Adrian Rogers

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Samuel 24:1-7King David was a remarkable man after God’s own heart. David was a man that lived by principle, not by appearance. He was a warrior who knew many victories, but perhaps his greatest victory was the one over his own spirit when he became subject to kingdom authority.In 1 Samuel 24, David is hiding in a cave after King Saul has put a bounty on his head. King Saul comes into the cave, unaware that David and his men are hiding just out of sight.David has the opportunity to kill Saul, the man actively trying to kill him. But he does not; instead, he shows us how to behave in a cave when no one else is watching. He refuses to take vengeance and acts as according to Scripture: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).As David did, we should recognize authority. David knew that he had no right to take Saul’s life because Saul was David’s king—bad king, sure, but he was God’s chosen and anointed king.There is no king, no power, no ruler that has not been ordained of God. Therefore, to rebel against authority is to rebel against God. We must make a practice of submitting to leadership. We should also respect authority.If the authority in question commands us to do something that is contrary to the Word of God, we should obey God rather than men. But we must be sure that even when we disobey our appointed leader, we have a warrant from Scripture. And even still, we act in a manner that respects the leader’s authority.Finally, we should rest in kingdom authority. God took care of Saul, and God will take care of our enemies as we learn to rest in the Lord.Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers says, “Is there anybody or anything that you have a rebellious spirit about? Let me ask you this question: Have you submitted to the King of kings? That’s where it all begins — by giving your heart to Jesus Christ. And when you get under the authority of Jesus Christ, under the authority of the Word of God, under t

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Romans 5:1-5,17Any Christian who has not discovered the tremendous power of kingdom authority is living beneath his privileges.However, Adrian Rogers says, “God will never place you over those things that He means to put under you, until you get under those things that He has put over you.”Many of us fail to think of the Holy Spirit as a person with authority, yet the Holy Spirit has authority to rule and reign in our lives. In fact, kingdom authority is mediated by the Holy Spirit.Romans 5 reveals why we should be under the authority of the Holy Spirit.“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).Adam was the first man created by God, and was given dominion over the Earth. But Adam sinned, he forfeited his dominion to sin. And because we are his offspring, we are identified with Adam in this slavery to Satan. Through Adam, we received weakness rather than power and gained ungodliness rather than godliness. We also received wrath rather than approval, warfare instead of peace. We inherited our sinfulness from Adam: not only when we do as we shouldn’t, but also in failing to do as we should.But Romans 5 also reveals what we receive through Jesus when we join the kingdom of light:“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). “For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17).When we submit to the authority of the Holy Spirit, we receive justification of our sins and reconciliation with the Father. Through the Holy Spirit, we have the fellowship with God that was severed when Adam sinned. We’ve also be

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Peter 1:23-25There is an ongoing war over the Bible. There are those who despise it, but some of the greatest enemies of the Bible are those who disregard that it is the very Word of God.If we want the kingdom authority that God has promised His children, we must be under the authority of the Word of God.We must see it as incontestable: there is no contest, controversy, or denial that the Bible is the Word of God. The Bible is absolutely perfect, for the God of truth cannot speak in error.1 Peter 1:23 claims: “...having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…”Second, we must see the Bible as the incorruptible Word of God; there is no blemish or spot in it. Though many have come against it with their own personal agendas and opinions, the Bible outstands them all.Third, we see that it is indestructible: “...because “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever...” (1 Peter 1:24-25).Finally, the Word of God is indispensable: “Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:25).The Gospel is the message of the church, and we get the Gospel from Scripture. We don’t need a new or modern Gospel for the new and modern age; it stands the test of time. The Bible also prescribes the church’s method, which is (and always will be) preaching.Adrian Rogers says, “No church will ever grow and prosper and be a New Testament church until the pulpit is central and the Gospel is central in the pulpit.”In order to join a church body, one must be born again into the family of God. Only the Gospel can grow this family, and therefore, grow the Church.Apply it to your lifeDo you see the Bible as the incontestable, incorruptible, indestructible, indispensable Word of God?Adrian Rogers says, “We can never have Kingdom Authority, speak or pr

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Romans 14:7-12God wants us to live with kingdom authority; but there can be no reigning in this life until we confess these three words: Jesus is Lord.Lord means “someone or something having power, authority, or influence.” When we claim to commit to Jesus Christ, we must surrender to His lordship, as Paul explains in Romans, “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself” (Romans 14:7)First, remember the redeeming claim of His lordship: “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8).When Jesus died for us, He purchased our souls with His redeeming blood; we are no longer our own, we belong to Him.Adrian Rogers says, “When you gave your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, that was the last independent decision you ever made.”Second, we see the resurrection conquest of His lordship: “For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living” (Romans 14:9). There can be no other king in our lives; no man can serve two masters. (See Matthew 6:24.) Christ requires our submission and absolute ownership of all we possess with unquestioned obedience.We shouldn’t be afraid to trust our lives to the One who loved us enough to die for us.Finally, there must be a regal confession of His lordship: “...As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God” (Romans 14:11). We will confess Christ as Lord, whether in this world or the next.Confessing Christ as Lord seals our salvation and conquers Satan; it also comforts and confirms the saints. The more we assert it to others, the stronger our faith becomes.As we confess Christ’s lordship, the things of this world fall away. Our separation from this world convicts those who see the difference in our lives and want to understand the source of our joy.And when we claim Christ as Lord, our decisions seem to mak

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Luke 10:17-19When we were born again, we became spiritual freedom fighters in God’s invasion army. We cannot be neutral in this spiritual battle: we are in a fight to the finish. We must learn how to come against the enemy and use our kingdom authority in the warfare of prayer.First, let us remember our kingdom authority has been sovereignly established by God. He delivered us from the bondage of spiritual death. Without Christ, we are spiritually dead; but when Jesus came, He gave us life through His sacrificial death.We’ve also been delivered from our staggering debt; in His death, Jesus paid the debt of our sins in full.Jesus also delivered us from the bondage of satanic dominion. Colossians 2:15 says, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”Through His resurrection power, Jesus stripped, shamed, and subdued the enemy. Adrian Rogers says, “We don’t pray for victory, we have the victory; we stand in victory.”Secondly, kingdom authority must be strongly enforced if we want to do what our King wants us to do. While we were slaves to Satan, in bondage to his dark kingdom, Jesus came to set us free. Even though Satan’s defeat is absolute, it must be appropriated. He will not roll over in defeat; he will fight to keep us bankrupt, brokenhearted, and bound to our sin. We must come against him in the power of the Holy Spirit.Finally, kingdom authority must be strategically exercised through the children of God who bear clean hearts. Those who act according to the Spirit must also come from the right position: seated with Jesus in the heavenlies.Adrian Rogers says, “Without Jesus, you are in Satan’s dark kingdom, and Calvary is your defeat. But when you come into the kingdom of God, it is now your victory.”Apply it to your lifeAre you longing to pray with kingdom authority? Understand the necessity of your clean heart and begin praying from your victory in Heaven. Remembe

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Ephesians 1:15-2:6As Christians, most of us can accept that Jesus Christ is King and He has authority. However, some of us fail to grasp that He has given that kingdom authority to His servants.Ephesians 1:22-23 says, “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”We’re in a spiritual battle, up against the organized, mobilized, and demonized powers of Hell. Therefore, we must understand what kingdom authority is in order to utilize it.First, kingdom authority over all God's creation was gloriously given to Adam. God made us to have dominion; it is the very reason we were created.Second, that kingdom authority was legally lost by Adam. When tempted by the devil, Adam and Eve failed to use the kingdom authority that God had given to them, and therefore, they became slaves of Satan.Third, kingdom authority has been righteously regained by Jesus Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “God owes Satan nothing, but God owes everything to His own justice and His own holiness; Jesus Christ came to this Earth as the second Adam, to gain back what the first Adam lost.”Kingdom authority was lost by a man, and it was legally regained by a man: “For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus died that we might have spiritual authority, not to do what we want, but authority to do what He wishes.”Until you are under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, His Word, and the things God has set over you, you will never live with authority.The devil hopes that you will not understand the incredible power we’ve been given; that he can keep you in the dark. If we ever utilize kingdom authority, all of Heaven will break loose.Apply it to your lifeIf you are struggling to claim your kingdom authority, remember: the

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Peter 2:11-17A Christian is a citizen of this world and the world above; 1 Peter 2:11-17 lists some of the demands of Christian citizenship.First, we see the character of a Christian citizen: “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12).We must first be absolutely and totally clean; we renounce and abstain from everything that is wrong and embrace everything that is right. We must live such godly lives that even those that hate us will have to admit that there is a difference.The liberty we have as a nation is in direct proportion to our character; if we lose our character, we lose our liberty.Secondly, we must remember the importance of our compliance.“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good” (1 Peter 2:13-14).God-fearing Americans are also law-abiding Americans: We submit ourselves to the laws we like and to the laws we don’t like. However, we must remember there is a higher power, and if the laws of man contradict God, we must obey God rather than man. Even so, we should not strive to be renegades or lawbreakers; we strive to be the best and most productive citizens in this nation.Finally, this passage speaks of our conduct as Christian citizens.“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:15-17).Adrian Rogers says, “Every person is intrinsically precious. If there is in you rac

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Genesis 37Life is not lived in length, it is lived in depth. There are many people who are existing, but they are not living; we should desire that our lives count for the Lord. Perhaps the most Christ-like character in the Old Testament was Joseph. His story in Genesis 37 gives us insight into investing in a worthwhile life.First, we must learn to dream; we should find God’s will for our lives and lean in. Adrian Rogers says, “God doesn’t promise to fulfill our fantasies, but God does want to give us a divine aspiration, divine inspiration, divine inclination, to be what we ought to be.” If we want to know the difference between our selfish inclinations and our God-given ambitions, we should ponder them in our hearts in divine, wise scrutiny.Second, we must remember our distinctiveness. Joseph was different, distinct, because of his nobility. His brothers hated him because he would not conform. The world wants to squeeze us into its mold. But Romans 12:2 reminds us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”When we refuse to conform, the world resents our nobility in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why, thirdly, we must learn to turn problems into possibilities. Adrian Rogers says, “God doesn’t want you to have an easy life; God wants you to have an exciting life. God put Joseph through all of these troubles because He was training him.”Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers, then later falsely accused and thrown in prison. But he used his hardships as a reason to practice the presence of God, as we should learn to do.When the Bible says that, “God was with him,” it means that God was for him, working on his behalf. God was with him, not only in times of mundane servitude but in his persecution, his temptation, his slander, and his suffering. How humbling it is to know God is with us, too!Apply it to your

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Proverbs 17:17Adrian Rogers says, “The greatest joy of your life or the greatest disappointment of your life is going to be your friend.” Our deepest longings, whether we’re young or old, are for enduring friendships. We all want to commune with someone who truly understands our deepest needs, our highest aspirations, and our worst fears.A true friend is a great treasure, as Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”We are all instructed to have casual friendships with those who are not saved, but we should not be so intimate with them that we regress in our faith.This is especially true for our children; teenagers are more affected by friends than almost anything else. The wrong kind of friend is the greatest danger that a teenager can possibly have because we ultimately become like our friends. Every teenager starts out as a simple teenager, having knowledge but lacking spiritual wisdom and understanding. Teenagers are easily led into error, ready to believe anything.If a child remains naive, he becomes a scorner, he defies instruction and despises the good and godly. Because of this, he is destined for destruction. The scorner is very hard to reach, but there is still hope for him. If the scorner is not reclaimed, he becomes a fool; the scorner is insolent, but the fool is immovable. The fool rejects wisdom, ridicules righteousness, and rejoices in iniquity. His moral sense has been so perverted, he thinks good is evil and evil is good.We cannot allow our impressionable teenagers to hang around with scorners and fools; we must be firm with who we allow them to be friends with. As parents, we must help them to understand the dangers that are involved, carefully guard their company, and teach the importance of their choices.Adrian Rogers reminds us, “You’re free to choose, but you’re not free to choose the consequences of your choice. After you choose, then your choice chooses for you.”

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Mark 10:17-27There’s a real problem we may have today of trying to live outwardly good lives without ever finding a new life in Christ. Mark 10 tells the sad story of the rich young ruler who, when given the opportunity to follow Jesus, turned away. This story offers four insights to help avoid striking out at the opportunity to follow Christ.First, proud men at their best are sinners at their worst.This man in Mark 10 was quite proud of his achievements; he was eager, full of strength and the vigor of youth. Outwardly, he was morally clean; he knew the commandments and had kept them in his youth. But Jesus taught him something he didn’t expect: the young ruler, in himself, was not good, and also Jesus Himself is God.Second, God’s perfect law condemns man’s sinful pride.God is a holy God with holy laws; the purpose of the law is to show us our need for Christ. God’s grace means nothing to us until we first see ourselves as sinners in the sight of a holy God. Adrian Rogers says, “When a man has been wounded by God’s law, then he’s ready for the healing balm of salvation.”When Jesus asks the rich young ruler to sell everything he has, give it to the poor, and follow Him, the reality of the man’s depravity was exposed. He was unwilling to do this because he loved his money more than he loved God and his neighbor. Jesus showed him the futility of trying to behave himself into Heaven; all he had was a superficial knowledge of his own goodness.Third, Jesus teaches no man can serve two masters, but he must serve one.In order to follow Jesus, we must turn from our idols to serve the living God. This turning is called repentance, which means to change your mind and change your life.Finally, Jesus teaches him that whatever master a man chooses will master that man.Adrian Rogers says, “Faith is not merely nodding a head to a series of theological facts about Jesus; it is enthroning Jesus.”Apply it to your lifeEvery man has three opportunities

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Acts 4:34The Book of Acts tells the story of a man called Barnabas, which translates to, “son of encouragement.” Five characteristics of Barnabas’ “gift of encouragement” show us how to be encouragers for others.First, Barnabas saw a need that he could meet, and he met it.In Acts 4:36-37, Barnabas sold his property and gave the profits to the church. He decided to meet the needs of others with the resources God had given him, no matter what it cost him. Encouragers understand that we all have something to give. Encouragers find needy people and enrich them through their money, time, or service.Second, encouragers find lonely people and include them.After the Apostle Paul’s conversion, he was despised by his old colleagues, but feared by his new brothers and sisters in Christ. He was a man who needed a friend. Barnabas found him and became a friend to this very lonely new disciple. A lot of new Christians need somebody to find and befriend them. An encourager finds the lonely and neglected, puts an arm around them, and brings them into the fold.Encouragers will also find a misunderstood person and affirm him.In Acts 11, the Gospel was spreading quickly, and new believers were sprouting up everywhere. There were some concerns that some of them were not sincere. But Barnabas’s encouragement validated and affirmed those who were misunderstood.Encouragers develop disciples.Barnabas found buried gifts in new disciples and helped them develop their talents.Our churches are full of talented people with abilities waiting to be discovered and developed. But it takes a “Barnabas” to find them.Finally, encouragers help failures find second chances.After the disciple Mark ran away from his calling, Barnabas sought him out and gave him another chance. This young disciple went on to write the Gospel of Mark. Thank God for the encouragers in our churches who see second chances in us when no one else does.Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers says, “

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Ephesians 4:7When God saved us by His grace, He gave each of us spiritual gifts. However, many of us do not understand how to use them. In order to be faithful in ministry, we must identify and develop our spiritual gifts.Ephesians 4:7 says, “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”Spiritual gifts are God-given abilities for service and ministry. We do not choose our spiritual gifts; as our natural talents are embedded in us at birth, our spiritual gifts come at our new birth.There are several spiritual gifts identified in the New Testament, such as wisdom, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, and discerning of spirits. Other gifts include speaking in tongues, acts of service, ministry, exhortation, teaching, giving, ruling, and mercy.Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”There are five ways we can know our individual spiritual gifts:-Desire: We consider what we enjoy doing—what do we feel we naturally do well?-Discovery: We discover our gift as we endeavor to do it.-Development: Though they come naturally, our gifts must be crafted and studied.-Dependence: Our gifts must operate in the power of the Holy Spirit.-Deployment: We understand how our gifts operate as we work alongside other believers.Finally, our gifts are displayed as we mature in our ministry.Ephesians 4:13 says, “...till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…”Adrian Rogers says, “You can tell when the gifts are working in a church when the church becomes like the Lord Jesus Christ.”When the gifts are working, we will not be blown about by every wind of doctrine. Instead, we will learn how to speak truth in love and find that all o

