All Episodes — Love Worth Finding | Audio Program

Jesus is God's Answer to Man's Death

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 11 The Book of John shares Jesus’ glorious miracles with great messages and spiritual truths. In John 11, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, revealing that He is God’s answer to Man’s death. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die’” (John 11:25-26). Many of us are alive but simply exist, fighting to live, while living to fight; but Jesus came, so that we may have life abundantly. Therefore, the only way to live abundantly is to first experience life in Jesus. In this passage, Lazarus had been physically dead for days; spiritually, he represents many of us who are dead in our sins. No amount of examples, encouragement, environment, or education can bring a spiritually dead man back to life. He is resurrected the same way Jesus resurrected Lazarus: by His Word. Those who know Jesus Christ never truly die; instead, they have everlasting life. Second, living abundantly means exercising liberty through Jesus. We can be saved, and still not live in victory, caught up somewhere between the powers of Calvary and Pentecost. As Lazarus was taken out of his grave clothes, we must also discard our old lives and step into new lives of liberty. As the Church, we minister to each other by calling forth the spiritually dead and unwrapping the saints. Abundant life also means enjoying our love for Jesus. Lazarus dined with Jesus after he was resurrected, reminding us that fellowship with Jesus Christ is a reward in itself. Finally, abundant life means expressing loyalty to Jesus. After all he’d experienced, Lazarus was no longer afraid of death; He was loyal to Jesus, even when there was a threat made against him by the Pharisees. Adrian Rogers says, “No man is ready to live until he is no longer afraid to die.” When we experience life in Jesus, as well as liberty, love, and loyalty to Him, we begin to live the abundant life He promised us. Apply it to your life Do you have the abundant life Jesus promised those who live in Him? Consider your spiritual condition today, and step into a life of liberty, love, and loyalty to Christ.

Apr 16, 202431 min

Jesus is God's Answer to Man's Despair

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 6:15 Trouble is what draws us closer to Jesus and strengthens us to face life’s storms. In John 6, Jesus’ disciples were caught up in a treacherous storm, when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee. This passage reminds us that Jesus is God’s answer to Man’s despair. When we find ourselves tossed about by the storms of life, there are six anchors for the soul we can hold onto. “I am governed by His providence.” The storm the disciples faced did not take Jesus by surprise; nor were the disciples there by mistake. When we face unexpected storms, we must remember that even though it seems contrary to us, we are exactly where God has placed us and His providence is there, too. “I am growing by His plan.” When we look back on our lives, we will see that we grew the most in times of trouble; God engineers problems for our development. Adrian Rogers says, “Faith, like film, is developed best in the dark.” “I am graced by His prayers.” Before Jesus appeared to the disciples on the waves, He was alone on the mountain top, praying for them. From His vantage point, He could see the storm they were entering. Though the disciples did not see Him, He did not take His eyes off of them. Jesus sees us and prays for us, especially when we are in the midst of a storm. “I am gladdened by His presence.” John 6:20-21 says “But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” More than miracles, we need Jesus. Many times, we are positioned to cry out to Him, so that we may know a deeper glory and grace when He arrives. “I am guarded by His power.” God’s will does not take us where His grace cannot keep us. Anything over our heads is already under His feet. He has overcome the world; the Great I AM will always be. “I am guided by His purpose.” We are predestined to be like Jesus; God has a purpose for every storm. He gets in the boat with us and sees us to the shore. Apply it to your life Are you going through a storm right now? Remember these six truths and trust in Jesus.

Apr 15, 202435 min

Jesus Is God's Answer to Man's Darkness

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 20:30 Adrian Rogers says, “Man’s greatest need is to see his own spiritual blindness.” When He healed the man born blind in John 9, Jesus revealed that He is God’s answer to Man’s darkness. First, this miracle shows us that spiritual blindness makes beggars of us all. “Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth…” (John 9:1). This man, who was a born-blind beggar, represents all of us. We were once created to be spiritual kings and queens, to have dominion on Earth and unhindered fellowship with God. But when sin entered the world, it marred the human race. Now, we are born spiritually blind and desperate for the Light. Second, the spiritually blind need more than light to see. “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4-5). A blind man may not see the light, but he cannot deny the light simply because he can’t see it. Satan blinds the heart and the mind; this is why it takes more than preaching to convict the hearts of men. We are dependent on the Holy Spirit to open blinded eyes to the Gospel. As Jesus was sent to be the Light of the World, he sent the blind man to a pool (called Sent) in order to receive his sight (see John 9:6-7). Third, eyes once open must learn to see. “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25). When questioned by the Pharisees about his restored sight, the man testified to what Jesus had done for him. The more he spoke, the more refined his answers became. When we receive Christ, we must progress in our faith and train our opened eyes to see. The Holy Spirit gives insight, but it is our responsibility to grow in knowledge and faith. Once the heart and mind are opened to the Gospel, we must live up to the light we have received. Apply it to your life Have your spiritual eyes been opened to a relationship with God? Have you trained your eyes to see so that you can progress in your faith and refine your testimony?

Apr 11, 202436 min

Jesus Is God's Answer to Man's Desires

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 6:1 John 6 tells the miraculous story of when Jesus used a little boy’s lunch to feed more than 5,000 people. We must look beyond the miracle and into its message: Jesus is God’s answer to Man’s desires. First, this story reminds us that there is never a problem too big for Jesus to solve. “Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?’ But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do” (John 6:5-6). When tested, Philip figured the numbers in front of him and saw the impossibility of the situation, because He left Jesus out of the equation. When we face improbable circumstances, we don’t need figurations or feelings. We need faith. This world is not out of God’s control, and nothing in it takes Him by surprise; He knows what He is going to do. Second, there is no person too small for God to use. “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many” (John 6:9)? A boy gave his total lunch to Jesus, and that was enough for Jesus to feed the crowd. God can use anything and anyone; He wants to use the smallest things to accomplish the biggest things for His glory. But in order for Christ to use us, we must give Christ all we have. Adrian Rogers says, “It is not your ability; it is your availability. It is not your fame; it is your faith. It is not who you are; it is who you know, whose you are.” Finally, there is no hunger too deep for Jesus to satisfy. In John 6:35, Jesus confirms that He is the Bread of Life that satisfies our hungry souls. He is the spiritual, supernatural, satisfying bread that we must feed upon for life. We were created to know and love Him and receive our daily nourishment from Him. We will never be satisfied until we know Jesus, Heaven’s Bread. He is necessary, and He is enough. Apply it to your life Miracles cannot satisfy what only the Son of Man can. Seek Jesus preeminently, as a hungry man searches for food. Seek Him purposefully, as a man eats to be nourished and strengthened. Seek Him perpetually, continually, every single day.

Apr 9, 202439 min

Jesus is God's Answer to Man's Disability

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 5:1 One of the great questions of life is not what will happen to our bodies, but rather, do we have that inner strength that God wants us to have? The miracle recorded in John 5:1-9 reveals that Jesus is God’s answer to Man’s disability. “Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water… Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years…” (John 5:2-3, 5). When Jesus came to Bethesda, He miraculously healed just one man. The healing of this man’s body attested to a greater unseen miracle: we are spiritually paralyzed, but in Christ we have supernatural strength for living. If we want spiritual strength in Jesus, we must first admit our weakness. The primary source of spiritual weakness is sin; if we allow it to, sin can paralyze us from being what God wants us to be. Our condition will only worsen if we let the course of sin persist. This is why we must activate our will. “When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’” (John 5:6). This man couldn’t have said “yes” if Jesus hadn’t first initiated the question. Likewise, God will enable our will, but He will not force us into a relationship with Him. Man’s free will does not negate God’s sovereignty. Adrian Rogers says, “We could never choose Him, if He had not first chosen us.” Whosoever may come to the Father, but we must make that decision ourselves. Finally, we must initiate our walk. “Jesus said to him, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk.’ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked” (John 5:8-9). If we want to walk in Christ’s liberty and victory, we must put one foot in front of the other, knowing He strengthens each step. Apply it to your life Our outward bodies will get sick and die, but if we’re following Jesus, our inward selves can be renewed day by day. Adrian Rogers says, “John did not write the Gospel of John that paralyzed people might be healed; He wrote it so that lost people might be saved.”

Apr 5, 202434 min

Jesus Is God's Answer to Man's Doubt

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 4:46-54 The Book of John tells us about Jesus’ parade of miracles, seven extraordinary and deeply significant events that tell us more about Him. His wondrous work in John 4:46-54 reveals that Jesus is God’s answer to Man’s doubt. “...And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death” (John 4:46-47). First, this story tells us the obstacles to strong faith. The nobleman’s second-hand faith was weak, revealing that we cannot use someone else’s faith as our own. Jesus also rebuked the notion that these people needed miracles in order to have faith in Him: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe” (John 4:48). Demanding signs from God dishonors Him, because it means that we don’t take Him at His Word. Weak faith can also be self-centered and strong-willed, too set in its own ways. There’s nothing wrong with asking God to bless us; but strong faith is primarily interested in the glory of God. Adrian Rogers says, “Faith is not so much receiving from God the things that you want as it is accepting from God the things that He gives.” Second, this passage also reveals the operation of a strong faith. “Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your son lives.’ So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, ‘Your son lives!’” (John 4:50-51). If we want to strengthen our faith, we must hear from Him through Scripture, believe Him, and obey what He tells us to do. Then, we can find rest in His Word, the assurance of our salvation. Finally, this miracle reminds us of the objective of strong faith. Jesus did not come to perform miracles; He came to save souls. These miracles were recorded so that we may trust in Him and have strong faith. Adrian Rogers says, “Believe in miracles, but trust in Jesus.” Apply it to your life If you want to have strong faith in God, seek to hear Him in Scripture today. Believe, obey, and find rest in the Word of God, the assurance of your salvation.

