Sermons

Down through the ages, the
Church of God has undergone persecution, scattering, martyrdom, wolves among the
sheep and accusations to mention but a few.  The apostolic church was called a
sect.  We are the direct descendents
of the first century church and, therefore, we may be called the same.   The real problem in today’s
society is the connotation that is put on the interpretation of that word.   We were not promised an easy life
– indeed, narrow is the way, and persecution has always been part of the true
Christian’s lot.   It has been
claimed that there are nine different marks that reveal a sect and these are all
reviewed.

In the face of disaster–such as hurricane Katrina, Christians need to consider what God has both warned and what He has promised. The Bible records examples of people who faced life and death circumstances–unable to sustain themselves–yet, God protected them! God has also promised protection in this time of the end for those who honestly and from the heart serve Him.

Are you struggling with weakness or a lack of success, not knowing why? A major problem which plagues many members in God’s Church is a lack of assertiveness. Did you know that lack of assertiveness will prevent you from becoming victorious? You will never be given the crown of righteousness, if you don’t develop the character trait of godly assertiveness. In doing this, you must also overcome its opposite–cowardliness and fear.
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During these serious times just prior to the Day of the Lord and the return of Jesus Christ to the earth to establish the Kingdom of God, we must be ever alert to all that is going on around us, and we must take extra care that we do not quench God’s Spirit in our lives!Play Video

Many times in the Bible, the words, “take heed” are used. That means to discern clearly, to be circumspect, to pay attention or to hearken. For some few, what God said served to awaken them. Today, we, as part of the Church of God, are members of the “household of God” as spoken of in God’s Word. As such, we have unique relationships with God, Jesus Christ and with fellow members. Uniquely, the Church has been given very specific warnings beforehand of prophesied events. Will we believe God and Jesus Christ, and will we really take heed?

Psalm 22 has been correctly understood as revealing in advance the thoughts of Jesus Christ at the time of His crucifixion. In addition, Psalm 22, as written by David, describes David’s personal feelings during his times of trial. Finally, Psalm 22 is relevant for all of us today, when we face difficulties, and it encourages us to never give up, even when we are tempted to do so. Psalm 22 begins with addressing suffering, but ends with describing God’s help, our victory and our great reward.
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When we accept God’s calling, repent of our sins, and are baptized with the laying on of hands of His Ministry, He commits to us His Spirit, His faith, the knowledge of His truth, and His promise to always be there for us as long as we are faithful to our commitment to Him.

But how committed are you, today, to God and to His Way of life, as you struggle in this evil world, which at this time is ruled by Satan the devil, the prince of the power of the air?

There are individuals who know better; who, nonetheless, have chosen to compromise truth in order to satisfy their own desires. In secular terms, we might call them mercenaries. For them, the bottom line is personal gain–a greedy desire for money, possessions or prestige. The Bible also contains the record of such evil people who willingly sold themselves for their own interests at the expense of the truth and obedience to God!

Luke, the Evangelist, one of Paul’s faithful and loyal companions, wrote two records to Theophilus, about Jesus Christ and the early Church. These records can be found in the gospel of Luke, and in the book of Acts. Although there are many lessons to be learned from Luke’s writings, we want to concentrate today on the subject of faith. Luke is pointing out that faith must be accompanied by action, as well as a true and sincere heart. But faith alone is not a guarantee for correct understanding, and righteous living is not a guarantee for faith. Finally, our faith is not enough to inherit the kingdom of God.

God hates pride and vanity. He refers to these life choices as sin. He tells us He will not endure these choices. He equates one who chooses them as a way of thinking and acting as fools!

These two attributes are very destructive when used and the father of these attributes is none other than Satan the devil! When elected for use in our lives they cause contention and shame and are equated with the evil way.

When we do see these creep, subtly, into our thoughts and actions, we must repent, immediately, of this error, and pray for God’s help in our being able to replace them with humility in the way we direct our lives.

