Adrian Rogers

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

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

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

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

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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 John 1:1-41 John 1 speaks of our fellowship as Christians, which comes through the life that we have in Jesus Christ. In order to experience and enjoy the sweetest fellowship this side of Heaven, the Apostle John identifies three things we must know beyond any doubt.First, there is a fact established.“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life…” (1 John 1:1).Many false teachers and deceivers will claim Jesus was not a physical, literal, bodily human who walked the Earth, or that He was not who He said He was. But in 1 John 1:2, John confirms that Jesus is an eternal, physical, spiritual fact: “...the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us…”Jesus was fully God, fully man, and apart from His humanity, we cannot be saved. And as a man, He depended upon the same power that we can depend upon: the Holy Spirit.Second, there is a fellowship experienced.“...that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).Fellowship means, “to hold things in common”; those of us who have experienced the saving grace of God have much in common. We have become partakers of the divine nature; not only do we have fellowship with God, but we must also have fellowship with one another. We have the same new nature, re-born from the same womb of grace.Finally, there is fullness enjoyed.“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:4).There is no joy like the joy of knowing one another in the Lord Jesus Christ.Adrian Rogers says, “Happiness depends upon what happens, joy depends upon the Lord.”Happiness is at its fullest when it is mingled with joy, and that joy in the Lord

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

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

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

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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 11:25-26In John 11, Jesus raises His friend, Lazarus, from the dead; this miracle is an illustration of the abundant life we can have in Jesus Christ, before and after death.First, we must exercise faith in Jesus.John 11:25-26 says, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die…’”There are many walking about with beating hearts, yet they are dead because they’re alienated from God. They have existence but don’t have life.Our society will try to raise us from our spiritual death by pushing examples for us to follow. People suggest we change our environment or get a good education. But death is still death; the secret of abundant life is salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.We can experience freedom through Jesus.After Lazarus was raised, Jesus instructed Lazarus’ friends to loosen him from his graveclothes. (See John 11:43.) When we come out of the tomb, there are some things about our former life that we must shake off: old loves, sinful language, lusts. It may not happen immediately, but as we grow in grace, we will be unwrapped from our former ways.We can enjoy fellowship with Jesus.After Lazarus was raised from the dead, he sat down for a meal with Jesus. Once we put our faith in Jesus and experience freedom from sin, we can have fellowship with Him; He calls us friends.Adrian Rogers says, “Being saved is not some sort of penalty that you pay to get to Heaven. When I invite you to come to Jesus, I’m not inviting you to a funeral; I’m inviting you to a feast.”Finally, we must express our faithfulness to Jesus.After Lazarus’s resurrection, he received death threats from those who wanted to deny Jesus’ power. But Lazarus could not be intimidated because he was no longer afraid of death.Realizing our souls are forever alive in Jesus Christ is the way to an abundant life.Apply it to your lifeDo you exhibit abunda

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

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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Ephesians 4:31-32It is in our human nature to make mistakes ourselves while finding it hard to forgive others. However, forgiveness is the sole remedy to two very poisonous—and very human—conditions: guilt and bitterness.God’s forgiveness of us sets us free from guilt, and our forgiveness of others sets us free from bitterness.Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”There are many compelling reasons to forgive. First, we, ourselves, have been graciously forgiven by God Himself. It is God’s nature to forgive, therefore, an unforgiving spirit is ungodly. If we don’t forgive, we will only know bitterness, and our souls will only know grief.An unforgiving spirit does personal harm; it is self-sabotaging. It is not merely missing a blessing; it is sin. It disgraces Almighty God, discourages the saints, drives away the lost, and delights the devil.Once we decide to follow Jesus and join the family of God, we must learn to practice forgiveness like our Father. If we don’t, not only do we bring harm to ourselves, but we also destroy family fellowship.There are costly requirements to forgive. Jesus knows it may not always be easy; that doesn’t mean it is excused. Rather, He offers to help. We need Jesus to be forgiven, and we need Jesus to enable us to forgive. The same one Who has forgiven us is the one Who helps us forgive others.Adrian Rogers said, “It is the power of Jesus Christ, who forgave us, that enables us to forgive somebody else. You forgive freely. You forgive finally. You forgive fully. And you forgive forcefully.”Finally, we must keep in mind the powerful results of forgiveness. The family of God is a precious thing—and a terrible thing to waste. When we forgive, we free ourselves from bitterness, heal broken relationships, and gain back a broth

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 2 Peter 2:9-15Hypocrisy is not new; neither is false teaching. 2 Peter 2:1 claims, “...there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…”The Bible describes the character of a counterfeit, so we can spot these pseudo prophets with plastic words.First, their character is marked by proud presumption:“...and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries…” (2 Peter 2:10).The flesh is the old nature inherited from Adam; it is the predisposition to sin. Walking in the flesh always results in rebellion because the flesh refuses instruction and despises dominion.False teachers have an arrogant swagger to them, having no restraint or respect for authority; they will say anything, no matter how wicked.As believers, we cannot take lightly what they have taken lightly. We must be anchored in the Word of God and walk in the Spirit.They are also marked by beastly behavior (2 Peter 2:12).Man was created in the image of God, yet false teachers degrade man to animals. The modern New Age teachings (reincarnation, evolution, mysticism) are tactics from the enemy to trick man into seeing himself lowly. If people can be convinced that we are no more than animals, they will behave that way, giving way to sinful impulses.Finally, these counterfeit Christians are marked by godless greed.They are training in covetousness, seeking to make merchandise out of us. False prophets are not just people who have misunderstood the Bible; they are willfully wicked, and they are people who once knew the truth. They know what’s right and refuse it; they prostitute the Gospel for their own gain.Remember: no power of evil or devil in Hell can stop a Bible-believing church; yet, we the Church can curse ourselves if we let in sin and immorality. But even counterfeit Christians can strengthen our fait

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

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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Ephesians 5:22-24Marriage is meant to be a wonderful thing, yet many of us have experienced miserable or mediocre marriages. But through His Word, God has given us directions to develop a magnificent marriage.In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul compares the relationship of husband and wife to Christ and the Church: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body” (Ephesians 5:22-23).God’s pattern for an ideal wife is submission.When a wife submits to her husband, it does not mean she is inferior to him; her duty to submit reflects how the Church submits to Jesus Christ.Adrian Rogers says, “Submission is one equal voluntarily placing (herself) under another equal that God may be glorified.” A wife will find glorious liberation in submitting to her husband, because she has assumed the role God has given her.The husband is to be the loving leader of the family, not a dictator. He is positioned as the head of the house to mimic the pattern of Christ, who is the head of the Church. Jesus does not force our submission. He loves us; therefore we willingly submit. Likewise, a husband cannot coerce his wife into submission; he loves her into it.Husbands are to love their wives selflessly and sacrificially; they cannot put their ambitions, ideals, or desires before their families’ welfare.A husband must also love his wife in a sanctifying way that makes her a better Christian (see Ephesians 5:25-26); it is his responsibility to nourish and cherish her. As he seeks to satisfy his own needs, he should seek to satisfy hers as well, loving her as he loves himself.He must love her supremely, treating his marriage as the highest of all earthly relationships.Becoming one flesh with his wife means a husband will share himself with her, big and small, leaving no part of himself in the dark.Finally, he will love her steadfastly, remaining loyal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Revelation 1:12-13Our God is a God of order and design; all of creation and numerical law is written into the Universe.All of nature is built on numbers; God’s mathematical precision is evident in our studies of chemistry, biology, zoology, and astronomy.If we interpret these Scriptures both literally and symbolically, we can decipher what the number seven means in this specific passage (Revelation 1:20).The key number in the Book of Revelation is seven. If we look closely, we can see the symbolic meaning and spiritual messages tied into numbers.1 – UnityThere is one God, Jehovah, and there is no one like Him.2 – WitnessJesus is the faithful and true witness, promised in both the Old and New Testaments.3 – The Divine TriunityOur Only God is a God of three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.4 – EarthThis is our Father’s world, where we experience directions, seasons, and testings in fourths.5 and 10 – CompletenessEverything is in God’s full control; He will complete what He has begun.6 – ManMan is perfect imperfection. We are sinners; God demands absolute perfection and we cannot provide it ourselves.7 – PerfectionThough we fall short, God has provided perfection through Jesus.8 – New BirthWe can be born again and have a brand new start; God is a God of new beginnings, who makes all things new.12 – GovernmentalThis is the number of patriarchs and apostles, of ruling and reigning; and one day we will see the Lord rule and reign in glory.Understanding what we know about biblical numbers, we catch a glimpse of how the 666 will work in the End Times.Revelation 13:18 says, “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.”The Antichrist will be a servant of Satan, a worker of worship, a master of miracles, and a controller of commerce.Adrian Rogers says, “It’s going to be dark for Israel; it’s going to look like the end. The kingdoms of this world will ga

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Revelation 13:1-18The sands of time are running low, and the stage is set; we are at the threshold of the End Times. Revelation 13 unveils the nature of the beast: a man, the Antichrist, who will rise to power during the Great Tribulation.This passage first describes the beast’s sudden appearance.“And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea…” (Revelation 13:1).The sea symbolizes humanity—the multitude of people, nations, and tongues in this world. The Antichrist will rise up in the midst of the world’s distress and chaos and claim a way of peace.This passage also shares his satanic attributes.Revelation 13:2-3 lists physical descriptors which are a composite of all the great regimes in history. The beast will be a combination of every malevolent dictator melded into one, given great fortune and authority by his father, the devil.Third, we see the beast’s seductive appeal.Revelation 13:3 claims the beast will seem appealing, charming, and clever. The entire world will marvel at this man, who will experience a sort of counterfeit resurrection and win the hearts of the world.This passage also addresses his sinister ambitions.“Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation” (Revelation 13: 6-7).This man will be driven to deify Satan, defy the Savior, destroy the saints, dominate society, and delude sinners.Finally, this passage warns us of his supporting agent.This agent, the false prophet, will present the beast to the entire world. Much like the Holy Spirit brings people to worship Jesus, the false prophet will bring people to worship the beast in the End Times.Revelation 13:13-16 explains that, by causing fire in the heavens, demanding worship of an image of the beast, and controlling the world’s commerce through a mark of the

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Revelation 1:3There is a special blessing for those who study the Book of Revelation. (See Revelation 1:3.) This final book of the Bible is a panorama of prophecy—the unveiling of Jesus Christ.Revelation 1:19 is the key that unlocks the whole book: “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”In the first division of the Book of Revelation, John writes what he had seen in a vision, which was Jesus Christ glorified.Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus came the first time despised and rejected by men; He’s coming the next time as King of kings and Lord of lords.”The second division of the Book of Revelation (the things which are) is the Church Age we live in now. John sends messages to the seven churches, which represent the churches of all the ages.In the third division (the things which will take place after this) John records several prophecies to take place in the End Times.1. The RaptureAt any moment, God will call His Church home to join Him at the judgment seat of Christ. (Revelation 4:1). Because the Church restrains evil on Earth, corruption will take over after God’s people are called home. Revelation 13:1-3 prophecies how the Antichrist will rise to power.2. The Great TribulationRevelation 6:12-17 describes the dire state of the world after the Antichrist deceives the nations. God’s wrath will be so terrible that men will desire death, but death will flee from them.3. The Battle of ArmageddonRevelation 16:13-16 prophesies the Battle of Armageddon, which will mark the end of the seven-year tribulation. Jesus Himself will demonstrate His mighty power over the beast and his army.4. The MillenniumRevelation 20:1-6 prophesies a thousand-year period of time in which Jesus rules and reigns—no more war, only peace on Earth.5. The Final JudgmentRevelation 20:11 claims the millennium will end with final judgment, in which every unsaved person will stand before the great thron

