AM Scripture Reading: Genesis 7.1-7 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey “COME INTO THE ARK” Genesis 7.1 Introduction: “Then the Lord said unto Noah, ‘Come into the ark, you and your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation’” (Gen. 7.1). This is the first Divine invitation given in the Bible. [bō-attah – hT*a^-aB{], an imperative, means, “you come.” There are some interesting applications… AN INVITATION TO ESCAPE CALAMITY “And God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, […]

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2.4-10 Brent T. Willey THE VALUE OF THE OIKOS FAMILY (Not the Yogurt Variety) Introduction: The OIKOS family is an important grouping of words found in the New Testament Greek and the Septuagint (LXX). OIKOS “denotes (a) a house, a dwelling, e.g., Matt. 9.6-7; 11.8; it is used of the tabernacle, as the house of God, Matt. 12.4…; (b) by metonymy, of the members of a household or family, e.g., Luke 10.5; Acts 7.10…” (Vine). OIKODOMEŌ “literally, to build a house [a house; dome/w, to build], hence to build anything, e.g., Matt. 7.24; Luke 4.29; […]

AM Scripture Reading: Luke 6.46-49 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP Introduction: There is nothing more important than “relationships,” but they need to be well defined. When Jesus posed the question, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6.46), He was defining the relationship between Himself & His disciples. God’s Word defines what our relationship with Christ is to be… I. DEFINING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST Jesus Christ is our Savior His name, Jesus, means “salvation” (Matt. 1.21). “Through the washing of regeneration” (Titus 3.4-7). Jesus […]

AM Scripture Reading: Philippians 2.1-4 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey OUR FAMILY – OUR CHURCH Introduction: What does the word “family” mean to you? A 34-year research study (1974-2008), conducted by two university professors, revealed six qualities of strong families: Appreciation & Affection for Each Other Valuing Each Other & Demonstrating Commitment Ability to Deal With Crises in a Positive Manner Time Together Good Communication Patterns Spiritual Well-Being [See http://extension.unl.edu/publications] Not surprisingly, the apostle Paul touches upon these principles in Philippians 2.1-4. I. FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES “Spiritual Well-Being” was a common underlying principle found among the strong families, which is […]

“When the head of a major fast food chain underscores his support for traditional marriage, lefty heads explode. Dan Cathy, son of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, told the Baptist Press July 16, that the conservative restaurant chain is, in fact, still conservative. “In response to a question pertaining to the franchise’s support of the traditional family, Cathy replied ‘guilty as charged.’ The president and chief operating officer continued, ‘We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first […]

AM Scripture Reading: Joshua 24.22-28 This Morning’s Sermon:                                                        Brent T. Willey DECISIONS, DECISIONS! Joshua 24 Introduction: Decision-making is forced upon us daily – some important, some trivial… In his farewell address to Israel, Joshua calls for a decision: “choose you this day whom you will serve…” (v. 15). We too have important decisions to make! I. “BEFORE YOU DECIDE…” Beware of impulsiveness! (Prov. 18.13) Seek God’s wisdom first! (2 Tim. 3.16-17; James 1.5-8; […]