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 Sermon 1/14/14, speaker: Brent Willey. See the full Sermon outline (opens in a new window/tab). Or watch this video on YouTube. If you have difficulty viewing videos, try updating your flash player here.

AM Scripture Reading: Matthew 28.18-20 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey BAPTISM ON TRIAL Introduction: Certain evangelical churches have placed baptism on trial and have concluded that it is not a necessary for salvation. Perhaps we need to put our baptism “on trial.” BAPTIZED TO BE BORN AGAIN We need to be “born again.” (John 3.1-7; cf., 1 Pet. 1.22-23). The “dead” man is buried in baptism and a “new” life emerges from that watery grave! (Rom. 6.3-7) BAPTISM BECAUSE OF PERSONAL CONVICTION The essential prerequisites: Learning, Belief & Repentance! (Matt. 28.19-20; Mark 16.16; Acts 8.36-37; Acts 2.38; 3.19) This […]

PM Scripture Reading: Acts 2.36-41 Brent T. Willey Back To Basics: WHERE BAPTISM STANDS IN GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION   Introduction: According to Ephesians 4.5, there is only “one baptism.” Paul warned of apostasy, and his fear is being realized all over again! (Cf., 2 Cor. 11.3) Where does baptism stand in God’s plan of salvation? I. WHAT SAVES US? Only God can save us! (Psa. 7.10; Jer. 10.23) “By grace you have been saved” (Eph. 2.4-9). He does so through His Son, Jesus Christ! (Rom. 5.9-10; Luke 19.10; 1 Tim. 1.15) But would God save us through Christ without… […]

AM Scripture Reading: Acts 16.25-33 This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey Words of Salvation Introduction: The Philippian jailer asked the most important question that can be asked, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16.30). The New Testament is replete with words of salvation! I. THE CASES OF CONVERSION IN ACTS While Luke speaks of multitudes coming to Christ in generic terms (Acts 4.4; 5.14; 6.7; 9.31, 42; ), he also records some specific accounts. The Jews on Pentecost: Acts 2.1-47 The Samaritans: Acts 8.4-13 The Ethiopian Eunuch: Acts 8.26-39 Saul of Tarsus: Acts 9.1-19; 22.6-16 Cornelius’ Household: Acts […]

Brent T. Willey, evangelist Introduction: We have heard good loving people that are trying to avert confrontation say something like, “It really doesn’t make any difference what you believe as long as you are sincere in what you do.” This kind of statement, whether realized or not, belittles God. It says that God’s word, and therefore God, can be misunderstood, set aside, altered, or even disregarded with impunity. The truth of God’s word is the most important message that we can discuss and share with a lost and dying world. Therefore, we must “contend earnestly for the faith which was […]