forces of evil with the blessed assurance of victory in Jesus. Second, we recognize the power of our sword, which is the sword of the Spirit and the Word of God. We must also remember the power of our prayers when prayed in the Spirit. Finally, the Christian warrior must remember his allies. “...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…” (Ephesians 6:18). We don’t fight alone; we need to pray for each other. Apply it to your life As you prepare for this spiritual battle, remember your adversary, your armor, your attack, and your allies.

Jun 28, 202237 min

How to Find Peace in the Midst of Your Storm

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 6:16-21 John 6:16-21 tells the story of Jesus walking on the water to His disciples’ boat in the midst of a treacherous storm. Sooner or later, you are going to find yourself in a storm—not like the storm depicted in this passage; rather, one far more terrifying. Things could be going fine, then suddenly you could get a life-changing phone call, or face a shocking diagnosis. How can we find peace in the midst of the storm? We remember what God has promised to us now, in the stillness. Peace is not the subtraction of problems from life. Peace is the addition of power to meet those problems; the power being the promises of God. “I am governed by His providence.” In this story, the storm did not take Jesus by surprise. When difficulty comes, remember God’s providence is over it all. “I am growing by His plan.” God’s plan is not to indulge you; it is to enlarge you. If you are in a storm, it is your privilege to grow and become more like Jesus Christ. “I am graced by His prayers.” Did you know that He sees you right now? He is not far away. He sees right through the dark, sees you in the storm, and He prays for you. “I am gladdened by His presence.” Sometimes, God waits upon you to wait on Him; but just know… He is coming. “I am guarded by His power.” Adrian Rogers says, “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” “I am guided by His purpose.” God has not promised smooth sailing, but He has promised you a safe landing. Your destiny is already determined. He will see you to the shore. South African minister Andrew Murray once said, “God is willing to assume full responsibility for the life that is totally yielded to Him.” Jesus said, “In this world, you’ll have tribulation. But take heart! I’ve overcome the world.” (John 16:33) In the midst of your storm, see Jesus, the great I AM, walking on the water, straight to you. Apply it to your life Are you in the midst of a storm? Remember the promises of God! Take heart; He has overcome the world, and He is walking on the water, headed straight for you.

Jun 24, 2022

Can God Be Trusted in Your Troubles?

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Job 13:15 We have all faced devastation at some point in our lives; it is in those difficult seasons we often ask ourselves if God is enough. Can God be trusted in our troubles? This is what Job learned in his suffering. God allowed the devil to bring hardship on Job because the devil didn’t think Job could love God just for who He is. Yet, in Job 13:15, Job says, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” The Book of Job shows us that God Himself is not only necessary, but He is enough. First, we can trust God even when we’re submerged in suffering. Job’s troubles began with the seemingly instant loss of his livestock—his financial security. While Job was still reeling over the news, a second messenger informed him that he’d lost his ten children. His body was infected with a horrible disease, and as a result, his reputation was tarnished. But in the midst of this overwhelming devastation, Job continued to praise God. Adrian Rogers says, “You can have faith and calamity all at the same time. Faith is not receiving from God what we want; faith is accepting from God what He gives.” We can also trust God when we are forsaken by our friends. Job 19:14 says, “My relatives have failed, and my close friends have forgotten me.” Job’s friends were perplexed by his hardships; because they didn’t understand, they assumed he was at fault and left him. Being abandoned by friends is one of the deepest hurts we could face. God understands every part of us and promises He will not leave us. Third, we can trust God when we are dismayed by darkness. Job had no idea what was happening to him, or why. When we find ourselves in this kind of complete darkness, we should remember to lean upon God, the guiding light of our soul’s darkest hours. As Job pleaded his case to God, God reminded him of His sovereignty, sufficiency, and sympathy. Job learned that in his suffering, abandonment, and dismay, God was nearest to Him. God was necessary to live through the trial; He was enough to get Him through it. Apply it to your life Are you experiencing suffering, abandonment, or dismay? Remember that God is with you. He is sovereign, sufficient, and sympathetic. Pray today that He would reveal His presence to you.

