Richmond Community Church: Recent Episodes
Richmond Community Church
Speaker: Pastor Frank A Clore
Scripture Text: John 17:14-18
In It, Not Of It
John 17:14-18
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 3:5-8
But God…
But God Gave the Increase
1 Corinthians 3:5-8
Their focus was off God and on themselves and others.
All things come from God. Paul uses this analogy in today’s passage.
What has God given you and me to do? And are we doing it?
But it is surprising to some people that the church cannot be run as a business and still be the Lord’s work.
Often things don’t get done in the church because the failure of those who did not do what God has called them to do.
The size of the work does not matter, large or small.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
But God…
But God Has Chosen the Foolish Things
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Intelligence, abilities and talents, power, and wealth, all the things that matter in the eyes of the world, do not matter with Almighty God. Today, we will consider what matters in the eyes of God.
The old saying is quite true: God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Christianity made people who were things into real men and women, more, into sons and daughters of God.
Is it any wonder that the slaves and the lowly of the world run to Christ?
We could not go to Him, so He came to us. It is only by His drawing that we are able to come.
Ask the questions: Is our coming to Jesus about what we do, or about what He has done? Who gets the glory?
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Romans 5:8, Romans 5:6-11
But God…
But God Demonstrates His Own Love
Romans 5:8, Romans 5:6-11
The question this morning is, “Why did Jesus pay that debt for us?”
Jesus came to save the truly lost. He came to save those that needed saving. He came to save lost mankind.
We understand that there are people we love and if called upon and perhaps we would take their place if they were in danger.
Because Jesus’ substitutionary death for us on the cross, we have “been justified by His blood” we have been made righteous before God.
By accepting the reconciliation, accepting what Jesus has done on our behalf, we are now in position to establish a personal relationship with Him.
We are reconciled with God. And it was Almighty God who initiated the reconciliation with us by sending us Jesus.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 16:14-15
But God…
But God Knows Our Hearts
Luke 16:14-15
Today’s passage deals with the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, thinking they have fooled everyone, including God.
As Christians, we only have one Lord and Master, and that is Jesus.
Too often people put on a show, just for other people to see.
But what is in the heart that really matters. What is in your heart?
There are so-called religious experts and authorities that will twist the Bible, and even denounce the teachings of Scripture to justify all sorts of evil.
The more we transform our minds our hearts will become more inline to God’s way of thinking and not of our own.
We may go through all the motions, and may look pious and righteous to our friends and family and the world around us, but God knows our hearts.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Psalm 49:15, Psalm 49:1-20
But God…
But God Will Redeem Me
Psalm 49:15, Psalm 49:1-20
I’m beginning to understand more and more that the important things in life are eternal.
We must have an eternal mind set to put things in their proper perspective in the here and now. Psalm 49 expounds on this.
Stuff, does not define who you are. In the end, it only matters who you are in the Lord.
The fools trust what they have in this life. But what about those who have put their trust in God? But God…
All things in this life will pass away, but those in Christ Jesus will reap an eternal reward.
Many will have the praise of men in this life, but do they have the praise of God?
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Genesis 50:20, Genesis 50:15-21
But God…
But God Meant It For Good
Genesis 50:20, Genesis 50:15-21
The fact is, God is involved in every aspect of human activity, and throughout all of human history and throughout all of time.
However, all things are in the hands of God who can turn the bad around into good.
A bad situation, or a undesirable set of circumstances are not always a bad thing when you are in the hands of God.
He understood, as few do, that the events that happened to him, as terrible as they were, that God’s hand had been in it all the time.
If we were hidden from the consequences to sin, we would live in illusionary world, we would have the mistaken impression that we were fine with God and there would be no remorse or repentance.
We all have learned by experience, and some experiences have been painful, but when we look back on it all, we can clearly see the hand of God at work in our lives, building Christian maturity, sensitivity, patience, and hope.
Some of us will suffer precisely because we are a Christian.
For many things, we may not understand this side of Glory, but we know all things rest in His hands, including all of us who truly belong to Him.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 28:17-31
Heading Toward Pentecost
The Unhindered Good News
Acts 28:17-31
This morning, we are going to conclude our series Heading toward Pentecost.
From this point, the good news about Jesus Christ can literally be spread to the entire world, just as Jesus had promised it would back at the beginning of the book of Acts.
As a matter of fact, I think Luke ended just the way he intended, with a word to challenge Christians of all centuries to continue to spread the good news about Jesus Christ.
The same Spirit that lived inside Paul lives inside you and me.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 2:36-47, Colossians 1:3-6
Heading Toward Pentecost
Realized Christianity
Acts 2:36-47, Colossians 1:3-6
Life really isn’t much like Hollywood portrays it.
But in order to become God’s church in this place, we have to have the good news about Jesus as our very lifeblood.
This morning I want to challenge every one of us to recognize that God can move in our culture like that again.
As a church we have to be completely resolved to know and understand and communicate that everybody needs a Savior.
We all need to be involved in more than just showing up on Sunday morning.
Our job is to walk in his path and to be about the task of helping others find their way to the path also.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 3:16-21
Heading Toward Pentecost
The Unstoppable Church
Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 3:16-21
It has been said that the fundamental crisis of the first century church was how to deal with the departure of her leader.
Somebody said that these first verses of Acts are kind of like the time between lightning and thunder.
The Holy Spirit, Jesus said, would guide the church into all truth, would provide direction for the work that Jesus wanted done.
I have noticed that we Christians are some of the best excuse makers in the world when it comes to not witnessing.
We don’t experience the power of God in our lives because we are afraid of where He might lead us.
God is in charge of history. History is his story, and He determines the course of it.
The choice is yours and it is mine. Will we follow His direction? Will we accept His power? Will we live our lives motivated by hope?
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 4:12-20
Galatians
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Lovers
Galatians 4:12-20
There are 7 habits of highly effective lovers that will improve not only our marriages, but also our relationships with our friends, our adult children, and even our co-workers.
WE MUST CHANGE OURSELVES for others without demanding that they change for us.
We must accept people just as they are, unconditionally, even with their imperfections.
If they do, then you have learned to love like God loves us, unconditionally.
Relationships are enriched when lovers give up something special for the one they love.
True love is not blind to the truth. On the contrary, it acknowledges the truth even when it’s painful.
They set people free in their relationships without trying to control the one they love.
And that’s what we must do if we want to be highly effective lovers. We must suffer when the one we love suffers.
We don’t always know what to do when someone we love is hurting. That’s okay, because the best thing we can do is cry–not in a manipulative way, but with genuine tears of sorrow.
In a word, we must demonstrate GRACE in all our relationships. We must love freely and without conditions.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 4:1-11
Galatians
The Freedom of Maturity
Galatians 4:1-11
Instead, God has something for us, His adult children, that works a whole lot better than any “law.”
For nearly 1500 years, from the time of Moses until the time of Christ, WE WERE CHILDREN in God’s eyes.
But now, since Christ has come, WE ARE ADULT SONS OF GOD.
God gave us Jesus to set us free from the rules and regulations, which were our guardians and trustees.
God did not send His Son to teach us a lesson like we were little children. No. God sent His Son to redeem us, to free us up to be His adult sons.
This the language of a man, inspired by the Holy Spirit, who had the highest respect for women, putting them on the same level as men.
Please, let Him fill your heart with hope, no matter who you are or how bad off you are.
Stop trying to earn God’s favor when you already have it.
Stop trying to prove yourself to a God who already approves of you as adult sons and heirs.
Stop trying to get God’s blessing through your busyness.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:23-29
Galatians
Freedom’s Relationships
Galatians 3:23-29
What will it take to launch us out of our legalistic systems, which can only take us down?
Get out from under those unrealistic expectations, which can only lock you down, and enjoy your freedom.
God has freed us from all that. So, get out of prison, and stop listening to your babysitter.
So quit trying to prove yourselves because you don’t have to with God. He already accepts you as you are.
When we trust Christ, God clothes us with Christ who died on a cross for us.
No matter who we are as a believer in Christ, it makes no difference with God. He loves us all the same!
God does not view us as any less valuable, because we struggle. He treats us all the same, so we have nothing to prove.
We are free from the pressure to perform, because God already treats us as His full, adult, incredibly successful children.
There is no pressure to perform anymore. You don’t have to work to please Him anymore because He is already pleased with you.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:15-22
Galatians
Freedom’s Promise
Galatians 3:15-22
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:6-14
Galatians
Freedom’s Blessing
Galatians 3:6-14
Speaker: Pastor Frankie Clore
Scripture Text: Colossians 3:1-4
Setting Our Minds
Colossians 3:1-4
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:1-5
Galatians
Freedom’s Spirit
Galatians 3:1-5
The question is: How do we live the Christian life without crashing? How do we maintain a dynamic spiritual vitality without burning out?
That’s how we got started in the Christian life. We began with a simple faith in Christ who loved us and died for us.
If you want God’s Holy Spirit within, then stop trying to chase after Him; stop working so hard to get Him. Instead, simply receive Him by resting quietly in Christ.
All we need to do is trust our Coach. All we need to do is trust God’s Holy Spirit as He leads us through life.
In other words, don’t give up the fight yet! Keep on living your life by faith in Christ, not somebody’s religious system.
But that’s exactly how God supplies His Spirit to those of us who believe. He supplies His Holy Spirit with great, extravagant abundance!
He supplies His Spirit as a life-long companion and close friend, as One who walks with us through every step of our lives.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:11-21
Galatians
Freedom’s Power
Galatians 2:11-21
The rules are good, but they don’t make us better people, do they? If anything, they just make us feel guilty when we don’t follow through.
When we try to make ourselves look good by following a list of rules, then we divide ourselves from one another.
When we try to make ourselves look good by following a list of rules, then we divide ourselves from one another and it causes a lot of hurt.
Trying to abide by any external standard does nothing to change us on the inside.
We don’t make ourselves better people by trying to follow a list of rules. In fact, we make ourselves worse! We divide ourselves. We deceive ourselves. And we deny the gospel.
So if you truly want to become a better person, don’t trust a law; Trust the Lord! Put your faith in Christ.
—
If you want to find true righteousness before God, if you want to hit a homerun with Him, if you truly want to be a better person, then don’t depend on a list of rules; instead depend on the Lord.
—
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:1-10
Galatians
Freedom’s Threats
Galatians 2:1-10
The door to freedom scares a lot of people. They prefer the comfort of the known, even if it means death, to the uncertainty of the unknown.
Paul would teach the Gentiles that freedom from sin is gained simply through faith in Christ.
They all agreed that our salvation is by God’s grace alone through faith in God’s Son alone without any additional requirements.
We must labor with each other to proclaim and live out the Gospel.
They agreed not only to proclaim it together. They agreed to live it out together as well.
When our legalistic standards keep us from helping people in need, then we need to dump those standards, especially those of us who preach the good news of God’s unconditional love.
We must come together in the truth. And we must work together for the truth if we’re going to be all that God has called us to be as a church.
When we come together as the church here in Richmond, let’s remember “It’s not about the food; it’s about the family.” It’s not about the music; it’s about the memories we make together.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 1:11-24
Galatians
Freedom’s Influence
Galatians 1:11-24
Jesus calls us, His followers, “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), but salt that stays on the shelf doesn’t do any good at all.
Paul makes the point that he didn’t get his ideas from any man. He got them directly from Jesus Christ Himself in Arabia.
We gain the right to be heard, because we have spent time with the Master Himself, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Oh, that God would open our eyes to love and appreciate the supreme treasure that we have in His Word.
If we’re going to speak with any authority in our world, then we must know Jesus personally.
God has set apart each and every one of us believers for a special purpose.
God was glorified because of the change in Paul’s life. And God is glorified when we allow Christ to change our lives, as well.
We can change our world for the better! All we have to do is commune with Christ and allow Him to change us from the inside out.
Speaker: Pastor Frank A Clore
Scripture Text: Psalm 62:5-8
Waiting Before God
Psalm 62:5-8
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 1:6-12
Galatians
The Good News of Freedom
Galatians 1:6-12
In people’s sincere efforts to translate the gospel into something we can understand, sometimes things get lost in the translation.
You see, false teachers were coming after the Apostle Paul and claiming to preach the same Gospel he did. But Paul makes it very clear, “They are preaching a different gospel.”
We are all part of the problem, but there is only one man who is the solution. His name is Jesus.
False teachers distort the good news. They twist the truth, and it confuses people.
Any time anybody adds anything to faith as a requirement for God’s acceptance, then all kinds of red flags should go up.
As people engage in practices and embrace ideas that are spiritually poisonous, they think it is making them more spiritual.
All we have to do is trust Christ. All we have to do is commit our lives to Him.
Faith, and faith alone, sets us free.
Christ died for our sins. Christ rose again. All we need to do is trust Him. That’s the simple Gospel that comes from God Himself.
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 1:1-5
Galatians
Breaking Free!
Galatians 1:1-5
What will it take for us to really break free from the habits and attitudes that keep us grounded?
We better listen very carefully to His words, because they are not his words; they are God’s Words.
