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There are some things that we can not definitively say "This is the will of God." But in the area of raising children in the Word of God, we know that it is the Will of God to teach them the Word of God early, often, and continuously.
Hope and lasting change do not originate from worldly sources like politics or economics, but from a steadfast faith in Christ. Justification by grace through faith, true righteousness comes not from good works or affiliations, but from a personal relationship with Jesus.
We can know false teachers by their walk, their will, their pursuit of wealth, and their women. Rather than walking in the Spirit, they will be walking according to their flesh, and it shows in every area of their life.
It is not only God's desire, but it is God's plan for parents to teach their children the ways of God. This training does not just happen at family devotions, but it takes place throughout the day and wherever opportunity is given to bring glory to God.
True righteousness is not earned through human effort or adherence to the law, but rather received as a free gift through faith in Christ, enabling believers to live a life worthy of their calling and reflecting God's grace.
Peter is giving us some examples of false teachers from the Old Testament. Why? So we can learn from them and be diligent in watching for false teachers in our day.
In the last few months, the United States has been rocked by tragedy. From the assassinations of Melissa Hortman and Charlie Kirk to the Mystic Camp Flood in Texas to the Catholic school shooting in Minneapolis, this nation has been shocked. What is to be the believer's response to these tragedies? The Lord has given us His Word and in it we will find the proper way to respond to the most tragic of circumstances that we encounter in this life.
God has given believers the life of Christ as the example of how they are to live their lives. In His goodness, God is not like our human teachers in that they can only be with us part of the time. Through the Holy Spirit that dwells within every believer, we have God with us at all times.
It is a necessity within our local churches to be vigilant for false teachers. We can recognize false teachers by their worship, their ways, and their words.
To whom is the invitation of the gospel given? Some would say that it is only for a few, but the Scriptures could not be clearer on the subject. The invitation for salvation is for all men; none are excluded. It requires repentance and belief for a person to receive this most wonderful gift.
The sermon explores the experience of discouragement through the life of Elijah, highlighting how even mighty figures of faith can be overwhelmed by fear and despair.
We must recognize the importance of standing firm in biblical truth amidst spiritual compromise and theological apostasy. This is done by standing firm on the Word of God. Ultimately, believers need to grow in their knowledge of Christ in order to guard against false teachings.
It is in times of suffering that believers have the greatest opportunity to be like Jesus Christ. After all, it was Christ who suffered the worst so that we might have eternal life with Him.
Continuing despite difficulty is a hallmark trait of men and women of God throughout the scriptures. Far too often difficulty handicaps the believer when God's desire is that would do even in difficulty.
Every believer likes the thought of victory over sin in their lives, but few are willing to do what it takes to have complete victory. What does it take? It takes a continual yielding of oneself to the Holy Spirit for one to have total victory in their lives.
A great majority of youth in our churches lack wisdom simply because it isn't a priority to them. Wisdom is not on their bucket list to gain. But it is shown in the Word of God and in the life of Jesus Christ, that any youth who has a relationship with God can be wise. Wisdom should be the pursuit of every believer, but especially of the youth.
For those who desire to go above and beyond to seek Christ, it is important to count the cost. In the world's eyes, the believer who gives up his worldly ambitions and achievements is throwing his talents and future away. They are wrong. For truly the future of such a believer is brighter than it ever was before.
Humanity knows they have need of a Savior, and they seek a variety of ways to gain this salvation. Some seek salvation in politics, healthcare, or moral discipline. Yet, it is only the gospel of Christ that brings salvation from sin and eternal life with Christ.
Today, there is a critical need for consistent remembrance of truth amidst spiritual compromise and theological apostasy. Drawing from Ezekiel's call to "make up the hedge," and Peter's exhortations in 2 Peter 1, the message underscores the human tendency toward forgetfulness and blindness, urging listeners to actively stir up their memories and endure with steadfast faith. Through scriptural examples, we see the importance of continual reminders to maintain an established and enduring connection to God's truth, resisting the allure of fleeting experiences and false doctrines.
The Word of God is so much more than a book. It is the basis for all that we do, and it contains the promises of God that lead us along.
Why does a believer struggle to overcome sin in a decisive fashion? There are several factors, but they all come down to having a different pursuit than God.
Religion can have positive attributes, but no religion has the ability to save a soul. There are good people that have a religion but are not on their way to heaven. Only through Jesus Christ can we have eternal life.
Every believer has the need to lay aside weights and sin, looking to Jesus as the author and finisher of faith, and diligently working to share the Gospel. We must beware of spiritual blindness, short-sightedness, and forgetfulness. Rather, we must remain steadfast in our faith and actively participate in the work of spreading the Gospel, thereby fulfilling their calling and standing firm until Christ's return.
The central purpose of the Local New Testament Church must be the glorification of God. This is the church's first responsibility, and it must also be its primary pursuit. When the glory of God is first in the church, all other duties of the church will be done according to God's way.
