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Choose from the following titles:
All Have Sinned
Most everyone is willing to agree, there's sin in the world. The daily news makes
this obvious. So, yes, there's sin in the world, but the Scripture is not saying, "There's sin in
the world", but rather, "All Have Sinned!"
Born Again
Even as we are born physically, we must be born spiritually - it is not automatic; sin has brought
death, from which we must recover - this may actually be viewed as a form of resurrection.
Church Fights
Often in the church, we tend to romanticize the churches of Bible days. We see
them as ideal models, we look up to them as mature representatives as to what a
church should be like. In so doing, we glamorize the goodness of these churches,
and overlook the references to problems that may be noted.
Control of Desire
Recently I heard a popular commentator decry the posting of the Ten Commandments on a sign in front of a school. When he was finished he had simplified and streamlined the list to Seven.
Devoted to Ministry
There is noted in the Bible a very well known church which because of Paul's letters, has been a model for all subsequent generations of churches. But please note, this church is not a model because it was a particularly good church, or because it did everything in an exemplary way.
God is A Consuming Fire
There are three places in Scripture where God himself is likened to a particular kind of fire. But this is not your ordinary, calm, contained, romantic fire in the wood stove or fire place. The Bible proclaims God as a 'Consuming Fire'.
Man of God
When giving a description of a man, here's a couple of expressions you may hear: "Man of the World", "Man or Means", or even "Man of War". But much more important to us is another phrase, "Man of God". What does it mean?
The Donkey
How would it feel to you if you were told that you reminded someone of an animal, particularly a not so desirable animal, say, a donkey? That's actually what happened to a little known man in the Bible.
Fratricide
What is the lesson of Cain? According to John, it is a message about love. But it is also a lesson about God's attempts at keeping us from the lurking danger of sin.
God Speaks
Does God speak to people? According to the Bible, at least, He used to. So how does God speak to us today, and how can we know for sure that it is God doing the speaking?
The Holy Spirit and Peace
Churches associated with the 'Pentecostal Movement' have placed great emphasis on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. However, sometimes the emphasis has been more on the outward manifestation of the Spirit's work, rather than on the inner changes which take place.
Koinonia
Back in the 60's and early 70's there was a rather popular concept being promoted
in the church. This word "koinonia" became a familiar term when reference was
made to the church and the special ingredient of "Fellowship".
Lord, I Want to be a Christian
Did you ever get a song playing in your head, and it just won't go away? Well,
that happened to me this week. It started on Monday. Sometimes when this
happens it's because we may have heard a song on the radio, or perhaps from a
tape or CD. But such was not the case for me. The song just
started.
Delight in the Lord
One of the delicacies loved by people everywhere, is chocolate. Lovers use it to express their affection, husbands use it to make up after a fight.
A Charismatic Church That Cares
Summarized in this brief phrase is a simple understanding of what the church needs to be in the present day.
Crossroads
In this verse is some excellent advice regardless of where we may be in our relationship with the Lord. There are decisions being made every day - we frequently find ourselves at a 'crossroad', and need guidance and wisdom in making godly decisions.
Verse by Verse Commentary on Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Lovest Thou Me More than These?
According to John's accounting, it was after the third post-resurrection appearance
to His disciples that Jesus put a series of penetrating questions to Peter. 'Simon
son of John, do you truly love me more than these?'
Love is a Verb
There's an expression, a way of thinking of love that I want to introduce. I'm sure you've heard it before, based on a Biblical understanding - "Love is a Verb". In other words, love is always connected with what you do.
The Church Grows
The Bible is the Christian's Handbook; it also should be the church's. Not only those parts of the Bible which we call "doctrine" are inspired, but also the "narratives" and historical accounts must have value for our instruction. When we read the account that Luke gives us of the Early Church, we must see this not just as history, but as a blueprint after which we can pattern our church today.
Bow Down
We all know that we are to worship the One True God, the Creator, the Father of All. But our self-centeredness gets in the way, because we want to worship God the way we want to worship Him.
Are Christians Colorless?
There are two ways to take this question: 1.) Are Christians uninteresting, b-o-o-o-oring specimens of humanity? Are Christians the kind of people who have little going for themselves, so they have to get involved in religion to spice up their lives? Or, 2.) Are Christians people who don't see themselves as having color, or see others as having color?