If you and I want to be truly free, then we too must wake up and listen!
God doesn’t base His decision to release us because of something we did.
We aren’t even looking for the freedom God provides. Instead, God has to come looking for us.
Christ has purchased our freedom, but we want to hang on to the little trinkets of this world; and we prefer the familiarity of our bondage over the unsettling prospects of freedom.
You see, we’re not just talking about a ticket to heaven in the future here. We’re talking about the way to a life of goodness and holiness today, in the present.
If you want to be truly free, then simply listen to God’s Word, and believe it when he tells you, “I am setting you free!”
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 13:34-35, John 15:12, John 15:17, Ephesians 5:25-32
One Anothering
Love One Another
John 13:34-35, John 15:12, John 15:17, Ephesians 5:25-32
Be Devoted to one another.
Ruth 1:16-18, Romans 12:10, Ephesians 5:1-2
To honor one another.
Romans 12:10, Philippians 2:3-4
To submit to one another.
Ephesians 5:21, Philippians 2:5-8, Matthew 20:25-28, Acts 21
To accept one another.
Romans 15:7, Romans 14, Romans 15, John 13:34-35, Matthew 25:40-45
To admonish one another.
Colossians 3:15-17, Romans 15:14, Galatians 2:11-13, Proverbs 12:1
To encourage one another.
Hebrews 3:12-14, Hebrews 10:25, Ephesians 4:29
To serve one another.
Galatians 5:13-15, Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 2:5-8, Matthew 20:25-28
To bear one another’s burdens.
Galatians 6:1-5, John 13:34-35, Galatians 5:14
To bear with one another.
Ephesians 4:1-3, Colossians 3:13, Romans 12:18
To pray for one another.
James 5:16, Ephesians 6:18, Acts 12:1-17, Matthew 7:7-11, Philippians 4:6-7
And finally, to spur one another on to love.
Hebrews 10:23-25, Galatians 4:16, Proverbs 27:6, Proverbs 18:21
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:23-25, Galatians 4:16, Proverbs 27:6, Proverbs 18:21
One Anothering
Spur One Another On
Hebrews 10:23-25, Galatians 4:16, Proverbs 27:6, Proverbs 18:21
“My son is under a doctor’s care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.”
“Dear School: Please ekscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.”
“Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.”
“Megan could not come to school today because she has been bothered by very close veins.”
“Chris will not be in school cus he has an acre in his side.”
“Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He has very loose vowels.”
“Please excuse Tommy for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea and his boots leak.”
“Please excuse Jimmy for being. It was not his fault.”
God doesn’t want to hear excuses, rather He wants to hear confessions and resolutions. God wants to see genuine repentance and faithfulness.
Hebrews was written to persuade them to come back to Christ and stick with Christ.
Usually, when we think of provoking someone, we think of doing so in a negative sense, rather than a positive sense.
There are people to be loved, there is service to be performed, and there is justice to be done.
Deeper and more meaningful relationships require something more than just niceness. Deeper and more meaningful relationships require prodding and provoking.
We can provoke people by our PRESENCE The first thing we must do is faithfully gather with the church as a whole and with each other individually.
We can provoke people by our EXAMPLE So let’s continue in our faithfulness and allow it to be a powerful example that spurs one another on.
There is a time for warm, encouraging words, and there is also a time for corrective and challenging words.
Sermon Audio: That Sinking Feeling: Dealing with Doubt
Speaker: Pastor Robert Igarta
Scripture Text: Psalm 77:1-15
Duration: 27:49
Size: 14.8 MB
That Sinking Feeling: Dealing with Doubt
Psalm 77:1-15
Sermon Audio: The Protecting Helmet
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:17
Duration: 22:43
Size: 12.1 MB
Spiritual Armor
The Protecting Helmet
Ephesians 6:17
Just as this helmet is designed to protect the head of the soldier from a hit that could take his life, our helmet of salvation is designed to protect our mind.
If he can get into your mind, he will begin to play mind games with you.
Satan will do all he can to keep you away from those who want to help you on a spiritual level and he does so with mind games.
Make this verse personal. “I will destroy every proud obstacle that keeps me from knowing God. I will capture my rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey God.”
When you have salvation covering your mind as a Roman soldier had his helmet to protect his head, then Satan’s plans are doomed.
Salvation gives us power.
Salvation gives us love for one another.
Salvation gives us self-control.
Salvation gives us a sound mind.
Sermon Audio: The Shield That Covers
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts Ephesians 6:15-16
Duration: 26:25
Size: 15.0 MB
Spiritual Armor
The Shield That Covers
Ephesians 6:15-16
Paul related the shoes to the peace of God. We are assured of our firm footing when battling the forces sent against us.
These shields carried into battle were the size of doors. And like a door covers you when you are behind it, so did these shields.
Paul relates this shield to our faith. It is our faith that protects us.
So where does faith begin?
How do I know if my faith is big enough?
Each soldier would be equipped with a shield to fit him. God does the same with faith.
So how do I take care of this faith?
If the only time you soak your faith in the cleansing water of God’s truth is on the occasions that you come to church, your shield of faith is dry.
What about those times when my faith feels so weak?
We should be able to call on each other for prayer support when we are in a spiritual battle.
God’s promise to us.
Once again, we see the joint effort between us and God. He will protect us by his power not ours.
Sermon Audio: Let It Shine
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts Ephesians 6:14
Duration: 23:16
Size: 12.6 MB
Spiritual Armor
Let It Shine
Ephesians 6:14
Although the belt was the only part of the armor not made of metal, and although it seemed to be the least significant, the belt actually played an important role.
Righteousness. Is the act of doing what is in agreement with God’s standards, which leads to the state of being in the proper relationship with God.
God has provided a way for us to be in right standing with him no matter what we do.
So, Jesus willingly went to the cross and offered his blood to cover man’s sin forever
When we are wearing our armor of righteousness, we can pray with confidence.
This is the result of understanding righteousness. It gives us a confidence to follow God’s lead through the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Audio: Tighten Up Your Belt
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts Ephesians 6:14-18
Duration: 28:25
Size: 16.0 MB
Spiritual Armor
Tighten Up Your Belt
Ephesians 6:14-18
As Paul analyzed the soldier that stood before him, he observed his body armor.
With all of this glorious shining metal, notice the Holy Spirit points Paul to what seems to be the most unimportant part of the armor, the belt.
Think about this. The belt of truth is the only part of our spiritual armor that can be held in our hand.
Righteousness
If your body armor is full of holes, the only way you can patch them is by putting on the belt of truth and making the written word a top priority.
Peace
The only way you can quit stumbling in your shoes of peace is by putting on your belt of truth and let the word fill your life.
Faith
If Satan has slapped your shield of faith from your hand, the only way to retrieve it is by putting on your belt of truth and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew your faith by the word of God.
Salvation
If Satan has crushed your helmet of salvation, the only way to restore it is by putting on the belt of truth and allowing the Word of God to give you the assurance of your salvation.
Spirit
If Satan has broken your sword of the Spirit, the only way to repair it is to put on the belt of truth and hang it from your side.
Sermon Audio: The Power of the Presence
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 4:5-31
Duration: 20:34
Size: 11.7 MB
Thinking Outside the Walls
The Power of the Presence
Acts 4:5-31
We are not called to defend the walls of our church building, but instead we are to storm the very gates of Hell.
But the Bible wants us to understand that the reason Peter was so bold was because God was right there with him.
I’m more of the school of thought that the Spirit is an active and vibrant force in the life of the believer.
While the Spirit may help you and I to occasionally to say something that speaks to a person’s heart–it helps to be prepared.
And I’m convinced that–if you pray about it beforehand–the Spirit can begin to tinker with the hearts of those you’d like to talk to.
In other words–you’ll know you’ve been walking by the Spirit when your life is filled with love, joy, peace, etc.
Sermon Audio: We Must Obey
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 5:17-32
Duration: 29:13
Size: 17.3 MB
Thinking Outside the Walls
We Must Obey
Acts 5:17-32
“If the Bible and I don’t agree, I must be wrong.”
People in places like Turkey, China, and India have to decide if their love for Jesus is more important than their love for life.
What makes one qualified to speak about salvation?
We should be praying about all things; it only makes sense that we would pray to prepare for the coming persecution.
We also are empowered by the Holy Spirit, so we need to constantly be in prayer. As we do so, we need to trust in God.
You’ll have the strength to comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of God’s love–it’s immense.
The Sanhedrin reminds them that they had been warned about preaching Jesus, but the apostles declared, “We must obey God rather than men!”
Let’s live our lives in such a way that people see us and give glory to God.
Sermon Audio: Preparing for War
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 2:41-47
Duration: 23:29
Size: 13.9 MB
Thinking Outside the Walls
Preparing for War
Acts 2:41-47
Jesus built His church (not of brick and mortar) but with people like you and me.
Too many churches don’t give a clear call for battle.
In the same way, if you’re gonna be a soldier of the Cross–you need to be here!
Everything we know about Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, Church, Christian living, etc. It’s all in the Bible.
Fellowship is all about creating a church that hangs together, and works together, and understands the goals of the group.
It’s just that when we pray as a group it unleashes power from God in a unique way.
And when we meet to worship God–we talk about the Bible; we do Fellowship; we focus in Communion on Christ’s sacrifice; and we pray. When we do that, we prepare for war.
Sermon Audio: Walls Come Tumbling Down
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 2:36-41
Duration: 18:37
Size: 11.2 MB
Thinking Outside the Walls
Walls Come Tumbling Down
Acts 2:36-41
So, Jesus was going to build His church, and the purpose of the church was to attack the gates of hell.
We should all be looking for ways to reach beyond the walls!
Peter had said something that made them question their relationship with God.
Now what that suggests to me is that you can tear down the walls of people’s indifference to Jesus by just asking them a few questions.
Now there’s all kinds of questions you can ask people, but one last question might be: “If you died today…what would happen to you?”
Sermon Audio: The Spirit’s Personality
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 16:3-13
Duration: 24:59
Size: 14.2 MB
God’s Holy Spirit
The Spirit’s Personality
John 16:3-13
The Holy Spirit is a divine person that works in conjunction with God and Christ.
When our minds are in tune with the Spirit’s mind, we can better understand the deeper matters of God’s will for us.
Bitterness not only grieves the Holy Spirit, but also Christ and God the Father.
There is also an eternal nature to the Holy Spirit, just as there is with God and Christ.
Each one is a divine living being capable of speaking, acting, influencing, blessing, reconciling, transforming, loving, and glorifying.
And today, we have God’s Holy Spirit directing and guiding us in ways that we cannot totally perceive.
Sermon Audio: A Distinction Between God’s Word and God’s Holy Spirit
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 3:5-8
Duration: 25:59
Size: 15.1 MB
God’s Holy Spirit
A Distinction Between God’s Word and God’s Holy Spirit
John 3:5-8
God’s Spirit and God’s Word are not always apparent in the lives of believers.
God’s Spirit guides and leads us through God’s Word.
It is through Scripture inspired by God’s Spirit that the Christian is taught, reproved, corrected, and instructed in the way of righteousness.
We experience comfort and encouragement from the Holy Spirit through the application of Biblical doctrine that is assimilated into our lives through the aid of God’s Spirit.
There are many other passages that could be cited, but the significance of God’s Holy Word and His Holy Spirit cannot be understated.
People who are seeking God and things spiritual want to see something in Christ-followers that is real and makes a difference in daily living.
How do we get there…it is not by personal works, not by religious ritual, not by seeking some spectacular supernatural manifestation, not by some deep emotional experience.
Sermon Audio: The Holy Spirit in the New Testament
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: I Corinthians 12:4-11
Duration: 26:44
Size: 14.9 MB
God’s Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit in the New Testament
I Corinthians 12:4-11
For those who do not embrace God’s gift of salvation, they will be swept up like chaff on the threshing floor and burned in fire.
The Old Testament validated that God’s Word is true and sure and that is why we must rely on God’s inspired Word as the ultimate source of truth.
In the early church, God gave various miraculous powers referred to by Paul as gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The washing, rebirth, and renewal, emphasis clearly falls on the Holy Spirit as the source of the new life God has made available to believers.
God’s Word can open hearts and minds to the things of God but it is the Holy Spirit that moves one to conversion and a life consecrated to Christ.
I think it is obvious that there is a disconnect between the church of today and the church of 2,000 years ago.
In most cases we have not allowed God’s Spirit to work in us or among us.
Sermon Audio: The Holy Spirit in the Life of a Christian
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Romans 8:5-10
Duration: 27:40
Size: 16.4 MB
God’s Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit in the Life of a Christian
Romans 8:5-10
American independence has taught us to “do it yourself” and then if you encounter problems ask for help. But that is not God’s plan nor preference.
These “come-outers” held no formal church membership, had no governing church officials, and recognized no ministerial credentials.
The Bible does teach us that the Holy Spirit is active in a believer’s life.
We are sanctified by the Holy Spirit…that is we are set apart from our old life of sin to serve God and live a life of holiness.
