Introduction A. When Jesus came into the country of Gadara, He received varying receptions from the people who met Him (Matthew 8:28-34). B. One thing is certain: when someone meets Jesus, his life is changed forever in some way or another. I. Many lives were changed on the first meeting with Jesus. A. Meeting Jesus certainly changed the lives of the disciples (John 1:36-49). B. Meeting Jesus changed...
Through the Eyes of the Savior
Introduction A. We like to think that we see things as they really are, but do we? B. We don’t see things the same way God does, but in the gospels we get a glimpse at the world through the Savior’s eyes. I. Jesus always saw things differently. A. Where the twelve saw a Samaritan woman in a hostile place, Jesus saw a thirsty soul and a field that was ready to harvest (John 4:5-10,39-42). B. Where the Jews saw the consequence...
“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” (Part 1)
Introduction A. Never has there been a time void of troubles. B. In spite of the troubling circumstances that the disciples faced, Jesus told them, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). C. Even though we may be living in troubled times, there is no need for us to have troubled hearts. I. In troubled times, we must keep the faith. A. Jesus told His disciples, “You believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). B. Although this was a...
Love
Introduction A. Of all the marvelous things with which God has blessed mankind, love is without a doubt the greatest (1 Corinthians 13:13). B. Is it any wonder then that Peter would save this for last in his list of virtues to add to our Christian character? C. You might be a loving person, but there is always room to grow. I. When we talk about love, what are we talking about? A. Learning how to love is a process of slow and steady growth...
Thanks Be to God!
Introduction A. This week the United States observes the Thanksgiving holiday—a holiday that enjoys a rich tradition both here and around the world. B. Nobody on this Earth has more for which to be thankful than do God’s children (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Ephesians 5:3-4). I. I am thankful for God’s constant provision. A. I am thankful for the daily physical sustenance that God provides (1 Corinthians 14:16-18; 2 Corinthians 9:10; Matthew...
Thanksgiving
Introduction A. Have you ever been amazed at how richly God has blessed you (Genesis 32:10; 48:11)? B. When God blesses us “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20), how do we begin to thank Him? I. We can thank God by praising Him. A. We can thank Him in song (Psalm 18:49; 92:1; 100:4; Ephesians 5:18-20; James 5:13). B. We can thank Him in prayer (Nehemiah 11:17; 12:27; Daniel 6:10). II. We can...
An Ungrateful Nation
Introduction A. Last week we celebrated Veterans Day to show our thanks to those who have served in our country’s armed forces. B. Of all the people in the world, surely we have the most for which to be grateful. C. How well do we show our gratitude to God for His blessings? I. Which city do we resemble more? A. The people of Keilah were ready to betray the man who risked his life to save them (1 Samuel 23:1-14). B. By contrast, the...
Brotherly Kindness
Introduction A. Of all the virtues we are to add to our character, brotherly love seems to be the most natural.B. We should not conclude, however, that it is always easy to show the kind of love for our brethren that God expects. I. Brotherly love doesn’t always come easily. A. The Old Testament is filled with examples of sibling rivalries, such as Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), as well as Amnon and Absalom (2 Samuel 13). B. Even Paul did not...
If I Were Satan
Introduction A. The Hebrew word Satan literally means “adversary.” B. Our enemy knows exactly what we must do to escape from his clutches, and he will do everything within his power to defeat us. I. If I were Satan, I would try to keep you out of the church. A. Satan knows that one must be a member of the Lord’s church in order to be saved (1 Peter 3:20-21). B. This plan has been most effective (Acts 26:28; Matthew 21:31), with...
Self-Control
Introduction A. Paul once reasoned with Felix about righteousness, self-control, and judgment (Acts 24:25), but Felix never learned the lesson, and he suffered the consequences of his own intemperance in time. B. When you think about your life, what is there that you can truly control all the time besides yourself and your own actions? C. If we wish to achieve mastery in anything (especially Christianity), self-control is...