Seasonal Preaching

The Hebrew writer paused his thought flow in the epistle to give necessary admonition for the readers' failure to move on from the elementary principles of Christ (Hebrews 6:1-3). We must mature, but this also illustrates the importance of those elementary principles.

James addresses a certain type of judgment which we should be careful to avoid (James 4:11-12). Some Christians become guilty of judging brethren about things unrevealed in God's word, and in doing so they judge God and His word.

“You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). Christ's word is meant to be lived. Are you an epistle of Christ?

We are commanded to understand God's word (Ephesians 5:17). However, many suggest we cannot understand it causing others to despair. How can we understand the scriptures?

Jesus' parable about an exorcised demon's furious return to an empty house warns about the danger of void. The void needs to be filled!

“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3-4) Society has sought to redefine the happy home. Scripture shows us the truth.

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) How could we possibly grieve God? What does Paul mean?

Paul encouraged the Corinthians by telling them of God's activity in his trials – “[God] delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:10). The verb tenses Paul used are powerful, and provide us confidence.

“And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away…But Peter followed Him at a distance” (Matthew 26:57-58). Peter following the Lord at a distance becomes a metaphor for how some follow Him today. Am I following Jesus at a distance?

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10) Our prayer should be for the heavenly to be reflected on earth, and this comes with personal responsibility.

The world tells us that “getting” and “receiving” leads to the greatest happiness and fulfillment. Jesus taught something different – “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” (Acts 20:35) What is the blessedness of giving?

Paul wanted the Ephesians to know “what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Ephesians 1:19). This power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in believers to their salvation, and God's glory.

The church in Laodicea received no praise from the Son of Man (Revelation 3:14-22). They were lukewarm, and their self-perception was completely opposite of reality. Yet, Christ stood at the door and knocked, wanting to dine with them!

The church in Philadelphia received no protest from the Lord. This faithful group of Christians provide a blueprint for faithfulness as a church despite “little strength” (Revelation 3:8).

Though David is a prime example of faith, he was far from perfect. He was a man with experience in sin. Because he loved God, he was also a man with experience in turning to Him for mercy. Psalm 32 presents David's counsel to those who have sinned.

Judah had become so desensitized and hardened that “The look on their countenance witnesses against them, And they declare their sin as Sodom; They do not hide it.” (Isaiah 3:9) The world's influence is undeniable, and we must avoid declaring sin along with it.

Jesus knew the reputation the church in Sardis had among men, but He brought them back to reality with stinging rebuke – “you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1). We must not trust in empty activity, but pursue fellowship with God, and therefore, spiritual life.

God is the God of hope, and nurtures hope in His children (Romans 15:13). Christians are to be an optimistic people. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

The “Son of God” addresses the church in Thyatira with an urgent rebuke and warning (Revelation 2:18-29). Their tolerance of an insidious false prophetess and her error had taken its toll on them, and it was time to repent.

Jesus spoke of only two paths in life (Matthew 7:13-14). These lead to very different places. Some are confused or ignorant about life, death, and the end of time, but while there are things we are not told, what we are told is certain.

Jesus had “a few things” against the church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17). They were true to His name and faith. They were not holding to error, nor actively participating in immorality. However, they were tolerating those who held doctrines contrary to Christ. They were called to repent.

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) Smyrna received no complaint from the Son of Man. Her faithfulness is evident, but it was about to be tested to the uttermost. Christ's call? Be faithful!

“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance…” (1 Timothy 1:15). There are five statements using this formula in Paul's epistles to Timothy and Titus. They are rich with significance and application.

Communication is crucial to any relationship. If communication fails on either end the relationship is destined to fail. How crucial is communication in our relationship with God?

The first of the seven letters Jesus wrote to the churches in Asia is addressed to Ephesus. The congregation had much to praise, but there was something integral missing – “you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4).

John was given a message to write down and relay to seven churches in Asia (Revelation 1:4). He was given a vision of “One like the Son of Man.” This glorious vision would give context and weight to the letters addressed to the churches. These we must hear!

Despite the clear teaching of the New Testament on the necessity of baptism for salvation, some resist, citing the thief on the cross as proof that baptism is not necessary. What about the thief on the cross? Does this account nullify the necessity of baptism for the forgiveness of sins?

Jesus rebuked spiritual leaders for seeking the glory of men (cf. John 5:44; 12:42-43). We must make the glory of God our greatest treasure. What does it look like to seek the glory of God?

