AM Scripture Reading: Acts 2.42-47 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THE FIRST SUNDAY SERMON (What A Beginning!) Introduction: In my Last Sunday Sermon (The Days of Our Lives), I dealt with beginnings, transitions and decisions. Having embarked upon a new year (2015), we now turn our attention to The First Sunday Sermon… The first Sunday on which the early disciples met on the Day of Pentecost in the city of Jerusalem over 1900 years ago has tremendous significance for Christians today! (Acts 2.1-47) FIRST SUNDAY PLANNING Nothing occurred coincidentally on that Sunday in Jerusalem! Jesus promised to build His […]

AM Scripture Reading: John 3.9-18 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey WHAT MAKES JOHN 3.16 GREAT? Introduction: If Matthew 7.12 can be properly identified as the “golden rule,” then John 3.16 should be classified as the “golden text.” No single verse provides everything we need to know about life and godliness, which is why God has given to us “all Scripture” (2 Tim. 3.16-17). But there are standout verses… What makes John 3.16 great? “For God” – the Greatest Giver “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill ….toward men!” (Luke 2.14). “So Loved” – the Greatest […]

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 28.15-20 Brent T. Willey LESSONS FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE Introduction: If the dead could speak to us, what would they say? What would they say about the world beyond the grave? [I think about the comments made by people regarding those who have died: “They’re looking down on us right now.” (Eccl. 9.10)] What type of life would the departed urge me to live? [This is the more relevant question, and we have some biblical insight to this curious matter, especially when we consider the teaching of Jesus.] One thing is certain, we must be […]

AM Scripture Reading: Jonah 2.1-10 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey “The Voice of Thanksgiving” (Within the Belly of the Great Fish) Introduction: Deep within the belly of the “great fish” [dawg gadowl], Jonah prayed perhaps his most ardent prayer ever. He cried, “But I will sacrifice to Thee with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay” (Jonah 2.9 – nasb). How many times do we find ourselves resorting to fervent prayer because some calamity has come our way? Can we learn “Thanksgiving” lessons from this account? THANKFUL THAT GOD HAS A PLAN FOR US! […]

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, […]

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2.9-12 Brent T. Willey The People of God 1 Peter 2.9-12 Introduction: Our identity means absolutely nothing if we do not belong to God! Peter speaks about those “who once were not a people but are now the people of God…” (1 Pet. 2.10) – Christians! How can that be? This is another one of those idiomatic expressions suggesting relationship with God, distinguishing between covenant people and non-covenant people. After the apostle reminds us of our past, alienated from God and thereby without mercy, he then outlines our new identity and the purpose of this […]

AM Scripture Reading: Romans 3. 9-18 Brent T. Willey “Good Enough” (?) Introduction: A common thought in the minds of many people when it comes to religion is: “I don’t need God; I’m ‘good enough.’” Or as a man once told his Christian wife: “I don’t need God in my life. I’m a good person.” According to human standards, many people have lived seemingly good lives and are considered as “good people.” But they don’t understand… In his epistle to the Romans, Paul addresses humanity’s dilemma: Chapter 1: Enumerates the sins of the Gentiles (vs. 18-32). Chapter 2: Reiterates the […]

PM Scripture Reading: James 1.21-25 Brent T. Willey IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST “LEGALISTIC”? Introduction: We are often accused of being “legalistic,” largely because of our views on baptism, the Lord’s Supper & instrumental music. Do these insistent beliefs make us “legalists”? WHAT IS LEGALISM? “Strict, literal, (often too strict) or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code” (Webster). Does the Bible deal with the problem of legalism? Yes! Jesus: Matt. 15.1-9 Paul: Col. 2.20-23 Judaizers: Acts 15.5, 24; cf., Rom. 14.10-14; Titus 3.9-11 “LEGALISM” versus “LAW KEEPING” Obedience to God’s law is demanded! Jesus: […]

AM Scripture Reading: Romans 2.12-16 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey Not Without Law Introduction: God has given humanity “law” from the very beginning of time, both natural and spiritual. Without law, chaos reigns… However, failing to understand God’s plan, that was “promised before time began,” many have characterized Christianity as a relatively new religion. Is that so? (See Titus 1.2 & 2 Tim. 1.9) Humanity is Not Without Law, and never has been… THE MORAL LAW FROM THE BEGINNING! Moral law has existed from the time Adam & Eve ate the fruit of the knowledge of good & evil. […]

PM Scripture Reading: Isaiah 10.20-23 Brent T. Willey The Remnant of God Introduction: Though Israel suffered various calamities because of their overall disobedience to God, there remained a “remnant.” There are 8 Hebrew words and 2 Greek words that can be translated as “remnant” in the biblical text. The most prolific: Hebrew: sha’ar & she’eriyth; Greek: leimma – Defined: “a remainder, the rest of something, residue, to be left over” (E.g., Gen. 7.23; 1 Kings 19.18; Jer. 42.2; Rom. 9.27). Rom. 11.5: “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” Who […]