Sermons on Spiritual Growth (Page 21)
Yesterday, Today and Beyond-Eccl 3:11
We live in a paradigm of past memory, present (senses, thoughts, actions) and future anticipation. God is not confined to such a linear existence. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NASB) 11 He has made everything [a]appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, [b]yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.
I’m Not Ashamed-1 Peter 4:15-16
Life can be daunting, like a deer caught in the headlights the way ahead is out of focus and the last thing on our minds is evangelism. 1 Peter 4:15-16 (NASB) 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a [a]troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
Character-John 1:47
You are your character and your character is you. John 1:47 (NASB) 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and *said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”
Making Progress-Phill 1:23-26
What does Christian progress look like? Who is to say someone is moving forward? What are the signs of spiritual progress? Philippians 1:23-26 (NASB) 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy [a]in the faith, 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound…
Honour-1 Sam 2:30
Is reasoned discourse imperilled? Reasoned discourse is increasingly giving way to in-your-face sound bites. Our interchanges are confrontational, divisive, and dismissive. Have balance and fairness become casualties to a myriad of voices contending simultaneously for dominance? 1 Samuel 2:30 (ESV) 30 Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor,…
Teachers (Part 2)—Where to Begin-John 13:13-14
Who is Jesus that we should listen to him? •Jesus knew what he was, Lord. He didn’t shy away from what that meant in its practical outworking. Expected his disciples to do likewise. John 13:13-14 (NASB) 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord; and [a]you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
Dealing With The Difficult – Acts 15:36-41
Is complete agreement necessary? Co-operation may not be a mutual want! Some people are happy with a Mexican standoff! Acts 15:36-41 (NASB) 36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them [a]in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the…
Teachers (Part 1)-2 Tim 4:2
Should I be a teacher? Yes, No or Maybe! 2 Timothy 4:2 (NASB95) preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. (NASB95)
Love – Right Where You Are-Col 3:14
Our Today— Love does not shrink back from telling the truth, we speak the truth in love. Jesus is love in the flesh, out of love we preach Christ and him crucified Colossians 3:14 (ESV) 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Make Me a Servant-Matt 12:18-21
A lot has been said about “Servant Leadership.” I am not doubting anyone’s sincerity but I can’t help but wonder if the word, “Leadership” is the greater motivation. Let’s face it—No one ever went out of their way to a attend a “Servant” seminar, unless they were absolutely desperate for a job. Matthew 12:18-21 (NASB) 18 “Behold, My [a]Servant whom I [b]have chosen;My Beloved in whom My soul [c]is well-pleased;I will put My Spirit upon Him,And He shall proclaim [d]justice to the [e]Gentiles.19 “He will not quarrel, nor cry out;Nor…