Adrian Rogers

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 6:1-7Being a Christian means seeing opportunities in every difficulty. In Acts 6, the early church was experiencing some growing pains. By understanding how they dealt with their difficulties, we can learn how to turn our problems into possibilities.We know what it’s like to experience growing pains, physically, mentally, and spiritually. With that understanding, there are four things to keep in mind when our churches undergo this grueling process of maturity.First, remember that where there is life, there is growth.If your church is growing, it is important to remember this is a good thing. Anything that grows has pains. Growth is not easy or automatic. We have to plan, pray, and work for it; we have to cultivate and water something if we want it to grow. Even still, it is God alone who gives growth. Churches can be big or small, each one unique and designed to maintain different capacities. No matter what size the church may be, if it is surrounded by lost people and still not growing, there’s something wrong. Our mission is to reach souls for the Lord Jesus Christ. If we’re not reaching them, we’re not doing what we were told to do.Where there is growth, there are problems.Anything that moves makes friction. However, many times, churches divide moreover incidentals than fundamental things. Adrian Rogers says, “When God sets out to multiply, the devil sets out to divide.”Where there are problems, there are solutions.A mature Christian is going to be deeply spiritual and intensely practical. In Acts 6, there was murmuring over neglected widows in the congregation. So, God demonstrated His practical love through the church leaders as they, themselves, waited tables for widows. These high-powered spiritual men were willing to minister in the small and mundane things. As a result, the church began to grow and the murmuring stopped.Where there are God-given solutions, there is even greater growth.It seems that every time the devil

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 5:29-32Being a Christian is a joyous thing. The reason we are not filled with joy in this Christian life could be a matter of disobedience. Adrian Rogers says, “Obedience is the missing ingredient in so many Christians’ lives.”What does it mean to truly obey Christ? What is the expedience of obedience?In Acts 5, Peter and the other apostles have caused quite a stir by preaching about Jesus Christ. The religious authorities are trying to stop a revival they began. They command the apostles to stop preaching. Verses 29-32 says:“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”In this text, we are first given the reason for obedience. When God tells us to do something, we don’t have any other reasonable choice because He is a sovereign God. He has every right to instruct His children, no refusal or rebuttal about it. He is also a saving God, who suffered and died for us. Why do we obey Him? We owe it to Him. What are the requirements for obedience?Understand first, we can’t obey unless we know what it is that God wants us to do. Once we know God’s will, we must be intentional about obeying it and do so immediately. We will be held accountable for what we know. When He speaks, we must answer Him, regardless of circumstances. Only then can we see the supernatural rewards of our obedience:-Power in our lives-Joy in our hearts-Victory in the church.When we obey God rather than men, we will see great multitudes of people come to Jesus Christ.Apply it to your lifeWould you like to obey, to be happy in Jesus? Would you like to have victory in your life? Know the will of God for you

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 5:19-20Acts 5:42 says, “And daily in the temple and in every house they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Publicly and privately, the early church did not stop preaching and teaching about Jesus Christ; it was a daily experience. In our own way and opportunity, each of us is called, ordained, and equipped to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, if you are a Christian, evangelism is supposed to be a lifestyle. Adrian Rogers says, “God has called you to witness. A Christian who is not witnessing is not merely missing a blessing, he is guilty of high treason against heaven’s King.” If you are not witnessing, you are disobeying God. In the Book of Acts, the conversion of three men reveals why it is so important to witness to others. In Acts 8, the conversion of the Ethiopian man shows us that all people have a common hunger to know God, even if we don’t understand it yet. In Acts 9, the conversion of Saul—who later became Paul, apostle of Christ— reminds us that all people have a common heartache. All the intelligence and money in the world couldn’t buy the satisfaction that is found only in Christ. In Acts 10, the conversion of Cornelius tells us that all people have a common hope—Jesus. Back-to-back, we are shown by Scripture that the hope of Africa is Jesus, the hope of Asia (Paul the Apostle) is Jesus, the hope of Europe (Cornelius) is Jesus. All people need the same help. The hope of the world is Jesus. God took Phillip, Annanias, and Peter, with their availability, expendability, adaptability, and used them to share the Gospel with men who would carry it even further, to the uttermost ends of the earth. We all have the same heartaches and hunger that are only satisfied through our common hope in Jesus Christ. And remember: Jesus will save anybody who is willing to come to Him. They may not even know that it is God who they are searching for, but each and every man needs to know him. It is our job, as a Chris

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 4:36-37-Acts 5:11In Acts 5, the early church was in the blaze of revival. However, the Devil crafted a new attack from within the church, through Ananias and Sapphira. After seeing another church member receive praise for selling his property and giving everything to the church, Ananias and his wife Sapphira lied about their own offering to receive the same praise. Right on the spot, God struck them both dead.This is God’s warning to big pretenders about the seriousness of hypocrisy. This lie was rooted in pride. They wanted praise. They pretended to have a devotion to Jesus they did not have; they became hypocrites.The Holy Spirit gave Peter the gift of discernment and exposed the lie through him. Peter then revealed that this couple didn’t just lie to men, they lied to the Spirit of God. It is unspeakably serious to lie to the Holy Spirit, and it is important to know that we could never fool Him.There were serious consequences for their pretending. As Christians, we will be judged as sinners, servants, and sons.Our judgment as sinners was settled at the cross of Jesus Christ. The judgment for our service will be dealt with at the judgment seat of Christ. The judgment of sons is the way God the Father disciplines us and grows us day by day.What happened to Ananias and Sapphira was their judgment as children of God. This punishment can sometimes be very severe. But the judgment of God can save us, too. God doesn’t take vengeance on his own children. God, in mercy, took Ananias and Sapphira to keep them from further sin.It was a saving judgment for the church, as well. Through this example, the church saw how God felt about sin. This hypocrisy did not stop the revival; in fact, revival only increased. It didn’t stop this early church; it shouldn’t stop us today.Hypocrites come and go, but the church of the Lord Jesus marches on.Apply it to your lifeWe are saved by grace, but one of these days we will face the judgment seat of Ch

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 4:23-33The need of the hour is power in prayer—not merely to pray, but to pray with power.In Acts 4, there was trouble in the early church. There was opposition against the Gospel of Jesus. Christians’ lives were being threatened. This was the catalyst for this great prayer meeting. It was not just any prayer that they needed. No rhetoric, eloquence, music or beauty would do. They needed power; and they received it. How do we put power in our prayers?First, we must understand the confidence of their mighty prayer.Acts 4:24 says, “...they lifted up their voice to God with one accord and said, Lord thou art God which hath made heaven and earth and the sea and all that in them is...” When facing opposition, it’s necessary to gain the right perspective: to look beyond the visible to the Invisible. To look beyond the creature to the Creator. We will find that nothing has happened that God does not control. We will find the conquering God still on His throne. We can be confident that we are praying to a God who is the creator, controller, and conqueror of all things.Notice also the commitment of a mighty prayer.The reason that many of our prayers are not answered is that we’ve not made that commitment to the Lord. Prayer is the means of bringing the power of heaven into our lives. As servants of God, we must express His Word, extend His hand, and exalt His Son. When we commit to doing so, then we will see power in our prayers.Finally, we must be ready for the consequences of a mighty prayer.The Spirit is received—a fresh filling of God’s Holy Spirit.Unity is achieved; Adrian Rogers says, “Prayer, more than anything else, unites the church.”Then, the Gospel is believed.Adrian Rogers tells us, ”Our first duty is not to preach the gospel, but to be ready and worthy to preach it through prayer.”Apply it to your lifeDo you want to put power in your prayer? Have you made yourself available to Jesus, a vessel for Him to work through and acc