Chasing the Wind
Reflecting on the death of the mother of a church member, my thoughts quickly turned to the book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament. There was a man that was said to be the wisest man that ever lived. He was the son of the great king David and his famous stolen wife Bathsheba. His name was Solomon, and he is credited with having written three of the books found in the Bible.
Case Studies in Conversion
It's one of the truly inspiring stories from the life of history's most famous Christian.
Paul was on his second tour as a Christian missionary when these events took place. This journey actually got its start in Jerusalem at the close of the now famous first 'Church Council'.
To Be Cold Or To Be Cool
The Bible uses the ideas of hot and cold in different ways. Hot may suggest a
passionate devotion to God. Cold, on the other hand, may refer to the lack of love
- a cooling down of one's fervor in serving the Lord.
Salvation Through Confession
Salvation is granted to us on the basis of the twin actions of Confession and
Belief. What "confess" literally means is, "to say the same thing", i.e., to agree
with God about the identity of Jesus. He is God's only Son, born of a virgin,
crucified to pay the penalty for our sin, and risen again to sit on the right hand
of the Father. Belief first of all is assent that what is declared is true. However, it also
means that there is a willingness to trust our lives to Him.
Back to Where We Started
Whenever a group of people work together toward a common goal, they ultimately discover that there seem to be both hills and valleys along the road to success.
The Stones Cry Out
The same question is being asked today as it was in Jesus' day, "Why do those worshippers make so much noise? Isn't worship supposed to be reverent? Quiet? Somber? Serious?"
Father, Forgive Them
During the week, as I meet with people who come to my office, talk with folk on the phone, or even as I come
to church, I am constantly being made aware of people who have been very seriously injured by other people.
Gifts From Above
We have just come through the holiday season when gifts have been given and
received. By the way, did you ever notice that often when we ask questions
about Christmas giving, we ask, 'What did you 'get' for Christmas?' It is
seldom, if ever, that we might hear, 'What did you 'give' for Christmas?'
Eulogy
Most of the time we hear the word "eulogy", it is used in connection with a funeral. A relative, or prominent friend of the deceased gets up and says really nice things - the person in the room who most needs to hear these things, is most likely the only person who can't hear at all. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could learn to say good things to people when they are still able to hear them?
Eat My Flesh, Drink My Blood
When I was young, missionary reports regularly came out of Africa, and with this emphasis on what we used to call the 'Dark Continent', there often seemed to be a preoccupation with cannibals.
Giving and Receiving
Is it always better to give? Giving is not better when the gift is out of compulsion.
Child Neglect
In addition to Child Abuse and Emotional Abuse, too many children are subjected to
Child Neglect. In its definition of child abuse, The National Committee for
Prevention of Child Abuse includes both emotional abuse and neglect, identified
as "willfully failing to provide for a child's basic necessities of life, such as food,
clothing, shelter or medical care, and/or failing to provide guidance and
supervision."
David's Senseless Sinful Census
"Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." (Psalms 30:5) What a wonderful promise, spoken by a man who truly understood what it meant to endure the night.
The Bitter Prayer
Hannah's name is a give-away, it means "grace". Surely as we look at her story, we will see that her experience was characterized by grace, both in terms of the favor she found with God, as well as the way in which she dealt with her situation.
Christmas is for Children
Just think of the many times you've heard a statement like this, "Isn't
Christmas wonderful for the children?" We love to watch their eyes as they
open a special gift, or gaze at a display in the store window, or lights in the
park or on a house.
Cleave Unto the Lord
When Barnabas was sent by the leaders of the Jerusalem church to check out the new
church in Antioch, he was a likely choice. When he arrived, he rejoiced in what he saw, and urged
the new believers there to 'cleave to the Lord'.
Divine Providence
This message deals with one of the greatest truths revealed about God in the Bible. It's a message concerning "providence", and no, we're not speaking about the principle city in the state of Rhode Island, or the name of a new television program.
Doctrine of Pleasure
Both in the Old Testament (Isaiah 22:13), and in the New (1 Corinthians 15:32), mention is made of an age old doctrine summed up in the popular saying, "Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die." This philosophy of life was articulated by one of the Greek teaching philosophers, and is no less popular today than it was twenty-three hundred years ago.
