All Episodes — Love Worth Finding | Audio Program

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

Give Him Glory

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 4:24 The greatest commandment is to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. (See Mark 12:29-30.) Keeping this commandment is how we find our blessing and give God glory; it is our ultimate priority, supreme duty, and maximum privilege. John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” In context, Jesus said this while journeying through Samaria, which was considered enemy territory for Him (as a Jewish man). Yet, Jesus considered this detour a divine appointment with the woman at the well. Jesus recognized that this woman was bound by sin and broken by sorrow, thirsty for God. She initially tried to debate religion with Jesus to deflect from the inner turmoil in her heart. In their conversation, we can first see our urgency to worship the right person: God the Father. In John 4:23, Jesus says, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” We must also worship in the right place. In the Gospels, Jesus teaches us that God does not dwell in temples made with hands. Because of Jesus Christ, the holy veil has been torn, and God now dwells in us. We have the tremendous privilege to worship any place, any time; every day is a holy day, and every place is a sacred place. Adrian Rogers says, “The significance of coming to church is not primarily to come to worship, but that we bring our worship.” Additionally, we must worship with the right procedure: in spirit and in truth. Worship comes from within; we serve God with our spirit first, before we ever serve with our hands and feet. But real worship also has a theological base; our worship rises no higher than our concept of God. Finally, we must worship for the right purpose. We don’t go to church to be blessed, but rather, to bless. It’s only after we forget about ourselves and begin to worship God that we will receive the blessings of our worship. Apply it to your life Do you worship the one true God, every day, in spirit and in truth, for the right purpose? Examine your heart today, and begin giving Him glory for what He has done in your life.

Nov 23, 202336 min

Guard Your Heart

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 119:9-16 Scripture reveals there is only one way to control your thought life, and that is to guard your heart. Psalm 119: 9-16 says, Hebrews 11:24-27 says: “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.”There are seven steps listed in this passage to help control your thought life. Purification: Get perfectly clean. No matter how vile your thought life has been, 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Determination: Determine to stay clean. You cannot guard your heart, half-heartedly. Adrian Rogers says, “God does business with those who mean business.” Fortification: Fortify yourself with the Word of God. Replace what you’ve refused and repented of with Scripture. Guard your thoughts as instructed in Phillippians 4:8, dwelling only on what is reliant, respectful, right, reverent, relational, and refined. Vitalization: Ask God to teach you. If you would be so bold to pray for it, the Holy Spirit will make the living, active Word of God real to you. Verbalization: Keep the word of God on your lips. Tell others the Word of God; discuss it among brothers and sisters in Christ. Evaluation: Remember your true riches. There has to be an evaluation—a choice. Adrian Rogers says, “A mind that feeds on trash is a mind that is hungry without a sense of shame.” Choose satisfaction of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mediation: Maintain constant communion with the Lord. There are three elements in meditation: time, quietness, and concentration. If you will spend time meditating on the Word of God, it will do wonderful things for your thought life. Apply it to your life Get your heart clean before God and guard it with your life, so that you may protect your home.

Nov 21, 202347 min

The Moses Principle

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:24 There is a spiritual battle for the minds of our children. They are being systematically seduced by the enemy, who wants to destroy our homes. The problem is too pervasive and persuasive to rely on political action. The devil has introduced various substitutes for fixed truth to society. It’s crucial, now more than ever, to instill the truth of the Word of God into the hearts of our children. Hebrews 11:24-27 says: “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.” There is a personal choice to be made. We are free to choose, but not free to not choose, nor are we free to choose the consequences of our choices. We have the opportunity to choose “The Moses Principle.” First, there must be a wise evaluation. The devil bombards us with worldly pleasures to distract us from the treasures of a clean heart, true love, and a godly family. If we take time to evaluate this, our true values will be determined. After a properly wise evaluation, there must be a clear choice.Once our values are determined, the choice becomes clear. It will not be easy; the devil will tempt you egregiously to change your mind. Moses was faced with position, possessions, and pleasures of all sorts. But he considered the profit and loss of every decision he made; he figured and judged, and made up his mind. Finally, there must be a determined refusal. In Hebrews 11, we see that Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Symbolically, this meant he refused all the pleasures of Egypt. Adrian Rogers says, “No one will refuse pornography until he first chooses righteousness. And no one will choose righteousness until he makes a proper evaluation and sees what really counts.” Apply it to your life Have you made a wise evaluation, a clear choice, and a determined refusal toward the pleasures of this world? You can only protect your family if you first guard your heart.

Nov 17, 202334 min

God's Presence in the Hour of Death

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Genesis 50:22-26 The fear of death keeps people in bondage. Yet, a child of God can smile at death. That’s what Joseph did; in Genesis 50, we see Joseph practicing God’s presence in his hour of death. If we want to have the assurance that Joseph had, we must first remember the unbreakable promises of God. We will not have peace in the hour of death unless we have God’s promises to stand on. For Joseph, He remembered God’s promises to Abram. Hebrews 11:22 says, “By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.” What is faith? Faith is not positive thinking or hoping for the best. Faith is getting in the Word of God and believing it. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Second, we must rest in the unshakeable power of God. Faith is not shaken by appearances, human reason, emotion, or delay. The Word of God gives the assurance of faith. Adrian Rogers says, “Your emotions are the shallowest part of your nature. Salvation is the deepest work of God. God doesn’t do the deepest work in the shallowest part. Forget your emotions… put your confidence in the unshakeable power of God.” Finally, we must receive the unmistakable peace of God. Joshua 24 explains that Joseph’s bones were buried in Shechem, where Abram was buried. Just as Joseph had faith to believe, it was done. Why was Joseph concerned about the burial of his bones? He wanted to leave a monument of faith. His success in Egypt paled in comparison to his desire to be a part of what God was doing next. We see later in the Book of Joshua that every time the people saw his burial site, they were reminded of the vapor of life and the length of eternity. If they were living in prosperity, those bones reminded them that one of these days, they would leave it all behind. And if they were living in adversity, those bones reminded them that there was a better day coming. Apply it to your life Let every casket you see and every funeral you attend remind you today is the day of salvation. Give your heart to Jesus and you can smile at death.

Nov 13, 202331 min

The Gospel According to Joseph

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Genesis 45 When Joseph was young, his brothers sold him as a slave to the Egyptian guard. However, God was with Joseph. Through divine providence, Joseph became the prime minister of Egypt. Joseph was on a throne when his brothers were brought before him. The one they had treated so hatefully, became the one with absolute authority. Because of Joseph's love for them in Genesis 45, we are given an illustration of the Gospel, according to Joseph. God’s love is greater than all our sin. When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, they remembered what they had done. God, in love, confronts our sin for our own sake, so He may reveal Himself to us. No one is truly saved apart from the conviction of sin. In order for us to be saved, we must first be convicted of our lost estate. His compassion causes Him to love you. Joseph eagerly forgave them, because, though his brothers abused him, God worked it together for His glory. It’s our job to confess Him openly and publicly. 1. We once rejected Him.2. God raised Him up.3. His name is above every name.4. The world is now at His feet.5. He has forgiven our sins.6. He wants to be with us and share His glory.7. This is what they were to tell about Joseph, and that’s what we’re to tell about Jesus. You have been commissioned to fellowship with your King. Joseph fellowshipped with them. Likewise, God wants to fellowship with us. God saves us by grace and supplies us for service. Joseph claimed his brothers before Pharaoh. Jesus is not ashamed to claim us as brothers. We communicate by our love, our lips, and our lives. Genesis 45:27 says, “...and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob, their father, revived: And Israel said, It is enough: Joseph my son is yet alive, and I will go and see him before I die.” Adrian Rogers says, “When the world sees us united with wagon loads of God’s grace, they will be convinced of the Gospel, just as Jacob was.” Apply it to your life Do you communicate your faith in Jesus Christ with others by your love, your lips, and your life?

Nov 9, 202332 min

Joseph: A Portrait of Jesus

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Genesis 37 The Bible is all about the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His Word, God gives us many prophetic portraits of His Son, one being Joseph in the Book of Genesis. There are four episodes in the life of Joseph that foreshadow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. See Jesus as the Beloved Son through the life of Joseph Joseph had his father’s favor, from whom he received a special coat of many colors—a mark of distinction. No fault or sin is ever mentioned about Joseph. This doesn’t mean he was perfect; rather, he served as an illustration of the sinless Son of God. See Jesus as the Suffering Servant through Joseph Joseph was sent to minister to his brothers by his father. His brothers resented him because of their father’s devotion to him. As a result, Joseph suffered at the hands of his brothers, being sold as a slave to the head of the Egyptian guard, Potiphar. His father believed he had been slain. And in the eyes of his brothers, he was dead, also. In the Gospels, Jesus was scorned and suffered at the hands of the ones He was sent to minister to. He dealt with conspiracies against him, abuse, and betrayal. He was crucified, dead, and buried for three days. See Jesus as the Exalted Sovereign through Joseph Joseph became the Prime Minister of Egypt. This man, once despised and rejected, was enthroned as the ruler over the most powerful nation at the time. He was given a new name, a new robe, and a new bride. He saved his people from death. Every knee in Egypt had to bow to Joseph. One day, every knee worldwide will bow to Jesus. See Jesus as the Seeking Savior through Joseph Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. He received them back, forgave them, and restored them. He then commissioned them to tell their father that he was alive. In the same way, Jesus reveals Himself to us on the day of our salvation. He receives us, forgives, restores, and commissions us to tell the world that He is alive. Adrian Rogers says, “Our faith is summed up in this: Come to Me; go to all the world.” Apply it to your life God wants us to be saved so much that He gave many illustrations of salvation before the fullness of time. Do you understand the story, and believe it?