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 4:1-3, 4:13Many of us want to share our faith, but we’ve been intimidated out of doing so. Acts 4:13 says, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”We need an epidemic of holy boldness, the same one that transformed Peter and John. What is the secret of their holy boldness?If we are going to be bold witnesses for Jesus Christ, we can expect persecution.Peter and John were persecuted. The persecution was not against them, it was against Jesus. If the resurrected Christ dwells in us, the same world that hated Jesus will hate us. But we are to rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Why? Adrian Rogers says, “The church persecuted is always the church powerful.”When you have a holy boldness, you can express persuasion.No one has ever been argued into Heaven. Witnessing is about sharing your personal encounter with the living Christ with others. Adrian Rogers says, “I can preach truth, but only He can impart truth.”Another secret of holy boldness is the presence we will experience.The disciples were bold because they had been with Jesus. They had seen Christ alive and resurrected and now Christ lives in them. Nothing could intimidate them. The Enemy could not shut them up or hold them back. They were filled with the Spirit of God and the presence of Jesus.The final secret to holy boldness is the person we will exalt.Again, Adrian Rogers says, “You cannot be convinced that Jesus Christ came out of that grave and that He’s the only hope of a sin-cursed world and be silent; you cannot!”Understand that holy boldness is not human courage. It is not arrogance or presumption. Holy boldness is saying, “Lord Jesus. If You are for me, who can be against me?”Apply it to your lifeDo you wish to have more courage when you share your faith in Jesus with others? Pray for an epidemic of holy boldness. Be a good stewa

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 3:1-10Acts 3 tells the story of Peter and John healing the crippled man at the gate of the temple in Jesus’ name. As a result, perhaps twenty thousand people came to know and follow Jesus Christ. In this passage, we can identify three keys to a beautiful life.These twenty thousand people who were saved were first confronted with a miracle. The man who would be healed by Jesus’ disciples had been crippled since birth. He resides at the gate of the temple (actually called ‘Beautiful’). Day after day, he lived on the outside of a beautiful life. Until one day, Peter and John approached him, offering him the healing power of Jesus Christ. The man was healed, free to leap, dance, and praise God. He entered through a gate called Beautiful, into the temple of God. This was a miracle that could not be reasonably denied or humanly explained, and it comes with a message for us all. This man represents those of us who are spiritually and morally crippled by birth. When Jesus—through the apostles—healed this man, His actions said this: “A touch from God leads to a beautiful life of serving, worshiping, and walking with God.”Secondly, Peter tells the crowd of the murder that condemned them. More than likely, the people in Act chapter 3 didn’t literally nail Jesus to the cross, but Peter said, “If you’re not with Him, you’re against Him. If you don’t crown Him, you crucify Him.” We learn from Peter’s accusations that it was our sin that nailed Jesus Christ to the cross. We’re implicated in His murder.Thirdly, there was a message that converted them. After the miracle grabbed the crowd’s attention, the stage was set for one of the greatest evangelistic messages ever preached.Peter’s message was, “Jesus is the risen Lord. We are witnesses. He is alive and He is present, even today. He redeems those who repent.”This message still rings true today, for us. Adrian Rogers says, “When you repent, Christ comes in and He gives you the power to live t

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 2:1-13In Acts 2, nearly a million Jews were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. However, 120 disciples of Jesus Christ were at the center of attention as they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. They were a church aflame; an early Christian church that made an impact on their community in a mighty way. What are the ingredients of a church aflame?The first is Supernatural Power.God demonstrated the power He had promised the disciples in Acts 1:8. This power was visualized by wind and fire. John 3:8 explains that the wind symbolizes the Holy Spirit because it “bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth.” The sight of fire over each of the disciples’ heads also symbolizes the Holy Spirit, as fire spreads and consumes, just like our Lord wants to consume our lives for His glory. This power was vocalized by the speaking of tongues and vitalized by the Holy Spirit. When we become Christians, we are baptized by the Holy Ghost, indwelled by the Holy Spirit, and sealed into Christ. From there, we can choose to be filled with the Holy Spirit through surrender and faith. Then, there’s the anointing of the Spirit: the special touch for a specific task.The second ingredient of a church aflame is the spiritual preaching.Peter preached the Word of God to the disciples with boldness.The third ingredient of a church aflame is a saved people; those who understand what salvation truly is.Adrian Rogers says, “Real salvation is not merely a crisis act that you look back to, it is a present experience.”The last ingredient of a church aflame is the spiritual program.The church must study the Bible together in fellowship and worship as one Body. Each member must participate as they should.When each member is active in the church, the church will grow and catch the flame of the Spirit.Apply it to your lifeAre you an active member of a church aflame? Remember, as Adrian R

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 1:1-9The Book of Acts is the success story of a small group of uncultured people—with no seminaries, radio, television, internet, newspapers, and very little resources—who told the world about Jesus. They went out against great obstacles and turned that world inside out and upside down for Jesus Christ. They did so much with so little! And we need to understand today what they did and how they did it, so that we can walk on the pathway to power, making much use of the resources God has given us.First, we must recognize the presence of Jesus in our lives.In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was here in His physical body. In the Book of Acts (also written by Luke), He is here in His mystical body. Jesus is still alive and active through us. Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus doesn’t want us to do anything for Him. He wants to do something through us.” The reason this early church did what they did with such power is because it really wasn’t them doing it. It was Jesus doing it through them.Second, we must receive His promise of power.God made a promise, and that promise to us is the spiritual power through the Holy Spirit to accomplish far more than we believe could be done. When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we’re filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enlightens us toward the path we should take. He enables us to take it because we can’t do it on our own. And the Spirit encourages us in our moments of hardship.Finally, we must respond to His program through us.We are to be witnesses. Adrian Rogers tells us, “We must get our heads out of the clouds of prophecy and got our feet on the sidewalks of soul winning to tell others.” When we make ourselves available to His program through us, we become witnesses of the Gospel.And seeing what He accomplished through His early witnesses, there is no estimation of how powerful our witness to Jesus’ transformational love can be.Apply it to your lifeYou don’t know what you may do

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Matthew 5:17-18In His day, the Bible Jesus knew was the Old Testament. Jesus’ unwavering devotion to it reminds us why we put our faith in the Word of God, cover to cover.In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus says, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”This passage reveals three things concerning Jesus and His Bible.First, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament in its predictions.Old Testament Scripture identifies the Savior as the Son of a mother from a specific family, belonging to a certain tribe, of a designated nation, of a specific section of the human race. Jesus meets the exact criteria; He is the fulfillment of every prophecy.Adrian Rogers said, “The key to understanding the Bible is to look for Jesus in the Bible. If you read the Bible and you don’t find Jesus, re-read it!” God has no plan or purpose that does not ultimately center on Jesus Christ; He is in all of the Bible. What a testimony to the character of the Bible and of Jesus, how they rise and stand together.Second, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament in its perfection.Jesus holds the highest view of the Bible. He tells us that the Bible is verbally inspired: not just as a thought, but Word for Word. Every piece of it, every jot and tittle, is plenarily inspired.Finally, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament in its purposes.God demanded a perfect, sinless sacrifice—born of a virgin, with no Adamic nature in Him, and living a sinless life. Jesus Christ meets every standard and requirement of the law.Adrian Rogers said, “Jesus fulfilled the law for us, that grace might fulfill it in us.”The Old Testament law is there to remind us that we are sinners; we are lost and cannot save ourselves. However, Jesus came to save sinners; He suffered, bled, and died to pay every debt we owe—to fulfi