God Looks on the Heart
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks
at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
Humility
Pride is the Cancer of the Soul, left undiagnosed and treated, it will kill the
spiritual life. Small, microscopic cancer cells can get their start in many different
ways.
Healing in the Bible
The Lord Is The Healer, The Lord Promises to Heal, Healing Comes as the Result of Prayer, There are many Examples of Healing, Jesus Healed, Healing Was A Sign Of Jesus Being The Messiah, The Apostles Healed, Healing is Included in the Gifts, There's Healing for the Emotional, There's Healing for Backsliding, There's Healing for a People.
"Same Ole Same Ole"
Don't you get tired of the "same old, same old"? Like going to work, leaving the house at the same time, taking the same route, stopping for coffee and a paper at the same convenience store.
The Lord's Prayer
Christians of all ages have learned it. Volumes have been written about it. Theologians have tried to decipher every phrase. Liturgists and other worship leaders have argued over it`s use in worship services. Desperate people have clung to it when all other hope is gone.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
"Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
The Christian's Death Wish
Death is all around us. Even if it doesn't affect our personal lives, we can hear about it every day on the news. It's a subject that bothers us a lot, a serious subject, but one which is often dealt with humor.
The Cross in the Old Testament
The way in the wilderness is wearisome. There's hard work, many obstacles, at times the feeling of being all alone, the tendancy of comparing ourselves with others.
The Good Fight of Faith
The Good Fight of Faith - it's not when Christians fight
against other religions or each other, but has to do with
the battle on behalf of right and righteousness both
within ourselves as well as in the world through the
preaching of the Gospel.
Death and Freedom - Romans 6:5-19
On July 4 each year, Independence Day, we celebrate what for many has become the "Supremum Bonum" - the highest good, which of course in America is 'freedom'.
Gambling
Life is filled with uncertainties, we daily walk in the realm of the unknown - we seldom know what will happen next, what will be the consequences of our own actions, to say nothing about what the results of other people's actions will be on our lives. Daily we take incalculable risks.
The King of Glory - Psalm 24
If Psalm 23 reveals to us the nature of God being that of a Shepherd, Psalm 24 reveals Him as being the Almighty, the King of Glory.
God Is
Throughout the Bible we have many more answers to this question, 'What is God?' Some of them are in the language of metaphor, simile, or comparison. For example, the Psalmist said that "God is a sun" (Psalms 84:11). Does that mean that when we look up in the sky and see that closest of stars we call the 'sun', we're looking at God, and worship it?
When Grumbling Works
Jesus spoke against murmuring. Recounting the story from Exodus 16, Paul included murmuring with some of the great "no nos". So, how does God respond to grumbling?
The Next Generation
While Joshua and the elders who led with him remained, the people remained faithful. But of the next generation it was written, "They knew not the Lord or what He had done."
Barnabas, Son of Encouragement
Certainly everyone is ready to say "amen" to the call for a modern day demonstration of God's power among His people.
But "going back" to Pentecost is not enough if it merely means a parade of spectacular events.
Christ Died for the Ungodly
Most likely, the time God will meet our need has to do with our coming to
recognize our powerlessness. Here's a question, what should you do when you
are feeling weak?
Christmas and Herod
Someone comes and tells us that God wants to be King. Isn't that threatening? We want to be free, which means to be in control.
Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
Whenever the subject of the "Wise Men", or "Magi" comes up, most of the attention is placed either on the star they saw, or speculation about where they came from. What we want to concentrate on here is the gifts they brought, and what they might signify for us.
Fellowship
There are special moments in our lives when we feel a strong sense of camaraderie, team spirit, or what in the church we call 'fellowship'.
Negative Thinking for Christians
A lot of people seem to believe that Christian faith is synonymous with positive thinking. It started with the New York minister, Norman Vincent Peale, and his preaching and writings about the "Power of Positive Thinking". Out with all the negativity, in with the positive.
Contentment
Are you truly content? With everything? With the weather? The traffic? Your boss? When you have a "bad hair day"?
Should you be always content?
The Cross
We read the accounts in the Gospels. These give us the historical reflections of the eye witnesses to the crucifixion.
But what did the early church believe about the crucifixion of Jesus?
