Episoder
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Reference: Acts 10:34
Would you be prepared to share the light of the Gospel the moment someone asks about it?
In Acts 10, Simon Peter was invited into the home of Cornelius, a Roman officer, to share his faith with him and his household.
Acts 10:34-35 says, âThen Peter opened his mouth and said: âIn truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.ââ
Peter, a Jew, preached the message of salvation to the first Gentile, claiming that the door of salvation is wide: anyone who wants to enter may come. But the way is very narrow: Jesus is the only way to Heaven. If we are not saved by Jesus alone, we are not saved at all.
The evidence of Jesus Christ has not changed over time. The same testimony Peter gave to Cornelius is our testimony today. Peterâs threefold testimony reveals how we can share the light of Jesus with others.
First, Peter gave his personal witness account as a saint.
Having walked with Jesus and witnessed Him firsthand, Peter had unmatched confidence in the virtuous life, vicarious death, and victorious resurrection of Christ.
Adrian Rogers says, âA Christian with a glowing witness is worth a library full of arguments.â
Peterâs second line of evidence was the prophetic witness of the Scriptures.
Acts 10:43 says, âTo Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.â
The Old Testament also bore witness that every prophecy about the Messiahâmore than 300âwas fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. It is an absolute mathematical impossibility that these Scriptures could be fulfilled apart from divine inspiration and the deity of Jesus Christ.
Finally, Peter had the persuasive witness of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit of God anointed Peter, so that his words would convince and convict Cornelius and his family.
We are not waiting on the Holy Spiritâas Believers, God has already sent Him to strengthen and empower us to witness to others.
Together, Peterâs personal witness, Scriptureâs fulfilled prophecy, and the Spiritâs persuasion provoked the Gentile Pentecost, proclaiming that the Gospel was for everyone, even us!
Apply it to your life
Are you confident to share what Jesus Christ has done in your life? Have you asked God to anoint you with His Spirit, so that He may convict others through your testimony?
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 3
As Christians, we are instructed to keep the faith and give it away. We must be ready to give an account for what makes us different. We must learn how to answer a skeptic.
1 Peter 3:15 says, âBut 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 fearâŠâ
There are four basic propositions that can help us when giving an account for our faith.
First, forego the folly of fools.
Foolishness isnât a lack of knowledge, rather it is evidence of moral depravity. A fool is not an honest doubter, he is simply hostile toward the truth. When someone shows himself to be a fool, we should not argue with him; we should tell him what God says and go our way.
Second, we need to learn the limits of logic.
To give a defense for our faith does not mean to apologize; it means to give an answer as one would give in a court of law. We know creationâs complex design speaks of Godâs existence, as does the moral law of the universe. But we must keep in mind that while logic is a very valuable tool, it can only take us so far in answering a skeptic.
We must also remember the resource of revelation.
If we want to know God, He must reveal Himself to us.
2 Peter 1:19 says, âAnd so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your heartsâŠâ God knows we need help understanding Scripture, so the Holy Spirit shines it into our dark hearts, giving us the light to see.
Adrian Rogers says, âThe Holy Spirit takes the curtain of your skepticism and He pulls it aside, pins it with a star of hope, and floods your heart with Gospel light.â
Finally, fortify the force of faith.
We are witnesses of His existence because of what He has done in our lives.
Apply it to your life
Are you prepared to give an answer for the hope in you? When Jesus is real to us and is sanctified in our hearts, we can answer skeptics with meekness and fear.
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Manglende episoder?
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: 2 Peter 2:1
In the Bible, there is no greater crime than being a false prophet. Itâs bad to tell a lie and itâs worse to teach a lie; but it is evil to teach a lie about God.
Adrian Rogers says, âDonât let false teachers take you by surprise; when you look for the devil, never fail to look in the pulpit.â
We must learn how to spot a counterfeit teacher.
2 Peter 2:1 says, âBut there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.â
Scripture tells us that false teachers are among us and warns us of the dangers of their doctrine.
We can identify counterfeits by their message. There are five tests we should run in our minds as we listen to a preacher:
-Source Test: What is the basis of his teaching?
-Savior Test: Does he believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah?
-Subject Test: Is the primary source of his teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
-Salvation Test: Does he teach salvation by grace or does he try to mix works or baptism or anything else into salvation?