Apr 3, 202436 min

Jesus Is God's Answer to Man's Disappointment

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 2:1 John 2 tells the story of Jesus turning water into wine. This marked the first of Jesus’ parade of miracles, each being considered a sign with significance. This first miracle revealed that Jesus is God’s answer to Man’s disappointment. We must remember the setting of this miracle: “Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding” (John 2:2). Jesus attending this wedding tells us that He is not a cosmic killjoy; rather, He came that we might have abounding joy. He involves Himself with ordinary people experiencing everyday issues. John 2: 6-7 is loaded with the symbolism of this miracle. Wine is a symbol of joy, and the six waterpots symbolize ritual cleansing, or further, empty religion. Filling the pots to the brim represents Jesus’ ability to fulfill the law of righteousness, to the last drop. Not only was the wine Jesus made plentiful—John 2:10 states that it was also better than the wine they had before. When the Lord saves us, He does more than deliver us from Hell; He abundantly pardons and provides for us. With Jesus, it keeps getting better and better. Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus takes these stony hearts and, like with these vessels of clay filled with meaningless ritual and religion, He gives Himself as the well of joy.” We also see the secret of this miracle: “His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it’” (John 2:5). As John 2:9 reiterates, servants know secrets others do not know. Likewise, as servants of Jesus, we know that our obedience to Him is for our own good, for others’ gladness, and for His glory. If Jesus tells you to do something, do it. We must also note the significance of this miracle; Jesus is in the transformation business. As He turned water into wine, He turns us into new creatures. Finally, we must note the sequel to this miracle. This wedding in John 2 prefigures another wedding to come. One of these days, we will attend the marriage supper of the Lamb. The wine of joy will run freely, and His glory will be manifested at that wedding feast. Apply it to your life Have you been transformed by Jesus Christ? Seeing the symbolism and significance of this first miracle, are you living with expectancy for the second wedding?

Apr 1, 202435 min

The Cross

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 3:18 The cross of Jesus Christ is the cure for sin. 1 Peter 3:18 points out three truths about how God forgives and deals with sin through the cross. The very first truth is the vicarious suffering of the cross. The word vicarious means “in the place of another”. 1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust....” Jesus, who is the just, sinless Son of God, died for the unjust, us. He became our substitute. He faced emotional and bodily suffering unlike anything we could possibly imagine. In the Old Testament, God instituted the ritual of the Passover Lamb. There was judgment upon the land because of sin, but God told His people to kill a perfect, spotless lamb. They were to take the blood of that lamb and put it upon the doorpost of their houses. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot...” Jesus' crucifixion bears symbolism of that of a Passover Lamb. Even then, God was using the Passover Lamb as a prophecy and a picture of the cross of Jesus Christ. Notice also the vital satisfaction of the cross. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sin....” Once; once for all. The debt has been paid in full. To say that there needs to be another sacrifice for sin is blasphemy. It is finished. We see also the victorious salvation of the cross. “He hath suffered for sin, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” Sin separates us from a Holy God. The cross reconciles us a Holy God. Adrian Rogers says, “On that cross, Jesus took Holy God with one hand, sinful man with the other hand and by the blood of His cross, He hath reconciled God and man.” God has a way of bringing us back. “Oh the love that thought it; oh the grace that brought it.” Apply it to your life Do you believe in the cross of Jesus Christ? The vicarious suffering, the vital satisfaction, the victorious salvation? Thank God for the sacrifice He made through Jesus Christ to bring us back to Him.

Mar 28, 202438 min

Is Jesus God?

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 27:22 In Matthew 27, Jesus Christ stood on trial before Pilate. In this account, we come face-to-face with the most present, pressing, and pertinent question ever asked: Is Jesus God, as He claimed to be? If He is not, He is a fraud, imposter, and deceiver. What we decide—or not decide—about Jesus will dictate our eternity. Scripture gives us four reasons why we believe that Jesus is God. First, all the attributes of God the Father are found in Jesus. All throughout the Gospels, we find that Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament. He is described as God is described in Psalms and Isaiah: the King of Glory, the first and the last, the Lord of Hosts. He is also shown to be God by the adoration He received.Scripture says God alone is to be worshiped (Luke 4:8). Knowing this, Jesus allowed Himself to be worshiped (Matthew 28:9). For Him to allow this, Jesus was either guilty of ultimate arrogance and the sin of idolatry, or He is God. Third, Jesus is shown to be God by His own admission. In John 8:58, Jesus says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” By quoting Exodus 3:14, Jesus is admitting He is God. Adrian Rogers says, “The Jehovah of the Old Testament is the Jesus of the New Testament.” Finally, Jesus is shown to be God by His mighty abilities. Because He is God, He is able to save (Hebrews 7:25); anyone who wants to be saved can be saved through Him.He is able to subdue (Philippians 3:21); all things—every speck of dust, every mountain and celestial body must obey Him.He is able to secure (2 Timothy 1:12); those who are saved are kept saved. He is able to supply every need we may have.Each of us has the opportunity, like Pilate, to decide what we do with Jesus. We can either accept Him or reject Him, love or despise Him—but we cannot be neutral Apply it to your life What do you believe about Jesus Christ—will you crown Him or crucify Him? Adrian Rogers says, “I love Him with all of my heart. To explain Him is impossible. To ignore Him is disastrous. To reject Him is fatal.”

Mar 25, 2024

Why the Cross?

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 3:18 The cross is the most recognizable and beloved symbol by those who trust in Jesus. The cross reminds us of Jesus Christ our Savior, and the Good News of the Gospel; but why the cross? 1 Peter 3:18 says “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit…” First, there is a substitutionary purpose for the cross. We are sinful by birth, by nature, and by practice. God, who is infinite in love, has a holy hatred for sin; He is the exact opposite of sin. If God were to overlook sin, He would no longer be a holy God. God forgives, but someone must pay the penalty for sin. Throughout Scripture, we see the examples of substitutionary deaths. But these stories are mere vignettes pointing to the need for the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ—Christ died for us, and instead of us. Second, we remember the suffering passion of the cross.Sin brings suffering, and no one has ever suffered like Jesus did when He became sin for us. He suffered emotionally in the Garden of Gethsemane, when He battled with His own humanity; He drank the metaphoric cup of suffering. Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus knew that He—who had been in the bosom of the Father from all eternity—would now become the object of the Father’s wrath.” Scripture also details His physical suffering: the scourgings, beatings, and mockery, and the weight of carrying His own cross. God did not mediate or dampen down the punishment; Jesus died the sins of the whole world. He suffered spiritually, as the Father looked away, and He walked the valley of the shadow of death by Himself. Through the cross, the righteousness of God is completely satisfied in Jesus.“It is finished,” means “once and for all.” Christ’s death satisfied the payment for our sins; it purchased our salvation. The reason for the cross is that we might be reconciled to God. There is no other way to God except by way of the cross. The cross’s saving power is our only hope: by Jesus Christ’s death alone, we can come to God. Apply it to your life Are you unashamed of Jesus Christ—ready to give an answer for why you believe in the cross? Thank Him today for His sacrificial love; spend time with Him in prayer.

Mar 21, 2024

A Life Made Over

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Jeremiah 18:3-6 Pottery is one of the oldest arts known to man, and one of the most poignant metaphors God uses to teach us about our relationship with Him. As a vessel of beauty emerges from an ugly lump of clay, we can experience a life made over in the hands of the Good Potter. Jeremiah 18:3 says, “Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel...” We must see the potential of a life that respondsIn this passage, God is the potter and we are the clay; the wheel illustrates the circumstances of life. God is the one who turns the wheel, arranging our lives as He molds and shapes us. Adrian Rogers says, “Many of us think there are incidents in our lives that are meaningless; but not a blade of grass moves without God’s permission.” We must recognize the problem of a life that resists. “And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make” (Jeremiah 18:4). The problem of the clay is not found in the Potter; it is the result of hidden impurities. Its stiffness and unyieldingness keeps it from becoming what it ought to be. If we are resistant to His work, God will break us in order to reshape us. We need to understand the promise of a life that repents. “‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?’ says the Lord. ‘Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!’” (Jeremiah 18:6). God is a God of second chances; He can still use us if we are still pliable and give Him all the pieces. We must remember the peril of a life that rebels.Jeremiah 19 warns us that if we remain hardened, we cannot be remolded. Those who have stopped listening to the conviction of their sins will become set in their stubbornness; then, it’s over for them. We must come to Him in humble repentance, while the clay is still soft and pliable. Apply it to your life Do you trust God to mold you into a useful vessel? A life made over begins with repentance and yielding to His conviction in your life.

Feb 27, 2024

Communication In Marriage

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 3:10-11 Communication is the way to joy, happiness and victory; without it, we are headed for ruin. Communication in marriage is the highest level of intimacy. If we cannot be completely honest with each other, we will drift apart. Adrian Rogers says, “Fire is a wonderful servant but a poor master; words can warm a heart or burn down a home.” 1 Peter 3:10-11 says, “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” Communication is the road on which words travel; that road has some blockades and potholes. Our intrinsic differences as men and women affect how we communicate. Adrian Rogers says, “Incompatibility is grounds for a great marriage. God made us different so that He might make us one.” Some couples may battle with insecurities and fears that their spouses will not accept them if they are totally open. Self-centeredness and unresolved hurts also hinder healthy communication, as they close off the openness we are to strive for. So many issues could be solved if we focused on solving them rather than on winning arguments. If we’re not careful, the distractions of life or overcrowded schedules will also keep us from the good communication needed for a happy home. 1 Peter 3:8 says, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous…” If we want to work on our communication in marriage, we must first be sensitive to each other and deal with our own self-centeredness. Once we do that, we can resolve hurts that may be in the way of our intimacy and create a spirit of oneness. There is also so much power in the simplest ways we nurture our marriages. We must keep dating each other well after the wedding and learn to laugh. Finally, praying together as husband and wife fills the potholes on the way to intimacy and creates safe passage for healthy communication. Apply it to your life Adrian Rogers says, “Marriage anointed by the Holy Spirit is the sweetest thing on Earth, the nearest and dearest and closest thing to Heaven. It’s really the only part of the Garden of Eden we have left. Work at your marriage. Determine that you will communicate with one another.”