In Christ, there is a new beginning–and that new beginning is aided by the power and presence of God’s Holy Spirit.
God’s Word and God’s Spirit work in tandem guide us toward sanctification to move us to holiness of character that readies us for life to come.
So, we must ask ourselves, am I growing in Christ and what are the indicators of my growth?
There is a stark difference between ’emotionalism’ and emotions that stem from a true heart of worship.
Sermon Audio: Waiting, Receiving, Being
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 2:1-13
Duration: mm:ss30:47
Size: 17.2 MB
Waiting, Receiving, Being
Acts 2:1-13
Ten days after Christ had left, they found themselves in a room in Jerusalem doing just what Christ had commanded them to do, they were waiting.
When most of us think of Pentecost we think of Christianity, but as is the case with most of Christianity the true beginnings of Pentecost are rooted in Judaism.
But right there in that one little phrase is the secret to a church that is going to succeed and that is they were moving in one direction.
They were promised power, and that power is what they were waiting for.
Now I don’t know what was going on in that room before the wind and fire arrived, but I would suspect that God had their undivided attention after the fact.
You see what happens is that too many of us are guilty of putting God in a theological box; we say this is our position so get in there.
The miracle here was not the language that they spoke in but that they had the courage to speak in any language
Sermon Audio: Biblical Masculinity
Speaker: Pastor Frank A Clore
Scripture Text: Micah 6:8
Duration: 28:20
Size: 17.9 MB
Biblical Masculinity
Micha 6:8
Sermon Audio: A Mother’s Love
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Matthew 20:20-23
Duration: 19:19
Size: 11.1 MB
A Mother’s Love
Matthew 20:20-23
And mothers are a link to God, a child’s first impression of God’s love.
Mrs. Zebedee was aware of the teachings of Jesus about His kingdom.
But since today is Mother’s Day, maybe we ought to think for a few moments about some positive things concerning Mrs. Zebedee.
Being a parent is not easy. Sometimes you’re filled with joy and sometimes with sadness. Sometimes your children make you so proud you want to pop your buttons. At other times you can’t find enough handkerchiefs to dry your tears.
It begins at home with parents setting the example and praying that their sons and daughters might be involved in the work of the kingdom?
I suppose that is why today is special? because we recognize that mother’s love is probably the closest example we have to God’s love.
Sermon Audio: Surrender Your Thoughts
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Philippians 4:4-9
Duration: 26:06
Size: 15.2 MB
Surrender
Surrender Your Thoughts
Philippians 4:4-9
But when that is our philosophy, it means that we really haven’t embraced Jesus as Lord, we’re simply using him as a fire escape from Hell.
We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. That is an interesting concept. Taking our thoughts captive, so they will be obedient to Christ.
What Jesus was warning us about in the Sermon on the Mount wasn’t the actions but the beginning of the actions. The thought or thoughts behind the action.
Willie Nelson said,
“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”
You see the warning isn’t simply that negative thoughts will make us negative, the warning is that letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death.
So, Paul goes on to say, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
So, to say, in order to control your thought life, you just need to stop thinking about the things we shouldn’t be thinking about. That’s simple but it’s not easy.
It starts with you, and it depends on God, but ultimately God does His part and expects us to do our part.
Are you willing to make that decision? The decision to surrender your thoughts to God? The decision to focus on the things of God?
Sermon Audio: Surrender Your Bitterness
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:31-32
Duration: 34:12
Size: 18.7 MB
Surrender
Surrender Your Bitterness
Ephesians 4:31-32
However, the reality is that we will all get angry. As long as we are people and we live with people anger is inevitable.
But the question has to be: How do we deal with our anger? How do we keep our anger from making us bitter?
When you claim your anger as your emotion then you own it, and you are in control.
—
We Need to Deal With It
Take the time to process it, cool down, and start by talking to the person.
If you can’t do anything about it, perhaps you need to accept it and turn it over to God rather than letting it destroy you.
You commit the situation and person to God for His judgment and in so doing are refusing to let it eat away at your own well-being.
It was Groucho Marx who said, “Speak when you’re angry and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.”
Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector; Love Them.
I would say that start from the top and work your way down. Name it, claim it, identify it, and deal with it. And in dealing with it you need to learn to forgive yourself.
Take your anger to God. It won’t hurt his feelings, it won’t even surprise him, he knows how you are feeling.
Sermon Audio: Surrender Your Anger
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:31, Ephesians 4:26-27
Duration: 27:23
Size: 14.3 MB
Surrender
Surrender Your Anger
Ephesians 4:31, Ephesians 4:26-27
Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.
Maybe we need to discover Why We Get Angry
Sometimes we think, and we are taught that all anger is sinful and is a result of man’s fall and original sin.
And it is from these two characteristics of God, his love and his holiness that we see his anger displayed, when justice and righteousness are neglected or rejected.
Now whether or not you were done wrong isn’t the question. The question is whether you perceived that you were done wrong.
And the bible acknowledges that, what it challenges us on is not our anger, but how we respond in our anger.
But I think Jesus was upset over the fact that those who were supposed to be leading people to God were taking advantage of them.
If you find yourself reacting immediately in anger, you are probably in the wrong. You are letting your anger control you instead of controlling your anger.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote “For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.”
As Christians we need to go back time and time again to the multitude of scriptures that remind us that we are supposed to forgive others just as God forgave us.
But understand, this you will control your anger, or your anger will control you.
Sermon Audio: Surrender Your Speech
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: James 3:3-6, Ephesians 4:29
Duration: 24:25
Size: 16.7 MB
Surrender
Surrender Your Speech
James 3:3-6, Ephesians 4:29
And then for the next ten verses, James spells out the danger of an uncontrolled tongue and gives us three very vivid metaphors for the tongue.
Not the ship, not the rudder, not even the strong winds determine the course, the pilot does.
In the same way, never underestimate the long-term effect of your words on somebody’s life.
So, what does it look like when we’ve surrendered our speech to God?
You understand that who you are as a believer will be judged by the words you speak, and who you are as a person will be judged by the words you speak.
People’s perceptions of you, are often based on the words you use.
Let’s make a conscious effort to be positive in our comments to one another. To speak up more in praise and encouragement.
When you speak the truth, do you do it in love? And I don’t just mean your intentions, I mean your words and your tone when you speak those words.
Today your speech has to include what you write and what you post online.
Sermon Audio: Never Surrender
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Galatians 6:4-10
Duration: 28:53
Size: 19.8 MB
Surrender
Never Surrender
Galatians 6:4-10
The word I’m talking about, you have probably figured out already from the graphics etc. is the word surrender.
There is a condition that we find at the end of the statement that says, “If we don’t give up“.
Never Surrender Your Dreams
It was John Wooden who wrote, “Don’t give up on your dreams, or your dreams will give up on you.”
Never Surrender Your Convictions
There was no Christian heritage, no grandparents praying for their grand kids.
And the temptation is there to embrace the values of the world, to copy how the world thinks and what the world believes.
And it only takes the light from one candle to reveal how dark the darkness is.
Never Surrender Your Relationship With Christ
Having people who have never experienced God’s grace, reject it, that grieves me. But the reality is that has always happened.
And there would be those who say that if someone could walk away from Christ it was because they had never really been a Christian. Really?
Sermon Audio: Journey to the Empty Tomb
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Matthew 28:1-10
Duration: 18:47
Size: 12.9 MB
A Journey of Repentance
Journey to the Empty Tomb
Matthew 28:1-10
Easter is all about Jesus! Start to finish it is about Jesus.
Consider the facts of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. His integrity is well-founded.
Jesus had already gone down the Via Delarosa, on His way of suffering and been mocked, ridiculed, and ultimately crucified for proclaiming to be the Son of the living God.
What Jesus had said would happen…happened.
What the prophets predicted was now coming to pass.
The greatest miracle of God is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the greatest blessing God could do for each one of us is provide us a way of salvation.
It was finished because He came and He died for our sins–and He was sure that God the Father was going to resurrect Him.
What are you going to do with the resurrected Jesus this Morning?
Sermon Audio: Why Palm Sunday
Speaker: Pastor Frank A Clore
Scripture Text: Matthew 21:1-11
Duration: 22:59
Size: 15.7 MB
Why Palm Sunday
Matthew 21:1-11
Sermon Audio: The Best Robe
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 15:13-24
Duration: 19:43
Size: 13.5 MB
A Journey of Repentance
The Best Robe
Luke 15:13-24
The parable Jesus told, about the Prodigal Son is one of the most heart-touching stories in the Bible.
But you see, sin always takes you farther than you want to go, makes you stay longer than you intended to stay, and makes you pay more than you intended to pay.
The reason a lot of people slip back into sin is because they never hated their former life or their old sins.
The Prodigal son hit bottom: he was at the brink of death–and in fact, he “died out” to himself and all his old plans and desires. Then the new obedient son took control.
The Best Robe IS CHRIST’S PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS, given to us. Not only did Jesus suffer for our sins, He also lived a sinless life, which righteousness He willingly transfers to us!
Like these, the sound/sight that moves God the most is the sight and sound of a sinner repenting! The prodigal Father runs to that sound!
Sermon Audio: Into Life
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 12:6-11, Romans 6:2-14
Duration: 26:57
Size: 18.5 MB
A Journey of Repentance
Into Life
Acts 12:6-11, Romans 6:2-14
Death is not an end point for us, as Christians. Physical death is not, and neither is spiritual death.
Every time a sinful action or attitude creeps up, we must cooperate with God in putting it to death and live differently.
Do you catch it? It is the same with us–Jesus has already accomplished everything at the cross, it is done, and yet we must trust and act.
Rather, I am talking about the Biblical truth of death to self—of having the old, sinful self “crucified with Christ”, of taking everything that I am and handing it over to God to be tested in the fire, to be purified, so that everything that remains would be pleasing to God.
The final step along the journey of repentance is the step into life. Into the life of God, into the fullness of God.
Sermon Audio: “Through” Death
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Romans 6:2-14
Duration: 26:55
Size: 18.4 MB
A Journey of Repentance
“Through” Death
Romans 6:2-14
A couple of weeks ago, I invited you to come along on this journey of repentance. I promised you it would not be easy, but that it would lead to life and to freedom.
Do you see? It is not our work, it is God’s work, but we must make the space for God to do the work.
What is the next step? It is death. It is dying to self, dying to sin, being united with Jesus’ in His death, being “crucified with Christ”, and then passing through death into the next step.
Because, you see, the death we are talking about is the death of sin.
This step in the journey of repentance is not an easy step, and that is why I’ve called this step “through” death.
As we walk this Lenten Road of repentance and obedience, let me challenge those of you who have not been baptized to really consider taking that step.
Sermon Audio: Surrender
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Romans 6:2-14
Duration: 25:32
Size: 17.5 MB
A Journey of Repentance
Surrender
Romans 6:2-14
At the heart of the word “repentance” is the idea of change. Of heading one way, then stopping and heading the other way.
The fact is that you are “dead to sin but alive in God.” The truth is incredible–the battle has already been won!
We have not surrendered those areas of our lives to God, allowed His Holy Spirit into them, and cooperated with God’s desire and effort to change us and make us new.
To choose to say, before God and everyone else, “I am helpless, I am unable, I surrender to You, my Lord God, and I let you be in control.”
Who would concentrate on the outside when the problem is on the inside?
Only God can change the inside. Only the Holy Spirit has the power to enter in and clean out the rot, the stench, the filth.
We can live in our own strength, which leads to death, or we can surrender to God and let Him be our Lord and our Savior, let Him begin to transform us from the inside.
As long as you and I remain in control, our lives will be a mess.
Sermon Audio: The Journey Begins
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Mark 1:15
Duration: 27:44
Size: 19.0 MB
A Journey of Repentance
The Journey Begins
Mark 1:15
As great as that journey was, however, allow me to suggest that the only journeys of eternal significance are the journeys of our souls.
Repentance is more than merely acknowledging that a wrong has been done, repentance digs much deeper.
And repentance is the message for us today.* 1. Conviction: where sin is admitted. 2. Contrition: where sin is abhorred. 3. Conversion: where sin is abandoned.
In true repentance, there is conviction, contrition, and conversion as one turns from his sin to Christ for salvation.
God’s way is not through self-help, the encouragement to find the good in yourself, or through cheap entertainment.
Sermon Audio: Of Whom the World Was Not Worthy
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:32-40
Duration: 26:54
Size: 18.4 MB
Children’s Stories
Of Whom the World Was Not Worthy
Hebrews 11:32-40
It is hard not to feel like all our efforts were turned to ash this week by the Taliban’s victory,
The question? Is there ever a time when being a Christian is NOT worth it?
The difference between submission and permission is all about who is in charge. Is God in charge…or am I?
You see, we have an enemy. He’s called Satan, and Satan’s desire is to destroy anything that belongs to God.
GOD PAYS ATTENTION when you suffer because of your stand for Jesus. God notices, and He blesses you.
Death for the Christian is the greatest event possible because only death has the ability to break the seal and usher you into inexpressible glory.