Paul could honestly say to the Romans that he was not ashamed of the Gospel because he made the Gospel his top priority. Believers can say they are not ashamed of the Gospel, but does their life show it?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of dynamic maturity in the Christian life, urging believers to actively cultivate virtues, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity to foster a flourishing faith. Drawing from 2 Peter 1, true growth stems from diligent engagement with Scripture and a commitment to enduring trials which ultimately leading to a life that reflects God's character and bears fruit.
Some may choose the NIV for its ease of reading or other reasons. But what are you missing? The NIV has manipulated an already faulty text in order to be politically correct. We use the KJV because it is the closest English version we have to the original manuscripts.
Through Christ, the believer can have decisive victories requires having the same interest as God and having the same process as God.
Ministry must begin with service. It is natural for us to exalt ourselves over Christ and His will. Hence, the necessity to have spiritual maturity before service. Otherwise, we are seeking to serve God in our own sinful flesh.
The ESV is widely popular among Christian circles in our day. But, is it the Word of God? Learn some of the history behind the ESV and why it is not the Word of God.
It is the desire of every believer to live a life honoring to God and free from sin. However, we are still living in a fleshly body which means that we will not be sinless. Through Christ, we are able to grow in sanctification and have victory over our sin. O! for the day that we will be with Christ and have no more sin!
When the trials of life swirl around us, we can follow the Word of God to where God, our Master, desires us to go. A pursuit of Christ by means of the Word of God will carry us through the trials of suffering that will come as we seek to serve God.
Believers possess a power through Christ that far exceeds any demonic influence. This power is rooted in the indwelling Spirit of God and obedience to His Word. Many today talk of spiritual warfare and demon possession as if it is the same thing. Through Christ, the believer will never be possessed by demons.
The reason that most believers do not want to fight the battle and press forward in their Christian life is that they do not want to. However, God has done so much for us, we ought to press forward for Him and live the life He has for us.
There are many versions that of the Bible that exist in our day and age. How does one know which one is the right one to use?
The sermon emphasizes a literal interpretation of Genesis, asserting that God created the earth and its inhabitants in six literal days approximately 6,000 years ago, rejecting evolutionary and theistic evolutionary perspectives. It contends that creation reveals God's power, majesty, and eternal nature, while also demonstrating humanity's purpose to bring glory to God and highlighting the importance of truth and the rejection of naturalistic explanations for the universe's origins. Ultimately, the message underscores the biblical authority as the ultimate source of knowledge and affirms the existence of a purposeful, designed creation reflecting God's character and plan.
Ye must be born again! Jesus told Nicodemus. Our savior portrayed the salvation of an individual as a birth. Just as you were born and grow up into physical maturity, the spiritual birth of on individual has just as real results.
Sanctification... another big word that carries big truths. Christ made a great sacrifice that you and I could be set apart unto God. Drawing from Hebrews 10, the message emphasizes that while believers are positionally set apart through Christ, practical sanctification requires a continual purging of sin through the Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, ultimately preparing them for service and aligning their lives with God's will.
One of the greatest characteristics of God is that He is eternal. What does this mean for us today?
What the church does for Christ is foolishness to the world. It will never make sense to a materialistic world why believers give up the world to serve Christ, but Christ gave up so much greater for the believer.
God's creation exposes to all people the greatness and power of Almighty God. There is no other theory or theology that can account for the intricacies of the earth and its inhabitants. God truly is to be praised for his magnificent creation.
When Jesus comes into our life, we are changed, we are different, and we have different desires. We will have a passion for believers. It may take major change in our lives, but as believers we ought to strive to be more like Christ.
Some will claim that the New King James Version is simply a modernization of the King James. This claim is easily refuted when one looks at the underlying texts and the over 100,000 differences between the two Bibles. The NKJV is an inaccurate Bible that directly contradicts God and His ability to preserve His Word for all generations.
We serve the Lord in many different ways, but one of the most obvious ways is with our attitude. A Christ-like attitude of service, following his stellar example, is the will of God for every believer.
The sermon explores the doctrine of justification through the example of Abraham, emphasizing that righteousness comes not from works or merit but through faith in God. Drawing from Romans chapter 4, the message demonstrates that justification is indeed by faith.
God set apart His church from the world and from Israel. It is unique and distinct from both. How dare we seek to tear down this God-given distinction.
In this message we see three selfless men: Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. Ultimately, the message challenges us to examine our own willingness to hazard comfort, choices, and change in pursuit of a life dedicated to serving God and others, mirroring the example of these devoted individuals.
It is incredibly hard to describe what the church means to Christ. His love for His church is far greater than anything we can comprehend. His love is shown by what He has done for the church.
God took our brokenness and made us new, he does not want us to be the best version of ourselves, but to be like Christ. He wants us to walk in holiness as redeemed children of God. He wants us to purify our lives and especially our mind. The endowment of a sound mind brings a desire for purity.
Service follows salvation, sanctification, and submission. The order is importance. One method of serving the Lord is by ministering to other believers. This is exemplified by the pastor of the local church.