-Sanctification Test: Does he teach, and endeavor to live, a holy life?
We can also identify false teachers by their methods.
2 Peter 2:2-3 says, âAnd many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.â
Good counterfeiters will lay false teaching alongside good teaching in order to confuse their listeners. Their words are feigned, like plastic; they are malleable and easy to contort.
You can also spot a counterfeiter by his motive, which is to manipulate his people for his own profit or gain.
The desperate need in these last days is authentic biblical teaching; God will not spare the false prophet.
Apply it to your life
Remember this advice from Adrian Rogers: âThe world is full of counterfeits; make sure you have the real thing. There are some counterfeit Christians, but donât you let that keep you away from Jesus. Jesus is real, salvation is real and you can be real if youâll repent of your sin and trust Him.â
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Luke 14:25-35
It costs to serve Jesus Christ; we must be prepared to pay the price. Many will try to water down the Gospel in an attempt to gain more followers, but Jesus is not looking for easy followers; He wants fully committed disciples.
Jesus wants disciples who will worship at any cost.
Luke 14:27 says, âAnd whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.â
Jesus must come before personal relationships and reputations. His disciples must prioritize Him over their families and loved ones, and even before themselves. He must come before personal realization. The decision to follow Jesus was the last independent decision any Christian ever made; our lives now belong to Jesus.
Second, Jesus wants disciples who will work at any cost.
âFor which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish itâŠâ (Luke 14:28).
Jesus calls us to build our lives according to His blueprints, spiritually conceived through prayer. We cannot look for a cheap, easy, lazy way to build our lives for Christ. We must count the cost, and steadfastly work to completion.
Third, fully committed disciples will war at any cost.
Adrian Rogers says, âWhen I follow the Lord Jesus Christ, I follow Him into battle.â There is no such thing as neutrality in this spiritual warfare. Though we are outnumbered, we cannot be cowards or compromisers. Nor can we be cautious; we must go into the battle with all of our hearts and souls.
Finally, Jesus wants disciples who will witness at any cost.
âSalt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hearâ (Luke 14:34-35)!
Salt preserves, flavors, and heals; likewise, we are called to preserve truth and to have a zest about our lives that heals this sick world. But salt also burns and penetrates; it is an irritant that permeates everything it touches. We cannot fear our nature to irritate this corrupt world and permeate Jesus Christ into everything we touch.
Apply it to your life
Are you a fully committed disciple of Jesus Christ? Are you willing to pay the cost of worship, work, war, and witness?
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: 2 Corinthians 5
Our achievements in life are impelled by the drive behind them. If we want to be soul winners for the cause of Christ, the apostle Paul offers six mighty motivations in 2 Corinthians 5.
First, we see the soul winnerâs compulsion: âTherefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well-pleasing to HimâŠâ (2 Corinthians 5:9). Our goal is to please God; if we are not bringing souls to Christ, we are not acceptable to God.
We also recognize our compensation: âFor we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or badâ (2 Corinthians 5:10). We will be compensated for our soul-winning work at the judgment seat of Christ. And whatever reward He gives us will never see corruption.
Third, remember the soul winnerâs conviction: âKnowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men...â (2 Corinthians 5:11). Paul reminds us of what it means for a soul to die unredeemed, destined for Hell; he understood the terror of the Lord.
We are also motivated by our compassion: âFor if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you...â (2 Corinthians 5:13).
Adrian Rogers says, âWhat motivates me is not my love for people; it is my love for Jesus. Yes, I love people, but the chief motivation of my life is His love for me and, therefore, His love through me.â
We remember our confidence: âTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become newâ (2 Corinthians 5:17). As Christians, we are confident that when we lead a soul to Christ, he will become a new creature. Every person is a potential brother or sister in the faith.
Finally, we read of the soul winnerâs commission: âNow all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliationâŠâ (2 Corinthians 5:18). We are saved to bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We are ambassadors of the King of kings, appointed and anointed by God Himself.
Apply it to your life
Are you motivated, today, to win souls for Jesus Christ? Remember these six mighty motivations as you prayerfully and boldly share your faith.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Reference: Mark 8:34
Our souls are of infinite worth. When God made the human soul, He made it in His own image, therefore, our souls are endless, timeless, dateless, and measureless. The soul is the most valuable part of each of us, and so often, the first thing we sacrifice for the things of this world.