If Jesus had not died on the cross THEY (and WE) would have no hope of heaven.
Sermon Audio: Rivers in the Desert
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Isaiah 43:16-19
Duration: 26:46
Size: 18.3 MB
Rivers in the Desert
Isaiah 43:16-19
Sermon Audio: God and the Harlot Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:31 Duration: 25:15 Size: 17.3 MB Children's Stories God and the Harlot Hebrews 11:31 Now, just so we're clear here...prostitution is a sinful lifestyle.
Matthew the Tax Collector and Simon the Zealot and Rahab the Harlot. That's what they were known for.
They look to me like someone the shepherd brought home.
So, the spies went to find a place to stay, and they ended up in the home of the prostitute.
The drug dealer told him this: "I'm there when Johnny goes out for a loaf of bread for Mama. I'm there, you're not. I win, you lose. It's all about being there."
The question for you this morning: Do you know what to tell people to be saved?
Sermon Audio: Josh and the Big Wall Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:30 Duration: 24:50 Size: 17.0 MB Children's Stories Josh and the Big Wall Hebrews 11:30 And that's exactly what Israel did--and the walls came a tumbling down, the army of Jericho was routed, and Israel burned the city and everything in it.
If God says something happened, it happened--just the way He said it did.
GOD WON THE BATTLE WITHOUT THEIR HELP!!! God did all the heavy lifting and all they did was show up.
God doesn't win the battle with people of power; God wins the battle with people of faith.
Because Joshua was a type or image of Christ in the Bible.
Jesus has done all the heavy lifting. He won the victory for us at the cross. He did it all, and all that remains for us to do is SHOW UP.
Sermon Audio: The Day Moses Said "No" Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:24-27 Duration: 22:32 Size: 15.4 MB Children's Stories The Day Moses Said "No" Hebrews 11:24-27 When the King's daughter came to river, she heard the baby cry, and immediately loved him and wanted to make him her own little boy.
But, even if he wasn't going to be the next Pharaoh, then unquestionably, he would have become a man of prominence and power.
Albert Einstein said "Coincidence, is God's way of working anonymously."
My point is--there'll come times in your life when YOU'LL have to make those choices.
It's not faith if you have to HIDE what you've done. That's not faith...that's guilt.
God takes people who mess up, and He turns them into men and women who NOW have faith and power.
Sermon Audio: Fixing Your Eyes on the Promises Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:22 Duration: 23:41 Size: 16.2 MB Children's Stories Fixing Your Eyes on the Promises Hebrews 11:22 Do you think God would ever forget a promise? Of course not! God always keeps His promises.
Instead, He commended Joseph for his faith because he gave directions about how his bones were to be handled?
He believed that because he believed God would bring Israel back to the promised land...because that's what God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to their descendants.
Now, granted...that's not exactly the kind of promises we want to hear, but God is being honest with us--Christianity isn't always going to be an easy ride.
Jesus promised much the same thing in Matthew 11:28-29, "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."
But in a world where people are measured by their beauty, their influence, and their wealth and power, a lot of people get...LEFT OUT.
We must always remember---we are not better than the others in the world around us. We are simply those who have accepted better promises than the world can offer.
Sermon Audio: Is Your All on the Alter of Sacrifice Laid Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:17-19 Duration: 21:20 Size: 14.6 MB Children's Stories Is Your All on the Alter of Sacrifice Laid Hebrews 11:17-19 Now I know that you love me. You were willing to give your only son to me as a sacrifice...that's all I wanted to know.
Human sacrifice was a great evil that God would NOT tolerate.
So, the question this morning, have you laid all on the altar? Is there anything you love more than Jesus?
Abraham, you laid it all on the altar and so I will bless you!
To become a Christian is to "lay it all on the altar."
When we surrender our entire lives to God, then God can begin to do some powerful things THROUGH us.
Seemingly every aspect of the story of Isaac being sacrificed pointed to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Sermon Audio: She Who Laughs Last Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:11 Duration: 22:31 Size: 15.4 MB Children's Stories She Who Laughs Last Hebrews 11:11 However, here God tells us "By Faith Sarah..." did something very impressive. So what exactly did she do?
But then a couple MORE years drag by, and there's still no child.
Well, I believe God is trying to tell us that great faith does NOT mean you won't have doubts.
And I think that is how Sarah became a woman of faith--she HEARD God! And once she heard HIM...her doubts began to fade.
You've got to PERSONALLY come to the point where you've decided that you're going to trust God.
In the same way, the Bible teaches that NONE of us can do anything to be saved.
Sermon Audio: Father Abraham Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:8-10 Duration: 22:23 Size: 15.3 MB Children's Stories Father Abraham Hebrews 11:8-10 And it was through Jesus that the promise to Abraham was fulfilled that he would be The Father of Many Nations.
He believed and THEN he obeyed. And he obeyed EVEN THOUGH he didn't know where he was going.
So the question for you this morning is this: IF God called you to do something for Him...would you do it?
If I had a loyal friend who was willing to do things for ME and I found that they needed something...I'd find a way to help them.
That WAY was the only way (because God led him along it) and that GATE was THE GATE that Abraham was going to have to enter to make it to the Promised Land.
If you want to go where God wants you to go, you've got to go by HIS WAY, and thru HIS Gate. And Jesus is the ONLY Gate and the ONLY Way!!!!
Sermon Audio: A Voyage of Faith Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:9-9:17 Duration: 20:34 Size: 14.1 MB Children's Stories A Voyage of Faith Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:9-9:17 I believe that there was a literal man named Noah who built a huge boat filled with every kind of animal--a boat that survived a world-wide flood that washed the earth clean of all evil. And THEN...God started all over again.
Do you realize that Noah had probably never seen a flood? In fact, the Bible implies that he'd never even seen it rain.
"It's one thing to say you believe in something, but so much more to prove it."
But, in spite of the mocking and laughter and even hatred he probably experienced, Noah still had to build the boat.
Noah's total faith and trust had to be in GOD and in God's ONE PLAN of salvation.
He gave them over 100 years to repent, but they just didn't want to change their lives...so they died.
You see, the only thing you need to decide is this: Are you willing to accept Jesus on his terms?
Sermon Audio: Walk Like a Man Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Genesis 5:21-24, Hebrews 11:5 Duration: 22:15 Size: 15.2 MB Children's Stories Walk Like a Man Genesis 5:21-24, Hebrews 11:5 Someone once noted that Genesis chapter 5 is often called the Graveyard Chapter of Scripture.
And Enoch's desire to walk with God so impressed God that Enoch got to live forever!!!!
The most important thing to God appears to be that we want to walk with Him!
It's saying that when I walk with God, I can walk through the darkest and scariest things of life without ever being afraid, because He is right there with me!!!!
So, the more we walk with God, the more we'll sense the presence of that fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
You might mess things up as you walk with God, but once you get a taste of walking with God, you'll never want to go back to the old way of life.
Sermon Audio: A Faith That En-Ables Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:1-4 Duration: 22:03 Size: 15.1 MB Children's Stories A Faith That En-Ables Hebrews 11:1-4 In other words, Cain's evil actions didn't start with murdering his brother.
The problem (for Israel) wasn't with the gifts. The problem was with the giver.
By contrast, Abel's objective was to be pleasing to God, and that's what his faith was all about...PLEASING GOD!
God judges our greatness by the size of our faith, not by the size of our accomplishments.
Instead, it's the WHY you did what you did! Did you do--what you did--because you loved Him???
What I'm saying is--Abel's sacrifice pointed forward to WHO Jesus was and WHAT Jesus did at the cross.
Sermon Audio: I'm Glad There's a Father's Day Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Romans 8:38-39, Hebrews 12:10-11 Duration: 26:13 Size: 18.0 MB I'm Glad There's a Father's Day Romans 8:38-39 Hebrews 12:10-11
Sermon Audio: The Christ Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Matthew 16:13-18 Duration: 21:37 Size: 14.8 MB Labels The Christ Matthew 16:13-18 But when you read "Jesus Christ" in Scripture--Jesus' last name is NOT CHRIST! Christ was a description of WHO Jesus was.
Well, first, when Jesus Christ spoke, He spoke with AUTHORITY as a prophet would.
But He also was anointed to be our PRIEST--OUR HIGH PRIEST.
And it doesn't matter what you've done, or where you've been, or what others may think of you--when Christ's blood touches your life, you are justified, you're washed clean.
Sooner or later...every knee will bow to Jesus Christ.
But the fact that Jesus IS our King goes beyond what WE should do for Him. It goes to the heart of what He has offered to us.
In order to receive those blessings, you have to belong to Him. You have to become a CHRISTian.
Sermon Audio: The Doubting Apostle
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 20:24-31
Duration: 22:23
Size: 15.3 MB
Labels
The Doubting Apostle
John 20:24-31
You see, DOUBT can be a dangerous thing. And that brings us to the Disciple we’re talking about today–the disciple that everyone knows as “Doubting Thomas”.
But here in Luke, ALL the disciples needed to see the nail prints to help with their doubts.
Time, after time, after time, Jesus drove home the fact that He would DIE…but after 3 days He’d rise from the dead.
It was a tremendous act of faith on his part, but we’re told that he began to sink because he saw the wind and waves.
I’m sure that people rising from the dead after days in the grave violates some law of physics.
What about those of us who would never think of refusing to believe God–but who still struggle with doubts.
The father had doubts. He admitted it; “Help My Unbelief” he says.
Sermon Audio: The Zealot
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Matthew 10:2-4; Romans 15:12; Isaiah 11:6-10
Duration: 21:30
Size: 14.7 MB
Labels
The Zealot
Matthew 10:2-4; Romans 15:12; Isaiah 11:6-10
Someone once observed that if you put these two hazardous elements in your mouth by themselves, they’d either blow you up (sodium) or poison you (chlorine).
Their battle cry was, “No Lord but Jehovah, no tax but the temple tax, no friend but the Zealot.”
Jesus came to transform us so that we wouldn’t be hazardous to those around us. So we would become the salt of the earth.
“Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than sitting your garage makes you a car.”
They didn’t follow Jesus one day and then suddenly become powerhouses for the Kingdom the next.
We are the salt of the earth, but it’s NOT just being in church that makes us that salt. It’s being in Jesus, and loving Jesus.
Sermon Audio: Revival Starts With You
Speaker: Frank A Clore
Duration: 30:43
Size: 21.0 MB
Revival Starts With You
Sermon Audio: Living and Learning
Speaker: Pastor Joel Collier
Duration: 42:46
Size: 29.3 MB
Life in the Spirit
Living and Learning
Sermon Audio: Developing Intimacy
Speaker: Pastor Joel Collier
Duration: 30:46
Size: 21.1 MB
Life in the Spirit
Developing Intimacy
Sermon Audio: Sons of Thunder
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Mark 3:16-17
Duration: 20:32
Size: 14.0 MB
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Sons of Thunder
Mark 3:16-17
There are many people who have read this Sons of Thunder “nickname” and have come to the conclusion that this meant that James and John were angry and judgmental men.
But when Jesus renamed him Peter, He wasn’t looking at who Peter was. He was making a declaration of what Peter was going to be.
It seems the times thunder was mentioned in Scripture, it was a display of the power of God.
But apparently (if I’m right) during that 3 years James became a Voice for God; a man who declared the power of God.
But in spite of the fact that God believes in them, many Christians don’t. They don’t believe in themselves.
Too many Christians settle for less because they don’t think they’re worth that much.
Sermon Audio: The Tax Collector
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 5:27-32
Duration: 22:13
Size: 15.2 MB
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The Tax Collector
Luke 5:27-32
The focus of Matthew’s Gospel was to convince the Jewish people that Jesus was the Messiah.
As far as many in Israel were concerned, there were sinners…and then there was a special class of sinners called tax collectors.
It was only once Matthew belonged to Jesus that he was transformed from an annoying tax collector into one of the most influential men of Christianity.
The world labels people based on what they’ve done in their lives, and their value is tied to that label.
He’s never quoted in any of the Gospels or in any of the letters to the churches.
In other words, Paul was saying: I wasn’t worth saving, but Jesus did it anyway to prove it could be done.
Sermon Audio: No Doubt
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 20:19-31
Duration: 18:34
Size: 12.7 MB
The Final Week
No Doubt
John 20:19-31
When a man like him announces that he has brought the dead back to life, we have to believe him.
But there’s a couple of other episodes in Thomas’ life help us understand the man.
Those who doubt most, and yet strive to overcome their doubts, turn out to be some of Christ’s strongest disciples.
They doubt, not because they’ve examined any evidence for themselves, but because they listened to the opinions of people, they’ve spent time with.
If you have doubts about the resurrection of Jesus…read the Bible.
Get what evidence you can, and then determine what you’re going to believe. But realize that the Bible says there’s a lot riding on your decision.
Sermon Audio: Seeing Is Believing
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 20:1-18
Duration: 24:38
Size: 16.9 MB
The Final Week
Seeing Is Believing
John 20:31-18
But Jesus is not in His grave, and there were witnesses to that as well.
