AM Scripture Reading: James 5.13-20 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey Solutions For Emotional Situations James 5.13-20 Introduction: God created us as emotional beings. Emotion = “a state of feeling.” [E.g., happy, sad, excited, angry, mournful, disappointed, etc.] James addresses the existential issues of life. I. “IS ANYONE AMNONG YOU SUFFERING?” Suffering–kakopatheō [kakos=evil;pathos=suffering]: signifies to suffer hardship. (E.g., 2 Tim. 2.3,9) Christians are not exempt from suffering! As soldiers of Christ. (2 Tim. 2.3) As evildoers, though innocent. (2 Tim. 2.9) In persecution. (2 Tim. 3.12; 1 Pet. 2.18-21; 3.13-14) Accept suffering & use God’s solution for coping with it: […]

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5.6-11 Brent T. Willey How To Beat The Devil At His Own Game 1 Peter 5.6-9 Introduction: Satan has devices! (2 Cor. 2.11; cf., 1 John 2.15-17). Peter shows us how to Beat the Devil At His Own Game! I. HUMILITY – Verse 6 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.” “Humility” is the first step in beating the devil. (James 4.7-12; c.f., 1 Cor. 10.13; Prov. 11.2; 15.33; 18.12; 29.23) II. TRANSFERENCE – Verse 7 “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because […]

AM Scripture Reading: Matthew 25.14-30 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey Buried Talents – Wasted Lives Matthew 25.14-30 Introduction: A “talent” was a sum of money; a weighted measurement. Our English word “talent,” meaning “an ability or aptitude,” came from Jesus’ usage of the Greek word talanton, as found in two of His parables (Matt. 18.24 & 25.15-28). Here are four reasons why the man in this parable hid his talent… I. HE VIEWED HIS MASTER AS UNFAIR! Verse 24: “Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have […]

AM Scripture Reading: Hebrews 2.1-4   Brent T. Willey PAYING CLOSER ATTENTION Hebrews 2.1 Introduction: The author of Hebrews is giving a clear warning! We must not forget the context of this epistle: Many Jewish Christians were defecting from the faith; some even returning to Judaism. The Book of Hebrews has great relevance today! I. “FOR THIS REASON…” The expression, Dia\ tou=to[diá toúto], connects vs. 1-4 with the whole argument of chapter one (UBS Translator). The kjv, nkj, asv-01, rsv & esv all translate the phrase as “therefore” – the simple conclusion expressing cause. “For this reason” is much more […]

PM Scripture Reading: Acts 7.54-60 This Evening’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey The Godly Rejected! Acts 7 Introduction: The evangelist Stephen presents four historical accounts in which Israel rejected the leaders God raised up for them, and then concludes his sermon addressing the rejection of Christ. Stephen, himself, faced the ultimate rejection be being stoned to death for preaching the truth (vs. 54-60). I. WHY ARE THE GODLY REJECTED? Joseph rejected by his brothers} ENVY & JEALOUSY  (V. 9; cf., Gen. 37:4-11; 1 John 3.12-13)  Moses rejected by Israel} LACKED UNDERSTADNING (V. 25; cf., Acts 28.17-28)   Moses rejected by Israel […]

Pm Scripture Reading: Phil. 3:17-21 David M. Fiddament GOING ON A DIET Introduction: People choose to start a diet for many reasons. Dieting can make one feel healthier and more energetic. Let’s look at what it takes to go on a spiritual diet. I. CHOOSING A DIET A. There are many diets one can choose. (John 14:6) B. Get started!!! C. If you wait till you’re healthy to start a diet, you won’t. (1 Tim. 1:15) II. FOLLOWING THE DIET A. Set yourself up for success. 1. Restock your kitchen. (Matt. 12:43-45) 2. Turn off the TV. (Luke 10:38-42) 3. […]

AM Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12.1-2 This Morning’s Sermon: John Krueger LOOK UP…TO THE CROSS OF JESUS   Introduction: Mankind has a history of believing the unbelievable. (E.g., Exod. 32.1,4-6, 2 Tim. 4.3-4) It is common to look down or to look around for answers, instead of looking up to the Lord. (Cf., Deut. 4.39; Psa. 57.9-11; Isa 45.18-19; Col. 3.1-2) When we get mired down in the cares of this world, we need to look up to the Cross of Jesus.(Psa 69.13-16; Heb. 12.1-2) JESUS FULFILLED GOD’S PROMISE ON THE CROSS Jesus, the Son of God. (Isa 9.6) Jesus, the […]

PM Scripture Reading: Acts 2.36-41 Brent T. Willey Back To Basics: WHERE BAPTISM STANDS IN GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION   Introduction: According to Ephesians 4.5, there is only “one baptism.” Paul warned of apostasy, and his fear is being realized all over again! (Cf., 2 Cor. 11.3) Where does baptism stand in God’s plan of salvation? I. WHAT SAVES US? Only God can save us! (Psa. 7.10; Jer. 10.23) “By grace you have been saved” (Eph. 2.4-9). He does so through His Son, Jesus Christ! (Rom. 5.9-10; Luke 19.10; 1 Tim. 1.15) But would God save us through Christ without… […]

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: 2 Corinthians 5.1-11 Brent T. Willey WHAT WE MAKE IT Introduction: “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him” (2 Cor. 5.9). Philotiméomai: “eager or earnest to do something” (Strong). We shall examine four important applications… I. ATTITUDES We can choose our attitudes! It’s a conscious decision. Listen to Scripture: Every day is from God – be positive! (Psa. 118.24) We are the products of our thoughts! (Prov. 23.7) Possess Christ’s attitude! (Phil. 2.5 – niv). II. BEHAVIOR We decide what our own behavior is going to be! Paul […]