“Abiding in the Word of Christ”
John 8:31 & 15:7-11
I. JESUS SATURATED HIS LIFE WITH THE WORD OF GOD.
II. BELIEVERS MUST SATURATE THEIR LIVES WITH CHRIST AND HIS WORD.
“Growing in the Word”
Luke 2:41-52; 4:1-22
I. Jesus’ parents taught him the importance of spiritual habits
II. Jesus sought to know and understand the scriptures himself
III. Jesus grew in wisdom and understanding through his spiritual disciplines
IV. Jesus was committed to obeying God’s word
V. Jesus was committed to sharing what he had learned with others
VI. Jesus was committed to fulfilling God’s will for his life
“Broken Walls & Burned Gates”
Nehemiah 1:3-11
Introduction – More than Stones and Timber – the walls & gates represented the Identity, Security, and Prosperity of God’s people!
I. He was a Man of Anguish.
The news literally Dropped him to the Ground.
II. He was a Man of Boldness.
The Bold plan began to Unfold during his season of Prayer!
III. He was a Man of Commitment.
There are a Few things worth Fighting for!
IV. He was a Man of Determination.
We must never Quit; never Come Down from our Wall of God’s Call in our lives!
Question – Who do I Know that is Near to me, but Far from God?
“For the Purpose of Godliness”
I Timothy 4:6-10
I. THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL HABITS
II. THE PROMISE OF SPIRITUAL HABITS
“We Do Not Lose Heart”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I. LIFE IS FILLED WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO LOSE HEART
II. WE DON’T LOSE HEART BECAUSE GOD IS TRANSFORMING US IN THE PRESENT
III. GOD’S PRESENT POWER AND PERSPECTIVE FLOW TO US THROUGH FAITH
“Faith in Difficulties”
1 Peter 1:6-9
I. REAL JOY AND REAL GRIEF
II. TRIALS ALLOW US TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF OUR FAITH
III. THE CONNECTION OF FAITH AND LOVE
“Hospitality, Partnership, and the Mission of the Church”
3 John
I. THE MODEL OF GAIUS
II. THE DANGER OF DIOTREPHES
“A Lasting Kingdom”
Hebrews 12:28-29
I. Be Grateful
II. Worship
III. Be Ready
“By God’s Grace”
1 Corinthians 15:10
I. THE PURPOSE OF GRACE
II. THE PARDON OF GRACE
III. THE POWER OF GRACE
“Principles of Perseverance”
2 Peter 3:17-18
I. BE GUARDED IN CHRIST
II. BE GROWING IN CHRIST
III. BE GLORIFYING CHRIST
“God’s Workmanship”
Ephesians 2:8-10
I. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE
II. WE ARE CREATED IN CHRIST FOR GOOD WORKS
“The Parable of the Talents”
Matthew 25:14-30
I. THE MASTER ASSIGNS EACH OF US OUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN HIS KINGDOM
II. THE MASTER WILL RETURN TO SETTLE ACCOUNTS
III. THE MASTER EXPECTS FAITHFULNESS AND FRUITFULNESS FROM HIS SERVANTS
“The Rich Fool”
Luke 12:13-21
I. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF EVERYTHING WE HAVE AND ENJOY
II. WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGING GOD, YOU CAN ONLY MOVE TOWARDS PRIDE AND SELF-DECEPTION
III. LIFE IS SHORT, FRAGILE, AND UNCERTAIN
“The Unforgiving Servant”
Matthew 18:21-35
I. We must all give an account to our King
II. We all owe a debt that cannot be paid
III. Our King is astonishingly gracious and merciful
IV. We are responsible to extend the same grace and forgiveness we have received to others
“Parables of Discipleship: Part 3—The Good Samaritan”
Luke 10:25-37
I. JESUS IS PUT TO THE TEST
II. JESUS POINTS TO THE SCRIPTURES
III. JESUS PROVIDES A PARABLE
“Parables of Discipleship: Part 2”
Matthew 20:1-16
I. COMPARATIVE THINKING WILL ROB YOU OF KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE
II. GOD IS NEVER AND WILL NEVER BE IN ANYONE’S DEBT
III. GOD IS FREE TO REWARD AND JUDGE ACCORDING TO HIS OWN STANDARD
“Parables of Discipleship: Part 1”
Matthew 7:24-27 & Luke 6:46-49
I. THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS
II. THE ASSESSMENT OF JESUS
III. THE ASSURANCE OF JESUS
“Chosen to Serve”
Acts 6:1-7
I. THE PROBLEM: CONFLICT WAS THREATENING THE INTERNAL UNITY OF THE CHURCH
II. THE SECOND PROBLEM: CONFLICT WAS ENDANGERING THE OUTWARD MISSION OF THE CHURCH
III. THE PROPOSED SOLUTION: DEACONS
IV. THE RESULT: THE CHURCH ORGANIZED FOR EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT MINISTRY
“Parable of Jesus’ Return”
Matthew 25:31-46
I. JESUS WILL COME AGAIN IN GLORY
II. JESUS WILL SIT ON HIS GLORIOUS THRONE
III. JESUS WILL GATHER AND JUDGE THE NATIONS
IV. JESUS WILL JUDGE BASED ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO HIM
Parables of Prayer
Luke 11:5-13 & 18:1-8
I. Understanding God’s Heart for His Children Encourages Prayer
II. Understanding the Importance of Prayer to Our Spiritual Health Encourages Prayer