But wait! If John didn’t understand the Scripture about Jesus rising from the dead…what did he believe?
We’re not told that Peter felt anything or said anything when he saw the empty grave…he just went home.
And so, the resurrection was meaningless to him, because he didn’t think Jesus loved him.
But once Jesus touched her life, once He healed her pain, she was a faithful follower of Jesus forever after that.
God uses people we would think are unimportant…to do important things.
The question for you this morning is this: What do you do with it? What do you do with the empty tomb?
Refuse to not know enough. Look for it. Seek it out. Know it. Because if you don’t know it, you won’t show it.
Sermon Audio: What Do You Do With a Dead Jesus?
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 19:31-42
Duration: 24:17
Size: 16.6 MB
The Final Week
What Do You Do With a Dead Jesus?
John 19:31-42
The Jewish leaders had no concerns that He would ever rise from the dead because they didn’t believe anyone would come back from the dead.
They deliberately set out to destroy any belief that Jesus would ever rise from the dead.
If they truly believed Jesus would rise from the dead in 3 days that would have been huge waste of money.
You see, the resurrection from the dead is the core of our faith.
What causes cardiac tamponade is that some people can literally undergo so much stress in their lives that fluid builds up around the heart restricting the heart.
What intrigues me the most about this story is that there is only ONE Gospel that records the Roman soldier piercing Jesus’ side–the Gospel of John.
But we serve a risen savior…in fact there’s an old hymn that says, “I SERVE A RISEN SAVIOUR, He’s in the world today.”
Sermon Audio: The Day They Cancelled Jesus
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 19:23-30
Duration: 22:57
Size: 15.7 MB
The Final Week
The Day They Cancelled Jesus
John 19:23-30
It was the cancel culture that put Him on the cross. A cancel culture that hated Jesus so much that it killed Him!
Despite what you may have seen in various paintings and movies Jesus was totally naked on the cross.
When Jesus died on the cross, he experienced all the shame and embarrassment that they had come to know, because He had died for them!
In His entire ministry Jesus never once referred to Mary as His “mother.”
You see, Jesus went to the cross to experience pain, and thirst, on our behalf.
And when Jesus did that for us, it was finished. The price for our sins was paid in full.
In other words (once you’re forgiven) God doesn’t know you by your sins, He knows you by your name.
Sermon Audio: Behold the Man
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 19:1-22
Duration: 20:51
Size: 14.3 MB
The Final Week
Behold the Man
John 19:1-22
The soldiers, the Jews and the chief priests none of them recognized who Jesus was!
I personally believe that the words that Pilate spoke that day were the words that God spoke…through Pilate.
Jesus…was that man! He’d come to fulfill even that prophecy from Zechariah: “HERE IS THE MAN.”
I’d rather be miserable all my life than to turn to Jesus for help.
Peter began to preach to them explaining from Old Testament prophecies that Jesus was their Messiah–the KING they had waited so long for.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life–I know that it is finished.
You see, Jesus wasn’t nailed to the Cross by our sins! He volunteered to be nailed there…for our sins.
Sermon Audio: The Significant Man
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 18:28-40
Duration: 15:15
Size: 10.4 MB
The Final Week
The Significant Man
John 18:28-40
Pontius Pilate? Why on earth would I believe that he was one of the most significant men who ever lived?
Now, by the time Jesus stood before Pilate, Pilate could ill afford another revolt and (knowing this) the Jewish leaders demanded that he put Jesus to death.
Despite what the Jews believed and despite what some Christians even today have believed, Jesus did not come to set up an earthly Kingdom.
A lot of people believe that–if you want to get ahead–in politics or business or even in relationships, you have to sacrifice truth once in a while.
All of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We are all sinners who need of forgiveness.
We praise Jesus…and Him crucified.
What will you do with Jesus?
Sermon Audio: Who Are You Looking For?
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 18:1-14
Duration: 10:00
Size: 13.0 MB
The Final Week
Who Are You Looking For?
John 18:1-14
You know, Jesus loved to ask questions. As I was doing some web surfing, I discovered that Jesus asked over 300 questions in the four gospels.
In fact, Judas was at the Last Supper… and Jesus even washed Judas’ feet.
Jesus came to save the worst of sinners, whether Judas, Paul… or me.
One problem too many people have is that they are afraid that they don’t know enough to witness to others.
There’s a common agreement amongst a lot of scholars that when you read a person’s name in the Gospels it’s probably because he/she had become a Christian.
The way for us to touch people for Jesus is to share how Jesus touched us.
Sermon Audio: The Prayer of Love
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 17:1-26
Duration: 23:19
Size: 16.0 MB
The Final Week
The Prayer of Love
John 17:1-26
And a lot of scholars call this prayer: Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, because in this prayer Jesus is interceding for His church just like a High Priest in the Old Testament would have interceded for God’s people.
And so, in the vital prayer, just days before His crucifixion, Jesus was praying for the Father to protect the church from those dangers.
But here’s the deal: Satan can’t touch you IF you stay close to God.
Because when you quote Scripture…you’re quoting God. You can’t get a higher authority than God.
Jesus prayed that we would be unified: One church, with one message, and one Savior.
More often congregations are torn apart because of conflicts between members…and those conflicts can escalate because other members take sides.
Sermon Audio: The Power That Empowers
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 16:1-15
Duration: 23:14
Size: 15.9 MB
The Final Week
The Power That Empowers
John 16:1-15
He’s come to convince the world of their need for Jesus–their need to be saved!
Our job is to witness to them. not condemn them.
And so, the Spirit’s job (and ours) is to point to Jesus’ righteousness (not our righteousness).
Instead, He focuses on convicting people–that they are 1) Sinners, 2) they’re not righteous, and 3) they will face judgment.
Sometimes He convicts people through Scripture.
Sometimes, the Spirit sets people up for you through circumstances.
Sometimes, the Spirit sets people up for us by convicting them of their sin.
Sermon Audio: It’s What’s on the Inside That Counts
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 14:15-27
Duration: 20:55
Size: 14.3 MB
The Final Week
It’s What’s on the Inside That Counts
John 14:15-27
You see, Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, and it’s a fundamental teaching in Scripture that the Spirit dwells inside of each believer.
The apostles were able to do some very powerful and amazing things. I believe that the Holy Spirit was moving powerfully in their midst.
But the real problem here is that, not only that they were false prophets, but their arrogance serves to undermine the faith of real Christians in the ability of God’s Spirit to really do things.\
He dwells INSIDE of us and He knows exactly what we’re thinking and how we’re feeling.
We can be so filled with God’s powerful Spirit that we refuse to see reason for despair/surrender.
That means that, if you belong to Christ and the Spirit of God is inside of you, when you come before the throne of God at the resurrection that SEAL/MARK of the Holy Spirit is the only thing God’s going to look at.
Sermon Audio: Washing Feet Reveals The One
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 13:1-20
Duration: 27:38
Size: 18.9 MB
The Final Week
Washing Feet Reveals The One
John 13:1-20
Judas was trusted with keeping the funds for the group but was a thief and had been skimming from the purse.
Jesus knew this would lead to Peter’s denial, just as He knew about Judas’s betrayal.
I mean, sure, we’d been arguing that day, but I never thought he’d actually ask Jesus when he could stop forgiving his brother.
So, as we live out our faith, we strive for perfection but can be assured that God will forgive and restore our relationship when we fall short and need His forgiveness.
Synoptic gospels each tell about the disciples arguing to be considered the greatest when Jesus becomes king.
Jesus gets up, removes his outer garment, ties a towel around his waist, washes the feet of the disciples, dresses, and returns to his place at the table.
That’s what Jesus is telling us by washing feet. We need to be looking for how we can serve; see a need, fill a need.
Sermon Audio: Believe In Me, I’ll Save the World
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 12:44-50
Duration: 27:12
Size: 18.6 MB
The Final Week
Believe In Me, I’ll Save the World
John 12:44-50
God’s plan to save the world is not at all what we expected.
When you see Jesus, you see the Father. We can believe in Jesus to save the world because He is one with the Father.
I want you to realize that Jesus is a much more brilliant light, He shines into every nook and cranny.
Jesus tells us it’s not His role to judge. As such, it’s not our role either. It’s God’s role to judge.
Jesus taught as one who had authority. This amazed the people, who contrasted this to the scribes.
We can believe in Jesus to save the world because He is God’s faithful messenger.
Sermon Audio: Not the Jesus They Wanted
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 12:28-43
Duration: 19:06
Size: 13.1 MB
The Final Week
Not the Jesus They Wanted
John 12:28-43
People don’t reject the Bible because it contradicts itself. They reject the Bible because it contradicts them.
Jesus didn’t fit into the box they’d built for Him.
To this day, the Jews struggle with the idea that Isaiah 53 describes the Messiah who would suffer and die for our sins.
The Jesus people get isn’t always the Jesus they want. And so, there are people who mangle the Bible to get what they want!
Jesus was the mighty King, the LORD of hosts, the One who VOLUNTARILY stepped down out of heaven to pay the price for our sins.
But the Cross was more about God’s love than it was about our guilt.
Sermon Audio: The King Is Coming
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 12:12-19
Duration: 20:01
Size: 13.7 MB
The Final Week
The King Is Coming
John 12:12-19
Jesus entered that same city! The crowds went wild and spread their coats and palm branches on the road before Him.
TOO LATE! Jesus had already been there and done that. That’s what this Triumphal entry into Jerusalem was all about.
He’d come to be humble King, and His kingdom was to be a humble kingdom made up of servants… not warriors.
So, 1st Jesus came, humble upon a donkey, to teach us what being Christian’s all about. It’s all about humility and servanthood to others.
Jesus came to change our lives. To give us hope, and courage and the wisdom to build His Kingdom the way He wanted it done.
BUT JESUS DID! Jesus came to Jerusalem for those He loved. And Jesus is coming back… and He’s coming back for me.
Sermon Audio: For Him Who Has Ears to Hear
Speaker: Pastor Joel Collier
Scripture Text: Matthew 25:31–46 (NASB), Matthew 11:15 (NASB), John 10:14–16 (NASB), John 5:19 (NASB)
Duration: 37:55
Size: 26.0 MB
For Him Who Has Ears to Hear
Matthew 25:31–46 (NASB), Matthew 11:15 (NASB), John 10:14–16 (NASB), John 5:19 (NASB)
Sermon Audio: Fear Not, Christmas Is Hope
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 21:46
Size: 14.9 MB
Fear Not, Christmas Is Hope
Sermon Audio: Fear Not, Just Believe Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Luke 1:5-17 Duration: 27:46 Size: 19.0 MB Fear Not, Christmas Fear Not, Just Believe Luke 1:5-17 If the obligation to attend church on Christmas Eve or Christmas day gives you the willies you have ecclesiophobia.
But the story didn't start when the Angel appeared to Mary, no the story began half a year earlier and 100 kilometers away.
In the King James Version, Elizabeth is called Mary's cousin but the word in the original Greek was much broader than that and simply meant someone who was related to you, somehow.
From the beginning this was to be a very special birth and a very special child.
This is the first time the words "Don't be afraid" are mentioned in the Christmas story, so let's dive in a little deeper and see why the angel told Zechariah not to be afraid.
The first lesson is Prayer Delayed is Not Prayer Denied.
I wonder how many times Zechariah and his bride had questioned whether God even heard their prayers.
We don't grieve because our loved one is in heaven with God, we grieve because they are not here with us.
The second thing is that an Answered Prayer May Have Multiple Ramifications.
And, he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah.
Answered Prayer May Have Unforeseen Consequences.
That new job that you want, it may bring extra hours, more responsibilities, more travel away from home that wouldn’t have been there in your old position.
And if you know the story, then you know the part that I alluded to earlier, that John's preaching eventually cost him his life.
Zechariah was told to not be afraid of the answers to his prayers and each one of us need to understand that when our prayers are answered, that we need to trust God to have control.
Sermon Audio: What Are You Hungry For? Speaker: Frank A Clore Scripture Text: Colossians 3:1-17 Duration: 28:18 Size: 19.4 MB What Are You Hungry For? Colossians 3:1-17
Sermon Audio: Confidence in Christ Speaker: Frank A Clore Duration: 35:51 Size: 24.6 MB Confidence in Christ
Sermon Audio: The Weeping Only Endures for a Night, but Joy Comes in the Morning Speaker: Pastor Frank Clore Scripture Text: Daniel 3:1-30 Duration: 29:17 Size: 20.1 MB The Weeping Only Endures for a Night, but Joy Comes in the Morning Daniel 3:1-30
Sermon Audio: David’s Death Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: I Kings 2:1-11 Duration: 25:42 Size: 17.6 MB The Life of David David’s Death I Kings 2:1-11 Today, we learn about David's charge to Solomon and his death.
As David came to the end of his life, he told his son Solomon how to live his life in such a way that it would not be wasted.
I. Remember That All People Die (I Kings 2:10-11) David's death is a reminder to us that all people die. I am going to die. You are going to die. We are all going to die (unless Jesus returns before our death).