Nov 7, 202334 min

When Nothing Seems to Make Sense

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Genesis 39:20-23 What can we do when nothing seems to make sense? Genesis 39 tells the story of a godly man named Joseph. Though he did nothing wrong, he was sold as a slave by his own brothers and bought by the head of the Egyptian guard, Potiphar. Hardship continued when he was falsely accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife and cast into prison. He was completely innocent… this didn’t make sense! Joseph exemplifies five principles for us to remember when nothing seems to make sense. Don’t demand to understand. We can come to a time of perplexity, having done nothing wrong. In fact, many of God’s greatest saints walked in darkness for parts of their lives. Darkness does not mean that sin has prevailed. Darkness cannot overcome light. If God takes away the light, simply trust God and do not demand to understand. Don’t fail to be faithful. Joseph did not sulk in prison. Even there, in a time of persecution, Joseph served God. He was not a fair-weather Christian. In the darkness, he held onto what God promised him in the light. Don’t bow to bitterness. There was not a shred of bitterness in Joseph, because He knew God was with him. In hard times, we need to be very careful not to become bitter. Adrian Rogers says, “...it’s not how you react when you’re punished for doing wrong, but how you react when you’re persecuted for doing right.” Don’t be unwilling to wait. God knows where we are. The same God who was with Joseph in his youth was with him when he languished in prison. God is never late; He will bring us out in His time. Don’t let dreams dissolve. Joseph never forgot his God-given dream from his youth. God never forgot it, either; it came to fruition in perfect timing. Adrian Rogers says, “There is coming a day when God will make everything right; don’t lose your faith when it doesn’t make sense to you.” Don't let your dreams dissolve in the darkness. God did not fail Joseph and He will not fail us. Apply it to your life Are you in a season when nothing seems to make sense? Remember, as Adrian Rogers says, “Serve Jesus and never quit. Give Him your heart… your life. And don’t ever lose your dream.”

Nov 3, 202335 min

Practicing the Presence of God

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Genesis 37:1 There are many people who are existing but are not living. The secret to an abundant life is practicing the presence of God. Perhaps the most Christ-like character in the Old Testament was Joseph. No matter what happened to him, Joseph practiced the presence of God. The Bible says, “...the Lord was with him.” (Genesis 39) There are four principles in Genesis 37 that reveal how to prosper like Joseph. Joseph expressed his God-given difference. Joseph was different, distinct by his nobility. His brothers hated him because he would not conform. When God saved us, God made us different; we are somebody in his sight. Romans 12:2 says, “Be not conformed to this world.” The world wants to squeeze us into its mold. When we refuse to conform, it resents our nobility in the Lord Jesus Christ. Joseph explored his God-given dreams. When Joseph was just a teenager, God put a dream into his heart. God has not promised to fulfill our fantasies; rather, He has plans for us and wants us to dream God-given dreams. How can we know what we are supposed to hope for? We must present ourselves to Him and ask Him for the mind of Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “You don’t find the will of God; God’s will finds you.” Joseph endured his God-given difficulties. Joseph did not have an easy life. He was sold as a slave by his brothers. He’s falsely accused and thrown in prison. However, in Genesis 50:20, when confronted by his brothers, Joseph said: “As for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good...” God allows us to have difficulties in life; He does not cause these things, but wherever man rules, God overrules. Joseph enlisted his God-given dynamic. When the Bible says that, “God was with him,” it means that God was for him, working on his behalf. God was with him in times of persecution, responsibility, temptation, of slander, and suffering. God was with him. How humbling it is to know God is with us, too! Apply it to your life Would you like to prosper as Joseph prospered? Prosperity is the progressive realization of the will of God for your life. Express your God-given difference, explore your God-given dreams, endure your God-given difficulties, and enlist your God-given dynamic.

Nov 1, 202330 min

The Legacy of Love

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 John 3:11-24 The key to assurance and fellowship with God is love. Children of God ought to be filled with love. It is our greatest virtue and commandment. It is also our greatest testimony; we will be known by our love, above all other things. And it is our greatest motivation; if we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments—showing His love with others. 1 John 3 explains the legacy of love, which is first a good conscience. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:18-20). God gave man a conscience as a gift; its purpose is to concentrate our actions and make moral judgments. It is our assurance that we have full transparency toward everyone. If we have love in our hearts, our consciences are clear. The legacy of love is also a great confidence. “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 John 3:21-22). When our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence that our prayers will be answered. Adrian Rogers says, “Answered prayer is not for rebels; it is not for those whose hearts are filled with hate.” Third, the legacy of love gives a gracious communion. “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us” (1 John 3:23-24). If we do not have love in our hearts, instead harboring bitterness, wrath, and malice, the Holy Spirit cannot commune with us. But when we have a good conscience and great confidence, the Holy Spirit gently confirms that we belong to Jesus. Apply it to your life Do you have the legacy of love in your heart? Do you have a good conscience, a great confidence, and a gracious communion?

Oct 23, 202336 min

Real Salvation

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 John 3:1-9 These days, we have many churches full of empty people who have never really been saved. Adrian Rogers says, “They have culture, but they don't have Calvary, they have ritual, but they don't have reality. They have form, but they don't have force, and they have religion, but they don't have righteousness.” What we need is real salvation, which is outlined in 1 John 3. First, we see the rebellion that proves our sinfulness. “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). To maintain its order, the universe works according to the fixed physical and moral laws of its Creator. Sin is the transgression of the law. Because we are sinners by nature, we are naturally inclined to rebel against God’s laws; and when we break God's laws, we break His heart. This passage also reveals the righteousness that proclaims our sonship. “Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous” (1 John 3:6-7). We are saved when we bow the knee to Jesus Christ and make Him Lord of our lives. When we are saved, we become sons and daughters of God. Though we are new creations, we are still bound to sin, to slip and fall, to make mistakes. But if we are Christians, we will not make sin a lifestyle; instead, we will live by God’s commandments. Finally, we recognize the redemption that provides our salvation. “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin” (1 John 3:5). Because of Jesus Christ, we have been delivered from the penalty of sin, the power of Satan and the principle of self. As new creations in Christ, we have a new dynamic -- we’re born again. Adrian Rogers says, “The Word of God and the Spirit of God together, in the womb of grace, have made me a new person.” We also have a new desire to remain holy and righteous, for we are now under the conviction of the Holy Spirit when we sin. Apply it to your life Have you experienced real salvation through Jesus Christ? Is there evidence in your life that you have been redeemed—a new dynamic, a new desire to remain holy, and a new deterrent from sin?

Oct 19, 202336 min

When We All Get to Heaven

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 John 3:1-3 Adrian Rogers says, “A rich man is poor without Jesus, a strong man is weak without Jesus, and an educated man is ignorant until he comes to know the Lord Jesus Christ.” Without Jesus, Man is ignorant of his past and afraid of his future; he lives somewhere in between mystery and misery. But when we know the Lord Jesus Christ, we experience the sweetest fellowship on Earth and can anticipate joy beyond comprehension when we all get to Heaven. 1 John 3:1 says: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” First, this passage identifies what we are; it describes our Christian dignity. We are children of God; He loves us as He loves Jesus, and nothing we do can make Him love us any less. Because of this love, we have our Father’s care; we can rest assured that we are provided for. We have His correction as well; He will lovingly chastise us that we may be sanctified and holy in His sight. We have our Father’s compassion; His heart is broken when ours is broken. We have his companionship, and we will never be alone ever again. This passage also reveals what we will be, it outlines our Christian destiny. “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Christ is going to appear; He is coming back to this Earth, and we will see Him as He is, in all of His glory. And this verse confirms that we are going to be like Him. Finally, this passage confirms what we should be; it challenges us to our Christian duty. “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). The biblical definition of “hope” is absolute certainty mingled with anticipation. We should live with the hope of His return, looking and longing for His coming. And we should be living for His coming, striving for purity and holiness as we wait with expectancy. Apply it to your life Are you living in anticipation of the fellowship we’ll have when we all get to Heaven? Remember your dignity, your destiny, and your duty today.

