Listen to sermons from Covenant Presbyterian Church in Monroe, Louisiana.
John T. Mabray & Jonathan Wagner
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We have more denominations today than ever before. Many things can endanger a church, but internal fighting and division is one of the worst. New Testament Scriptures on Unity: 1 Cor. 1:10, 12:12-13, 14, 2 Cor. 13:11, Acts 2:42-47, 4:32, Gal. 3:28, Jn. 13:25, Rom. 6:5, 12:10, 16, 18, 14:1, 19, 15:5-6, Matt. 18:19-20, 23:8, Col. 3:13-17, Eph. 4:2-6, 11-13, 14, 16, 1 Pet. 3:8, Rom. 12:16, Tit. 3:10-11 Christian unity is something that Paul was very passionate about…so was Jesus! John 17:21: “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one.”This is what Paul wants for the Philippians (Phil. 1:27). The Basis of Christian Unity—Verse 1In light of the blessings of salvation we enjoy in Christ, this changes the way we relate to others.• What we share in common with Christ is far more important than what we disagree on!• At the end of the day, it’s the essentials of the gospel that hold us together and our shared faith that really matters!• Deferring to other believers in matters of secondary importance is actually a sign of maturity, not weakness! The Marks of Christian Unity—Verse 2Christian unity means the church is moving together as one body toadvance the Kingdom. Unity is like an orchestra.• Uniformity (loss of individuality) is everybody playing the sameinstrument.• Unity is everybody looking at the same sheet music and the same conductor!• When Jesus becomes the most important thing in the room, thedifferences that divide us become the smallest thing (Heb. 12:2).
Introduction: ***It is our natural human instinct to want to hide our sin from God (ex. Adam) but true joy and rest is found ONLY in confession and forgiveness. In Psalm 32, David presents us with three different hiding places for human soul. 1. Hiding FROM God (vs 3-4) a. As long as he kept silent, David was an emotional/physical wreck! b. The best years of his life were wasting away! c. He became extremely irritable! d. God relentlessly pursued him/disrupting his life until he repented! e. We can’t stay hiding forever and live! Sooner or later, we have to come out! 2. Hiding NOTHING from God (vs 5) a. When David finally uncovered his sin, God covered it with his forgiveness! b. David received this forgiveness instantly! i. But here’s the condition – that he not just confess his sins…but that he also turn to God in faith and receive forgiveness. ii. Confession alone is not enough / we need a better place to hide! 3. Hiding IN God (vs 7) a. Col 3:3 – your life is now “hidden” with Christ in God. b. This is our new reality and it’s the best place to hide!! Why would we settle for these other hiding places?
Introduction and RecapMany Christians today find themselves on the “Treadmill of Religion:” running like crazy but not actually going anywhere. Many feel “stuck” in their spiritual growth anddevelopment…but this is something that every Christian ought to be pursuing.In Philippians 1:1-8, Paul has told us not only how he feels about these believers, but also how he identifies them:1. They are saints (vs 1) - set apart from sin unto God, holy, “in” Christ2. They are partners in ministry (vs 5) – financial support, cooperation in evangelism, prayer and concern for Paul3. They are partakers of grace (vs 7) – salvation grace and empowering grace for ministryPaul’s prayer in vs 9-11 is for the spiritual growth and development of the believers.The Principles for Spiritual GrowthThe Foundation: Love (vs 9)Everything in the Christian life flows from a heart that loves God and loves people.Love is the greatest of all Christian virtues!The kind of love Paul is talking about here can be defined as…A Divine Love - God is the source, he provides it!Rom. 5:5 – God’s love shed abroad in our hearts1 John 4:19 – we love because he first loved usAn Active Love – Greek word agape = love of the will or choice1 Cor. 13 – all actionsJohn 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gaveThis love seeks the good of others and meets real needsAn Intelligent Love - love that is accompanied by knowledge and discernmentKnowledge = truth of God’s word (love informed)Discernment = moral insight/perception/application of truthThe Filter: Discernment (vs 10)The foundation of love leads to the filter of discernment: the ability to “discern what is best” for our lives.Discerning between what is “good” and what is “best” for us.It’s the ability to establish the right priorities and make wise informed choices that will cause spiritual growth.The Fruit: Righteousness (vs 11)When we apply this discerning love to our lives, it results in bearing
None are available at this time.
None are available at this time.
None are available at this time.
None are available at this time.
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