Feb 26, 2024

Family Revival

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 19:3-6 We live in a fallen world of broken homes and throw-away marriages. Now more than ever, we must come back to the Word of God and seek family revival. Matthew 19 explains what marriage is so we can build our marriages in the name and power of Jesus Christ. “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6). First, we must remember that God has designed the family. Marriage is a divine institution made by God to meet the deepest needs of humankind. When we commit to another in marriage, we leave our mother and father and unite with our spouse, becoming one flesh. We are called to join together physically and multiply; we become one flesh psychologically and in spiritual communion. Because God designed the family, Satan wants to destroy the family. Adrian Rogers says, “It is not love that holds your marriage together; it is marriage that sustains your love.” God has said in His Word He hates divorce. We are commanded to love continually; a marriage rooted in conditional love produced fear, guilt, and anger. There is no fear in perfect, unconditional love; only peace, security, and joy. It is our duty to dispel the lies from Hell, vow to attack the problems rather than one another, and change the direction of a broken marriage. God has joined us together, and where there is God, there is always hope. Finally, we must defend our family. We do this by making Jesus Christ the center of our homes. Second, we continue to feed our love day by day, nurturing and caring for it so it will grow. And if we ever find ourselves in a broken home, we must remember God’s forgiveness is always available for those who seek to honor Him in their relationships, we need only ask for it. Apply it to your life How are you defending your family today? Is Jesus Christ the head of the home? Are you feeding your love and asking for forgiveness? Seek the Lord today, and pray for a family revival; let it begin with you.

Feb 22, 2024

Marriage: The Real Thing

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: None Given Marriage is a serious commitment we should not take lightly. In order to grasp the nature of marriage, we must first grasp the nature of mankind. We were made in the image of a triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In our nature, we are each composed of body, soul, and spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Adrian Rogers says, “When your body is right, you’re healthy. When your soul is right, you’re happy. When your spirit is right, you’re holy.” Marriage is only the real thing when the husband and wife are unified in their bodies, their souls, and their spirits. In marriage, we are one, physically, psychologically, and spiritually. First, there is to be a union of our bodies.Inside the bonds of matrimony, sex is a pure and wonderful thing. Being unified in physical intimacy is one of God’s sweetest gifts to us. But as we recognize its intrinsic value, misusing or abusing it is a terrible sin. We must give and receive selflessly, putting our partners’ needs above our own. Second, there must be the union of our souls.Even after the romance begins, we should prioritize friendship with our spouses. Creating that foundation of companionship is crucial to cultivating lasting marriages. People often say opposites attract; they soon find that those differences cause the most friction in their marriage. We must accept the differences as tools God uses to help us grow. Finally, there must be a union of our spirits.Scripture reminds us that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. (Read Mark 3:24.) This is why it is so crucial that both spirits, husband and wife, have bowed to King Jesus. If Christ is on the throne of both lives, the man and woman will be one, spiritually. Our marriages truly are a reflection of our relationship with God. When we take ourselves off the throne and enthrone Christ, we experience marriage as the real thing. Apply it to your life What does your relationship with your spouse say about your relationship with God? Have you dethroned yourself and enthroned Christ? Consider your marriage today, and commit yourself to your spouse in body, soul, and spirit.

Feb 21, 2024

Seven Secrets of Lasting Love

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 3:1 Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts to us; however, because we are imperfect people, we will face plenty of problems. 1 Peter 3 shares seven secrets of lasting love. Fortify Faith “For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves...” (1 Peter 3:5). A threefold cord is not easily broken; likewise, a marriage made up of a man, a woman, and God is difficult to break. Remember Roles “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands...” (1 Peter 3:1). Man and woman are equal in worth before God, but they do not serve the same function. Each has God-given roles that must be adhered to in marriage. Adrian Rogers says, “When you look at marriage as a contract, you think about your rights. When you look at marriage as a covenant, you think about your responsibilities.” Cultivate Contentment “Do not let your adornment be merely outward… rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit...” (1 Peter 3:3-4). Like true character and beauty, contentment is inward; both husband and wife must find contentment within the home, but even more so, within themselves. Banish Bitterness “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous...” (1 Peter 3:8). We must learn to forgive one another, releasing the grudges and the burden of bitterness. Continue Communication “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit” (1 Peter 3:10). Marriages function on the basis of communication. We must learn how to communicate because communication breeds intimacy. Refresh Romance “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife…” (1 Peter 3:7a). The physical part of our marriages cannot grow cold; we must show consistent honor to one another. Practice Prayer “...and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7b). Finally, when we pray together and for each other, it grants us great confidence and comfort in one another. In doing so, we acknowledge that Jesus is the key to a blessed home. Apply it to your life We are not perfect people, and we will not have perfect marriages. But if we build our homes upon these seven secrets, our love will last.

Feb 19, 2024

The Captain and His Kids

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:1-22 The Bible emphasizes the importance of household salvation. One of the greatest examples of this is Noah, whose faith in God saved his family from the Great Flood. Hebrews 11:7 says, “by faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house…” In Genesis 6, God was brokenhearted over the sins of that generation. Their hearts were set against Him, and they were trying to pour society into their wicked mold. The same sins that produced the flood in Noah's day are being committed today. But by following the demonstration of Noah’s faith in God in the midst of a rebellious generation, we can learn how to get our families into the ark of safety, which is a picture of Jesus Christ. First, see the symbolism of the ship. The ark was an indestructible, rudderless ship that kept Noah and his family safe from the wrath of God. Once the door was sealed shut behind them, the only way to see out of it was through the window above them, Heavenward. In the same way, when we enter a relationship with Christ, we obtain salvation from God’s wrath and dwell in the ark of safety. We are no longer to be worldly-minded; we must now be Heavenly-minded. Next, think of the salvation of the ship. Genesis 6:8 says, "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." This is the first mention of grace in the Bible. How were Captain Noah and his kids saved? By grace!—through faith. Adrian Rogers says, “Faith is the gangplank that gets us on board the good ship grace.” Finally, notice the security of the ship. God sealed Noah into the ark, just as we are sealed by Jesus Christ in our salvation. 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 If there is a family member that does not have a personal relationship with Christ, share your faith with them. If you are the head of your household, establish God as the Lord of your family. Pray for your family today.

Feb 15, 2024

Raising Young Champions

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Proverbs 22:6 Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way that he should go: and when he is old, he should not depart from it.” There is a difference in teaching a child and training a child. Many of us only teach our children and find that they continue to go their own way. But the dictionary definition of to train is "To prepare for a contest; to form to a proper shape; to discipline for use.” We are to train up our children to be champions for Jesus Christ. If you're going to raise a young champion, it commences with childhood. Start out early. Begin praying fervently over them before they are born. Dedicate them to the Lord while they are still in the womb. Teach them Scripture before they can walk. Secondly, it communicates with creativity. You will never force-feed a child God’s Word. Create in them a hunger for it by creatively teaching the Word of God. Find the lesson in everything, as Jesus did with His disciples. Raising children to know Scripture doesn't have to be dull. There can be Christian books, games, music, shows in your home. Surround your child with lessons that are exciting to learn. Thirdly, it corrects with consistency. Every child needs to be given limits. These limits will be tested, because there is a predisposition in any child to push back against them. And if that limitation you've set up moves, the child will have no security. There must be consistent correction. Adrian Rogers says, “If you withhold correction from your child, you’re making him a candidate for eternal punishment.” Lastly, it consummates with conversion. The ultimate goal is to help your child have something that will last him all of his life: a relationship with Jesus. As soon as your child can comprehend the concept of sin, your child is ready to learn about Jesus Christ. Guide little children that they might come to know Jesus Christ. That is the ultimate goal of raising young champions. Apply it to your life You want a champion for the Lord Jesus Christ? Bring him up with training that commences at childhood, communicates with creativity, corrects with consistency, and consummates in conversion. Pray for guidance from the Lord. Know the Word of God like the back of your hand, so that you might teach it well.

Feb 13, 2024

Your Child: Wise or Otherwise

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Proverbs 1:20, 22 Are you raising your child to be wise or otherwise? Proverbs 1:22 says, “How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning? And fools hate knowledge?” Adrian Rogers says, “A fool is not born a fool. A fool is self-made, but he has a lot of help from his parents.” It is difficult to raise children. But God tells us exactly how to raise a wise son or daughter in His word. Step 1: begin early. In Proverbs 1:22, we see a path of progression: a simple-minded one (or a naive one) becomes a scorner (or a smart-aleck), and then a scorner becomes a fool (or a rebel). Don’t wait until your child is a fool to correct him. Begin in his happy-go-lucky years of open-mindedness and naivety. It will only be more difficult to speak godly wisdom into your child’s life if he progresses into a scorner. Once he becomes a fool, there is very little hope for him. Step 2: continue wisely. Read the Book of Proverbs often. Live biblically and guide your child to know biblical principles. Guard his company. Punish him when necessary. Let him see the serious side of sin; of what society has so-well convinced him to laugh about. If your child becomes a scorner, back off. Repent and get your heart right with Jesus first. Then, ask God to open his heart, and wait for the right time to correct him and guide him back onto the path of righteousness. What if you’ve raised a fool? Step 3: Pray continually. This is your only hope. Here are three things to pray for your child: -the repentance of the sinner.-the revelation of the Spirit.-the reliability of the Scripture. Children can choose to go the wrong way if they want to. No matter how good you are or how much you do. The good news is God loves your child as you love them. He will not force him to do right, but He wants for them even more than you want for them. Pray for them without ceasing. Your desire for your children is that they be godly children. Your goal is that you be a godly parent. Apply it to your life Begin early, continue wisely, and pray faithfully for the children that God has given you.

Feb 9, 2024

God's Forever Family

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Philippians 1:1-7; 2:1 A church is a family of people from all kinds of backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas who have found a unity in God. One of the first examples of this family is the church of Philippi. In Philippians 1, the Apostle Paul conveys that the grace of God has miraculously gathered together people of divergent backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas into the common denominator that is Jesus Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “Because we have one Lord, we have one life. And because we have one Lord and one life, we have one love: the Lord Jesus Christ. And we are the forever family of God.” See how the family began: through a supernatural formation. In Philippians, the Holy Spirit gathered together this vast spectrum of people—a Jewish philosopher, a new-ager, a prison guard and a feminist to name a few—through Holy intervention. Each member of this forever family has a story of how they came to know Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives, and together they became the early church. The Spirit guided the church of Philippi through discerning restraint, wise release, and powerful results that we still hear about today! See how the family maintains a sweet fellowship. The word fellowship is the Greek word which means, "to have something in common." We have a common Lord, a common life, and a common love. Going to church and sitting in the Sunday church service every week is not fellowship, it is observation. Fellowship is bonding with brothers and sisters in Christ and joining together to share the Gospel with others. See how the family will remain with a sure future. We don't build churches. Jesus said, "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). And then in the Book of Philippians, Paul says, "Since He's the one who began it, I know He's the one who's gonna finish it." The church is not a building. It is a family. And Jesus is the Builder of the church. Apply it to your life Are you an active member of your local church? It is so important to be involved in a church home, for your sake and for the sake of your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for direction in where to go and how you can best support the fellowship of the church.

