PM Scripture Reading: James 5.7-12 This Evening’s Sermon:                                    Brent T. Willey “ADD TO YOUR FAITH…PERSEVERANCE!” 2 Peter 1.5-11 (Part Five) Introduction: What is the key to achieving substantial spiritual growth in the Lord? PERSEVERANCE!(2 Pet. 1.6) Hupomone: “lit. ‘an abiding under’ [hupo = under; meno = ‘to abide’]; almost invariably rendered ‘patience,’ which grows only in trials” (Vine).  No pain – no gain! Tested faith that remains strong is perseverance/endurance. Effortless Christianity is weak & painless – “perseverance” is never added! I.REMEMBER […]

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 […]