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10Jesus Christ could come again at any moment. The stage is set, and the curtain is ready to be drawn back on the drama of the ages. Things are about to unfold, and we are living in the beginning of the end.2 Thessalonians reveals three tremendous truths about the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.“And to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels…” (2 Thessalonians 1:7).First, we need not be disturbed.Jesus is on His way, and when He comes again, His glory will be revealed. Though we don’t know the exact time or day, we know He will return exactly on time.“When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day” (2 Thessalonians 1:10).We will be witnesses of His transforming love, amazing grace, and steadfast power; our testimonies will be what brings others to wonder at Him as well.Secondly, we need not be deceived.Many false prophets will come, specifically the Antichrist. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 states: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed...”Adrian Rogers says, “Our trouble began with the sin of man; it will climax with the man of sin.”There’s something very sinister already at work in our world today, called the mystery of iniquity. Once the Church is raptured, there will be nothing to restrain iniquity, and the devil’s evil power will be unleashed.Finally, we need not be disappointed.Jesus will come secretly for His Church, then sovereignly to rule and reign. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 reveals, “Then shall that wicked be revealed, who the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth.”Jesus, who came first to seek and to save, will return with judgment. He came first in mercy; He will return in flaming fire, to take vengeance. He came first in humility; H

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Daniel 9:1America is at a crossroads of morality and spirituality and we cannot afford to take it lightly. Our nation has been taken captive by the world, the flesh, and the devil. In times of crisis, we remember that our greatest resource is prayer, and our only hope for this country is God.We must commit to pray for America because only prayer can hold back the judgment of God. In the Book of Daniel, God’s people had been taken captive by the Babylonians. In chapter 9, we find a very specific prayer from Daniel for his nation, asking God for deliverance.It was a prayer with serious concentration.Daniel 9:3 says, “And I set my face, unto the Lord God.” It is not the length, eloquence, or frequency, but the faith and fervency of our prayers that reach the ears of the Lord. If you want to strengthen your prayer life, consider fasting. In the Bible, God always links fasting with spiritual activities. We should be careful to fast for the right reasons, not for our own glory.If you feel called to fast, first examine your motivation and avoid extremism. Pray for God’s guidance; be wise about when you fast and for how long.Daniel also prayed with steadfast confidence.Adrian Rogers tells us, “It is impossible to see the greatness of God and the mercies of God and not pray with confidence. Face your problem, but focus on your God.”Daniel also prayed with sincere confession. He confessed his personal sin but also asked God for forgiveness on his nation’s behalf. Likewise, we should confess the sins of America to God: our greed and materialism, our neglect of the poor, our racism. We should ask God’s forgiveness for our nation’s sexual immorality, for killing the unborn, for the humanism we’ve allowed to infiltrate our schools. We must identify ourselves with our nation, and confess on its behalf.Lastly, Daniel prayed with spiritual concern.In chapter 9, Daniel asked for the removal of guilt and the restoration of glory. The concern of our pr

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Zechariah 3:1-4Our culture has redefined sin but has not been able to get rid of sin’s shame. Until we deal with sin as it is, we’ll always be haunted by the ghost of guilt.Zechariah 3:1-4 is a courtroom scene—there is the accused, the adversary, and the advocate.The accused, Joshua, represents us; there was a strong case against him. Verse 3 tells us he was guilty: “Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.”The first thing we must do with our sin is to admit it. Guilt is not a feeling, it is a result of the filthiness of our sin; it can lead to depression, anxiety, sickness, and spiritual sterility.Adrian Rogers says, “There’s one thing God will not accept for sin, and that is an alibi or an excuse; Jesus did not die for alibis or excuses.”Guilt does not drive us to God; on the contrary, unresolved guilt drives us further from Him, resulting in bitterness.The adversary in this passage is our accuser, Satan. He is pictured as a prosecuting attorney in verse 1: “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him.”There’s a difference between accusation and conviction. The Holy Spirit convicts us to lead us to repent, while the devil accuses us to make us feel hopeless. Satan wants to expose our sins for the purpose of our suffering the consequences. He intends to focus our attention on our sins rather than on Jesus.This passage also identifies the Advocate; the Angel of the Lord represents Jesus.“And the Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’” (Zechariah 3:2).We have a lawyer pleading our case: Jesus Christ, the righteous. He rebukes the accuser and restores the accused. He is never easy on sin—and even while He forgives, He may chasten—but He defends us with His redeeming grace. He takes away our dirty garments and clo

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Galatians 5:19-23There are many of us who are out of control and don’t even know it. Being out of control is what Scripture describes as “the works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21). But self-control, a quality of the fruit of the Spirit, is evidence of the Holy Spirit living in us.We do not have to be controlled by our old nature. Instead, we must learn how to have a Spirit-controlled life. The standard for a Spirit-controlled life is the law of God, expressed by our love.Some people see the law as their enemy, which grants them a license to sin; others see it as their master, which turns into legalism. But if we see the law as our friend, we will know liberty. True freedom is found by living in the Spirit of God (see Galatians 5:1).The desires of the flesh are strong; there is an inner struggle we will all face as we battle our flesh. We, ourselves, don’t have what it takes for victory. But our strength comes from the Spirit; when we walk in Him, we don’t fulfill the lusts of the flesh (see Galatians 5:16).Colossians 2:6 says, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him…”We must be willingly led by the Spirit, one step at a time. We must make the decision to walk in the Spirit, within the Spirit, at all times.The Christian life is a continual walk; our “footsteps” are repentance and faith. These are not things we do once in order to get saved; the step-by-step walk of repentance and faith is our daily practice.Adrian Rogers says, “Repentance is God’s way of revealing myself to me, and faith is God’s way of revealing Jesus to me. Repentance is where I see the bankruptcy of me; faith is where I see the glory of Him.”The longer we walk with Him, the more we will realize the Holy Spirit’s control over our lives.Finally, we see the satisfaction of a Spirit-controlled life. Self-control is a quality of the fruit of the Spirit; fruit is meant to be consumed—to satisfy our souls’ deepest hunger; nothing but Jesus can

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Galatians 5:22Meekness is not weakness; it is strength under control. Scripture reminds us that the mighty meek will inherit the Earth. (See Matthew 5:5.)The secret to incredible wealth, leadership, peace, and joy is meekness. When He created us, God put certain drives, abilities, and ambitions into our very nature. Our natural talents are not evil in themselves; but we must yield to the Holy Spirit, so that we may bring Him glory and honor.We learn what to do with our drives, abilities, and ambitions when we remember the meaning of meekness.Some believe releasing or restraining our strength will lead to meekness. But God does not want to cripple us; He wants us to take all that He gave us and control it for His glory. True meekness comes after we surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus offers our wild spirits rest and invites us to submit to His lordship and learn true strength from Him.Adrian Rogers says, “A meek person is someone who has turned the reins over to the Lord Jesus Christ and let Him do for Him and through Him and with Him what he could not do for himself.”The method of meekness is to receive the Word of God. We need guidance; if we want spiritual wealth, wisdom, and worship, we must receive the engrafted Word like a welcomed guest. We can study the Bible with all the knowledge we can muster, but if we do not approach the Word with a repentant and receptive spirit, we will not learn anything worth knowing.We must lay our intellectual pride in the dust, humble our hearts and get right with God; then, we must respond to what He reveals to us. Learning something from the Word and not acting upon it will be to our own detriment.Finally, we must remember the motive for meekness: when we are meek, we will receive our inheritance, which is spiritual wealth, wisdom, and worship.2 Corinthians 6:10 says, “...as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”Me

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Galatians 5:22Faithfulness is integrity, trustworthiness, and loyalty; it means people can count on us. It is a quality we all admire, and it is what God requires of His children.1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”Faithfulness is a quality among the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), meaning it is something God produces within us as we abide in Jesus Christ.A good steward is marked by his faithfulness, first, to his family.Adrian Rogers says, “The religion that doesn’t begin at home doesn’t begin.” Husbands and wives must be morally faithful to each other. Parents must be emotionally faithful to their children, who remember more than we realize.We must be faithful with our finances.Our relationship with money says so much about our character. Money is a test: if we are not faithful with little, we will not be faithful with much. If we can’t be trusted with money, God will not trust us with spiritual power.We must be faithful with our friends.True friendships are so important, but they require work. One measure of a faithful person is the health of his friendships.We must be faithful to the Church.Scripture is clear that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. (See Hebrews 10:25.)We must also be true to the Word of God.Some “believers” judge Scripture according to their own standards. We are not to judge God’s Word—rather, God’s Word is to judge us.God’s faithfulness toward us motivates us to be faithful ourselves. He is faithful to forgive our sins, to keep us close to Himself, and to show new mercy every morning.How do we become faithful?We become faithful stewards by first being faithful in the small things, which are what truly count. Our lives are not a handful of big decisions—they are a culmination of day-to-day honesty, kindness, and integrity.We must also be faithful in the secret things; we are who we are in secret, when no one else notices.Lastly, we m

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Galatians 5:22Galatians 5:22 identifies goodness among the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. People want good in their lives, but what does it mean to live a good life?Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”Real goodness is a moral characteristic—it is to be good and therefore to do good. It won’t make us rich or popular, but it pays to be good.We cannot deceive ourselves; inward peace and tranquility are reserved for those who are good. A clear conscience grants us tremendous freedom. Living a good life is knowing that if someone else knew us as we did, they would still respect us.Outwardly, the purpose of goodness correlates with the influence it has on others. Adrian Rogers said, “None of us lives to himself and none of us dies to himself. You’re the best Christian, and you’re the worst Christian somebody knows. You’re the only Bible that somebody is reading.”There is also the joy of knowing there is nothing hindering our relationship with God because we are who He wants us to be.The problem is we are not good on our own. (See Romans 3:12.) We have a problem of wickedness and sin in our lives. History proves, the Bible teaches, and personal experience reveals that we are inclined toward evil.There is a pathway to goodness, but it is not through our own doing.In the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul describes being a saved man, having a new desire and determination to do good. (See Romans 7:22.) Still, Paul said the desire to do good is not enough; Paul came to despair in his sinful nature.But in Romans 8, he reminds us it is not that we are too weak, but too strong. We still believe we can do it on our own; we are trying rather than trusting.But it is the Spirit of God that delivers us from the law of sin and death. (See Romans 8:2.)Because goodness is a quality among the fruit of the Spirit, it is only ac

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Galatians 5:22Galatians 5:22 lists kindness among the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. To be kind is to be useful, helpful, or suitable; it is goodness and tenderness, sometimes friendliness or generosity. As believers, we are implored to try a little kindness every opportunity we get.Adrian Rogers says, “All kindness is just simply love in practical and personal ways.”God saved us through His kindness; in Scripture, Jesus is often referred to as God’s kindness coming into this world.The world will not see Jesus Christ through us if they don’t see our kindness. It doesn’t matter if someone takes advantage of us if we are acting like Jesus; what matters is that we are kind.If we want to receive kindness, we must first give it away, because we reap what we sow.All around us, people are bruised and bleeding—financially, emotionally, and spiritually. We cannot let our busyness distract us from showing kindness.Our kindness should reveal itself during arguments, conflicts, and quarrels.2 Timothy 2:24 says, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient…”We must be very careful when arguing with another person, whether or not that person is saved. If he is a brother in the faith, he is part of us. If he isn’t, we could potentially drive him further away from Jesus. Our hope should always be to draw people closer to the Lord. We do this when we express sensitivity in the most unlikely occasions.In times of grief and sadness, acts of kindness speak louder than the “right” words ever could.We must also remember to show sensitivity in our homes. So many marriages are saved by a little gentleness, which is a mark of true leadership; our children need our tenderness, not our belittlement.We must show kindness in church; our greatest opportunity to show the beautiful love of Jesus is among other believers.Because kindness is a characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit, kindness is part of the life

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Galatians 5:22Our society is becoming increasingly impatient every day; we do not deal well with inconveniences.Patience is a quality among the fruit of the Spirit; when we bear patience, we learn that inconveniences are opportunities for growth.Patience is not simply grinning and bearing hardship; it is praising God during those hardships with blazing hope. Without patience, also called endurance or long-suffering, we are failures, but we are never failures until we quit.James 1:3-4 says, “...knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”Patience is necessary for maturity.We become like Jesus as we mature in our faith. But there is no maturity without patience and no patience without trials. God allows us to face trials and tribulations to give us opportunities to grow in our faith.Patience is necessary for victory.We are created to be strong warriors for God, not putty in the devil’s hands. Trials make us victors, not victims; trials exercise our spirits and build our endurance.Patience is necessary for prosperity.James 5:7 says, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.”Many don’t reap because they do not wait; if we want to prosper, we must follow the law of the harvest: We reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow.God knows what is good for His children, and when it is good for His children.Adrian Rogers says, “With God, timing is far more important than time; just wait on the Lord.”Patience is necessary for tranquility.An impatient person is an unhappy person; when we learn to laugh at the appropriate times and things, we’ve learned well.Finally, patience is necessary for love, because it enables us to see things from another’s point of view; when a person