Oct 17, 202340 min

Your Friendly Enemy

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 John 2:15-17 When we become Christians, the Lord fills our hearts with love; however, there are some things the Bible says we cannot afford to love. 1 John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” This passage is not referring to the planet or the people who inhabit it. The “world” in this context means, “a system or an order of things.” There is an ungodly system set against our Lord; although it may cozy up to us, the world is a friendly enemy. We must see its true character; this world has a prince, the devil, who is the mastermind behind this world system. This world shares his philosophy, which consists of skillfully woven ideals and values that seem beautiful but are dangerous. The purpose of the world system is to draw us away from God. Jesus is the ultimate exposure of sin and evil, so the world and its people will try to sway us out of our fellowship with Him. But rather than conforming to the world, we must recognize its corruption. “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:16). The lust of the flesh deals with our passions; it is Satan’s appeal to our old nature. The lust of the eyes deals with our possessions. This temptation is a desire to want more than we need and to be dissatisfied with what we have. The pride of life deals with position; the world tricks us into seeking recognition and making a name for ourselves. The above temptations lose their appeal when we see the condemnation of the world. “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17). Those who live for Jesus in this world know what life is truly about. Adrian Rogers says, “I’d be a Christian if there were no Heaven or Hell, just to know the Lord Jesus Christ in this life.” Apply it to your life Are you friends with this world, or are you loyal to Jesus Christ? See your friendly enemy for what it is; recognize its corruption and remember its condemnation.

Oct 11, 202334 min

Birthmarks of the Believer

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 John 2:3-11 When we got saved, God put some indelible marks upon us. 1 John 2:3-10 reveals three traits of those who are born again—birthmarks of the believer. First, a true believer submits to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4). Nobody can be saved without receiving Jesus Christ as Lord. If we say He is Lord, we must keep His commandments. The commands of the Lord are something to guard, to treasure. We don’t do this in order to be saved; we do it because we are saved and we love the Lord. Second, a true believer seeks the lifestyle of Jesus. “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:5-6). The purpose of being saved is to be made like Jesus; as we follow His example, we become like Him. He lived a life of honesty, purity, and righteousness. He didn’t merely abstain from doing what is wrong, He went about doing good. If we want to live like Jesus, we must also fully rely on Him, live with relinquishment as a branch abides in a vine. Adrian Rogers says, “There’s only one person who has ever lived the Christian life, and His name is Jesus. We walk as He walked because we abide in Him.” Finally, a true believer shows the love of Jesus. “He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him” (1 John 2:10). Love is the first and greatest commandment; Jesus doesn’t love us because we’re lovely... He just loves us. One of the birthmarks of believers is that they love others as Jesus has loved them. Apply it to your life Do you have the birthmarks of a believer? Adrian Rogers says, “If a person is saved, it’s going to show in his life. You’re not saved by keeping the commandments, by walking as Jesus walked, or by loving your brother. But if you are saved, you will do these things.”

Oct 6, 202332 min

Things That Hinder Fellowship

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 John 1:5-2:6 If we feel distant from God, it could be because of sin. Adrian Rogers says, “Our sins are the secret faults that cause moral earthquakes.” When we were born again, God dealt with our sins judicially: they were forgiven under the blood of Jesus Christ when we were “saved by grace, through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Our sonship does not change based on our sins, but our fellowship with God can be strained if we do not deal with our day-to-day sins. 1 John 1-2 addresses the things that hinder our fellowship with God. First, we need to understand how God convicts us of our sin: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). No matter if the sin is big or small, our sin is still there; and if we deny it long enough, we might even begin to believe our own lies. If we stay in darkness, there will be no conviction of our sins. But when we expose ourselves to the light once more, the Holy Spirit of God will convict us legitimately, specifically, and redemptively. After we’ve been convicted of our sins, God is faithful to cleanse us of them. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we confess our sins, we must do so immediately and specifically: remaining sensitive to sin, calling it by name. But we must also confess our sins confidently, knowing He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of every sin-stain. Finally, remember the conquest of sin. 1 John 2:1 says, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Jesus Christ has satisfied the demands of a righteous and holy God. We are encouraged to live holy lives, yet when we sin and fall out of fellowship with God, there is hope that it can be restored. Apply it to your life Has God convicted you of any sins in your life? Obey the Holy Spirit, and confess your sins immediately, specifically, and confidently; He is faithful to forgive and cleanse you so that your fellowship with God can be restored.

Oct 4, 202334 min

The Sweetest Fellowship This Side of Heaven

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 John 1:1-4 1 John 1 speaks of our fellowship as Christians, which comes through the life that we have in Jesus Christ. In order to experience and enjoy the sweetest fellowship this side of Heaven, the Apostle John identifies three things we must know beyond any doubt. First, there is a fact established. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life…” (1 John 1:1). Many false teachers and deceivers will claim Jesus was not a physical, literal, bodily human who walked the Earth, or that He was not who He said He was. But in 1 John 1:2, John confirms that Jesus is an eternal, physical, spiritual fact: “...the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us…” Jesus was fully God, fully man, and apart from His humanity, we cannot be saved. And as a man, He depended upon the same power that we can depend upon: the Holy Spirit. Second, there is a fellowship experienced. “...that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). Fellowship means, “to hold things in common”; those of us who have experienced the saving grace of God have much in common. We have become partakers of the divine nature; not only do we have fellowship with God, but we must also have fellowship with one another. We have the same new nature, re-born from the same womb of grace. Finally, there is fullness enjoyed. “And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:4). There is no joy like the joy of knowing one another in the Lord Jesus Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “Happiness depends upon what happens, joy depends upon the Lord.” Happiness is at its fullest when it is mingled with joy, and that joy in the Lord is made full by our fellowship with one another. Apply it to your life Are you in sweet fellowship with other believers? Consider the fact of Jesus established in the Gospel, the fellowship experienced and the fullness enjoyed when in the presence of other believers.

Oct 2, 202330 min

How to Praise Your Way to Victory

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 2 Chronicles 20:1 Praise is a powerful thing in times of joy and in times of help, but especially in times of trouble. 2 Chronicles 20:1-25 shows us how to praise our way to victory in times of opposition. In this passage, King Jehoshaphat faced fierce opposition on all sides. Likewise, every Christian will encounter problems in the form of sin, sorrow, or death. As King Jehoshaphat brought his people together to focus on God through fasting, we must also establish our purpose in times of opposition and seek Him. The king examined his past. In verse 7, he asked God, “Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?” In times of trouble, we must look back at the times when God was with us. He will never fail; what He has done before, He will do again. The king embraced God’s promise. King Jehoshaphat understood that this land was given to Abraham before him as a dwelling place for God’s people. God has given us something better than the land of Canaan; He has given us victory in Jesus. We have that promise to stand on in times of defeat. The king kept his focus. In humility, Jehoshaphat kept his eyes fixed on God and not himself. The battle belonged to God; the King’s only responsibility was to depend upon Him. To prepare for battle, King Jehoshaphat worshiped God and expressed his praise. Adrian Rogers says, “Praise infuses the energy of God and praise confuses the enemies of God.” Because of their praise, the king had victory over his enemies and inherited all their possessions; his people enjoyed the provision of God. Adrian Rogers says, “God brings us these problems to bring us to Him; the very things we dread are those things that break with blessings on our heads.” Apply it to your life Learn to see opposition as opportunity. Seek God before taking action and consider fasting. Remember that God has been faithful in the past; go to His Word, stand on a promise, then ask the Holy Spirit to make that promise a reality in your heart. Refuse to act in the flesh, and instead worship and praise God. Expect Him to send confusion to the enemy, and get ready for a blessing.

Sep 28, 2023

How to Have Fullness of Joy

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 15:11 The life of a Christian is to be a life of continual, contagious joy; Adrian Rogers says, “Joy is not a nicety in the Christian life; it is an absolute necessity.” The fullness of joy is essential to winning the lost to Jesus Christ and bearing life’s burdens. The joy of the Lord is our strength. It is how we are able to face the heartaches and trials of life. John 15:11 says, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” The joy of Jesus Christ is abounding and supernatural. When we put our faith in Him, we don’t just get a cheap imitation of His joy—we get all of it. Remember, joy is not happiness; it does not depend on outward circumstances, but on Jesus Christ, who never changes. Joy does not remove the pain, but it helps us bear it. Adrian Rogers says, “Joy is not the subtraction of problems from life; joy is the addition of power to meet those problems.” Second, the joy of Jesus is an abiding joy; it doesn’t come and go—it stays. We are able to rejoice always, as Scripture implores us to, because the joy of the Lord will not leave in the dark times. This joy is steadfast in sorrow, triumphant in tribulation, lasting in losses, and abundant in affliction. The joy of Jesus is abundant joy. John 15:5 reveals the secret to joy is abiding in Jesus, living a life of surrender and dependence upon Him. Like a branch relies on a vine for its life and fruit, we rely on Jesus for this joy. John 15:9 says, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” The joy of the Lord is a life of restfulness and obedience. We can rest in knowing that His love and His power are continuous. And when we obey Him, our obedience will be made manifest by the fruit we bear. Finally, it is a life of rejoicing. The joy of Jesus gives our lives meaning. When we abide in Him, we experience the fullness of joy. Apply it to your life Do you abide in the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you rely on and rest in Him? Consider the joy in your heart today; is it evidence of a life of obedience?