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12It is important that we understand that while Jesus Christ and the Church are not identical, they are inseparable. We cannot forsake the church; we must remain faithful in fellowship.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.”This passage describes the church as a body, with Christ as the head. As our bodies inhabit our humanity, the church inhabits Jesus Christ. The body serves the life of the person who lives inside of it; likewise, we are Jesus’ hands and feet.Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus is the invisible part of the visible church, and the church is the visible part of the invisible Christ.”We are not just a collection of parts; we have life. The Holy Spirit moves us, therefore we are more than an organization… We are an organism. We have many members, but we have one agenda.“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13).The formation of the church body begins when the members are born again and spiritually baptized by the Holy Ghost. As a result, we are bound together as a single body in fellowship.We share a common life, unified by the Holy Spirit dwelling in each of us. We belong to one another, casting aside any competition with one another or isolation.We also show a common love as 1 Corinthians 12:25 and 26 say: “...that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”Finally, we serve the same Lord; Adrian Rogers says, “Loyalty to Jesus means loyalty to His body; you cannot love Jesus without loving what Jesus loves.”As Jesus loves the church—faults, failures, flaws and all—so should we.Apply it to y

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 4:3-24Our greatest need, privilege, and supreme duty as Christians is to worship God; it is the very reason we were created. We are invited, commanded, encouraged, and empowered to worship God because we become like what we worship.Adrian Rogers says, “If you want to be utterly miserable, turn your life inward. If you want to be filled with joy, turn your life upward. Look into the face of God and learn to worship.”In John 4, Jesus met a woman who had been blinded by Satan, broken by sorrow, and bound by sin. What Jesus shares with this Samaritan woman reminds us why it is important to be faithful in worship.First, Jesus taught her the meaning of true worship.It is easy to fall into the trappings of idolatry, insincerity, and iniquity. But, as Adrian Rogers says, “True worship is all that we are, responding to all that God is. It is the adoring contemplation of God revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ. We worship according to the worth we place on God.”Second, Jesus tells us how to practice the true method of worship.John 4:23-24 says, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”We must be regenerated by the Father. We cannot worship a God that we don’t know; we must make certain that we have been born into the Father’s family. We must be activated by the Spirit; it is impossible to honor God apart from being filled with the Holy Spirit. We must also be regulated by the Word; true worship is linked with studying the Word of God, for we worship in spirit and in truth.Finally, Jesus reminds us of our motive as worshippers.We go to church not primarily for what we can get but for what we can give. We glorify God when we bring our worship to church; it reveals that He is of the utmost importance in our lives.Apply it to your lifeWhat does your worship l

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Romans 8:28-30The five pillars of salvation are identified in Romans 8. These are five pillars upon which the temple of truth rests. If you take away any one of these, the Gospel comes tumbling down.The first pillar of salvation is the supreme wisdom of God: “For whom He foreknew…” (Romans 8:29). God’s wisdom is unlike any other man’s knowledge or understanding. It is not based upon guess or whim; He sees the beginning, the end, and everything in between.The second pillar of salvation is the sovereign will of God: “He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).When God predestines something, nothing can stop it—it will come to pass. God wants to redeem the whole human race, as 2 Peter 3:9 says, He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”But because He lovingly gave us free will, we have a choice in the matter and we will give an account for the choice we make.Adrian Rogers says, “There is no contradiction between the sovereign grace of God and the free will of man.”The third pillar rests upon the seeking word of God: “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called…” (Romans 8:30). “Called” means to issue a summons; God sends His Word to those who would hear it, His Gospel to those who would receive it.The fourth pillar is the saving work of God: “...whom He called, these He also justified…” (Romans 8:30). Justification is more than a pardoning or acquitting of our sins, it is being made righteous in God’s sight. We receive this justification through grace and grace through our faith.The fifth and final pillar is the settled ways of God: “...and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Romans 8:30). Because God deals in eternity, He sees the future as well as the present. And because we have been predestined for glory in Christ, we are already glorified.Apply it to your lifeWe cannot lose our salvation, beca

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

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

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

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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 5:7-8The Passover, also called Palm Sunday, is a Jewish tradition that should be inextricably interwoven with our celebration of Easter.1 Corinthians 5:7 says, “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”Though historically a Jewish tradition, Passover is an event we as Christians have reason to celebrate because it is a prophecy of our redemption through Jesus Christ.In the Book of Exodus, the Passover was a tradition in which the Israelites sacrificed lambs and painted the doors of their homes in the blood of those lambs; the lambs had to be spotless in order to cause the death angel to “pass over” the homes.After the lamb was sacrificed, each family would share it in a feast, celebrating the atonement. Through this, God was teaching His people one of the fundamental truths of His Word: without shedding of blood, there is no remission.As Christians, we celebrate Passover because it speaks of how God provided our redemption. The Old Testament feast was a prophetic portrayal of Jesus, who was yet to come. In Jeremiah 31, God prophesied a new testament, and told of a different Passover lamb to come: His very Son, Jesus Christ.John 1:29 confirms this promise: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’”Jesus is the lamb without spot or blemish. (See 1 Peter 1:19.) The last week of His life, Jesus was examined and questioned by His enemies, and they found no fault in Him.He became the sacrificial and saving lamb, as He explains during The Last Supper: “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).When we receive the saving power of salvation in Jesus Christ, we are nourished by Him and called to share the feast with others.Adrian Rogers says, “Salvation is not learning lessons from the life of Christ;

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30Praise is a powerful thing, in times of joy and in times of help, but especially in times of trouble.A story from 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 shows us the power of praise when facing opposition. King Jehoshaphat was a God-fearing King, facing opposition from Ammon, Moab, and Seir. Likewise, we have three mighty kings that come against us on a regular basis – sin, sorrow, and death. Every Christian will meet these, and sometimes, the opposition will be fierce.In the case of King Jehoshaphat, powerful foes caused the king to focus on God through fasting. Fasting does not earn God’s blessings (which are given solely through God’s grace), but it does sharpen our focus on God.As a result, the nation came together in purposeful fellowship: “So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord, and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord” (v. 4).When we seek God together, He shows up and reveals His true nature. This passage shows us that God is:1. Sovereign: There is no problem too big for Him.2. Steadfast: God has worked miracles in the past, and He will never run out of them.3. Sympathetic: If we cry out to God, He will hear and He will help. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmity.4. Seeing: God knows our situations, our enemies, and our danger. There’s nothing that escapes His notice.5. Saving: “O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (v. 12).The people of Judah learned that the battle was never theirs to win, but God’s; their part was to join the fight with praise.Adrian Rogers says, “Praise infuses the energy of God and it confuses the enemy of God. Praise fractures the unity of the enemy and formulates the unity of the believer.”As a result of the praise and obedience of the people, there was a provided fortune and peaceful future.Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man’s ways p

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 19:1-6Adrian Rogers says, “A home is the sweetest place on earth, the nearest place to Heaven. It’s the only part of the Garden of Eden that we have left.”Matthew 19 discusses the importance of family faithfulness; first, by recognizing that marriage is made by Heaven.And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, ‘For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?" (v. 4-5).Marriage is the supreme commitment, overruling every other commitment we could ever make. The priority of marriage is to build a home, and we cannot build a home without God’s guidance. We raise children with the intention of them leaving home to build homes of their own.Marriage is also permanent, and its purpose is to be one flesh, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Adrian Rogers says, “Marriage is a romance in which both the hero and the heroine die in the first chapter, and a new person comes into being: one flesh.”But marriage can be marred by Hell; there is nothing wrong with romantic love, but we are deceived if we believe that is enough to sustain a marriage. We are commanded in Scripture to love our spouses unconditionally, as God has loved His church.There is no fear in perfect love, only peace, security, and joy. We must be careful not to allow guilt to fester in our marriages; guilt turns to anger, and anger into bitterness.When we experience trials, reconciliation and forgiveness are called for in order to put the family back together. If we seek restoration, we’ll find that the relationship can potentially be even stronger than before it was broken.Finally, marriage is always marked by hope. No matter our circumstances, there is always hope because the grace of God covers all of our sins. God does not hold grudges; His forgiveness is always available for those who seek to honor Him

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Deuteronomy 5:29The family was the first institution formed by God, created to meet the deepest physical, social, and spiritual needs of mankind. It is in the home that a child should learn who he is, what he can do, and what is expected of him.In the midst of this moral free fall, it is time we ask ourselves: what is the future of the family? Adrian Rogers says, “If there is no future for our families, there is no future for this nation.”Deuteronomy 5:29 says, “Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!”Our homes are the universities of life.In these homes, we must train our children to abide by God’s law so that we can preserve the family’s future. God gave the Ten Commandments to the family. God’s priority plan for us is to pass our faith from parent to child.Parents are the professors of their homes.Deuteronomy 6:7 says, “You shall teach them diligently to your children...” Though we can’t control our children, we can guide and teach them in the way they should go. Our primary goal as parents should be that we love God with sincere, selfless, and strong love so that we can set an example for our children to love Him, too.The Ten Commandments are the curriculum.These commandments are the liberating laws of life and the tracks upon which our families run. We are to set boundaries for our kids around the parameter of God’s law.Our children are our students.It is not the church’s responsibility to raise our children in faith, it is ours. “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:8-9).Finally, life is the laboratory.Life is where these things are taught. We must teach our children convictionally, consistently, creatively, conversationally, and conspicuously.Apply it to you

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Philippians 2:5-11Jesus’s ministry lasted only for three years, and yet His Word and His influence change lives today. Philippians 2:5-11 reveals exactly who Jesus, the God-Man, is.--Supernatural: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who… made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men...” (v.5, 7) Jesus was made in the likeness of men, but He was not conceived like any other child. He was born of a virgin, exempt from the curse of man, for God’s Holy blood flowed through His veins.--Sinless: Though tempted at all points like us, Jesus remained completely sinless.--Sovereign: “...being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God…” (v. 6) Jesus is the Son of God; He is also God the Son.--Sacrificial: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient.” (v. 8) Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus’s death was not incidental or accidental. He did not die as a victim or a martyr. He died in obedience to the Father, that you and I might be saved by His death on the cross.”--Surviving: C.S. Lewis said, “He has forced open a door that had been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten back the king of death. Everything is different because He has done so.”--Soon-Coming: "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (v. 9-11) Jesus will return; and when He does, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.--Saving: Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus is not a good way to Heaven or the best way to Heaven. Jesus is the only way to Heaven.”Apply it to your lifeJesus is what the world needs today. Tell someone about the Son of Go

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 20:24-29In the Nativity story, the star pointed the wise men to the baby Jesus. But we cannot have the stars of Christmas without the scars of Christmas. We must remember: Jesus was born to die for our sins.We worship a God with scars; they are not incidental, but so fundamental that Jesus carried those scars with Him to Heaven.There are three things these scars tell us about God in human flesh.First, the scars tell us that as a man, Jesus suffered. In John 20:27, Jesus invited his doubting disciple, Thomas, to examine His scars, which He received when He was crucified. These scars testify that He suffered for us, and still suffers with us, whether in grief, in persecution, or when the church is unfaithful.The scars also show us that Jesus sympathizes; they remind us that God has been with us, He has felt what we feel and He understands our pain. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." Pain has a protecting purpose; it warns us to pivot away from the things that harm us. Pain also has a unifying purpose. As the physical human body comes to the aid of a suffering member, pain draws people together.Finally, these scars reveal to us that Jesus saves. He did not have to suffer. Yet, He moved into our suffering, took it on Himself, so that we could be saved from our sins. Isaiah 53:5 says, "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."Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus came to this earth that we might go to heaven. Jesus became the Son of man that we might become the sons and the daughters of God. Jesus died that we might live.”Apply it to your lifeToday, think not only of the stars but the scars of Christmas. Jesus had some scars, and if we follow Him, so will we. Let your pain point people to the Gospel; testify of

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 3:1-7Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).In John 3, Jesus explains three miracle births that tell the story of our salvation.First, this passage recognizes the deficiency of our natural birth. Despite any status or ranking that we may have, we have been born into this sinful world and are bound to a sinful nature.Second, Jesus reveals the efficiency of the Virgin Birth. John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”Jesus is the only way we can know God and be saved. By being born of a virgin, He was omitted from the curse of the Fall (Genesis 3), and remained sinless. But He had to be a man to pay the sin debt, for, without bloodshed, there is no remission of sin. Therefore, He had to be the God-man.Adrian Rogers says, “He came as He did, to be what He was, to do what He did, that we might be what we are, sons and daughters of God. He was born of a virgin that we might be born again.”Finally, John 3 helps us understand the sufficiency of the new birth.Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5).The Word of God and the Holy Spirit are the “parents” of our new birth. As a result, our new character mimics that of our spiritual parents. We love the Lord Jesus Christ and have the witness of the Spirit. We have a desire for holiness, and to share Jesus with others. Just like there is a finality in our natural birth, once we are saved by the new birth, we are always saved; we receive a fresh start and begin to grow with the certainty of our miraculous rebirth.Apply it to your lifeDo you have the characteristics of someone rebo

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Samuel 18:3A blood covenant is a biblical principle that permanently unites two people together in marriage, business, or friendship. It is made when the blood of one individual mingles with the blood of another, and the two parties adopt a lovingkindness toward each other, meaning their love surpasses all differences.Jonathan and David’s blood covenant in 1 Samuel 18-19 is a picture of the blood covenant God made with us, through Jesus.After David came into power, the descendants of the former king, Saul, were scared that David would kill them, especially Saul’s grandson, Mephibosheth. But because of the covenant David made with Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan, Mephibosheth was shown lovingkindness.2 Samuel 9:7 says, “And David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.'"Mephibosheth then ratified the covenant first made by his father. King David, who was once Mephibosheth’s enemy, became his friend. Once he ratified the covenant, a transformation took place. Mephibosheth—deformed, dethroned, deceived, and good as dead—was now a son of the King.In the same way, when we change our minds, we take a new King into our lives: Jesus Christ. The blood covenant is not just a biblical principle, it is the subject of the Bible; it is the secret of blessing and the source of boldness.Jesus entered into a blood covenant with God the Father on our behalf. On the cross, the blood of God and the blood of man mingled. As a result, no longer do we live under the tyranny of our emotions, bound to our feelings. We live by the steadfast promise and the saving power of the blood covenant.Adrian Rogers says, “Because of the blood covenant, the meek shall inherit the earth. We’re heirs of God and joint-heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ.”Thank God that God sought us, just as David sought Meph

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 5:6The word “blessed” means to be satisfied. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus revealed the secret of satisfaction. Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”Many of us think of righteousness as something to do. But in the Bible, righteousness is wrapped up in a person, and His name is Jesus. When we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we are actually hungering and thirsting after Jesus Christ.Jesus is Our Spiritual SustenanceIn the material realm, food and water are necessities, not luxuries; if we don’t eat or drink, we will die. And so it is in the spiritual realm: Jesus Christ is not some luxury; He is a necessity. Without Him, our spirits will die.We should desire Jesus preeminently, above all other things. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”Jesus will not work in second place. A lack of joy, peace, or fulfillment is a symptom of unrighteousness. When we hunger and thirst after Jesus, we are blessed, but it is crucial to remember that the blessings are just a by-product. Jesus is the cure; not the joy, peace, and fulfillment that comes with Him.Adrian Rogers says, “You’ll never go beyond Jesus: you may only go deeper and deeper into Jesus.” We should seek Jesus passionately—with a huge appetite. A hungry man is interested in one thing: food. If he is hungry enough, he will go anywhere, do almost anything, and pay any price. Likewise, our quest for Jesus Christ should be marked by deliberation, determination, and desperation.Jesus Satisfies the Strongest AppetiteFinally, we should enjoy Jesus perpetually. Adrian Rogers says, “I don’t know how much of God you have, but you have all you want. Shallow thirst equals shallow satisfaction; small hunger equals small satisfaction.”Contrary to popular belief, we don’t lose the good things of life when we come to Jesus

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 5:5Matthew 5:5 says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus revealed that it is not the mighty men who are blessed--it is the mighty meek.Meekness is not weakness. Jesus was meek, yet He was a strong man. To be meek means to be yielded, to have a compliant spirit. Meekness is strength under control. When we were created, God put certain drives, instincts, and ambitions into our very natures. These are not evil in themselves, but they must yield to the Holy Spirit so that we may bring Him glory and honor.While some believe releasing or restraining our strength will lead to control, true meekness comes after we see ourselves as poor in spirit. Once we are broken over our condition, we can develop strength under control.Step One: Submit to the Son of God.Matthew 11:28-30 says:Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle [meek] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.Jesus offers our wild spirits rest and invites us to submit to His lordship and learn true strength from Him.Step Two: Receive the Word of God.We cannot snatch pieces of the Bible to feed our pride or our opinions.Adrian Rogers says, “The Bible is not meant to be interesting; it’s meant to be disturbing.”We must welcome the Word into our lives with humility, reaching out to Jesus Christ with both hands, letting Scripture be our bridle and bit.Step Three: Be Filled with the Spirit of God.The Holy Spirit of God produces meekness in us; we simply bear the fruit of it.When we are meek, we will receive our inheritance. This dynamic is explained in 2 Corinthians 6:10, which says, “...as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”Apply it to your lifeHave you yielded to the Holy Spirit and developed a me

