The prophet Isaiah informed his brethren just exactly it was that caused their spiritual separation from God: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear” (Isa. 59.2). In our world of three dimensions, we understand nearness, distance and separation. Even simple pronouns such as “this and that,” and “these and those” are understood to convey nearness or distance. To convey the consequences of sin, Isaiah says that our sins have separated us from our Lord.  Separation from a loved one who is on some battlefield half way across […]

AM Sermon 9/8/13 Sermon outline (opens in a new window/tab) Watch this video on YouTube. If you have difficulty viewing videos, try updating your flash player here.

AM Scripture Reading: Genesis 3.1-8 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THE POWER TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM OF SIN AND PERCEIVE THE POSSIBILITIES Introduction: What was Eve thinking? What was she not considering? “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked, for whatever one sows, that he will also reap” (Gal. 6.7; cf., James 1.14-16). We must experience the power to overcome the problem of sin, and then perceive the possibilities that are ahead! THE PROBLEM The Book of Romans addresses two major subjects: The universal nature of sin with its consequences. (Rom. 1.18-32; 2.3-24; 3.9-23; 6.15-23; 7.1-25; etc.) The saving […]

Jesus said, The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him (1 John 2.10-nau) One of the most common refrains in the Old Testament during the time of the divided kingdom was that the northern kingdom’s kings “caused Israel to sin.” This means these kings led the Lord’s people into idolatry, paganism and the immoral behavior associated with those things. The blame game is one of the worst forms of rationalization. If we can blame someone else for our wrongdoing, we don’t take responsibility for our actions, and we minimize the […]

AM Scripture Reading: Romans 7.7-12 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THE EMERGENCE OF SIN Introduction: Most people do not think about “sin.” This is a mistake! Just how long has sin existed? When did it emerge? What is sin and how and why is it committed? When does sin become an issue in our lives personally? These are important questions and sadly the majority of the world does not understand how serious the “sin issue” is, but God’s Word informs us of everything we need to know about it. THE EMERGENCE OF SIN IN THE BEGINNING Sin is the […]

PM Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4.20-27 Brent T. Willey “THE ISSUES OF LIFE” (There’s Always Somebody That Has It Worse Off In Life) Introduction: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4.23). Tōwts-a-ōwth (“issues”): the boundary ends; the limits. In this context it refers to the territory of “life” itself [chayiym]. Life is filled with issues – lots of issues! ISSUES WITH CIRCUMSTANCES “Man who is born of woman…” (Job 14.1). Issues with our health. (Job 2.7-10) Issues with our jobs. (Phil. 2.14; Col. 3.23) Issues with our finances. (1 Tim. 6.10; […]

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) […]

PM Scripture Reading: Joshua 7:3-5 David M. Fiddament THE GREATER DEFEAT Introduction: After the mighty victory at Jericho, I can only imagine Joshua’s confusion from the defeat at the battle of Ai. Israel was defeated by more than the people of Ai; they were defeated by sin. I. SIN CAUSES PROBLEMS Sin gets people killed. (v. 4-5; Rom. 6:23) Sin keeps people from their home. (Rom. 3:23) Sin is not worth it. (v. 21; Gal. 6:7-8) Sin makes God turn His back. (v. 12; Rom. 1:32) II. GOD SEES EVERYTHING Achan hid his sin. (v. 21) He thought no one […]

James wrote to Christians this following warning: “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4.17). When children know they are in trouble, they think they did something wrong, otherwise why the problem? They may ask, “What did I do wrong?” But the answer often surprises them when they hear, “You failed to do what you should have done.”  In religious parlance this is called a “sin of omission.” (Remember, a “sin of commission” is when you do something that you are not supposed to do.) In the parable […]

PM Scripture Reading: Psalm 130.1-8 Brent T. Willey “Waiting For The Lord” Psalm 130 Introduction: The psalmist declared, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope” (Psa. 130.5 – nkjv). “Wait” is from qavah [hwq], a verb meaning, “to wait, look for, hope, expect” (Strong). Israel was impatient and needed to “wait for the Lord.” I. WAITING FOR OUR PRAYERS TO BE ANSWERED! Verses 1-2: We must take it to the Lord in prayer! Circumstances in life make the waiting feel eternal. Life can be challenging. (Eccl. 3.1-11) God gives us prayer as […]