Sep 26, 2023

How to Do the Impossible

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 14:12, 16-18 In John 14:12, Jesus says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” It seems impossible to think we could not only equal but also exceed the works of Jesus Christ. But if we understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we will know that the impossible is exactly what we are called to do. John 14:16-17 says, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” Adrian Rogers says, “The Holy Spirit is Christ in the Christian.” The promise to do the impossible is made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has come to produce the works of Jesus. We are not our own; we belong to Christ. When the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, He abides in us; He stays, living the Christian life through us. Second, the Holy Spirit has come to protect the will of Jesus. The Spirit pleads the cause of Jesus, to guard His name and protect His interest in our hearts. He advocates for Jesus, representing Jesus’ rights in our lives. He does this by convicting us of our sins. Third, through the Holy Spirit, we can perceive the words of Jesus. He opens the eyes of our hearts to understand spiritual truths we could not comprehend without Him. Finally, the Holy Spirit is given to us to promote the worship of Jesus. The Spirit within us glorifies Jesus Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “The mark of a Spirit-filled man is that he glorifies Jesus. A Spirit-filled man, a Spirit-filled church will make much of Jesus Christ.” When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will lift Jesus high, not through miracles and signs, but through soul-winning and living holy lives. Apply it to your life Do you recognize the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in you? Ask the Holy Spirit to do a fresh work in you, that you would glorify Jesus by living a holy life, seeking to bring others to Him.

Sep 22, 2023

How to Arrive at our Destination Without a Map

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Joshua 3:3 In Joshua 3, the children of Israel were approaching the Promised Land of opportunity and mystery. To get there, they faced a raging river of difficulty. However, they had with them the Ark of the Covenant, a reminder of God’s presence with His people. “And Joshua said to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you’” (Joshua 3:5). Joshua instructed his people to keep their eyes on the ark, to move only when it moves, to follow its lead. This instruction reveals lessons about how to arrive at our destination without a map. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will guide us with His presence. We don’t have to know the future to walk victoriously, so long as God’s presence leads us. We must be sure not to run out in front of God’s plans; timing is more important than time. We don’t have to know when, where, or why; when the ark moves, we move. Second, as we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will gladden us with His promises. Jesus is our Ark of the Covenant; He is proof that God keeps His promises to us. Those promises are good for all saints, all seasons, and all situations. His Word is settled in Heaven, unfading, even today. Finally, when He guides us, Jesus will also guard us with His power. The children of Israel passed through the Jordan River on dry ground because they were guarded by the God of power. If we believe in God’s unfailing ability as the Israelites did, there’s no telling what blessings we’ll experience. Adrian Rogers says, “If God commands you to cross Jordan, He will command Jordan to get out of the way.” The Israelites’ crossing the Jordan River is a picture of the Gospel, in which Jesus went into the river of death and stopped it from flowing so that we may pass through. As the Lord God, He is sovereign; as the living God, He is alive in us. And as liberating God, He is making a way for us to pass through into the Promised Land. Apply it to your life Are you facing a new season of life or uncharted territory? Don’t get ahead of your Guide; follow God through the great unknown today.

Sep 20, 202333 min

The Abundant Life

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 11:25-26 In John 11, Jesus raises His friend, Lazarus, from the dead; this miracle is an illustration of the abundant life we can have in Jesus Christ, before and after death. First, we must exercise faith in Jesus. John 11:25-26 says, “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…’” There are many walking about with beating hearts, yet they are dead because they’re alienated from God. They have existence but don’t have life. Our society will try to raise us from our spiritual death by pushing examples for us to follow. People suggest we change our environment or get a good education. But death is still death; the secret of abundant life is salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. We can experience freedom through Jesus. After Lazarus was raised, Jesus instructed Lazarus’ friends to loosen him from his graveclothes. (See John 11:43.) When we come out of the tomb, there are some things about our former life that we must shake off: old loves, sinful language, lusts. It may not happen immediately, but as we grow in grace, we will be unwrapped from our former ways. We can enjoy fellowship with Jesus. After Lazarus was raised from the dead, he sat down for a meal with Jesus. Once we put our faith in Jesus and experience freedom from sin, we can have fellowship with Him; He calls us friends. Adrian Rogers says, “Being saved is not some sort of penalty that you pay to get to Heaven. When I invite you to come to Jesus, I’m not inviting you to a funeral; I’m inviting you to a feast.” Finally, we must express our faithfulness to Jesus. After Lazarus’s resurrection, he received death threats from those who wanted to deny Jesus’ power. But Lazarus could not be intimidated because he was no longer afraid of death. Realizing our souls are forever alive in Jesus Christ is the way to an abundant life. Apply it to your life Do you exhibit abundant life in Jesus Christ? Is there something about you that cannot be explained apart from a miracle? Realize your witness today; be the example and evidence of abundant life in Jesus Christ.

Sep 18, 2023

The Resurrection Body

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 15 Some people think it is scientifically impossible to resurrect a human body. Fortunately, the power of Almighty God is not shackled by science. Adrian Rogers said, “If God can make the heavens and the Earth out of nothing, certainly He can raise a human body out of something.” 1 Corinthians 15 tells us more about the resurrection body, first that it is illustrated with grain: “Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain...” (1 Corinthians 15:36-37). Like grain, our bodies must be placed in the ground before we can be fructified and brought back to life. Our bodies are constantly changing—adding particles, leaving particles—a cycle of dying and creating cells. However, there is a spiritual nature in us that will never die. Our resurrected bodies are individualized with uniqueness and infused with perfection. In Heaven, we will be made new and perfect creatures of glory. (See 1 Corinthians 15:42-44.) Our resurrected bodies will be liberated from soulish principles and instead will be motivated by spiritual principles. These new bodies of ours will also be identified with Jesus. Though still being fully ourselves, God will conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 15:49.) Finally, this resurrection body is immortalized with victory: “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Corinthians 15:54). Easter morning, Jesus rose from the grave; He beat death, removed its sting, and reversed the finality of the grave. When we die, our spirits will be present with the Lord; but one day soon, the body will be raised and given new life. Adrian Rogers said, “Jesus has taken the pain out of parting, the dread out of dying, and the gloom out of the grave. Jesus has given us a hope that is steadfast and sure.” Apply it to your life Thinking about what happens after our earthly deaths can be difficult, even with the promise of the new life we have been given. Though we may not know the exact logistics behind the resurrection of our bodies, we can trust that we will be made like Jesus. Today, dive into Scripture and cling to its wisdom and instruction; use what you have today to be more like Jesus.

Sep 14, 2023

The Power In the Blood

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 6:53 As the classic hymns so eloquently remind us, only the blood of Jesus can wash away our sin. Only the blood of Jesus can make us whole again. But this is only the beginning of the power in the blood. The sacred, shed blood continues its mighty work in our lives even after our sins are washed away and we are whole again. In John 6:53-54, Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” Using spiritual language, Jesus tells us that our spirits must feed on Him in order to live. Adrian Rogers said, “Jesus is to your spirit what blood is to your body.” First, we must appropriate the constant provision of the blood. Everything we need to live the Christian life is in Jesus. Just as the bloodstream is the source of our physical life, Jesus is the source of our spiritual life. By His power in us, we have been given all things that pertain to life. We must learn how to possess the power that is already in our possession. Second, we must rely on the cleansing properties of the blood. The blood of Jesus not only supplies every need, but it also continually cleanses us. We are purified day by day, so long as we let His blood flow through us. Finally, we must claim the conquering power of the blood. Throughout history, disease has been a greater threat to mankind than any war or wild beast. Yet, one who was immunized was said to have had “wise blood.” In the same way, anything Jesus has overcome, we can overcome, by His powerful wise blood, flowing through our veins. Apply it to your life Do you feel weak in your spirit—like there’s a disconnect between the power that was promised and the power you feel in your life? There is a remedy: the blood of Jesus mends the gap. It transforms the source of strength into strength of your own. Jesus said in John 6:57, “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.”