Mark 8:35-36 says, âFor whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospelâs will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?â
No one ever gains the whole world, and whatever part of the world you would gain, you cannot keep forever. The world cannot satisfy our deepest longingsâneither pleasure, possession, nor philosophy could ever satisfy because God made us for Himself.
Our souls are priceless treasures of tremendous worth; each one was formed with incredible creativity. Every soul has the potential to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Our souls are also valuable because of their durability; they last for all eternity.
Adrian Rogers says, âGod never makes duplicates. You are the handiwork, the crafting, of Almighty God.â
Our souls are also extremely rare; each is unique. Our souls are of inestimable worth. Jesus died upon the cross, paying the price with His blood and agony to show how much He desired our souls. Therefore, we must be extremely careful with our souls. Any one soul not given to the Lord is a waste of a soul. It is a foolish transaction.
Adrian Rogers says, âYour soul was made for God and until your soul finds its rest in God, your soul will never find satisfaction. Youâre His poemâHis masterpiece.â
To lose your soul would be a tragic, immeasurable lossâall the wealth of this world cannot compare to the value of a soul. It is an irreplaceable and irreversible lossâafter death, we donât get a second chance.
Itâs an inexcusable lossâcompletely avoidable. Because of Jesus Christ, our sin has been atoned for. And if we belong to Christ and confess our sins, those sins are forgiven.
We can be saved, through conviction, conversion, and confession.
Apply it to your life
Are you playing games, gambling with your soul? To lose it to this world would be a foolish, fatal tragedy. Give it to Jesus, who saves it and keeps it for all of eternity.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Whether we realize it or not, there is a battle raging in our minds at every moment: spiritual warfare between light and darkness, good and evil, Jesus Christ and Satan. We cannot afford to be ignorant, and we cannot possibly be neutral.
2 Corinthians 10 shares encouragement for us in this battle for our minds.
First, this passage warns us of the warfare of our foe.
There is a deadly array of demons dedicated to the destruction of our thought lives. They are under the authority of the prince of darknessâthe devil. He wants our minds, because it is through the mind that God communicates, changes, and controls us. When weâre saved, we receive the mind of Christ, and use our minds in different capacities than we once did. The devil wants to corrupt our minds so we fall out of fellowship with Christ.
Second, this passage addresses the weakness of our flesh.
âFor though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the fleshâ (2 Corinthians 10:3).
The spiritual battle is not in the flesh, but our flesh can be a point of weakness in our fight. We do not have what it takes to overcome on our own.
This passage also reminds us of the weapons of our fight.
âFor the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of ChristâŠâ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
One of our weapons is the sovereignty of God, who is our Commander-in-Chief in this fight.
We also have the authority of our commission, as 2 Corinthians 10:8 says: âFor even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamedâŠâ
Finally, remember, we have our certain courage.
Jesus Christ has already won the war. We win the battle each and every day by guarding our minds with all diligence (see Proverbs 4:23).
Apply it to your life
Adrian Rogers says, âCenter your mind upon Jesus. Donât let the devil take away your pure-hearted devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. Stay in love with Him and there wonât be any room for those filthy, wicked, lustful, prideful thoughts that bombard us all.â
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:4-8
Even the strongest Christian can struggle with mental health. Many of us find ourselves shackled by the chains of disappointment, depression, anger, and fear. While in prison, weighed down by real chains, the Apostle Paul wrote about the freedom we can have in Christ. In Philippians 4, he reveals five steps to mental health.
Rejoice in the presence of the Lord.
âRejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at handâ (Philippians 4:4-5). Paul knew he was not alone in his prison cell; the Lord was with him. No matter our circumstance, the joy we have in the Lord is continuous, because Jesus is constant.
Adrian Rogers says, âNo matter where we are, how lonely the night, how dark the road, how dismal the prison, how big the problem, Jesus Christ is always there.â
Rely on the protection of God.
âBe anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplicationâŠâ (Philippians 4:6a).
Whatever problem we may face, we can talk to God about it. Worry hurts us so badly, because by definition, it is the idea of being pulled apart; it is useless, wasteful, and wicked. Rather, we can trust God in the big things and the little things.
Reflect on the provision of God.