II. Act Wisely in Kingdom Matters (I Kings 2:5-9) Thus, it was a reminder to all people that God will punish those who attack him or his representative on earth.
It seems to me that David's instructions to Solomon regarding these three men had to with his government of God's kingdom.
III. Live by God's Word (I Kings 2:1-4) Again, I ask: What would you say if you had an opportunity to give your final words?
Sadly, however, David's sons did not obey God and his word. The earthly kingdom of David eventually fell.
The only way to keep yourself from wasting your life and making it count is to live by the word of God.
Sermon Audio: David’s Son Solomon Anointed as King Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: I Kings 1:11-53 Duration: 25:16 Size: 17.3 MB The Life of David David’s Son Solomon Anointed as King I Kings 1:11-53 Today we learn how David resolved this crisis and had his son Solomon anointed as king over Israel.
An outsider's view is often different than an insider's view.
I. The Countering of the Conspiracy (I Kings 1:11-27) Nathan knew that God told David that Solomon was to be the next king over Israel.
II. The Prescription for the Ceremony (I Kings 1:28-37) Nathan's plan worked. King David swore a second oath to Bathsheba insisting that he would fulfill his first oath to make Solomon king.
David carried out God's will to have Solomon succeed him as king when he gave them instructions about the ceremony.
III. The Crowning of the King (I Kings 1:38-40) Every person faces the same choice today. Who will be our king? Will it be Jesus? Or will it be some rival to Jesus?
IV. The Submission to the King (I Kings 1:41-53) This was awkward. Adonijah's guests suddenly knew that they had backed the wrong horse. They couldn't get out of En-rogel fast enough.
However, when Adonijah realized that his rebellion had been exposed, he threw himself on the mercy of God and his anointed king.
Sermon Audio: David in His Old Age Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: I Kings 1:1-10 Duration: 23:04 Size: 15.8 MB The Life of David David in His Old Age I Kings 1:1-10 The first one and a half chapters of I Kings tells us about the sunset of David's life.
When kings and other leaders become old and feeble, there is often a grab for power.
I. We Notice the Diminishment of Others (I Kings 1:1-4) The seventy instances of the noun king or the related verb is the most in any chapter in the Bible.
When we wrongly desire preeminence, we notice the diminishment of others.
II. We Exalt Ourselves (I Kings 1:5,6b-10) Adonijah sought to take advantage of the situation and exalt himself.
Adonijah exalted himself by what he did, by the people he knew, and by his religious zeal. He wanted to promote the right image to the people.
III. We Pursue Our Own Pleasure (I Kings 1:6a) In the middle of this narrative is a very important note about David's relationship with his son Adonijah.
For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Sermon Audio: David's Census Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 24:1-25 Duration: 25:53 Size: 17.7 MB The Life of David David's Census II Samuel 24:1-25 David took a census of the nation, and it turned out to be a great calamity. Thousands of people died.
It makes many people queasy nowadays to talk about the wrath of God, but there can be no turning away from this prominent biblical theme.
I. Because of the Wrath of God, Sin Was Committed (II Samuel 24:1-9) It is possible that the Lord was now punishing his people for rejecting him when they rejected David.
The point is that God was angry with his people, and he allowed David to commit sin.
II. Because of the Wrath of God, Judgment Was Delivered (II Samuel 24:10-15) It was only after David recognized and confessed his sin that the Lord sent his prophet Gad to David.
III. Because of the Wrath of God, Mercy Was Pleaded (II Samuel 24:16-17) David knew that God's mercy is kinder and gentler than any disaster that could ever come his way.
IV. Because of the Wrath of God, Atonement Was Made (II Samuel 24:18-25) That all looked forward to David's Greater Son Jesus who, a thousand years after David, did die a short distance from Moriah.
Sermon Audio: David's Mighty Men Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 23:8-39 Duration: 26:31 Size: 18.2 MB The Life of David David's Mighty Men II Samuel 23:8-39 King David also recognized and affirmed greatness and achievement. We have his list in II Samuel 23:8-39.
I. God's Power to Save (II Samuel 23:8-12) Like Samson, who once killed 1,000 Philistines with a fresh jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:15), so Josheb-basshebeth killed 800 men with a spear at one time.
David's kingdom was a physical kingdom that points us to Jesus' kingdom that is a spiritual kingdom.
II. God's Enablement to Serve (II Samuel 23:13-17) He was the king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed. Yet he could not enter his hometown and drink from the well there.
To David, the water from Bethlehem was the very blood of the men who got it at the risk of their lives. He could not drink it. He must give it in worship to the Lord.
III. God's Recognition of Servants (II Samuel 23:18-39) Their names are printed on the pages of God's holy word as an eternal tribute to their faithful service to David.
IV. God's Reminder of Sin (II Samuel 23:39) But David also learned of God's forgiveness. He repented of his sin. And God forgave him.
Sermon Audio: David's Last Words Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 23:1-7 Duration: 22:57 Size: 15.7 MB The Life of David David's Last Words II Samuel 23:1-7 I do not think that these are literally the last words of David. More likely, these words are David's testimony about the coming kingdom.
King David's last words bear testimony to future generations as well.
I. The King's Identity (II Samuel 23:1) David was identifying his humble origin. David was the youngest of Jesse's seven sons.
David was chosen by God not because David's heart attracted God to him but because God's heart was set on David.
II. The King's Inspiration (II Samuel 23:2-3b) The first eight lines of David's last song were preparatory for what was to follow.
III. The King's Instructions (II Samuel 23:3c-7) Nevertheless, these words were a promise through David about a future ruler who would be a righteous ruler who ruled in the fear of God.
David's instruction regarding the promise of future blessings is that his, and our, hope and joy should be focused on God's covenant of grace.
David was warning all readers of future destruction that awaited all who did not embrace God's covenant of grace.
You've got to decide whether those signs are there to save you or to ruin your fun. You're of age-you decide.
Sermon Audio: David's Song of Deliverance Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 22:1-51 Duration: 28:44 Size: 19.7 MB The Life of David David's Song of Deliverance II Samuel 22:1-51 It is a marvelous song in which David praises God for the many ways in which he delivered David.
I think that David had a wonderfully clear understanding that God was his designer, creator, and fixer.
I. The Context of Praising God for His Deliverance (II Samuel 22:15-17) He saw how the Lord had delivered him on numerous occasions from many enemies.
II. The Content of Praising God for His Deliverance (II Samuel 22:2-3) In Matthew 5-7 Jesus was teaching his disciples how to live as citizens of his kingdom in world full of sin.
So, a "fortress" protects one from the enemy. A "shield" also protects one from the attacking missiles of the enemy.
As David contemplated the ways in which God had delivered him from so many situations, he praised God for being his savior.
In his stronghold, he had a strong sense of God delivering him from attacks.
When David was young and constantly on the run from Saul, it seems that he knew every hill, every valley, every cave, and every place to hide from Saul. It was in these places of refuge that God provided a refuge and safety for David.
David praised God for being his strength, shield, savior, security, and safety.
Sermon Audio: Pain and Suffering Speaker: Pastor Frank Clore Scripture Text: Romans 8:18, 8:28, 5:3-4 Duration: 34:53 Size: 23.9 MB Pain and Suffering Romans 8:18, 8:28, 5:3-4
Sermon Audio: David's War With the Philistines Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 21:15-22 Duration: 22:41 Size: 15.5 MB The Life of David David's War With the Philistines II Samuel 21:15-22 It involves battles with four different giants. Scholars debate whether this narrative is from early in David's life or later in his life.
But enemies constantly threatened David and his kingdom. By opposing David, these enemies were also opposing God.
I. God Destroys Enemies by Preserving His Anointed (II Samuel 21:15-17) It is more likely that he was much older now and prone to weariness.
God always has a way of preserving his anointed. Think of Noah.
II. God Destroys Enemies by Honoring His Servants (II Samuel 21:17,18,19,21,22) David is given the credit for these victories because he was God's anointed king on earth.
It is right to honor God's servants for faithful service.
III. God Destroys Enemies by Fulfilling His Promise (II Samuel 21:16,18,20,22) The point of author in telling us about the demise of these four giants is that God is always faithful in fulfilling his promise.
If you have put your trust in Jesus Christ, God will bring you safely to your promised eternal home.
IV. God Destroys Enemies by Silencing His Enemies (II Samuel 21:20-22) So, God destroys enemies by preserving his anointed, by honoring his servants, by fulfilling his promise, and by silencing his enemies.
Sermon Audio: David Avenges the Gibeonites Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 21:1-14 Duration: 28:53 Size: 19.8 MB The Life of David David Avenges the Gibeonites II Samuel 21:1-14 These chapters look back over the whole period of David's reign (and earlier). The text is not arranged chronologically but thematically.
As we consider the account of David avenging the Gibeonites, it may feel as if God has a little black book called "Le Petit Maurice."
I. The Offended Must Be Appeased I don't think it is a stretch to add a worldwide coronavirus pandemic to the category of "natural disaster."
We believe that man was made in the image of God, that every person is of intrinsic worth before God, and that every individual has a right to the fullest possible opportunities for the development of life abundant and eternal.
Although God told David that the reason for the famine was Saul's slaughter of the Gibeonites, he did not tell David what to do to correct the injustice.
We should always go to the Lord in prayer and ask him if our difficulty is because of some unconfessed sin.
II. The Guilty Must Be Punished (II Samuel 21:7-9) The author quickly takes us back to this horrible account, as he writes in verses 8-9.
They may have protested that they were acting on their father's and grandfather's orders, but under Old Testament solidarity laws, God held them liable.
III. The Devoted Must Be Rewarded (II Samuel 21:10-14) It undoubtedly did not take away her grief, but David's action bestowed dignity upon the slain.
Sermon Audio: David and the Rebellion of Sheba Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 20:1-26 Duration: 24:24 Size: 16.7 MB The Life of David David and the Rebellion of Sheba II Samuel 20:1-26 But, even before he arrived in Jerusalem, another rebellion arose against David, which David considered even more dangerous than Absalom's rebellion.
But David, like all of us, fell into sin. David's failure showed that his kingdom was not the promised, eternal kingdom of God.
I. Rebellion (II Samuel 20:1-2) David returned to Jerusalem with just a very small part of his kingdom still intact.
II. Sadness (II Samuel 20:3) These precious women suffered because of David's sin.
III. Instability (II Samuel 20:4-13) Joab was extremely strong-willed and also extremely loyal to David, even though he at times disobeyed David.
IV. Deliverance (II Samuel 20:14-22) Joab let her know that if she gave up Sheba, he would not destroy the city.
V. Administration (II Samuel 20:23-26) However, the kind of leadership that is essential is humble and servant-hearted, not proud and ambitious.
Sermon Audio: Obedience Over Sacrifice Speaker: Frank A Clore Scripture Text: I Samuel 15:22 Duration: 25:24 Size: 17.4 MB Obedience Over Sacrifice I Samuel 15:22
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Sermon Audio: David Returns to Jerusalem Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 19:8-43 Duration: 25:56 Size: 17.8 MB The Life of David David Returns to Jerusalem II Samuel 19:8-43 Today's lesson is about David's return to Jerusalem and the grace he extended to those along the way.
His essential message, which was supposed to represent Jesus' message to a world of sinners, was this: "Hey, don't be a dirty rose."
I. Grace Is Given to the Unable (II Samuel 19:8-15,41-43) The indecision of the Israelites mirrors our own futility in reconciling ourselves to the throne of God.
II. Grace Is Given to the Angry (II Samuel 19:16,18-23) Some think that Shimei's repentance was not true repentance.
III. Grace Is Given to the Betrayer (II Samuel 19:17-18,26-27,29) When David asked Ziba where Mephibosheth was, Ziba betrayed his master by saying that he stayed in Jerusalem in order to regain the kingdom for himself.
IV. Grace Is Given to the Disabled (II Samuel 19:24-30) Mephibosheth affirmed that he really did not care about property and wealth; he simply wanted King David back in Jerusalem.
V. Grace Is Given to the Generous (II Samuel 19:31-40) Barzillai had been generous to David and his followers in their time of great need.
Instead of deservedly receiving his harshness and disfavor, Jesus offers us grace.
Sermon Audio: David Mourns for Absalom Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 18:1-19:8 Duration: 26:17 Size: 18.0 MB The Life of David David Mourns for Absalom II Samuel 18:1-19:8 This account tells us of Absalom's death and David's mourning for his son, Absalom.
Historians tell us that the Black Plague or Black Death ran in various forms from 1347 to 1665 and killed at least 25 million people in Europe and from 75 million to 200 million worldwide.
It is interesting in light of our current worldwide pandemic.
I. The Death of a Son (II Samuel 18:1-18) David's command to "Be gentle" with Absalom was a poor command to give to his military leaders.
With Absalom dead, Joab called for his soldiers to stop pursuing Absalom's army.
II. The Despair of a Father (II Samuel 18:19-19:8) When David's returning victorious army heard of David's inordinate sorrow for Absalom, they entered Mahanaim stealthily, and the day of victory was turned into a day of mourning.