Feb 8, 2024

How to Put Meaning in Your Marriage

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Genesis 2:18-24; 3:16 Adrian Rogers says, “The real test of your faith is not how you act at church, but how you behave at home.” God gave us marriage and the home to meet the deepest emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of mankind. Marriage is the first institution that God created, and it was established in the Garden of Eden between Adam and Eve. In order for us to put meaning into marriage, we must understand its purpose, partnership, and permanence. Marriage is the closest bond to exist between two human beings. In the Garden, Adam was one-on-one with God; yet, in his heart there was still an unmet need and desire. So, God gave Adam a wife, Eve. Adrian Rogers regards marriage as “the highest, the deepest, the most insoluble of all human relationships.” God gave Eve to Adam to make up for what was lacking in Adam’s nature, and vice versa. She was to be his completer, not his competitor. There are general differences between men and women designed to complement each other. These differences are not necessarily strengths and weaknesses. Rather, they are traits to contribute to the partnership. God made them different that He might make them “one”. Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.” The word cleave is a Hebrew word which means “to weld, or to glue.” When man and woman are married, they are “glued” to one another. They become a home, together, as one. God’s equation for marriage is 1 + 1 = 1. So, God’s principle to keep us from having broken homes rooted in broken marriages is this: Love is a choice. You choose to love. The emotion may follow, but love is a commitment. And if you don’t make that commitment, when a crisis comes you’re going to walk away. How can we put meaning in our marriages? By recognizing the purpose, embracing the partnership, and respecting the permanence. What God has joined together, let man never separate. Apply it to your life Love is a choice, a commitment. What ways can you choose to love your spouse today? Think about some ways you can honor your role in this partnership called marriage, and choose to act on them today.

Feb 7, 2024

Marriage: Duel or Duet

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: James 1:19; 3:5-8 Is it common to debate with your mate? Sure it is. Sometimes, spouses get into it. And sometimes, spouses stay in it. The most important thing is not whether or not you have confrontations. It is how you handle them. James 1:19 is a verse that changes duels into duets. It says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.” Or, in simpler terms: “Tune in, tone down, sweeten up.” Tune in: All communication begins with listening. Love your spouse with your ears. Tone down: Learn the vicious power of the tongue. Words can give life, or they can rip everything to shreds. They can build a home, or they can burn it to the ground. There are seven deadly games we often play with the tongue. 1. The Judge. We blame and condemn our partners.2. The Professor. We act superior to our partners.3. The Psychologist. We try to analyze our partners.4. The Historian. We nitpick and overtly correct our partners.5. The Dictator. We give unfair ultimatums to our partners.6. The Critic. We criticize our partners.The Preacher. We try to be the Holy Spirit to our partners.7. It’s harmful to play these word games with our spouses. Sweeten up: Resolve your hurts, do not dissolve your home. Don’t practice avoidance. Confront the situation at hand. We tend to back off and retreat when things get heated, thinking that the problem will go away on its own. It doesn’t. Don’t practice appeasement. To compromise is one thing; that’s where both give. But to appease is something else. One person dominates the issue and the other is left to internalize their feelings. This will result in a much bigger issue later. Don’t practice aggression. No sarcasm, no bullying. The Bible says “speak the truth in love.” Choose the right time to discuss, with the right tone, on the right turf. Learn to practice accommodation. Practice acceptance. Make an adjustment. It’ll be worth it. Apply it to your life Would you describe your marriage as a duel or a duet? Take these principles outlined in this message and prayerfully apply them to your life. As Adrian Rogers instructed: learn to practice accommodation. Practice acceptance. Make an adjustment. It’ll be worth it.

Feb 6, 2024

The Music of Marriage

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Song of Solomon 1:1-16 To be completely known and still be loved without fear of rejection is the supreme goal of marriage. But how many marriages are on the rocks because of poor communication? According to many counselors, 100% of couples seeking marriage counseling are out of rhythm due to lack of communication. God shows us in His Word how husbands and wives can communicate, and it is modeled in the Songs of Solomon: a book of love poems, exemplifying the music of marriage. And as we eavesdrop on their conversation and observe the words said between these two lovers, we learn how they are used, and how they are received. Their words are plentiful. Sixty percent of the book consists of two lovers speaking to one another directly and plentifully. Their words are personal. They call each other by names only they know about, unique and individual, special in each other’s eyes. Their words are positive. There is not one negative word of criticism in this book; nothing critical, no correction. Their words are passionate. Their words for each other were full of life, rooted directly in their feelings. Our words sustain our marriages. Our words repair hurt feelings. Our words grow love. The problem here is that we believe words of love flow out of feeling. But most of the time, it is really that feeling that flows out of words. Adrian Rogers says, “We need to work on this thing of intimacy in marriage, and I’ll tell you why. It gives an incredible freedom and it’s worth it. You’ll never arrive at perfection, but you need to make a start if you want to have a happy home.” There is always room to improve communication as husband and wife. If you do not communicate, your marriage will disintegrate. The music of marriage is worth finding the rhythm. Apply it to your life Do you need to work on your communication skills with your spouse? Of course! If you aren’t progressing, you are regressing. Talk with your spouse. Watch your words carefully. Pray for wisdom to learn what he or she is feeling, as well as the patience to honor them as you both work toward completely knowing and loving each other, without the fear of rejection.

Feb 5, 2024

A Future for the Family is Promised

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Deuteronomy 5:29; 6:1-9 God has given us a plan for the future and a future for the family. Yet, it seems this current generation is walking through a minefield. Think about the confusion kids are exposed to in today’s world: liberalism in the churches, humanism in the schools, and paganism in society. They have lost their innocence, lost their ability to love—and they are losing their hope. They’ve stopped believing in the future. And God’s answer to this epidemic is what it has always been: the family. God has promised a future for the family, and it starts with the parents. Deuteronomy 6:3 says, “Hear, therefore, O Israel and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of your fathers promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.” A foundation for the family is provided by God, and the blueprint is found in Scripture. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 says, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord, and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” The foundation for the family is a love for God. As simple as it sounds, it is true and profound. Adrian Rogers says, “Now if you do not sincerely love God, you don’t have much of a chance of having a successful family. Many kids are turned off because they see that their parents, while they profess religion, they don’t love God with all of their heart.” Kids want to see their parents bring God into their family with a sincere, selfless, strong love. And there is a formula for the family that is prescribed. God says that your faith is to go from you to your children. Teach them convincingly, creatively, consistently, conversationally, and conspicuously. God has given us a promise of a future and a foundation upon which to build it. Love God with all of your heart, soul, and strength, and it will be well with you. Apply it to your life If you are raising children, know that it is one of the greatest responsibilities one could have! Today, talk to your family members about the Word of God. Apply the Bible to life situations. Those little ears are listening, and those eyes are watching.

Feb 2, 2024

Christ-Like Love

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 13:34 Perhaps our greatest human need is to be loved and to give love to someone else. Not only are we, as Christians, called to love others, but we are also called to exhibit a Christ-like love. In John 13:34, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Christ-like love is selfless. In a society based on self-love, self-help, and self-fulfillment, we are called to humble ourselves as Jesus did. Adrian Rogers says, “The grace of God exalts a man without inflating him, and it humbles a man without debasing him. We don’t live in sinful exaggeration or false humiliation but in sober estimation.” When we experience God’s grace, through faith, we are at peace within ourselves to show love to others in fellowship. Christ-like love is also steadfast. Nothing we can do will make God love us any more or any less. The cross of Jesus showed that His love could stand the test of trials and extreme pressure; it will never let us go, even until the very end. Christ-like love serves. As Jesus gave this commandment, He was performing the duties of a servant, washing His disciples’ feet—even those of Judas, who would betray Him later that night. Jesus practiced what He preached; He didn’t give the disciples what they deserved, but rather, what they needed. Adrian Rogers says, “You can’t look down on people while you are washing their feet.” Finally, Christ-like love is sanctifying. In this passage, Jesus uses the example of foot-washing to symbolize sanctification. As Jesus washed the dirt from their feet, He spoke of the spiritual defilement in their lives so that they may understand what it meant to be cleansed from within. Once we are saved, we are always saved—we are totally cleansed from the inside out, white as snow. But we live in a dirty, grimy world and sometimes we need to have our spiritual feet washed; this is called sanctification. As Jesus demonstrates in this passage, we show love to each other by encouraging sanctification. We show this with humility, steadfastness, and service, just as Jesus did. Apply it to your life Do you exhibit a selfless, steadfast, serving, sanctifying love to others? As you study Scripture today, ask God to reveal ways for you to show Christ-like love to others.

Feb 1, 202426 min

How to Have Joy

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 15:11 Do you know how to find joy? It seems many people spend their lives searching for it, yet they look in the wrong places. John 15:11 says, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” The life of a Christian is to be a life of contagious joy. Adrian Rogers says, “The joy of the Lord is indispensable in serving the Lord.” Yet, it is possible to know Jesus and not have this joy. Joy is not inevitable; it’s optional. What is this joy described in John 15, and how can we activate it in our lives as we follow Jesus? We must first understand that this joy is supernatural in its source. This unparalleled, unmatchable joy comes from Jesus, Himself. Because it is rooted in Jesus, and not in circumstances, this joy is steadfast in sorrow and triumphant in tribulation. Adrian Rogers says, “Happiness evaporates in the time of suffering. But joy is often deepened in the time of suffering because we come to depend upon the Lord.” It is lasting through losses and abundant through affliction. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 says, “Having received the Word in much affliction, with joy in the Holy Ghost.” This joy is not automatic; it doesn’t come once you believe in Jesus. Notice that in this passage, Jesus is speaking to those who abide in Him (John 15:5). Therefore, the secret to joy is simple: abide in Jesus. Abiding in Jesus means: 1. A life of reliance upon Him. Like a branch relies on a vine for its life and fruit, we rely on Jesus for this joy. 2 A life of restfulness. John 15:9 says, “As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you. Continue ye in My love.” We can rest in knowing that His love and His power are continuous. 3. A life of relinquishment; a branch exists solely to bear fruit from the vine. Likewise, we exist for one purpose only: abiding in Jesus. 4. And finally, a life of rejoicing, because the fruit of reliance, rest and relinquishment is full joy. Apply it to your life Do you abide in the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you rely and rest in Him? Have you relinquished every other responsibility apart from abiding in Him?

