Introduction A. When God led Israel out of Egypt, He promised to drive their enemies out of Canaan, but not all at once (Exodus 23:20-31). B. When we undertake a great task, we like to see immediate results, but often those results have to come in small installments. C. The most valuable things we possess are not acquired overnight, but take much effort and patience: so it is with spiritual growth. A. God would not drive out the Canaanites in...
The Spirit of Worship
Introduction A. We know that it is vital that we worship God “in truth,” but we must also understand the importance of worshiping “in spirit.” B. Failing to worship God in the proper frame of mind is just as fruitless as failing to worship Him according to His pattern. I. God expects our hearts to be fixed on Him when we worship. A. We need to realize that God doesn’t need the gifts we bring (Isaiah 1:11-15; Amos 5:21-23; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Hebrews...
Back to School!
Introduction A. This is the time of year dreaded most by every young person (and teacher) in the nation—the time to get back to the classroom. B. There are many ways in which the Christian walk is like going to school, except there are no summer vacations in Christianity. I. There is some homework required. A. This re-enforces the things we learn in the classroom and also makes us aware of things we may need to study further...
Man’s All
Introduction A. Solomon perceived that nothing ever really changes in the course of nature or human events. B. After searching for meaning in various places, he finally found it in fearing God and keeping His commandments. I. Without God at the center, everything is meaningless. A. Without God at the center, the universe is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2,7). B. Without God at the center, our labor is meaningless (Ecclesiastes...
Vain Worship
Introduction A. When Cain and Abel brought their offerings to God, Cain’s was rejected because it was not offered “by faith” (cf. Hebrews 11:4). B. Many of the Jews of Jesus’ day were likewise offering their worship to God in vain (Matthew 15:8-9). I. When one departs from God’s pattern, his worship becomes vain. A. Korah and his cohort departed from God’s pattern and paid a heavy price (Numbers 16:1-33; cf. 2 Chronicles 26:18-23)...
Remember Now
Introduction A. From this metaphorical passage we are made to consider the fact that we will all grow old and die. B. For most people, youth is nothing but vanity, but it needn’t be. I. Why is it a wise choice to remember one’s Creator early in life? A. It is wise because it is easier to do things right the first time (1 Samuel 3:19-20; Acts 22:19-20; Ephesians 5:15-16). B. It is wise because youth doesn’t last forever (Ecclesiastes 11:10). C. It is wise...
The Pattern of Worship
Introduction A. It is impossible for mortal man to improve upon the pattern that God has given us for worshiping Him. B. If we wish to be pleasing to Him, we must seek to conform to the pattern that He in His wisdom has established. I. God established a pattern for worship in the Old Testament. A. God specified the place where Israel was to worship Him (Deuteronomy 12:1-6,13-14; Jeremiah 7:12; 1 Kings 9:3). B. God specified the time for the various...
You Can’t Take It with You
Introduction A. For those who entered the Nazi work camps during World War II, nothing remained of their former lives...
The Cost of Liberty
Introduction A. We should be grateful for the liberties we enjoy as citizens of the United States, because were gained at great cost. B. In spite of the costly sacrifices that others “have laid upon the altar of freedom,” freedom still comes at a cost to each of us. C. It is good for us to set aside time to celebrate our civil liberties, but it is far more important that we remember the cost of our liberties as citizens of that heavenly kingdom. I. Heaven has...
Counterfeit Liberty
Introduction A. Adolf Hitler promised Germany “work, freedom, and bread,” but what he gave them was something radically different. B. There are some who peddle freedom today which is really just despotism in disguise (2 Peter 2:17-22). I. The devil will promise you freedom from all restraint. A. We first need to understand that not all restraint is necessarily bad (Jeremiah 5:22). B. The devil will promise you the freedom to live however you...