â...with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to Godâ (Philippians 4:6b). Rather than praying with self-pity, we should be filled with thanksgiving, praying with gratitude for all the Lord has done, and all He will do.
Rest In the peace of the Lord.
â...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesusâ (Philippians 4:7). The peace of God is what guards us and protects us. We donât keep this peaceâit keeps us.
Reflect on the purpose of God.
âFinallyâŠwhatever things are true⊠noble⊠just⊠pure⊠lovely⊠of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthyâmeditate on these thingsâ (Philippians 4:8).
We can be selective about what comes into our hearts and minds. We must keep our thoughts on the right things, so that we donât miss the purposes of God.
Apply it to your life
Consider these five steps to mental health today. Pray that you would remember the Lord is near, to rejoice in Him and not in our circumstances. He is our protection, our provision, our peace, and our purpose.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:4-8
Adrian Rogers says, âYou can choose your thoughts like you choose your friends.â
As Christians, we must have a standard regarding the kinds of thoughts we allow into our minds. Scripture shows us how and why we should control our thought lives.
Philippians 4:4-7 says, âRejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.â
Every Christian who is in control of his thoughts will have conscious, contagious joy in the Lord.
We will obtain healthy mental attitudes when we remember God is near, and we will recognize His presence continually.
We must refuse to worry about anything; Jesus Himself tells us that worrying is worthless, wasteful, and wicked. (See Matthew 6.) Instead, we must bring every need to Godâall the while, developing thankful spirits.
Philippians 4:8 says, âFinally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthyâmeditate on these things.â
This verse reveals exactly how we should screen our thoughts and what to admit into our minds:
1, Reliance Test: Is it true? Does it come from a reliable source?
2, Respect Test: Is it honest, honorable, and worthy of respect?
3. Rightness Test: Is it straight-line thinking or is it crooked thinking?
4. Reverence Test: Is it pure, free of contamination, worthy of being lifted up in worship?
5. Relationship Test: Does it cause you to love rather than criticize?
6. Refinement Test: Is it a good report, high-toned, refined, and beneficial?
We can win the war on our minds and control our thoughts, but it will not happen if we stay neutral. We must be intentional about thinking what is good. We will not overcome evil with anything other than what is good.
Apply it to your life
There is a correct standard for the thoughts we allow into our minds. Do you think about what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, or of good report? Be intentional today, as you meditate on what is good.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Our thought lives are the root of many of our problems in this world gone wild. It is crucial that we have mastery over our minds and control over our thought lives.
First, we must be sure of our salvation.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 says, âBut even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.â
The devil wants us to stay in the dark and blind our minds to the light of the Gospel.
Thereâs a difference between the mind and the brain; the devil does not come after our intelligence, rather he wants to distort our minds. We become what we think about. (See Proverbs 23:7.)
The carnal mind, which is at war with God, must be converted. There is no second step until we are sure we are saved.
Second, we must pursue single-minded, heart-felt devotion to God.
A converted mind can be corrupted; we can lose so much ground in the battle for our thought lives if we do not take action and give everything over to God.
Third, we must root out the strongholds in our thought lives.
A corrupt mind must be conquered. We must conquer compulsiveness, obsessions, fixations, and fears. We cannot let bitterness and resentment, uncontrollable lusts, phobias, criticisms, or distrust have a hold on us.
This warfare is not carnal, so our weapons arenât either. Education, psychology, nor positive thinking can help us take down these strongholds. Our fighting chance is the blood of Christ, the Word of God, and the authority in the name of Jesus.
Finally, we must surrender our conquered minds back to the Lord.
We cannot be neutral; we cannot merely dethrone the enemyâChrist must be enthroned in our thought lives.
Adrian Rogers says, âNo man can think two things at one time. If youâre thinking what is right, you cannot be thinking what is wrong. You can choose your thoughts like you can choose your friends.â
Our great hope is that the conquered mind can be controlled by bringing every thought to Jesus Christ.
Apply it to your life
Bring every thought to obedience, and let the Lord Jesus Christ screen your thought life today.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Reference: Genesis 1; Ephesians 1
God made man and woman to have dominion, victory, and mastery; it is the very reason we were created. Once we understand this, we can come together as a conquering church and take back what was lost by Adam and was restored by Jesus Christ, the Second Adam.