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Galatians 5:22Galatians 5:22 identifies peace as a quality included in the fruit of the Spirit. Peace is not the subtraction of problems from life; it is the addition of power to meet our problems.Sooner or later, we will find ourselves in a storm. But if we want to keep our peace in the midst of our storms, we must remember what God has promised to us now, in the stillness.There are five words of encouragement to remember when facing a storm.Providence: “His purpose brought me here.”In Matthew 14, Jesus’ disciples were caught up in a treacherous storm at sea. The storm they faced did not take Jesus by surprise; nor were the disciples there by mistake. Every storm we face is allowed by God as a correcting or perfecting storm. When we face unexpected storms, we must remember that we are exactly where God has placed us and His providence is there, too.Entreaty: “His prayers protect me here.”Matthew 14:23 reveals that before He appeared to the disciples on the waves, Jesus was alone on the mountain top, praying for them. Jesus sees us and prays for us, especially when we are in the midst of a storm.Assurance: “His presence comes to me here.”Matthew 14:26-27 says, “And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’”Adrian Rogers says, “In your storm, there is a center that is calm; it’s the heart of God. You need to understand that He is there, He is the ‘I Am’ in the midst of your storm.”Comfort: “His power enables me here.”Comfort is a compound word that means “with strength.” To be comforted by God means to be sustained 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.Expectation: “His promise assures me here.”God will see us through every perfecting or correcting storm. We do not need to know how

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Galatians 5:22Happiness depends on external things, but joy is an inside job; it comes from within.As Christians, joy is one of our most attractive qualities. It is proof that what we have is real and satisfying. We’re implored to serve with gladness because joy lifts our burdens.Romans 5 reveals four ingredients to having joy.The first ingredient of joy is a cleansed life.“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1).Faith brings justification, justification brings peace, and peace brings joy. To say we are justified by faith means that the righteousness of God is imputed to us. Because cleansing brings joy, sin is what takes the joy out of our lives. Nothing else in this life can take the joy out of our hearts.Joy is the understanding that there is nothing between us and God. Our sin is the only thing that can break that fellowship. Sinning does not make us lose our salvation, only the joy of our salvation.The second ingredient of joy is confidence.“...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 5:2).Hope means confidence based on the Word of God. A Christian knows that no matter what happens to him, God is working all things together for good and for God’s glory (see Romans 8:28). If we are confident in this, we can rejoice in this hope. That is why joy is steadfast in sorrow and triumphant in tribulation; it lasts in the losses.Joy also comes from a commitment to the lordship of Jesus Christ.This commitment is the secret to cleansing and staying clean; every part of us must be dedicated to Him.Finally, joy comes from communion with our Lord.Adrian Rogers says, “Joy is not found in circumstances; it’s found in a person.”Joy is a characteristic in the fruit of the Spirit, which means it comes supernaturally as we abide in Jesus, the Vine. We do not produce joy, the Lord Jesus Christ do

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Galatians 5:19-23Love isn’t a feeling or an emotion, and it doesn’t just happen. Love involves choice and conduct; we choose to love. The Bible reveals to us how to love and how to be loved.Galatians 5:19-23 describes the fruits of the Spirit—the attributes of a true Believer—the first one being love.1 Corinthians 13 describes this godly, agape love:-Steadfast: Love enables us to be patient and long-suffering.-Serving: Love urges us to be kind, and kindness is serving one another.-Sincere: Love does not consider someone else’s gain its own loss; it rejoices in other’s blessings.-Self-effacing: Love teaches us to be humble; it is not proud or puffed up. Adrian Rogers says, “Pride and love do not dwell in the same heart. You cannot be big-headed and big-hearted at the same time.”-Self-restraining: Love is not rude; instead, it is courteous of others and puts them first.-Self-denying: Love does not seek its own rights or privileges; instead, it seeks the welfare of Jesus, His glory, and the welfare of others.-Serene: Love is not easily provoked or quick-tempered. An explosive response is a sure sign that the love of Jesus is not operating.-Sacrificial: Love does not keep a record of faults or a collection of grudges. It forgives and forgets, even at its own cost.-Sympathetic: Love hurts over others' failures rather than gossip about them.-Suffering: Love “...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).We cannot love without suffering; there are burdens to bear and risks to take when we love. Love will break our hearts, but we must choose it anyway, because God chose to love us first.The development of this love is a supernatural experience. We don’t produce it; we simply bear it. The vine (Jesus) is within us; if we abide in Him, we’ll bear the fruit.This fruit is meant to be desired and consumed. The world needs this love that the Lord wants to produce through us. We must abide in

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 Passage: Exodus 20:17Exodus 20:17 reveals the final Commandment, which is, "You shall not covet..."God has given us a desire for love and happiness. It’s not wrong to want success or victory, nor is it wrong to acquire these things. Rather, this commandment warns against unlawful desires. Covetousness has an appetite that is never satisfied. Whether material possessions, money, power, fame, or status, we have been tricked into believing that newer, bigger, or better will bring us happiness. If we want to know the secret of satisfaction, we reject any trace of covetousness in our lives.First, think about the perplexing problem of covetousness.It is a very deceptive and debasing problem; not many acknowledge that they struggle with this sin. We are egocentric by nature and often wear the cloak of self-righteousness. Adrian Rogers says, “The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.”It’s a destructive problem. There is a reason why the Bible condemns making riches our lifelong goal. When we do that, we make gods out of wealth when our desire should actually be to "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).Covetousness is also a lack of perspective.A covetous person is a person who has not put his eyes on the Lord, for contentment is found in Jesus Christ, alone. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my Helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” Adrian Rogers says, “The only truly satisfied people in this world are the ones who’ve let go of this world and taken hold of Jesus Christ with both hands.”As Christians, we have everything we need: We have our salvation and family, our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have knowledge of the Word of God, and wisdom that comes from our time spent in Scripture. We have the peace of God t

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Exodus 20:16Exodus 20:16 reveals, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."There is an alarming decline in basic honesty in our nation. We know more facts and believe less truth than ever before. As we choose between truth and consequences, we must consider three things about our witness.First, we must remember the liability of a false witness.Bearing a false witness is perhaps the most foolish and damaging thing we could do; it is hurtful to people and hellish before God.The father of all false witnesses is Satan himself; there is no truth in him. We are never more like him than when we bear a false witness. When we slander, falsely criticize, remain silent when we ought to speak or insinuate things that are not true, we bear a false witness and break God’s holy commandment. We will receive the judgment of Almighty God.Second, remember the reliability of a faithful witness.Jesus Christ is called, “the faithful witness of God.” (Revelation 1:5) When we tell the truth, we are like Him. Acts 1:8 says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me.”As witnesses of Christ, we are called to testify of what Jesus has done for us, to tell the truth of who He is and how He has saved us.Finally, we must remember the responsibility of a family witness.Adrian Rogers says, “There is a crying need in America today for families that know, believe, love, teach, speak, and share the truth. A home that is not built on truth will crumble.” How do we translate the importance of a faithful witness to our children?-By precept: Teach your children Scripture so they know and understand the Holy commandments.-By example: Moms and Dads should tell the truth and keep their word. Integrity is so very important, especially in the home.-By discipline: As parents in this corrupt world, we cannot tolerate deliberate disobedience, defiant disrespect, or dishonesty from our children.Apply it to

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Exodus 20:15Exodus 20:15 reveals the eighth commandment: “You shall not steal.”It seems that we have forgotten the basic rules of honesty. Any time we take anything that belongs to someone else or keep from someone the thing that we owe to them, we are guilty of stealing. There are three grand principles found in Ephesians 4:28, that we are to etch into the consciousness of our children:Integrity"Let him who stole steal no longer..."Stealing isn’t just burglary or embezzlement; it can also mean fraud. Lying is a form of stealing; half-hearted work is stealing. Gambling is another form of thievery; it is an attempt to get what belongs to someone else without giving him anything for it. We belong to God, whether we acknowledge it or not. When we live for ourselves and not for God, we are robbing God of what is His. When we fail to tithe to the church, we are stealing from God, as well. Adrian Rogers explains, “It pays to serve Jesus; it pays every step of the way. You have defrauded yourself: In seeking to get, you’re the one who loses.”Industry“…but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good..."Work is not a curse; it is a gift from God, and absolutely imperative in our world. When someone receives something without working for it, someone else has to work for it without receiving it. We must begin instilling a good work ethic into our children early, so they grow up to become hard workers.Generosity"...that he may have something to give him who has need."The opposite of stealing is giving. Just as we teach our children the importance of hard work, we must teach them the importance of charity. As Christians, we labor to meet our needs and give to others. It’s a sin to expect the government to care for our loved ones when we, ourselves, ought to do it.Adrian Rogers says, “Misery comes from mirrors. Joy comes from windows when we’re beginning to pour out and give to others.”Apply it to your lifeWould you like to teach yo

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Exodus 20:14The key to a magnificent marriage is found in Exodus 20:14, which reveals: “You shall not commit adultery.”As Christians, we have a responsibility to uphold this commandment, whether or not we’re married. The modern world tells us that the Ten Commandments, especially this one, are out of date and old-fashioned. Generations come and go, but the Ten Commandments remain. They don’t need to be amended or revised, and we are broken upon them if we try to break them. But if we obey them, they liberate us. We have to teach the next generation of God’s plan for a magnificent marriage.God’s original plan for marriage in Genesis 2 emphasizes a supreme commitment between a husband and wife.It is of the highest priority, above any other human relationship. The Bible also teaches about the permanence and purpose of marriage. Mark 10:9 says, "Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate." Adrian Rogers says, “Marriage is a romance; in the first chapter both the hero and the heroine die and become one new person.”Second, we need to warn our young people that adultery is a sin.It is a sin against one’s own self, against the home. No other sin does more personal damage––spiritually, mentally, or physically–– than immorality. 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. No matter how society tries to glamorize it, adultery has destroyed great nations in the past: Greece, Rome, Egypt, Babylon, to name a few. It may be the sin that destroys our nation, as well, because it is a sin against Almighty God.As the next generation grows and prepares for marriage, we need to model magnificent marriages through our own.Apply it to your lifeIf you are struggling in your marriage, consider these steps:Make the decision; bring your failures and sins before Jesus Christ.Depend on Christ; let His life in you energize you and give you power.Exercise y

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Exodus 20:13Exodus 20:13 reveals the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder.”Life is God’s wonderful gift that we might choose to enjoy. Jesus is the great life-giver; He alone gives us physical, spiritual, and eternal life. John 10:10 says, “I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” And Adrian Rogers says, “With his body, a man knows the world beneath him; with his soul, the world around; and with his spirit, the world above him.”We have an enemy who wants to destroy life. He wants to bring physical, spiritual, and eternal death. His method is deception; he deceives, then destroys, then damns. We must be families that choose life; we must protect the physical, spiritual, and eternal lives within our homes.The family is given to protect physical life.As true Christians who believe in love and life, we should be deeply disturbed by the senseless murders broadcast on the news. We should be alarmed by the increasing rates of suicide, heartbroken for those who could feel so hopeless. We are also called to oppose abortion; we should never be desensitized by the crime of infanticide. In a world that dares to discredit the value of our unborn children, we must speak on their behalf. Protecting physical life also means preserving the family from wicked vices and addictions. Alcohol, drugs, binge eating, cruelty, and hatred destroy the family from the inside out. We must oppose them.The family is given to provide social life.In such an untrustworthy society, we are called to make home the happiest place on earth for our children, setting them up for good health and success.The family is given to present spiritual life.Moms and dads ought to lead their children to Jesus, praying for and pleading for their spiritual life until there is full assurance that they are truly saved.Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers says, “Families need to choose life! You’ve got to build a wall around the roof of your house, lest your children