Sep 12, 2023

The Freedom of Forgiveness

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Ephesians 4:31-32 It is in our human nature to make mistakes ourselves while finding it hard to forgive others. However, forgiveness is the sole remedy to two very poisonous—and very human—conditions: guilt and bitterness. God’s forgiveness of us sets us free from guilt, and our forgiveness of others sets us free from bitterness. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” There are many compelling reasons to forgive. First, we, ourselves, have been graciously forgiven by God Himself. It is God’s nature to forgive, therefore, an unforgiving spirit is ungodly. If we don’t forgive, we will only know bitterness, and our souls will only know grief. An unforgiving spirit does personal harm; it is self-sabotaging. It is not merely missing a blessing; it is sin. It disgraces Almighty God, discourages the saints, drives away the lost, and delights the devil. Once we decide to follow Jesus and join the family of God, we must learn to practice forgiveness like our Father. If we don’t, not only do we bring harm to ourselves, but we also destroy family fellowship. There are costly requirements to forgive. Jesus knows it may not always be easy; that doesn’t mean it is excused. Rather, He offers to help. We need Jesus to be forgiven, and we need Jesus to enable us to forgive. The same one Who has forgiven us is the one Who helps us forgive others. Adrian Rogers said, “It is the power of Jesus Christ, who forgave us, that enables us to forgive somebody else. You forgive freely. You forgive finally. You forgive fully. And you forgive forcefully.” Finally, we must keep in mind the powerful results of forgiveness. The family of God is a precious thing—and a terrible thing to waste. When we forgive, we free ourselves from bitterness, heal broken relationships, and gain back a brother. Apply it to your life If you’ve been wronged by a brother, forgive for his sake, for Jesus’ sake, and for your sake. Do not keep score. Forgiveness has no limit. When you forgive, you set two people free, and one of them is yourself.

Sep 8, 2023

A Word for Worriers

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 6:25-34 Worrying is useless; it never solves the problem or lifts the burden. It is physically harmful to us and to our relationships with others. But most importantly, our worry is a wound in the heart of God; we insult Him if we do not consider Him to be trustworthy. Some of us are prone to worry more than others, however, all of us worry more than we should. In Matthew 6, Jesus Christ shares a word for worriers and addresses five things we all tend to worry about: finances (v. 24), food and fashion (v. 25), fitness (v. 27) and the future (v. 34). When we begin to worry, we must remember that God is our Father and He will not abandon us.“Therefore do not worry… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (v. 31-32). God is the Good Father, and He provides for His children; He does not bring a child into this world that He is not prepared to care for. Second, we must resolve to focus on the will of God. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (v. 33). Worry can be a signal to us that we are not focusing on what we ought to. God will not work in second place to our other concerns. He knows what we need and He can take care of the things in our lives better than we can; we must put Him first and put our trust in Him. Third, we must surrender our concerns about the future. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (v. 34). God is in complete control over our lives. He has engineered difficulty for each day—enough trouble to cause us to turn to Him and receive His grace. But if we borrow tomorrow’s trouble by worrying, we’ll find that it buries our blessings, steals our strength, and produces problems. Adrian Rogers says, “God does not give you strength today for tomorrow’s problems.” God knows our frame, and He promises strength for what we will carry today. Apply it to your life If you begin to worry today, remember your Father in Heaven, who knows your needs. Focus on seeking the Kingdom of God, and leave the future in God’s hands.

Sep 6, 2023

How to Get Up When You're Down

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 42:5-11 King David shares his inner turmoil in Psalm 42:5 saying, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me?” It is evident in this passage that David was going through a serious bout of depression. Depression isn’t just feeling sad. It is a passive feeling, a continual feeling of sadness that seems to linger. It is an attitude that nothing feels good or is worth feeling good about; compounded by a state of constant hopelessness. Depression is a serious problem. It is a health crisis, completely valid and, at times, very dangerous. Christians can struggle with depression. David was a man after God’s own heart. Yet, in Psalm 42, he admits to a spiritual dryness, feeling shame and defeat, overwhelmed by his circumstances. But there is an answer. We can learn how to deal with our depression through analyzing David’s very honest and broken prayer. First, look inward and analyze your heart. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?” Ask yourself why you are cast down. Close the door, learn what happened. Find out what it is, and get it out there in the open so you can look at it and understand its grip on you. Then, look upward and realize your help. Psalm 42:8 says, “Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” And instead of losing your faith when you don’t understand why, look onward and realize your hope. No matter what’s happening to you, it is not God’s final plan. Verse 11 says, “Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” This is the sure promise in the midst of your depression: My God will see you through. God has not forsaken you; He never has and He never will. Apply it to your life Are you down, feeling hopeless, battling depression? Look inward, upward, and onward. There is hope, and it begins with trusting Jesus, even when things don’t make sense. Choose to praise Him, even when it hurts.

Sep 5, 2023

The Problem of Pain

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 8:18-39 There is truly little more discouraging than pain. Whether it be physical or emotional, the problem of pain is very real. Amid the darkest nights of our souls, we often ask ourselves: Where is God in all of this? Why does He let this happen? But God did not create this world to be this way; when He created it, He called the world good. The birth of suffering is on Man; it’s on all of us. Romans 8 shares three propositions to make sense out of suffering. First, yesterday’s curse brings bondage.Romans 8:20 says, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope…” In the Garden of Eden, Adam was created perfect; he was perfectly free to make his own choice—even the wrong one. His sin brought all of creation down with him. Every living thing that roams the Earth was gripped by the curse of sin. We were taken from unity with the Creator and robbed of His perfect design for us. As a result, Man is emotionally depraved, mentally disturbed, and spiritually diseased. But as we groan in pain, the Creator groans, too. The good news is that tomorrow’s conquest brings liberty.“...because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:21). There came a second Adam: Jesus came to this Earth to undo what the first Adam did. With his great sacrificial love and obedience to the Father, Jesus defeated evil on the cross. And when we follow Him, we will never be separated from Him again. Adrian Rogers said, “He’s going to turn every tear to a pearl, every hurt to a hallelujah, every defeat into a victory, and every Calvary into an Easter.” Finally, today’s comfort brings hope; the suffering that we know is temporary. All the suffering we will ever know is on this side of the grave. We are prepared, predestined, and preserved for glory. What waits beyond is far greater than anything that lies behind. Apply it to your life If you are hurting, there is a Physician, and His name is Jesus. He made a way to bring you home to Him. He defeated the curse that entangled you and He can heal the pain that overwhelms you.

Sep 1, 2023

How to Stay Together When the World Comes Apart

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 2 Peter 3:10-18 As Christians, we are citizens of Heaven, sojourning here on Earth as strangers and pilgrims in this world, which is soon passing away. 2 Peter 3:10-11 says, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night… Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness…” Holy means separated; it is not a prideful thing to be holy, it simply means we are different. Adrian Rogers says, “Holy speaks of our character and blameless speaks of our conduct.” Someday soon, this world is going to melt away; but because we have been set aside for a purpose, we will not have to fall apart with it. In this passage, the Apostle Peter describes five components of our holy conduct; in this, we can learn how to stay together when the world comes apart. First, we must look for His coming. “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless…” (2 Peter 3:14). We must live in the expectation that Jesus Christ could come at any moment; this thought alone keeps us pure. Second, we must labor for His Coming. This labor is primarily through prayer and soul winning. We hasten the day that Jesus comes when we pray for His will to be done on Earth and endeavor to bring souls to Christ. Third, we must live for His Coming. We are to be at peace with God, with each other. and within ourselves. Living in purity doesn’t mean we are sinless; it means there is no unconfessed, unrepented sin in our hearts and lives. We must also learn of His Coming. We ask the Spirit for wisdom as we study God’s Word. Many of the details surrounding the Second Coming are difficult to understand. We must be faithful to read Scripture as it is written, without twisting or distorting it for our own gain. Finally, we must lock onto His Coming. We must get a grip onto the truth of the Word of God, for in doing so, we also hold on tight to our steadfast growth in Him Apply it to your life Christ’s return is imminent. Are you conducting yourself in a manner of holiness and blamelessness? As you study Scripture, are you holding fast to the truth of God’s Word and growing in your faith?