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 5:4The world tells us that a life without tears, sorrow, and heartache is a blessed life; but this is not true. In fact, in Matthew 5:4, Jesus says, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."We do all we can to avoid pain. We call on psychologists, self-help coaches, and entertainment to change our conditions. In reality, condition does not dictate character.Jesus, Himself, was a Man of sorrows. He teaches us how to turn our tears into telescopes. He teaches us to bring our sorrows and heartaches into focus in such a way that we can see beyond the present and into the future. Our tears today can become telescopes to make the future all the brighter and all the more meaningful.Turning tears into telescopes is a two-step process. We must identify the convicting guilt that causes us to mourn, and we must recognize the grace that comforts us.In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives insight into the deceptive power of sin. Man looks on the outward appearance and sees outward sin. But God looks on the heart and at our inner intentions that led to our sin.Our hearts are “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” (Jeremiah 17:9) Our hearts are subject to sin’s defilement, which perverts the beautiful things we see and touch.If we are truly convicted by our guilt, it should lead to consuming grief and sorrow.There are two kinds of sorrow: godly and worldly. Godly sorrow leads us to repentance, but the sorrow of the world leaves us with remorse.Adrian Rogers explains, “Remorse without repentance can be a dangerous thing. A person filled with remorse is one who loves his sin and hates himself at the same time. A person who has repented is a person who hates his sin because he loves his Savior. Remorse looks at the sin and its consequences. Repentance looks beyond the sin to Calvary.”Looking at Calvary, we recognize the grace that comforts us. Mourning is the only way to know the comfort of our dear Lord. The w

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

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 14:1-3Here on earth, we’re limited in our knowledge about Heaven. But what the Bible does reveal about a place called Heaven leaves us in breathless wonder.Heaven is a real place. Heaven is not a condition or state of mind; it is somewhere on God’s map, and one day we will be there in a resurrected body.The saved go to Heaven immediately upon death. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 says, “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”We will know our loved ones in Heaven, face-to-face, heart-to-heart. In Matthew 8:11, Jesus claims Heaven will feel like a great family reunion. The ones we’ve read about in the Bible and the ones who served God before us will feel like family, as well.There will be joyful activity in Heaven. Heaven will not be boring; quite the contrary. Our work in Heaven will be joyful and thrilling, blessed, and beloved.Heaven is a place of absolute perfection. There will be no more tears, sighing, crying, or pain. Heaven is the presence of all that is good and the absence of all that is bad. Adrian Rogers tells us, “Heaven is all that the loving heart of God would desire. Heaven is all that the incredible mind of God can conceive. And Heaven is all the Almighty Hand of God can create.”Jesus is the crowning glory of Heaven. Jesus said, "I go and prepare a place for you...that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3). The thrill of Heaven is not that we live there... It is that we will live there with Jesus.Only the redeemed will go to Heaven. We can’t trust in honesty, charity, or even religion, itself. We can only trust in Jesus, who died for us and rose again, so that we may see a place called Heaven for ourselves.Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers says, “You have to be Heaven-born to be Heaven-bound.” Knowing the only way

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Proverbs 14:34Proverbs 14:34 says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."When it comes to politics, some believers have dropped out: either discouraged by the worldliness or intimidated by the great debate between church and state. Others, in their misguided zeal, have turned their churches into precincts and used our government to wage holy war against the nonbelievers. At this crucial time in our nation, we need to confess our sins, turn from our wicked ways, and understand what the Word of God says about government.The Bible teaches us that God has ordained human government. Daniel 2:21 says, “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings...” Whether they be wicked or righteous, our government leaders are given authority by God, alone. By and large, nations receive the kind of government they deserve.The Word of God also states that government serves two basic purposes: to restrain evil and to encourage good. Though it is impossible to legislate morality, the government is an instrument of God to legislate against immorality.The Word of God teaches the responsibilities of the church to the government, and vice versa. Respectfully, we do not want the government infringing upon our religious affairs. Likewise, as Christian citizens, we have a civic duty to pray for our government leaders, pay our taxes, and express patriotism. When the government does what is right, we should let them know. We are also instructed to speak up when the government does wrong. We must use our votes to speak up for what is godly and righteous; when we don’t participate, we disobey the Lord.Finally, the Bible claims there will come a time when we may have to disobey our government. In Acts, the apostles were told not to preach the Gospel, but they did anyway. In the Book of Daniel, Daniel was commanded by the government not to pray, but he did anyway. As Jesus instructed us in Matthew 22:21,

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:14It’s prayer time in America; this nation is ripe for God’s judgment, and in desperate need of His mercy. We are a proud nation, wallowing in materialism and rotting in sin, lost in the search for earthly pleasures and false freedoms. But there is hope!2 Chronicles 7:14 is an ancient promise God made to Israel in times of calamity. It says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."This passage recognizes the people God has: “If My people who are called by My name…” As God’s people, we must understand and accept that if America falls and fails, it will be our fault. Adrian Rogers says, “It is not our duty to persuade God to send revival; we must permit Him to do so.”This passage also addresses the pride God hates: “...will humble themselves, and pray….” Pride is the root of all kinds of evil. This is why we are to humble ourselves before God. James 4:6 says, “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”This passage reveals the prayer God hears: “...and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” God is not just our only hope… He is our biggest threat; and to pray without repentance angers Him. Repentance is more than a conviction of sin. It’s more than a confession or contrition for sin. Repentance is a heart change. We must repent of our wicked ways and seek the face of God.Finally, this passage reminds us of the promise God honors: “...then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." God would rather pardon than judge. He is angry at our sins, but He is full of compassion. If we humbly ask for forgiveness and repent of our sins, He is faithful to forgive.Apply it to your lifeIf there was ever a time that we need to repent, this is it.Adrian Rogers says, “When the church

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 15The human condition is marked by a single, inherent problem of sin. Oftentimes, we try to explain away or excuse sin, but until we learn to deal with it, we will never know forgiveness. The Gospel Truth only becomes good news when we recognize the bad news, which is our own sin. In this message, we learn there are three things to know about the good news of the Gospel.The SourceThe reason for the Gospel is sin. We are all sinners. Our sin, whether confessed or ignored, comes with a penalty, pollution, and power over us. But because of the death of Jesus Christ, the penalty of our sin was paid in full. Jesus’ final words were, “It is finished” (John 19:30). By His death, we have been pardoned.Because of the burial of Jesus, the pollution of our sin can be purged. When we get saved, Jesus makes our hearts clean. The pollution of sin is put in the grave of God’s forgetfulness. And because of Christ’s resurrection, we have received Christ’s power over sin. It was sin that crucified Jesus and nailed Him to the cross. When Jesus rose from the grave, He demolished the power of sin.The ForceThe Gospel is a saving force. There is no other way to be saved but through Jesus. Adrian Rogers says, “If it’s new, it’s not true. There is only one Gospel, no other Gospel. It is gloriously simple, it is simply glorious.”It is also a sanctifying force. It is present tense. We are being made more and more like Jesus every day. We have been saved from the penalty of sin, and are being saved from the power of sin.And it is a stabilizing force. When we get saved, we don’t keep our salvation… rather, it keeps us.The CourseThe course of the Gospel takes its toll on the whole world. It extends to every person, flows to every place, and covers every problem. The Gospel is the only answer to sin, sorrow, and death. This is the good news worth sharing.Apply it to your lifeHave you acknowledged the bad news of sin, that you might know the good new

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Ephesians 5:14If we’re not careful, we may spend the prime time of our lives chasing the wrong goals. This is why we have to learn how to use and maximize our time for God’s glory. Ephesians 5:14-16 says, “Therefore He says: 'Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.' See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”We must begin to see time as an incredible opportunity, so we may know how to live wisely in evil days. Time is a provided and present opportunity; it is a gift from God that we dare not let pass by. Adrian Rogers says, “There are two days that can steal the joy from today: one is yesterday and the other is tomorrow.”In Philippians 3:13-14, the Apostle Paul said, "...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We must forget the guilt, glory, grief, and grudges of the past.Time is a precious opportunity; the art of living is spending time wisely. Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”We can organize our days according to four principles:-Prayer: it is the key that unlocks the door of the morning. Begin every day with prayer.-Priority: understanding the difference between urgent and important, we must prioritize accordingly.-Promptness: procrastination is a sin. We must cultivate the habit of instant obedience.-Power: this means we do God’s will in the power of the Holy Spirit.Finally, time is a passing opportunity. Adrian Rogers says, “Time is such a strange commodity; all you can do is use it or lose it.”We will give an account for every passing day. Knowing this, we must cut ourselves loose from yesterday’s heartaches and failures and strain toward what’s ahead.Apply it to your lifeWhat do you intend to do with your day? Will y

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Proverbs 29:2God has ordained our government and commanded us to get involved in the decisions made for the leadership of our country. Adrian Rogers says, “Leadership is really stewardship because the leader acts for God.”Jesus taught us to participate in government when He said "We are to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. We’re to render to God the things that are God’s. (Matthew 22:21) There are four basic principles to consider when responding to the leadership crisis in America.Think first about the character that God requires in leadership. God blesses good character over ability. When you go to vote, consider the following qualities that God requires:Godliness: Nobody is fit for leadership who is ungodly or unrighteous.Wisdom: Does your candidate have the wisdom that can only be given by God?Honesty: Proverbs 20:28 says, “Mercy and truth preserve the king.”Discernment: Someone who is able to distinguish between good and bad.Sexual Morality: If a man has no moral standard of his own, he can’t set a moral standard for the nation.Sober: Look for a leader who is not only sober-minded but simply sober.Protective: A good leader protects the weak and defends those who cannot defend themselves.Secondly, remember the choice that God respects. God allows us to choose against His will, and that is the reason we receive the poor leadership we deserve. Adrian Rogers says, “Wicked rulers are God’s reward for wicked people.”Third, see the consequences that God reveals. It is deeply disturbing to consider that America doesn’t know the trouble she’s in on the path she’s currently walking. Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”But ultimately, remember the control that God reserves. Even if wicked men make wicked choices for wicked rulers, God has forsaken control. God is still the King of kings. Again, Adrian Rogers says, “If we do not allow God

In Acts 10, the Gospel was made available to Gentiles for the first time. Up until Acts 15, many in the church believed Christianity was exclusively for the Jews. Concerned, they met in Jerusalem to discuss God’s plan for the Jews.Acts 15:18 reads, “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” God has a plan for this world, the church, for the Jew and the Gentile. And as we hear rumors of a new world order in these last days, we know the reasons why the world is out of sorts to begin with.The church is out of her rightful place. The church, which is the bride of Christ, belongs with the groom. Through the Holy Spirit, He is with us, but we are not by His side. Ephesians 1:13-14 explains that the Holy Spirit is “the earnest of our inheritance,” meaning He is a token of God’s love to His Bride while we wait to join His side.Second, there will never be world order until Israel is restored and there is peace in Jerusalem.God is not finished with the Jewish nation; they are still the chosen people. God gave the land of Israel to Abraham’s descendants in an everlasting covenant, yet, the Jews have been scattered across the earth. As God prophesied Israel's disobedience, dispersion, and disgrace, He also prophesied their resolve and return.Third, Satan is out of place, because the criminal belongs in prison. There will never be order as long as Satan’s spirit is working. The world stumbles in darkness orchestrated by Him. But Satan will not always have the run of this world. There’s coming a time when he will be cast into the prison of his own making: hell.Finally, there will be no world order until the King is on the throne. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords; soon, His Will will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.Adrian Rogers says, “I cannot wait for the time our Lord comes and we have a new world order; when the church and Israel and Satan and Jesus are in their rightful place. It has a good ending, and we’re on the winning side.”Apply

The Book of Ecclesiastes is the journal of King Solomon. It is a record of some of the perplexities he had, as well as some of the mistakes he made. There are three themes from this book when considering the beauty of this life we get to live.First, this book reveals the complex mysteries of life.God does not want life to make sense to us. God, in His infinite wisdom, makes life a mystery to draw us to Him. God put eternity in our hearts; He gave us a desire to see life from an eternal perspective. The answer to life’s mystery is not in nature, history, or science. The answer is that apart from God, wisdom, wealth and work are all meaningless.Ecclesiastes also addresses the challenging adventure of life.In spite of its mystery, God urges us to live with enthusiasm and joy. We cannot let our problems make cynics out of us. There are going to be some hard times; we would be foolish to not enjoy the good times. Adrian Rogers says, “Since God is good, we should live joyfully. Since God is sovereign, we should live confidently. And since God is holy, live life reverently.”Finally, this book reveals that life is a comprehensive test.Everything is going to come to judgment. Because of this, we must learn to rejoice. Adrian Rogers says, “God’s laws do not restrict us; they liberate us.” We must learn, also, to rest and remember; to honor, to obey, to serve God in every season.Everything that King Solomon wrote is by divine inspiration. But we know some things he didn’t know because we have the New Testament. We have an understanding that even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, did not have before he died, primarily, the answer to the age-old question: What is life all about?Glory to God, we know that Jesus said, “I’ve come that you might have life, and that you might have it abundantly.”(John 10:10)Life is about Jesus and only Jesus. Apart from Him, everything is meaningless.Apply it to your lifeLife is a complex mystery and a challenging adventure. In order to pass th

Scripture Passage: 1 John 2:18-29The days are growing gloriously dark; the time is ripe for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.1 John 2:18-29 heeds three warnings to us as we near the rapture and Great Tribulation prophesied in the Book of Revelation.First, we are living in the last days and we need to be awake.“Little children, it is the last time....” (v. 18)Ever since the ascension of Jesus Christ, we have been on the brink of His return. And because the signs of the revelation are here, we know the rapture must be very close.When He raptures His church, He will come secretly, like a thief in the night; we must be spiritually awake.Second, the antichrist is coming and we need to be aware.“...and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (v. 18)There is a wicked, malevolent, ungodly person waiting to be revealed after the rapture of the church; he is called the antichrist. We must be aware that he is devilish, divisive, deceptive and destructive.Third, our Lord is on His way and we need to be abiding.“Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye shall also continue in the Son, and in the Father.” (v. 24)While living in the last days, we need to make ourselves at home in the word of God.Now more than ever, we need to appreciate, appropriate, and assimilate Scripture.We must make ourselves at home with the Spirit of God.Adrian Rogers says, “Anything I can talk you into, somebody else can talk you out of; the one who teaches you is the Holy Spirit of God.”Finally, we need to make ourselves at home with the very Son of God.When Jesus comes for us, we shouldn’t have to be formally introduced. Rather, when we see Him face-to-face, it should feel like uniting with someone we’ve known heart-to-heart.Apply it to your lifeThe signs of the upcoming revelation are all around us in these last days. Are you ready for Jesus to come? Are you awake a

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

Adrian Rogers says, “We do not live by explanations; we live by promises.”One of God’s promises is the assurance of our salvation. 1 John 5 reveals the basis for our belief, and how to be absolutely sure of our salvation in Jesus Christ.First, our certainty comes from the Atoning Work of Christ. 1 John 5:6 says, “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ...”The wages of sin is death (Rom. 3:23) and without the shedding of blood, there’s no remission. Jesus took our sin to the cross, and with His blood He paid sin’s penalty.But there’s also the water, which speaks of that, which continues to cleanse. This assures us, not only of our salvation, but of our sanctification. He saves us from wrath and makes us pure. Adrian Rogers says, “I wouldn’t give half a hallelujah of your hope of Heaven, apart from the water and the blood, apart from the death of the Lord Jesus Christ upon that cross.”Secondly, our certainty comes from the Abiding Witness of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit takes the atoning work and He testifies of it. He gives witness to us and in us. “It is the Spirit that beareth witness because the Spirit is truth.” (v. 6) Before we’re even saved, the Holy Spirit is telling us about Jesus. And when we receive Christ, He comes into us, and witnesses from within. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.” (v. 10) The Spirit also witnesses through us. When we are sure of our salvation, we can witness to others, because we know that our witness is not dependent on eloquence or logic, but upon the Spirit.The third cord of our rock-ribbed assurance is certainty of the Word of the Father. God gave us His Word. Adrian Rogers says, “The message of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is one message: Jesus saves.”The source of this life is Jesus. The substance of life is Jesus. And the surety of life is Jesus; for the Bible tells me so.Apply it to your lifeAre you absolutely sure of your salvation? Consider the three cords of your un

The Coming Kingdom of Christ (1688)Matthew 6:10 says, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven…” There will come a day that God’s will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven. In this passage, Jesus teaches us to pray for the Coming Kingdom of Christ. It is the Kingdom of God’s government; where God rules and reigns. The purpose of prayer is for God’s will to be done. Therefore, effective prayer is finding the will of God and getting in on it. Adrian Rogers says, “God wants for you what you would want for yourself if you had enough sense to want it.”God has given us principles by which we can know His will:- Surrender: Surrender is more than simply committing to the Lord; it is renouncing control. We'll never know God's will until we are willing to say “Thy will be done.”- Scripture: The Word of God contains the will of God. His word is His revelation to you.- Spirit: The Holy Spirit helps us understand the word of God and articulate our prayers.This is our confidence: When we pray in the Spirit, any prayer that the Holy Spirit lays upon our hearts will be answered. Adrian Rogers says, “The prayer that originates in heaven certainly is not going to be rejected there.”The coming kingdom of Jesus Christ is the Kingdom of God’s grace. Not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us. (Titus 3:5-7)It is also a Kingdom of God’s goodness. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. He is so good.Finally, it is the kingdom of God’s glory. God will be glorified here upon this earth. The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as waters that cover the sea. (Habbakuk 2:14)His kingdom has not come yet on earth. His will is not being done on earth, but it will be.Apply it to your lifeHave you surrendered to the will of God? As you pray today, consider praying this simple, yet powerful, declaration: “thy Kingdom come, thy will be done.”