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Ephesians 4A biblically unified church is a wonderful thing. Because this unity comes from the Spirit, we do not produce it; we merely preserve it.Ephesians 4 tells us that we, as Christians, are to be, “...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).We preserve this sacred unity by recognizing three important concepts from this passage.First, we must see that the ground of our unity is doctrinal and spiritual.Unity does not mean unison or uniformity. It means we are in agreement on the basic truths of Scripture.Ephesians 4:4-6 tells us the seven pillars of truth that hold us up and hold us together.1. One Body: the Church, which began in the New Testament and has been kept alive and active to this day.2. One Spirit: the Holy Spirit, the substance of our life, secret of our strength, and source of our unity.3. One Hope: the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.4. One Lord: Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, always.5. One Faith: God’s revealed Word, which we are to earnestly contend for.6. One Baptism: baptized by the Holy Spirit at salvation and brought into the body of Christ.7. One God: The Father, who is above all, through all, and in all.Once we are unified as a church, then we can see the glory of our diversity.Adrian Rogers says, “Sameness is not unity; unity comes from diversity.” God gives us different spiritual gifts that are meant to unite us, not to divide us; they are not toys, they are tools. Though we are unified in our doctrine, our spiritual gifts do not have to march in lock step.Finally, we recognize that the goal of our unity is maturity.-We are meant to mature in stature, in how we look more and more like Jesus every day.-We are to mature in stability, not being swayed by false teachings.-We are to mature in speech, speaking truth in love without stutter, stammer, or apology.And we mature in service toward one another, edifying the body as we grow, ourselves.Unity, diversity,

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Galatians 1:6-12Man has three great enemies: sin, sorrow, and death. There is no answer to these problems apart from Jesus Christ.In Galatians 1:6, Paul questions why the Galatian church has deserted the Gospel of grace and followed a “different” Gospel.This specific, social gospel these believers bought into had to do with self-effort and good works. But the true Gospel reminds us it is the grace of God alone that saves us from our sins.To understand the Gospel of grace, we must see the satanic opposition.Satan fought against grace. Satan has no raw materials; he perverts the good that already exists. If he can convince us to accept a synthetic gospel, we’ll never see our need for the real Gospel.Second, we see the settled origin of the Gospel: God taught it.Galatians 1:11-12 says, “But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.”Adrian Rogers says, “The Gospel is not man’s invention; it comes by divine revelation.”We cannot bring human ingenuity, wit, or wisdom against the Gospel. It does not matter how we feel; what God says is the only thing that counts. We do not need a “new, modern” gospel for the new, modern age; the Gospel of grace is settled.Third, we see the sacrificial obtainment of the Gospel: Jesus bought it.The Gospel of grace was purchased by the blood of Jesus The true Gospel is centered on Christ alone—His death, burial, and resurrection. He is the only way to salvation.Fourth, we notice the saving operation of the Gospel: Grace wrought it.Grace is what caused God to love us while we were sinners. It is a seeking, saving, and securing grace. This grace is sufficient and surviving; it will never run out or fade away.Finally, we see the singular obsession with the Gospel: Paul taught it.In a world obsessed with what others think of us, we should become like t

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Psalm 37Few things are as debilitating as worry; it will take the blue out of your sky and the joy out of your heart. Psalm 37 explains why it is important to know we are too blessed to be stressed.First, we must trust in the Lord when resources vanish.“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness” (Psalm 37:3).Sometimes, God will put us in a place where we don’t have any option other than to trust in Him. When we don’t have anywhere else to go but to the Lord, we will learn that Jesus is all we need. He is enough. He has promised to meet our needs, if only we will seek Him first. (See Matthew 6:33.)Second, we must delight in the Lord when dreams dissolve.“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).If we put our joy in our finances, circumstances, or other people, it can be threatened. These things can go away in an instant. But when our source of joy is in the Lord, it cannot be threatened. We will find that the innermost needs of our hearts are met.Adrian Rogers says, “You want to know everything you have that really counts? You add up everything you have that money can’t buy and death can’t take away.”Third, we must commit our ways to the Lord when our lifestyle is threatened.“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5).Lifestyles are bound to change throughout our lifetimes, based on our ways of life, our reputations, and our careers.Our standard of living may change, but our standard of life never changes. We will find that when we give everything to Him in total trust, our worries decrease significantly.Finally, we must rest in the Lord when God seems slow to act.“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him...” (Psalm 37:7). Here, rest means to be silent before the Lord, waiting patiently for Him to act. Patience comes once we’ve learned to commit, delight, and trust.Apply it to your lifeH

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Luke 22:31-34Luke 22 tells the story of one of Jesus’ most devoted disciples, Peter, on the darkest night of his life.Peter was known to argue when he should have listened. He boasted when he should have leaned on the Lord. He slept when Jesus asked him to pray. And he fought when he was supposed to love. But Jesus loved Peter, even in his disobedience, and eventually, in his denial. We know this because after the darkest night of his life, Peter saw the dawning of a new day.The night Jesus was arrested and sentenced to death, Peter’s world was unraveling. Jesus was supposed to be Lord, now he is being sentenced to death? How could this be happening?When recognized as a disciple of Jesus by the angry crowd, Peter fearfully denied knowing Jesus three times; then, a rooster crowed...Luke 22:61 says, “And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord; how he had said unto him, before the (rooster) crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.”Peter remembered Jesus telling him this would happen: that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed.Peter learned that God is still in control, even when it doesn’t seem so. Peter also learned the sympathetic compassion and steadfast commitment Jesus has toward His followers.When we become children of God, Jesus commits Himself to us. We may stray, but if we are truly saved, God brings us back to Him.The Bible says that Jesus prays for His believers, even to this day, (John 17:20-23) and is committed to praying for us even when we regress in our faith rather than progress. He convicts us of our sins so that we will not wander for long. And when we return to Him, He is faithful to forgive.So what did Peter learn on one of the darkest nights of his life? That Jesus is still in control, He has compassion for us, and is committed to praying for us. Just as dawn broke once more for Peter, Jesus will see us through to a new day.Apply it to your lifeHave you been go

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: James 1:2-13Do you want to be strong, prosperous, and content? All of us do.But do you want trials and tribulation? Most of us don’t.There will be heartache in this life. That is guaranteed. And as any loving Father would, God wants us to overcome it with unexplainable joy and strength. That is why He tests His children, so that we may learn to endure. Don’t be afraid of God’s tests; they are not there to make us stumble, rather, to teach us to stand.When we know this, there are a few things we discover when we learn to endure.We might be surprised to find joy in our trials. James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Why do we count it all joy? Because overcoming Christians are joyful Christians. We know that pain is inevitable, but in trials, we learn that misery is optional.We also grow exponentially when tribulation comes. James 1:4 says, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” The Greek word for “perfect” here doesn’t mean sinless —it means mature. Maturity comes with trials; as does enlightenment.We learn many new things and obtain so much wisdom that roots us in an unshakeable faith.James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” Endurance makes kings and queens out of the children of God. Adrian Rogers says, “If you do not bear the cross, you can’t wear the crown.” And when we learn to endure, we are brought to the place where we need nothing. We learn that there is no necessity that God is unable to meet.God wants to give His children the real riches of life. And once we learn that our greatest gift from God is the ability to endure, we will see trials and tribulations as opportunities to do so.Apply it to your lifeAre you going through a trial or tribulation right now? Endure; thank God for His gifts and His grace, and pray for the strength to endure. Do

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Joshua 7:1God has planned a life of victory for each one of us, yet many Christians live in defeat. They have saved souls and lost lives. Defeat is possible, but not necessary.Joshua 7 reminds us of the pitfalls of defeat we could face and the key to unbroken victory.“But the children of Israel committed a trespass regarding the accursed things, for Achan… of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed things; so the anger of the Lord burned against the children of Israel” (Joshua 7:1).After a huge victory, the Israelites pitched tents outside of a fallen city. In the night, Achan snuck into the city and stole the goods which were dedicated to God. Having taken what belonged to God, he brought a curse upon himself and Israel.This passage first tells us that great victories are often followed by great defeats.Though one man’s sin led to the ultimate downfall, Israel was guilty of plenty. The people’s carelessness and prayerlessness revealed the pride in their hearts. They did not feel the need to pray before heading into battle, presuming God was with them.But it was Achan’s sin of covetousness that caused them to fall, as he confessed himself, “I coveted… I took… I hid…” (see Joshua 7:21).Adrian Rogers says, “Covetousness is an unlawful desire that grows in the soil of an unsatisfied heart.”Second, private sin is never really private.Achan’s sin dishonored God and brought defeat to his brothers. He disgraced his family and brought on the ultimate destruction to his loved ones, as they were stoned and burned with fire.Our “hidden” sins do not just affect us; they affect everyone around us.Third, every sin that we cover, God will uncover.The things done in secret will be shouted from the rooftops. Whether by revelation, confession, or retribution, every sin must be judged.Finally, every sin that we uncover, God will cover.Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have me

