Published from the Milwaukee Avenue Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas- Sermons - Classes - Devos- Bible Readings
Milwaukee Avenue Church of Christ
Guest speaker Brayden Schlabach explores Psalm 1 and the question every person must answer: What kind of life will actually endure?This sermon contrasts the righteous man—described as a tree planted by streams of water—with the wicked, who are compared to chaff blown away by the wind. Through Psalm 1, we are challenged to examine what shapes our thinking, influences our direction, and determines the path of our lives.Topics covered include: The progression of sin and spiritual drift Delighting in the law of the Lord Biblical meditation and spiritual growth What it means to truly prosper Being “known by God” The difference between a rooted life and a rootless one
Guest speaker Brayden Schlabach walks through the rise and fall of the church in Ephesus—from its passionate beginning in Acts 19 to Jesus' warning in Revelation 2.This sermon explores how a church can be doctrinally sound, morally strong, and active in good works… yet still drift away from the love that once motivated everything they did. Through Acts, Ephesians, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Revelation, we are challenged to ask: Are we rooted and grounded in love? Are we motivated by love for God or just routine and knowledge? Could we be outwardly faithful while inwardly drifting?
Does God's infinite grace mean we have a "license to sin"? In this Sunday evening study, our guest speaker Parker Reynolds dives into **Romans chapter 6** to answer the question Paul poses: "Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?".While it's true that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, Paul is clear that this is not an invitation to live an unrepentant life. We explore the transformative power of the gospel, the symbolism of baptism as a death and resurrection, and why true grace leads to a life of radical obedience rather than a "crook's admirable arrangement" of sin and easy forgiveness.**Key Topics Covered:****The Debt We Can't Repay:** Why good deeds alone cannot tip the scales of our guilt or atone for our sins.**The Beauty of the Gift:** Exploring how justification comes as a free gift through the redemption found in Jesus Christ.**The Meaning of Baptism:** How being buried with Christ in baptism allows us to rise and "walk in newness of life".**Grace vs. License:** Deconstructing the flawed logic that "I like sin and God likes forgiving," and why sin remains destructive to our lives and relationships.**Instruments of Righteousness:** The call to renounce worldly passions and align our will with God's purpose as "zealous for good works".
In this Mother's Day sermon from 2 Timothy 1:2–7, we reflect on the powerful influence of godly mothers and grandmothers in shaping genuine faith.Paul's words about Timothy, his mother Eunice, and grandmother Lois remind us that faith is often first taught at home — through love, sacrifice, service, and daily devotion to God. This lesson explores the importance of teaching children to love God, love His family, and live with sincerity and self-control.Topics covered:• The lasting influence of mothers• Genuine faith without hypocrisy• Teaching children to love God's family• The role of parents in spiritual growth• 2 Timothy 1 and the example of Timothy's family• Encouragement for Christian mothers and families“Many women have done excellently, but you excel them all.” — Proverbs 31:29Thank you for joining us. If this lesson encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with others.#MothersDay #ChristianSermon #BibleStudy #2Timothy #GodlyMother #ChurchOfChrist #Faith #ChristianFamily
What does it truly mean to have peace with God?In this message from Romans 5:1–11, we walk through one of the most powerful turning points in Scripture—moving from the weight of sin to the freedom of justification by faith. After the heavy reality of Romans 1–4, Paul brings us to a place of hope, grace, and reconciliation through Jesus Christ.In this sermon, we explore: What it means to be justified by faith How we can have peace with God through Jesus Why we can rejoice even in suffering The depth of God's love shown through Christ's sacrifice What it means to be reconciled now and forever
This past Sunday evening, guest speaker Liam Wyatt walks through Philippians 2 and the powerful example of humility shown by Jesus Christ.True biblical humility is more than an action or emotion—it is a heart posture. In this lesson, Liam explores how Jesus demonstrated humility in three important ways: humility toward God, humility toward others, and humility grounded in love.From Christ emptying Himself and becoming obedient to death on the cross, to washing the feet of His disciples—even Judas—this message challenges us to follow His example in our daily lives.If Jesus, the Lord of all, humbled Himself in service and submission, how much more should we?
In Romans chapter 4, Paul points to Abraham as the clearest example of what it means to be justified by faith. Abraham was not counted righteous because of works, circumcision, or law-keeping—but because he believed God.This lesson explores how grace and faith work together in salvation. Paul shows that salvation has never been about earning God's favor through perfect performance, but about trusting in God's promises and responding in faithful obedience.Using Abraham and Sarah's story in Genesis 17–21, we see that nothing is impossible with God. Abraham trusted God even when the promise seemed impossible, and that faith was counted to him as righteousness.We also examine the relationship between Romans 4 and James 2—faith and works are not in conflict. Grace reaches down, faith reaches up, and works follow as the result of genuine trust in God.If you've ever struggled with anxiety about salvation, wondered whether you're doing “enough,” or questioned how grace and obedience fit together, this study will help bring clarity and assurance.