Contrary to what many believe and even teach–converted Christians who once repented and had their sins blotted out, must continue to confess and forsake–that is, to repent of–their sins, when they do sin. We must be very careful to not become hardened to sin so that we justify ourselves and turn away from God. This is true of individual Christians, it is true of the Church of God and it is true of all nations!

We know that God is angry at this world. In a few years from now, God will send His Son, Jesus Christ, to bring peace, hope and happiness to this present evil society. This world is under God’s curse, awaiting the pouring out of God’s wrath.

God does not change. As He was angry at the world in Old Testament times, so He is angry at the world today, for the very same reasons. We read that God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

God is righteous. He is merciful and kind. He is love. But godly love does not justify evil. God is angry at the evil of this world, because it hurts man. When man does wrong, man suffers the consequences. God has also told us what He requires of man. We are called upon to make a difference!Play Video

To cause offense with another is a very serious matter. Yet, from time to time we all do cause offense. Offenses can be caused intentionally or unintentionally. We must be careful to make every effort not to offend. And, of course, we should, also, make every effort not to take offense except for serious cause.

But what should we do when offenses come? Offenses need to be resolved quickly, or Satan will use the offense for harm! Christ illustrates to us in Like 17 how offenses should be dealt with.

The momentous happenings surrounding the Day of Pentecost picture and fulfill many events in the master plan of God.

Along with the promise of God giving His Holy Spirit to those called to be in the first resurrection as firstfruits, we understand that this is just the beginning, and God’s plan–the good news of salvation–will eventually include the reconciling of the entire world!

God’s people need God’s help, today, in these very troubling times. And that help is available to those who diligently seek it. Jesus told the apostles just prior to His return to the Father to assume His position there at the right hand of the Almighty, having completed His purpose at that time here on the earth, that they would “receive power” when the Holy Spirit had come upon them.

The help of that Power is available to the people of God today, who diligently seek it!

When Satan rebelled against God, he did not believe that he had to be obedient to God. He thought he did not need God and could live without him. He influenced Adam and Eve to think the same way. The human societies which were built were all founded on the concept that we don’t need God to tell us how to live. Man created selfish societies, and became products of the same. Christ came to offer man solutions to their problems, but man did not accept Him. People were motivated by their own selfish pursuits and did not want to give them up. When God called us out of this present evil world, He showed us how to get rid of selfishness. We are to overcome selfishness, if we want to be in God’s Kingdom.

According to the warning from Jesus Christ, the end of this age finds parallels in the age just before the Flood. We need to understand what the Bible relates about the Flood and find the application to our own lives and to our own time and to the future our generation will surely face.

The trials through which we suffer benefit us in many ways. Scripture tells us we learn from trials, patience and endurance, humility and obedience, thankfulness, and that these trials help us to draw closer to God as we strive to the perfection God desires to see within us. God tells us these trials will do us good in the end!

How should we approach the trials we daily encounter? God gives to us understanding in His Word as to what our approach should be!

Seven points are outlined in this sermon for dealing with trials as they come our way!

When reviewing the subject of alcohol in the way it is treated in the Bible, we should be able to see some important lessons from the Biblical teaching. We will note that alcohol is not bad, per se, and that it is actually a blessing for the society and the individual, if consumed properly and in moderation. However, alcohol abuse will lead to terrible curses. Alcohol is a gift from God, to be used in moderation and with respect. It is not to control our lives, and we are not to become addicted to it. Alcohol abuse can also be compared with spiritual abuse, as in both cases, the abuser loses clear vision.Play Video

When there is a change in government–when a new leader takes the place of the former leader–there is usually a period of time between election and inauguration during which administrators are chosen to help govern. In a similar way, Jesus Christ has qualified to replace the ruler of this world along with its current administrators–Satan and his demonic forces.

Those whom God calls to be in the first resurrection are offered roles in the Kingdom of God as rulers under Jesus Christ. We must learn to subject ourselves, now, to God’s will as Jesus Christ continually administers the Church of God in preparation for the fulfillment of God’s vast master plan for His enduring Kingdom.