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Proverbs 14:34Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”If we want to know what is wrong with our great nation, we should first look in the mirror. By and large, nations receive the kind of government they deserve. What we expect out of our Constitution and government today is not something they were designed to do. At this crucial time in our nation, we need to understand the only hope for America is God.First, righteousness is the exaltation of a nation.Righteousness and liberty are inextricably woven; there is no true liberty without true righteousness.Adrian Rogers says, “Righteousness is living responsibly under God.”Righteousness is assuming our God-given responsibilities as a citizen of the kingdom of God, and this country. Our liberty directly correlates with our character; when we lose responsibility, we lose character, and then we lose righteousness. Adrian Rogers says, “People who cannot live responsibly from within will be governed from without.”The Word of God teaches responsibilities of the Church, to the government, and vice versa.Respectfully, we do not want the government infringing upon our religious affairs. Likewise, as Christian citizens, we have a civic duty to pray for our government leaders, pay our taxes and express patriotism.Second, reproach is the humiliation of a nation.The government’s purpose is not to meet our needs; it is to protect us from tyranny and punish evildoers. However, the erosion of character has led to a perverted nation. We as a people have become too dependent upon the government to provide, and therefore, control us. But the government only gives what it first takes away. The government’s influence grows larger as our nation’s character dwindles more and more.Finally, revival is the restoration of a nation.America needs a new birth of freedom, and God is our only hope of that. We, as His people, are called to be salt and light—to purify

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Nehemiah 1:1-3The America of today is not the America that we once knew. This nation has been taken captive by the world, the flesh, and the devil.God has blessed America; but we have created greed out of abundance, turning freedom into license to sin. There is hope, as there was hope in the days of Nehemiah, but we must be committed to calling America back to God.In the days of the Old Testament, God’s people had been taken captive and carried away to a foreign land. In Nehemiah 1:1-3, Nehemiah, a cup-bearer to the king, heard about Jerusalem where a nation’s glory was now buried beneath despair.Nehemiah’s first response was to visualize the situation: he wanted to see the situation for what it was.City walls are for protection, and in this passage, Jerusalem’s walls had fallen. Spiritually, America’s walls of defense have fallen, and we are vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.We must get an accurate picture of how our nation’s moral walls have decayed, and how our spiritual gates have burned; once we picture it in our minds, it should break our hearts.“So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4).Nehemiah agonized over Jerusalem; he wept and prayed over the ruins of his home.Adrian Rogers said, “The things that break the heart of Almighty God ought to break our hearts.”Nehemiah’s prayer was filled with contrition, confession, and confidence. He prayed the Word of God, reminding God of His own promises to gather and restore those who have been scattered for His own sake. (See Nehemiah 1:8-9.)Finally, after committing himself completely to God and fasting and praying for four months, Nehemiah organized. He risked his own life and livelihood when he sought the king’s permission, protection, and provision to go on mission to restore the walls of Jerusalem.God is primarily looking for our obedience, faith, and love. When we g

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Psalm 78America did not just happen; America was a gift from God. However, it seems as though the virtues and values upon which this nation was built have been trampled. What legacy are we going to leave for the generation to come? What is the America of tomorrow?It could look like Psalm 78. In this passage, God had blessed the nation Israel, delivered the people from the chains of slavery, and brought them into a good land. Yet, they defiled the land, denied the Lord, and disobeyed the new law.If we want to avoid the judgment given in Psalm 78, we must heed to this ancient truth in today's world, following three practical ways.First, we need to proclaim our history.As a country: America has a distinct spiritual heritage. We must teach our children America’s history of trusting in God.As a family: How did your family come to know Jesus? Do your children know the story of how the Gospel changed their heritage?As a church: It is crucial to remain rooted in the infallible Word of God our churches were built upon.As an individual: We must understand and acknowledge what God has done in our lives and tell the generation to come.Next, we need to retain our memory.As a nation, we have three evil principalities at work, trying to manipulate our perspectives. We see them exemplified in Psalm 78:The lust of the flesh: Rather than thanking God for blessings, Israel asked for more, testing His graciousness.The lure of the world: The people broke God’s heart by forgetting Him; they renovated the nation to exclude the One upon whom it was built.The lies of the devil: The one who steals, kills, and destroys was behind it all.Finally, we must reclaim our legacy.Adrian Rogers says, “Not only is God our greatest hope, but God is also our biggest threat. And the nation that was born in 1776 must be born again or we will join the graveyard of the nations.”The America of tomorrow depends on our decision to reclaim our legacy. We must do the best we ca

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 13:3Anyone can learn the facts and study history, but they cannot understand the deeper things of God unless they have a personal relationship with Him. To those who do not have the Holy Spirit within to illumine and interpret the Word of God, the Bible remains a mystery.In Matthew 13:11, Jesus says, “…it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”Jesus’ parables in Matthew 13 reveal seven sacred secrets we can only know if we know God personally.Expect many to reject the Gospel. (See Matthew 13:18-23.)Jesus knew the hardness of human hearts. In the Parable of the Sower, He explains that there are only a faithful few. He expects to be rejected by many. As soul winners, we should expect the same thing, but not let it discourage us from continuing to share the Gospel.Expect many church members to be hypocrites. (See Matthew 13:24-30.)Every church has hypocrites, but hypocrisy does not mean the Gospel has failed. It is not our job to separate the hypocrites from the true believers. Our business is to preach the Gospel.Expect the rise of false cults. (See Matthew 13:31-32.)The Bible tells us there will be an increase of false religion in the Last Days.Expect corruption in the professing church. (See Matthew 13:33.)The devil is at work in the church; he infiltrates it with spiritual “leaven,” which works stealthily to puff up the whole body. Anywhere there is right fellowship with God, expect traces of corruption and arrogance.Expect God to keep His word to the nation Israel. (See Matthew 13:44.)If we are wise, we will keep our eyes on Israel; we will see for ourselves what God has promised to do through His chosen people.Expect Jesus to be building His Church. (See Matthew 13:45-46.)Despite the rise of false religion and cults, Jesus will continue to build His Church, making her undivided and beautiful.Expect God to bring it all to judgment. (See Matthew 13:47-50.)God

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 13:45Jesus taught us profound, heavenly lessons in the most practical parables. However, despite its simplicity, the strange mystery of the precious pearl is often misinterpreted by the most devoted believers.Jesus said in Matthew 13:45-46, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”Some may think the merchant of the story is the lost sinner seeking the Lord Jesus. But this isn’t so—a sinner cannot initiate the search for God unless God has first initiated that desire in him.Ever since the beginning of time, God has been seeking Man.Adrian Rogers says, “If you sought Him, it was because He first sought you.”The bankrupt sinner cannot buy Christ; even if he had anything to buy Him with, Jesus Christ is not for sale.Salvation cannot be bought or earned. Therefore, the pearl of great price is not Jesus.The pearl is the Church, and the merchant is the Lord Jesus, who purchased the Church with His own precious blood.Much like a pearl is formed in the deep—grown through impurity, dirt, grit, and irritation—the Church has gone from depth to height, from guilt to glory. To divide it is to destroy it. Christ’s Bride is one Church without spot, wrinkle, or any blemish whatsoever.The merchant sold everything He had to buy this pearl. He sought it out, and considered it beautiful; to him, it was worth every penny.Adrian Rogers says, “God doesn’t love us because we’re valuable; we’re valuable because He loves us.”Jesus Christ stepped out of glory and into time to pay the price for us. He suffered and died, purchasing us with His own blood. He knew the cost—at every turn of His life, He was reminded of the suffering He would face—yet He paid it anyway.God loves us and greatly desires us. We are sinners, and on our own, we are helpless to save ourselves. But Jesus Christ is the answer. He covered us with His own gra

