AM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5.6-11 This Morning’s Speaker: Brent T. Willey THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE Introduction: During the War of 1812, General Andrew Jackson once said to his bickering troops: “Gentlemen! Let’s remember, the enemy is over there.” Spiritually, who is our real enemy? (1 Pet. 5.8) Our adversary the devil is a formidable opponent. (Eph. 6.11) Beware of his schemes… DISTRACTION Satan seeks to distract us from godliness. By temptation. (1 Cor. 10.12-13; 1 John 2.15-17) By time. (Acts 24.25; cf., 2 Cor. 6.1-2; James 4.14)  The correct mind-set offsets this distraction! (Rom. 8.1-8) DISCOURAGEMENT This is […]

AM Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 13.8-14 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THE DANGER OF EMOTIONALISM Introduction: There is a difference between “emotion” and “emotionalism.” The love that Jesus displayed on Calvary’s cross stirs up our “emotions.” Emotion is defined as the “the affective aspect of consciousness; a state of feeling” (Webster). To say that a loving God would never condemn anyone is “emotionalism.” Emotionalism is defined as an “undue indulgence in or display of emotion; a tendency to regard things emotionally” (Webster). Too many people allow emotionalism to influence their beliefs and religious practices, as opposed to objectively studying […]

AM Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5.1-8 This Morning’s Speaker: Brent T. Willey If I Would Have Died Last Night Introduction: Consider this sobering question: “Suppose you had died last night – where would you spend eternity?” Moses wrote: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom” (Psa. 90.12). Though troubling to many, death is a necessary study… I. “FOR WE SHALL SURELY DIE” The woman of Tekoa reminded David, “For we shall surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again” (2 Sam. 14.14). The reality […]

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 […]

AM Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 1.12-18 This Morning’s Speak:        Brent T. Willey AGAINST THE WIND Ecclesiastes 1.14 Introduction: “The struggle for mankind for happiness has been a constant and engrossing one for centuries, probably since the advent of man on this earthly planet. Yet as we look about in this year of advanced civilization, we see unhappiness all around. In fact, there are those who say that as civilization continues, the woes and unhappiness of man increase.” [Forward by Dr. Clarence Bellinger; How To Live With Yourself, by Murray Banks, M.D.] In his search for the meaning of […]

AM Scripture Reading: 1 John 1.5 – 2.2 This Morning’s Sermon:       Brent T. Willey JESUS, OUR ADVOCATE 1 John 2.1 Introduction: “Sin” is a crime against God’s law (1 John 3.4); it is a universal problem among all people (Rom. 3.23), and without acquittal, the punishment is severe (Rom. 6.23; James 1.14-15). Spiritually speaking, Christ has been designated as our legal counsel – our “Advocate.” (1 John 2.1) And we need Him!!! I.THE MEANING & THE ROLE OF AN “ADVOCATE” “Advocate” [paraklĒtos para=beside + klĒtos=called]: “lit., called to one’s side or aid.” Used in a court of […]

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13.1-8   Brent T. Willey “ADD TO YOUR FAITH…LOVE!” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part Eight) Introduction: It is no coincidence that inspiration reserved “love” as the final quality to be added to all the other spiritual attributes. The human concept of “love” may be subject to personal desires and feelings, but the biblical principle of agapé is the most comprehensive emotion expressed in Scripture! Agapé love cannot be masked; it is unfeigned, not faked – it is sincere! (Rom. 12.9 – niv, rsv, etc.) I.AGAPÉ LOVE RISES TO THE OCCASION! Agapé rises to the occasion and […]

PM Scripture Reading: Romans 12.9-16   Brent T. Willey “ADD TO YOUR FAITH… BROTHERLY KINDNESS!” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part Seven) Introduction: Our ability to effectively worship and work together as the body of Christ is absolutely dependent upon “brotherly kindness!” Philadelphia: phileo- to love & adelphos- brother; “fondness of one’s brethren” (Strong). Rom. 12.10; 1 Thess. 4.9; Heb. 13.1; 1 Pet. 1.22; 2 Pet. 1.6 How is “brotherly kindness” manifested?  I.THROUGH THE VALUE OF ACCEPTANCE! Accept allowable differences… (Rom. 14) Take an interest in others… (Phil. 2.3-4) Practice hospitality… (1 Pet. 4.9) II.THROUGH POSITIVE COMMUNICATION! Cautious with criticism… (Mark 14.3-9; […]

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4.6-11 This Evening’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey “ADD TO YOUR FAITH…GODLINESS!” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part Six) Introduction: What is “godliness?” Eusebeia: eu [“well”] & sebomai [“to worship”] – the radical idea is “worship rightly directed” (Vincent). In verse 6 its main meaning seems to be devotion to or complete commitment to God – “true religious life” (tev). “Godliness” is more than just a state of mind – it is a way of life that honors God in action and attitude! I.GODLINESS BEGINS WITH EMPTYING SELF! The thoughts of the godly are well established. (Prov. 16.3) […]

PM Scripture Reading: James 5.7-12 This Evening’s Sermon:                                    Brent T. Willey “ADD TO YOUR FAITH…PERSEVERANCE!” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part Five) Introduction: What is the key to achieving substantial spiritual growth in the Lord? PERSEVERANCE!(2 Pet. 1.6) Hupomone: “lit. ‘an abiding under’ [hupo = under; meno = ‘to abide’]; almost invariably rendered ‘patience,’ which grows only in trials” (Vine).  No pain – no gain! Tested faith that remains strong is perseverance/endurance. Effortless Christianity is weak & painless – “perseverance” is never added! I.REMEMBER […]