Sermons
Faith is the Substance
The greatest single statement concerning the person and work of Christ in the Bible is the introduction to the Book of Hebrews. I memorized the first chapter of this book when I was a boy. The first three verses have stuck with me all these years, and I have rehearsed them often.
Freedom from Human Righteousness
Here we have the secret for continuing to be victorious in our walk with Christ. We are to continue as we began--in faith. We are to be rooted in Christ, built up in Christ, strengthened in faith, and overflowing with gratitude.
Law and Grace
What is the role of the Old Testament for followers of Jesus? How do the Ten Commandments fit into my life as a believer? How do I know which ancient commands are no longer obligatory and which ones I should obey?
Meat Sacrificed to Idols
None of us are literally dealing with this moral dilemma. We do not encounter the temptation to purchase discounted cuts of meat at the grocery store offered to idols of wood or stone.
The Roman Road
The Great Apostle has given us a map to use in our presentation of the good news to friends and family members. The ancient outline for explaining faith in Christ is easily adapted to your own personal story. It gives you a set of four "pegs" around which to construct your own unique approach.
The Damascus Road
The testimony of the Apostle Paul is recorded three times in the Book of Acts. This is an important story, and we should pay attention to it. We have all been on the road lately. Saul of Tarsus was experiencing some "road rage" as he headed to Damascus to throw Christians in jail. God interrupted his journey and dramatically changed his passion. He stayed on the road, bu this time he was traveling as a Christian missionary rather than a hit man.
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
The pride and self-worship of the people who built the Tower of Babel prompted God to send confusion of languages that divided the nations. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost was a reversal of that fracture, a coming together by people from many languages and cultures.
The Passion of Jesus
John begins his Gospel with the amazing description of the Word which was with God and was God. Then he writes, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have sen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). He then declares, "No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known" (John 1:18).
The Ministry of Jesus
Luke begins his gospel account this way: "Since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught" (Luke 1:3-4).
The Parables of Jesus
The Book of Mark begins with a quote from Isaiah 40:3, one of the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah. It tells about a messenger who will go ahead to "prepare the way for the Lord" (Mark 1:3). This role of John the Baptist as one who prepares the way for Jesus is emphasized in Mark.