We are all like Absalom. We are faithless and rebellious. We do not want to submit to the kingship of Jesus. In our revolt against him, we want him out of our lives.
Sermon Audio: David Saved by Hushai Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 17:1-29 Duration: 24:49 Size: 17.0 MB The Life of David David Saved by Hushai II Samuel 17:1-29 But God had wonderfully provided Hushai, another friend of David, to return to the city of Jerusalem to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.
God's plan to have David serve as his anointed king on earth seemed to be falling apart.
I. The Plan to Destroy God’s King (II Samuel 17:1-4) Ahithophel's plan would have received high marks in today's military academies.
II. The Plan to Protect God's King (II Samuel 17:5-14a) Perhaps Absalom thought that since Hushai was David's friend, he could confirm the viability of the plan that Ahithophel put forward.
Buying "David precious time to escape and regroup" seems to have been Hushai's primary goal.
III. The Plan to Alert God's King (II Samuel 17:15-29) Having been alerted by Hushai's message, David and all his loyal supporters crossed over the Jordan river.
IV. The Plan Behind the Plans (II Samuel 17:14b) Yahweh's sovereignty is not meant to give you philosophical problems but spiritual comfort.
God sovereignly answered David's prayer, just as he hears the prayers of all who call on him in the name of Jesus Christ.
Sermon Audio: David Flees From Jerusalem Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 16:1-23 Duration: 26:18 Size: 18.0 MB The Life of David David Flees From Jerusalem II Samuel 16:1-23 God had forgiven King David for his sins of adultery and murder. But the consequences of those sins dogged David, primarily through the evil that arose from within his own household.
David heard about this and made a hasty retreat out of Jerusalem with a number of people who were still loyal to him.
I. The King's Enemy Is Deceptive (II Samuel 16:1-4) In their haste to flee Jerusalem, David and his supporters almost certainly did not pack food for the journey.
The lesson for us is that there are always two sides to a story.
II. The King's Enemy Is Derisive (II Samuel 16:5-14) They believe that the problems we are experiencing must be due to God's punishment for our sin.
III. The King's Enemy Is Destructive (II Samuel 16:15-23) David believed that Hushai was God's answer to his prayer to turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
But, when Ahithophel turned away from David, his counsel was that of a betrayer and his words were intended to destroy David.
God shows that he uses even an enemy to fulfill his ultimate purposes.
Sermon Audio: David Flees From Absalom Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 15:1-37 Duration: 26:38 Size: 18.2 MB The Life of David David Flees From Absalom II Samuel 15:1-37 As we follow the life of David, we see him trusting the Lord in a new way in the midst of trouble that came his way.
Now that Absalom was in Jerusalem, he conspired to overthrow his father as king over all Israel.
I. Faith Is Challenged by the Enemies of God (II Samuel 15:1-12) He sent messengers throughout all Israel telling those sympathetic to his cause that when they heard the sound of the trumpet, they would know that he was now king.
David's faith was about to be challenged by the enemies of God.
II. Faith Is Supported by the Gifts of God (II Samuel 15:13-23) At a time when David's own son, all the men of Israel, and even his close advisor had turned against him, he must have felt wonderfully supported by this gift of God.
III. Faith Is Activated by the Will of God (II Samuel 15:24-29) True faith is always an active faith. It is a working faith. It is not inactive. Faith is activated by the will of God.
IV. Faith Is Encouraged by the Providence of God (II Samuel 15:30-37) David prayed. A short while later David bumped into a friend.
Sermon Audio: David Restores Absalom Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 14:1-33 Duration: 24:48 Size: 17.0 MB The Life of David David Restores Absalom II Samuel 14:1-33 King David had certainly experienced reconciliation with God. He was not able, however, to achieve a true reconciliation with his son Absalom.
David demonstrated dramatically by his sins of adultery and murder that he also needed God's forgiveness.
I. The Request (II Samuel 14:1-20) Whatever the reason, Joab sent to Tekoa, about ten miles south of Jerusalem, for a wise woman.
At this point, David suspected that Joab was behind the woman's story.
II. The Return (II Samuel 14:21-27) Unwittingly, David put Absalom in contact with people who admired and adored him, and who would eventually side with Absalom in a rebellion against David.
III. The Reconciliation (II Samuel 14:28-33) There was no heart in it. And there was certainly no true reconciliation between David and Absalom, as subsequent events will show.
Sermon Audio: Absalom Murders Amnon Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 13:23-39 Duration: 28:08 Size: 19.3 MB The Life of David Absalom Murders Amnon II Samuel 13:23-39 Hatred, revenge, and vengeance are incredibly destructive attitudes.
Vengeance is defined as "punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong."
I. The Activity in the Vengeance (II Samuel 13:23-29) Upon a first reading, one may get the impression that Absalom was putting the event of two years earlier behind him, and that he wanted the family to all get along.
Of course, Absalom was not concerned about the other princes. His only concern was to get at Amnon.
If we were first-time readers of this narrative, we might ask ourselves, what is happening to the future of the house of David?
II. The Passivity following the Vengeance (II Samuel 13:30-39) How did Jonadab know what had really happened? Clearly, he was fully aware of Absalom's plan.
David's firstborn son was dead, at the hand of his third son. David's house had become a house deeply and bitterly divided against itself.
Richard Phillips notes three points about the biblical doctrine of vengeance, which is summed up by Paul, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord".
1st, God takes vengeance on sins that have been committed. 2nd, since God takes vengeance on all sin, individuals are not allowed to take justice into their own hands. 3rd, since God takes vengeance on all sin, and individuals are not allowed to take justice into their own hands, the proper Christian response to sin is to do good.
Sermon Audio: Amnon and Tamar Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 13:1-22 Duration: 31:58 Size: 11.9 MB The Life of David Amnon and Tamar II Samuel 13:1-22 In our series on "The Life of David," we have seen David's meteoric rise from being a shepherd to serving as God’s king on earth.
When we read the Bible, we need to ask how any chapter fits into the over-arching storyline of the Bible.
I. Unbridled Lust (II Samuel 13:1-2,14-17) Although the scripture says that Amnon loved Tamar, the fact is that his passion was pure unbridled lust.
And all lust is a kind of rape, whether of mind or body or both, for such pseudo-love can only consume the objects of its grasping attentions.
II. Unprincipled Counsel (II Samuel 13:3-5) A true friend would have realized what was going on, or, at least, asked more questions to get to the bottom of the matter.
III. Unprotected Obedience (II Samuel 13:6-13,18-19) In this terrible story, Tamar obediently followed her father's instruction.
IV. Unrestrained Hatred (II Samuel 13:20,22) Eventually, thankfully, through the intervention of his son, Rick realized that his hatred was hurting his own family.
V. Unmoved Anger (II Samuel 13:21) David's unmoved anger was an additional sin on top of his previous sin.
Sermon Audio: David's Child Dies Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 12:15-31 Duration: 21:53 Size: 15.0 MB The Life of David David's Child Dies II Samuel 12:15-31 Even believers want to know how to come back after egregious sin.
Believers have to endure the consequences for sin even though we have been forgiven.
I. Seek God in Prayer (II Samuel 12:15-16) But David did not assume that God's declaration that the child would die was so settled that he just sat back and waited for the inevitable to happen.
II. Acknowledge Your Sin (II Samuel 12:17) Don't hide it or refuse to face those who are in a position to help and who want to help.
III. Submit to God's Will (II Samuel 12:18-23) David's acceptance of the child's death shows his submission to God's will.
IV. Receive God's Blessing (II Samuel 12:24-25) Forgiveness cancels past sin, promises future blessing, and opens the gate of heaven.
V. Return to Duty (II Samuel 12:26-31) God wants you to serve him with the gifts that he has given you.
And because of that truth, let me urge you to seek God in prayer, acknowledge your sin, submit to God's will, receive God’s blessing, and then return to duty.
Sermon Audio: David Rebuked by Nathan Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 12:1-15 Duration: 24:27 Size: 16.7 MB The Life of David David Rebuked by Nathan II Samuel 12:1-15 Many months passed by after King David's sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. Bathsheba became pregnant and David was confronted by Nathan after the birth of that child.
The narrative of David being rebuked by Nathan is really a story of God's grace reaching out to an adopted son who has grievously sinned in order to restore him to fellowship with himself.
I. The First Step Is Conviction (II Samuel 12:1-12) Nathan used an indirect approach with David. If he had started by saying that David had sinned, David might have been defensive or dismissive.
Nathan did not wait for David to respond. He went on to pronounce the findings of the Lord who was David's judge.
So, the first step God uses to restore sinners back into fellowship with himself is conviction of sin.
II. The Second Step Is Repentance (II Samuel 12:13a) David understood the magnitude of his sin and he repented of his sin.
III. The Third Step Is Forgiveness (II Samuel 12:13b-15) However, I do want to remind us that God is just in all his ways and he never does anything wrong.
Whatever our sin, let us be convicted of our sin, truly repent of our sin, and then receive God's forgiveness for our sin.
Sermon Audio: The Missing Piece Speaker: Pastor Joel Collier Scripture Text: Colossians 1:24-29 (NASB), I Corinthians 2:9-16 (NASB) Duration: 35:28 Size: 24.3 MB The Missing Piece Colossians 1:24-29 (NASB), I Corinthians 2:9-16 (NASB)
Sermon Audio: Outreach Is Not Seasonal Speaker: Frank A Clore Scripture Text: Matthew 28:19 Duration: 27:58 Size: 19.2 MB Outreach Is Not Seasonal Matthew 28:19
Sermon Audio: She Brought Life to Her Village Speaker: Pastor Frank Clore Scripture Text: Judges 4-5 Duration: 35:34 Size: 24.4 MB She Brought Life to Her Village Judges 4-5
Sermon Audio: Creature or Creator Speaker: Frank A Clore Scripture Text: Romans 1:22-25 Duration: 27:24 Size: 18.8 MB Creature or Creator Romans 1:22-25
Sermon Audio: Hope Resurrected Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: Psalm 51 Duration: 26:52 Size: 18.4 MB Create in Me a Clean Heart Psalm 51
Sermon Audio: Hope Resurrected Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: John 20:1-9 Duration: 22:21 Size: 15.3 MB Seasons of Hope Hope Resurrected John 20:1-9
Sermon Audio: Seeing Palm Sunday With Fresh Eyes Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: John 12:12-19 Duration: 23:57 Size: 16.4 MB Seeing Palm Sunday With Fresh Eyes John 12:12-19
Sermon Audio: David and Bathsheba Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 11:1-27 Duration: 26:04 Size: 17.8 MB The Life of David David and Bathsheba II Samuel 11:1-27 Sandwiched in the middle of these chapters is the shocking account of David's dreadful sin with Bathsheba.
"Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you're willing to pay."
I. The Causes of Sin (II Samuel 11:1-4) We are not told that David was busy with the affairs of the kingdom or that he was busy taking care of the problems of his people. Instead, he was on his couch.
As soon as David heard that she was married, he should have stopped pursuing her.
Sin does not just come upon us. It is not foisted upon us so that there is nothing we can do about it.
II. The Consequences of Sin (II Samuel 11:5) But a consequence of sin is that more often than we like other people know about it.
III. The Cover-up of Sin (II Samuel 11:6-27a) Sometimes our desire to cover up our sin by some kind of deception does not work.
IV. The Condemnation of Sin (II Samuel 11:27b) What David had done was evil in his eyes. David had violated the law of God. David deserved to die. David's sin condemned him to death.
Psalm 51:1-2 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Sermon Audio: David Defeats Ammon and Syria Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 10:1-19 Duration: 26:43 Size: 18.3 MB
The Life of David David Defeats Ammon and Syria II Samuel 10:1-19
In II Samuel 10, David once again extended kindness, that is, hesed or steadfast love, to the son of a friendly neighboring king, who had died.
Like Onada, many people are fighting a lonely battle against the God who is offering reconciliation and peace.
I. Kindness Is Offered (II Samuel 10:1-2) However, now that Nahash had died, David wanted to extend hesed to Hanun, Nahash's son, for the hesed that had previously been extended to David by Nahash.
Well, Jesus' offer of kindness is by far the best offer ever extended to anyone.
II. Kindness Is Rejected (II Samuel 10:3-5) The rejection of David's kindness points us again to the rejection of Jesus' kindness. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.
III. Kindness Is Redressed (II Samuel 10:6-19) David offered kindness. And that offer of kindness was rejected by Hanun. So, David set out to take action.
Joab recognized and affirmed that God was in sovereign control of the outcome.
David's redressing of his kindness that was rejected teaches us that Jesus will redress any rejection of the kindness that he offers.
Those who have rejected Jesus will know in that moment that all their greatest treasures were nothing compared with him, and they will bitterly regret that decision.
Sermon Audio: David's Kindness to Mephibosheth Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 9:1-13 Duration: 20:49 Size: 14.2 MB
The Life of David David's Kindness to Mephibosheth II Samuel 9:1-13
Our scripture today about Mephibosheth, and particularly about David's kindness to him.
