Sermons tagged #Challenge

A continuation of the sermon I exhort therefore of Paul preaching to the Church and giving instruction to the born again believers.

Every Man of God is commanded to exhort the Word of God.

Despite another trick question, Jesus proved from Scripture that not even death could break the everlasting covenant promise of God to the patriarchs. The Sadducees believed that there will be no resurrection. (v.18) The Sadducees assumed that a resurrection would cause absurd implications. (v.19-23) Jesus answered that the power of God, taught in Scripture, clearly showed that the Sadducees were wrong about the resurrection. (v.24-27) Why so many trick questions? What were the various views of the Jews? Acts 23:6-8 Why is marriage only for earthly life? Dt. 25:5-10 1 Cor. 15:44 How powerful is God? Luke 22:69, Rom. 1:16, 4:17 Heb. 11:19

Joshua brings Israel together at Shechem to renew the covenant and offers them a choice, serve the idols of the land or the one true God. We all worship something, it is hardwired into us, and if you are not serving God, then you are serving something (self, money, power, position, looks, alcohol, drugs, work, health, sex, environment, children--something). We cannot simply say, "God forbid" No, we must serve only the Lord by renouncing all competitors, for he is a jealous God and serving in fear, sincerity, and truth. We also cannot do it alone; we need the Lord's help. Let us follow the example of Joshua and say, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

The greatness and importance of Nehemiah's project to re-build was almost matched by the opposition he faced. So also is the work of the kingdom of heaven. Yet victory is certain. All the enemies of the truth and the Gospel will fail. Nehemiah yet again models for us, the right handling of all opposition.

Our preacher has a talent for developing a particular phrase, not necessarily ripping it out of context, but developing a theme or issue from its context. He does that here with the matter of 'servantising' (as he calls it), waiting upon the Most High as his servants. So he lays down the foundations of service, then the modes of our service, then he commends such service, and finally he exhorts us to such service. As ever, there is a holy boldness in Spurgeon's address. We might legitimately suggest that Spurgeon can speak very directly to a very large congregation without necessarily pointing his finger at one or two people, as might happen when dealing with something like inactivity or laxity in a smaller congregation. The flip side of such an assertion is that he is speaking very directly to thousands of people, and he does not pull his punches. As hearers and readers, we feel the force of Spurgeon's challenge about our service for the Lord; as preachers, we might be reminded of the kind of fortitude that is required to look any number of men and women in the eye, and—with compassion and integrity—point out where they fall short and exhort them to greater endeavour in the Lord's work.

In this sermon, we look at the Parable of the Good Samaritan. We think about how to inherit eternal life. We also think about our neighbor.

An introduction to the city, culture, and the dying church in Sardis

Whenever we feel any reservation about or seek relief from God's plan, we need to remember the power of Jesus' light and life in this world!

Let God put care in your heart for other people. Scatter Session #17 Scatter Season #1

Sometimes life can feel unbearable—even to the point that you may feel like giving up. How can you find encouragement to endure the difficult pressures that come your way? In this sermon, Pastor Jesse shares helpful exhortations from James 5:7–11, encouraging believers to be patient and persevere under pressure. By focusing on the future coming of the Lord and looking to the examples of saints of the past, you can find strength to face your own hardships today.

What are the words that pour forth from your mouth? Are they words that build or words that destroy? The Church as the body of Christ is so essential for our growth in Christ, that it is vital that we let the Word of Christ richly dwell within us in order that we may build each other up in the Lord.