When We Say "Father" (1684)There is nothing more important than knowing how to pray. Adrian Rogers says, “Nothing can stand against the man who can pray, because prayer can do anything that God can do... and God can do anything.”Matthew 6:9 shows us how to address our God when we pray: “After this manner therefore pray ye, Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name…” What happens when we say, “Father”?First, we express God’s very nature. He is a father. 1 Corinthians 8:6 says, “But there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things in Him.”When we say Father, we also expect His nurture. Calling Him Father infers that we are His children. When we become Christians, we are supernaturally born again. His very life comes into us. We can find great comfort in knowing we have His care. We also have His correction. Hebrews 12:7 says, “for if you endure chastening, God dealeth with you as Sons, for what son is He whom the father chasteneth not?” Adrian Rogers says, “When God saves you, He doesn’t fix you up where you can’t sin any more, but He sure does fix you up where you can’t sin and enjoy it anymore.”We also have His companionship.Again, we are told by Pastor Rogers, “I’m so glad that our heavenly father never gets so busy that he doesn’t have time just to close his ledger and talk to you like there’s no one else on earth and nothing else for Him to do. You can come to Him anytime any day and talk to Him and call Him Daddy.”And we have His compassion. A true father would die for his children. That is exactly what God the Father did when He sent Jesus to take on the sins of the world.Lastly, when we call Him Father, we exalt His name. The name of Jesus is above every name. When we hallow that name — recognize, revere, and rely upon it, we find that we have great power in prayer.Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers says, “We don’t bring our shabbiness to God. When we pray, we pray in the name of Jesus.”When you pray today, call Him Father; express His natu

Heaven’s Bread for Earth’s Hunger (2252)No matter how different we may be, human beings have one thing in common: our souls are hungry for something this world cannot satisfy. But the Bible says, Jesus is Heaven’s Bread for earth’s hunger.In John 6, Jesus is speaking to a great multitude that was growing hungry, but there was no food to eat. Yet, they were fed.This story reminds us, first, that there is no problem too big for God to solve.Secondly, we are reminded that there is never a person too small for God to use. Adrian Rogers says, “Don’t insult God by saying God cannot use you; He takes ordinary people, does extraordinary things.” In this story, Jesus used a little boy’s lunch to feed five thousand people. The boy offered what little he had; it was received and blessed by Jesus, and then multiplied.Third, Jesus is the spiritual bread that satisfies the deepest hunger of our souls. John 6:32-33 says, “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from Heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” Jesus reminds the multitude of the day of Moses, in which the people of God received manna from Heaven in the wilderness. This story is symbolic of Jesus, who is not only spiritual bread, but also supernatural bread, having come down from Heaven.Jesus is also the satisfying bread. John 6:35 says, “Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”Finally, Jesus is sustaining bread. John 6:57-58 says, “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven… he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.Jesus offers everlasting, abundant life through Him. We’ve been invited to the table, to feed upon Heaven’s Bread, that we may never be h

Is There Hope for America? (5648)Is there hope for America? Yes: Jesus Christ’s spirit in us is still the only hope for America. However, it seems America is in a post-Christian era; professing Christians now enter hostile territory. We may be tempted to retreat or to allow political strategies to substitute the gospel of Jesus Christ. But we don’t have the luxury of silence. We’ve been called to preach the Gospel and come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of denomination, vocation, economic status and race.If we want to share the only hope for America, we must adopt the principles found in 1 Peter 3.The first principle we must adopt is lordship.1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…” Nothing should come between us and our obedience to God. Before anything else, we must sanctify the Lord God in our hearts.Secondly, adopt the principle of learning.1 Peter 3:15 goes on, “...and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you of the reason of the hope that is in you…” The answers to the world’s questions are readily available to us in God’s Word. We need to be the people in society and politics who know what they believe and why they believe it.The third principle to adopt is lowliness.1 Peter 3:15 goes on: “...with meekness and fear.” Adrian Rogers says, “Meekness is strength under control. And the word fear in this context is a holy reverence for Almighty God.” We can’t be arrogant; Lowliness and true humility were the method that Jesus used in His ministry, and it is what we ought to use.The fourth principle to adopt is a new lifestyle.There needs to be something different about us. We are called to be set apart.The final principle to take on is love.1 Peter 3:8 says, “Finally, be ye of all, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”Churches need to be places of love. People need to know, not what we’re against, but what we’re for, which is the

The Politics of Pilgrims (2133)As Christians of this day and age, our greatest need is to realize that we are pilgrims heading to a home which is not of this world.The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Philippians from a prison in Rome; a city of great hostility toward Christians. It was in this prison cell he told the church of Philippi: “Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20) He points out the politics of those once born and of those twice born. We notice there is a great contrast in their affections, allegiance, and aspirations.In order to understand the politics of pilgrims, we must first:- Remember our mandate. Our mandate is still the Great Commission, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.- Utilize the right method. Our ally is the Holy Spirit. Our source of supply is Almighty God. Our Commander in Chief is Jesus Christ. And our battle ax is the Word of God.- Have the right mindset. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.”It’s easy to become bitter about what wicked people in power are doing. But we are supposed to keep our eyes on Jesus and rejoice always.Knowing our politics, we can commit to the Pilgrim’s Resolution:1. “I will not despair.” Adrian Rogers says, “It may be possible for some earthly kingdom to be in decline and God’s kingdom to be doing quite well.”2. “I will not be intimidated.” Be encouraged when the polls do not turn in our favor: we belong in the minority. Jesus says in John 15:18, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”3. “I will not be bitter.” Philippians 4:8 encourages us to dwell on “...whatsoever things are true… honest… just… pure… lovely… of good report… of any virtue… of any praise.”4. “I will not compromise.” Don’t stop voting or participating. Adrian Rogers says, “We must hold high the flag of Jesus Christ, the blood-stained banner of our Prince and King and never compromise Jesus Christ.”Apply it to your lifeAs Adrian Rogers say

Christian Citizenship (2080)What does the Bible say about Christian citizenship? What are our responsibilities, duties, and rights? What are Christians to do, to think, and how are we instructed to behave?Many Christian citizens shy away from political involvement for various reasons. Some are discouraged, others are intimidated or annoyed.But Romans 13:1-7 encourages us, first, to look at the reasons for human government.The Bible tells us that human government is ordained by God.Daniel 2:21 says, “He (the Lord), removeth kings and setteth up kings.”God ordains human government for two reasons: to restrain evil and to reward good.Romans 13 also outlines the requirements for human government.In Matthew 22, Jesus tells the people, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.”As Christians, our responsibility is, first and foremost, to God; but we do have a responsibility to human government.Adrian Rogers says, “Separation of church and state does not mean the separation of God and government.”The government is here to restrain evil. The church is here to preach the Gospel. The state is not the master of the church, and the church is not the master of the state.The church is the conscience of the state. We are here to hold up a standard of truth.There are six duties Christian citizens have concerning our government.1. Pay our government: Jesus paid His taxes; we ought to do likewise.2. Pray for our government: Adrian Rogers says, “The greatest responsibility in America is not in the White House but in the church house.”3. Praise our government: We are to give honor to whom honor is due.4. Preach to our country: Adrian Rogers says, “We dare not identify the Christian faith with the Democrat or the Republican Party. We need to be free to tell both parties to repent and get right with God.”5. Participate in our government: Christians are to participate, not on the basis of parties, but principles. We are to be informed.6. Persu

The Leadership Crisis in America (1939)God has ordained our government and commanded us to get involved in the decisions made for the leadership of our country. Adrian Rogers says, “Leadership is really stewardship, because the leader acts for God.” Jesus taught us to participate in government when He said We are to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. We’re to render to God the things that are God’s. (Matthew 22:21)There are four basic principles to consider when responding to the leadership crisis in America.Think first about the character that God requires in leadership. God blesses good character over ability. When you go to vote, consider the following qualities that God requires:Godliness: Nobody is fit for leadership who is ungodly or unrighteous.Wisdom: Does your candidate have the wisdom that can only be given by God?Honesty: Proverbs 20:28 says, “Mercy and truth preserve the king.”Discernment: Someone who is able to distinguish between good and bad.Sexual Morality: If a man has no moral standard of his own, he can’t set a moral standard for the nation.Sober: Look for a leader who is not only sober-minded, but simply sober.Protective: A good leader protects the weak and defends those who cannot defend themselves.Secondly, remember the choice that God respects. God allows us to choose against His will, and that is the reason we receive the poor leadership we deserve. Adrian Rogers says, “Wicked rulers are God’s reward for wicked people.”Third, see the consequences that God reveals. It is deeply disturbing to consider that America doesn’t know the trouble she’s in on the path she’s currently walking. Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”But ultimately, remember the control that God reserves. Even if wicked men make wicked choices for wicked rulers lead, God has forsaken control. God is still the King of kings.Adrian Rogers says, “If we do not allow God to rul

How to Pray for America (2482)America 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 understand how 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 says, “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 prayers fo

The Generation to Come and the American of Tomorrow (2232)America did not just happen; America was a gift from God. However, it seems as though the virtues and values upon which this nation was built have been trampled. What legacy are we going to leave for the generation to come? What is the America of tomorrow?It could look like Psalm 78. In this passage, God had blessed the nation Israel, delivered them from the chains of slavery, and brought them into a good land. Yet, they defiled the land, denied the Lord, and disobeyed the new law. If we want to avoid the judgment given in Psalm 78, we must heed to this ancient truth in today's world, following three practical ways.First, we need to review our history:As a country: America has a distinct spiritual heritage. We must teach our children America’s history of trusting in God.As a family: How did your family come to know Jesus? Do your children know the story of how the Gospel changed their heritage?As a church: It is crucial to remain rooted in the infallible Word of God our churches were built upon.As an individual: We must understand and acknowledge what God has done in our lives and tell the generation to come.The lust of the flesh; rather than thanking God for blessings, Israel asked for more, testing His graciousness.The lure of the world; they broke God’s heart by forgetting Him, renovated the nation to exclude the One upon whom it was built.The lies of the devil; the one who steals, kills, and destroys was behind it all.Next, we need to renew our memory. As a nation, we have three evil principalities at work, trying to manipulate our perspectives. We see them here in Psalm 78:Finally, we must reclaim our legacy.Adrian Rogers tells us, “Not only is God our greatest hope, God is our biggest threat. And the nation that was born in 1776 must be born again or we will join the graveyard of the nations.”The America of tomorrow depends on our decision to reclaim our legacy. We have to do the best we can with what w

5 Ways to be a Successful Husband (2229)

Building on the Word of God (0539)The Book of Nehemiah tells the story of the rebuilding of the fallen walls of Jerusalem. And at the end of the sixth chapter, the walls were completed. Despite the devil’s attempts to stop them, the people of God prevailed, and built as God instructed them.Nehemiah 7 begins: the job was completed. The people of God were secure, organized, housed and fed. But there was something that needed to be done inside these freshly restored city walls: building their community on the Word of God. God blessed His people with a real, genuine revival; one that was rooted in a hunger for the Word of God.Nehemiah 8:1 tells us, "And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of the Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel."There was a famine for the word of God. The people gathered and begged Ezra to preach to them. The revival came about by a hearing of the Word of God. Nehemiah 8:3 says, "And he read therein before the street that was, read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday." Adrian Rogers says, “These people were attentive, not time conscious. They had revival because they were not clock watchers.”There was an honor given to the Word of God. Our greatest danger is indifference toward Scripture. If we believe the Bible to be true, we ought to honor it as these people did in Nehemiah 8.There was a proper handling of Scripture. It’s not just enough to read the Bible; someone has to explain it. Preaching Scripture is reading a passage of scripture, then analyzing, organizing, illustrating, and applying it.Finally, there was a heeding of the word of God. What took place when they began to heed to the word of God?1. There was mourning over their own sin.2. There was joy.3. There was obedience.A church that is built on the Word of God is one that obeys His commands.Apply it

Weapons of Our Warfare (0534)Before he ever rebuilt the fallen walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah was a man of prayer, facing serious spiritual warfare. When we live for God, we find ourselves in a battle between light and darkness, death and life, Heaven and Hell. Every Christian is called to be a part of it.Before we can identify our weapons in this warfare, we need to learn about our adversary, the devil. The Bible says we wrestle against “the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph. 6:12)Our intellect is no match for his subtlety and unrighteous spirituality, or his strength.How are we supposed to fight this enemy? Ephesians 6:13-17 tells us to put on the armor of God:The Belt of Truth holds everything together, locked in for battle with the truth from Scripture.- The Breastplate of Righteousness protects us from the enemy’s arrows of impurity.- The Boots of Peace keep us encouraged as we tread through dangerous territory.- The Shield of Faith protects us from the enemy’s attacks of doubt.- The Helmet of Salvation gives us full assurance of God’s constant deliverance.- The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Putting on the armor of God is preparing ourselves to pray in the Spirit. Adrian Rogers says, “Prayer is not getting ready to fight. That’s where the fight is…The devil mocks our schemes, he laughs at our toiling, but he fears our prayers.”Praying in the Spirit listens to God. It is a prayer that abides and lovingly intercedes on behalf of others. It’s also hard work; it takes blood, sweat and tears to pray in the Spirit.Though it takes much work, praying in the Spirit is the weapon of our warfare that Satan cannot stand against.Apply it to your lifePut on the armor of God and go to battle. Pray in the Spirit; listen to God, abide, intercede for others,

Dealing with Discouragement (0533)Any work for God will be met with opposition from the devil. And one of the devil’s methods to stop the work of God is through discouragement. Nehemiah 4 shows us how to deal with discouragement. While rebuilding the fallen walls of the city of Jerusalem, Nehemiah and his team faced the enemy’s attack of discouragement. This passage reveals, first, the curse and the three causes of discouragement.First, Nehemiah’s people were worn out. They were in the middle of the job, working hard, growing tired. The newness had worn off, yet the end was far out of reach.Second, they were weighted down. They had a task to do; rather than seeing it one step at a time, they saw the rubbish, trash and debris. The task seemed too big.Third, they were wrought up. The enemy knows just when we are in breaching difficulty, physically debilitated, or when we have more to do than we can do. He can sense when things are about to cave in. That is when he attacks.And unfortunately, much like in this passage, the attack can come from other people of God. Adrian Rogers says, “Do you know the hardest thing for me to face as a pastor? It's not what the enemy does out there, but it is people within the camp who say it can't be done.”Nehemiah then took six steps to re-encourage those who had been discouraged:1. He armed his people, equipping them for battle as they built.2. He assured his people, urging them to remember the Lord their God.3. He aroused his people, stirring in their hearts with a powerful message: “You’re not just building walls… you’re building lives.”4. He applied his people, instructing them to get back to work.5. He assembled his people, unifying them before God.6. He admonished his people, warning them to be careful.Apply it to your lifeAre you dealing with discouragement today?As Adrian Rogers says, “Be sober; be vigilant. Let's stay on our knees and keep our face in the book. Let's keep loving one another and be deathly afraid of sin. Let's k