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Exodus 20:7The Ten Commandments were given for our good and welfare because God wants our homes to be vital and victorious. Exodus 20:7 reveals the third commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain."We’ve been instructed not to take the name above all names in vain; which infers that we are to take this name in victory. In the Bible, names encompass prayer and prophecy. The name Jesus means, “Jehovah saves.”There’s personality in that name; our God is not some abstraction. He is a person who keeps His word. There is power and protection in His name, in which we can take refuge.There’s provision in the name. In John 16:23, Jesus says, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you."Because of this, we ought to praise His name and teach our children not to take the precious name of God in vain. How do we take God’s name in vanity?-Profanity: According to Pastor Rogers, using God’s name in profanity reveals “an empty head and a wicked heart.” We have to be careful with our words.-Frivolity: Joking about God is a dangerous game that we dare not play. We should make a habit of expressing our humor wisely.-Hypocrisy: This is using God’s name without truthfulness or righteousness. Nothing turns our children away from the Gospel like a hypocritical parent.Colossians 3:17 reads, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”If we want our children to take the Lord’s name in victory, we must teach them to wear the name--to remember who they are and whose they are. We must also teach them to share the name--we will be known by our character, our contemplation, and our conversation. And finally, as Adrian Rogers says, “Teach them to bear the name, to unfurl the banner, and to march under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Don’t be

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Exodus 20:12God created the nuclear family, but with the world in its current state, we may be tempted to ask ourselves: Has the nuclear family bombed?God gave us families for living, learning, and lasting; they are a little part of the Garden of Eden that we have carried with us. Adrian Rogers says, “When the home begins to decay, the nation begins to decay.”Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”Whether we are worthy or not, children must honor their parents. But are we fathers and mothers worthy of honor? We can never be perfect parents, and we will never have perfect children. But there are five ways to parent our children that are worthy of honor, regardless of our imperfections.First, by loving them: Love is not giving our children what they want, it is giving them what they need. They need this love steadfastly and consistently. Children need hugs, blessings, and comfort. They need a listening ear and their parents’ prayers.Second, by lifting them: Wise encouragement is better than lavish praise. Children need encouragement like a plant needs water. We must let our speech be positive and affirming.Third, by limiting them: It takes firm restrictions to set children free. It is our responsibility to liberate them by limiting them. These limitations, though lovingly placed, will be tested over and over again, but they should never move. Psalm 11:3 says, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”Fourth, by leading them: To teach without training is to fail in your task. We need to compliment character more than talent and teach by example. There should be more emphasis on moral attributes than sports, grades, or popularity.Finally, by laughing with them: Serious situations call for a lot of laughter. Our homes should be filled with joy and happiness. We should let our children see that God is over every circumstance

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Exodus 20:7The Ten Commandments were given for our good and welfare because God wants our homes to be vital and victorious. Exodus 20:7 reveals the third commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain."We’ve been instructed not to take the Name Above All Names in vain; which infers that we are to take this name in victory. In the Bible, names encompass prayer and prophecy. The name Jesus means, “Jehovah saves.”There’s personality in that name; our God is not some abstraction. He is a person, who keeps His word. There is power and protection in His name, in which we can take refuge.There’s provision in the name. In John 16:23, Jesus says, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you."Because of this, we ought to praise His name and teach our children not to take the precious name of God in vain. How do we take God’s name in vanity?Profanity: according to Pastor Rogers, using God’s name in profanity reveals “an empty head and a wicked heart.” We have to be careful with our words.Frivolity: joking about God is a dangerous game that we dare not play. We should make a habit of expressing our humor wisely.Hypocrisy: using God’s name without truthfulness or righteousness. Nothing turns our children away from the Gospel like a hypocritical parent.Colossians 3:17 reads, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”If we want our children to take the Lord’s name in victory, we must teach them to wear the name--to remember who they are and whose they are. We must also teach them to share the name--we will be known by our character, our contemplation, and our conversation. And finally, as Adrian Rogers says, “Teach them to bear the name, to unfurl the banner, and to march under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Don’t be ashamed of

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Exodus 20:4The Ten Commandments are wonderful laws to live by, for all time, eternal and universal. When we build our families upon them, they become our strength. The first commandment tells us who to worship: “No other gods.” (Exodus 20:3) The second commandment tells us how to worship. Understanding this, we can begin learning family worship.First, we must have a proper conception of God. Man is incurably religious; if he doesn’t worship the true God in the right way, he will worship something else. There are all kinds of false idols: we make idols of ourselves, money, family, popularity, pleasure or sex, and sports.Exodus 20:4-5 reads, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God..."This holy, righteous jealousy of God means He will not compete with our toxic idols, for they represent our lust, greed, war, and vengeance. False worship is iniquitous; it corrupts the minds. The greatest thing we can do for our children is to teach them to worship.2 Chronicles 26 tells the story of King Uzziah, who decided to worship God in a way that was forbidden. His disobedience led to his son’s sins, and his grandson’s sin, each one of his descendants drifting further from the correct conception and picture of God. Adrian Rogers says, “Sin never hurts just one person; understand that. We’re bound up in our humanity together. And the most hideous result of sin is its effect on the sinner’s children.”In 2 Timothy 1:5-6, Paul said to Timothy, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and in thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that in thee also.”The law of sowing and reaping reaps for good, too. True worship leads to generations of believers, each as devoted to God as

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Deuteronomy 5:6-6:12Our families cannot survive apart from a moral base, which is why it takes God to make a home. God’s plan for the home is to be so super-charged with spiritual truth and godliness that these things will go from one generation to another.To do this, we must refer back to the timeless Ten Commandments found in Deuteronomy 5. The Ten Commandments declare the great revelation that there is one Lord. Scripture declares the fact of God. Deuteronomy 6:4 says, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one!”Creation displays the hand of God; the laws of God have been discovered by scientists… not the other way around.Faith discovers the belief in God. By Scripture and Creation, we have external evidence of our Creator; by faith, we have internal evidence. Adrian Rogers says, “God so created you that when your heart is right, your heart will respond to the fact of God.”The great response to this revelation is one love. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." Our love for God should be a sincere, selfless, strong love, that our children learn more from than anything else. By our loving response to this great revelation, we realize our great responsibility to uphold this law.Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."We must teach the Ten Commandments to our children, convincingly and creatively. Learning Scripture doesn’t have to be dull; it is caught as well as taught.We must teach consistently and conversationally; when the curiosity factor is high, we must answer.And when we teach these commandments conspicuously, our children will know without a doubt that we believe what we believe.Apply it to your lifeHave you had the

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Hebrews 10:36We live in a society of instant gratification, so much so, most of us are out of the habit of waiting. But so many times, there is a waiting period between asking and receiving. This is why we must learn the virtue of patience.Hebrews 10:36 says, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise…”Adrian Rogers says, “With God, timing is more important than time.”There are reasons God delays our requests or withholds blessing for a time. God may not give us what we want when we want it, because we are not ready to handle it. As we wait, we will develop and grow in faith, becoming ready to receive it. We should also remember that God does not give answers to those who are not diligent. As we wait, we must learn to diligently seek Him. God could also be waiting to ensure we are devoted to Him rather than the blessing we seek from Him.There are three things to consider as we patiently hold onto His promise.First, we must remember yesterday’s provision.We are prone to forget the works and goodness of God, and how He graciously delivered us before.God has seen us through dark times, trials, and difficulties; we should always remember He took care of us yesterday.Second, we must resolve today’s patience.Many fail to receive because they have failed to endure. We cannot throw away our confidence, because we will need it to bear up under trials and difficulties. Patience is more than waiting or silent suffering; it is abiding with steadfastness and constancy. It is the bridge between doing the will of God and receiving the promise. Patience is not grinning and bearing—it is a blazing hope that refuses to let go of the promise.Finally, we must rest in tomorrow’s promise.Adrian Rogers says, “God doesn’t owe us explanations; God gives us promises.” No matter how dark the days become, God will keep the promises He gave us in Scripture. There will be a bright tomorrow because Go

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Titus 3:3-7As Believers, this world is not our home; but while we’re on our way to glory, we are to demonstrate God’s grace to those around us. Titus 3 reveals the life we could have if we choose to live grace-filled lives.This passage recognizes our past guilt.We are sinners by birth, nature, and choice. Titus 3:3 says, “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.”This passage also describes our present grace.Grace is absolutely contrary to human nature. All the wisdom of this world could never explain it. But having experienced God’s grace for ourselves, we understand what we were once foolish.By His grace, we are freed from a life of sin and the hateful spirit that plagues this messy world.Scripture says, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit…” (Titus 3:4-5).Grace is rooted in God’s love; there is nothing we can do or stop doing that will save us; it is the grace of God alone that atones our sin. The Holy Spirit supernaturally regenerates us and cleanses us from the inside out. It is a continual work; day by day, the Spirit keeps us, renews, restores, and refreshes us.Adrian Rogers says, “God doesn’t love us because we’re valuable; we’re valuable because God loves us.”This present grace is rooted in the saving death of Jesus Christ. (See Titus 3:6.)Jesus Christ provided himself as an innocent sacrifice; He bore our sins and died the death we deserved.This grace is also for our future glory.Titus 3:7 says, “...that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”Because of God’s grace, we are joint heirs of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is a token of our future inheritance. We

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Titus 2The amazing grace of God is what writes our spiritual biographies. Titus 2:11-15 explains how God saved us, and brought us from grace to glory.First, this passage reminds us what grace brought: salvation.“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men…” (Titus 2:11).Without Jesus, we are spiritually dead, separated from God. We are considered devilish, disobedient to God, and depraved in our humanity. We cannot redeem our depravity and earn salvation; however, God brought salvation to us, because of His grace.Adrian Rogers says, “You’re not saved by the merit of man, but by the mercy of God; not by the goodness of man, but by the grace of God. Salvation is not a reward for the righteous; it is a gift for the guilty.”Secondly, Titus 2 reveals what grace taught: sanctification.“...teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age…” (Titus 2:12).Though saved by grace, we cannot continue to live in sin. There is nothing to earn, yet there is so much to learn. We must engage in discipleship and study God’s Word.Third, Titus 2 explains what grace sought: service.“...who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14).Grace is a gift at the cost of the giver, and we have been purchased by the blood of Jesus. We are also purified from the inside out; we don’t work for God’s love, but our good works are a sign that we love the Lord.This passage also calls us peculiar; we are meant to be different, set apart, a trophy of grace used for the service of God.Finally, this passage shows us what grace wrought: glorification.“...looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:13).The story is not over yet; what began in grace will end in glory. As believers, we have a glorious hope that He wi

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:45Death is a fact. People die suddenly, instantaneously, and in strange ways. But as believers, we have hope in Jesus Christ, who beat death and rose from the grave. 1 Corinthians 15 gives a picture of the day death died.This chapter first explains the sovereign majesty of our Redeemer.“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).In Scripture, Jesus is referred to as the second Adam; He is also called “the first fruits” (1 Corinthians 15:23). When He comes again, we will have a harvest. When Jesus Christ rose from the grave, He became the death of death; He sealed the deed.Second, this passage describes the sacred mystery of the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).The Rapture is a sacred secret—no human wit, wisdom or scientific investigation could ever reveal it; only divine revelation. One day, the living saints will be brought up into Heaven, and the dead saints will be raised from the grave.When Adam sinned against God, he died immediately in his spirit, progressively in his soul, and ultimately in his body. When the Lord redeems us, we are justified immediately in the spirit, sanctified progressively in the soul, and glorified ultimately in the body. We don’t know when the rapture will take place; we only know that we live in a world that is ripe for it.Finally, this passage shows the steadfast ministry of the redeemed.“...then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. ‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).Because Jesus is alive, we have victory and must walk in that victory by serving Christ.Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus has been the death of death, so He takes the pain out of parting, the gloom out of the grave. He takes the strength out of sin and the sting out of death.”Apply it to your life1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable,