Jan 31, 2024

What the Bible Says About Faith that Saves

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: James 2:14-26 Adrian Rogers says, “There are only two kinds of religion in the world—works and grace: one spelled ‘do,’ the other spelled ‘done.’” As Christians, we are saved by grace alone, through faith, not by works of any kind. Grace is the root of our salvation, but our works are the fruit of it—they are the evidence. James 2:14 says, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” A dead faith is profitless; our works are not our justification before God, but they are how we demonstrate our faith before men. Adrian Rogers says, “You are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” A dead faith is fruitless, a barren belief; if there is no fruit, the problem is at the root. Sometimes, the devil can be more orthodox than the Believer; he and all his demons believe in God, “and they shudder” (See James 2:19.). We have to do more than just believe in God, we have to believe in the facts of faith and know the plan of salvation. A dead faith is lifeless, as James 2:17 says, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” A Christian is somebody who has the life of God; real faith produces works. James also provides two very different examples of faith from the Old Testament: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works, faith was made perfect” (James 2:21-22)? “Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way” (James 2:25). Abraham was a righteous man of God and Rahab was a harlot, yet both are in the lineage of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Our works do not earn our salvation, they reflect our belief; and if we are living as Christians, we have the hope of salvation in us. Apply it to your life Does your life reflect what you believe? Do your decisions reflect the hope of Jesus Christ in you?

Jan 29, 202443 min

How to Have a Rock-Solid Faith

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 5:1 In these desperate days, we need a faith that will hold fast in times of trouble. When the winds of circumstances, storms of calamity, and floods of affliction come, we need faith like an anchor. In Romans 5, we learn how God builds us up to have a rock-solid faith: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2). First, God builds our rock-solid faith through our tribulations. Tribulation means pressure; without pressure, we do not get stronger. We need the conflict; it may come from the enemy, or it may come from God, but God is over it all. Adrian Rogers says, “Satan will bring conflict to cause you to stumble; God will bring conflict to cause you to stand.” Pressure will come from the world; the moment we decide to become like Jesus, the world will try to squeeze us back into its mold. It can also come from the flesh; the “flesh” is the proclivity to sin that is still in us, even after salvation. Pressure also comes from the devil, himself; when we’re saved, we find out for ourselves just how powerful he can be. But our conflict teaches us constancy. Our endurance is built through our ability to withstand pressure. When conflict comes, some retreat or resent, and others resign. But we should resolve to follow God through the conflict. Romans 5:3-4 says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Constancy develops character; we grow the most when we face the hottest fires of affliction. Finally, our faith takes its full effect. As our character develops hope, we gain godly confidence. “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). Adrian Rogers says, “Hope is faith in the future tense; it believes God not only for the present, but it believes God for the future.” Apply it to your life Do you want to have a rock-solid faith in spite of stormy circumstances? Remember, conversion brings conflict, which brings constancy, which brings character, which brings hope and confidence.

Jan 25, 202433 min

How to Be Strong in the Faith

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 4:16-25 As children of God, faith is the stamp on our lives that pleases our Father. It is faith alone that enables us to live this Christian life. Romans 4 reminds us that in spite of Abraham’s sins, God remembers him for his faith, not his failures. By his example, we can learn how to be strong in the faith. “Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all...” (Romans 4:16). Faith is not a hunch, nor is it positive thinking; faith is our response to the promises of God, taking Him at His word. Strong faith is received as a gift of God: “according to grace.” Grace is not a reward for our faith; it takes the initiative to give us that faith. We cannot generate faith, for we are totally depraved by nature. The only reason we could have faith is that God takes the initiative and puts that faith in our own hearts. Unbelief holds grace a prisoner; strong faith releases the grace of God. The only way that grace can ever operate in us is through faith. Abraham was faced with two impossibilities: having a child in spite of being barren, or believing God, who raises the dead and makes something out of nothing, could break His promises. Abraham respected the greatness of God, and he experienced the miracle of having a child in his old age. Strong faith regards God’s guidance, and as a result, reflects His glory. “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (Romans 4:20-21). Abraham obeyed God, knowing that He would work through him; his story reflects the glory of God. Adrian Rogers says, “The greatest thing you could do to glorify God is to believe God.” Apply it to your life Adrian Rogers says, “You cannot please God without faith; if you please God, it doesn’t matter whom you displease, and if you displease God, it doesn’t matter whom you please.” Do you have strong faith, believing in Him, taking Him at His word?

Jan 24, 202424 min

It's Time for Some Good News

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 4:1 In Romans 1-3, Paul addressed the fate of heathens, hypocrites, and humanity. But Romans 4 is a passage for those who believe it’s time for some good news, which is grace. Adrian Rogers says, “Grace is the unmerited favor and kindness of God shown to one who does not deserve it and can never earn it. You will be saved by grace, or you won’t be saved at all.” This grace is the good news that Abraham discovered: “What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God” (Romans 4:1-2). Abraham was the first of the Jewish race, the father of Israel. If anyone could behave himself into Heaven, it would be Abraham. But the Bible argues that Abraham himself knew that God’s grace is what saved him, not his works: “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Because Abraham believed God, he respected God’s glory and received God’s gift of righteousness. This grace is also the good news that David described: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin” (Romans 4:7-8). If Abraham would be considered the greatest of saints, David would be the greatest of sinners. David had committed adultery and then murder as a means of covering up his sins. But God brought him to a place of repentance; David learned that through God’s grace, his iniquity was forgiven, his sins were covered, and God would not charge him for his sin. Adrian Rogers says, “God does not overlook sin, God Himself pays the price of that sin; that’s what Jesus did on that cross.” Finally, this grace is the good news that Paul disclosed. What Abraham discovered and David described is what the Apostle Paul proclaimed to everyone, the Jews and the Gentiles. He confirmed that this grace doesn’t come by ritual; rather it is received by God alone, upon salvation, as we receive His Holy Spirit. Apply it to your life Have you experienced God’s amazing grace in your own life? Remember, Adrian Rogers says, “Faith believes God, not for what God has done, but for who God is.”

Jan 22, 202435 min

God vs. Humanity

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 3:9-10 In Romans 3, Paul writes as a prosecuting attorney, bringing the human race before judgment in a case we could call, “God vs. Humanity.” Romans 3:9-10 says, “For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin, as it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one’…” We are sinners by birth, by nature, and by heritage, no matter our race or background. Paul presents his evidence against humanity, first bringing up man’s corrupted wisdom: “There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God” (Romans 3:11). Because our minds have been touched by sin, our wisdom is deceitful. Adrian Rogers says, “The average man thinks he can go to Heaven without being born again. He’s absolutely ignorant of two things: he doesn’t know how sinful he is and he doesn’t know how holy God is.” Our wills are also corrupted by sin, and our service is unprofitable. We cannot seek God; instead, we run from Him. But the good news is that God chases us, and He is faster than us. We can only love Him because He first loved us. (See 1 John 4:19.) Sin also corrupts our words, because our words tell us what is in our hearts. “Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have practiced deceit...” (Romans 3:13). Because of our wicked ways, we’ve turned this world into a madhouse. And because we do not revere God, our worship is depraved, as well. So Paul presents the case against humanity, to God, who is the Judge and Jury. The verdict: “Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God” (Romans 3:19). God’s holy law is given to show us we have come short of the standard. God is just, and He doesn’t owe us anything; yet He is full of mercy that we can only receive after we see we deserve judgment. Because of God, by faith, unto all, through grace, in Jesus, with justice, we are justified, declared righteous in God’s sight. Apply it to your life We will not know mercy and forgiveness until we admit our sin; confess your sins to God today. Remember, Adrian Rogers says, “He doesn’t overlook our sin, He pardons it freely by His grace.”

Jan 18, 202436 min

The Last Step on the Way Down

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 1:24 Scripture identifies marriage as the supreme commitment we make on this earth. Yet in a nation whose new virtue is called “tolerance”, our sense of moral responsibility has been lost. Sexual immorality is socially acceptable, despite the clear instruction in God’s Word to remain pure. It seems our nation is on the last step on the way down, toward the society Paul warns about in the Book of Romans. In Romans 1:24, Paul warns, “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves…” We are called, now more than ever, to cultivate healthy marriages and God-honoring homes. Adrian Rogers says, “It takes a home to raise a child, and it takes homes to make a village, and unless our homes are solid we can have no village.” Adultery is a sin against one’s self. There is no other sin that will do you more damage spiritually, psychologically, and physically. It is a sin against the home. God established monogamous marriage to meet the deepest emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the children in the home. The glue that holds the home together is sexual faithfulness. Adultery is a sin against the church. When a member of a church lives in sexual immorality, he sins against the holy body of Christ. Adultery is a sin that damages society. No matter how society tries to glamorize it, adultery has destroyed great nations in the past: Rome, Egypt and Babylon, to name a few. It may be the sin that destroys our nation, as well, because it is a sin against Almighty God. We must make the decision; bring our failures and sins before Jesus Christ and depend on Him. We have a responsibility to exercise our devotion to Christ and to our families. Let our love develop, cultivate and grow over time, guarding our hearts. We must be disciplined and have control over who or what we let into our lives. Remain determined. Make up your mind that you will not fall into temptation before it comes. As Adrian Rogers says, “Revival is not going to come to this nation from the White House, the statehouse, or the schoolhouse; it’s going to come from the church house.” Apply it to your life Remember your decision to depend upon Him, remain devoted, and develop your love for your spouse; stay disciplined and determined.