Reacting to Ridicule (0531)The Book of Nehemiah tells the story of Nehemiah’s return to his homeland to rebuild the fallen walls of Jerusalem. In Nehemiah 4, he and his team faced criticism for their work. Their mockers ridiculed their feebleness and the futility of their task. They laughed at Nehemiah’s confidence to accomplish his big task at hand. They mocked the foolishness of their faith and the frailty of their work. They didn’t think Nehemiah’s work would last.Ridicule is one of the hardest things we will face as Christians. We are feeble people by the world’s standards (measured by numbers, size, prestige and finances). The world doesn’t believe we can do what we have been commissioned and empowered to do by Jesus Christ. They laugh at what they call the foolishness of our faith.When reacting to ridicule, we ought to remember what things Nehemiah did. He made practical considerations.First, he considered the cause of the ridicule.Ridicule is a substitute for reason. If these mockers couldn’t reason Nehemiah out of this work for God, they would ridicule him, instead.He also considered the character of his mockers. Adrian Rogers says, “We’re known not only by the friends that we make, we’re also known by the enemies that we make.”He considered the company he was in. When we are scorned, we must remember: Jesus Christ was scorned. We are in good company.He considered the compensation he would receive, because “when men will persecute you, and revile you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for My name sake, rejoice and be exceeding glad.” (Matthew 5:11)Then he considered the conclusion of the matter: God, Himself, will have the last laugh.Nehemiah carried the ridicule to God in prayer; and then, he got to work. In spite of all of the threats of the enemy, of the ridicule and scorn, this team kept their work in mind. Rather than submitting to the criticism, they just started doing what God had called them to do.What would happen if we had a mind to wo

Let Us Arise and Build (0530)In Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah is commissioned by God to rebuild the fallen walls of Jerusalem that had left the people of God without defense. In this passage, there are six principles Nehemiah practiced in building the walls. We can apply these principles as we rise and build the fallen walls in our lives.The first thing Nehemiah did was fix his focus. Nehemiah had a mandate from God. He fasted, prayed, and wept, and God revealed to him what to do. In the same way, God has a purpose for our lives and our goal and aim should point toward that purpose.Second, Nehemiah found the facts. Nehemiah saw for himself that God’s work in Jerusalem was in ruins. In finding the facts, he was able to calculate what it would take to rebuild.Then he formed a fellowship. Nehemiah knew that there is strength in numbers and in unity; he knew he could not do by himself. Though God called him to lead, he said, “Come, let us do it together.” (v. 17)After this, Nehemiah fortified his faith. Human nature fears the new. Whenever anyone suggests doing something great and noble, there's always a sick feeling in the pit of our stomachs that maybe it cannot be done. Christians, let us not forget: God is leading, and if God's good hand is upon us, it can be done. God is the one who opens doors that no one can shut. But remember: God only opens doors for people who want to go through them.Next, Nehemiah faced his foe. Adrian Rogers says, “The door to the room of opportunity swings on the hinges of opposition.” When we come to an open door, we will have adversaries. But if God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31)Lastly, Nehemiah fulfilled his function. Reconstruction begins in Nehemiah 3. What a wonderful thing it was as each man found his place along the wall and fulfilled his function. Each person had a part in the work. Each person had a job to do.But notice: these builders began construction near his own house. Let this be a reminder to begin at home, in our own

How to Turn Your Problems into Possibilities (0527)God wants us to see our problems as possibilities, and our adversaries as opportunities. Whether we, as individuals or as a church, are trying to turn a problem into possibilities, the Book of Nehemiah shows us that God has wonderful plans for us.There are three basic steps we must take in order to do anything glorious in the name of Jesus.The first thing we must do is visualize. Nehemiah received the news of the city of Jerusalem’s fallen walls. Walls in the Bible had a symbolic meaning. They spoke of glory, salvation and the protection of God over his people; and these walls had fallen. These walls are also symbolic to us. We, too, are called to rebuild walls that have fallen: walls of national security, of the family, of decency, of our educational system and of doctrine.The second step is to agonize. In Nehemiah 1:4, Nehemiah prayed a prayer of contrition. He wept over the condition of the city. Adrian Rogers says, “Society has forgotten how to blush, and the church has forgotten how to weep.”He prayed a prayer of confession. Nehemiah understood that if he didn't repent, he would remain part of the problem, not the solution.It was also a prayer of confidence. Real prayer is rooted in the promises from the Word of God.Finally, it was a prayer of commitment. Nehemiah had a great job in a great disposition, however, when God burdened him over the city of Jerusalem, he decided to get involved.The final step is to organize. When God began to move in Nehemiah’s heart, Nehemiah asked for the king’s permission to return to his homeland, as well as for protection and provision to rebuild.We, as a church or as individuals, must be bold to ask the King of kings for permission, protection and provision as we rebuild the walls of our conviction. It’s only then we will turn our problems into possibilities.Apply it to your lifeVisualize until God gives you a burden; agonize until you know that you've confessed your sins and ma

Victory of a Mother’s Faith (1924)Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Hebrews 11:23-27The most influential people on earth are mothers of faith. One powerful example is Jochebed, a Hebrew slave, mother of Moses, whose faith saved her son and, eventually, an entire people.Hebrews 11:23-27 reveals five things about Jochebed’s faith that remain true for mothers of faith everywhere.First, Jochebed’s faith saw a promise from God. “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child…” Jochebed saw that her son, Moses, was a gift from God. She recognized his legitimacy, saw he needed protection at a time when her nation was slaughtering babies like him.Second, her faith acted upon the promise of God. Not only did Moses’ parents have faith, their faith led to action. They hid Moses in order to protect him. “...and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.”Those were dark days, yet the Bible says that Moses’ parents were full of valor. They knew God, His Word and His promise to deliver His people. “By faith Moses… refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”Jochebed’s faith saw victory; God preserved the life of that child. Not only that, God had engineered a faith in Moses’ heart, through the faith of his mother. “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”Jochebed’s faith obtained strong, godly values she would pass on to Moses, who, in turn, would pass them onto God’s people.Thank God for young men and women who have fires built into them by mothers and fathers of faith. Adrian Rogers says, “The great need today is godly parents, who in spite of the king's commandments, listen to the King of kings ins

The Simplicity of Salvation (1276)The Gospel is meant to be told simply. God wants salvation to be made simple, because it is His desire that anyone can understand and obtain it.Acts 16:23-31 tells the story of Paul and Silas, who have been put in prison for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They’ve been beaten and stuffed into a dungeon; yet, they are singing and praising God. Then came a great earthquake, and the prison doors and shackles came undone. They were free. When the jailor saw that the prisoners were freed, yet remained in their cell, he asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas’s answer reveals the beautiful simplicity of salvation.First, we must consider the meaning of salvation. To be saved means to be delivered from sin. Sin comes in three forms:The wrong we doThe right we don’t doThe good we do without GodSo what does it mean to be saved from sin? We are saved from the penalty, the pollution, the power and the presence of sin.Second, we must consider the man of salvation: the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 16:30 says “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved.”When these disciples said, “Lord” they meant He’s the Master of our lives.When these disciples said, “Jesus” they meant He's the Mediator between us and God.When these disciples said, “Christ” they meant He’s the Messiah, the one who saves.Finally, remember the method of salvation: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. What does it mean to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? It is not mere intellectual belief. The demons believe and tremble (James 2:19), and they are certainly not saved. “Believe on” means “commit to”. Commit to the Lord Jesus Christ.We believe that whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Rom. 10:13)And whosoever means anybody, any time, any place, anywhere.Apply it to your lifeIf someone asks you, “How can I be saved?” as the jailor asked Paul and Silas, would you know what to say?

How You Can Be Sure (1253)Acts 10 tells the story of a Roman army officer named Cornelius. Cornelius was also a Gentile. Up until this time, the Gentiles had not been added to the Christian church (the early believers were Jewish). Yet, Cornelius was hungry to know God and he was hungry for faith in Jesus Christ. Supernaturally, God brought Cornelius and the apostle Peter together. As he is presenting the Gospel to Cornelius, Peter claims three indisputable witnesses who testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. By believing them, we, like Cornelius, can be sure of our salvation as well.The first was a personal witness of the saints. The apostles standing before Cornelius had literally walked with Jesus during his ministry. The disciples were a diverse group of young men who lived with Him, ate and fellowshipped with Him. They personally witnessed His life, death and resurrection. And though a wide mixture of characters, the disciples’ recollection of Jesus is unanimous: He is the resurrected Son of God.The second was the prophetic witness of the Scriptures. Every page of Scripture is about Jesus, if not explicitly, then prophetically. Even in the Old Testament, before Jesus walked the earth, prophecies the salvation He would bring to mankind. The Bible has one hero, which is Jesus; and it has one message: Jesus saves. Adrian Rogers says, “The Bible was not written primarily to give us the history of Israel. It's not written primarily to tell us about ceremonies and rituals; the Bible was written to tell us that Jesus saves.”Lastly, the Holy Spirit acted as the third witness. After he was saved, Cornelius immediately received the Holy Ghost and began to speak in tongues. This was the outward evidence of the internal work of God in the hearts of these new believers. God was expanding the church to include the Gentiles right before their eyes. Jew and Gentile became one body, by witness of the saints, the Scripture and the Spirit.Apply it to your lifeAre you sure o

All Things New (1251)2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Adrian Rogers says it this way, “A Christian is not just somebody who has become nice; he’s become new.”Acts 9 tells the story of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. His early name was Saul and he was a persecutor of Christians. Yet, in this passage, he becomes Paul, the greatest missionary and evangelist the world has ever known. He was changed by the grace of God, so much so, he even changed his name! There are five markings of this man made new, found in Acts 9:17-22.First, Saul had a new Lord. The first question Saul asked when confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus was, “Lord, what would you have me do?” Jesus had become his Lord; immediately, he was under new management. The Bible calls Jesus, Lord 433 times. And Adrian Rogers says, “You cannot have what He gives, salvation, unless you receive what He is, and that is Lord.”Second, Paul had a new life. When you receive Jesus as Lord, you receive a new life, and a new spiritual sight. You’re able to see things you’ve never seen before.Third, Paul had a new liberty. God put His power within Paul. The Christian life is what God does in us and through us. He’s the one who gives us that liberty.Fourth, Paul had a new love. A few days before his conversion, this man was threatening the church. His heart was filled with bitterness and malevolence toward those who were called Christians. And those he once loathed he now loves. If you love Jesus, you will love what He loves.Finally, Paul had a new labor. Saul’s mission was to destroy the church. Paul’s mission was to build the church. The markings of a new life in Christ is that he shares it with others.And what God did for Saul, God wants to do for us, all.Apply it to your lifeHave you been made new in Christ? Does your life show that you have a new Lord, life, liberty, love and labor?

The Experience of Obedience (1241)Being a Christian is a joyous thing. The reason we are not filled with joy in this Christian life could be a matter of disobedience. Adrian Rogers says, “Obedience is the missing ingredient in so many Christians’ lives.”What does it mean to truly obey Christ? What is the expedience of obedience?In Acts 5, Peter and the other apostles have caused quite a stir by preaching about Jesus Christ. The religious authorities are trying to stop a revival they began. They command the apostles to stop preaching. Verses 29-32 says: “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”In this text, we are first given the reason for obedience. When God tells us to do something, we don’t have any other reasonable choice because He is a sovereign God. He has every right to instruct His children, no refusal or rebuttal about it. He is also a saving God, who suffered and died for us. Why do we obey Him? We owe it to Him.What are the requirements for obedience?Understand first, we can’t obey unless we know what it is that God wants us to do. Once we know God’s will, we must be intentional about obeying it, and do so immediately. We will be held accountable for what we know. When He speaks, we must answer Him, regardless of circumstances. Only then can we see the supernatural rewards of our obedience:Power in our livesJoy in our heartsVictory in the church.When we obey God rather than men, we will see great multitudes of people come to Jesus Christ.Apply it to your lifeWould you like to obey, to be happy in Jesus? Would you like to have victory in your life? Know the will of God for your life and do

The Conquest (1780)Acts 4 tells of the great conquest of Jesus Christ, the one who died and arose from the grave.He is still alive and well; the Christ that walked the shores of Galilee is alive through His new body, the Church, even today.Because He lives, His persecution continues. Adrian Rogers says, “When you persecute the church, you persecute Jesus.”At the beginning of Acts 4, a miracle was performed by the disciple, Peter. He claimed it was the power of Christ in Him who healed. As a result, the people were beginning to follow Jesus. The religious leaders didn’t like it, and began persecuting the Church. But because the apostles were acting as the hands and the feet of the Lord, it was Jesus who was persecuted, too.Because He lives, His preaching convinces. How did these uneducated fishermen preach and five thousand come to Christ? They were not dependent upon their power of persuasion or winsomeness to bring these people to Christ. It was the people’s encounter with Christ through the disciples that convinced them to believe.Because He lives, His power confronts. There are things happening in this world today that are undeniably done by the hand of Jesus. He is still performing miracles.Because He lives, His presence compels. After spending time with the resurrected Christ, Peter was compelled to tell others about Him. If we spend time with Jesus, we will be as bold as His disciples. His presence will compel us with a holy boldness; a knowledge that Jesus is alive and He lives through us.Finally, because He lives, His people confess. Acts 4:20 says, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Anybody who has known that Christ is alive cannot keep quiet; we cannot hold it in.Because He is alive, we can wear persecution like a badge of honor. We can let Jesus convince, confront and compel others through us.Let us not be ashamed to confess what He has done in our lives.Apply it to your lifeDo you know that Jesus is alive? Does your life r

The Cross (1779)The cross of Jesus Christ is the cure for sin. 1 Peter 3:18 points out three truths about how God forgives and deals with sin through the cross.The very first truth is the vicarious suffering of the cross. The word vicarious means “in the place of another”. 1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust....” Jesus, who is the just, sinless Son of God, died for the unjust, us. He became our substitute. He faced emotional and bodily suffering unlike anything we could possibly imagine.In the Old Testament, God instituted the ritual of the Passover Lamb. There was judgment upon the land because of sin, but God told His people to kill a perfect, spotless lamb. They were to take the blood of that lamb and put it upon the doorpost of their houses. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot...” Jesus' crucifixion bears symbolism of that of a Passover Lamb. Even then, God was using the Passover Lamb as a prophecy and a picture of the cross of Jesus Christ.Notice also the vital satisfaction of the cross. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sin....” Once; once for all. The debt has been paid in full. To say that there needs to be another sacrifice for sin is blasphemy. It is finished.We see also the victorious salvation of the cross. “He hath suffered for sin, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” Sin separates us from a Holy God. The cross reconciles us a Holy God. Adrian Rogers says, “On that cross, Jesus took Holy God with one hand, sinful man with the other hand and by the blood of His cross, He hath reconciled God and man.”God has a way of bringing us back.“Oh, the love that thought it; oh the grace that brought it.”Apply it to your lifeDo you believe in the cross of J

How to Love as Jesus Loved (1686)The greatest need of mankind is to love and to be loved. Yet, it’s getting harder to do so than ever before. As Christians, we have been instructed to love as Jesus loved.John 13:34 says, "A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another." This commandment is easy to consider for those who are easy to love… but what about the ones who have hurt us, misused us or wronged us?Not only was Jesus the great teacher, He was the great example.As Jesus gave this commandment, He washed His disciples’ feet: a timely custom performed by slaves. He washed Judas’s feet, who would later betray Him. He washed Peter’s feet, the disciple who would later deny Him. And He washed Thomas’s feet, who would later doubt Him.Here is the Lord of glory doing slave labor… unto the very people who would let Him down.By doing this, He exemplified selfless love. He exemplified humility. Adrian Rogers says, “Real humility is not thinking lowly of yourself; it is not thinking of yourself.” God the Father had put everything into Jesus’ hands, yet he laid aside his garments, took a towel and washed fishermen’s feet.Jesus also exemplified steadfast love; He loves unto the end. If you want to love as Jesus loves, you’ll never stop. We love sometimes, but we only do so when everything is just right. Under pressure, we excuse ourselves from it. But even the unsaved can love that way! Adrian Rogers says, “Your character that cannot stand up under pressure and under testing is not real.”Jesus exemplified serving love. He met injury with service. Love does not give people what they deserve; it gives people what they need. Love is willing to serve at the lowest of tasks.Jesus exemplified sanctifying love.Those of us who are saved walk in a dirty world. Sometimes, we need to let Jesus wash our feet, to remind us of His love. Then, we may go and wash the feet of others.Apply it to your lifeAre you willing to love others

The Lamb Has Overcome (2373)Last words are very important; the last words of the Bible are vitally important. At the end of the Book of Revelation, the words are very concise. This book that deals with doom and destiny can be summed up with this beautiful assurance: the Lamb has overcome.Revelation 22 tells of Bible’s last prophecy: the Savior’s sudden return. Jesus says in verses 12-13: “Behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, the first and the last.”Jesus is coming back suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye. He is the first ray of hope in the Book of Genesis. He is the last warning in the Book of Revelation. One of these days there will be no more days. Yet, Jesus will remain. How foolish to not to be ready!See also the Bible’s last proposal: the sinner’s satisfying choice. Revelation 22:17 says, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Do you want to be saved? Revelation 22 declares that whosoever will may come: Come and drink.Revelation 22 also declares the Bible’s last prohibition: the Scriptures’ sinful revision. The Bible prohibits anybody from revising the Holy Scripture, which is the very Word of God. Don’t try to revise the Bible or make it politically correct. Anybody who puts a question mark after the Word of God is doing the work of the devil; never forget it.The final words found in Revelation 22 are Bible’s last prayer: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” There are some who have no hope, false hope, or uncertain hope.But this is our hope: Jesus has come and He is coming again.Apply it to your lifeAre you ready for Jesus’s return? Have you made the choice to come to Him? Do you believe the infallible Word of God? Do you have that hope? Consider these things.