According to Genesis 1:26, God gave dominion on earth to Adam.
But Satan, a fallen angel who became the father of the night, lost the battle in Heaven and hopes to win the battle on Earth.
He came to the Garden of Eden as a serpent and tempted Adam and Eve to sin; therefore, they turned dominion over to him and became his slaves.
But this dominion, legally lost by Adam, was righteously regained by Jesus Christ!
Adrian Rogers says, âGod owes Satan nothing, but God owes everything to His own justice. Jesus Christ came to this Earth as the second Adam, to gain back what the first Adam lost.â
It was lost by a man, and it was legally restored by a man: âFor since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made aliveâ (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).
Satan tried to tempt Jesus to sin as he had tempted Adam (Luke 4), but Jesus defeated Him by the Word of God. At Calvary, when Jesus died and was buried, the devil believed he had won. But three days later, Jesus walked out of the grave and brought back dominion that had been lost.
Finally, this dominion has been gloriously given to the Church.
Ephesians 1:22-23 says, âAnd He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.â
When God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, He raised us up as well. The devil wants to keep us in the dark so that we never see the incredible power weâve been given. But when we finally recognize it, all Heaven will break loose.
Apply it to your life
Adrian Rogers says, âThe same weapons that belonged to Adam in the Garden of Eden were the weapons that Jesus Christ used in the wilderness.â Spend some time in Scripture, dwell on the Word of God, exercising your dominion, rightfully restored by Jesus Christ.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: John 4:23-24
We were created to worship God; it is lifeâs greatest privilege and supreme duty to worship Him. It is the act of worship, and coming together as a worshiping Church that transforms our lives from monotonous to momentous.
First, we must understand the meaning of true worship.
John 4:23-24 says, âBut the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.â
In this passage, Jesus explained to a Samaritan woman what worship is, and how it differs from the religion she was accustomed to.
Adrian Rogers says, âWe donât have to have enthusiastic heresy, or lifeless orthodoxy. âŠItâll be a great day in any church when you stop enduring religion and start enjoying true worship.â
Worship is a response of gratitude to all that God has revealed Himself to be, through Jesus Christ.
Second, we must understand the motive of true worship, and why God is seeking worshippers.
We become like what we worship. This is why itâs important to know exactly who we are worshipping, because if we do not worship Almighty God, we will be susceptible to worship anything else.
Not only does God seek worshippers for what it does for us, but also for what it does for Him. Our praise gives Him pleasure as our Father; He yearns for our devotion and our honor.
Finally, we must understand the method of true worship: both in spirit and truth.
When Jesus says to worship God in spirit, He is referring to our innermost being. If our spirit is dead or warped, we canât truly worship. Our praise must come from an honest place.
But we must also remember to worship in truth; our emotions cannot dictate our praiseâthere must be an intelligent worship.
Adrian Rogers says, âYour worship will never rise higher than your knowledge of God.â
Spirit and truth go together; we honor God by actively praising with our spirit and seeking truth in His Word.
Apply it to your life
The ultimate privilege is to love God and worship Him in spirit and truth. Today, love Him passionately with all your heart, selflessly with all of your soul, and thoughtfully with your mind.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:7-8
There is no substitute for prayer, and a church is only as useful as her prayer life. The devil cannot keep God from answering our prayers, so he tries to keep us from asking. But our Lord has commanded us to pray.
Adrian Rogers says, âThe greatest problem that you have in your life is not unanswered prayer; the greatest problem is unasked prayer.â
Matthew 7:7-8 says, âAsk, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.â
These are the words of Jesusâan undeniable, impeccable promise to a praying church.
God already knows our needs before we ask. We pray, not to impress or inform Him, but to invite Him into our circumstances. God wants us to abide in Him, and prayer teaches us to depend on Him.
This passage reminds us first to ask and express our desires to God.
There is no division between spiritual things we should ask for and secular things we shouldnât. We canât consider some things too big or too small for God to answer. Whatever our desires may be, if they are something we can ask Godâs help for, we should give them to God. Sometimes the answer is direct.
Secondly, weâre reminded to seek and expect direction from God.
Sometimes, Godâs ways are unknown to us, so His answers are different from what we expect. What we ask for is not what God wants us to have. As we seek God, He will direct our prayers over time so that we will ask for the right things.