Jun 22, 2022

What to Do with Your Burdens

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Galatians 6:1-5 Whether we are saved or lost, we will all carry burdens at some point in our lives; but we do not have to bear them alone. Galatians 6 shows us what to do with our burdens. First, this passage addresses the burdens we willingly take up. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). As believers, we are called to take up the burdens of another brother or sister who is hurting—to restore those who have backslidden. We must remember that a broken person doesn’t need a lecture; he doesn’t need to be ignored or reported, shot down, or cast away. Instead, he needs to be brought back to fellowship with God. Adrian Rogers says, “The church is the only army in the world that shoots its wounded.” A backslidden Christian is like a broken place in our net of believers. He needs us to approach him gently, humbly, and sympathetically. He has broken fellowship with God and is weighed down by a guilty conscience, the enemy, and the threat of public shame. To fulfill the law of Christ, we must love our brother back to fellowship with God and mend the broken place in the net. There are also burdens we must faithfully endure. “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4-5). We are not called to lives of ease, but to lives of discipline. God lays burdens upon us and expects us to bear them ourselves. It is our own responsibility to repent and be saved. Finally, there are burdens we wisely lay down. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you...” Our loving Father urges us to bring our broken hearts to His throne; how beautiful that our burdens can be used to bring us to our Master’s feet. Apply it to your life If you are a believer, you are called to lift another’s burdens and bring backslidden brothers and sisters back to Jesus. Realize your own burden of responsibility to know God and to share Him with others. Cast your heartaches upon Jesus, for He cares for you.

Jun 20, 2022

Marriage is from Heaven

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Ephesians 5:21-33 Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in a complete commitment for life. As we see in Ephesians 5:21-33, marriage is from Heaven; it is not simply a contract… it is a covenant. Husbands and wives are of equal worth before God; both bear His image, but in differing ways, because marriage is symbolic of the way God relates to His people. Ephesians 5:23 says, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body.” When the Bible speaks of the husband being the head of the home, it is not speaking of his rights; it is speaking of his responsibilities. There are three major responsibilities of the husband, the first being his servant leadership. Ephesians 5 does not call the husband a dictator. Rather, we are given the example of Jesus Christ, who is head of the Church, yet serves her and meets her needs. We are to meet the needs of our wives gently. Husbands are also responsible for sacrificial love. This is a passionate commitment that comes from the deepest part of our being. Sacrificial love is also a purifying love, as Ephesians 5:26 says: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word... not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Husbands are to express their sacrificial love through their protection and provision. They are to meet the family’s physical, spiritual and emotional needs. Finally, husbands are responsible for showing steadfast loyalty. Jesus promised to never leave nor forsake His church. (Read Hebrews 13:5.) Likewise, we are responsible for keeping the vows we made when we entered our marriage covenant. If we think of marriage as a contract, we will look for loopholes, and miss the blessing that it truly is; if we view marriage as a covenant, we will cultivate something beautiful, like Heaven itself. Adrian Rogers says, “A home ought to be a little bit of the Garden of Eden, the only part we have left till Jesus comes.” Apply it to your life Are you cultivating a marriage based on servant leadership, sacrificial love, and steadfast loyalty? Remember the priority, the permanence, and the purpose of marriage, and treat your spouse accordingly.

Jun 17, 2022

Unsinkable Saints

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Genesis 6:5-14 In Genesis 6, God was brokenhearted over the gross and numerous sins of Noah’s generation. The same sins committed then are being committed today. As God warned Noah’s generation, He has warned ours, as well. As Noah, an unsinkable saint, found grace before God and provision from the flood, so can we find His grace and be saved from the wrath to come. Genesis 6 reminds us that grace provides a Savior: Noah’s ark is a picture of Jesus Christ. Genesis 6:14 says, “Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch.” Scripture notes the security of this ark Noah was instructed to build, made of incorruptible material, with sufficient room for everyone aboard. Shaped like a coffin, sealed shut by the Almighty Himself, this boat’s only window was placed above, so Noah would remain Heavenly-minded. God provided for Noah’s every need in His sovereign timing. Adrian Rogers says, “When you come to Jesus, you not only have security and sufficiency but also shelter and substance.” Grace provides salvation: Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (See Genesis 6:8.) This is the first mention of grace in the Bible. As Ephesians 2:8 reminds us, we are “saved by grace, through faith.” Noah and his family had to take the step of faith onto the ark, just as we have to put our faith in Jesus Christ. Grace provides security: we are saved by grace and kept by grace. God sealed Noah into the ark, just as we are sealed by Jesus Christ in our salvation. We may stumble and fall within the ark, but the door is sealed shut: if we are Christians, there is no falling off the Good Ship Grace. Adrian Rogers says, “Security is not in a place; security is in a Person, and His name is Jesus.” The ark was the safest place for Noah to be because God was in the ark; if the ark had gone down, God would have gone down, too. God is still in the ark; may we enter in before His wrath is poured out once again. Apply it to your life Are you sealed in the ark of Jesus Christ—saved by grace, through faith? Don’t let another day go by without confirming it in your heart.

Jun 15, 2022

« Prev 7 8 91011 12 13 Next »