Aug 18, 2023

A New World Order

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 2 Peter 3:1-13 The political rhetoric of our day has been about a new world order; however, what we’d call “new order” is just a rearrangement of the old disorder. We will not know ultimate order until Christ’s return, as prophesied in Scripture. 2 Peter 3 gives insight about those who argue against the Second Coming and reveals our confirmation as believers, as we near the Last Days. “Beloved, I now write to you… that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior…” (2 Peter 3:1-2). First, we’re warned about those who will deny Jesus’ Second Coming: “...knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts…” (2 Peter 3:3). Ridicule and mockery have always been the enemy’s chief tools. Jesus was mocked during His earthly ministry; we can expect to be mocked for believing He will come again. Scoffers will inflict emotional and intellectual opposition against the Second Coming; they will tell us that all things will continue as they are. They would rather remain willfully ignorant because they do not want to acknowledge the judgment they’ll face for continuing in their sinful lifestyles. But as Believers, we have the scriptural declaration of His coming. God has promised His return in His Word, and His power declares that He is able. The cataclysm of the flood (2 Peter 3:6) and the promise of fire (12 Peter 3:10-11) reveal how God will intervene. Jesus is the one who holds all things together; when He releases His grip, we will see disaster like never before. And though He can, He has not intervened yet because of His tremendous patience. He keeps the door of mercy open, so we may enter while we still have time. Adrian Rogers says, “Even now, the raging waters of God’s wrath are furiously pounding against the dam of His mercy.” It is God’s desire that all come to repentance. We have a duty to share the saving message of Jesus Christ with others, and we have more opportunities now than ever before Apply it to your life The souls of men are more important than anything else in our lives. As this world succumbs to more and more chaos, are you committed to sharing the Gospel with others?

Aug 16, 2023

Sick Dogs and Dirty Hogs

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 2 Peter 17-22 Plastic preachers produce counterfeit Christians; they seem good, but they are destined for divine destruction. 2 Peter 2:22 is more than just sick dogs and dirty hogs; it is a grave warning to anyone who would counterfeit Christianity. The Apostle Peter describes apostates as dry wells, offering much but giving little to a thirsty soul. (See 2 Peter 2:17.) Apostates are deceptive as dusty clouds—their words carry in the wind without any glory, headed for deep darkness. Plastic preachers get their following by allurement. (See 2 Peter 2:18.) They bait their crowds by playing into the power of the flesh and the appetite of the old nature. They cleverly hide what they’re doing with feigned words, and they attract unstable souls. 2 Peter 2:19 reveals that false teachers promise freedom to those who follow their teachings, but freedom cannot be found in a lie. Adrian Rogers says, “Sin always promises freedom, but it brings bondage, and those who are in the deepest bondage think they are free.” When we truly live by God’s truth, we receive His freedom that only increases the longer we study and learn. 2 Peter 2:20 says, “...they are again entangled in (the pollutions of the world) and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.” If we choose against truth as we know it, the deeper we will go into bondage. It would be better if we’d never learned the way of truth (see 2 Peter 2:21). Apostates have known the way of righteousness and rejected it. They did not lose their salvation; they never had it. Adrian Rogers says, “Apostates have religion, but they don’t have reality; they have culture, but they don’t have Calvary. They have a creed, a code, a cause, and a church, but not Christ.” When we are truly saved, our true nature changes; we become God’s sheep. But for apostates, there was no true transformation. They will return to their lives of sin, as a dog returns to its vomit and a pig goes back to the mire (see 2 Peter 2:22). Becoming Christians does not make us perfect; but rather than returning to our sin, we will learn to run from it. Apply it to your life It is harder for a pseudo prophet to convince a growing Christian. Spend time in God’s Word today; resolve to grow in your faith, so you can identify false teaching.

Aug 15, 2023

The Character of a Counterfeit

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 2 Peter 2:9-15 Hypocrisy is not new; neither is false teaching. 2 Peter 2:1 claims, “...there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…” The Bible describes the character of a counterfeit, so we can spot these pseudo prophets with plastic words. First, their character is marked by proud presumption: “...and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries…” (2 Peter 2:10). The flesh is the old nature inherited from Adam; it is the predisposition to sin. Walking in the flesh always results in rebellion because the flesh refuses instruction and despises dominion. False teachers have an arrogant swagger to them, having no restraint or respect for authority; they will say anything, no matter how wicked. As believers, we cannot take lightly what they have taken lightly. We must be anchored in the Word of God and walk in the Spirit. They are also marked by beastly behavior (2 Peter 2:12). Man was created in the image of God, yet false teachers degrade man to animals. The modern New Age teachings (reincarnation, evolution, mysticism) are tactics from the enemy to trick man into seeing himself lowly. If people can be convinced that we are no more than animals, they will behave that way, giving way to sinful impulses. Finally, these counterfeit Christians are marked by godless greed. They are training in covetousness, seeking to make merchandise out of us. False prophets are not just people who have misunderstood the Bible; they are willfully wicked, and they are people who once knew the truth. They know what’s right and refuse it; they prostitute the Gospel for their own gain. Remember: no power of evil or devil in Hell can stop a Bible-believing church; yet, we the Church can curse ourselves if we let in sin and immorality. But even counterfeit Christians can strengthen our faith because they prove the reality of what they are imitating. Adrian Rogers says, “Never let a hypocrite keep you away from the true riches of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Apply it to your life Our faith does not have to be shaken by hypocrites; instead, they can inspire us to teach the truth of God’s Word with even more diligence. Study God’s Word today and ask that He guide you in your reading.

Aug 11, 2023

Unmasking False Prophets

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 2 Peter 2:1-9 Adrian Rogers says, “It’s bad to tell a lie and it’s worse to teach a lie; but it is monstrous to teach a lie about God.” The desperate need in these last days is authentic biblical teaching. Scripture tells us that false teachers are among us and warns us of the dangers of their doctrine. We must unmask false prophets to realize their presence and recognize their pretense. 2 Peter 2:1 says, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.” We can identify false prophets by their message. There are five tests we should run in our minds as we listen to a preacher: 1. Source Test: Is the Bible the basis of his teaching?2. Savior Test: Does he believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?3. Subject Test: Is the primary focus of his teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ?4. Salvation Test: Does he teach salvation by grace alone?5. Sanctification Test: Does he teach and endeavor to live a holy life? We can also identify false prophets by their methods. 2 Peter 2:2 says, “And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” Good counterfeits will lay false teaching alongside good teaching to confuse their listeners. Their words are feigned, like plastic: malleable and easy to contort. False teachers are known for their manner of living ungodly lives. Almost always, false teachers will eventually be found out for their immorality. But a true person of God will make people aware of their sins and need for salvation. Lastly, we can spot a false prophet by his motive, which is to manipulate his people for his own profit or gain. In this world is full of dangerous doctrines, we must remember what God has done to false prophets in the past. God has set a precedent and He will not spare the false prophet from His judgment. Apply it to your life It is crucial, now more than ever, to learn from Bible teachers who are rooted in sound doctrine. Pray for direction and discernment today. If you are unsure, test the teachings you receive from people in authority, so that you might learn Scripture as it is written.

Aug 9, 2023

Blessed Assurance

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 2 Peter 1:12-21 In days of counterfeit Christianity, confusion, and New Age mysticism, we must be acquainted with what is real, which is the Word of God. The Bible is the basis of our belief and the bedrock of our blessed assurance. The Apostle Peter shares three poignant things about the Word of God. First, the Word of God survives human teachers. Peter knew he was going to die soon, and he urged his hearers to remember what he taught them (2 Peter 1:12). Even still, he knew that memory is defective and selective. But we are not at the mercy of memory; God has written His Word down and it will endure forever. It cannot be buried or destroyed; it will outlast us all. Second, the Word of God surmounts human testimonies. 2 Peter 1:16 says, “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” The Bible is better than human testimony; it is more real than what we can see with our eyes, hear with our ears, or feel in our hearts. There is nothing wrong with having mountaintop transfiguration experiences. But we must be sure those experiences are confirmed in, conformed to, and controlled by the Word of God. The Bible is our standard and our instrument. Finally, the Word of God surpasses human thought. “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts…” (2 Peter 1:19). The Bible is not an ordinary book; those who wrote it did not give their own thoughts or philosophies. No Scripture is of its own interpretation, but it is by divine inspiration. The Bible is inexhaustible; it only widens and deepens the more we read it. It illuminates, giving light in the darkness of our hearts. Adrian Rogers says, “By the Word of God, the Holy Spirit pulls back the curtain of night and pins it with the star of hope and floods your heart with the sunlight of the love of God.” Apply it to your life Do you believe the Bible is the sure Word of God and study it with reverence and eagerness? Spend time in Scripture today and read it as God’s words written down.