Jan 12, 202436 min

The Lost World

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 1:18-31 In Romans 1:18-31, the Apostle Paul reveals that this fallen world is without excuse: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…” (Romans 1:18). God is a God of love, but He is also righteous; He is the Chief Judge, holy in His wrath. This passage reveals three reasons why this lost world is to be judged. Man’s Willful Self-Determination “...what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them...” (Romans 1:19). God has created two witnesses to testify of His existence: creation and conscience. The inner subjective witness is conscience, and the outward witness is creation—both reveal the truth of His existence and His Word. However, this passage also identifies the haunting human resistance to God’s truth; they didn’t want to know, so they were determined not to know. Man’s Wicked Self-Deception “...because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts...” (Romans 1:21). Adrian Rogers says, “Truth is not given to satisfy your curiosity; truth is given to cause your worship and thankfulness.” “Professing to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:22). What’s worse than refusing to see, is refusing and still believing we see perfectly clear—to believe we are wise in our foolishness. Those Paul is describing, “…changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man…” (Romans 1:23). Their shameful idolatry magnified the worst parts of their flesh. Man’s Woeful Self-Destruction “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator...” (Romans 1:24-25). They were sexually, socially, and spiritually perverted, turning from God to indulge in their lusts, their hatred, and their spiritual indifference. Ultimately, this passage should act as an urgent warning to us, living in wicked days, to repent of our ways and follow God Apply it to your life Romans 1:18-31 warns us three times: “God gave them up.” Adrian Rogers reiterates, “The worst thing God could do for you would be to leave you alone in your sin.” If you have any sin in your life, any self-determination, deception, or destruction, repent of your ways and turn to God.

Jan 10, 202437 min

Totally Abandoned to the Gospel

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 1:14-16 In Romans 1, the Apostle Paul describes the heart and mind of someone totally abandoned to the Gospel in three “I am” statements. I am a debtor. Paul said, “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise” (Romans 1:14). Paul was faithful to the obligations of the Gospel. He first recognized his debt to Jesus Christ, and to the past heroes of the faith. Both Old Testament prophets, and the first martyr of the New Testament, Stephen, led to Paul’s conviction and knowledge of Christ. We owe those who served Christ before us, even in their suffering, that we might know Jesus today. Our faith is a result of their vision, blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifice. Paul also felt indebted to share the Gospel with the lost. Likewise, we should be heavy with compassion and accept the responsibility to share Jesus with others. I am ready. “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also” (Romans 1:15). Paul was flexible for the opportunities of the Gospel. He was so consumed by Jesus that he was in love with his life, yet not afraid to die. (See Philippians 1:21.) As followers of Christ, we are to be ready for anything He calls us to—to go or stay, to live or die, whatever, whenever, wherever. I am unashamed. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Finally, Paul did not fear opposition to the Gospel. In a proud, imperial city such as Rome, Paul was unashamed of Jesus Christ, and boldly proclaimed the purpose and the power of the Gospel. Adrian Rogers says, “The Gospel is not intended to save civilization from wreckage; the Gospel is intended to save people from the wreckage of civilization.” Without the Gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no hope; the power of the Gospel is the only thing that can save us from this lost world and rescue our souls from the grave. Apply it to your life When the Apostle Paul met Jesus, he asked two questions: “Who are You?” and “What would You have me to do?” Today, ask these two questions, so you may know who Jesus is and what He would have you “to do.”

Jan 8, 202435 min

The Book That Changed the World

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 1:1 There has been no book that has ever influenced or impacted the world like the book of Romans. Some of the fathers of our faith and greatest minds have called it the Constitution of Christianity. Before we dive into the text itself, we should familiarize ourselves with the basics of the book that changed the world. The Table of Contents In sixteen chapters, we learn about the problem of sin and the answer of salvation. The book also explains the process of sanctification, God’s sovereignty, and our service to one another. The Author: Paul Paul, formerly known as Saul, was a Jewish man, a Roman citizen, a scholar, a Pharisee. When he changed his name to Paul (which means “little one”), he changed his identity. When this arrogant, bold man met Jesus and was saved, he discovered that he was small. Adrian Rogers says, “One of the first things that true salvation does; it humbles us. You will never be too small for God to use you, but you may be too big.” Romans 1:1 reveals that Paul was a surrendered and sent man: “a bondservant, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.” He stood out among the crowd; likewise, we are called to be different. It is not what we do or don’t do that truly separates us, only the Gospel makes us like Jesus, and therefore, different from others. The Hero: Jesus Jesus is the promised one as Romans 1:2 says, “which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures…” Jesus is also the provided descendant of David, the rightful heir to Israel’s throne. (See Romans 1:3.) He is “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). Our hero is pure in His humanity, as well as in His deity—completely sinless. The Subject: the Gospel Finally, the subject of the Book of Romans is the Gospel, sourced and supplied by Jesus Christ, Himself. This is the Good News: poor, lost, ruined sinners such as we are saved, only through His grace. Apply it to your life As we begin to study the Book of Romans, do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the source of the Gospel, the supplier of grace?

Jan 4, 202441 min

The Word of God

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Hebrews 4:12 Adrian Rogers says, “The Bible is not like any other book: it breathes, sings, and weeps; it is alive in the power that it possesses.” Whether penned by the Apostles, spoken by the mouth of Jesus, or recorded on scrolls by the Old Testament prophets, God calls these inspired utterances the Word of God. The Word of God is absolute perfection; though the Scriptures were written by men, the words were inspired by God, declared completely infallible. 2 Peter 1:21 says, “...for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The Bible also speaks of God’s wonderful character. Jesus is called the Word of God in John 1:1-3; this comparison links together the character of Jesus and the character of the Bible. Both Jesus Christ in His humanity and the Bible have come from God. They both live for eternity, absolutely unchanging lights for dark places. They bear elements of humanity and are given authority by God. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The Word of God is quick, pulsating with life, because it presents a living person: Jesus. The Bible is like a sword, dividing our innermost beings, between soul and spirit. The Bible discerns and criticizes; it searches us so that it may sanctify the saints. It works with sinners to convict and convert us; and if we do not adhere to its power, it can condemn us. Adrian Rogers says, “The Gospel is a saver of life unto life or death unto death. If the Bible does not cut you to heal you, the Bible will cut you to kill you.” The Bible works against Satan himself. When we face spiritual warfare, our only strategy should be pointing the enemy to Scripture. When we go to battle, we must not forget our sword: the Word of God. Apply it to your life When you read the Bible, does it divide, discern, search, and sanctify you? Let the Bible work on your life, revealing what you need to cut out or let go of in order to become more like Jesus.

Jan 3, 202440 min

Treasuring Truth

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Proverbs 23:23 In this day, it is not values that we desperately need, but virtue. We must be able to differentiate truth and fact: we acquire facts but learn truth. Facts deal with knowledge, and knowledge can double, but truth never changes and is settled for eternity. We must make a habit of treasuring truth. Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” We must prize the truth, for it is indispensable, absolute, and attainable through the Word of God. It is not enough just to know it; knowledge without transformation avails nothing. We must see the transforming power behind it, through the Holy Spirit. We must also purchase the truth. Adrian Rogers says, “Salvation is free, but truth is costly; you pay a price to have truth.” John 8:31-32 says, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Believing in Jesus is the first step in attaining truth; we must also abide in His Word through discipleship. Discipleship is costly—it costs time, discipline, and obedience; but ignorance is far more costly. We must study the Bible for enlightenment. If we grow in knowledge but not in grace, we will be dangerous to ourselves and others. Adrian Rogers says, “Truth is to your spirit what good is to your body, what light is to your eyes, what melody is to your ears.” We also study Scripture for our enjoyment; reading the Bible should not be perceived as a punishment but as a privilege. We read for our personal enrichment, to sharpen our minds and strengthen our wills. We read Scripture for our enablement, to grow in our faith and fellowship with others. Finally, we must preserve the truth, guarding it against those who will deny, distort, dilute, and defile the Bible. We do this by proclaiming the Gospel truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Apply it to your life Do you treasure truth—prize, purchase, preserve, and proclaim it? Do you read Scripture for your enlightenment, enjoyment, enrichment, and enablement?

Jan 1, 202435 min

How to Maintain the Life of Victory

Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:11-16 God’s plan for us is not just to have eternal life after death, but to have abundant life, here and now. He has given us daily victory; but it is our responsibility to walk in it. Adrian Rogers says, “To lose your wealth is sad, to lose your health is worse, but to lose your walk with God after you’ve once known Him is pitifully tragic.” Joshua 24:11-16 reveals to us how to maintain the life of victory. If we want to maintain a life of victory, we must first practice careful reverence. “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD!” (Joshua 24:14). It is possible to get so casual and careless about our relationship with God that we dare lose respect and fear of Him. But it is crucial that we continue, not in a superstitious or slavish fear, but in a sanctified fear of Him. Second, we must show courageous resolve, that no matter what others do, we will serve the Lord. (See Joshua 24:15.) To serve God means to worship Him, first with sincerity, without blemish, as living sacrifices. But our worship must also be scriptural; our sincerity should not contradict the truth of Scripture. And we must be steadfast in our worship, practicing daily dedication to Him—even when we stand alone. Third, we must express continual repentance. The gods and idols of old are constantly coming back with different names. The sins we’ve turned from will inevitably chase us down and demand our service once again. If we want to maintain our victory, we must continually repent of our sins, fully and forcefully. We can never make peace with any sin; instead, we deal with it with a holy ambition. Finally, there must be complete reliance, inclining our hearts to God, who works in us and through us. Rather than boasting in our flesh, we maintain our victory through total dependence on God. Adrian Rogers says, “Victory is not your responsibility; it is your response to His ability.” Apply it to your life Are you maintaining your victory through reverence, resolve, repentance, and reliance on God? Walk on conquered ground—possess what is already in your possession.