Romans chapter 2 shifts the focus from obvious outward sin to something far more dangerous—religious hypocrisy.After confronting the Gentiles in Romans 1, Paul turns to the Jews and warns that moral superiority, religious heritage, and outward obedience do not exempt anyone from God's judgment. God shows no partiality. Whether Jew or Gentile, moral or immoral, religious or irreligious—everyone must stand before Him.This lesson explores:• Why judging others while practicing the same sins condemns us• How God's kindness is meant to lead us to repentance• The danger of storing up wrath instead of treasure in heaven• Why God judges the secrets of the heart through Christ Jesus• The difference between outward religion and inward transformation• What it means to have a true “circumcision of the heart”Paul reminds us that baptism, church attendance, and religious identity are not enough if there is no real change within. God does not want performance—He wants transformation.Christianity is not about looking righteous.It is about becoming righteous through Christ.God is kind, patient, impartial, righteous, and deeply personal. He wants more than appearances—He wants your heart.Will we seek the praise of people… or the praise of God?
Romans chapter 3 forces us to confront one of the hardest truths in Scripture: no one is righteous on their own.Whether raised in faith like the Jews or far from God like the Gentiles, Paul makes it clear—everyone stands guilty before God because of sin. Religious background, good works, and moral effort cannot erase guilt or justify us before a holy God.This lesson explores:• The real advantage of being raised in God's truth• Why religious privilege is a blessing, not a burden• God's faithfulness even when people are unfaithful• Why grace is never a license to continue in sin• The truth that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory• Why salvation cannot come through “being good enough”Paul reminds us that there is no cosmic scale where good works outweigh bad deeds. One sin breaks the relationship with God, and no amount of personal effort can fully repair it.But the good news is this: God does not leave us in our darkness.Like the Great Physician, He diagnoses the real problem—sin—and provides the only cure through Jesus Christ. Through grace, mercy, and the sacrifice of Christ, God offers complete forgiveness and new life.We are not saved by religion. We are saved by grace.
In Romans chapter 2, Paul shifts from addressing the obvious sins of the Gentiles to confronting something even more dangerous—religious hypocrisy.It's easy to judge others while ignoring our own sin. Paul reminds us that God shows no partiality. Whether Jew or Gentile, religious or irreligious, moral or immoral—everyone will stand before God in judgment.This lesson focuses on:• God's righteous and impartial judgment• The danger of hypocrisy in the life of believers• Why God's kindness is meant to lead us to repentance• The difference between outward religion and inward transformation• What it means to have a “circumcision of the heart”God does not want empty performance or artificial faith. He wants real transformation from the inside out. Baptism, religious identity, and outward appearances are not enough without a heart fully surrendered to Him.Romans 2 reminds us that Christianity is not about looking righteous—it is about becoming righteous through Christ.Are we storing up treasure in heaven… or storing up wrath?
What does it mean when Paul says, “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven”? In this lesson from Romans 1, we explore a truth many avoid—God's wrath is real, but it is not uncontrolled rage. It is His righteous and just response to persistent rebellion.Paul shows that when people continually reject God, suppress truth, and refuse repentance, God's wrath is often revealed through abandonment—allowing sin to take its natural course. From Samson to Proverbs to Romans 1, Scripture warns that continued rejection of God leads to darkness, idolatry, brokenness, and destruction.Yet even in this warning, there is incredible hope. God has made Himself known through creation, through His Word, and ultimately through Jesus Christ. His desire is not condemnation, but salvation. Romans 5 reminds us that through Christ's blood, we are saved from the wrath to come.This sermon challenges us to ask:• Am I honoring God with gratitude and obedience?• Have I allowed truth to be suppressed in my life?• Am I moving toward God—or away from Him?God does not force our choice, but He does call us to choose. The good news is that no one has to remain under wrath—grace is available for all who turn to Him.