A Guided Tour Through Heaven (2371)Revelation 21:9-10 gives us a guided tour through Heaven: “And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, ‘Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ And he carried me away in the spirit into a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God.”Scripture often describes the greater glories of Heaven symbolically, because the human mind could never comprehend it. But we can know without a shadow of doubt, Heaven is not symbolic. It is a very real place, indescribably beautiful and inexplicably glorious. God will rule in majesty there; He will dwell with His people. There will be no more sorrow, and no more sin.Heaven shines with the glory of God, no need for the moon or sun. Heavenly choirs will sing the song of Moses and the Lamb; we will worship God with a wonderful song of redemption. And there is room for anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord.Though the sights and sounds of Heaven are wonderful and exciting, it’s Jesus that makes Heaven, Heaven. He is the sanctuary of Heaven!It is a made-new place. Those who have been made new through salvation in Jesus Christ will be there, becoming even more like Him.It is a meaningful place. Adrian Rogers says, “What are we going to see when we go down the main street of Heaven? We’re going to see some glad people. They’re people of deep satisfaction because they’re drinking from the crystal river. And what does this river symbolize? That our deepest needs are going to be met.” Every thirst that you have that is God-given will be satisfied in Heaven. The glow of health will be upon everyone as we serve God like never before.Finally, Revelation 22:4 says, “And they shall see His face.” Heaven’s greatest reward is this: We will see Jesus, face-to-face. That, alone, is worth everything.Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers says, “Heav

The Final Judgment of the Unsaved Dead (2367)The Book of Revelation prophecies that at the end of the Great Tribulation, Jesus comes with His saints in power and great glory to rule and reign here on earth for a thousand blessed years.Revelation 20 reveals the final judgment of the unsaved dead, where God settles the score and judges the sins of those who are not in Christ Jesus.Whether you believe in Him or not, you are going to meet Jesus Christ. He is unavoidable; He cannot be deceived, disputed or discredited. There is no escaping Him. Adrian Rogers says, “If you don’t meet Him as Savior, you will meet Him as Judge. He is the one who will be sitting upon this great white throne.”Notice those who are called to the judgment:The out and out sinner who mocks 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. The evidence, the defense and then the verdict of the court will be handed down. And what waits at the end of a Christ-less life is eternity in hell.But there is good news.Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which 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. Jesus became my Savior when He died on that cross in agony and blood and with His blood He paid my sin debt.”Through the blood of Jesus, your sin can be buried in the grave of God’s forgetfulness, never to be brought up against you again.Apply it to your lifeHave you settled out of court? Choose to follow Him today, lest you stand before the throne of God in judgment.

The Golden Age (2369)Revelation 20 speaks of the coming Golden Age—a day when the Garden of Eden will be restored. There will be no more poverty or war. Israel will be restored to her land. Jerusalem will be the world’s capital. The resurrected saints will rule and reign with the Lord Jesus Christ.We call this the millennium.Theologians have divided their thoughts about the millennium into three basic categories: amillennialism, postmillennialism and premillennialism.Amillennialists believe that the millennium is an allegory for Jesus ruling through the modern church.Postmillennialists believe there must be one thousand years of peace on earth before Jesus Christ can come back. There aren’t many postmillennialists around today, because the world is falling deeper and deeper into sin, as the Bible teaches. Adrian Rogers says, “The Gospel is not something to save civilization from wreckage. The Gospel is God’s plan to save men from the wreckage of civilization.”Therefore, the final category, premillennialism, believes that Jesus must come before we can have a thousand years of peace here on this earth. Jesus will rule and reign on earth from Jerusalem. If we believe this interpretation, we have much to look forward to about the Golden Age.First, there will be a forceful restraint of Satan. Today, Satan roams the earth like a lion. In the millennium, this roaring lion will be chained.Second, there will be the future reign of the Savior. The Lord Jesus Christ will reign on earth, and the saints will reign and rule with Him. All kingdoms on earth will be changed.Third, there will be a final rebellion of the sinners. God, who is always sovereign, will allow Satan to have one final fling; why? It is God’s final testimony to the wickedness of the human heart.Finally, we can anticipate the fixed resolution of sin. Jesus will do away with sin, cast Satan into the lake of fire and deliver the kingdom to Almighty God.We should be encouraged by this. We should anticipate Jesus’s

The Signposts on the Road to Armageddon####Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Revelation 19:11-21Look around, see what is happening in the world. Can you see the signposts on the road to Armageddon? In Revelation 19, the Apostle John has a vision of the Battle of Armageddon, fought on the Mount of Megiddo in Israel. Many great battles have been fought here, and one day, the last great war will take place here.What will lead to this last great war?First, see the detailed prophecies already fulfilled. Israel is back in the land, Europe has reunified, Former Soviet Republics and the Arab nations are gathering strength, coming together against Israel.See also the demonic passions that provoke Armageddon. In the last days, Satan will have his way in deceiving people, spirits and doctrines. Adrian Rogers says, “You will never understand what is happening in today’s society and in the news if you don’t understand behind it all, standing in the shadows, is Satan.” Satan has been careful, gathering strength, unifying the world. But halfway into the Great Tribulation, Satan will move into the temple of God and declare that he himself is God. In this blasphemous move, the sons and daughters of Abraham will no longer worship him as they have been deceived.Satan’s pride will be wounded and his rage intensified. Armageddon will be his vengeance on those who have refused to bow and worship him. The kingdom of the beast is unraveling before his eyes.Notice, finally, the divine power that predominates Armageddon. In Revelation 19, John describes Jesus’s descent from Heaven on a white horse. Verse 15 says, “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations…” When Jesus comes in power and great glory, the battle will be won by the sword that goes out of His mouth—His words. The One who spoke them into existence will speak them into oblivion.Adrian Rogers says, “The time is coming and soon and very soon when 777 will take care of 666. And the kingdoms of

The Coming of the King (2361)Revelation 19 confirms that Jesus is coming again, and soon. We are not waiting for any more prophecies to be fulfilled. He could come at any moment. We cannot be ignorant or indifferent as we wait for the Second Coming of the King.His return is both a mystery and full of majesty. Yet, Revelation 19 gives us a glimpse of what we can expect.Jesus will come visibly; we will see Him. Revelation 1:7 says, “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him.” Matthew 25:6 says, “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” Just as God put Noah in the ark before the flood came, He will take the church out of this world before the Great Tribulation. Adrian Rogers says, “There are two aspects to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Rapture is when Jesus Christ comes for His bride, the church. The Revelation is when Jesus Christ comes with His bride.”Jesus will come victoriously. He is the Most High; there are things we will only be able to learn about Him after the Rapture. Still, there is a mystery about Him that we will never fathom, even in Heaven! The Ministry of His crucifixion also serves His victorious coming. The victory that Jesus will win over the antichrist is based on the blood of the Lamb.Finally, Jesus will come vengefully. God is a God of love, but He is also a God of wrath. He is the righteous judge who makes wrong things right. Therefore, sin must be punished.If you want to be saved, you can be saved. If you want mercy, you may have it. But there is coming a time if you refuse Jesus as your personal Savior, you will face the wrath of God.Jesus is coming again very soon; are you ready?####Apply it to your lifeWhat can we do about the Coming of the King?Learn of it; we cannot afford to be ignorant.Look for it; we’re not waiting on some prophecy to be fulfilled.Long for it; “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”Live for it; we should be found faith

The Marriage of the Lamb (2360)In Revelation 19, the great tribulation has come to a dramatic close and the church—the Bride of Christ—comes to the most climatic time in all of its history: her Wedding. There are several reasons to anticipate this glorious Marriage of the Lamb.First, the music will be magnificent. ‘Hallelujah’ means, ‘Praise the Lord!’ Revelation 19 begins with four stanzas of praise for God from his servants.Hallelujah for the redemption of the Saints. We have been redeemed by Jesus Christ.Hallelujah for the retribution of the Sinner. There is a God who will make wrong things right.Hallelujah for the relationship of the Saved. Praise God that we can say: I am His and He is mine. He is my God, and I am His servant.Hallelujah for the reign of the Savior. Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. Every knee will bow and the shouts of His praise will be through all of heaven.Secondly, the bride will be beautiful. At redemption, we receive the inner nature of Christ. At the rapture, our sinful flesh will be left behind. And at the judgment seat of God, we will receive, according to the deeds that we have done.Thirdly, the guests will be glad. Those who were redeemed before Jesus came to earth (Old Testament saints), or after the rapture will be in attendance.Finally, the groom will be glorified. As beautiful as the Bride will be, the wedding is really about the Groom. Adrian Rogers says, “If you read the Book of Revelation and you don’t come to know and love and see Jesus more, you’ve missed it all. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ. It is the unveiling of Jesus Christ. And the spirit of prophecy is Jesus.” Though we have not seen Him, we, the Bride, love Him. And it may not be long until we meet Him.As the old hymn goes, “Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight and the clouds roll back as a scroll. The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul.”####Apply it to your lifeThe wedding is not far off

Goodbye to Babylon (2359)The Bible has a lot to say about Babylon, much about her history and iniquity, but also her prophecy. The city was built long ago by a man named Nimrod, whose very name means “rebel.” Nimrod was an Old Testament picture of a New Testament prophecy: the antichrist who is to come. As Adrian Rogers says, “Babylon is both the cradle and the grave of false religion.”And in the End Times, ancient Babylon will rise from the dust to meet her doom at the hands of Almighty God’s judgment. In Revelation 18, we learn of what will happen just before we say goodbye to Babylon. Babylon has always been a center of demonism. Even today, our world is being haunted by her ghost through false religion.During the Great Tribulation, the world will be dominated by even more demonic spirits. As we get closer to this time, we can expect to see a tidal wave of sin, debauchery and demonism.Babylon is defiant in her depravity; prideful in her wicked ways.Once the antichrist establishes his kingdom in Babylon, global corporations will make their headquarters there. The antichrist will control the world economy. He will have it all… including the souls of men.In spite of her arrogance, Babylon cannot hold back the judgment of Almighty God. Sin that has been piling up for centuries will be judged. The vengeance that has been accumulating for centuries will come.All of Babylon’s wealth will not be able to stay the judgment of Almighty God. When her economy crashes, a great depression will infiltrate the bankrupt souls of those who invested in her. It is believed by many biblical scholars that this economic crash will trigger the battle of Armageddon.What can we do today?Come out of Babylon (false religion); don’t envy her wealth. Rejoice over her soon destruction.As Adrian Rogers says, “Though you may be a child of God, if you flirt with Babylon, you’re headed for serious problems.” ####Apply it to your lifeIf you don’t want the judgments of Babylon to fall upon you as wel

Beauty and the Beast (2357)Revelation 17 shares the prophetic story of a mysterious Beauty sitting on top of a vicious Beast. This prophecy takes place during the Great Tribulation. The Rapture has already occurred; the Bride of Christ has been taken from the earth. And now the false bride shows herself:“...and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet-colored beast…” (v. 3) “And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (v. 5)In the Bible, women have often symbolized religion, whether good or bad. Babylon is considered the den of false religion. Even now, the world is haunted by the ghosts of Babylon.So when the Bible links the woman from Revelation 17 with Babylon, it reveals that she symbolizes false religion.This Beauty has given birth to all the false religions of the world: New Age/Occult religions, Satan worship, Mother Earth worship, Globalism, Hinduism, Islam, Apostate Christianity. False religion has always been a bloody thing. This passage states that the Beauty is drunk on the blood of the martyrs; she feasts on those who believe in the One True God.Now, consider the beast, her monstrous consort. This beast represents the antichrist and his kingdom. So, what we see here is the ultimate alliance of church and state; a united world government, growing more powerful as the End draws near.What will happen to the Beauty?The beast will turn on her and devour her, for practical and political reasons. He wants to be the ruler of the world. He doesn’t want any competition, even religion.Yet, the devil is on a leash. His plan to devour her fulfills God’s providential purpose to exterminate false religion from the earth. Even during the Great Tribulation, the devil is simply a servant of God.If you are a Christian, you don’t belong to this world. You belong to Jesus Christ.And in these days, though we’re not yet in the Great Tribulation, coming events cast their shadows ahead of time. Don’t flirt

How to Gain and Celebrate Victory (2355)Revelation 15 and 16 tells of the coming tribulation in the End Times. However, it also speaks of the coming victory for those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. How do we gain and celebrate this victory now?First, we must stand upon the solid Word of God. Victory comes by putting Word of God in our mouths: quoting Scripture, speaking of God’s loving instruction. We must meditate on the Word of God day and night, and obey it. Adrian Rogers says, “It is obeying the Word of God that begins to make the Bible burst aflame.”Secondly, we must sing of the redeeming Works of God. All throughout the Bible, we can find songs of victory recited by those who watched God work on their behalf. So, we know the way to celebrate the Lord Jesus is to sing of His works. “It is praise that precedes every victory. It is praise that follows every victory,” says Adrian Rogers.Finally, we must understand that the secret to our victory is the wrath of God. Apart from the righteous judgment of God, there can be no ultimate victory. Sin must be dealt with.The only question is: who will bear the punishment? As Adrian Rogers says, “Your sins will be pardoned in Christ or punished in Hell, but they will never be overlooked.”Revelation gives us a glimpse of how the wrath of God will pour out during the Great Tribulation. There will be erupting flames of fire and judgment. Sinners will refuse to repent. Spirits of demons that are working in the hearts and minds of the national leaders of this world. Earthquakes will ensue. Chaos will wreak havoc.But if we trust in Jesus now, we have victory, by the Word of God, the works of God, and the ensuing wrath of God. The only way to gain and celebrate this victory is to call Him Lord of your life.Apply it to your lifeThe only way to gain and celebrate this victory is if we call Jesus Lord. Do you serve Him, and worship Him? Meditate on Scripture today. Sing praises to God.

How to Find Peace in the Midst of Your Storm (2158)Are you in the midst of a storm? Remember the promises of God! Take heart; He has overcome the world, and He is walking on the water, headed straight for you.Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: John 6:16-21John 6:16-21 tells the story of Jesus walking on the water to his disciples’ boat in the midst of a treacherous storm. Sooner or later, you are going to find yourself in a storm—not like the storm depicted in this passage; rather, one far more terrifying.Things could be going fine, then suddenly you could get a life-changing phone call, or face a shocking diagnosis. How can we find peace in the midst of the storm?We remember what God has promised to us now, in the stillness.Peace is not the subtraction of problems from life. Peace is the addition of power to meet those problems; the power being the promises of God.“I am governed by His providence.” In this story, the storm did not take Jesus by surprise. When difficulty comes, remember God’s providence is over it all.“I am growing by His plan.” God’s plan is not to indulge you; it is to enlarge you. If you are in a storm, it is your privilege to grow and become more like Jesus Christ.“I am graced by His prayers.” Did you know that He sees you right now? He is not far away. He sees right through the dark, sees you in the storm, and He praysfor you.“I am gladdened by His presence.” Sometimes, God waits upon you to wait on Him; but just know… He is coming.“I am guarded by His power.” Adrian Rogers says, “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”“I am guided by His purpose.” God has not promised smooth sailing, but He has promised you a safe landing. Your destiny is already determined. He will see you to the shore.South African minister Andrew Murray once said, “God is willing to assume full responsibility for the life that is totally yielded to Him.” Jesus said, “In this world you’ll have tribulation. But take heart! I’ve overcome the

How to Pray for Friends and Influence People (0525)Your friends need your prayers. Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that that lies outside the will of God.Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 5:16-18The importance of prayer cannot be understated. It is our greatest privilege as Christians, and oftentimes, our greatest failure. We are instructed in Scripture to pray for one another. How do we pray for our friends and influence people through our prayers?James 5:16 says, “Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”First, there is a confession we must make. It is our human nature to cover up our faults. But when we confess our sins to one another, we usher in restoration, or healing. Whether it be healing of the soul or spirit, when we begin to confess our sins, God begins to move in and work.After we claim our faults, we can be reconciled with God and each other; then, revival can occur. We must mind the command to pray for one another. Somebody has said, “The Christian army is the only army in the world that shoots its wounded.” This is not okay! We are not to criticize; we’re to help, lift and boost one another up through prayer, that we may all be healed.To see our prayers answered, we must meet a few conditions. When we pray, we’re to be eager, earnest, fervent, impassioned in our prayers, striving toward a goal. They’re to be on fire, intense and plentiful.Adrian Rogers says, “We give without sacrifice. We pray without fasting. We witness without tears. Is it any wonder that we sow without results?”The Book of James says that we have not because we ask not. (James 4:2-3) Your friends need your prayers. Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that that lies outside the will of God.Apply it to your lifeWhen is the last time you prayed for your friends with fervency? Start today. Get alone with God, in holy reverence; knees to the earth, wit