Dec 29, 2023

His Unquestioned Lordship

Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Luke 2 Luke 2:11 says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Who is this child? He is “Christ the Lord.” Jesus Christ is called “Lord” 747 times in the New Testament alone! The question is not if He is Lord…it is if you will submit to His unquestioned lordship. The confession of His lordship secures our salvation. Salvation is our greatest need, and God sent Jesus Christ to give it to us. But we cannot receive the salvation that Jesus gives while refusing who He is. We must put away our pride and bow our hearts before Jesus. The confession of His lordship simplifies our service. When we make Jesus the Lord of our lives, it is the last independent decision we will ever make. From then on, He is the only one ours hearts should ever serve. Adrian Rogers says, “My life is to please Jesus. If I please Jesus, it doesn’t matter whom I displease. If I displease Jesus, it really doesn’t matter who I please. And the way to please Jesus is to obey the Lord Jesus Christ.” Whatever He tells you to do, do it. And the confession of His lordship subdues Satan. When we know who Jesus is and submit to Him, we have nothing to be afraid of. No attack from the devil is a match for Jesus’s power. And when you submit to Jesus, that same power lives in us. Adrian Rogers also says, “When you bring your life in alliance with His divine will, and (say) ‘I will follow Him, any time, any place, anywhere, any cost,’ then friend, you’re going to find out that Satan will cower before you—he trembles!” The devil knows the authority we have over Him when we are under the lordship of Jesus, and he hopes we never find that out. But we can, by submitting to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Apply it to your life Is Jesus your Lord? You will confess Him as Lord one day very soon. Everyone will…even the devil himself will bow at the feet of Jesus. But is He the Lord of your life today? Submit to His lordship. And whatever He tells you to do, do it.

Dec 27, 2023

His Undiminished Deity

Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:20-23 Matthew 1:21-23 says, “She (Mary) shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins.’ Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, ‘Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which, being interpreted, is God with us.’” Who was this Child born of a virgin? Who is this One that we call Jesus? Adrian Rogers says, “Not only is He the Son of God, He is God the Son.” In order to know who Jesus is, we have to acknowledge the doctrine of the Trinity—God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We may not understand the mystery of the Trinity, but that is a good thing! If we were to understand God, we would lack confidence in Him. We cannot cram the God of the universe and His mysterious ways into our human intellect. The Trinity cannot be understood… it must be believed. We can see the manifestation of the Trinity unfold throughout Scripture. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” The Hebrew word for “God” here is a plural translation. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” And verse 14 says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...” Jesus became a singular manifestation of the plural God, a visible one-third of the invisible Trinity: God the Son. Our destiny rides on the unchanging ministry of the Trinity. Adrian Rogers says, “You are selected by the Father. He loved you before you were ever born. You were saved by the Son. You are sealed by the Spirit.” Because of the Christmas story, we as children of God have been given a new benediction: God loves you. Jesus saved you. The Holy Spirit empowers you. Apply it to your life Do you believe the Babe of Bethlehem is the God of Genesis One? Do you believe Jesus is God the Son? Today, examine your heart, worship God, and thank Him for the Gift of Jesus Christ.

Dec 25, 2023

His Unblemished Life

Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Luke 2:25-35 Luke 2:25 tells the story of a man named Simeon, a just man, right with God. He was saved, surrendered, spiritual, and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Through his faith, it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And ultimately, Simeon was greatly anticipating the coming of Jesus Christ into this world. Old Simeon was waiting for the Messiah his whole life. And in Luke 2, Simeon is led by the Holy Spirit into the temple, where Mary and Joseph had come for certain purification rites as was their custom. They brought with them their son, Jesus. Simeon finally laid eyes on the awaited Savior of the World. He took the baby Jesus in his arms, and finally, he was satisfied—for he held Immanuel, God with us, just as He was promised. Who is this baby held in Simeon’s arms? -He is the One who brings deliverance.-He is the One who dispels darkness.-He is the One who determines destiny.-He is the One who provokes derision.-He is the One who causes division.-He is the One who reveals decisions. As Adrian Rogers says, “What Jesus does with you depends upon what you will do with Him. You can accept Him or you can reject Him. You can crown Him or you can crucify Him. But you cannot ignore Him.” There were many who missed the first coming of Jesus that first Christmas morning—because they either did not understand or they did not believe the biblical prophecies of His first coming into the world. Though it was clearly and plainly stated in Scripture, they missed it, either through ignorance or unbelief. And the same Scriptures that clearly prophesied His First Coming have clearly prophesied His Second Coming. He will come again. We must be ready. Apply it to your life As we reflect on the story of the First Coming of Christ, ask yourself: Are you saved? Surrendered to God? Spiritual in your faith? Sensitive to the Holy Spirit? Only then can you be satisfied in Christ and ready for His Second Coming.

Dec 21, 2023

His Unequaled Birth

Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Luke 1:30-38; 2:8-14 The Gospel of Luke says that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a virgin when she gave birth to the Son of God. The world laughs at this idea and mocks it as if it were a myth. Even worse, some proclaiming Christians doubt the Virgin Birth; some don’t believe it at all. But the truth is, there is no hope of salvation apart from the Virgin Birth. If the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ did not happen, the foundation of Christianity collapses. The Virgin Birth is not incidental: it is fundamental to our faith. You don’t have to understand the Virgin Birth to validate it. There are plenty of things we don’t understand in our everyday lives, yet we experience them. Adrian Rogers says, “Don’t worry if you can’t explain the Virgin Birth. You couldn’t explain the Virgin Birth any more than you could explain God.” Our only explanation for the Virgin Birth is the fact that nothing is impossible with God. The Virgin Birth was necessary for our salvation. In the Book of Genesis, God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the Garden of Eden. When they sinned against God, they lost that dominion and infected the entire human race with their sin. As sons and daughters of Adam by birth, we are disqualified from the restoration of this lost dominion. We are born sinners. Had Jesus Christ been born like we were born, He would have been a son of Adam, born a sinner. But being born of a virgin, He became a “second Adam,” and was able to undo what the first Adam did. God’s answer to the Fall of Man is another man, but a sinless, perfect man: Jesus Christ, who was both truly human and fully sinless. And God’s answer is to this world’s problems is still Jesus, only Jesus. The hope of the individual, the Church, the family, the nation and this world is Jesus Christ, and His Unequaled Birth. Apply it to your life Do you believe in the Virgin Birth? Do you validate it in your heart despite the mystery behind it? Do you know the hope of salvation resulted by it? Do you recognize it as the only way to God? As we reflect on the Birth of Jesus this holiday season, know with certainty that this Unequaled Birth is your saving grace.

Dec 19, 2023

How to Know God Through the Bible

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 2:1-14 The way to be blessed is to obey God, which requires our trust in Him; and to trust Him is to love Him, and in order to love Him, we must know Him. 1 Corinthians 2:1-14 shows us how to know God through the Bible. “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Heavenly wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view; human wisdom is deficient, while heavenly wisdom is sufficient. Human wisdom is superficial, transitory, and limited, and can even be dangerous. We can only know the things of God through our spirits. When He wants to teach or reveal something to us, He imparts heavenly wisdom in our spirits. God has done three mighty acts that we might know Him; the first act is revelation, which is the communication of God's truth to man by God Himself. It takes the Holy Spirit revealing truth to us in order to really know that truth. Adrian Rogers says, “The natural can never know the supernatural until the infinite reveals Himself to the finite.” Secondly, God reveals Himself through supernatural inspiration, which is the very Word of God. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:12). Third, God reveals Himself through supernatural illumination. The Holy Spirit is the one who turns the spiritual light on so that you can understand the things of God. Adrian Rogers says, “I can never know the Bible as I ought to know the Bible until I have the mind of Christ.” This doesn’t mean that we can know everything about God; it means that the average person who is obedient and diligent can understand the Bible and have personal communion with God. Apply it to your life Adrian Rogers says, “There is no knowledge of God without revelation, inspiration, illumination. And the illumination is your part where you come to God and surrender. When you come to God's Word this way, the Bible will burst aflame in your heart and in your mind and God will teach you things out of His Word.”

Dec 15, 202334 min

How to Be Successful

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Proverbs 3:5-10 God has not engineered us for failure; rather He has programmed us for success. God has cultivated wonderful plans for our lives. But tragically, few people know the will of God, much less do the will of God for their lives. As children of God, we have been given a wonderful promise of guidance. God has individual instructions for each of us on how to be successful. In order to know the will of God for our lives, we must first express a full dependence on the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 explains: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” It is difficult to trust in someone we don’t know; we must know and love the Lord in order to trust and obey Him. We are to receive God’s wisdom rather than lean on our own understanding. When we search for God’s wisdom and get serious about knowing His will, He promises that we will find it. When we have complete confidence in God, and constantly comply with His will, we will receive His faithful direction. God has promised to direct our paths, and He will do it through the Word of God. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Word of God reveals God’s will concerning our salvation, the Holy Spirit, and sanctification. God often directs us through prayer; He speaks to our hearts, directly as we pray to Him. He also guides through wisdom and directs us by His providence; He is the one who closes and opens doors. After we receive faithful direction from God, a forceful dynamic takes place: the Lord clears the path for us. Where there were once obstacles, He makes a path straight through. Adrian Rogers says, “When you worship, and your walk and your wealth are given over to Him, you’ll know the will of God.” Apply it to your life Are you serious about knowing God’s will for your life and how to be successful in it? Express your full dependence on Him and receive His faithful direction. Begin by knowing and trusting Him; then obey Him.

Dec 13, 2023

Success God's Way

Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Joshua 1:1-2 Victory is God’s gift to every child; He delights in His children’s prosperity. However, we must make certain that we are pursuing success God's way. In the Book of Joshua, Canaan represented victory. This historical narrative reveals how to come out of the wilderness and into the promised land. First, we must visualize our victory. Canaan represented the Israelites’ freedom after generations of slavery. It represented fullness after years in the desert and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Much like the Israelites, the Christian life of victory is walking on conquered ground. God has already given us the victory; we must possess our possessions by trusting and believing in Him. Second, we must vitalize our victory. Joshua 1:5 reveals that God’s promises didn’t die with Moses; He was still with Joshua and the Israelites. However, the promised land would not come without difficulty or hardship. God’s promises are for all saints, for all times; but there will be seasons of difficulty and situations of hardship. We must remember that God will never leave us or command us to do anything He hasn’t equipped us for. With strength, boldness, and obedience, we must choose to have God get the victory for us. Finally, we must verbalize our victory. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). We can only speak the Word of God to each other if we’ve hidden it in our hearts first. Meditation on God’s Word leads to the door of success, but obedience unlocks the door. Studying Scripture gives us knowledge about God; obedience gives us knowledge of God. Adrian Rogers says, “The Word of God was not given to satisfy your curiosity or scratch your intellectual itch. It’s given to lead you to obedience, which leads you to a knowledge of God, which leads you to victory.” Apply it to your life Do you want a life of victory and success God’s way? Meditate on the Word of God—read it, speak it, and memorize it. Don’t settle for a defeated life: obey what we see and hear in Scripture; keep His commandments.