What does it truly mean to be not ashamed of the gospel?In this powerful introduction to the book of Romans, we step into the world of early Christians living under the Roman Empire—facing pressure, persecution, and uncertainty—yet holding firmly to a faith that transformed everything.This message unpacks the opening of Romans and lays the foundation for the entire letter, focusing on:The historical reality of life in Rome for early ChristiansPaul's identity as a servant, apostle, and ambassador for ChristThe true meaning of the gospel as good news about GodThe importance of encouragement and unity within the churchLiving with purpose, humility, and devotion like PaulWhy the gospel—not us—is the power that savesAt the heart of this lesson is Romans 1:16–17:
What do words like lost and alone stir in your heart? And how do they compare to words like saved and united?In this powerful message, we walk through the emotional weight the disciples experienced during the crucifixion of Jesus—and the overwhelming hope that came through His resurrection. This lesson explores the reality of anxiety, the struggle to trust God's plan in uncertain moments, and the undeniable truth that the resurrection changes everything.Focusing on key passages from the book of Matthew and beyond, this sermon highlights:The fear and confusion surrounding Jesus' deathThe repeated predictions of His resurrectionThe proof and power of the empty tombThe danger of rejecting truth for temporary gainThe life-changing hope found in Christ's victory over deathThe resurrection is not just a historical event—it is the foundation of our faith and the assurance of our future.If Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile—but He has been raised, and that changes everything.
We were grateful to have guest speaker Nate Anderson present this important lesson on pride and humility — what pride is, how it quietly enters our lives, and how we can overcome it through a heart devoted to God.Throughout Scripture, we see powerful examples of how pride separates people from God and harms relationships with others. From the Tower of Babel to King Nebuchadnezzar and King Herod, the Bible consistently reminds us that pride leads to downfall, while humility leads to grace.In this message, Nate encourages us to carefully examine our hearts and consider how pride can subtly grow through self-reliance, recognition, and comparison with others. He also shares practical, biblical guidance for developing humility and maintaining a Christ-centered mindset.In this sermon, we explore:• What pride is and why it can be spiritually dangerous• How pride can quietly develop in everyday life• The effects pride has on our relationship with God and others• Biblical instruction for cultivating humility• The importance of constant watchfulness and prayerScripture reminds us in 1 Peter 5:5 that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate Jesus, who demonstrated perfect humility and a servant's heart.This lesson challenges us to remain vigilant, prayerful, and focused on honoring God rather than elevating self.
We were honored to have guest speaker Marshall Rogers share a powerful message encouraging us to focus on what truly matters from an eternal perspective.In a world filled with distractions, pressures, and temporary priorities, this lesson reminds us to evaluate our lives through the lens of eternity. Marshal challenges us to consider where we are investing our time, energy, and devotion, and calls us back to a Christ-centered life grounded in faith and purpose.In this sermon, you will be encouraged to:• Reflect on what has lasting spiritual value• Realign priorities with God's will• Strengthen your commitment to faithful living• Keep your eyes fixed on the eternal promises of GodThis message is both encouraging and challenging, helping us remember that our lives are meant for more than temporary success — they are meant for eternal impact.We are thankful for Marshal's willingness to share wisdom from Scripture and encourage our church family.#GuestSpeaker #Faith #ChristianLiving #Bible #Church #Eternity #Jesus
In the final message of our series through the book of Acts, we explore Acts 27–28 and the powerful theme of hope in the midst of life's storms.As Paul journeys to Rome in chains, he faces shipwreck, uncertainty, and hardship. Yet throughout every challenge, Paul demonstrates a confident trust in God's promises. His hope was not based on circumstances, but on faith in the God who keeps His word.In this lesson, we examine:• What biblical hope truly means• How faith sustains us during life's storms• How Paul's example encourages us to trust God even when situations seem hopeless• Why the story of Acts continues today through the lives of believersNo matter how strong the storm may feel, God's promises remain steady. Like Paul, we can live with courage, confidence, and hope anchored in the resurrection of Jesus.
In a world filled with endless information yet searching for meaning, this lesson challenges Christians to stay grounded in God's truth rather than the shifting ideas of culture. Drawing from passages such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, the message reminds us that mankind has always attempted to reshape God's teachings to fit personal desires.The lesson examines the difference between being shaped by political or cultural influences and being shaped by Scripture. Rather than allowing worldly thinking to redefine faith, Christians are called to remain committed to sound doctrine, faithful obedience, and the authority of God's Word.Key questions explored include:Are we allowing culture to influence our faith?Do we follow God's Word even when it conflicts with popular opinion?Are we seeking truth or simply affirming what feels right?This sermon encourages believers to pursue genuine faith rooted in Scripture and to stand firm in truth, even in challenging times.
In this lesson from Acts 23–26, we follow the Apostle Paul as he stands trial before powerful rulers including Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. Though falsely accused and imprisoned for more than two years, Paul remains steadfast in proclaiming the gospel and boldly testifying to the hope found in Christ.Paul's defense becomes more than a legal matter — it becomes a powerful witness to salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. Even while in chains, Paul demonstrates true freedom through faith, courage, and unwavering commitment to God's purpose.This sermon challenges us to consider:Would we be as bold in sharing our faith?Do the people around us know what Christ has done in our lives?Are we responding to God's call, or putting it off like Agrippa?Be encouraged by the example of Paul and remember the spiritual legacy we are called to continue.Key Passage: Acts 23–26
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