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Isaiah 53:1-12There is only one Jesus; we exist to magnify Jesus through worship and the Word.Seven hundred years before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah wrote about Jesus, the promised Messiah and Savior of the world.Isaiah 53 first prophesies Jesus’ Virgin Birth.“For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground...” (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus’ miracle birth is essential to our faith. Without the Virgin Birth, Jesus would have been under the curse of Adam, and couldn’t have been our atonement for sin.Adrian Rogers says, “He was born of a virgin that we might be born again; He became the Son of Man that we might become the sons and daughters of Almighty God.”This passage also describes Jesus’ virtuous life.“He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2). We may have expected Him to come to Earth in splendor and majesty, but Jesus Christ was quite ordinary. He did not live in royalty or stand out in a crowd. Though He performed miracles, did good, and showed love, He was not without sorrows—only without sin.This passage also addresses Jesus’ vicarious death.“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).Jesus took our sins, shame, separation, and suffering. We owe everything to the Savior who took our place and became the object of God’s wrath.Fourth, we see Jesus’ victorious resurrection.“...When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days...” (Isaiah 53:10). Three days after His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead and walked out of the grave; we serve a living, risen, victorious Savior.Finally, this passage gives insight into His visible return.“He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Romans 12:6A spiritual gift is not a natural talent; it is a supernatural ability from God. We must discover our spiritual gifts and be good stewards of what God has given us to use for His glory.Romans 12:6 says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…”If we want to discover what our spiritual gifts are, we must first present ourselves as living sacrifices to God. We must willingly give Him all that we are, recognizing that our lives do not belong to us; rather, we first belong to Jesus, and then to one another.As living sacrifices, we stay put on the altar through discipline and devotion. Then we experience a complete transformation; Jesus becomes our inner nature, working from within. We cannot understand our spiritual gifts without the mind of Christ; when He renews our minds, we must think with them.Adrian Rogers says, “The Jesus hidden in you is the Jesus revealed in you.”Though we must carefully consider our gifts, we do not have to identify them before we begin to serve. No one has all the spiritual gifts, but every Believer has at least one. We must take inventory of how the Holy Spirit works in us. Think of when we feel most enlightened or when we find enjoyment, encouragement, or opportunity to serve.This is a shared participation; we must begin somewhere with what we have and give our gifts a chance to grow. Our gifts could be prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling, or mercy, to name a few.When we seek out opportunities to serve in church, our gifts will be activated. If we are faithful to serve, we will eventually receive confirmation in our hearts of the assigned spiritual gifts.As we allow God to use these gifts in us to serve one another, we will see their true value in a much deeper way. God is glorified and the Church is strengthened when we serve each other with what He has graciously given to us.Apply it to your lifeToday, consider what your chu

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 13In this wicked world, where darkness spreads and lawlessness abounds, love is a rare commodity. As children of the light, it is our responsibility to learn to love. In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul explains why love is exceedingly valuable in our lawless age.First, love excels all other virtues, and without it, those virtues are meaningless.“But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:8).Love is more valuable than speaking in tongues, prophecy, and knowledge. Scripture is meant to encourage, exhort, and edify us, but if we handle it without love and use it to divide, we are nothing.Love is even greater than faith. What good is faith that can remove mountains if it cannot remove malice in our hearts?Love inspires a charitable attitude, but our good works are worthless if we do not do them in love (see 1 Corinthians 13:3).Second, this passage explains that love enables all other virtues.“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up…” (1 Corinthians 13:4).Love enables us to be patient and kind; it enables a humble spirit, a courteous new nature, and an unselfish attitude. Love does not envy or harbor irritability. It enables us to be forgiving and sympathetic; it does not collect grudges, and it rejoices in truth (see 1 Corinthians 13:5-6).Adrian Rogers says, “Love is not blind; literally, love sees more, but love forgives. Real love is not giving people what they deserve; it’s giving people what they need.”Finally, in verse 7, the Apostle Paul says love, “...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”While other virtues fade and fail, the mighty force of love endures; it conquers all things, making friends out of enemies. It completes everything else, adding infinite value to prophecy, worship, and knowledge.“And n

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:1As Christians, our desire should be that our lives count for Jesus. We were not meant to simply sit in church on Sundays and co-exist with other believers. As children of God, we are called to serve Him by serving one another with our spiritual gifts.1 Corinthians 12:4-6 says, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.”As individual members of the Body, we serve different functions but are united in the same power. We were meant to live in unity, not in unison. Though we are ignited by the same source of strength and power, we are each assigned a specific spiritual gift distributed by the Holy Spirit Himself.We were given our specific gifts the moment we were baptized into the Body of Christ. We just have to discover and develop these gifts as we grow as believers.Paul identifies the spiritual gifts in Scripture: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling, and mercy.We must be careful not to exploit these gifts. The Devil can counterfeit our assigned gifts to lead the unsuspecting Christian astray. The Devil does not use raw material; he works from within our basic knowledge of Scripture and twists it to confuse and discourage.Adrian Rogers says, “Your spiritual gift is not a toy; it is a tool. It is not for your enjoyment; it is for your employment.”Each one of us is a gifted child, important to the Kingdom of God. It is necessary to realize our gifts, not only for our own relationships with God but for the sake of the Church.Apply it to your lifeIf you do not know what your gift is, it does not mean you do not have one; you do.Today, pray that God would reveal it to you and that you would accept whatever he has given to you as a good and grateful st

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-18The Body of Christ is not a building, it is not an establishment or an organization. It is a collection of believers with a mutual love for Jesus Christ and a desire to serve Him. Each of us is somebody in this Body of Believers.1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.”The Body of Christ is a manifested person. It is the visible part of the invisible Jesus—the living, breathing display of his redemptive power and love for mankind. The Body’s purpose is to serve the Person—that Person being Jesus Christ.The day we become born-again Christians, we receive the Holy Spirit; we also receive our spiritual gifts, which are given to us with the purpose of serving one another in the Body.The Holy Spirit is the life of the Body and the Body’s motivating power. Each spiritual gift has a specific role in the Body, just as each part of a physical body has a specific role.As an eye sees, a hand holds, and a heart beats, our spiritual gifts are meant to accomplish something for the sake of the Body, as it serves the Person.Finally, we have a mutual programming. We as Christians are meant to operate alongside one another. God has designed His Church so that no one part of the Body can function as it ought apart from the others.Adrian Rogers says, “Loyalty to Jesus means loyalty to one another.” We must love the Body and walk in unity, undivided. In our loyalty to each other, we prove our desire to remain loyal to Jesus. We have the same life and the same love, and we serve the same Lord.Whatever our gifts may be, they were given to us for a reason, and that reason has everything to do with the Body of Christ.Apply it to your lifeEverybody is somebody in the Body of Christ. Today, make yourself available to the Lord and pray that He will reveal your gift to you. Discover your gift, accept it, and give yourself to th

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Romans 10:17-21Adrian Rogers says, “Faith makes God’s grace available and real to us. Grace is God’s ability, and faith is man’s responsibility.”In the Kingdom of God, our faith is the measure of our victory and success. Our belief is our greatest spiritual asset and richest currency. Conversely, unbelief is our greatest stumbling block. This is why there is an immediate urgency to receive what grace provides through faith in God.Romans 10 reveals the intricacies of faith, what it is, and how to have it.First, we must consider the object of our faith in order for it to be real.When we rely on the wrong things, it can be dangerous to our spiritual health. We do not rely on positive thinking, or even on faith itself. True biblical faith is placed in Jesus Christ, alone.Adrian Rogers says, “If the object of your faith is God, then the ambition of your heart ought to be to know Him.”Once we confirm the object of faith, we see it originates from the Word of God.Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”In order to grow spiritually, we must hear from God; we cannot know the will of God by guessing at it. Faith cannot be generated; it is given, as Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”When God speaks to us through His Word and Jesus Christ, we will see the result of our faith, which is the Will of God.The objective of our faith is to get God’s will done on Earth as it is in Heaven.God is sovereign; He remains in control at all times. What He says He will do, He will accomplish. We have the beautiful opportunity to take part in His Will, through faith.Finally, we must know the operation of faith, which is the work of God.We do not work for our salvation, but our obedience to Him is proof that we believe in Him.Apply it to your lifeTrue faith does more than merely believe; it translates into action. When you pray and ask God what to do, a

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Romans 10:1-13Some may think being saved is an old-fashioned concept, but salvation continues to be man’s greatest need. Romans 10 describes the necessity and timelessness of salvation.First, this passage reveals the freeness of salvation. “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:2-4).Adrian Rogers says, “Some people think salvation roots in the merit of man. They think salvation is a reward for the righteous, but really it is a gift for the guilty.”Many remain unsaved, not because they think they’re sinners but because they think they've never sinned. The worst form of badness is human goodness if human goodness is what keeps you from salvation.Second, in Romans 10:6, we see the nearness of salvation: “But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?”’”We don’t have to go on a pilgrimage to find salvation, because Jesus Christ stepped out of Heaven to find us. He already paid the price with His life, already bore the weight of our sins on the cross, and rose to life to give us hope. We only need to be bold and unashamed as we confess Jesus as Savior and Lord.Salvation is not an intellectual belief that we tack on along with other ideas; it is trusting and committing everything to Jesus, claiming Him as Savior and Lord.Finally, we see the richness of salvation in Romans 10:12: “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.”Adrian Rogers says, “Nobody is so good they don’t need to be saved, and nobody is so bad that they cannot be saved.”God wants everybody to be saved; anyone who calls upon Him will be saved. We may fail Him, but He h

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Psalm 127Psalm 127:3-5 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”God says fathers are to be like warriors, and their children are like arrows to be shot at the enemy. But an arrow is no more effective than the warrior who shoots it.It is crucial that dads shoot straight.If we want to hit the target with our children, we must be skilled and strong. An arrow could miss the target for several reasons. The wind may take the arrow, or the target may move. But this does not diminish the warrior’s responsibility to be strong in his faith.Adrian Rogers says, “My responsibility as a dad is to shape, sharpen, and shoot those arrows at the enemy.”Second, our arrows must be straight.Because children are not born as straight arrows, it is our job to shape them.There are eight ways to shape, polish, and sharpen our children:-Start early.-Be creative.-Build their character.-Set limits for your children.-Assign responsibilities.-Let your home be the happiest place in your community.-Let your children see God at work in the home.-Cover them with constant prayer.Finally, our aim must be sure.As Christians, we must have a goal, an aim, and a desire before we release our arrows.Adrian Rogers says, “Arrows are not to be collected; they’re to be projected.” God has given us children, that they might go where we cannot go, and we’ve got to point them to a worthy goal.One of these days, our children will be out of our hands. We point them at the enemy, and send them forth, letting them go. Even after we’ve let them go, we must pray that the winds of grace will guide them, keep them, and use them.Apply it to your lifeIf you are the leader of your household, ask God to make you a mighty man. Get to work shaping, sharp

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 19:1-6God has put marriage in the hearts and minds of people. Regardless of the tragic failures of past generations, the desire for marriage is born anew in every generation.Adrian Rogers says, “Marriage is not old-fashioned, out-of-date, or obsolete. It is a plan of God, a plan divine in creation.”In Matthew 19, Jesus urges us to treasure marital fidelity and remain faithful to one another.“So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6).Marriage is the first institution ordained of God, therefore it is a priority. It is permanent; when we commit to another in marriage, we become one, completely inseparable. Holy matrimony is not some sort of penalty; married life is God’s plan for total intimacy.Yet, sexual immorality pollutes the married life. Adultery is a sin against one’s self; there is no other sin that will do 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 a child. 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.No matter how society tries to glamorize it, adultery has destroyed great nations in the past. It may be the sin that destroys our nation, as well, because it is a sin against Almighty God.There is a way to preserve our marriages. We must bring our failures and sins before Jesus Christ and depend on Him. We must exercise our devotion to Christ and to our families. We must guard our hearts and be disciplined, having control over who or what we let into our lives. We must remain determined, making up our minds that we will not fall into temptation.Adrian Rogers says, “Love is a growing thing; it’s like a flower that needs to be cultivated and nurtured. It

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Titus 2:1-5Physical features change and fade, but a lifestyle that adorns the Word of God brings unending beauty into the home. Yet, these days, our families face many oppositions that threaten to drain women of their splendor.Titus 2 describes the lifestyle of a true woman of God.“...the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things...” (Titus 2:3).This passage first addresses the legacy a godly woman is to leave.A godly woman teaches younger women how to be homemakers and how to instill values in their own families by example. She has the perfume of God in her life, marked by holiness, godly in her speech. She is not a false accuser, scandalmonger, or slanderer, nor does she indulge in addictive behaviors.Secondly, this passage tells of the love she is to learn.“...that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children…” (Titus 2:4). Our young generation looks at children as burdens rather than blessings. Children are the heritage of the Lord, and motherhood is a gift from God.Adrian Rogers says, “A father has influence on a child, but a mother makes the greatest impression.”Finally, this passage teaches us the life she is to live.“...to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed” (Titus 2:5).-DiscreetSober-minded, sensible, using good judgment in her shopping, bookkeeping, decorating, and physical culture.-ChastePure and sexually moral.-HomemakersA woman’s primary responsibility is to keep the home.-GoodKind-hearted.-Obedient to her husbandSubmission is not subjugation; wives are instructed to submit to their husbands’ loving leadership in the home.A woman who rebels against these things will have difficulties with God and with her husband and children. Ultimately, she will have difficulty with herself, because her deepest, most God-given instinct will not be

