AM Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3.14-19 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey AT HOME IN OUR HEARTS Ephesians 3.17 Introduction: Paul’s earnest prayer for the Ephesian brethren was “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Read Eph. 3.14-19). “Dwell” is from the oikeō [oi)ke/w] family; literally, “to occupy a house, i.e., reside; by implication to cohabit” (Strong). Katoikeō [katoike/w] is the most frequent verb and properly means “to settle down in a dwelling” (Vine), or as Strong notes: “to house permanently, i.e., reside.” Kenneth Wuest’s translation: “That Christ may finally settle down and feel completely at home in your […]

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4.8-11 This Evening’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THE LOVE COVERING 1 PETER 4.8 Introduction: The good relationship I establish and maintain with my brethren in Christ is critical in regards to my good relationship with God. In our text, 1 Peter 4.8, Peter exhorted, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” (Cf., Prov. 10.12; James 5.19-20) In bitterness and negativity resentment is born, but in kindness and thoughtful assistance “love will cover a multitude of sins.” We would do well to consider this Love […]

AM Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3.14-21 This Morning’s Sermon:      Brent T. Willey ALL IN THE FAMILY Introduction: God’s wisdom is seen in the institution of the family. The same principles that God has ordained for the human family also apply to the spiritual family. (Eph. 3.14-21)   The following principles are a must… I. LOVE: The Bond of Perfection Col. 3.14: “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” The dual application: In the home. (Eph. 5.25-33; Col. 3.19; Titus 2.3-4)   In the church. (Rom. 12.9-10; 13.8-10; John 13.34-35) II. UNITY: A […]

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13.1-8   Brent T. Willey “ADD TO YOUR FAITH…LOVE!” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part Eight) Introduction: It is no coincidence that inspiration reserved “love” as the final quality to be added to all the other spiritual attributes. The human concept of “love” may be subject to personal desires and feelings, but the biblical principle of agapé is the most comprehensive emotion expressed in Scripture! Agapé love cannot be masked; it is unfeigned, not faked – it is sincere! (Rom. 12.9 – niv, rsv, etc.) I.AGAPÉ LOVE RISES TO THE OCCASION! Agapé rises to the occasion and […]

PM Scripture Reading: Romans 12.9-16   Brent T. Willey “ADD TO YOUR FAITH… BROTHERLY KINDNESS!” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part Seven) Introduction: Our ability to effectively worship and work together as the body of Christ is absolutely dependent upon “brotherly kindness!” Philadelphia: phileo- to love & adelphos- brother; “fondness of one’s brethren” (Strong). Rom. 12.10; 1 Thess. 4.9; Heb. 13.1; 1 Pet. 1.22; 2 Pet. 1.6 How is “brotherly kindness” manifested?  I.THROUGH THE VALUE OF ACCEPTANCE! Accept allowable differences… (Rom. 14) Take an interest in others… (Phil. 2.3-4) Practice hospitality… (1 Pet. 4.9) II.THROUGH POSITIVE COMMUNICATION! Cautious with criticism… (Mark 14.3-9; […]