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 13:44Adrian Rogers says, “A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.”The Parable of the Hidden Treasure is a short, but often misinterpreted, teaching of Jesus. We often believe this is about a man finding the treasure of salvation and giving up everything to have it. But if we look closer at the strange mystery of the buried treasure, we’ll see this is not the correct way to read it.Jesus said in Matthew 13:44, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”First, the field is the world, meaning the treasure cannot be Jesus. We cannot buy the field or the treasure in the field because the Gospel is not for sale. Salvation is the free gift of God.Rather, the man represents Jesus, and the treasure hidden in the field is the nation Israel.Israel is a treasure sovereignly chosen by God. As Israel goes, so goes the world; the Bible is full of evidence that Israel is God’s treasured people.Israel is also a treasure sadly covered. When Jesus came into this world, Israel was lost unto her original plan and purpose. The kingdom God had promised to His people was languishing, as Israel suffered under the thumb of Rome.But Israel is also a treasure sovereignly claimed. When Jesus came, He uncovered Israel and claimed her as His own. As a shepherd seeks the lost sheep, Jesus came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (See Matthew 15:24.)Remember, the man in the parable, Jesus, not only revealed the treasure—He covered it back up again and went to redeem it. He’s the one who paid the price to buy the field. This tells us that Jesus is coming back to reclaim Israel in the Last Days.Israel is buried in the field—suffering unspeakable atrocities and persecution. Yet God will keep His word to Israel, His treasure.What does this mean for us? It means everything is on schedule—God has sovereignly kept His w

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 13:33The Parable of the Unleavened Bread is one of Jesus’ most misunderstood parables; if we read it incorrectly, we may find ourselves discouraged by it. This parable does not teach that the Gospel will permeate the whole world; in fact, Christians are considered a faithful few.Adrian Rogers says, “The Gospel was never given to save civilization from wreckage, the Gospel is given to save Man from the wreckage of civilization.”Rather, this parable warns us about the devil’s deception in the Last Days, and what we can do to protect the true Bride of Christ.Jesus said in Matthew 13:33, “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”The mention of three measures of meal takes us back to the Old Testament, in the days of Abraham and Sarah (see Genesis 18:6) and Gideon (see Judges 6:19).This custom of baking bread for guests is something that satisfies the heart and mind of God because it speaks of communion and fellowship. We, the Church, are the bread—mingled together, being brought through the fire as one loaf.Leaven works quietly, undetected—yet it causes fermentation and corruption. In the Bible, unleavened bread stands for sincerity and truth, while leavened bread speaks of malice and wickedness.Jesus compares the legalism of the Pharisees and the liberalism of the Sadducees to leaven. He also compares Herod’s love of pleasure to leaven because he valued pleasure over God. (See Mark 8:15.)We must be sure to purge the leaven out of the Church because a little bit of it leavens the whole lump. The sneaky housewife in this passage represents devilish, deliberate, deception.If the Church is the Bride of Christ, this woman represents the bride of the devil, which is the false church. She represents Satan’s work in the Last Days, infiltrating the Church with legalism, liberalism, and love of self.Understanding the parable this way, we can combat false expectat

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 13In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches us secrets of the kingdom of God through seven parables. In these prophetic stories, the Lord Jesus is beginning something new. Yet the enemy has many ways to sabotage His good work.In the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32), Jesus is the one planting seeds of faith for a godly crop.The Godly CropThe mustard seed is small, emphasizing the faithful few of the kingdom of God. It is simple, bypassing grandiosity and fanfare, and boils down to Jesus’ love for us. Yet it is also strong; faith like a grain of mustard seed can move mountains (see Matthew 17:20).The secret of a seed is that it has the germ of life within it; it can reproduce itself over and over again. The seed begins to grow and becomes a shrub, which represents the growth of the Gospel in the lives of believers. It is not huge like a mighty oak, yet it bears whatever flowers, fruit, or seeds are within it. It doesn’t speak of prominence; rather, lowliness.Another CropBut we also see in this parable a strange shade—defying nature, the shrub develops into a tree. The spiritual meaning of this abnormality is rooted in Daniel 4. In a prophecy, Daniel typifies false religion as a monstrous tree—the final form of apostasy in the final days.The rise of false cults that deny the Bible are likened to this tree. The same devilish birds that come and steal the seed in the Parable of the Sower, come and lodge in the branches of apostasy.Adrian Rogers says, “Satan is not against religion; he uses religion to accomplish his purpose.”The birds in the branches of apostasy are not easily spotted, because the devil is a master of deception and camouflage.We can identify these birds by their messages, using five tests. As you evaluate the messages you hear, use these five tests: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 hi

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 13:24-30, 37-40Not everybody who claims to be a Christian is a genuine Christian. Hypocrisy is a confusing and bewildering thing. Through the parable of the wheat and tares, Jesus shows us how He deals with counterfeits.Matthew 13:24-30 is a word of comfort, warning, and instruction for those caught in the strange mystery of the counterfeit Christian.“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared’” (Matthew 13:24-26).First, we see the sowing of the tares.The tares in the parable came from the chief counterfeiter himself, Satan. The devil wants worship and false believers. He has convinced hypocrites to follow a false Jesus and false spirit. (See 2 Corinthians 11:4.) He has false ministers to produce false brothers and proclaim a false gospel. (See 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.)We shouldn’t let hypocrites keep us from seeking true fellowship with God and with each other; counterfeits copy what is worthwhile.Adrian Rogers says, “Every false Christian that you see is a testimony to the good, the worth, and the reality of the real.”God is well aware of counterfeits; they may pass through the world with ease, but God cannot be fooled.Second, we see the growing of the tares.No matter how tempting it may be, we cannot uproot false religion; it’ll do more harm than good. God is the judge, not us. Every church must exercise discipline—not meant to root out and remove but rather to reclaim and restore.Finally, we see the knowing of the tares.The wheat and the tares will be discerned at the harvest. God tolerates the tares for the sake of the wheat; He waits until they are all ripe before He sends the reapers. He does not judge now, because it is too early. Our influence, whether for good or for evil, goes

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 13:1The Bible is a love story in many ways, but it is also a great mystery. There are hidden truths in the Bible that cannot be known by human wisdom.Jesus was the master teacher. He taught in parables—earthly stories with heavenly meanings—which are meant to both reveal and conceal. The meek, the teachable and guidable, could understand, while the scholars could not.Matthew 13:3-9 explains the parable of the sower. There are three basic components of this story: the seed, the sower, and the soil.The seed is the quick and powerful Word of God, pulsating with life and energy. The sower is Jesus—the Son of Man who sows the Word in people’s hearts. The main emphasis of the parable is on the soil, which represents the hearts of men and women. Some receive the seed, while others don’t. Yet, the Gospel does not fail; there is nothing wrong with the seed—the problem is always the soil.First, there is the soil with no reception.“And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them” (Matthew 13:4). The “wayside” is often described as stone, meaning this heart is too hardened to receive the seed, and therefore, will not understand it.There’s also the soil that receives the seed, but it does not take root.Matthew 13:5-6 describes a seed that sprouts too early in the shallow dirt and withers in the sun. This represents those who live in the realm of emotion—who are moved by spiritual things but are not truly changed. They are likely to abandon their faith the moment they face a trial.Adrian Rogers says, “Salvation is the deepest work of God; God doesn’t do the deepest work in the shallowest part.”There’s also the seed scattered among thorns that has no room to sprout. (See Matthew 3:7.)This represents those who want to add Jesus Christ onto their lives but aren’t willing to have their lives changed. They leave their rival crop undisturbed, giving Jesus no room.But thank God there is a fourth kind of soil:

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Ephesians 1:15-23God created man and woman to have dominion and rule over this Earth. Once we understand this, we can claim what was lost by Adam and restored by Jesus, the conquering Christ, the Second Adam.According to Genesis 1:26, God gave dominion on Earth to Adam. But Satan, a fallen angel who became the father of the night, lost the battle in Heaven and hopes to win the battle on Earth.He came to the Garden of Eden as a serpent and tempted Adam and Eve to sin; therefore, they turned dominion over to him and became his slaves. God was dethroned in their hearts, and Satan began to reign.But this dominion, legally lost by Adam, was righteously regained by Jesus Christ.Dominion was lost by a man, and it was legally restored by a man: “For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22)Satan tried to tempt Jesus to sin as he had tempted Adam (see Luke 4), but Jesus defeated Him by the Word of God.Adrian Rogers says, “The first Adam lost it all in a garden; the last Adam won it all back in the wilderness.”The second battle began at Calvary. When Jesus died and was buried, the devil believed he had won. But three days later, Jesus walked out of the grave and brought back dominion that had been lost.Finally, this dominion has been gloriously given to those who believe in Jesus Christ.Ephesians 1:22-23 says, “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”When God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, He raised us up as well.The devil wants to keep us in the dark, so that we never see the incredible power we’ve been given. But when we finally recognize it, all of heaven will break loose.Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers says, “The same weapons that belonged to Adam in the Garden of Eden were the weapons that Jesus Ch

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 12:42In the Old Testament, King Solomon was the apex of all greatness, wealth, and wonder.In Matthew 12, Jesus was criticized and judged by the Pharisees. In response, He said, “The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.”By all appearances of class, wealth, and status, Jesus, a carpenter’s son, did not compare to Solomon, son of King David. But the truth is, our great Savior is infinitely greater than Solomon.First, Jesus is greater than Solomon in wisdom.Having written the Book of Proverbs, Solomon was a man known for his wisdom, but it did not satisfy him. Solomon’s wisdom about life, nature, and direction did not compare to Jesus’ lordship over life, nature, and direction.Adrian Rogers says, “You can have a full head and an empty heart.”Jesus is also greater than Solomon in His works.Solomon built a temple for the Lord and hosted feasts. But Jesus is building the Kingdom, setting a table, and turning us, His people, into living temples of God.Third, Jesus is greater in His workers.Solomon’s servants were notably happy, dressed, and nourished like wealthy men. But as workers of Jesus Christ, we’ve received infinitely more, therefore, we are greater in joy and dedication.Jesus is greater than Solomon in His wealth.No one had ever seen a man as wealthy as Solomon. Yet, the cattle on a thousand hills belong to Jesus; every star in the sky is His. This is His world; and as His followers, He has left us great spiritual riches no money can buy.Jesus is greater in worth and worship.Solomon built the temple to lead his people in worship. Jesus sits upon the eternal throne in Heaven and He will never dispossess it.Finally, Jesus is greater than Solomon in His wonder.When the queen of Sheba saw everything Solomon had done, she was filled with awe and amazement. Jesus is even

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Job 9Many of us wonder why bad things happen to good people. But the real question is: How can good things happen to bad people?Sin cannot be explained away by weakness or illness; man is a sinner by birth and by practice. We are too sinful to lift ourselves up to God, and He is too holy to lower Himself down to be only a man.The only way a holy God and sinful men can come together is through Jesus, the God-man, our Mediator.Job 9:2 says, “Truly I know it is so, but how can a man be righteous before God?”After experiencing disaster and loss, Job’s three friends came to him, asking the right questions, but giving the wrong answers.The first man, Eliphaz, spoke of a seducing spirit that appeared to him in a dream and gave him a satanic revelation to pass onto Job. (See Job 4:12-17.) Like Eliphaz’s experience, New Ageism, cults, and false doctrine run rampant today, spreading deceit. If we are neutral, we open ourselves up to demonism.The second friend, Bildad, spoke of humanism and sophisticated reason. (See Job 8:10.) He suggested that for Job to understand what he was going through, he needed to study the ancient wisdom and philosophers of the ages. Nowadays, those like Bildad point to the scientists and evolutionists for answers. These empty ideas are not only wrong but also poisonous.Job’s final friend, Zophar, suggested that the answer is legalism. (See Job 11.) Like Zophar, a lot of religious people will turn to sterile ritualism and self-reformation to try to be right with God.But Job recognized his real need for a mediator. He saw his need for Jesus before he even knew his name.1 Timothy 2:5-6 says, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time…”Jesus was a qualified mediator: being both God and Man.Adrian Rogers says, “As much a man as if not God at all… as much God as if not a man at all. Not half-God and half-man, but all God

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Luke 15Adrian Rogers says, “A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.”In Luke 15, Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ criticism with three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. In these three stories, we see how much God loves us, and why Jesus is a friend of sinners.“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4).Sheep are dumb and defenseless; they are completely dependent on shepherds to protect them from predators. They can't find their way home. In spiritual terms, we are very much like sheep.“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?” (Luke 15:8).A coin is meant to be spent or treasured, but one that is lost is worthless and unprofitable. This coin was lost in darkness, dirt, and disgrace. Likewise, we were created to know, love, and serve God; when we are lost, we are worthless.“...A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood…” (Luke 15:11-12).In this final parable, Jesus begins the story of the lost son. After he received his inheritance and squandered it, there was a deep depression in the land. As a result, the son was broke; he was degraded to feeding pigs in a foreign country, which brought great dissatisfaction.Like this lost son, we’ve gone astray and find ourselves desperate and spiritually starving.These parables not only explain the sinful nature of Man, but they also reveal the saving nature of God. Jesus Christ is the shepherd who rescues the lost sheep. The woman searching for her lost coin represents the Holy Spirit. God our Father is the father running to receive his prodigal son.God loves us; He is the Good Shepherd seeking us.

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Joshua 20:1-3Jesus Christ is the hero of the Bible; every book, every illustration is about Him. If we look closely, we see He stands in the shadows of the Old Testament; when we do, every detail of Scripture is given a new meaning.In Joshua 20, God instructs Joshua to explain the cities of refuge to His people:“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Appoint for yourselves cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the slayer who kills a person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there; and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood’” (Joshua 20:2-3).These six cities of refuge are highly symbolic and teach us more about Jesus, the Sinner’s Refuge.Hebrews 6:18 says, “...we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us…”There is great significance in the names of these six cities, which reflect Jesus Christ.-Kedesh means a place of holiness. Above all things, Jesus Christ is holy.-Shechem means shoulder or support. We are carried on the shoulders of our Savior, who gives us strength.-Hebron means fellowship; it speaks of Christ, our satisfaction, and the divine joy of fellowship with Him.-Bezer means stronghold or fortification; Christ is our security, the One who keeps us.-Ramoth means exalted; it speaks of Christ our sovereign, the One whom we worship.-Golan means separate; after Jesus, we are not the same. Through sanctification, we are made new day by day.God wanted people to have safety and refuge, so He strategically placed the six cities throughout Israel. The roads were clear and level with signage that pointed travelers in the right direction.Likewise, Jesus has made a way to Himself; our City of Refuge is always near. He is closer than our next breath, for everyone who confesses He is Lord and believes in Him can be saved. (See Romans 10:13.) It is not enough to be near the city of refuge: we must enter in and begin a relationship with Jesus