Endurance
In the world around us, a lot of attention is given to the matter of "success". Too often, success is measured in dollars and possessions. However, there is another way to measure success, simply that we stay with the program until the end.
The Impossible
Impossible simply means not possible - it can't be done. It has to do with
limitations. In the world we live in there is a constant challenge to take on
whatever is thought to be impossible.
Jesus and the Christmas Celebration
Last week, as we walked through the Frankenmouth store, with its acres of Christmas trimmings, I turned to a fmaily member and commented, "I wonder what would Jesus think of all this?"
Jonah, Yom Kippur, and Missions
There is tremendous significance to the choice of the
Prophet Jonah as the reading for this important Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, because it is in
Jonah that the message of repentance and
forgiveness, takes on an international scope.
Joy, Prayer and Thanksgiving
I found myself in Calcutta, alone in a run down hotel in thecenter of this great city that some have
called the "Black Hole" Of India".
Doing the Father's Business
It seemed obvious to Jesus that He should be doing His Father's work, and he
had trouble understanding why His parents hadn't figured this out.
The Necessity of the Resurrection
Long ago and far away, a church was beset with strife and confusion. At the end of a list of questions was one concerning the resurrection of the body.
Jesus and His Mother
There are several places in the New Testament where we find accounts of the interaction between Jesus and His mother Mary. Let's take a look at three scenarios: one when He was a child, one when he was near the beginning of His work, and the last one when He died.
Herod's Guards
In the Acts 12 story of Peter's imprisonment, James, the brother of John
has been silenced, and Herod plans to also do away with Peter. This
Herod wanted to do in order to please the enemies of the Gospel, but
does not want to get these Jewish leaders upset by interfering with the
Passover.
The Golden Rule
There once was a man sitting under a tree close to a river, engaged in his morning meditation. His attention was drawn to a scorpion that was caught in the large protruding roots of the tree, and was about to drown in the rising water of the river. The man crawled out on the roots of the tree and attempted to free the scorpion. However, every time he reached down to free the scorpion, the scorpion struck at him with his deadly sting.
Sermon Outlines from Joshua
Perhaps the greatest Old Testament example of leadership, a study of the book of Joshua provides wondersul insights into a truly great man of God.
Labor for the Lord
In this one verse of Scripture there is a wonderful word of encouragement for all
those who would be involved in the Lord's work.
Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Growth - what a strange set of words! It seems, by very definition, that these words are contradictory to each other.
Models for Mothers
Praise God for the wonderful examples of godly women that each of us have. But in addition to having those in our lives to whom we can look, there are women in the Bible who provide worthy models for mothers.
Pentecost and Fire
Most of the time we read these verses and right away focus on the "tongues", a spectacular miracle that takes place when a person, under the control of the Holy Spirit, speaks in a language they never learned. Pentecostals are distinguished by their belief in "Speaking in Tongues".
But here's something else happening here which links us to some very important truths concerning the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We're talking about the "fire".
A Prophet, Prisoners and Palms
Zechariah was a Prophet and Priest who lived and ministered 500 years
before the birth of Christ. His name alone is significant, it means 'the Lord remembers'.
The Presence of God
We talk about the presence of God, and we sing about it - "Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this Place." Not long ago I overheard a couple of people discussing a particular meeting they had attended. The description they gave included this statement, "God showed up".
Prophecy Concerning the Messiah
Eighteen references to the Messiah are made in the Old Testament, and quoted or referred to in the New Testament.
Declaration of Dependence
Over 200 years ago, the representatives of the 13 colonial parliaments officially accepted the document which had been presented 2 days earlier, a document written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
Known as the "Declaration of Independence", this document has been revered as one of the most important, almost "sacred writings" of the American nation.
Resurrection Unbelief
One of the outstanding features of the first Easter Sunday, was the unbelief of the disciples. The Old Testament Scriptures predicted the resurrection; Jesus had told them He would rise; they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty - but they still did not believe.
Look Unto the Hills
This favorite Psalm is one of a group known as the "Songs of Ascent", used by pilgrims coming to Jerusalem, to the
temple on Mount Zion. The poem has four stanzas, each with an opening statement followed by an explanation. The
intent of this Psalm is to bring encouragement to the weary travelers as they approach the city to worship during the
festival.