Aug 7, 2023

A Magnificent Marriage

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Ephesians 5:22-24 Marriage is meant to be a wonderful thing, yet many of us have experienced miserable or mediocre marriages. But through His Word, God has given us directions to develop a magnificent marriage. In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul compares the relationship of husband and wife to Christ and the Church: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body” (Ephesians 5:22-23). God’s pattern for an ideal wife is submission. When a wife submits to her husband, it does not mean she is inferior to him; her duty to submit reflects how the Church submits to Jesus Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “Submission is one equal voluntarily placing (herself) under another equal that God may be glorified.” A wife will find glorious liberation in submitting to her husband, because she has assumed the role God has given her. The husband is to be the loving leader of the family, not a dictator. He is positioned as the head of the house to mimic the pattern of Christ, who is the head of the Church. Jesus does not force our submission. He loves us; therefore we willingly submit. Likewise, a husband cannot coerce his wife into submission; he loves her into it. Husbands are to love their wives selflessly and sacrificially; they cannot put their ambitions, ideals, or desires before their families’ welfare. A husband must also love his wife in a sanctifying way that makes her a better Christian (see Ephesians 5:25-26); it is his responsibility to nourish and cherish her. As he seeks to satisfy his own needs, he should seek to satisfy hers as well, loving her as he loves himself. He must love her supremely, treating his marriage as the highest of all earthly relationships. Becoming one flesh with his wife means a husband will share himself with her, big and small, leaving no part of himself in the dark. Finally, he will love her steadfastly, remaining loyal to her above everyone else. If we look at the relationship of Christ and the Church as our model, our marriages will thrive like never before. Apply it to your life If you are married, pray that you and your spouse would assume your God-given responsibilities and honor Him.

Aug 1, 2023

Knowing the Ways of God

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Exodus 33:12-14 There are two ways we can be acquainted with God: we can know His works (what He does) or go deeper and understand His ways (who He is). In the Book of Exodus, Moses was given a huge task, and he knew he could not do it without knowing the ways of God. Exodus 33:13 says, “Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight...” Knowing the ways of God is the difference between rest and relapse. Moses wanted to know God’s ways and God gave Him rest; on the contrary, Israel never found rest because the people only saw the works of God, and did not seek to know His ways. Knowing God is an eternal Sabbath, because it means we have peace, having put our trust in Him. Knowing the ways of God is also the difference between intimacy and infatuation. It is easy to be excited about the works of God, but genuine faith and knowledge takes time. Moses knew God and spoke to Him as a friend. (See Exodus 33:11.) Jesus performed miracles but did not advertise them; He knew people would be infatuated with the signs and wonders and disregard knowing Him intimately. It is also the difference between being a teacher or a testified. Anyone can give an account of what they have experienced; but someone who knows the ways of God is a teacher, as Moses was. It is also the difference between peace and panic. Many times, things will not work out the way we think; God often works in strange ways. Adrian Rogers says, “God’s ways are always mysterious; God leaves no footprints on the sea of life; no pathways in the traceless sea.” If we extract our theology from the works of God rather than from His ways, we will live in a perpetual panic. Finally, it is the difference between intercession and indifference. Knowing God intimately enables us to pray on behalf of others, as Moses interceded for Israel. Apply it to your life We cannot know the ways of God through our own human ingenuity; it does not come by observation, by interrogation, or by reasoning. We know the ways of God through intimate, face-to-face dealings with Him. Today, seek His face, not His hand, so you can know His ways and find rest for your soul.

Jul 31, 2023

The Magnificence of Motherhood

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Titus 2:1-5 God Almighty created and sanctioned the home to be the sweetest place on Earth. Jesus Christ is the greatest home builder; yet our enemy is the greatest home wrecker. There is a satanic war on marriage, specifically on motherhood. We must remember the magnificence of motherhood, and how it is the highest calling women could ever receive. Titus 2:3-5 says, “...the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” First, we must remember the glorious place God gave wives. Wives were created to be helpmeets to their husbands. In the home, the woman is to be under the direction and leadership of the man. Second, we need to remember the grievous problem. There are women who do not want that God-assigned place. But we must remember there is a chain of command, even in the home, and we cannot function if we aren’t working within it. Adrian Rogers says, “When a woman rebels against God’s plan, she is sinning against the God of that plan.” When a mother rebels against the chain of command, she also sins against her own nature, her welfare, and her family. There are some who will prioritize their own “fulfillment” over their families, which leads to neglecting their husbands and children. But there is a better way for wives and mothers, and it is God’s gracious plan. 1 Peter 3:7 says, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” A husband who has been given the great responsibility of leading the family owes his wife provision. He also owes his wife protection and partnership. She is not to be excluded; instead, there is to be togetherness, as we are co-heirs of grace. Apply it to your life There is a magnificence to motherhood and a glory to femininity; are you following God’s plan? Consider your glorious place as a wife and mother; repent of the grievous problem, and instead, abide by God’s gracious plan.

Jul 28, 2023

How to Prepare Kids for Marriage

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Genesis 1:27 Marriage is the most vital and meaningful human relationship we could ever enter into; yet it seems obtaining a marriage license is the most flippant, accessible process to date. If we truly believe in the sanctity of marriage, we, as parents, grandparents, and workers in ministry will prepare our kids for marriage. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Men and women are designed with general differences that they might complement one another and contribute to the partnership. God gave Eve to Adam to make up for what was lacking in Adam’s nature, and vice versa; He made them different that He might make them “one”. Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse serves as an outline for preparing our children for marriage. First, we see the priority of marriage: to leave. Marriage is the highest of all human relationships. When we commit to another in marriage, we leave mother and father and unite with spouse, becoming one flesh. Adrian Rogers says, “The job of a parent is to work himself or herself out of a job; to bring that child to a place where the child no longer needs the parent.” We raise children with the intention of them leaving home to build homes of their own. Second, we see the permanence of marriage: to cleave. When a man and woman are married, they are “glued” to one another; they become a home, together, as one. We must always remember love is a choice; we choose to love. The emotion may follow, but love is a commitment; if we don’t make that commitment, we will walk away when a crisis comes. Finally, this passage recognizes the purpose of marriage, which is to be one flesh, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are called to join together physically and multiply; we become one flesh psychologically and spiritually, a blending of spirits, in the highest communion Apply it to your life A godly home is the greatest way to prepare our children for marriages of their own. Consider the way you conduct yourself, how you treat your spouse; choose to love today.

Jul 26, 2023

What Fathers Should Teach Their Children About Sex

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Deuteronomy 5:18 As the heads of the home, fathers should accept the responsibility of teaching their children to follow God’s law. Deuteronomy 5:18 states that we should not commit adultery, yet our world has mainstreamed sexual immorality; by all appearances, it will only get worse. Fathers are to teach their children about the facts of life—one being to remain abstinent until marriage—from the heart, in natural conversation. The Book of Proverbs is a conversation between a wise father and his son; it is a beautiful guideline for what fathers should teach their children about sex. First, the author of Proverbs taught his son the dangers of sexual immorality: it does not bring genuine fulfillment, and in fact, it endangers future happiness. Proverbs 5:3-4 says, “For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end, she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.” The idea that sex will ultimately fulfill us is a lie from the enemy himself. It may seem old-fashioned, but we need to teach our children to keep themselves for the one they will marry because waiting proves love. Adrian Rogers says, “Love can wait; it is lust that cannot wait. If you sacrifice the future on the altar of the immediate, you’re making a bad bargain, because you are sinning against your future happiness.” We must also warn them that they will ultimately answer to Almighty God for the way they live. (See Proverbs 5:21.) Fathers should also offer their children clear directions on how to live purely. First, they must guard their company and date only in the right environments. Implore them to be careful about getting in with the wrong crowd and putting themselves in tempting situations. (See Proverbs 5:7-8.) It is up to the father to set limits and guide children through opportunities to prove their trust. Finally, fathers must point out the delights of keeping God’s Word. There is no greater joy than the joy of a Christian home, no security like a lasting marriage, and no satisfaction like a loving mate. God gives good things to His children, if only they will wait for them. Apply it to your life Fathers, it is up to you to teach your children the facts of life. Vitalize it, verbalize it, and visualize it, as you teach them the dangers, directions, and delights of God’s Word.

Jul 25, 2023

Beware the Kidnapper

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:23-27 Every day, our children’s minds, allegiance, love, and souls are being snatched away by the great kidnapper, Satan. We cannot ignore this present danger; we must beware the kidnapper and his plan of attack. Two slaves of Pharaoh, Amram and Jochebed shook the world when they raised their child, Moses, by extraordinary faith. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Biblically speaking, training up means to create a desire; while they are young, we must create a desire for God in the hearts of our children. There are four things we must beware of that are vying for the hearts and minds of our children. First, we must beware of liberalism in the Church. Liberalism is a dangerous thing; it is what distorts this generation's direction and leads people astray. We must make sure our children are plugged into a true Christian church. We must also beware of humanism in the school. Humanism has infiltrated public education. The misteachings of values clarification, evolution, and sex education are subtle tactics to make our children rethink the standards and values of God’s Word. We must beware of paganism in society. The glorification of alcohol and pornographic music and television systematically seduces our children. We must insist they see past the glamor and onto the destructive consequences of sin. Finally, we must beware of materialism in the home. Hebrews 11:24-26 says, “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” Amram and Jochebed put something in the heart of Moses that no material possession could replace. Adrian Rogers says, “Faith was in the heart of Moses because it was in the heart of his parents.” By faith, Moses refused the things of this world, chose God over riches, and reckoned what was worth having, which is the reward of knowing God. Apply it to your life Beware of the kidnapper, who comes to seduce your children with liberalism, humanism, paganism, and materialism. Show your children the beauty of knowing Jesus, and watch as all the things of this world grow strangely dim.s