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Genesis 18:13-14In Genesis 18, God promises the barren Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age. This was so unbelievable, so miraculous, that when she heard this promise, Sarah laughed. In verse 13 she says, “‘Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?”Sarah’s question prompts an even greater question from God in verse 14: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”Jeremiah 32:17 answers this question beautifully: “...Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm. There is nothing too hard for thee.”Consider the majesty of God’s limitless power:-There is no promise too hard for God to fulfill.-There is no prayer too hard for God to answer.-There is no problem too big for God to solve.-There is no person too hard for God to save.Yet, if there’s nothing too hard for God, why doesn’t it happen? Because men limit God. Psalm 78:41 says, “Yeah, they turned back and tempted God and limited the Holy One of Israel.”How is it possible for the Creator to be limited by his creature? Because He allows it; He allows Himself to be chained and bound, restricted from working in our lives.We chain Him with our unwillingness. God will not force Himself upon you. He wants to bless you, but you must be willing to receive it.We chain Him with unconcern. When we are completely indifferent, it breaks His heart, because He cannot move in an apathetic life.We chain Him with unreasonableness, our prejudices, pre-conceived ideas. We do not want to give up our dirt for His diamonds.We chain Him with uncleanliness. Unconfessed, un-repented of sin keeps God from blessing us and working with us.We chain Him with our unbelief. Adrian Rogers says, “Faith is the channel through which the risen Lord pours His life into you. But you will tie His hands by unbelief. Faith is the key that causes the shackles to fall from the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ.”Apply it to your lifeHave you ever limited the Lord’s work in your life? Have you

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Exodus 33:11-16It is not enough to casually know about God; we were created to know God intimately and to enjoy Him personally. Yet many believers will settle with feeling infatuated with His works, and never know Him face-to-face.Adrian Rogers says, “To know about God is to see God’s works; to know God intimately is to know God’s way.”In Exodus 33:11-16, Moses demonstrates the beauty of knowing God intimately, seeing beyond an infatuation with His works to know His ways.To know God intimately brings tranquility and peace to our troubled souls.“And He said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’” (Exodus 33:14). If we only see God outwardly—His miraculous works—we will live with worry. We often disappoint ourselves when He doesn’t act how we think He should. But knowing God’s ways helps us recognize His presence in every situation, and that is what gives us rest.Knowing God intimately also gives us stability in our lives.By nature, feelings of infatuation are fickle. But Christians who seek the unchanging heart of God have stability in their faith, no matter their circumstances.Finally, knowing God intimately is necessary for victory.In Exodus 33, the Israelites had strayed in their devotion to God, and Moses was interceding on their behalf. He begged for God’s mercy, and in response, God promised His protection and provision, but He would not be with them.It is frightening to know we can have God’s protection and provision without His presence. Seeing how easy it is to be satisfied in worldly things, we cannot take anything as a substitution for knowing God intimately.We cannot know God intimately by human reason. We know Him by directly dealing with Him, turning to Him in every circumstance or difficulty.Adrian Rogers says, “To know Him is to love Him; to love Him is to trust Him. To trust Him is to obey Him; to obey Him is to be blessed, and to be blessed is to be a blessing.”Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers s

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Isaiah 6:1-3The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is one of the great distinctions of the Christian faith. It’s what makes Christianity stand out in a world of religions. It is the idea that we worship one God who has revealed Himself in three persons.Isaiah 6:8 says, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’”In this passage, God, using the plural pronoun, “Us,” indicates His triune nature. This is not the same thing as polytheism; we do not worship three gods. There is one God, and He is triune: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.We will never understand the Holy Trinity by human investigation, logic, or science. The only way we can know about the Holy Trinity is by divine revelation. We can only understand by reading Scripture. If we try to understand it on our own, we will lose our minds; if we deny it, we may lose our souls.Isaiah 40:18 says, “To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him?”Though it may be difficult to comprehend, we can see God’s triune nature reflected in everything He has created. Space is made up of height, width, and depth. Time is a culmination of past, present, and future. Man is at once body, soul, and spirit.The idea of the Trinity was not created in the New Testament. God’s triune nature is evident in creation (Genesis 1:1) and in the greatest commandment (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). God is spoken of as a unity, or as a collective one.The life of Jesus Christ did not begin at Bethlehem. Jesus says so Himself in John 8:58: “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”The Son of God is spoken of throughout the Old Testament, in prophecy (Isaiah 48:12) and physical presence (Daniel 3:25). He has no beginning and He will never have an ending.The treasure of the trinity is that we have the Father above us, the Spirit within us, and the Son, who died for us.Apply it to your lifePraise God that He is bigger than our understanding. Today, w

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 7:37-39Most of us have had all the religion we can stand; what we actually need is a personal, vital relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We need to stop enduring religion and start enjoying salvation.John 7:37-38 says, “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”There are four simple steps to deeply drinking in the satisfaction of Jesus Christ.First, we must understand the subjects—those who thirst.Jesus was not speaking to everybody, rather only to thirsty people. If we’ve been filling ourselves with shallow things like self-love and worldliness, we will not long for the living water of Jesus Christ.Second, we must understand the source of this living water—Jesus Himself.We don’t find living water in rituals or religion or rules, rather, we receive it through Jesus. We will never live “right” until we are filled with the Holy Spirit.Adrian Rogers says, “Holiness is not the way to Christ; Christ is the way to holiness. We don’t work our way to the Way; He is the Way.”Third, we must recognize the secret: “Come to Me and drink.”This living water is free, but it costs everything within us. We must let it sink into our hearts so that we claim Him so deeply that we believe in Him and appropriate His promises.Finally, we must remember the supply.Ezekiel 47 prophecies what we, as believers, are to look like today: a mysterious river, flowing past the altar, which represents Christ crucified.This river’s mighty force brings life where there was death and success where there was failure. This living water brings fruitfulness where there was barrenness and health where there was sickness.When we are filled with the Spirit, our lives will overflow with joy, praise, and service. Not only will there be an income, but there will also be an out

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: John 15:12-25It is a privilege to call Jesus our friend—to know Him intimately as a close companion. John 15:12-25 highlights five things about our friendship with Jesus: what it means, and what it makes of us.First, friendship with Jesus elevates us.“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Simply being His servant would be an honor. But friendship with Jesus lifts us to a level we could not reach without Him. We didn’t choose Him; He chose us (see John 15:16).Adrian Rogers says, “A man is known by his friends; if you’re a friend of Jesus, you’re somebody.”Friendship with Jesus also enlarges the company we keep.“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Friends of Jesus become friends with each other; He is our common bond. Because we love Him, we love one another, and the circle grows.But we must also remember the cost of friendship with Jesus.“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Real friendships are expensive, but they are worth it. The highest service is when we serve because we want to, not because we have to. Serving and obeying Jesus does not earn us His friendship; it proves our friendship.However, friendship with Jesus still enriches us.Healthy friendships with good people sharpen us and make us better. On the contrary, unhealthy friendships make us dull and drag us down. Friendship with Jesus, who is the Vine, makes us fruitful.Finally, friendship with Jesus means entering inevitable conflict with the world.“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). Just as His friends become our friends, so do Christ’s enemies become our enemies. But it is an honor to be counted worthy of suffering as Jesus suffered.Our deepest need is t