Finally, this passage tells us to knock and exercise determination with God.
We cannot give up too easily; we must remember that sometimes, Godâs answers are delayed and we must be persistent. We should only stop knocking after we have an answer in hand or in our hearts, or if God says âno.â Until then, we must ask, seek, and continue knocking, inviting God into our lives, one prayer at a time.
Apply it to your life
Is there something in your heart and mind that youâve been afraid to pray for? Freely ask God, seek Him, and continue knocking. He is faithful to answer, whether directly, differently, or delayed.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Reference: John 14:12
A Spirit-filled Church does not just organize and process membersâit empowers and equips believers to be transformed by Scripture.
John 14:12 says, âMost assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.â
The Exciting Program
This passage reveals that as a Church, we are not only to do the works of Jesus, but also to exceed the works of Jesus. We wonât walk on water, but we will multiply the kingdom by leading people to Jesus.
Adrian Rogers says, âBringing a soul to Jesus Christ is greater than raising a man from the dead.â There is no substitute for evangelism; the Church is to share the Gospel with others.
The Explicit Promise
We also remember our explicit promise: that God will answer our prayers. Prayer is not preliminary to our work; it is the work. To do the greater works that Jesus commands us to do, we must labor in prayer. This requires the right people praying, with the right power, for the right purpose.
The Expected Practice
Third, this passage reminds us that weâre expected to keep Godâs commandments. (See John 14:15.) We are expected to obey the Lord if we love Him. We are all called to be witnesses to what God has done for us; it is simple, but there is no cheap or easy way to do it.
The Exceeding Power
To do all of this, we need the exceeding power of the Holy Spirit.
John 14:16 says, âAnd I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you foreverâŠâ
Adrian Rogers says, âThe Holy Spirit is Christ in the Christian.â In the Holy Spirit, we have a Great Comforter who empowers and strengthens us. We are never left to do these greater works alone; He is with us and within us.
Each Christian life is a culmination of three miracles: salvation through Jesus, the hope of His Second Coming, and the Holy Spiritâs empowerment for daily living.
Apply it to your life
To be a Spirit-filled Church, each one of us must be filled with the Holy Spirit; are you being obedient to the Lord? Are you seeking to multiply the Kingdom by winning souls to Jesus?
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 4
Anyone who does something in the name of the Lord will face spiritual warfare. This is why a steadfast church is bound to be attacked by the enemy.
Our enemy is very methodical. But the Holy Spirit is our ally. Not only can we know the enemyâs methods, but we can also stand against them.
In the Book of Nehemiah, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, despite spiritual opposition. We can clearly see the enemyâs tactics at work in Nehemiah 4.
First, he tries derision.
He mocked Nehemiah and his team, calling them feeble, futile, and foolish. The devil will try to laugh us away from our purpose.
If that doesnât work, heâll try discouragement.
About halfway through any big task, weâll find we are discouraged by fatigue or frustration. This is on purpose; we must stay on track.
Next, the devil tries dismay.
He will use physical intimidation to scare us. But when threatened, Nehemiah and his team remembered the Lord and resisted the enemy; they continued to build and stood ready to battle at the same time. (See Nehemiah 4:18.)
The devil will also attack with discord and division.
We cannot let Satan drive a wedge in our fellowship. Whenever we stand for things within the church body, they must be for the right purpose, in the right spirit, at the right time.
Adrian Rogers says, âIf you are wise, youâll always be a part of the solution, never a part of the problem.â
Next, he tries to distract us.
Satanâs motivation never changes; if he seems to be reasoning with us, itâs a diversion tactic. He is not our friend; we must keep our eyes on the Lord and continue serving Him.
Finally, as he did with Nehemiah, the enemy will defame us among our peers and criticize our motives.
When we live for Jesus, we will be slandered. We must never listen to any slander about another child of God. It is all garbage.