Jul 24, 2023

Home on the Rock

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 127 Our homes are not happenstances; they comprise supreme relationships and require unconditional commitment. God gave us our homes to protect us and develop our deepest physical and spiritual needs. Jesus Christ holds the keys to a fruitful home; if we build our home on the Rock, we build something that lasts. Psalm 127 first reveals the construction of the home. “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…” (Psalm 127:1a). Our human ingenuity, wit, or wisdom will not help us build our homes. We need a blueprint and a builder; that Person and Plan is Jesus Christ and His Word, which is the Bible. Second, this passage reveals the conservation of the home. “...unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1b). The one who builds the home is the one who keeps it. Our homes are under attack like never before; we must constantly be on guard. The sins of sexual immorality, alcoholism and addiction, and selfishness corrupt and destroy our homes. It is our job to protect our homes, but we do not have the strength to do it without Jesus Christ. Third, this passage reveals the contentment of the home. “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2). This verse highlights the matter of discontentment and materialism. We are chasing happiness and material things we think will satisfy. But only God can meet our deepest needs for security, significance, and satisfaction. Finally, this passage speaks of the children of the home. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3). Children are a gift from the Lord, given to us to point in the right direction and propel them further than we could ever go (see Psalm 127:4), If we raise them to love God and follow Jesus, we will not be put to shame (see Psalm 127:5) Apply it to your life Adrian Rogers says, “God gives you children to shoot at the enemy…your home is to be the center of the world mission enterprise.” The greatest thing we could ever do for the kingdom of God is raise a child for the Lord. Today, pray over your home; consider how you are constructing and conserving it.

Jul 21, 2023

Living in the Light of the Blessed Hope

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Titus 2:11-15 In these increasingly dark days, we may wonder if there is hope for us. As believers, we can live in the light of the blessed hope that Jesus Christ is coming again. Titus 2:11 and 13 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men… looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” Hope is certainty based on the Word of God. It is a rock-ribbed assurance and anticipation. This hope is a purifying hope: “...teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age…” (Titus 2:12). When people have hope, they are looking toward something in the future, so they will take care of the present. If we truly anticipate Jesus’ return, we will clean up our lives and keep them clean. We will want to live pure lives and move step by step toward holiness. Hope is encouraging. God our Father is the power, preserver, and purpose of creation; everything is in His control. When Jesus comes, wrong will be made right. He will come for His bride, the Church. Jesus will subdue the devil and He will sit on His throne. Hope is unifying. As we move higher toward holiness, we draw closer together in abounding love with our fellow believers. As we wait for Jesus, we ought to have a fervent love toward one another, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. Adrian Rogers says, “The closer we get to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the closer we ought to be to one another, the more we ought to be in the house of God.” Hope is challenging. Christ’s return should motivate us to bring people to Him in faith. We have such limited time, and we must remember the most important thing is sharing the Gospel with others. Hope is stabilizing. When we’re rooted in this hope, we will not be blown about by the things of this world. Finally, hope is comforting. The blessed hope reminds us that it is not over yet; our King is on the way. Apply it to your life As the days become gloriously darker, we can live in the light of this blessed hope. Get in the Word of God and be faithful to your fellow believers.

Jul 19, 2023

How to Prepare for Persecution

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 5:10-13 According to Scripture, becoming a genuine Christian means facing some kind of persecution. The only way to escape it is to compromise—to conform to this world. Instead, we can prepare for persecution and decide now that no matter what happens, nothing will take our joy from us. Matthew 5:10 reveals, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Adrian Rogers says, “Joy is a thermostat; it is internal and doesn’t depend on circumstances. Persecution is the thermometer that shows how you are living for the Lord Jesus Christ.” The first reason we are persecuted is because of the lifestyle we show. Christians are persecuted “for righteousness’ sake” because we are different. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus called us the salt and light of this world. Salt irritates the wounds of this world, and light exposes its darkness. In context, Jesus was saying we are to be irritants and exposers of sin. But we must not confuse punishment for persecution. Adrian Rogers says, “We are punished by good people when we do evil. We are persecuted by evil people when we do good.” The second reason we are persecuted is because of the lies we suffer. Jesus was crucified because of false witnesses; likewise, Christians are and will continue to be blamed for things they have not done. But the main reason for our persecution is because of the Lord we serve. Jesus says, “for my sake” (Matthew 5:11). The world hates Jesus Christ because He stands against the very things the world stands for: liquor, abortion, pornography, pride, racism, hatred, and selfishness. As followers of Christ, we can expect to endure personal insult and physical intimidation. But we can enlist our persecution for the glory of God. Because we are children of the King, we reign in life, and we can return good for evil. We must also rejoice in the Lord; we have been identified as a follower of Christ and associated with the Lord... what an honor! Finally, we should respond in love. We can be great witnesses if we respond to the hate of this world with the love it desperately needs. Apply it to your life Knowing the reasons for persecution and the results of it, what is your response? Are you willing to follow Jesus in a world that hates Him? When you are persecuted, rejoice in the Lord and respond in love.

Jul 18, 2023

Waiting for Jesus

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10 We are on a collision course with destiny, and we cannot afford to be ignorant. The signs of Jesus’ coming are so many—His return is imminent. Adrian Rogers says, “We are not looking for some event in history; we are looking for Jesus Christ Himself.” While we wait for Jesus to come back, we must also remember the wrath that is to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 says, “...and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” The Bible clearly teaches that there is a dark, devilish, devastating day coming. Revelation 6 describes a chain reaction of death, represented by four horsemen. In Revelation 6:1-3, the Antichrist will come in on a white horse, symbolizing his dominion. He will be the malevolent, wicked ruler of the world. He will come as the world’s messiah offering peace. The red horse in Revelation 6:4 symbolizes destruction; the Antichrist will inflame men’s hearts with hatred and stir up war. The black horse in Revelation 6:5-6 symbolizes deprivation. As night follows day, so does famine follow war; massive starvation will plague the land. Finally, the pale horse in Revelation 6:7-8 represents death; sin causes hatred, which causes war, which causes famine, which produces death. These four horsemen are ready to ride, and they will ride soon when Jesus returns. These verses also mention the beasts of the land, which could be interpreted to mean the demons of Hell. They are described as irresistible, intelligent, seductive, and ready to devour. Their armor speaks of invincibility. People will not be able to fight back on their own. They will not be able to outwit or outrun them. Yet, God will still be in control; only Jesus can deliver from the wrath to come. We are waiting for Jesus, not the Antichrist. We can be comforted, knowing that Jesus will rapture His church before the Great Tribulation begins. As we wait for Jesus, we must turn away from idols to serve the living God. We wait with expectation and anticipation—looking, learning, longing, and laboring until He returns. Adrian Rogers says, “We’ll work till Jesus comes and then we’ll be gathered home.” Apply it to your life As we wait for Jesus to return, serve Him faithfully; turn from your idols and share the Gospel with others, that God may save them from the wrath to come.

Jul 17, 2023

Signs of the Times

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 24:1-14 Mankind has always been fascinated with knowing the future; our only reliable source of prophecy is the Word of God. In Matthew 24, Jesus prophesied His return to Earth, offering signs of the times and the beginning of the end. “And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2). The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish life; no one believed it would ever be destroyed. Yet, Jesus prophesied its destruction, and it came to be. The disciples asked Jesus: “When will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). Jesus gave them eight signs to indicate He is at the door. Deception One of the marks of the last days will be a time of great deception, in which all the world will be deceived by the Antichrist. Division The coming generations will see more war, terrorism, hijackings, bombings, and assassinations than ever before. Disasters Jesus spoke candidly of famine, plagues, and earthquakes. The human race has brought unprecedented destruction to our physical world. It is as though Earth is heaving in pain, pregnant with judgment. Defamation Religious persecution will increase, particularly toward those who follow Jesus Christ. Desertion When persecution against Christians begins, many who are not true believers will desert, unable to withstand the pressure. Disinformation Our world is drenched in disinformation, spread by many false prophets who claim to speak with authority. Depravity Adrian Rogers says, “We have a generation today that no longer believes in a fixed standard of right and wrong; because of that, the moral anchor is gone, and they have gone down into a swirling sewer of depravity.” Declaration Matthew 24:13-14 says, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” The Gospel is more accessible now than ever before; knowing this, Scripture urges us to continue sharing our faith and to endure. Apply it to your life Knowing Jesus could return at any moment, we would be wise to trust the Word of God, follow Jesus, and regularly share the Gospel with others.

Jul 14, 2023

Love Worth Finding | Audio Program

Success God&apos;s Way