PM Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 11.1-4 Brent T. Willey Keeping It Simple Introduction: Paul was greatly concerned that the Corinthians had become “corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Cor. 11.3). The message is clear enough: Keep It Simple! I. THE GOSPEL – KEEP IT SIMPLE! The basis is simple. (Rom. 1.16-17; 1 Cor. 15.1-4) The plan is simple. (Mark 16.15-16; Rom. 6.3-7, 15-17) Obedience is simple. (Acts 2, 8, 9, 10, 16, 18, 22, etc.) II. THE CHURCH – KEEP IT SIMPLE! The organization of the church is simple. Universally (Matt. 16.18; Eph. 5.23) Locally (Phil. 1.1; […]

PM Scripture Reading: Philippians 3.17 – 4.1 Brent T. Willey The Preferred Citizenship Philippians 3.20 Introduction: Paul knew the value of being a Roman citizen (Acts 16.35-39), but would his citizenship fail him (2 Tim. 2.9; 4.6)? More than anything, Paul longed for “the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3.12-13), which is why he said in Phil. 3.20: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” As Christians, we have a Preferred Citizenship… I. THE PHILIPPIANS WERE PROUD CITIZENS History: In 168 BC […]

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 […]

AM Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3.5-11 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey “NO OTHER FOUNDATION” 1 Corinthians 3.11 Introduction: Jesus emphasized spiritual foundations. (Luke 6.47-49) Paul wrote, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3.11). There are forces eager to destroy the most important foundations in life! (Cf., Psa. 11.3) Christ is the only foundation that can insure stability! I. The Word of Christ is Foundational to Truth “Truth” is more than some philosophical notion! Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you […]

AM Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 5.1-5 Brent T. Willey Ecclesiastes 5.1 Entering God’s House  1 Timothy 3.15 Introduction: Consider two passages that concern the “house of God.” Eccl. 5.1: “Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.” 1 Tim. 3.15: “I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar & ground of the truth.” Two interesting figures of […]

What Shall I Believe About the Church? Part 2

What Shall I Believe About the Church? Part 1

PM Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4.1-6 This Evening’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THE “ONENESS” OF CHRISTIANITY Introduction: “It is possible to fail in many ways…while to succeed is possible only in one way.” (Aristotle; ca 350 BC). Jesus epitomized “oneness” more than anyone else in history! (Cf., John 10.30; 14.6; 10.16) What is “oneness” in Christianity? I. “ONENESS” IN WHO WE ARE Our “oneness” is the result of our obedience to the one saving gospel! (Cf., Mark 16.15-16; Rom. 1.16-17; Gal. 1.8-9) Paul’s emphasis of “one” in Ephesians 4.4-6 is defining! Our bond to “one God.” (Matt. 28.19) We are a […]

AM Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10.21-25 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey “You Will Be Missed” (1 Samuel 20.18) Introduction: When David told Jonathan that he would not be attending the meal for the new moon, Jonathan replied, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty” (1 Sam. 20.18). Allegorically, I wish to apply this to the all-to-often empty pews found at many of our worship services and Bible classes. I. YOU WILL BE MISSED… Because you are a member of God’s spiritual family. Who are the family members? (Matt. 10.47-50) Please don’t […]

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 […]