PM Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9.24-27 This Evening’s Sermon:                                     Brent T. Willey “ADD TO YOUR FAITH…SELF-CONTROL” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part Four) Introduction: “I’d rather lose a match than my self-respect.” [Arthur Ashe] Within our text (v. 6), “self-control” follows “knowledge,” which suggests that what is learned must be applied. Clearly, we must “add to our faith…self-control!” I.WHAT EXACTLY IS “SELF-CONTROL”? Egkrateia: “the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites” (Thayer). Kratos: “strength” – an inner strength […]

PM Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3.14-18           Brent T. Willey “ADD TO YOUR FAITH…KNOWLEDGE” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part Three) Introduction: Solomon stated: “As he thinks within himself, so he is,” and went on to say: “Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge” (Prov. 23.7, 12). How can we “add to our faith” knowledge? I.BY AN HONEST STUDY GOD’S WORD! Knowledge is seen in two imperatives: “add to your faith… knowledge” and “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1.5; 3.18). Knowledge does not […]

PM Scripture Reading: Genesis 39.1-10              Brent T. Willey   “ADD TO YOUR FAITH…VIRTUE” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part Two) Introduction: What is “virtue”? [Arete: originally denoted manliness, courage, fortitude & valor, but with moral implications.] It is listed as the first attribute to be “added” to our faith! What Is Virtue?   I. IT IS COURAGE IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY!  From where does it come? (Deut. 31.6; Heb. 11.32-35) “Only a little boy David…” (1 Sam. 17) Daniel in the lion’s den. (Dan. 6) Boldness of the early disciples. (Acts 4-5) Phil. 4.13: “I can do all things through […]

PM Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1.5-11                   This Evening’s Sermon:                                        Brent T. Willey “ADD TO YOUR FAITH” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part One) Introduction: Peter enlightens us on how to grow and develop as mature Christians, and we know this takes time and diligence to achieve such! (Cf., Heb. 5.12; 1 Pet. 2.2) Our spiritual success depends on what we do with our faith; do we “add” to it, or do we let it […]

AM Scripture Reading: Galatians 2.16-21 This Morning’s Speaker: Brent T. Willey DID JESUS DIE IN VAIN? Introduction: “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness came through the law, then Christ died in vain” (Gal. 2.21). Are we under “law” of any kind? (James 1.21-25) The context of the “law” in passages like Gal. 2.21… (E.g., Rom. 3.27-28; Gal. 3.10-12; 5.1-4; Phil. 3.8-9). Since Jesus “tasted death” for everyone – both Jew & Gentile (cf., Heb. 2.9), if either the Old Law or mere morality can save an individual; then Jesus died in vain! He did… […]

AM Scripture Reading: Joshua 24.22-28 This Morning’s Sermon:                                                        Brent T. Willey DECISIONS, DECISIONS! Joshua 24 Introduction: Decision-making is forced upon us daily – some important, some trivial… In his farewell address to Israel, Joshua calls for a decision: “choose you this day whom you will serve…” (v. 15). We too have important decisions to make! I. “BEFORE YOU DECIDE…” Beware of impulsiveness! (Prov. 18.13) Seek God’s wisdom first! (2 Tim. 3.16-17; James 1.5-8; […]

AM Scripture Reading: Hosea 4.1-6 This morning’s Sermon:                                                          Brent T. Willey A CUT-FLOWER GENERATION Introduction: “The terrible danger of our time consists in the fact that ours is a cut-flower generation. Beautiful as cut flowers may be, and much as we may use our ingenuity to keep them looking fresh for awhile, they will eventually die, and they die because they are severed from their sustaining roots” (Elton Trueblood, The Predicament of […]

PM Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22.1-6 This Evening’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey A Good Name Introduction: Solomon emphasized the importance of reputation by describing the value of a “good name” (Prov. 22.1 & Eccl. 7.1). The Hebrew word for “name” is shem, and is used nearly 1,000 times in the Old Testament. Noah’s eldest son. (Gen. 5.32; Luke 3.36) [Lit., “renown”] Linked to shamayim, which literally means “to be lofty,” but is usually translated as “heaven(s)” (Gen. 1.1). A “good name” is more desirable than material riches! I. OUR SPIRITUAL IDENTITY… “Believers” [pistos], object. means trustworthy; subj. means trustful. (Acts 5.14; […]

AM Scripture Reading: Luke 23.44-49 This Morning’s Sermon:                                               Brent T. Willey From the Cross to the Throne Acts 2.22-36 Introduction: The apostle Paul wrote, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1.18).   As important as the scene of the cross is, fortunately, the message does not end at the cross! I. THE STORY OF THE […]

AM Scripture Reading: 1 John 4.1-6 This Morning’s Sermon:                                                  Brent T. Willey COUNTERFEIT CHRISTIANITY Introduction: Counterfeit: “Something that is likely to be confused with the genuine thing” (Merriam-Webster, 2003). God’s laws speak against counterfeits in religion. (Eccl. 5.1; Luke 6.46; Col. 2.23) Those who abide in the genuine receive God’s blessings! (Psa. 119.1; Luke 11.28; James 1.25, 27) I.THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM IN CHRISTIANITY! Counterfeit Churches Jesus said, “I will build My church…” (Matt. 16.18; […]