The Bible and Bodily Healing (0524)Jesus Christ is the answer to every need that a man has: needs for the spirit, the soul and the body. If it is God’s will to heal you, let it be done!Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 5:10-15Christians sometimes face illnesses of varying degrees, but there is hope! Jesus Christ is the answer to every need that a man has: needs for the spirit, the soul and the body.The matter of healing can be complicated. Regardless, we can be certain that in Jesus we have the victory. Though we suffer afflictions, Christians are a victorious people.What does the Bible say about bodily healing?First, we must know the cause —not necessarily the diagnosis— of our sickness.One cause is sin. We, as humans, sometimes pick up some bad habits that intend to bring us harm. These aren’t just external habits, like drinking or smoking. These can be conscious sins, like worry or doubt. Worry to the soul is like sand to machinery: it will destroy you from the inside out.Satan can cause sickness, for he comes to steal, kill and destroy.And sometimes, God has a loving purpose for sickness. It could be for us to know His power over our lives, to keep us productive in our faith. It could be to purify or perfect us, or perhaps it is designed to bring praise back to Him. Perhaps you can reach a new level of faith through your sickness, one you would never reach in your health.There is a procedure believers can follow to seek out bodily healing. The Bible instructs those who are sick to call upon the elders of the church and let themselves be anointed with oil.In the Bible, oil symbolizes something beautiful: the Holy Spirit. The anointing of oil symbolizes the sanctifying or the setting apart of that person to serve God.Then, we pray. Adrian Rogers says, “The prayer that gets to heaven is the prayer that starts in heaven.”If it is God’s will to heal someone, God will give us the faith; and it is the prayer of faith that saves the sick. Do you believe it?Apply i

Is Your Pocketbook Converted? (0523)A man's faith, character, and religion can be measured by his attitude toward money.Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 5:1-8A man's faith, character, and religion can be measured by his attitude toward money.The warning found in James 5 is not against money. Rather, it is a warning about a wrong attitude toward money and the misuse of money after a person has secured it by whatever means necessary.Money is to work for us, we are not to worship it. There are three things to keep in mind when we consider the question: Is Your Pocketbook Converted?First: Wealth that is stagnant is worthless.God does not want treasure heaped up. God wants treasure spread out, in circulation. God gives us riches, not to keep them, but to share them. Money that is not used, corrupts.Second: Wealth that is earned sinfully is wicked.People who use their wealth and position to oppress the poor will answer for what they have done, for God is always on the side of the oppressed.Third: Wealth that is selfish is gluttonous.The Bible is not against us having legitimate pleasures, recreation, rest. The Bible is not against us having a warm meal and beautiful clothes. But the Bible is against living in excess, in self-gratification. The Bible likens these people to hogs being fattened for the slaughter.In the light of this warning, shouldn't we be wise with our wealth? Shouldn't we take what wealth we have, whether it be wealth of personality, influence, physical strength, prayer power, property or whatever it is, and invest it in the cause of Christ?How can we make eternal investments? The only way we can get our treasures to heaven is to invest it in the souls of men.Adrian Rogers says, “What we invest for the Lord Jesus Christ is never lost. What man puts in the soil of service for Christ will bring forth the fruit of righteousness. It pays to serve Jesus. We need to learn how to live for eternity.”Apply it to your lifeWhat is it that you have that you're

The Sad Case of the Boastful Businessman (0521)Submit everything to Him, today. Ask Him what He would have you do. And worship Him through your obedience.Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 4:13-17Adrian Rogers says, “The man who says there's no God is a fool. But he may not be the biggest fool. There may be even yet a bigger fool: the man who says there is a God and then doesn't live like it.”James 4:13-17 shares a great illustration of this through the example of an astute businessman with some very big plans. He knew exactly where he was going, how to get there and how to succeed...at least he thought so.Yet, in the eyes of God, his success was counted as a failure.The Bible says it is alright and proper to make a profit. However, this boastful businessman did it all in a spirit of self-sufficiency. He has planned out everything: his time frame, the place, his procedure, even the profits he would make—all without any guidance from the Lord, or any reverence toward Almighty God.This businessman also made an assumption we should not make: the promise of tomorrow.Life is fragile. This passage calls life a vapor: it appears for a little while and then vanishes.We never know when our time is up. Today could quite possibly be our last. It is God and God alone who determines our days.And finally, we learn from this businessman that despite the seeming success, morality or productivity of one’s life, the sum total of that life without God is sin.“Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not to him it is sin.”You can do wrong by doing wrong, and you can also do wrong by not doing right.Adrian Rogers says, “The sin of omission is greater than the sin of commission. Do you know what the greatest sin in the world is: to leave God out of your life; don't you forget it.”We can’t afford to be self-sufficient, we can’t rely on tomorrow, and we can’t leave God out of our plans. Let us not boast. Instead, let us praise God for His blessings, which are more than

How to Pray in the Spirit (0520)Ask God to teach you how to pray in the Spirit; let the Spirit minister to you, so that it might minister through you as you pray for others.Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 4:5When we become Christians, God sends His Holy Spirit to dwell within us. This Spirit exists to promote the kingdom of Christ and uses us to do so. Therefore, we must learn how to pray in the Spirit.Prayer is the greatest privilege and service a Christian could have. We have the opportunity to speak to God and serve Him through our communication. It is also, at times, the Christian’s greatest failure.Is it sometimes difficult for you to pray? You love God, you believe in prayer, you know you ought to, but sometimes it’s the hardest thing in the world; why is that? There is something in you that is at war with God: your fleshly nature. And your fleshly nature does not want to pray; it is set against prayer.Don't deny this weakness; accept it. Believe it or not, your weakness can be an asset. When you are weak, you are dependent upon God, who can do all things. Adrian Rogers tells us, “Praying in the Spirit will change prayer from a weary grudge to a delightsome privilege.”Praying in the Spirit defeats the enemy of indifference. It defeats ignorance, knowing exactly what needs we ought to pray for. It defeats our inabilities; the Holy Spirit energizes, focuses and equips Christians as they talk to God. Praying in the Spirit overcomes interference from the devil.The Holy Spirit guides us through our inexpressibility. Sometimes words fail. But the Bible says the Spirit groans and makes intercession for the saints. It knows how to take things that we cannot even utter and help us pray. Again, Adrian Rogers says, “I am the object of the Savior's intercession. He's interceding for me at the right hand of the father. But I am the vehicle of the Spirit's intercession. He is interceding through me on behalf of others.”The Holy Spirit ministers to us, that He might

Victorious Prayer (0519)Our prayers must be fervent. It is time that we prayed with urgency. Only then will we see a victorious prayer life.Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 4:1-2James 4:2 says, “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not because ye ask not.”God wants to bless us, and He does so through prayer. He wants to give us what we need, but sometimes we are too proud to ask for it. We are stuck on being self-sufficient, going about life in our own strength. So when we are weighed down by burdens and problems, we strive, cry, fight and say, “I’m doing everything I know to do.” But have you asked your Father for help? Could the reason that God is not blessing you be as simple as: You have not because you ask not?We are to pray at all times, without ceasing. Prayerlessness is sin; there is no substitution for it, no excuse not to do it. It is a command from Scripture. God desires a relationship with us; that relationship is sustained through prayer.Sometimes the problem is not that we don’t offer our prayers—it is that God will not accept them. What makes them unacceptable? They are prayed with the wrong motivation. They are not asked for the glory of God. The motivation behind unacceptable prayers is selfishness and sinfulness. God will not subsidize our sin. He will not underwrite our selfishness.We can pray for personal needs but we cannot pray for sinful and selfish desires and expect to have our prayers answered. So how can we pray so that our prayers will not be denied?We must be sensitive to the Spirit. We must submit our lives to the Father, and we must stand against the devil. We are to separate ourselves from the world, and are to be sober in our purpose.Our prayers must be fervent. It is time that we prayed with urgency. Only then will we see a victorious prayer life.Apply it to your lifeDo you pray with fervency and intensity? Do you see victory in your spiritual walk with Christ? D

Wisdom, Wise or Otherwise (0518)####Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 3:13-18All throughout Scripture, you will find great value placed upon wisdom. When James addresses the teachers and leaders of the church in James 3:13, he says, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?”Wisdom and knowledge are always linked together, but wisdom always comes first. Knowledge without wisdom is a dangerous thing. The Bible never tells us to pray for knowledge. Sure, we are to study for knowledge, that we show ourselves approved unto God. But the Bible tells us to pray for wisdom. Adrian Rogers says, “Knowledge is learned, but wisdom is given.”There are two virtues of true wisdom: first, it is good; second, it is gentle.If you have godly wisdom, it will show through practical goodness; not by the words in your mouth, rather by the work of your hands. If you have wisdom, you show it by serving others, working as unto the Lord.Secondly, it shows in your gentleness, or meekness. Meekness is not cowardness, or poor self-esteem. It is an ability—a sweet evenness. When a man is meek, he doesn't look down upon the poor or look up to the rich. He doesn't have to look down upon the ignorant, or up to the educated. He is an even man; a gentleman, looking everyone straight in the eye.Wisdom that is good and gentle is true; anything else is deceit from the Enemy.James 3:16 says, "for where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."Whatever you claim to have, if it doesn't make you good and gentle, it is not godly wisdom. There is victory in wisdom. It overcomes sin, strife, stubbornness, selfishness, snobbishness, and shame. And where there is victory, there's peace.James 3:18 says, "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."A wise man is a peacemaker. The war is over and wisdom has won the peace.####Apply it to your lifeDo you have true wisdom from above? Does the wisdom in your heart urge you to obtain knowledge, that yo

The Meanest Member in Our Church (0517)####Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 3:1-12As brothers and sisters in Christ, the things we say to one another can either build us up or destroy us to rubble. With your words, you can proclaim the love of Jesus, or you can be the meanest member of your church.All throughout Scripture, we are reminded of the power of the tongue —power we can’t even begin to understand. Therefore, every single word we say should be handled with care.In James 3:1-12, the tongue is compared to the bit in a horse’s mouth, meaning a single word could potentially control the destiny of a man.It is also compared to the rudder of a ship, which can either bring it into a safe harbor, or over the rocks of disaster.And it is finally compared to a spark in dry grass. It only takes a spark to get a fire going. There's a chain reaction involved. Fire can warm or fire can burn. Words can bless or words can burn. Words can warm a heart or words can inflame hatred. And a few words wrongly used can start a wildfire.We will give an account for every reckless word we’ve said one day when we stand before Almighty God. That should frighten us!Yet, we praise God with the same tongue we use to curse others. Freshwater and saltwater cannot flow through the same spring. It says in James 3 that what is impossible in the physical world ought not to be in the spiritual world.What can we do about our fiery, uncontrollable tongues? You can’t make your tongue behave. But when you give your heart to Jesus, your tongue can be tamed by the blessed, wonderful, spirit of God.Adrian Rogers tells us, “What’s in the root of the tree is going to show in the fruit of the tree. What’s in the well will show in the water.”If you love God, then let it be shown in your speech toward others.####Apply it to your lifeDo you understand the power of the tongue? Do you watch your words and consider every single one of them before you say them? Consider them a little more today. Think before

The Autopsy of a Dead Faith (0516)####Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 2:17Make no mistake about it: we are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and by nothing else.At first glance, you may think James 2:17 contradicts this statement, for it says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” However, upon a closer look, we will find that nothing could be further from the truth. James is talking about the fruit of our faith, not the root of it.God can see our hearts and our faith. But man cannot see our hearts or our faith unless proven through works. The only way we can know anything about each other’s faith is what we see them do and hear them say. Therefore, we are justified before God by faith. But we are justified before each other by works.Adrian Rogers tells us, “Man is saved by faith alone but the faith that saves is never alone.”So, we have to examine an autopsy of a dead faith so that we can know what a living, breathing, thriving faith looks like for ourselves. A dead faith shows no compassion for others. Real faith gives us love for other people. It changes the way we treat others.It’s not enough just to believe in God. The devil believes in God, and it causes him to tremble!You can believe a lot of things about Jesus, but do you know and love Him? Do you bow before Him and call Him the Lord of your life? Have you been transformed by your relationship with Him? Faith that does not change a life and does not root in action is dead.You're saved by grace, through faith, unto good works. Works don't save; grace saves. Our works are proof that we have faith in the grace of God.As the metaphor James gives us in chapter 2 states, a body does not have life by acting. It acts because it has life. ####Apply it to your lifeAfter examining the autopsy of a dead faith, can you say for certain that yours is alive? How are you living out your faith today through works? Show compassion to others today. Spend some time in prayer to

The Strange Case of the Snooty Usher (0514)####Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 2:1-10There is nothing that can hurt the kingdom of Christ more than snobbery in church.When we judge people based on the way they dress or look, we bring severe harm to the Body of Christ. James 2:1-10 warns Believers to not be guilty of showing partiality and favoritism in the church. Whether you're in the business of flattering and fawning over the rich and cultured, or criticizing and gossiping about the poor and down-and-out, you are wrong.The message is clear: We cannot treat people better or worse due to their economic class.2 Samuel 16:7 says, “For man looketh on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart.”In fact, we must remember, Christianity took off, by and large, by what society considered to be uneducated and ignorant people. Jesus was the kind of teacher that the “common people” gravitated towards; He identified much more with them than the aristocrats and religious leaders of the day. He calls the poor chosen by God, rich in faith and heirs to the kingdom.But just as the Book of James tells us not to put down a poor man, neither should we put down the rich man. What this passage is saying is: “Don't you elevate one person above another. Don't put down the poor, and don't put down the rich.”Everyone has something to bring to the table in church. The rich man and the poor man must learn to serve alongside each other, and ultimately, serve one another.Adrian Rogers says, “We may be different as to calling and different as to appointment and different as to job, but in the sight of God, everybody is somebody when Jesus Christ is Lord.”So what is the command for both the rich and the poor? “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39)When we have nothing but contagious love in our hearts for each other, we will not be partial amongst ourselves. You can’t run out of that kind of love; it only multiplies. That is how the church grows.####Apply it to y

Superficial or Supernatural (0513)####Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 1:26-27Is your religion superficial or supernatural? Is it real, powerful and vibrant to you; or is it just an illusion?In James 1:26, we read, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.” There are great dangers of having a superficial religion. It's only something that seems to be, but there is no reality to it. It also lacks restraint.If your religion is real, it's going to show in the way that you talk. One of the prime marks that a person has been saved is his speech pattern. The Christian with a real, supernatural faith uses his tongue to praise God and witness to others. But the superficial one criticizes, curses, lies, exaggerates. Nothing can do more damage to the Church than people who seem to be religious but don't control their tongue.Superficial religion also lacks results, “...this man's religion is vain.” That word “vain” means fruitless and non-productive. It can do you no good. There is nothing to it.Adrian Rogers says, “If you don't have Christ on the inside, then your religion is superficial. If you have Christ on the inside, then your religion is supernatural.”James 1:27 says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction and to keep themselves unspotted from the world.”Supernatural religion begins with a relationship with God. It reaches upward, recognizes God as Father, and places your hand in the hand of God so that He can lift you out of your sinful nature.And when a man has been saved through Jesus Christ, he will have a heart of compassion. He will reach out to those in distress and minister to those in need.Supernatural religion is a daily practice, not just on Sundays. And when you have a supernatural religion, you will keep yourself unspotted from this world by relying on the Lord Jesus Christ. It's n

Welcoming the Word (0512)####Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 1:21-27The Bible is full of great truth, but it doesn’t do you any good if you don't receive it in your heart first.The Bible is not a textbook to memorize for a mid-term. It is the living, breathing Word of God, able to save and satisfy the desperate soul. If you want to be victorious in your Christian life, then you must welcome the perfect Word of God into your life. Receive it as you would receive a friend into your house.First, welcome it with repentance. Sometimes God tries to tell us there's something wrong with us, but we can't hear Him because the very thing that's wrong with us is keeping us from hearing Him. We're not able to receive His Word until we remove what gets in the way.Do you want to get something out of your Bible study? You must be willing to repent first.Second, welcome it with readiness. Welcome it with a spirit that is ready to obey what it says.The reason some of us don't get anything from the Bible is because we don't have a meek spirit. We have to be teachable, trainable and controllable so the Word we read can work in our lives.Lastly, welcome it with responsiveness. We are to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Therefore, we must know the Word—peer into it, study it, gaze into it. We are to look into it intently, not just give it a casual glance.Knowing Scripture is not a competition. The only question that matters in regards to your knowledge of the Word is: does it make you more like Jesus Christ?Adrian Rogers says, “When you see what the Word of God tells you, when the Word of God reflects back that image that you see, then you're to go about putting your life in order. Don't forget what manner of man you were. You're to change your way of living and when you do that the Word of God will become a blessing.”####Apply it to your lifeHave you welcomed the Word of God into your life? Have you repented? Are you teachable, trainable and controllable? Does your kno

