Hebrews 12:1, 2 INTRODUCTION: The phrase, “the race that is set before us,” reminds us that the Christian race has a predetermined course. It is not left up to the participants to make the rules. Furthermore, it is essential that we run according to these rules and not those of our own choosing. Not only […]
THINKING IT THROUGH – Hebrews 9:12 In I Corinthians 11, the Communion Service is given in the middle of a strong rebuke of worldly, carnal, selfish, and insensitive attitudes behavior. The Lord’s Table is designed to bring about “unity” and “fellowship” as well as being a memorial service. The service is a testimony to the […]
AN ATTITUDE OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS ” …and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, delivered us from the wrath to come” (I Thessalonians 1:10). It is a given that Satan will attempt to frustrate and hinder the spread of the Gospel (I Thessalonians 2:18). He is intelligent, subtle, […]
THE BREAD OF LIFE – John 6:35 It is not always easy to recognize what we really need — we often confuse what we want with what we need. Jesus Christ said He had the ability to show us what we really need and to satisfy that need Himself. I. JESUS DEMONSTRATES HIS DEITY (vv. […]
SIMEON’S PROPHECY – Luke 2:25-35 I. SIMEON WALKED CLOSE TO GOD A man who was just & devout A man who looked for the Messiah A man led by the Spirit A man given an unusual promise A man who saw & held the Messiah II. THE MESSIAH, GOD’S SALVATION The Source of Peace The […]
TRIUMPHANT THINKING – A BENEFIT OF BEING A CHRISTIAN – Philippians 2:5-8 In a marvelous and practical fashion, all of the blessings and benefits of becoming a Christian come together to produce a new way of thinking, a new perspective on life (Ephesians 4:17-24). To fully accept this new life with its new challenges is one […]
FINISH WELL! – Hebrews 12:1-2a The Scriptures record for us many examples of folks who did not finish well. The Scriptures tell us of King Saul who was a “short-spurter.” He began well but he didn’t finish well. In the New Testament we find the example of people like Ananias and Sapphira. Paul wrote of […]
THE DOUBLE “C” CHURCH – Hebrews 10:23 We live in a day when the trend is toward continual change rather than constant loyalty and toward keeping our options open, rather than making binding commitments. The Gospel requires commitment of the highest order (Luke 9:57-62). A follower of Christ is urged “to count the costs” of discipleship […]
DEVOTION MAKES THE DIFFERENCE – MATTHEW 15:8, 9 “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). True devotion to Christ requires more than just words . . . “words are cheap,” real fruit counts with God (Ephesians 2:10). I. DEVOTION TO CHRIST IS MORE THAN AN EXERCISE OF […]
THE EXAMPLE OF GOD FOR FATHERS AND GRANDFATHERS – LUKE 15:11-32 Jesus used three parables to teach the concern we should have for lost sinners. He gave the parable of the sheep, the lost coin, and finally the lost son. Do not miss the joy noted in each case when the lost was found (vv. […]