PM Scripture Reading: Romans 10.1-3 Brent T. Willey Misdirected Zeal! Introduction: The apostle Paul exposed Israel’s misdirected zeal when he wrote, “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Rom. 10.2; read vs. 1-3). This is no less of a problem in today’s religious world! The Problem of Ignorance “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness…” Agnoountes, is from agnoeō, “to be ignorant, not to know,” which is counter to gnōsis, primarily a seeking to know, and enquiry, investigation” (Vine). The same form is used in Acts 17.23: “the One whom […]

AM Scripture Reading: Isaiah 59:1-2 This Morning’s Sermon: Homer Walker, Jr. “The Hand of God” Isaiah 59:1  Introduction: The expression “Hand of God” is found many times in the Bible. “Anthropomorphism” the ascription of human attributes to deity. (1 Pet. 3:12; Ex. 33:23; Matt. 5:35) By “Metonymy” the hand of God refers to His activity and power. (1 Pet. 5:6; Eccl. 12:3) God’s hand is seen in many marvelous ways. THE HAND OF GOD IS THE HAND OF CREATION The hand of God created the world in which we live. How did the world come into existence? (Psa. 8:3-6; 19:1; […]

PM Scripture Reading: Luke 15.1-7 Brent T. Willey THE OVERTAKEN Galatians 6.1-2 Introduction: Paul indicates that a brother can be “overtaken in a trespass” to such an extent that his soul is in jeopardy. Consider… Prolambanō [prolamba/nw]– “overtaken” or “caught in” Paraptōma [para/ptwma]- “a false step, a blunder; denotes a trespass, a deviation from uprightness” (Vine). Kataritzō [katariti/zw]- “to mend, to furnish completely; metaphorically- ‘restoration’” (Vine). (E.g., Mark 1.19) The “spiritual” have a responsibility toward the “overtaken.” WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE OVERTAKEN We should think about their future; it is not good. It’s lamentable. (2 Pet. 2.20-22; Heb. 10.26-31) […]

AM Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 9.6-15 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey “Thanks Be To God…” (Beware of Ingratitude) Introduction The sin of ingratitude may be the most glaring sin of our time! (Cf., Luke 17.17; Rom. 1.21) The Lord is not so much denied as He is simply ignored; not so much blasphemed as much as He is just not included. But this should never be the shortcoming of Christians! Four times Paul exhorted the Corinthian brethren, “thanks be to God…” (1 Cor. 15.57; 2 Cor. 2.14; 8.16; 9.15). WHO GIVES US VICTORY! The Text: 1 Corinthians 15.57 The […]

PM Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 13.23-27 This Evening’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey LANGUAGES AMONG US Nehemiah 13.23-27 Introduction: Nehemiah discovered Jews who had long since married women of surrounding nations: Ashdod (Philistia), Ammon & Moab. Polygamous Jews were marrying both Judean & pagan women, and some of the siblings of these unions could not understand one another. They should have learned from Solomon (v. 26). Let’s consider some languages among us… THE LANGUAGE OF GOD The true language of God is revealed in His inspired Word. (2 Tim. 3.16; cf., 1 Cor. 2.9-13; 2 Pet. 1.19-21) We are to use the […]

AM Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 13.4-9 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey SHORT-LIVED RESTORATION Nehemiah 13.1-22 Introduction: The Old Testament books of Ezra & Nehemiah are primarily about the restoration of the Jewish Temple and the city of Jerusalem (ca., 536-428 BC). Jerusalem and the Temple had been left in ruins since 586 BC, when Judah fell to the Babylonians. Restoration would come to Judah, but it was short-lived! I. IN THE ABSENCE OF NEHEMIAH – Verse 6 How important is leadership? In the absence of law… (Neh. 8.1-8; cf., James 1.25) In the absence of leadership… (V.6; cf., Heb. 13.7, […]

AM Scripture Reading: Luke 13.22-27 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey THE NARROW WORDS OF JESUS Luke 13.22-27 Introduction: Jesus called people to discipleship, but His call was always a call to action, for immediate and continued obedience, for total commitment & consecration. Jesus responded to the question, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” by saying, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able ” (Luke 13.23-24). The restrictive response has nothing to do with “limited atonement,” but it has to do with the unwillingness […]

AM Scripture Reading: Psalm 10.1-4 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey When “There Is No God” Psalm 10.4 Introduction: Notice the similarities between Psalm 10.4 & Psalm 14.1: Psa. 10.4: “The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.” Psa. 14.1: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.” The Hebrew phrase found in both verses is Ēeyn Ēlohiym, a simple phrase literally meaning: “Not God.” The “There Is No God” mentality exists today and […]

AM Scripture Reading: Psalm 118.19-24 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey No Ordinary Day Psalm 118.24 Introduction: Text: “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” (NKJ). Context: The psalm has a dual nature, but it is extremely Messianic! (Read vs. 21-24) The “day the Lord has made” is No Ordinary Day! I. CELEBRATE THE DAY OF SALVATION “Rejoice” in the sense of “celebrating.” TEV: “This is the day of the Lord’s victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate!” LXX: “to be glad, exult, rejoice…keep a day of rejoicing”(Mounce).(Rom. 15.10) “The […]

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2.4-10 Brent T. Willey The Who, What, Why & Where of Being A Christian Introduction: If not careful, we can suffer from a spiritual identity crisis. Individually: 3 John 9-11} Diotrephes Congregationally: Rev. 3.1-6} Sardis Consider the who, what, why & where of being a Christian. I. WHO WE ARE… Read 1 Pet. 2.7-10 The disobedient stumble over Jesus. (Vs. 7-8) Christians “dare to be different.” (Vs. 9-10) We are “Christians” – live up to the name! (1 Pet. 4.15-16) II. WHAT WE ARE NOT… Of the world. (1 John 4.4-5; Rom. 12.2) Of human origin. […]