Jesus is King (cf. John 18:36-37). Though many will acknowledge this fact with words they fail to do so with actions. If Christ is King, should we not submit to Him as King?

Jesus came to earth and manifested His glory. Men denied Him glory throughout His stay, but the glory He sought was from His Father. This is a glory He offers men, but some refuse it as they seek another glory. What glory are you seeking?

The Christian has a bold claim of salvation and hope, but is there evidence for such a claim? The apostle Peter wrote, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). What is a legitimate defense for the claim of hope?

Some seek to distinguish the gospel from doctrine and minimize the importance of the latter in the process. Is doctrine unimportant? Will doctrine affect my life? How does doctrine shape my life?

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) Jesus built His church as He said He would. What does the church Jesus built look like?

“For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10) God encouraged Zerubbabel to finish building the temple. God's hands were involved in “the day of small things.” This day is something we all experience, and we must realize its importance.

When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, the scripture tells us he saw the grace of God (cf. Acts 11:23). The grace of God is visible, though in spiritual ways (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:7). What will we be seeing when we see the grace of God?

“I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” (John 4:38) It is important that we remember those who labored before us, and the blessings we receive from their work as we seek to continue it with our own labors.

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest…let us draw near…” (Hebrews 10:19, 22). The book of Hebrews is filled with encouraging truths about the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. These give Christians boldness to approach Godl

"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:5) The importance of self-examination cannot be overemphasized. A Christian cannot be faithful without the practice. How are we to examine ourselves?

The call to spread the gospel to the lost and dying world is given to each individual Christian, and to the church collectively. The task can be daunting, and Christians often shrink from it. The words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 give insight into the nature of sowing the seed of God's word, and our involvment in it. His teaching should embolden us to do God's work.

The death of king Josiah is given more detail in 2 Chronicles 35 (cf. 2 Chronicles 35:20-25). The account shows that God spoke to Josiah through Necho, the king of Egypt. God was warning the king not to meddle with His affairs. The account demonstrates how Josiah meddled with God, and we should avoid doing the same.

The Hebrew writer concluded his chapter on faith by noting the fact that there are numerous other examples he had not addressed. The history of God's people is rich with multitudes of men and women who faithfully served God. The writer then points the readers to their main focus in faith, Jesus Christ.

The leadership of Moses was instrumental in the exodus from Egypt, but without the faith of the Israelites there would not have been deliverance. God requires us to move forward at His word by faith. This pattern continued with the nation's conquest of the promised land, and even applied to those few inhabitants of the land of Canaan who appealed to YHWH for safety. (cf. Hebrews 11:29-31)

The Old Testament contains three prominent anointed positions which were shadows of the Anointed One, Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfills the roles of prophet, priest, and king.

The Hebrew writer continues his examples of faith with Moses (cf. Hebrews 11:23-28). Much is learned about faith in consideration of this faithful servant of God's house. It started with the faith of his parents, and progressed to his own faith being displayed in impressive ways. Moses made choices by faith with full recognition of the consequences, yet considering following God as supreme.

"Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law." (Psalm 119:18) God's people should always strive for a deeper understanding of His will. This is not merely an intellectual pursuit, but one of great practical import. The words of the Psalmist indicate the need for God's aid.

The Hebrew christians were encouraged, "For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise" (Hebrews 10:36). When God makes a promise, faith expresses full confidence through faithful activity. Hebrews 11:17-22describes the actions of faith displayed by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph who had great confidence in God's promises.

The Corinthians had responded to the gospel of God's grace and were saved from their immoral and idolatrous sinful life. However, Paul had received reports indicating their behavior had reverted to their past ways. Paul reminds them, "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:11).

"By faith Abraham obeyed..." (Hebrews 11:8). Abraham, the father of faith, is the subject of focus for the greater part of Hebrews 11. Observing his faith provides great insight into what pleases God.

Paul prayed for the Ephesians to be strengthened in Ephesians 3:14-21. This strength is needed for Christians to walk worthy of their calling, and bring glory to God. The prayer gives us insight into what this strength is, and how it is derived, as well as what it produces within us.

The first three characters the Hebrew writer utilizes to display the faith that pleases God are Abel, Enoch, and Noah (Hebrews 11:4-7). Faith acts on God's word, leads to right standing with God, is willing to change, is outspoken, affects others for good, and provides an example for all to follow.

The epistle to the Hebrews warned the brethren of apostasy. As they were suffering persecution, the writer explained, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise…Now the just shall live by faith”(Hebrews 10:36, 38). An active and enduring faith is essential to pleasing God.