The Main Thing
'The Main Thing is to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing!' Of course the question is, 'What is the Main thing'? With out a doubt, for the church of Jesus Christ, the 'Main Thing' is 'Worship'.
Avoiding the Majors by Majoring on the Minors
In the story of Jesus and the Woman at the Well (John 4:5-30), there are three Attempts at Avoidance - three issues brought up to distract from the important Person, Jesus, and His message.
Lessons on Leadership from Nehemiah
Nehemiah is certainly one of the most outstanding examples of Godly leadership found in the Bible. There are thirty-five lessons taken from the book which bears his name. Every Christian leader would do well to adopt these principles.
How We Know that Jesus Read and Knew the Bible
Jesus discussed the Scripture when He was in the temple during the visit with His parents. Jesus quoted from the Scripture when He was tempted by Satan. Jesus read from the Scripture when He taught in the synagogue.
Jesus Prays
We call ourselves "Christians", "Christ Ones". That means more than merely assenting to the historical fact of Jesus death and resurrection. It also means adherence to His teachings, and increasingly being "conformed to His image". Of course this is not due to self motivating behavior modification; rather, it is by faith. Christ is "in you the hope of glory." Because He resides in us, we become more like Him from the inside out.
My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me
There were many strange happenings on the day Jesus was crucified. But perhaps the most strange of all was this cry, "My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?"
Spillers of Encouragement
For many people, the goal of existence seems to be to reduce the pressures of life and achieve a state of comfortability. The "Good Life" then, is a stress free existence.
But Jesus said it straight: "In the world you will have tribulation; be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Fasting
The techical meaning of "Fasting" is merely, "to be deprived of food". There are few particular instructions provided in the Bible for Fasting. Obviously, much wisdom needs to be employed as to the length, and type of Fasting.
Practice
It's one of those words which have a variety of uses. We think of someone who is learning to play an instrument, and we say that they must 'practice'. On the other hand, when you go to see the Doctor, you are going to receive treatment from someone who is 'practicing' medicine.
Heart Matters
To rejoice in the Lord is the command of Scripture.
However, we must be careful that the joy we feel is not merely a sanctified substitute for our culture's "pursuit of happiness", and not merely a "getting high on Jesus", instead of on drugs.
Evangelism
If a list of church priorities were to be created, certainly "Evangelism" needs to be included . What is it? First, what it is not!
Evangelism is to be distinguished from: sales; recruitment; competing for market share; arguing a religious philosophy; proving and parading superiority over other religions; promoting a particular "brand" of Christianity; not even moral instruction.
The Song
One of the very noticeable aspects of Christianity in general, and Christian worship in particular, is the song. Hardly any Christian gathering is complete without the people present entering into singing.
Christian Excellence
What we want to do is to stir up the desire for Christian Excellence! We could call it 'In
Search of Christian Excellence.'
Power
In our society, we seem to have an intense interest in power. There are power engines, power tools, power nozzles, power locks, power boats, power lunches, power plays, power walks, power steering and power breaks; and, we're suckers for magazine articles about 'the rich and the powerful'
On the Death of a New Born Child
It's always difficult to understand the death of the young. We live in an imperfect world that has always been marred by the sin of Adam and the sins of us all. But even though we mentally have accepted the reality of death being a part of life, we still don't like it.
We Don't Want Nobody To Do It
There once was a job of such great importance that everybody thought somebody should do it. Not being a very difficult job, everybody figured anybody could do it, but everybody assumed that somebody else would do it.
Peace on Earth
Whenever we retell the Christmas story, we come to the part about the message
of the angels, and something doesn't seem right. Listen again to what they say,
"on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke
2:14) At first hearing, it sounds like the promise is given for peace to come to
earth because Jesus, the Messiah, is to be born. But any way you look at it, this
does not appear to be the case - there has not been peace.
The Message of Foolishness
Foolishness is what we call it when someone refuses to accept what seems obvious to everyone else, and stubbornly holds onto their plans against the good advice of caring friends. But when we begin to talk about the cross, the meaning seems to change, or at least it appears that foolishness isn't such a bad thing after all.
The Pastor/Shepherd
Whenever it comes time for a congregation to look for a new Pastor, the question is asked, 'What are we looking for in a Pastor? What kind of a man (or woman) do we want to have as our next Pastor?'
