PM Scripture Reading: Romans 8.5-11 Brent T. Willey THE PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES OF GOD’S SPIRIT Introduction: God’s Holy Spirit is clearly referred to as an animate “Person,” not an inanimate “Thing.” What do we know about God’s Holy Spirit? THE DIVINE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD’S SPIRIT Eternal (Heb. 9.14) Omnipotent (Rom. 8.11) Omniscient (1 Cor. 2.11-12) Omnipresent (Psa. 139.7-8) THE ACTIVE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD’S SPIRIT He speaks… (1 Tim. 4.1) He teaches… (John 14.26) He testifies… (John 15.26) He guides… (John 16.13) He permits or forbids… (Acts 16.6-7) He fellowships… (Phil. 2.1) THE WORKING ATTRIBUTES OF GOD’S SPIRIT Assisted in the creation… […]

AM Scripture Reading: Philippians 2.5-11 Brent T. Willey LIFE INTERRUPTED Introduction: Distinguishing between Jesus’ temporary earthly identity and His eternal spiritual identity has some interesting implications. Eternal (Heb. 1.5; John 14.9; Rev. 1.8; John 1.3; Col. 1.15-17; Heb. 1.3; John 14.6; 1 Pet. 1.22; 2 Cor. 5.21; Acts 4.12) Earthly (Phil. 2.7-8; Heb. 5.8; Matt. 26.38-42; Heb. 4.15; Heb. 2.17-18; John 11; Matt. 23; John 2.13-17) It is difficult to relate to “the Christ of God” (Luke 9.20), but we can related to His human experience! (Phil. 2.7-8) His Deity confirms His authority & doctrine (Matt. 28.18); His humanity gives […]

AM Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4.1-5 This Morning’s Sermon:   Brent T. Willey FIXING THE WRONG & DOING THE RIGHT 2 Timothy 4.2 Introduction: God’s “word” is our counseling manual when it comes to all the significant relationships we have in life, beginning with our relationship with God! Paul appealed to Timothy in 2 Tim. 4.2: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (NAU). Let’s take a close look at Paul’s statement… EXAMINING THE TEXT – 2 Timothy 4.2 The Charge:“Preach the word!” Sola Scriptura vs. Prima Scriptura […]

PM Scripture Reading: Ezra 7.6-10 Brent T. Willey “Ezra Set His Heart” Ezra 7.6-10 Introduction: Ezra records the events immediately following the release of the Judeans from Babylon captivity as a result of the “decree of Cyrus” (Ezra 1.1-8; 6.3). Zerubbabel was instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple, Ezra was assigned the task of restoring the priesthood. Verse 10: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and teach His statutes and rules in Israel.” Ezra’s example is worthy of our examination and application… EZRA WAS “SKILLED IN THE LAW […]

AM Scripture Reading: John 4.19-26 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey PERSONALIZING WORSHIP & GETTING MORE OUT OF IT Introduction: Some background regarding the Samaritans is necessary in order to understand the discourse between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. (John 4.5-26; cf., 2 Kings 17; Ezra 4.1-3) In verse 22, Jesus accurately concluded of the Samaritans at large, “You worship what you do not know…” God desires that we personalize worship and make it a more meaningful experience, but this requires an investment on our part – physically, spiritually and emotionally! PERSONALIZING WORSHIP This does not mean making worship about “me.” […]

PM Scripture Reading: Revelation 3.1-6 This Evening’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THE HEART OF REVIVAL Revelation 3.1-6 Introduction: The Lord rebuked Sardis saying, “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Rev. 3.1). For the church in Sardis, revival was in order! Revive: “to restore to consciousness or life, reanimate; to restore from a depressed, inactive or unused state; to renew mentally” (Webster). It is imperative that we learn from this account… WHAT IS IT THAT NEEDS REVIVAL? First, understand what doesn’t need revival or restoration: The authority of Christ (Matt. […]

AM Scripture Reading: Genesis 3.1-8 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THE POWER TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM OF SIN AND PERCEIVE THE POSSIBILITIES Introduction: What was Eve thinking? What was she not considering? “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked, for whatever one sows, that he will also reap” (Gal. 6.7; cf., James 1.14-16). We must experience the power to overcome the problem of sin, and then perceive the possibilities that are ahead! THE PROBLEM The Book of Romans addresses two major subjects: The universal nature of sin with its consequences. (Rom. 1.18-32; 2.3-24; 3.9-23; 6.15-23; 7.1-25; etc.) The saving […]

AM Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6.16-19 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey The Fallacy of “Unconditional Love” Introduction: It is often stated that “God hates sin but loves sinners” – often followed by, “God loves us unconditionally!” If God didn’t love sinners, He would love no one, “for all have sinned…” (Rom. 3.23). God’s love is undeniable. (Rom. 5.6-8) However, the two Greek words for “love” (agapao & phileo) do not inherently infer a lack of conditions. In His love for humanity indeed God sent His Son, but His love does not negate conditions. (John 3.16-21) Even though God loves sinners, […]

PM Scripture Reading: Acts 6.1-7 Brent T. Willey “PHILIP THE EVANGELIST” (The 4th Philip) Introduction: There are four “Philips” referred to in the New Testament: “Philip” the apostle – (Matt. 10.3; John 1.43-46) Two sons of Herod the Great – (Matt. 14.3; Luke 3.1) “Philip the evangelist” – (Acts 6, 8 & 21) “Philip the evangelist” is the focus of our study. PHILIP IN JERUSALEM – Acts 6.1-5 The need of the widows among the Hellenistic Jews resulted in selecting seven men of good reputation, including Philip. Learning to work in cooperation with others is crucial! PHILIP IN SAMARIA – […]

AM Scripture Reading: Matthew 7.7-14 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey CAN THE NARROW BECOME WIDE? Matthew 7.13-14 Introduction: Jesus emphatically stated, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7.13-14, nkjv). Luke records a question asked of Jesus, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” Jesus responds, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many will […]