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Psalm 128:1-6Adrian Rogers says, “You can be born a male, but it takes maturity to be a man.”Perhaps the most difficult, yet rewarding, role a man could ever commit to is being a good husband and father. The Lord develops godly men through His Word, and Psalm 128 exemplifies God’s plan for the man.A godly man is first meant to be faithful in his walk with the Lord.Psalm 128:4 says, “Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.” Men are a picture of God in their homes, as we view God as our Heavenly Father. Though we will inevitably make mistakes, we can be godly fathers by remaining faithful to God and to our families.Second, a godly man is known for his fruitful work.“When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you” (Psalm 128:2). God’s plan for the man is to provide for his family. Man is also designed to protect his wife and children, physically and emotionally. “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table” (Psalm 128:3).He is also considered the pastor of the home.As the wife is the vine, a wise husband understands it is his job to cultivate his wife’s love and needs, so she may meet the needs of their children.Finally, a godly man is known for his worship and future wealth.“The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children’s children” (Psalm 128:5-6). If the husband and father establishes a home rooted in a love for God, he is very wealthy in what matters.Adrian Rogers says, “Children don’t make a rich man poor; they make a poor man rich. The rich man can’t take his money to Heaven, but I’m taking my kids to Heaven.”As fathers, we have an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of our children, and our children’s children.Apply it to your lifeAre you leading your family to know God—loving your wife and l

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Genesis 2:18-25Those who are married have the potential for great wealth in what truly matters. We can have a millionaire marriage when we understand the value God has placed on the family.In Genesis 2:18-25, we learn the basis for a wonderful marriage.“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him’” (Genesis 2:18).First, we must remember that marriage is made in Heaven. God designed marriage for a distinct purpose.There is no deeper companionship than a husband and wife. In their fellowship, they are designed to strengthen each other and cooperate in the world. They are meant to complete each other, to reflect the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church.God gave us marriage to replenish the Earth and continue the human race. Our homes are meant to be the center of God’s glory.There is a heavenly design for our human differences.Men and women are different in their nature, their personalities, and priorities. God made male and female different so that they may become one in marriage. (See Genesis 2:24.)But marriage has been marred by Hell.Satan’s plan for the family is to deny the authority of God, debase man, and deny morals. If he can destroy the family, he can dominate the world. When Adam and Eve brought sin into the world in Genesis 3, Satan’s war against the family began.But marriage is always marked by hope.Genesis 3:15 says, “...He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” This verse was a prophecy of Jesus coming and crushing the head of the enemy. No matter our circumstances, there is always hope because the grace of God covers all of our sins.Adrian Rogers reminds us, “Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding – He turned water into wine. I tell you that Jesus can turn the water of your sorrow into the wine of joy.”Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers says, “The Jesus that turned water into wine will turn arguments, strife, and heartac

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 1:19God made husbands and wives different so that He can make them one in marriage. Because of these innate differences, arguments are inevitable.James 1:19 reveals how to handle conflicts: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath…”We must be swift to hear, or quick to tune in.Only by listening can we begin to understand each other, and be brought back into a place of emotional intimacy.When in conflict, remember four things as you listen to your spouse:ObservationBe perceptive; listen with your eyes as well as with your ears, reading body language. Rather than looking away, lean in to show you are listening.ConcentrationAll too often, we are thinking about other things rather than our spouse’s words. As loving mates, we should instead give them our full attention.ConsiderationThink about what the other person is saying. Don’t assume you already know what is going to be said, or try to catch your spouse in an error; instead, listen to what is said and also to what is meant.ClarificationAfter the other person has spoken completely, restate what was said, to make sure you understand what was meant.Second, we must be slow to speak, or tone it down.Our tongues will often get us into trouble. Having two ears and one mouth, we should listen twice as much as we speak.When in conflict, some spouses like to play judge or professor. Some play psychologist or historian, dictator or critic. Some might even play the self-righteous preacher. But as believers, we must remember that love is what controls our language.Adrian Rogers says, “Watch your words; keep them warm and sweet because you may have to eat them.”Finally, we must lighten up, or be slow to wrath.Unwarranted anger severely damages the home; it is not a weakness, it is a wickedness.When facing marital conflicts, don’t run away, give in, or get fired up. Instead, find the right time, with the right tone, at the right place. Rathe

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Peter 2:21-24The biggest problem in many marriages is failure to adequately communicate; if we don’t learn to communicate, our homes could disintegrate.Marriage is the most intimate relationship there is; we are designed to communicate on the deepest level. Healthy communication peaks when we have absolute, total, openness with one another, spoken in discerning kindness and gentleness.Jesus is both the power and the example of healthy communication, and we would be wise to follow His steps.We must first remember the awesome power of communication; the tongue gives direction, but it can also bring destruction because our words reveal what is in our hearts. (See Matthew 12:34.)Adrian Rogers says, “If you want to know what’s in their hearts, listen to their words.”The greatest hurts in the home often come from spoken words. The problem of poor communication could be due to our differences as men and women.There is also the issue of self-centeredness, being full of pride and clinging to the idea of being “right.”1 Peter 3:7 says, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”Poor communication could also be rooted in bitterness, unresolved problems, or an unforgiving spirit, which completely defile marriages. The distractions of life or differences in temperament could also hinder healthy communication.Insecurity or fear directly threaten our ability to achieve the freedom level of communication.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 practice proper communication, everyone must do their part. We must learn to be more sensitive with each other, deal with our self-centeredness, and be willing to overlook our partners’ problems. We must find the root of a closed-off spirit, cr

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Genesis 2:19There is no sweeter, deeper, more wonderful companionship than that of a husband and wife. In Genesis 2, we first see God’s divine, unique design of male and female. These differences between us should not divide us; rather they unite us.Adrian Rogers says, “God made us different that He might make us one in marriage.” By understanding our roles, we can celebrate the differences between us.Genesis 2:18 says, “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’” Even Adam, who had face-to-face fellowship with God, was still incomplete and in need of a companion. And though he was surrounded by all sorts of creatures in paradise, God knew Adam needed someone like himself.There are general differences between men and women designed to complement each other. God gave Eve to Adam to make up for what was lacking in Adam’s nature, and vice versa. These differences are not necessarily strengths and weaknesses. Rather, they are traits to contribute to the partnership.The Beauty and the Beast.God made man physically stronger, to provide and protect, while He made women to give and nurture life. Being physically weaker does not make women inferior; rather, her delicacy is her strength.The Tortoise and the Hare.Men may have more energy for the moment, but women are designed to endure longer.The Romantic and the Mechanic.By nature, men are motivated by maintenance. On the other hand, women are relational and long for romance.The Radar and the Computer.We process information differently because we look at things differently. Generally speaking, men tend to be logical, analytical, and factual, while women factor in details, emotions, and context.The Code Speaker and the Reporter.Women use language to express their emotions, while men use language to dispense facts.The Lover and the Achiever.The deepest need of a woman is to be loved, while a man’s deepest need is to be respected

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Peter 3:1-7The marriage relationship is meant to be the most intimate of all human relationships. In marriage, we share the inmost part of our nature with another person. But in order to build lives together as husband and wife, we need to build on a solid foundation.1 Peter 3:1-7 explains God’s divine design for marriage: “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear…” (1 Peter 3:1-2).There must be order in the home rather than chaos. As is true in any organization, there must be a leader. God has appointed the husband to lead the home; this does not mean the wife is inferior. When wives express an attitude of submission, it means they are to look to their husbands, not as servants to masters, but as subjects to leaders.These verses also call to attention a wife’s adornment of serenity. According to 1 Peter 3:3-4, a woman is to have an internal beauty about her—a gentle spirit, which becomes more beautiful every day. It is also important for wives to respect their husbands and offer them encouraging affirmations. She must pay close attention to his needs.“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).Husbands may delegate authority, but they cannot escape their responsibility. They must provide for the home, more than just food and clothing—they must also meet their wives’ emotional needs.He is also called to protect the home and pastor it; as the God-appointed spiritual leaders of the home, husbands are to treat their wives as Christ treats the Church.Adrian Rogers says, “You cannot have a Christian home without having Christians, any more than you could have a cherry pie without cherries; if you want

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 13We are fast approaching a loveless world; in our mechanical society, it is clearer than ever that real love is what we lack.In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul shares three observations about real love, and why it is exceedingly valuable in our lawless age.First, real love excels all other virtues, and without it, those virtues are meaningless.“But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:8). Love is more valuable than speaking in tongues, prophecy, and knowledge. Scripture is meant to encourage, exhort, and edify us, but if we handle it without love and use it to divide, we are nothing.Love is even greater than faith; although it is necessary, what good is faith that can remove mountains if it cannot remove malice in our hearts?Love inspires a charitable attitude, but our good works are worthless if we do not do them in love. (See 1 Corinthians 13:3.)Second, this passage reminds us that real love enables all other things.“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up…” (1 Corinthians 13:4). Love enables a humble spirit, a courteous new nature, and an unselfish attitude.Adrian Rogers says, “Love and pride don’t dwell in the same heart; you can be big-headed or you can be big-hearted, but you can’t be both.”Love does not vaunt itself; it enables us to not envy, or to harbor irritability. It enables us to be forgiving and sympathetic; it does not collect grudges, and it rejoices in truth. (See 1 Corinthians 13-5-6.)Finally, in verse 7, the Apostle Paul says love, “...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”While other virtues fade and fail, the mighty force of love endures; it conquers all things, making friends out of enemies. It completes everything else, adding infinite value to prophecy, worship, and knowledge.“A

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Titus 2:11Every Christian needs a burning, blazing, passionate love for the Lord Jesus Christ that overflows into service and worship. However, we must be careful with our zeal, so that it doesn't become misguided.Titus 2 addresses the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of zeal, and urges us to watch out for extremism and harmful fanaticism.First, zeal can display the grace of God.“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men… that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2: 11,14).When we truly love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we will become zealous about truth and excited to do good works for the kingdom of God. This is a good and godly thing, because we are called to go “all in” with our love for Jesus.Adrian Rogers says, “The cause of Christ has been hurt by lukewarm Christians—Sunday morning benchwarmers who claim to be on the Lord’s side, but don’t live for Him.”However, when taken to the extreme, good things can become bad things. If we're not careful, zeal can distort the grace of God.Zeal that is divisive and destructive can be deadly to our churches, homes, and communities. Principles are great when used as tools to live by, rather than as weapons to hurt others.When we obsess and debate over incidental things, we lose sight of what is fundamental. This kind of zeal is foolish, fractious, and fruitless. Extremism can also be fatal because it causes the spiritual death of many other people. When we have zeal for the wrong things, we’ll often fight the wrong enemy with the wrong weapons and the wrong energy.Finally, there is a zeal that denies the grace of God.Salvation comes from God alone; no matter how passionate we become, we must never lose sight of that truth. No one is so bad that he cannot be saved, and no one is so good that he need not be saved.Apply it to your lifeWe cannot be moderate about our love for Jesus. Ar

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Luke 1:5There is no substitute for prayer; it is to our spiritual life what breath is to our bodies. But sometimes, we find ourselves perplexed, because it feels our prayers are unanswered. Oftentimes, our unanswered prayers are due to our unoffered prayers. But when we sincerely pray, we can expect God to answer one of four ways.Sometimes, God denies our request: He simply says no.Perhaps our prayers are self-centered rather than God-centered. We could be asking God to underwrite our worldliness. We are to pray in Jesus’ name, in the will of God. If the answer is no, we must check our motives, to see if they are pure, if we are earnestly seeking His will.Adrian Rogers says, “Prayer is not bending God’s will to fit our will; prayer is finding the will of God and getting in on it.”Second, the answer to our prayers may be strategically delayed.In Luke 1, Zacharias and Elisabeth had been praying for a child for many years. When hope seemed lost and their childbearing years were past, God told them they would have a son.God always answers prayer in a way that will give Him the greatest glory. As we see in the stories of Daniel, Lazarus, and of Abraham and Sarah, He moves into impossible situations to work in miraculous ways.He also delays in order to dispense His grace; the child He gave to Zacharias and Elisabeth was the forerunner of Jesus Christ, who came in the fullness of time. By waiting to bless them, He allowed their family to be a part of a greater story.Sometimes, answers to prayer may be significantly different than we expect.We may ask God for one thing and He gives us something else. If God doesn’t give us what we ask, He will give us something better and sweeter than what we asked, if we ask in the name of Jesus. Looking back, we may be thankful that we didn’t get what we prayed for.Finally, God’s answers may be direct.How wonderful is our Heavenly Father, who delights in providing for His children!Apply it to your lifeIf