Personalizing Promises
"Every promise in the book is mine." We used to sing it frequently - it's a nice song, but not always true. There are some promises that are reserved for specific people in specific times. There are also promises that are only valid if the conditions that relate to them are kept.
Prayer
Throughout the world, people who consider themselves to be religious involve themselves in some form of prayer.
Remember the story of the sinking ship? The captain urges prayer, so one of the sailors passes his cap for an offering.
Christianity is no exception.
Reason for the Season
This is a familiar saying which we often hear at this time of year. I has a nice ring
to it, and it rhymes! But one question comes to mind, "Why is it important to even have a reason to
celebrate this mid-winter holiday we call Christmas?" Why not just do it because
it's tradition? After all, Christmas is good for the economy and it feels good.
Christmas and Purim
One might expect that if we're going to talk about a Jewish holiday at this time of year, we should talk about Chanukah, the "festival of lights". However, the festivals of Purim and Christmas have some interesting commonalties.
Repent With Your Whole Heart
Repentance assumes that we're willing to look at every
part of our lives.
Resurrection - Now!
We usually think of "resurrection" as either being past or future - past as an historical event, the resurrection of Jesus; or future, as that which will take place at the coming of the Lord. However, we also need to think of resurrection as present.
Salvation Assurance
One of man's basic needs seems to be the need for security. Everyone would
like to be sure of the future, sure that everything is going to be all right. We
often find ourselves saying the words even when we're not sure, "Don't worry,
everything's going to be fine."
Religion
Religion is all around us, it's frequently in the news, and for the most part, it gets a bad rap.
Robbing God
Malachi 3:10 - In simple terms, 'tithing' is regularly giving one tenth of our income to the
Lord's work through the local church where we worship. In connection with the prophet's message, there are three words to remember.
The are: PURE, PAY, and POUR.
Satan's Roles
While on one hand, we do not want to bring undue attention to Satan, it is wise for us to be aware of who he is and what is his job description.
Servants - Philippians 2:1-10
In many ways, churches are like restaurants. There are many different kinds, different atmospheres, even different types of food offered. But the one ingredient, like restaurants, which is absolutely necessary for a church to thrive, is this - service.
Shunning Sin
Moving toward the Lord, involves intentionally moving away from something else. So, what is the opposite of 'delight'? It is 'shun'. In turning to God, there is a turning away from evil.
Speaking Thanks to One Another
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
You Are On the Most Wanted List
When you walk into a Post Office or other public building, you may notice the "Most Wanted" posters hanging on the bulletin board. I want you to know that you are on a 'Wanted' list.
The Roman Road
It's very possible that there are many good Christian believers who are quite secure in their own faith, but unsure how to explain to someone else how they
may also accept the Lord into their life.
Development of Spirituality According to the Truth of God's Word
The church is primarily about spiritual development, and this we need to take very seriously. Most of us would agree, but the matter has to be discussed, because there's a lot of confusion as to what it means to be 'spiritual'.
Strength and Hope
Sometimes we may be tempted to think that a person who has hope is merely one who is born with a disposition toward optimism. But here's more to it than that. Hope is available to every single one of us. To have hope simply means that you believe that there is a future, and that future is good.
Thesaurus
It was very interesting for me to learn that the word "thesaurus" comes directly from a Greek word used several times in the Bible, a word which means "treasure". So I guess the book we call "Thesaurus" is a "treasury" of words - indeed, a very valuable tool for poets and other writers.
Let's Think About Thinking
One of the unique endowments of humans is that we can think about thinking. Think about it! While we're thinking about something, we can step back and analyze what we're thinking about, how we got there, and whether or not it's good thinking or 'stinking thinking'.
Eight Lessons on Tithing
Here's the problem: There are abundant examples to be given about the abuses of church related fund raising techniques:
Churches taking up multiple offerings; Developing businesses under the church tax exempt shelter; Sponsoring multi level network marketing programs;
Using guilt to motivate people to give;
Making extravagant promises such as a "100 fold return", or offering to cast out the "demon of poverty"; or
Playing on people's sympathy.
Biblical History of Tithing
Providing a tenth of one's income for the purpose of broadcasting the Name of
God, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a consistent principle throughout the
Scriptures.