Isaiah 54:17 says, ââNo weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,â says the Lord.â
Apply it to your life
Christians: donât be afraid of the enemyâs attacks. Commit to doing good workâa child of God is always building and battling at the same time.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Acts 24:24-27
Many of us struggle with procrastination, but do we realize that is doing great damage to us? Do we ever grasp the true problem of procrastination? Adrian Rogers tells us, âProcrastination is more than the thief of time, it is the grave of opportunity and it may be the road to hell.â
There are a few reasons people reject the Gospel upon hearing it. Perhaps the most common reason is procrastination. They put it off, thinking that they will have plenty of time to receive Christ later on. Thatâs the case in Acts 24. In this passage, Paul is a prisoner of Caesarea and the Roman judge, Felix calls for him to answer questions he has about Jesus Christ. Paul preaches a Christ-centered message, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit is so strong, Felix trembles. Felix was at the threshold of salvation, but then he did something that so many people do: he said, âWhen I have a convenient season, I will call for you.â (Acts 24:25)
There are three things we can learn from Felixâs procrastination.
First, see the sermon that convicted Felix.
Here was a sinful man whose heart was in need of a Savior. Paul did not back down. He delivered a message, first concerning Godâs standard of righteousness. Then he discussed Felixâs self-control, and the judgment of God to come.
See, also the pressures that confronted him.
When the Holy Spirit convicted Felix, the devil moved in to confront him. There were three mighty forces that warred against this manâs soulâthe world, the flesh, and the devil. These are three enemies we all face, and sometimes, like Felix, they cause us to retreat.
Finally, see the presumption that condemned Felix.
Acts 24:27 reveals that Felix never received Christ. Felix made three tragic assumptions:
-that convenience will come,
-that conviction from the Holy Spirit would continue, and
-that conflicts would cease.
But he forgot as many of us do⊠tomorrow may never come.
Adrian Rogers says, âTomorrow you will have more sin to repent of. And tomorrow you will have a harder heart to repent with.â
Apply it to your life
Do you have trouble with procrastination? Is it harming you more than it should? Donât wait until tomorrow to repent of your sins; do it right now!
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Acts 23
If you are criticized for standing for the Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible says, âRejoice and be exceeding glad. Great is your reward in heaven.â (Matthew 5:12) This may seem easier said than done, however.
Scripture tells us that we will be criticized if we live for Jesus. How can we cope with criticism and have peace in times of persecution? Consider the apostle Paul, who was criticized for following the Lord Jesus Christ, and yet he went through it triumphantly.
First, he had a righteous life that came out of a good conscience.
Acts 23:1 says, âI have lived in all good conscience before God until this dayâŠâ Our conscience is that inner voice that accuses us or excuses us for our actions. It doesnât make us good or bad, it simply defines for us what we truly believe is good or bad. However, if our conscience bothers us, then criticism will bother us. We must ensure that our conscience is free from defilement, searing, and evil. If we ever let our conscience get warped or burnt out, we will not be able to cope with criticism in a sound, biblical way.
The second thing that enabled Paul to stand as he did was his message of a resurrected Lord.
There is tension in the Gospel: the Son of God was crucified, killed, and rose from the dead three days later. When you truly preach the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is a disturbing and dividing truth. Either Jesus rose from the grave, or He didnât. Which side are you on?
Adrian Rogers says, âWhen you take a stand for truth youâre going to have a head-on collision with error.â This truth that disturbed and divided others is what delivered Paul. God gave him a reassuring lift, with a word of courage, commendation, and confidence in his time of need.
If we are morally clean and theologically pure, we will be spiritually close to Jesus in times of suffering.
When this happens, not only will we cope with criticism, we might just rejoice in it.
Apply it to your life
Have you been facing criticism for following the Lord Jesus Christ? Use the example of Paul in Acts 23 to face it triumphantly.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Acts 17:16-18
In Acts 17, Paul walks down the streets of Athens, Greece, and meets three challenges to the crossâto the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The same three challenges that Paul met are ones we could meet tomorrow morning; the ones who opposed the Gospel in Acts 17 could believe the same things as the people we rub shoulders with today. We need to learn how Paul met these challenges so that we can meet them in a God-honoring way.
First, Paul met superstitious idolatry.
Acts 17:16 says, âNow while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.â An idol is anything you love, serve, fear, or trust more than God. Paul saw idolatry everywhere he turned in Athens. Our city, even sometimes our churches, are filled with idolatry. We all worship something because mankind is incurably religious. Adrian Rogers says, âIf man does not worship the true God, he will worship a false god, but he will worship.â
Secondly, Paul met stubborn bigotry.