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 27:22In Matthew 27, Jesus Christ stood on trial before Pilate, and in verse 22, Pilate asked the most personal and pressing question: “What shall I do with Jesus?”What we do with Jesus is an unavoidable decision each of us will make; what we decide—or not decide—will dictate our eternity.We must consider Pilate’s decision: as the people cried out for Jesus’ death, Pilate’s voice of reason and conscience raised alarm. He examined the evidence and listened to witnesses, including his own wife (v. 19), and Jesus Himself, who confessed that He was the King of kings. (John 18:37)Though the voices that confronted Pilate clearly revealed the right thing to do, his warped values pressured him to decide otherwise. Pilate was pressured by the public’s opinion; the people were viciously calling for Jesus’s blood. His boisterous pride, his lofty position, and plentiful possessions were more valuable than the innocent man standing before him.At first, Pilate ignored the issue, then shifted the decision to King Herod. When Herod declined and sent Jesus back to Pilate, He confessed Jesus was faultless, yet decided not to decide.However, as Adrian Rogers warns, “You cannot be neutral about Jesus.” Matthew 27:24 says, “When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.”Pilate’s rejection of reason and misplaced values made Jesus’ trial a mockery of justice. Pilate’s “neutral” verdict condemned Jesus to death, and also condemned himself. We have an opportunity to make a different decision. Analyzing the evidence from Scripture, the witnesses of the saints, of old and of new, we know Jesus is exactly who He says He is. And perhaps the most crucial witness of them all is God the Father.1 John 5:9 says, “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Romans 10:1-7Jesus did not come to Earth as a great philosopher, educator, economist, or social worker; He came as a Savior. He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and to meet man’s greatest need, which is salvation.Romans 10:1-7 explains the simplicity of salvation.First, we must keep in mind the righteousness that God rejects.“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3).We cannot be ignorant of God’s righteousness and try to establish our own righteousness. Self-righteousness is firmly rejected by God, and our attempts to keep the law and be good people are not enough. It is impossible to keep the Ten Commandments in our own strength; the Bible says that if we break even one, we are guilty of them all.Adrian Rogers says, “Salvation is not a reward for the righteous; it is a gift for the guilty. Salvation is not a goal to be achieved; it is a gift to be received.”Second, this passage shares the righteousness that God reveals.“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4).We don’t have to search for salvation: He has already found us (see Romans 10:6-7); Jesus Christ is our righteousness.Finally, we see the righteousness that God receives.“...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).In order to receive salvation, we must confess Christ as our reigning Lord. He must rule over our lives. We must confess that He is our risen Lord, who was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. And we must unashamedly confess Him as our redeeming Lord.Romans 10:12 says, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.”Jesus has never disappointed anyone. He is the only one who satisfies, and He is all-sufficient, able

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 12:22-32Each of us faces a spiritual deadline that, if crossed, will result in the commission of unpardonable sin. This is not a moral, intellectual, or verbal sin; it is blaspheming the Holy Spirit.Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a sin against light; it is attributing to Satan the work of the Holy Spirit when one knows better.Though we can commit this sin without saying a word, it is not accidental; we would do it knowingly and willfully, with our eyes wide open.In Matthew 12, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man and opens his eyes and mouth to see and speak. Full of pride, the Pharisees claimed Jesus performed this miracle by the power of Satan.In verse 31, Jesus says, “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.”Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is a sin against redemption; Jesus was healing this man out of His love. It is a sin against reason; Jesus explained He couldn’t have cast out Satan if he worked for him. A kingdom divided will fall—even the devil’s. (See Matthew 12:25-29.) It is a sin against revelation; the pride in the hearts of the Pharisees prevented them from being able to see the legitimacy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, performing miracles right in front of them.Adrian Rogers says, “When men and women stand before God to be judged, they’re not going to be judged primarily by the sin they committed, but by the light they rejected.”A person who commits blasphemy against the Holy Spirit opens himself up to deception. We cannot have our sin and God’s truth at the same time.This sin also has a deadening power; if we reject the truth of Jesus Christ, something dies within us. Little by little, we’ll stop feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit.And if the Spirit’s presence in our lives fades out, we’ll see the magnitude of its destruction. This sin puts our hearts in a place where it is impossible to be saved.This is why we m

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Luke 16:19-31There was a time when we did not exist, but there will never be a time when we will not be. Death is unavoidable, but it is not the end. Our eternal destiny waits for us five minutes after death.In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus shares a parable full of contrasts. This story stresses the importance of settling our relationship with Jesus Christ on this side of death.First, Jesus points out the contrast in two men’s lives: one was rich, the other poor. (See Luke 16:19-21.) They were born into different classes and were part of different social hierarchies; one had much and the other had little.Jesus also spoke of the contrast in their deaths. When the rich man and the beggar died, they were buried according to their manner of life.Yet, this passage also shares the contrast of their eternities.“So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom” (Luke 16: 22-23).Jesus pulls back the curtain to reveal the other side of death. The beggar was ushered to Heaven, while the rich man watched from Hell.Describing the glories of Heaven, Jesus shares that the man who once begged for crumbs was now seated at the highest place of honor.Adrian Rogers says, “Heaven is all that the all-beneficent loving heart of God would desire for you. Heaven is all that the omniscient mind of God could design for you. Heaven is all that the omnipotent hand of God could prepare for you.”But Jesus also taught the agony of Hell and demonstrated it with His own death. The justice of God demands it, therefore, we cannot discard the doctrine of Hell.Jesus reveals Hell to be a place of sensual, emotional, and spiritual misery; and because our spirits are eternal, the torments of Hell are eternal. (See Luke 16:24-29.)But if we come to Jesus in repentance and faith, we can know, without a doubt, t

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 24:35-39Though we don’t know the exact day or hour, the Bible shares what the Last Days will look like, when Jesus Christ returns, and history reaches its climax.Matthew 24:37 says, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be…”Understanding the days of Noah reveals why this day and age is ripe for Jesus Christ to come again.According to Genesis 6, the days of Noah were days of secular philosophy.New Age beliefs are so prevalent in our day, some have infiltrated some churches. Fearful of the threat of being called bigots, once great denominations have strayed away from sound doctrine.Noah’s days were full of scientific progress.They were days of great knowledge, prestigious intellects, and great cities. Likewise, the technological achievements we see today are awesome and frightening.Noah’s days were also marked by social plagues—by violence and vengeance.We, ourselves, live in troubling times, full of crime, revenge, and corruption.They were days of sexual perversion and sick imaginations.These same sinful urges are being celebrated today, made fashionable rather than shameful.They were days of selfish prosperity.No matter the state of our wealth, we cannot allow comfort to lull us to sleep.The days of Noah were also full of solemn preaching.Noah was a preacher of righteousness who proclaimed the wrath of God as he built the ark.Adrian Rogers says, “God never sends judgment without first sending warning.”The final mark of those days was sudden panic:“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:38-39).The flood came when everything seemed to be going fine. When they least expected it, God ushered Noah and his family into the ark and shut the others out.Adrian Rogers says, “When No

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Revelation 20:11-15The Book of Revelation prophecies that at the end of the Great Tribulation, Jesus will come with His saints in power and great glory to rule and reign and judge the sins of the world.Revelation 20 sets the scene of the final judgment, when God settles the score and judges the sins of those who are not in Christ Jesus.“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away…And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened…” (Revelation 20:11-12).Whether we believe in Him or not, we will all meet Jesus Christ. He is unavoidable; He cannot be deceived, disputed, or discredited.Adrian Rogers says, “If you don’t meet Him as Savior, you will meet Him as Judge.”This passage also describes those who are called to the judgment:The out and out sinner who hates GodThe self-righteous who thinks he is too good for judgmentThe procrastinator who intended to be saved but never confirmed his salvationThe unsaved church member who has religion, but not the LordThe one who has never heard the Gospel of Jesus ChristNot one sin has escaped God’s knowledge; every sin will be accounted for—secrets that have been repressed will be revealed.“And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (Revelation 20:12).Like any earthly courtroom, the evidence and the defense will be presented, and then the verdict will be handed down. And what waits at the end of a Christless life is a sure and severe eternity in Hell.But Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…”Adrian Rogers says, “I’m not going to stand before the great white throne, and I’ll tell you why: I settled out of court. I have given my heart to Jesus Christ and, on that cross, He took my sin and my judgment.”Through the blood of Jesus, our sins can be bur

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Mark 8:35When God made the human soul, He made it in His own image; therefore, human souls are endless, timeless, dateless, and measureless. The soul is the most valuable part of each of us and, so often, the first thing we sacrifice for the things of this world.Mark 8:35-36 says, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”Our souls are priceless treasures of infinite worth; each one was created by God. Every soul has the potential to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Our souls are also valuable because of their durability; they last for all eternity.Adrian Rogers says, “Your soul will be in existence somewhere when the sun, moon, and stars have grown cold—either in Heaven or in Hell. You could never cease to exist any more than God Himself could cease to exist.”Souls are also extremely rare; each is unique. We must also remember that Jesus died upon the cross, paying the price with His blood and agony to show how much He desired our souls.Therefore, we must be extremely careful with our souls. To exchange them for the things of this world would be a foolish transaction.No one ever gains the whole world, and whatever part of the world you would gain, you cannot keep forever. The world cannot meet your deepest longings—neither pleasure, nor possession, nor philosophy could ever satisfy, because God made us for Himself.To lose your soul would be a tragic, irreversible loss—after death, we don’t get a second chance.It’s an immeasurable and irreplaceable loss. All the wealth of this world cannot compare to the value of a soul. It’s an inexcusable loss—completely avoidable.Finally, to lose our souls is a fatal tragedy; our souls are worth billions of worlds like ours.Adrian Rogers says, “If I had a thousand souls, I would give every one of them to Jesus.”Apply it

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Psalm 42Depression is a passive, continual feeling of sadness that seems to linger. It is an attitude that nothing feels good or is worth feeling good about; it is compounded by a state of constant hopelessness.Depression is a valid and dangerous health crisis. Christians can struggle with depression.King David was a man after God’s own heart. Yet, in Psalm 42, he admits to a spiritual dryness, endless tears, and feeling shame and defeat. He lingers over the memories of what once was, and he admits he’s overwhelmed by his circumstances.This honest and unfortunately familiar prayer reminds us that we can’t ignore this severe problem. We must learn how to deal with depression and realize our spiritual provision.First, we must look inward and honestly, firmly, ask ourselves why we’re cast down.“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? (Psalm 42:5).We must close the door, figure out what happened. Whether it is circumstantial or clinical, we must get it out in the open so we can look at it and understand its effect.Then, we can look upward in faith.“The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8).Whether we understand it or not, whether we’ve analyzed it correctly or not, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and continue to trust in Him. He is our Rock, strong and tender, who named every star in the sky and binds up every wound.Finally, we must look onward and focus on the future.“Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance” (Psalm 42:5).No matter what’s happening to us, it is not God’s final plan.Adrian Rogers says, “God is too good to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake. When we cannot trace His hand, we can trust His heart.”This is the sure promise in the midst of our depression: Our God will see us through. God has not forsaken us; He never has and He never will.Apply it to your l