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Psalm 119:97Psalm 119:97 says, “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” Because it is Jesus Christ Himself who makes us more like Him, it is crucial to spend quality time with Him and in His Word, and there are five factors that go into having a meaningful quiet time.First, it must be early in the day, at our most optimal time, when we are preparing for the day.We must:-Be physically alert, so we can think clearly.-Be morally pure and clean, so we can blamelessly bow before a holy God.-Be mentally aware, so we can be receptive to what He has to say.We should have our quiet time in an isolated place; somewhere we can shut the door on the world, to avoid distractions. Adrian Rogers says, “What you are when you’re alone is what you are. The mark of your prayer life is not how well you pray in public, but in private. Your Father who sees you in secret will reward you openly.”We also need the right tools: a Bible we can read and understand, a journal to record your time with God, and a second journal to record prayers. Practically, it’s also good to have a notepad to write down your spiritual instructions for the day.Having prepared for a meaningful quiet time, how should we proceed?1. Get quiet; take a deep breath and focus your thoughts on the Lord.2. Get into the Word of God; read the Bible before praying.3. Meditate on it; reading for quality, not quantity.4. Record what God has given you through His Word in your journal.5. Record instructions, goals, and decisions revealed from your time with God.6. Pray; pour out your soul to God with reverence and honesty. Tell Him everything; He already knows.7. Share what you’ve learned. We ought to be in the habit of exhorting and encouraging one another.8. Obey what God tells you. Our spiritual lives run on revelation and obedience. One does not run without the other.Apply it to your lifeIs your quiet time with God meaningful to you? Have you properly prepared and set yourself

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Genesis 2:7If you have “unction,” it means you have the power of God upon your life, energized and directed by the Holy Spirit of God. To understand how to function with unction, we must first understand how God designed us and why.Genesis 2:7 says, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” When the Bible says “God formed man,” formed is a word used for a potter molding clay. God made the complex, intricately woven man out of dirt.We have a body, made of the dust of the ground. God’s crowning creation. But we are not our bodies… we just live in our bodies.We also have souls, which is what lives inside our bodies. Our souls are our real personality, our sense of humor, intelligence, likes and dislikes, idiosyncrasies —all of those things that make us the uniquely wonderful person that you are. Roughly speaking, our soul is mind, emotion, and will.The human spirit is inextricably united with its soul, completely inseparable, but they are not the same thing. The difference between the soul and the spirit is the spirit’s uniqueness to the human design. The human spirit is the organ of spiritual knowledge. The spirit is evidence that God put Himself into man.Proverbs 20:27 says, “The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD…” As a lamp is fed with oil, the Holy Spirit feeds our spirit, which is the innermost part of our nature that enables us to know and worship God.Adrian Rogers says, “With your body, you know the world beneath you; with your soul, you know the world around you; with your spirit, you know the world above you.”When the Holy Spirit speaks to the human spirit, it then speaks to the human soul. The soul speaks to the body through mind, emotion, and will. Then the body goes out and lives in the world, showing the life and love of the Lord Jesus.Apply it to your lifeHow is a man to function with unction? Pray for the Holy Spirit to il

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Romans 8:18-23If we live long enough on this Earth, we will know sorrow, disappointment, and pain in a personal way. Suffering is inevitable, and if we aren’t careful, it can consume us.If we want to make sense of our suffering, there are three words to consider from Romans 8:18-23: bondage, liberty, and hope.We must first consider the bondage of yesterday’s curse.Sin entered the perfect world God created because, in His love for us, God gave us free will to choose. Because mankind chose to sin, we are condemned according to the law of the Bible. God could not destroy evil without destroying freedom. Because there is evil, there is suffering. Though our suffering cannot be destroyed, God has defeated evil.Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”Liberty is tomorrow’s conquest.Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are liberated from the curse of sin. There is no more condemnation for our sin; and when Jesus comes again, He will restore everything. However, though we have been freed from the curse of sin, we can still feel the hurt of it.Our hope is our comfort for today.Romans 8:18 says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”Adrian Rogers says, “The groans we endure are temporary, but the glory we expect is eternal.”All of creation groans as a symptom that there is something wrong with this fallen world.Christians groan, for we are not immune to suffering, and there is a lot of it in our world today. We live in a cursed world with other sinners, in bodies that have not yet been redeemed.But there is comfort in knowing the Comforter groans, too. God sees our pain, and the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we hurt so badly we don’t know what to pray for.Finally, we must remember that we’ve been prepared, predestined, a

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Ephesians 6:5-8As Christians, we have the chance to put joy, zest, and dignity into the most mundane jobs. God can turn our Monday mornings into a thing of beauty and joy. There are three principles to draw from Ephesians 6:5-8 as we begin turning the rat race into a pilgrimage.One, we need to see our jobs as an opportunity and be grateful.There are three wrong ways to look at work: a necessary evil, a cruel master, or a god itself. But when we see our work for what it truly is, a gift from God, we will begin to feel grateful.Two, we need to see our jobs as a responsibility and be helpful.When we work, we join a partnership with God, even in the secular workforce. We can draw parallels from Jeremiah 29, where God instructs Israel, captives of Babylon, to get into the work world and seek the welfare of Babylon. (See v. 4.) Your job is a part of a greater plan; we must be helpful to others.Three, we need to see our jobs as a ministry and be faithful. Our jobs are our greatest ministry opportunity. We serve God full-time wherever we work no matter how mundane the job might be. Ephesians 6:6-7 says to approach our work, “not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.”Adrian Rogers says, “We’ve been saved out of the world, sent back into the world to witness to the world, and that’s the only business in the world we have until we’re taken out of the world when Jesus comes. We’re in this world, but not of this world. And Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, ‘You are the light of the world’.”Apply it to your lifeUnderstanding that we are not called to a rat race, but a pilgrimage, there are four things to remember when you go to work tomorrow:1. Don’t brag; do away with self-righteousness. Your light is to glow, not to glare.2. Don't nag; no one has ever been talked down into a relationship with Jesus.3. Don’t lag; car

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 John 2:12-14A growing Christian is a maturing Christian because spiritual maturity is becoming more like Jesus. Some Christians are saved but aren’t growing. We will never know true victory and joy unless we learn how to be growing Christians.In 1 John 2, the Apostle John compares spiritual maturity to three stages in our physical lives.“I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:14).New Christians experience the thrilling wonders of spiritual childhood. They are “all tomorrows; no yesterdays.” However, children live in the realm of their feelings. They can be selfish and self-centered; uncooperative.We are only young once; but if we aren’t careful, we can be spiritually immature for a long time.If we grow, we’ll experience the triumphant warfare of manhood.Abiding in the Word of God strengthens us for warfare. Obeying God and serving others transforms us into workers and warriors, equipped to combat the enemy.Next comes the tested wisdom of fatherhood.Adrian Rogers says, “When we spend time with someone, we become like that someone.”Because we view God as our Father, the goal of spiritual maturity is to become spiritual fathers (and mothers). Mature Christians reproduce through soul-winning and discipleship.What are the means of maturity?-There must be the miracle of life; we must be saved.-It takes time. There is no instant maturity; we experience growth through time spent with Jesus Christ.-Growth requires nourishment; we have to feed on the Word of God.-Growth demands discipline and exercise; we serve God and others.Remember: we don’t substitute fatherhood for young manhood, nor young manhood for childhood.In a father, there ought to be the vision and zeal of a young man. In

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Joshua 1:1-2Victory 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

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 11So 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: InvestmentKing 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: DiversificationDon’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: PreparationSooner 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: VentureThere 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: TrustThere 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: WorkThere 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: PerspectiveWe 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: AccountabilityWe 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 w

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Malachi 3:7-12God 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

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: James 5:1-3Stewardship 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 giv

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4In 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 Jesu

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Ephesians 5:1Satan 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 SalvationGod 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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Psalm 127Psalm 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 lifeIt is so easy to complain about t

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 4:24The 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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Psalm 119:9-16Scripture 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 o

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Hebrews 11:24There 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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Genesis 50:22-26The 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 be

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Genesis 45When 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 lifeDo

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Genesis 37The 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 JosephJoseph 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 JosephJoseph 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 JosephJoseph 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 JosephJoseph 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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Genesis 39:20-23What 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 lifeAre you in a season when nothin

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Genesis 37:1There 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 lifeWould you like t

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 John 3:11-24The 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