Tune In, Tone Down and Sweeten Up (0511)####Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 1:19-20James 1:18 says, “If any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.” If we are Christians, others should see evidence of a new life in us through our new behavior.James 1:19-20 describes this new behavior, saying, “Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”“Be swift to hear.” Tune in to what God is saying to you. A lot of us are addicted to noise. We are searching for things to drown out the silence because we don’t want to stop and think. We create so much noise around us that we can’t hear from God! But God speaks to us through Scripture, sermons and His Spirit; if we can’t hear Him, it is because we aren’t listening.“Be slow to speak.” Tone down the talking. Many of us talk too much. The more we talk, the more we can reveal the foolishness of our hearts. God takes our words very seriously, even if we don’t. In Scripture, we are warned that any words we speak that don’t build up, edify or help others are destructive words, we’re going to have to give an account for them.“Be slow to wrath.” Sweetening up is the natural succession of the first two instructions. When we listen more and talk less, it affects our temper. We learn to control our hearts. The Bible doesn’t say to not be angry. It says to be angry without sinning. Make certain that you are angry for the right reason, at the right thing, in the right way. Nothing can hurt your testimony, kill your influence and reveal your character more than a quick temper.Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus Christ did not come to make us nice people. He came to make us new creatures.”When you listen more, you talk less and control your temper, you will find yourself being a better example of a new creation in Christ.####Apply it to your lifeDo you need to work on listen

The Anatomy of a Sin (0509)Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 1:13-15The devil has made plans to sabotage our lives; oftentimes, he does so with our full participation, by way of tempting us to sin. Becoming Christians does not make us immune to temptation.The Gospel of Luke shares the story of when Jesus Himself was tempted by the devil.Being tempted is not a sin; acting upon the temptation is. Everyone can give a reason as to why they have sinned. However, “being provoked” is not an excuse.Adrian Rogers says, “There's one thing that God will never accept for sin and that is an alibi.”James 1:14 says, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, and sin, when it is finished bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren."Our cause for sin is within ourselves. It is our own nature, our own lust. When the devil tempts us, he baits us with the sin’s temporary pleasures so that it may entice us and allure us.But when the pleasure wears away, we are trapped in a toxic, unholy marriage with the responsibility of the sins we committed. Only in hindsight can we clearly see the finished product of the devil’s scheme… it was sabotage. The pleasure fades, and what’s left of it strangles the life out of us. Spiritual and physical death is the devil’s ultimate goal.What is our defense against the temptation to sin? Jesus Christ.We fall into temptation because we are trying to satisfy something within ourselves. When the devil tempts us, he is tricking us into satisfying our legitimate desires in an illegitimate way.But God made us to where we can never be satisfied apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Only through Jesus can we live as we ought to live. That's the way to overcome temptation: to receive and love Christ.####Apply it to your lifeJesus Christ is the only one who can satisfy your longing, restless heart and help you resist the temptation to sin. Do you know Him

A Man and His Money (0529)####Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 1:9-12One of the biggest tests of a man’s character is his relationship with money.Money can buy almost anything but happiness, but when given too much control, it can divide families and destroy marriages. What does the Bible say about a man and his money?It has less to do with how much you have, and more to do with your posture toward it.The Book of James offers counter-cultural advice on how a man can pass the test of his money:if you are poor, consider yourself exalted. If you are rich, remain humbled by your blessings.If you are a Christian living in poverty, you have reason to celebrate, because in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are highly exalted, and rich in all things money cannot buy.If you are a Christian who has been blessed with riches, you have a reason to be humbled, because in spite of your riches, you have found the Lord Jesus Christ and this is something that not many rich men do. You, too, are very rich, not because of the money in the bank, but because of Christ in your heart.Adrian Rogers says, “No longer do you have your outlook geared to things that you can weigh and see and feel and touch and count and take to the bank. You want to know how rich you really are? Add up everything that you have that money cannot buy and that death cannot take away.”And what happens if your circumstances change drastically? If you lose everything or you gain it, what do you become?The Book of James says that tribulation works patience and endurance. We need to be tested that we might learn to be steadfast. We must make up our minds now that when the test of life come, we will stick it out.How can we live this kind of life where we are not pressed in by materialism and consumerism like everybody else around us? Love the Lord; when a man loves God, he doesn’t have to be tied to this world or his own money.####Apply it to your lifeHow are you and your money? How much power over your identity have you

How to Pass the Tests of Life (0507)Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: James 1:1-4The Book of James can be seen as a Christian’s guidebook on how to pass the tests of life.James 1:2-4 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations. Knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."There are going to be trials in this life. The Christian faith does not make us immune to them. All people fall into diverse trials and temptations. Things may seem fine right now, but who knows what you’re going to fall among this afternoon? Trials and temptations happen suddenly and dramatically. They are meant to catch us off-guard. We need to be ready for anything the enemy could possibly throw our way at any moment.First, know that temptation to sin is not a sin itself. Everyone has been tempted to sin, including Jesus. Also, trials and tests are not necessarily because of our sin. God could simply be testing your faith. How are you going to face your temptation?1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that your able but will with the temptation make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it.”Adrian Rogers says, “God allows it even if the devil sends it. And God is not going to allow more to come to you than you're able to bear.” When you are tempted, there is a way out. It is God who makes a way; find it.Why does God allow temptations? Because God is working something in our lives; it is for your good and for his glory. Consider what happens when we overcome temptation. We find joy, build endurance in the process, grow in our faith, and enrich our lives.God is for us. He wants us to live enriched lives, wanting for nothing, completely satisfied in Him. He has a great plan for you; don’t miss it.####Apply it to your lifeAre you facing a tri

Why I Believe in Jesus (1869)If you were given the chance to speak to someone who has never known the love of God, what would you say? If you knew it would be the first, and perhaps the only time he would ever hear a message from God, what would you tell him?Tell him why you believe in Jesus Christ.John 6:66-69 says, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, ‘Will ye also go away?’ Then Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life, and we believe and are sure that Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’”Jesus’ disciples had the privilege of seeing Him work from an intimate vantage point. They were not like the crowds who watched Him perform miracles and turned away once His message became too radical. They believed that He alone is the answer. Through their testimonies, they gave us reasons to believe this, too.Jesus was a historical fact. Whether you are a Christian or not, a man named Jesus was here. Secular historians acknowledge Him as a fact regardless of what they believe about Him.And if you believe the Bible, the book that stands the test of time, you can believe in Him. Jesus’ life is the fulfillment of the prophecies foretold long before He stepped foot on this earth.The central theme of the Bible is Jesus. If you look long enough, every page of Scripture tells His story.Even though historians and theologians alike validate the life of Jesus Christ, you may need help believing in Him. This is where the Holy Spirit comes into the equation. Adrian Rogers says, “Anything I can talk you into; somebody else can talk you out of. You need the Holy Spirit of God to convict you and convince you.”A transformed life is the greatest witness of Jesus’ saving power. Just as the disciples gave their testimony of faith in Jesus in John 6, we can also testify to others when we come to know Him.Apply it to your lifeHow has Jesus changed your life since y

Why Do I Exist? (2427)God has a wonderful purpose for your life. No matter what else you may do, if you don’t fulfill the purpose for which you exist, you will fail, and never find fulfillment in your heart or your life.Failure is not making a mistake, it is succeeding at the wrong thing. True success is doing what God created you to do.A lot of us think God’s purpose for our lives is to save us from our sins, but that is only half of the equation. It is just as important to know also what He has saved us for.We can only find the answer in God’s Word because what we think of God has so much to do with what we think of ourselves.Adrian Rogers says, “If you see yourself as the creation of Almighty God with a purpose, then you’re going to want to be Christ-like.”There are a few things to consider when discovering our purpose, and these things are found in Psalm 139:God knows all about me.God knows my character.God knows my conduct.God knows my inner thoughts.God knows my conversations.And God is always with me.How foolish to try to run from God? He is closer than our very breath! Neither distance nor darkness can hide us from God. Even death cannot hide us from His sight.We are constantly on God’s heart. Do you want to know how great God’s sum is of His thoughts of you? Psalm 139:18 says, “If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand.”If you believe this, there is no need to fear. There is no need to dread His guidance and His discipline.No, there is no need to hide.God made us to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him. We were created to love Him and be loved by Him. That is the purpose, and the only way to know His plans for your life.Apply it to your lifeDo you love God? Do you serve Him? What direction does your life lean toward when you are in complete fellowship with God? Has He laid anything on your heart? Love Him and fulfill your purpose today through worship, obedience, and service to Him.

The Music of Marriage (1492)To be completely known and still be loved without fear of rejection is the supreme goal of marriage.But how many marriages are on the rocks because of poor communication? According to many counselors, 100% of couples seeking marriage counseling are out of rhythm due to a lack of communication.God shows us in His Word how husbands and wives can communicate, and it is modeled in the Songs of Solomon: a book of love poems, exemplifying the music of marriage.And as we eavesdrop on their conversation and observe the words said between these two lovers, we learn how they are used, and how they are received.Their words are plentiful. Sixty percent of the book consists of two lovers speaking to one another directly and plentifully.Their words are personal. They call each other by names only they know about, unique and individual, special in each other’s eyes.Their words are positive. There is not one negative word of criticism in this book; nothing critical, no correction.Their words are passionate. Their words for each other were full of life, rooted directly in their feelings.Our words sustain our marriages. Our words repair hurt feelings. Our words grow love.The problem here is that we believe words of love flow out of feeling. But most of the time, it is really that feeling that flows out of words.Adrian Rogers says, “We need to work on this thing of intimacy in marriage, and I’ll tell you why. It gives incredible freedom and it’s worth it. You’ll never arrive at perfection, but you need to make a start if you want to have a happy home.”There is always room to improve communication as husband and wife. If you do not communicate, your marriage will disintegrate. The music of marriage is worth finding the rhythm.Apply it to your lifeDo you need to work on your communication skills with your spouse? Of course! If you aren’t progressing, you are regressing. Talk to your spouse. Watch your words carefully. Pray for wisdom to learn what he or she i

Are You Fit to be Tied? (1491)Are you fit to be tied? In other words, are you worthy to be called a husband or wife?Look at the example of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis. They had their problems. There was an affair, a struggle with infertility, and problems amongst the children they eventually had in their old age.Yet, they survived it all. They made it to the very end.Many couples today face the struggles that Abraham and Sarah faced. The difference is not in the problems, but in their commitment. It is not love that holds your marriage together, it is your marriage that holds your love together.In 1 Peter 3, principles for a godly marriage are clearly outlined, so that husbands and wives may learn to be fit to be tied together. God says that the husband is the head of the home. Therefore, a godly woman is to submit to her husband. Submission is necessary for leadership, and leadership is necessary for success in life.When Jesus was on earth, He submitted to God the Father, not because He was inferior. It was an example of love and obedience.When a woman submits to her husband, she's not inferior to her husband any more than God the Son is inferior to God the Father. In fact, it is a sign of strength, control and serenity.As Adrian Rogers says, “(Women) are never more like Jesus than when she is in submission.” Women are to show the presence of Jesus in her through her speech and submission to her husband.As for the husband, he is to possess knowledge. The problem with most husbands is an overload of ignorance due to a lack of listening, or a lack of caring.But husbands are to love their wives with awareness, acceptance, adjustment, and appreciation. They are to pray for their wives, to listen with their ears and their hearts, adjust to the needs of the family and praise their wives any opportunity they can get.This what God's word says, and what makes us fit to be tied.Apply it to your lifeHusbands and wives live in a world that wants to tear them down.

Learning to Respect Spiritual Authority (1628)Proverbs 16:32 says: “he that ruleth his spirit (is better) than he that taketh a city.”We see this exemplified through King David, a man after God’s own heart. David was a man that lived by principle, not by appearance. He was a warrior who knew many victories. But, perhaps, his greatest victory was the one over his own spirit when he became subject to spiritual authority.In 1 Samuel 24, David is hiding in a cave after King Saul has put a bounty on his head. King Saul comes into the cave, unaware that David and his men are hiding just out of sight. David has the opportunity to kill Saul, the man actively trying to kill him. But he does not.He refuses to take vengeance and acts as according to Scripture: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).We should learn by David’s example in recognizing authority.David knew that he had no right to take Saul’s life because Saul was David’s king. A bad king, sure, but he was God’s chosen and anointed king. There is no king, no power, no ruler that has not been ordained of God. Therefore, to rebel against authority is an act of rebellion against God. Submit to leadership.You should respect authority. But what if the authority in question commands us to do something that is contrary to the Word of God? Don’t do it! The Bible says we should obey God rather than men. But make certain that even when you disobey your appointed leader that you have a warrant from Scripture, and that you still respect authority.Finally, we should rest in authority. God took care of Saul. And God will take care of your enemies as you learn to rest in the Lord.Apply it to your lifeIs there anybody or anything that you have a rebellious spirit about? Let me ask you this question: Have you submitted to the King of kings? That’s where it all begins—by giving your heart to Jesus Christ. And when you get under the authority of Jesus Christ, under the authority of the Word of God, under

To Be Like Jesus (2139)Everything is created for God’s glory. Therefore, we were created for God’s glory. If glory is too abstract of a word to comprehend, think instead of the nature of Jesus. God’s purpose for you is to be like Jesus.When we become like Jesus, life-change occurs. But some of us go about change in ways in which we ultimately fall short. We set ourselves up for failure, and it leaves us feeling discouraged.One way we do this is by process of elimination. We think if we remove things from our lives, we will become like Jesus. However, in our humanity, the list of things we must eliminate is far too long. If we focus on elimination, we won’t be like Jesus at all; we’ll be like bitter Pharisees.Then we think we’ll be like Jesus through imitation. We act like Jesus, but we don’t have His character. So, we become cheap, phony imitations of Him.Then, in frustration, we try to be like Jesus through determination. We grit our teeth and say, ‘I’m going to be more like the Lord Jesus with willpower and sincerity.” Yet, despite our best efforts, we will still fall short every time.So, what else is there to do?Consider this: Rather than going about life change through elimination, imitation, or determination, think of yourself as a mirror. A mirror does not create the image; it simply reflects what it is exposed to.We are changed by being exposed to Jesus. We must make sure sin and unrepentance does not distort or dull the image we bear. We cannot let things of this world get in the way. We must read Scripture and continue to expose ourselves to the character of Jesus, ever-focused and ever-engaged.Adrian Rogers explains, “What is the inner nature of a Christian? Jesus. And by beholding Jesus, you’re changed. That which is on the inside comes to the surface. You are changed.”As reflections of Jesus, we have a responsibility to retain the image in which we are exposed to.When we stay focused on Him, that’s when the change takes place.Apply it to your lifeAre you

The High Cost of Low Living (1978)Can a child of God sin? Yes. Can a child of God sin and not suffer? Absolutely not.Consider King David, a man above every other man—none more noble, gifted, or humble than David. And yet David fell into a deep, dark sin. David committed the sin of adultery. As a result, the woman conceived. So, David then committed the sin of murder.In order to better understand the high cost of low living, we need only look to at the causes of King David’s sin.It was a sin of idleness. David was not doing wrong in the time leading up to his affair, except that he was failing to do right. He should have been with his compatriots in war. God wants us to stay occupied. We are called to the harvest field or the battlefield.It was a sin of carelessness. David began to take his many victories for granted. He presumed God was going to keep blessing him. And an unguarded strength is a double weakness.It was a sin of impulsiveness. David wasn’t planning to sin that day. Adrian Rogers explains, “Sin is a combination of undetected weakness, an unexpected opportunity, and an unprotected life.”It was a sin of callousness. When his scheme to cover up his sin was compromised, David ordered for Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, to be killed in battle. He planned it, connived it, and orchestrated cold-blooded murder. And his heart turned calloused.It was a sin of stubbornness. Despite the conviction he felt, David went one whole year without repenting. But God did not forget David’s sin, and He wouldn’t let David forget, either.Just underneath David’s facade, his sin weighted, wounded and weakened him. There were words of rebuke, arrows of conviction, and hands of pressure from God.David was finally confronted by the prophet, Nathan, and was convicted and chastised. He had to pay the consequences for his sin. But God was faithful to forgive him.God is faithful to forgive us, too.Apply it to your lifePerhaps it’s time for you to be confronted, too. Somehow you think you’r