AM Scripture Reading: Matthew 7.24-29 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey Some Causes of Spiritual Erosion Introduction: I question the wisdom of building homes on the cliffs and hillsides along the California coastline. Most of us remember the devastation of the 2005 La Conchita landside. This reminds us Jesus’ powerful conclusion to His challenging Sermon on the Mount. (Matt. 7.24-27) Spiritual erosion is a serious problem among us… A LACK OF APPLICATION CAUSES EROSION This is Jesus’ primary conclusion. (Matt. 7.24-27) What’s the problem? Some won’t even listen. (Mark 8.18) Some hear, but will not do. (James 1.22-25) Some exhibit […]

PM Scripture Reading: Luke 15.1-7 Brent T. Willey THE OVERTAKEN Galatians 6.1-2 Introduction: Paul indicates that a brother can be “overtaken in a trespass” to such an extent that his soul is in jeopardy. Consider… Prolambanō [prolamba/nw]– “overtaken” or “caught in” Paraptōma [para/ptwma]- “a false step, a blunder; denotes a trespass, a deviation from uprightness” (Vine). Kataritzō [katariti/zw]- “to mend, to furnish completely; metaphorically- ‘restoration’” (Vine). (E.g., Mark 1.19) The “spiritual” have a responsibility toward the “overtaken.” WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE OVERTAKEN We should think about their future; it is not good. It’s lamentable. (2 Pet. 2.20-22; Heb. 10.26-31) […]

AM Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 13.4-9 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey SHORT-LIVED RESTORATION Nehemiah 13.1-22 Introduction: The Old Testament books of Ezra & Nehemiah are primarily about the restoration of the Jewish Temple and the city of Jerusalem (ca., 536-428 BC). Jerusalem and the Temple had been left in ruins since 586 BC, when Judah fell to the Babylonians. Restoration would come to Judah, but it was short-lived! I. IN THE ABSENCE OF NEHEMIAH – Verse 6 How important is leadership? In the absence of law… (Neh. 8.1-8; cf., James 1.25) In the absence of leadership… (V.6; cf., Heb. 13.7, […]

AM Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4.1-5 (nkjv) This Morning’s Sermon:  Brent T. Willey PERSONAL APOSTASY Introduction: A commonly asked question is, “Why do some leave the faith?” Next, what do I mean by apostasy? Webster:“1:renunciation of a religious faith2:defection.” Greek: apostasia- “defection from the truth” (Strong); “a falling away” (Thayer); “abandonment” (Gingrich). Used twice in the New Testament: Acts 21.21; 2 Thess. 2.3 “Personal apostasy” is when one defects from the truth or abandons the true teachings of Christ, an issue that was addressed by Jesus Himself, as well as the apostles. What is more distressing is the fact than […]

AM Scripture Reading: Hebrews 2.1-4   Brent T. Willey PAYING CLOSER ATTENTION Hebrews 2.1 Introduction: The author of Hebrews is giving a clear warning! We must not forget the context of this epistle: Many Jewish Christians were defecting from the faith; some even returning to Judaism. The Book of Hebrews has great relevance today! I. “FOR THIS REASON…” The expression, Dia\ tou=to[diá toúto], connects vs. 1-4 with the whole argument of chapter one (UBS Translator). The kjv, nkj, asv-01, rsv & esv all translate the phrase as “therefore” – the simple conclusion expressing cause. “For this reason” is much more […]

Pm Scripture Reading: Acts 20.28-32 David M. Fiddament BEWARE, THE APOSTASY Introduction: The Holy Spirit warned of a great falling away in 1 Tim. 4.1. άποστασία (apostasia): a falling away. (2 Thess. 2.3) Paul says that Christ won’t come till the apostasy happens. We must always beware of apostasy and stand fast in the Truth! (Read Acts 20.28-32) I. APOSTASY PRODUCED A. By Satan. (John 8.44) B. By False Teachers. (2 Pet. 2.12; Matt. 7.15-20) C. By Stubbornness. (Acts 7.57; Acts 28.25-28) D. By a Love of the World. (Mark 10.17-22, 1 John 2.15-16) II. APOSTASY EXHIBITED A. In Resisting […]