Dec 11, 2023

The Principles of Prosperity

Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 11 So many of us are living just to work and working just to live, drawing our breaths and drawing our salaries. But God has a plan for us, and it includes prosperity. While that does not necessarily mean many riches, it does mean financial responsibility and blessing. The eight principles of prosperity, God’s way, are revealed in Ecclesiastes 11. Ecclesiastes 11:1: Investment King Solomon was the wisest man apart from Jesus Christ. Solomon himself was an investor; likewise, Jesus taught us to invest (see Matthew 25). First, we must examine our motive, ensuring we are not feeding our own greed or pride. Then, we should get wise counsel. Ecclesiastes 11:2: Diversification Don’t invest everything in one place; when it comes to stocks and bonds, we should open ourselves up to new ideas and opportunities. Ecclesiastes 11:3: Preparation Sooner or later, we will face unforeseen circumstances; they will catch us off guard if we have not been wise about saving. We can trust in the Lord to provide, while also preparing for a rainy day. Adrian Rogers says, “Faith and prudence are not in competition one with the other.” Ecclesiastes 11:4: Venture There are never any guarantees in life, but if we don’t sow, we will not reap; sometimes, we have to take the risk. But we must remember, gambling is never a risk worth taking. Ecclesiastes 11:5: Trust There are some things we don’t know—yet everything is under the sovereign control of Almighty God; we have to trust Him. Ecclesiastes 11:6: Work There is no sure formula for wealth. It is good to be honorably employed and earn an honest wage. When done right, work should grant us dignity, joy, and reward. Ecclesiastes 11:7-8: Perspective We are encouraged to enjoy life but remember that bad days are coming; don’t forget that this is not all there is. Ecclesiastes 11:9-10: Accountability We are stewards of the things God has given us, and one day we will stand before God and give an account for what we did with it. Adrian Rogers says, “What you call your own is not yours; you are a steward—a manager. Owners have rights, but stewards have responsibilities.” Apply it to your life Have you considered the eight principles of prosperity? Remember them as you prayerfully work through your finances.

Dec 7, 2023

How to Obtain Financial Freedom

Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Malachi 3:7-12 God pays attention to our stewardship—how we obtain, save, invest, spend, and give away our money. Satan, who is also very interested, would love to keep us in financial bondage. Financial bondage is not just debt or poverty. If money increases our worries, or if we have plenty in the bank, but no treasure in Heaven, we are in financial bondage. God wants to open the windows of Heaven and pour out spiritual and financial blessing on us., but we must be brought to a place where we can receive it. Malachi 3 shows us how to obtain 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 financial freedom, there must first be a personal return to God, which is tithing. God is not out to impoverish us; He wants to enrich us in His own way. God isn’t interested in our money, but rather, our hearts. Adrian Rogers says, “You’ll never know financial freedom, no matter how wealthy you are, if you don’t tithe.” 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. Second, there must be a material release. Tithing is not a legalistic practice; it was established before the law of Moses was written. Also, Jesus Himself commended it. According to Scripture, tithing is ten percent given to the temple of God (church), for the work of the temple. Finally, when we learn to give back to God freely, we’ll see a spiritual renewal. “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) God keeps His word; when we tithe, God will renew our faith, rebuke our foes, and restore our fruitfulness. Apply it to your life Are you seeking freedom from financial bondage? Return to God; understand that He wants you, first and foremost. Then, show your faithfulness through tithing.

Dec 5, 2023

Man and His Money

Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: James 5:1-3 Stewardship is the area of life that tells how men make money and, more importantly, how God makes men. Adrian Rogers says, “A man’s character, religion and spirituality may be measured by his attitude toward money more than anything else.” Money is a necessary means of exchange; the Bible warns us that though money is not sinful or evil in itself, the love of money is the root of all evil. God is concerned with our finances because of the many deceptions, disagreements, and disasters traced back to money. James 5 shares invaluable insight on man and his money. First, God is interested in how we save our money. “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! …You have heaped up treasure in the last days” (James 5:1,3). Some people have stagnant wealth, collecting money for money’s sake rather than for living. God wants us to be wise and save money for the future. Riches and honor come from the Lord; however, the Bible condemns heaping up and hoarding wealth. God wants everything—including money—in circulation; there is enough to go around, to take care of everything. There is no need to keep money for the sheer love of money. Second, God is interested in how we secure money. In James 5:4, James calls out men who were suppressing the poor and withholding their wages for economic power. God is against wrongly-obtained gain, especially when it oppresses the poor. There is a curse reserved for ill-gotten gain. We must be careful that we make an honest wage from an honorable business. God also sees how we spend our money. While God takes pleasure in the prosperity and enjoyment of his servants, He is against selfishness, lavishness, and wastefulness. It is so much better to give than to receive, and our money could be used for so much more than earthly possessions. Finally, God sees how we share our money. One day soon, we will see the Lord Jesus and we will give an account of our stewardship. What we give is never lost; in the end, all we have is what we have given away. Apply it to your life What does your relationship with money look like? Are you wise in how you save it, secure it, spend it, and share it with others?

Dec 4, 2023

What Is the Gospel?

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 In simplest terms, the Gospel is the Good News of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The root of the Gospel is found in 1 Corinthians 15:3: “...that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…” Man’s problem is not what he lacks; it is what he has, which is a sin problem. Sin brings about spiritual debt, defilement, and dominion. The Gospel is the only thing that can save us from our sins. To understand the Gospel, we must see its scriptural content. Jesus’ death deals with sin’s debt; his blood atoned for our sin, paying that debt He did not owe. Jesus’ burial deals with sin’s defilement; it assures us that He has put our sin in the grave of God’s forgetfulness. Jesus’ resurrection deals with sin’s dominion. Because He rose from the dead, and is still alive today, He has power over sin and death. Second, we must see the saving intent of the Gospel. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 says, “...I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.” The Gospel’s first intent is for us to believe it and be saved; no other way will lead to salvation. Adrian Rogers says, “(Salvation) is not in sincerity or sentiment or service or sacrament, but in the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is gloriously simple and simply glorious.” When we believe the Gospel, we are also strengthened, day-by-day. Jesus saved us from the penalty and pollution of sin once and for all, but He is saving us from the power of sin daily. When we believe the Gospel, we are also secured. Jesus Christ is our wonderful assurance; He has us in His hand. Finally, we must recognize the extent of the Gospel. It extends to every person, every place, and every problem. Adrian Rogers says, “There’s no other message that has an answer to sin, sorrow, and death except the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Apply it to your life If someone were to ask you what the Gospel is, do you have a ready answer for them? Remember Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection, and what they mean to those who believe the Gospel.

Dec 1, 2023

Preparing for the Battle

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Ephesians 5:1 Satan wages war against the family because the family is all we have left of the Garden of Eden. We are called to battle—to guard our hearts and protect our homes. We’re not wrestling against flesh and blood. We’re wrestling against principalities and powers of darkness. In preparing for the battle, we must first remember our adversary.Satan is a decided fact; never underestimate him or count him out. He would love nothing more than to convince you that he doesn’t exist. 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 also 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, recognize the power of your sword. Your sword is the sword of the Spirit and the Word of God. Third, remember the power in your prayer, when praying in the Spirit. Adrian Rogers says, “If you don’t pray, the devil will beat you. You can have all the authority in the world, but if you don’t appropriate it through prayer, you’re going down.” Finally, the Christian warrior must remember his allies. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given to me” (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.

Nov 29, 202342 min

Protect Your Home

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 127 Psalm 127 is a psalm for the home. Verses 1-2 say, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows for he giveth his beloved sleep.” The devil is a thief, murderer and destroyer… and he steals, kills and destroys closer than you realize. One of his chief weapons is pornography. Satan has made pornography so available, affordable and anonymous in our society. He wants to steal your fellowship with God. Adrian Rogers says, “I cannot walk in darkness and have fellowship with Him who is light.” Satan wants to kill your ability to love. Pornography is the opposite of love; it objectifies and degrades. It is brutal and loveless; it brings death to innocence, purity and happiness. Satan also wants to destroy your family, because the family is the basic unit of society. Satan knows that if he can deceive a man, defile his mind and destroy his home, he will dominate the world. But there is victory for those who follow God and have clean hearts in this dirty world. God will protect your home, if you will guard your heart. 1 John 4:4 says, “You are of God little children and have overcome them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” Adrian Rogers gives ten practical strategies to guard your heart and protect your home. 1. Lead your children to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.2. Help your children to discern true values.3. Teach them the principles of purity.4. Cover them with prayer.5. Make a family covenant.6. Memorize Scriptures.7. Create the right atmosphere in your home.8. Remove temptations.9. Teach your daughters to dress modestly.10. Learn to counterattack. You must fight for your children. Remind them of their great values: fellowship with God, the ability to love, and a Christian home. Apply it to your life It is so easy to complain about the problem of pornography in our society. But rather, we should remember what we can do: We can guard our hearts and we can protect our homes. Start there.

Nov 27, 202350 min

Love Worth Finding | Audio Program

Jesus is God&apos;s Answer to Man&apos;s Death

Jesus is God&apos;s Answer to Man&apos;s Despair

Jesus Is God&apos;s Answer to Man&apos;s Darkness

Jesus Is God&apos;s Answer to Man&apos;s Desires

Jesus is God&apos;s Answer to Man&apos;s Disability

Jesus Is God&apos;s Answer to Man&apos;s Doubt

Jesus Is God&apos;s Answer to Man&apos;s Disappointment