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Joshua 3:1-5In Joshua 3, the children of Israel were on the brink of blessing. Between them and a land of opportunity was a raging river of difficulty. However, they had with them the Ark of the Covenant, a reminder of God’s presence with His people, and their guide to the Great Unknown.“And Joshua said to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you’” (Joshua 3:5). Joshua instructed his people to keep their eyes on the ark, to move only when it moves, to follow its lead.When we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will guide us through uncharted places.We don’t have to know the future to walk victoriously, so long as God’s presence leads us. We must be sure not to run out in front of God’s plans; timing is more important than time. He must remain at the head, and it’s our job to simply follow.When we keep our eyes on Him, He will also grant His unfading promises.Jesus is our ark of the covenant; He is proof that God keeps His promises to us. Those promises are good for all saints, in all seasons, and in all situations. His Word is settled in Heaven, unfading, even today.When He guides us, Jesus will also guard us with His unfailing power.The children of Israel passed through the Jordan River on dry ground because they were guarded by the God of power.If we believe in God’s unfailing ability as the Israelites did, there’s no telling what sort of blessings we’ll experience. In order to trust in God, we must know Him.Adrian Rogers says, “Every command of the sovereign God is a promise of the living God that He will perform in you and through you what He commands you to do.”The Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River is a picture of the Gospel, in which Jesus went into the river of death and stopped it from flowing so that we may pass through.As the Lord our God, He is sovereign; as the living God, He is sufficient. And as God of all the Earth, He is in control of every situation.Apply it to your lifeAre you

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 1:1-4Our eternal destiny hangs on one question, asked here three ways: Who is the baby born in Bethlehem? What Child is this? Who is Jesus Christ?Some believe he was simply a great man, a moral teacher or a messenger of God. But as believers, we know the right answer: Jesus is the Son of God. We worship one God, who has revealed Himself in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We know that Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, but He is also God the Son.John 1:1-2 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.”The Trinity is a sacred mystery; it does not rise or fall on logic, but by divine revelation. Not understanding the Trinity shouldn’t bother us; instead, it should give us comfort.Adrian Rogers says, “I wouldn’t have any confidence in a God that I could understand.”We must recognize the sovereign majesty of the Trinity.God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are equally sovereign.“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:3-4). The Trinity is evident in creation (Genesis 1:1) and in the greatest commandment (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). The Trinity is also evident in the Christmas story (Matthew 1:20-23) and in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).Jesus Christ’s beginning was not in Bethlehem. The Son of God is spoken of throughout the Old Testament, in prophecy and physical presence. He has no beginning and He will never have an ending.Once we accept this knowledge, we can receive the Trinity’s saving ministry.Our destiny depends upon the work of the Trinity.Ephesians 1:3-5 shares that we are selected by God the Father. He knew from all eternity that we would receive and trust him. Ephesians 1:6-7 reveals that we are saved by God the Son, who has redeemed us by His blood. And once we’ve trusted in Jesus Christ, God the Holy Spirit

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 21:12We don’t know much about the wise men who came to worship Jesus after His miraculous birth; however, we do know they exemplify the supernatural wisdom of Christmas.Matthew 2:1-2 says, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”Adrian Rogers says, “The wisest thing you could do at Christmastime, or any other time, is to worship Jesus.”In spite of difficulty, distance, discomfort, and danger, these wise men sought to worship Jesus Christ.They received the ministry of the Spirit, who put it in their hearts to find Him. It is God who puts the desire in our hearts to seek Him, just like He put it in the hearts of the wise men.They also had the message of the Scripture; these men were familiar with the prophetic place of Christ’s birth, because they knew the Word of God. Many people missed His First Coming because they simply did not read, believe, or obey the Scripture.These men witnessed the miracle of the star; the shekinah glory of God led them step-by-step. Likewise, when we set our hearts to know God, no matter what it takes, He will guide us every step of the way.We also see what these wise men brought to the Lord Christ: gold, frankincense and myrrh (see Matthew 2:11). Gold, the most precious metal they knew, speaks of His sovereign dominion as the King of kings. Frankincense, a sweet perfume used in the tabernacle to worship God, speaks of His sinless deity; it signifies that He is God. Myrrh, a bitter herb used to embalm the dead, speaks of His sacrificial death; He was born to die.Adrian Rogers says, “From the time He was a child, He had the shadow of a cross.”These gifts remind us that our wealth, worship, and witness belong to Him, the King of kings, Lord of lords and Savior of the world.Apply it to your

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Isaiah 53:1Seven centuries before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah wrote the biography of the King, the promised Messiah, and Savior of the world.Isaiah 53 first prophesies the supernatural birth of the King: “For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground...” (Isaiah 53:2).Jesus’ miracle Virgin Birth is essential to our faith.Without the Virgin Birth, Jesus would have been under the curse of Adam, and couldn’t have been our atonement for sin.Adrian Rogers says, “He was born of a virgin that we might be born again. He became the Son of Man that we might become sons and daughters of God.”This passage also declares the simple life of the King.“He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2).Many were looking for a dazzling hero, a political Messiah. Yet, the Son of God was born in a rather insignificant village; by all appearances, He was quite ordinary. Jesus laid aside His splendor and majesty so that we may know Him by His character, and have faith in Him accordingly.Third, this passage describes the substitutionary death of the King.“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).Jesus took our sins, shame, separation, and suffering. We owe everything to the Savior, who took our place and became the object of God’s wrath.Fourth, we see the saving resurrection of the King.“...When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days...” (Isaiah 53:10).Three days after His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead and walked out of the grave; we serve a living, risen, victorious Savior.Finally, this passage shares the sovereign reign of the King.“He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their i

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Colossians 1:19Out of the billions who have ever lived, only a handful of people have made a lasting imprint upon society. There is one who stands head and shoulders above all others: Jesus, the One and Only Son of God.Adrian Rogers says, “To explain Jesus is impossible, to ignore Him is disastrous, and to deny Him is fatal.”Words don’t come close to explaining the majesty of Jesus Christ, but there are three things we can learn about Him from Colossians 1.First, Jesus alone reveals the Father.“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15).Jesus has the monopoly on divine revelation; the only way we can know God the Father is through Jesus.This verse also explains that He is the first-born, above all things, King of kings and Lord of lords.Second, Jesus alone rules the Universe.“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16).Jesus is the power of creation. Adrian Rogers says, “That little baby in Matthew 1 is the Mighty God of Genesis 1.”He is the preserver of creation, the one who holds it all together. By Jesus, all things consist; He’s the one who fuels the sun, who veils the moon with beauty, and keeps the stars on their courses.He is the purpose of creation; it was all made by Him and for Him, and we are moving toward the day when He is crowned Lord of All.Finally, Jesus alone reconciles the lost.“...and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20).When we see Jesus’ deity, we can understand the greatness of His death. His deity makes His death meaningful, and His death makes His deity knowable. Jesus stepped down from glory and became like us in order to reconcile us to God the Father. He alon

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Revelation 1:3Eternity is only a heartbeat away; at any moment Jesus may return, as Revelation 1:3 warns, “...the time is near.”When Jesus came to this earth the first time, He came with His glory veiled; when He returns, His glory will be unveiled, and we will truly see Him. The Book of Revelation gives insight regarding the soon coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.He is the resurrected Christ with undiminished humanity.Jesus is fully God and fully man; He has not laid His humanity aside.He is the reigning Christ with unrivaled majesty.In Revelation 1, Jesus appeared to the Apostle John wearing the robes of royalty.Adrian Rogers says, “When He came the first time, He came to redeem; when He comes again, He will come to reign.”He is the righteous Christ with undiminished purity.Revelation 1:14 describes His purity and holiness: “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow…”He is the revealing Christ with unhindered scrutiny.Jesus sees us and sees through us; He cannot be deceived, for: “His eyes like a flame of fire…” (v. 14)He is the relentless Christ with untarnished integrity.“His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace…” (v. 15) Brass is an emblem of judgment, and the feet speak of His going forth; when Jesus returns, He is not coming to redeem, but to judge.He is the regal Christ with unchallenged authority.Revelation 1:15 continues to speak of the power of His voice: “...and His voice as the sound of many waters…”He is the regulating Christ with unequaled mastery.Jesus continues to be the One who holds everything in His right hand.He is the revenging Christ with unspoiled victory.At Armageddon, Jesus’ words will be like a two-edged sword.Adrian Rogers says, “The Lord Jesus who spoke them into existence will speak them into oblivion.”He is the resplendent Christ with undimmed glory.The radiance of our Lord will light all of Heaven for all eternity.He is the reassuring Christ with undeniable deity.Jesus,

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Psalm 23:6The devil’s deceitful and counterfeit thrills never last; in fact, Satan always gives his best first and the worst last. On the contrary, every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before, and even still, He saves the best for last.Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”God has promised us a place beyond death, and we can anticipate it through Christ. By looking forward to our dwelling in Heaven, we can make the rest of our lives the best of our lives.This passage reminds us, first, of the certainty of Heaven.In John 14:3, Jesus says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”Heaven is not a state of mind or a condition, it is a real and present place where Christians go after death. Heaven is also a perfect place. Revelation 21:4 says, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”Adrian Rogers says, “Heaven is the presence of all that is good and the absence of all that is evil. It is all that the loving heart of God can conceive and the omnipotent hand of God can prepare.”It is also a purposeful place; without the hindrance of our sinful nature, we’ll serve God like never before. We can also anticipate the company of Heaven: all those in the family of God. We will keep our personalities, having not been absorbed into nothingness. We will know brothers and sisters in Christ and reunite with loved ones.Finally, we must remember the constancy of Heaven. For now, we are just pilgrims, sojourning on earth. But one day, we will settle in a place of constant joy, constant service, and constant praise.Apply it to your lifeHave you decided to follow Jesus, and make the rest of your days the best of your days? Considering

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Psalm 23:5Many go about today with an incorrect perspective of God. We may believe He is a cosmic killjoy, who only exists to break up our good times. However, when we know God’s heart and His goodness, we’ll find that we feel good about Him.In Psalm 23:5, David uses three Jewish customs to exemplify how God truly feels about His children. Understanding their meanings can show us how to feel good about God.“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…”The Bible is full of stories of banquets, weddings, and miracles performed over meals; one could call God’s Word a continual feast. David says that God has welcomed us to His table and that He’s expected us and prepared for our presence.Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus meets the deepest hungers of our hearts and satisfies the deepest longings. He prepared a table of replenishment when there was the enemy of inadequacy.”Our fullness comes from Jesus’ restoration, remembrance, and redemption. Jesus doesn’t keep score of our wrongdoings, nor does He ignore us in anger when we fail Him. His disciple, Simon Peter, experienced this when he denied knowing Jesus three times. After His resurrection, Jesus reunited with Him over breakfast and lovingly restored their relationship.“You anoint my head with oil…”To anoint guests with oil is to acknowledge them as valuable, and refresh them before the feast. We can be glad in His presence; His mercies are new each morning. (See Lamentations 3:22-23.)Serving God only gets better, and His grace gets even sweeter, and His presence gets more real.“My cup runs over...”Filling one’s cup to the brim is the utmost sign of hospitality and friendship. To claim that our cup is overflowing means God wants us to stay in His presence for longer. It signifies that we are loved, cherished, and welcome for as long as we want.God is not stingy with His blessings, nor does He hold back; He gives freely, lavishly, wondrously, and abundantly. His peace passes a

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Psalm 23:4In spite of our best efforts to forget, death is a very real fact. As believers, it’s something we don’t have to fear; rather, we can anticipate it.In Psalm 23, King David reveals how to smile at death: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (v. 4).First, David accepted death as an inevitable fact. There is no way around it, and no way to know when it will happen to us; we just know it will eventually, to each of us.Second, David acknowledges that death has been defeated. From this perspective, we see that there can be no valley without mountains, and there is no shadow without light.Adrian Rogers says, “Death is just a shadow because Jesus has become the death of death. He pulled the sting out of death, took the gloom out of the grave, took the dread out of dying. Jesus gives us a hope that is steadfast and sure. A shadow may frighten you, but it cannot hurt you.”We also learn that there is no evil without a greater good. Because Jesus is our Jehovah, truth is mightier than error, grace is greater than sin, our Sovereign is greater than Satan, and life is greater than death.David sees that death is no longer his enemy, but his servant. In death, we are finally made like Jesus, able to praise Him with our whole hearts alongside the saints of all the ages, becoming one with God.In death, we see God’s presence and power. Adrian Rogers says, “There’s nothing that will bring you face-to-face with God more than the dark valleys of life.”As stated in Psalm 23:4, His rod protects us from all of the powers of evil and His staff draws us close to Him.Finally, death reveals the purpose of the Shepherd: to bring us out to the other side. David knew enough about a shepherd to know that he would never lead his sheep through a valley unless he was leading them to a better place.Apply it to your lifeDo you want to smile at death? A