When Paul entered the synagogue and presented the Gospel to the people, he was met with stubbornness; the people were so sure they were right and he was wrong. Adrian Rogers says, âThe hardest man to win to Jesus Christ is the man who doesnât see his need of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many times he has a religious bigotry.â
Thirdly, Paul met sophisticated philosophy.
A philosopher is a lover of wisdom, one who takes pride in his learning. In Paulâs day, he encountered two types of philosophers: the Epicures and the Stoics. Epicureans sought pleasure above anything else. Stoics believed they were victims of fate, that God is in everything and everything is God. We still encounter people who believe this way. Unfortunately, often times, their innate foolishness keeps them from knowing Jesus.
How did Paul deal with this opposition? He simply continued to preach, and reveal the character of God: that He created us, controls us, convicts and commands us. Some mocked, some laughed and some procrastinated. But, thank God, others believed.
We canât make others believe, however, we have the opportunity to preach the Gospel anyway.
Apply it to your life
Do you have any idols in your life that need to be dealt with? Repent and follow God with a wholly devoted heart.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Acts 20:35-38
The world often measures a man by his intelligence, strength, or wealth. However, the world often forgets that when we pass away, we leave behind all that we have and take with us all that we are. What will you take with you? What truly matters in a man?
Consider what the Apostle Paul took with him. Acts 20:19 says, âServing the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptationsâŠâ
A manâs life will be measured by his manner.
We must live a life of humility, and the mark of humility is service. Adrian Rogers says, âHumility is an honest estimation of yourself⊠based on what God says about you. It results primarily in serving others.â
Our manner of life should be marked by heartache.
"Serving the Lord... with many tears." The apostle Paul was a compassionate man. He knew how to weep. He knew how to enter into the sorrows and the hurts of other people.
Our manner of life must also include hardship.
There is no way to live a life that counts and make an impression on this world without making some enemies. That didnât scare Paul, and it shouldnât scare us.
A man's life will also be measured by his message.
We will be known for something when we are gone. Our lives will bear a message for others to remember when they think about us. Paulâs life message revolved around repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ.
Finally, a manâs life is measured by his motto.
Every man has a life motto; something that motivates, drives, and constrains him. Paul's life motto was: "Remembering the words of Jesus, it is more blessed to give than to receive.â (Acts 20:35) Paul spent his life, not primarily as a receiver, but as a giver. This motto freed Paul from covetousness, idleness, and selfishness. Therefore, his life was blessed.
There is no easy way to have a great life. But if we remember that a manâs life is measured by the manner, the message, and the motto of his life, we will find a life worth living.
Apply it to your life
If you based your life on Paulâs testimony in Acts 20:19, how would you measure up? When we pass away, we leave behind all that we have and take with us all that we are. What will you take with you?
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Acts 16:23-31
The Gospel is meant to be told simply. God wants salvation to be made simple because it is His desire that anyone can understand and obtain it.
Acts 16:23-31 tells the story of Paul and Silas, who have been put in prison for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Theyâve been beaten and stuffed into a dungeon; yet, they are singing and praising God. Then came a great earthquake, and the prison doors and shackles came undone. They were free. When the jailor saw that the prisoners were freed, yet remained in their cell, he asked, âWhat must I do to be saved?â Paul and Silasâs answer reveals the beautiful simplicity of salvation.
First, we must consider the meaning of salvation.
To be saved means to be delivered from sin. Sin comes in three forms:
-The wrong we do
-The right we donât do
-The good we do without God
So what does it mean to be saved from sin? We are saved from the penalty, the pollution, the power, and the presence of sin.
Second, we must consider the man of salvation.
The Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 16:30 says â...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved.â
When these disciples said, âLordâ they meant Heâs the Master of our lives.
When these disciples said, âJesusâ they meant He's the Mediator between us and God.
When these disciples said, âChristâ they meant Heâs the Messiah, the one who saves.
Finally, remember the method of salvation.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. What does it mean to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? It is not mere intellectual belief. The demons believe and tremble (James 2:19), and they are certainly not saved. âBelieve onâ means âcommit toâ. Commit to the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Rom. 10:13)
And whosoever means anybody, any time, any place, anywhere.
Apply it to your life
If someone asks you, âHow can I be saved?â as the jailor asked Paul and Silas, would you know what to say?
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