Trust in the Lord
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths
straight.
"The Truth Shall Set You Free" and "Overcoming Blind Spots"
The concept of the truth bringing freedom applies to the truth about ourselves, and also applies to disovering the truth about others.
But here in our Scripture, there's something more than self knowledge, or knowing the truth about others, or material things. Here the truth is related to eternal life.
The Ten Lepers
These were ostracized men. They recognized Jesus; someone must have told them about Him.
The Locusts
We call ourselves "Pentecostal" because we believe in what took place on the day the Bible calls "Pentecost". We believe that what happened then still happens today. A terrible calamity had taken place in Israel; it seemed that surely God's judgment had fallen upon them. They had been overwhelmed with a horde of locusts, and they probably associated this event with what had happened in Egypt as God sent the locusts as of the ten judgments against the Egyptians in what were known as the plagues.
How to Save the World
The World is doomed! We've been told that our earth is under constant meteorite attack.
The Story of Saul
It's a sad story of failure, in contrast to that of John Mark.
Seek First
A number of years ago, Steven Covey made what for me was a rather profound statement. He said something like this, 'Many people have climbed hard and fast up the ladder of success, only to discover later that the ladder has been leaning against the wrong wall.'
Simon of Cyrene
Who was the man called "Simon". Was it Peter? No. Simon Magus? No. Simon of Cyrene was the man who was forced to carry the cross on the Via Delarosa - "The Way of the Cross". Jesus couldn't do it, he was physically weakened from the scourging of the 39 stripes.
Strengthen the Brethren
God's love for His people is demonstrated in that He disciplines them like a good father disciplines his children. This can be seen over and over in the case of Israel. Amos is making reference to this kind of treatment when he likens it to the process called 'winnowing'.
Sins of a King
Some have wanted us to believe that what our religious and political leaders do in private is of no public concern or consequence.
To Do The Will Of God
Follow with me this progression of Biblical ideas concerning the "Will of God":
1. Jesus Prayed For God's Will; 2. Jesus Taught Prayer For
God's Will; 3. Paul Prayed For God's Will; 4. The People In the Church Prayed For God's Will; 5. The Apostles Taught That Christians Should Choose God's Will
Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart
The expectation to be fully involved in our relationship with God comes out in
many different ways.
Under His Wings
During the past couple of decades, the women's movement called "feminism" has affected all
areas of society including the church. As part of this, there has been a move toward re-writing
the Bible so that the language would be more "gender inclusive."
Unity in the Church
How many of us would want to go to the concert hall and listen to the
orchestra play when we knew before hand that the strings would be playing what
they wanted to play, and the horns would play what ever they wanted to play?
There Is Victory Over Satan
Satan who was once Lucifer, the son of the Morning, was thrown out of heaven, and someday soon, will be cast into the bottomless pit.
Wages of Sin
There seems to be some confusion and mixed feelings about the subject of death.
Some people don't want to talk about it at all. Others are quite flippant, as if it's
no big deal.
Walking With God
Being again in India reminded me of a major difference between our life style and theirs - in India, people walk.
We Would see Jesus
Right after the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, during the feast of Unleavened Bread, leading up to Passover, a group of Greeks came to the disciples and said, "We would like to see Jesus."
His fame had been growing. Those who had witnessed the raising of Lazarus had spread the word about His miraculous power.
Even the Pharisees had to admit (with obvious horror), "the whole world has gone after him!"
When People Leave the Church
The reality is, the church of Jesus Christ, in its American expression, is
struggling in the face of much movement between churches.
Winning Family Members to the Lord
Is it impossible to win family members to Christ? When Jesus went to his own hometown of Nazareth, he was not received. Does the experience of Jesus Himself suggest to us that it just can't be done?
Put on the Whole Armor
Here's the simple lesson, if we are going to be able to stand, we must put on the full armor of God.
Woe I Me If I Preach Not
The expression, "Woe is me", is found several times throughout the Bible. It
literally means, "how horrible it will be", the word has to do with "horror",
"disaster", or "calamity".
Worry
Everyone has ample cause for worry, anxiety is everyone's cookie.
Sermons from Mark
This series represents preaching from the Gospel of Mark over an extended period of time. The titles are listed in Biblical order.
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