AM Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 33.14-18 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey It’s A “Good Thing” Introduction: When promoting or endorsing something we like or something that is helpful, we often say, “It’s a good thing.” The verbiage connotes something positive – it pleases us. Let’s look at some biblical examples. I. GOD’S WORD – IT’S A “GOOD THING” Josh. 21.45: “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to Israel. All came to pass.” 2 Tim. 1.14: “That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” II. […]

PM Scripture Reading: Col. 3:12-17 David M. Fiddament FEEL LIKE A NEW MAN (Colossians 3:12-17) Introduction: We have heard so many people claim to be Christians, but act like heathens. Paul says that if we have indeed been born again, we had better act like new people. I. PUT ON LOVE (v. 12-14) Bearing with one another. (Gal. 6:2, 9-10) Forgiving one another. (Matt. 18:21-35) Don’t hold grudges or complaints. Forgive as Christ forgave you. (Matt. 6:14-15) The bond of perfection. (Matt. 5:21-26, 33-48) Love is obviously relational. Be perfect as God is perfect. II. FOLLOW PEACE (v. 15) Peace […]

AM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1.17-21 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey Twice Mine Introduction: Have you ever had to buy something back that at one time was originally yours? If so, we might say the item is “twice mine.” God could very well say the same thing about those individuals who have become Christians. Created in God’s image we were born innocent, but after falling prey to sin God was willing to purchase our redemption through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. He can say, “You are twice mine!” Let’s consider three relevant facts… I. MADE IN GOD’S […]

PM Scripture Reading: Hebrew 11.39–12.2 Brent T. Willey A Great Cloud of Witnesses Hebrews 12.1-2 Introduction: The faithful men & women of old serve as testimony of God’s faithfulness. (Heb. 11.1-40; cf., Rom. 15.4) The author of Hebrews refers to them as “so great a cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12.1). [I imagine these notable characters looking down on us…] I. WHO ARE THESE INDIVIDUALS? [* I have given the passages for your personal consideration…] Abel – His righteousness speaks today; though he has been dead for centuries! (Heb. 11.4; cf., Gen. 4.1-5) Noah – He overcame the nay Sayers of […]

PM Scripture Reading: Matthew 6.19-24 Brent T. Willey “The Lamp of the Body” (The Problem With Double Vision) Matthew 6.22-23 Introduction: Jesus emphasizes our need for clear spiritual vision, so as to not be misdirected by double vision. He contrasts the “good eye” with the “bad eye.” There are both immediate and remote applications. I. AN ANALYSIS OF THE TEXT The Good Eye (verse 22): “If therefore your eye is good…” [Haplous: “properly, folded together, i.e., single; figuratively, clear” (Strong)]. “Your whole body will be full of light” [Photeinos: “illuminated” (Jamieson, Fausset & Brown)]. The Bad Eye (verse 23): “But if […]

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 […]

AM Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55.6-11 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THREE TENETS The McDonald’s Corporation has enjoyed great success because of the vision of businessman Ray Kroc and the unique philosophy he aggressively endorsed. Profundity, Simplicity & Consistency are three tenets that are vitally important for the success of Christianity. I. PROFUNDITY God’s Word is profound! (Isa. 55.8-11; Heb. 4.12-13) God’s Word reveals profound facts that we need to know: The depth of sin. (Rom. 3.23; 6.23; Eccl. 7.20; Gal. 3.22) God’s love. (John 3.16; Rom. 5.6-8; 1 John 4.9) The gospel’s power. (Rom. 1.16; 1 Cor. 1.18) Christ’s church. […]

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; […]

AM Scripture Reading: Acts 20.32-38 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey The Spirit of Giving Acts 20.35 Introduction: Paul reaffirmed his relationship with the church in Ephesus and its eldership. (Acts 20.17-38) He reserved the simple, but profound, words of Jesus to conclude his exhortation: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (v. 35). The Spirit of Giving has numerous qualities & blessings… I. The Spirit of Giving Is First Thankful “Thanksbe toGod forHisindescribable gift!”(2 Cor. 9.15). Truly thankful people are the most giving. (Psa. 107.21-22) II. The Spirit of Giving Is Sacrificial God’s gift of Jesus epitomizes […]

PM Scripture Reading: Mark 8.34-38 Brent T. Willey THE SOUL EXCHANGE Mark 8.34-38 Introduction: The “Faustian bargain” refers to one surrendering one’s soul to Satan in order to obtain power or success in this lifetime. Jesus dealt with a Soul Exchange that many people are willing to make, that is, “selling their souls to Satan.” The Soul Exchange is easy, but it is equally damning! I. THINGS EXCHANGED FOR THE SOUL Can one really make a deal with the devil? (Vs. 36-37) Who is he? (John 12.31; 14.30; 16.11; 2 Cor. 4.4) Does he deliver? (2 Cor. 2.11; 1 John […]