AM Scripture Reading: James 3.2-12 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey November 16, 2014 The Communication Formula James 1.19-20 Introduction: Better communication is something we as Christians should all desire. (Prov. 18.21; Matt. 12.37; James 3.1-12) James offers an amazing communication formula: “So then, my beloved brethren; let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1.19-20). James employs two words commonly used for measuring speed. “Swift to hear” [Tachùs: “swift, prompt or ready” (1x).] “Slow to speak…slow to wrath” [Brachùs: “metaphoric, dull, […]

Take a moment and contemplate Solomon’s statement in Proverbs 8.23: “I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was made.” If someone were to ask you what God created first, you would probably look at Genesis and say that “light” was the first created thing. And, when it comes to the creation of the physical universe that is true (Gen. 1.3-5). However, in another sense there was something “brought forth” long before God created the earth. In Proverbs we see “wisdom” personified: “When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding […]

Jesus concluded His famous Sermon on the Mount by saying, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7.24). What a marvelous illustration indicating the need to not only hear the teachings of Jesus, but to do them! Here we see the significance of proper spiritual foundations. Architects certainly understand the importance of building on proper foundations. Perhaps one of the greatest examples is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. One side of the tower was built on ground that could not support its […]

AM Scripture Reading: Colossians 1.24-29 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey “HIM WE PROCLAIM” Colossians 1.28 Introduction: Paul’s aim was to “warn everyone” and to “teach everyone with all wisdom,” and to “present everyone” mature in Christ. Two important contextual considerations: #1 – Colossians is Paul’s exposé of Gnosticism. #2 – “Everyone” is accountable to God. Without Christ there is no hope of eternal life! I. WARNING EVERYONE…WITH ALL WISDOM “With all wisdom” modifies how Christ is to be proclaimed. “Everyone” needs “warning.” [nouthetéō: “to put in mind, to warn” – used of both instruction & warning (Vine).] The non-Christian. […]