I. Kindness Is Initiated (II Samuel 9:1-4) So, David wanted to fulfill his covenant promise to Jonathan.
That is why he wanted to make sure that he was keeping his covenant promise to Jonathan when he asked, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
But the good news of the gospel teaches us that David's Greater Son, Jesus, takes the initiative to bring kindness--God's steadfast love--to us.
II. Kindness Is Provided (II Samuel 9:5-8) The lesson for us is that Christians are the recipients of God's unmerited and gracious kindness.
III. Kindness Is Experienced (II Samuel 9:9-13) But David initiated kindness toward Mephibosheth, he provided kindness for Mephibosheth, and then Mephibosheth experienced the kindness of David.
You don't pay love back; you pay it forward.
Sermon Audio: David's Victories Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 8:1-18 Duration: 24:19 Size: 16.6 MB
The Life of David David's Victories II Samuel 8:1-18
"The Lord's Prayer." The prayer has an introduction, six petitions, and a conclusion.
I. The Conquests of the Kingdom (II Samuel 8:1-6,13-14) The kingdom boundaries were extended to what God had originally promised to Abraham.
So, just like the Philistines, the Moabites were no longer a threat to Israel.
As we read about the conquests of the kingdom, our esteem for David grows.
David illustrates that the kingdom of God will conquer all opposition, not because of David's prowess but because of God's power.
II. The Spoils of the Kingdom (II Samuel 8:7-12) The spoils of the kingdom, which are the blessings that Jesus secures, are available to any person who is willing to submit to Jesus.
III. The Administration of the Kingdom (II Samuel 8:15-18) It is also the first of many occurrences in the Bible of the phrase "justice and equity," or sometimes translated as, "justice and righteousness."
Jesus' administration, however, will be perfect. All his enemies will be defeated forever.
Sermon Audio: David's Prayer Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins Scripture Text: II Samuel 7:18-29 Duration: 25:30 Size: 17.5 MB
The Life of David David's Prayer II Samuel 7:18-29
As soon as David heard what God was going to do for him, David responded in prayer.
I think that the most difficult thing to do as a Christian is prayer.
I. Praise for God's Plan (II Samuel 7:18-22) Do you take time daily to sit before the Lord and talk to him in prayer? A. Praise for Previous Grace (II Samuel 7:18) B. Praise for Promised Grace (II Samuel 7:19) Are you justified by faith alone in Christ alone by God's grace alone? C. Praise for Sovereign Grace (II Samuel 7:20-22)
II. Prayer for God's People (II Samuel 7:23-24) David recognized that God's people are unique. God had chosen them out of all the other peoples on the earth. A. Prayer for God's Redeemed People (II Samuel 7:23) You used to belong to Satan. But then God redeemed you by the blood of his Son, Jesus Christ, and now you belong to God. B. Prayer for God's Preserved People (II Samuel 7:24a) C. Prayer for God's Privileged People (II Samuel 7:24b) He becomes our God and we become his people when we are united to Jesus by faith in him.
III. Petition for God's Promise (II Samuel 7:25-29) A. Petition for God's Name to Be Magnified (II Samuel 7:25-27) His petition is for God to glorify himself in the wellbeing of his believing people. B. Petition for God’s Promise to Be Fulfilled (II Samuel 7:28-29) David gave praise for God's plan, prayed for God's people, and petitioned for God’s promise to be fulfilled.
1st, plan to spend time each day in prayer. 2nd, use a plan to guide your prayer. 3rd, use a prayer list. 4th, don't give up.
Sermon Audio: David and the Covenant of God
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: II Samuel 7:1-17
Duration: 23:43
Size: 16.2 MB
The Life of David
David and the Covenant of God
II Samuel 7:1-17
Even though David died, God promised David that he would “establish the throne of his kingdom forever”.
I. God Is Sovereign (II Samuel 7:1-3)
But as soon as David became king, he wanted the ark of God placed in Jerusalem, which was to be the political and spiritual capitol of the people of God.
David believed that God is sovereign. He clung to God so that he could sense the safe, sovereign heartbeat of God.
II. God Is Condescending (II Samuel 7:4-7)
Are they a pilgrim people on their way to the land of promise? So, he is the pilgrim God, sharing the rigors of the journey with them.
God knows that his people are in trouble. He condescends to help them in their time of need.
III. God Is Gracious (II Samuel 7:8-11)
David was the recipient of God’s unmerited favor.
That is, David did absolutely nothing to earn or merit the favor of God. God’s grace is unconditional.
IV. God Is Indefectible (II Samuel 7:12-17)
God’s promises often have two fulfilments, one in the short-term and the other in the long-term.
The Davidic covenant is an expression of the covenant of grace in that it tells us that David’s Greater Son, Jesus Christ, will rule on his throne for ever and ever.
Sermon Audio: David and Michal
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: II Samuel 6:16-23
Duration: 24:25
Size: 16.7 MB
The Life of David
David and Michal
II Samuel 6:16-23
God blessed David for his obedience, as well as for his desire to restore the ark to its central place of worship for the people of God.
In the narrative of David bringing the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem, we see different responses to the Lord’s will.
I. Obeying the Lord’s Will Brings Blessing (II Samuel 6:16-19)
We note that as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, that is, Jerusalem, King David was leaping and dancing before the Lord.
A. Obeying the Lord’s Will Brings Blessing to Me (II Samuel 6:17)
Far too many people want the blessing of God, they want eternal life, and so they think that all they need to do is show up to a worship service once or twice a month, and that will punch their ticket to heaven and glory.
B. Obeying the Lord’s Will Brings Blessing to Others (II Samuel 6:18-19)
Tell others about Jesus. That is the greatest blessing we can pass along to others.
II. Opposing the Lord’s will brings misery (II Samuel 6:20-23)
Michal’s understanding of worship was mere outward formality. To her, outward appearances were extremely important.
When we gather for worship, who is our focus? Are we concerned about what other people think of us? Or, do we worship and celebrate before the Lord?
Jesus was more than the visible presence of God in the midst of his people. He was God with us–Emmanuel.
Sermon Audio: David and the Ark
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: II Samuel 6:1-15
Duration: 24:35
Size: 16.8 MB
The Life of David
David and the Ark
II Samuel 6:1-15
The significance of the ark of the covenant is that it was the visible symbol of God’s presence in the midst of his people.
He said that most young evangelicals believe in what could best be described as “moral, therapeutic deism.”
The holiness of God is something that must be properly revered and respected.
I. God’s Justice and Mercy Must Not Be Confused (II Samuel 6:1-8)
David wanted to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem in order to restore the worship of their covenant God.
Uzzah believed he was doing the right thing by touching the ark so that it did not fall.
God is patient with us. We must take seriously the warning God gives us in the story of Uzzah.
II. Fear Follows a Failure of Faith (II Samuel 6:9-10)
David’s faith failed because he did not obey the revealed will of God.
III. God’s Presence Brings Blessing (II Samuel 6:11-12a)
But the presence of the ark, representing the symbolic presence of God, proved to be a blessing to him and to his entire family.
We say “No” to the presence of God in our lives because we do not accept the offer of the means of grace.
IV. Obedience to God’s Word Brings Joy (II Samuel 6:12b-15)
What I don’t want to miss is that there was great rejoicing when David and all those with him brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
Sermon Audio: David Defeats the Philistines
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: II Samuel 5:17-25
Duration: 19:46
Size: 13.5 MB
The Life of David
David Defeats the Philistines
II Samuel 5:17-25
The kingdom of God on earth with David as king was intended to point people to the future, eternal kingdom of God.
But, the good news of the Gospel is that God saves ungodly and unrighteous men and women, regenerates them, and gives them new natures, and makes them citizens of his kingdom.
I. God Protects His Kingdom by His Guidance (II Samuel 5:17-19,22-24)
The Philistines were not happy to hear the news that David had been crowned king over all Israel.
Our greatest need in battling against Satan is to ask the Lord for guidance to grant success.
II. God Protects His Kingdom by His Power (II Samuel 5:20a,21,25)
That they left their idols is an indication of how thorough David’s victory was over the Philistines.
When God’s people obey God’s Word, they will see God’s power at work.
Dr. Leslie obeyed God’s Word, and although he did not see direct results of his obedience, the fact is that God’s power was at work through his obedience.
III. God Protects His Kingdom for His Glory (II Samuel 5:20b)
When God blesses us, it is appropriate to give him the glory for who he is and what he has done.
Sermon Audio: David Anointed King of Israel
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: II Samuel 5:1-16
Duration: 20:51
Size: 14.3 MB
The Life of David
David Anointed King of Israel
II Samuel 5:1-16
The stage was finally set for David to be anointed as king over all Israel, as God had promised so many years earlier.
David’s coronation as king over Israel must be understood as something unique, different from any other coronation.
I. God’s King Is Crowned (II Samuel 5:1-5)
They were all descendants of Abraham, and so the elders wanted David to be their king because he was a brother and not a foreigner or stranger.
God was establishing his kingdom on earth. David was crowned as God’s king of his kingdom.
II. God’s City Is Chosen (II Samuel 5:6-10)
God was with David, who was chosen by God to be the king of his kingdom. And so, Jerusalem became the capitol city of the kingdom of God on earth.
III. God’s Rule Is Consolidated (II Samuel 5:11-12)
Centuries earlier, God said to Abraham, “…in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed”.
IV. God’s Kingdom Is Compromised (II Samuel 5:13-16)
The consummated kingdom of God, when Jesus returns to earth, will be a kingdom in which there is no compromise at all.
Sermon Audio: David and Ish-Bosheth
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: II Samuel 4:1-12
Duration: 24:09
Size: 16.5 MB
The Life of David
David and Ish-Bosheth
II Samuel 4:1-12
Today’s lesson picks up when Ish-Bosheth hears the news of Abner’s death, and what happens to Ish-Bosheth after that.
Sometimes, people even try to order their lives or community through unjust means.
I. Courage Fails When We Ignore God (II Samuel 4:1)
So, news of Abner’s death caused Ish-Bosheth’s courage to fail. And not only Ish-Bosheth, but all Israel was dismayed.
Don’t live as if God is not sovereign over all things.
II. God Will Fulfill His Purposes (II Samuel 4:2-4)
Even today, let us believe that God is fulfilling his purposes.
III. Poor Theology Does Not Cover Sin (II Samuel 4:5-8)
The problem was that their theology was not only poor theology, but it was also wrong theology.
Poor theology, however, may give temporary comfort, but if it is wrong, it will never cover sin.
IV. God’s Saving Work Leads to Gratitude (II Samuel 4:9)
Gratitude is a natural response to salvation. It does not require coercion or encouragement; to the extent that the individual understands what has happened, gratitude will flow organically and abundantly from their heart.
V. God’s Judgment Rests on Sinners (II Samuel 4:10-12)
You and I are sinners. God’s judgment will fall on us unless we turn to Jesus and ask him to have God’s judgment fall on him.
Sermon Audio: David Mourns Abner
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: II Samuel 3:22-39
Duration: 23:43
Size: 16.2 MB
The Life of David
David Mourns Abner
II Samuel 3:22-39
David was seeking to establish God’s kingdom of peace on earth.
The fact is that Jesus Christ is perfect, and we are not.
I. God’s King Is Peaceful (II Samuel 3:22-23)
Instead of conflict there was now peace, as David received Abner into his fellowship.
II. God’s King Is Innocent (II Samuel 3:24-30,37)
Nevertheless, Joab, unknown to David, sent messengers after Abner and summoned him back to Hebron.
David was innocent of all wrongdoing.
III. God’s King Is Good (II Samuel 3:31-36)
David pointed his people–and us–to the true king, King Jesus. Jesus is good. He is always good.
IV. God’s King Is Gracious (II Samuel 3:38)
King David was showing himself to be a gracious king to those who came to him seeking reconciliation.
V. God’s King Is Gentle (II Samuel 3:39)
David was gentle toward Joab and Abishai. It takes great strength to be gentle.
Sermon Audio: Until Unity
Speaker: Frank A Clore
Scripture Text: Philippians 2:1-2
Duration: 22:03
Size: 15.1 MB
Until Unity
Philippians 2:1-2
Sermon Audio: Words of Christmas — Love (re-gift)
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38
Duration: 22:32
Size: 15.4 MB
Words of Christmas
Love (re-gift)
Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38
Sermon Audio: Words of Christmas — Jesus
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 22:03
Size: 15.1 MB
Words of Christmas
Jesus
Sermon Audio: Words of Christmas — Receive
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 2:8-18, Luke 18:17
Duration: 31:00
Size: 21.2 MB
Words of Christmas
Receive
Luke 2:8-18, Luke 18:17
Sermon Audio: Words of Christmas — Give
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: John 1:1-3, John 1:14, Matthew 2:1-11
Duration: 23:34
Size: 16.1 MB
Words of Christmas
Give
John 1:1-3, John 1:14, Matthew 2:1-11
Silent movie shown as part of the message.
Sermon Audio: Words of Christmas — Worship
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 2:22-38
Duration: 17:43
Size: 12.1 MB
Words of Christmas
Worship
Luke 2:22-38