ODCC Sermons: Recent Episodes
ODCC Sermons
Marriage Foundations Seminars: Session 9 & 10
Is Divorce and Remarriage the Unpardonable Sin? 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 Mark 3:28–29 1 John 1:9
Divorce and Remarriage (Matthew 19:1-12) It’s a Trap (v. 3) - School of Hillel - School of Shammai
God’s Design for Marriage (vv. 4-6)
But Why did Moses…(vv. 7-9)
When Divorce is “Permitted” “In the case of adultery after marriage, it is lawful for the innocent party to sue out a divorce. (Matt. 5:31–32) and, after the divorce, to marry another, as if the offending party were dead. (Matt. 19:9, Rom. 7:2–3)” — WCF 24.5
Reflection Questions 1. Why does divorce happen? 2. Do you have any questions concerning the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Matthew 19:1-12 or Deuteronomy 24:1-4? 3. When a person is considering divorce, when should the elders of a church and the rest of the church get involved? 4. Based on today’s teaching, how should you approach the subject of divorce and remarriage? 5. Take some time to consider the great love of Christ in loving spiritual adulterers like us
Marriage Foundations Seminars: Session 8
1 Corinthians 7 • The Situation (7:2) • The Solution (7:2-3) • The Submission (7:4) • The Concession (7:5)
Proverbs 5 • Attention (5:1-2) • Defense (5:3-14) • Offense (5:15-20) • Conclusion (5:21-23)
Reflection Questions 1. Do you personally know someone who has committed adultery? Have you ever talked to them about it? 2. Why is sexual immorality so common today? 3. How is giving and submission the anti-thesis of sexual immorality? What does this look like in the context of marriage? 4. According to Proverbs 5, why is adultery insane? 5. What does Proverbs 5 look like in practice? 6. “When you love Christ most, you will love your spouse best.” Discuss. 7. What resolutions can you make in view of 1 Corinthians 7 and Proverbs 5?
Marriage Foundations Seminars: Session 7
4 Biblical Principles of Sex 1. Procreational 2. Relational and Social 3. Public Good 4. Pleasure
What about Contraception? • Birth Control is a Misleading • Contraception has implications • Catholic Theology on contraception is misdirected • Children are not a disturbance, they are a blessing • Preparing for marriage is preparing for children • Not all contraceptives are created equal
Reflection Questions 1. Do you find it uncomfortable to talk about sex at church? How does knowing God created sex change our attitude towards it? 2. Is it really possible to connect the pleasures of sex to Christ? (Eph 5:31-32; Ps 16:11) 3. How do the five principles of sex contrast with what the world teaches about sex? 4. What do you think about the term birth “control”? 5. Are contraceptives sinful? Can contraceptives be used sinfully? 6. Do you have any other questions when it comes to sex itself or contraceptives?
Marriage Foundations Seminars: Session 6
12 Hallmarks of Biblical Hospitality 1. Hospitality is an expression of love 2. Hospitality is welcoming strangers into our homes and caring for them 3. Hospitality is Regular 4. Hospitality is Service 5. Hospitality is Sacrificial 6. Hospitality is Not Exchanged 7. Hospitality should be joyful 8. Hospitality is a Stewardship 9. Hospitality is a Continuation 10. Hospitality to Strangers is Really Hospitality to Jesus 11. Hospitality is a spiritual ministry 12. Hospitality is to the glory of God
Reproof • Failing to show hospitality at all • Fear of strangers • Only speaking kindness without showing kindness o “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 Jn 3:17–18, ESV) • Hospitality that is sporadic or sparse • Being selective in hospitality to only people you “like” rather than in need • Expecting to be repaid for hospitality • Grumbling and complaining over the difficult of hospitality • Thinking your home is your own rather than the Lord's • Forgetting Christ’s bringing you near when you were a stranger to him • Neglecting other believers and forgetting they belong to Christ • Hospitality that is disconnected from God’s word • Serving in your own strength • Looking to be praised for your service, rather than giving all glory to God • Forgetting the heavenly hospitality Jesus will lavish upon us
Reflection Questions 1. Before this session, what did you think hospitality meant? 2. Do you love strangers or fear them or something else? 3. How does hospitality help a church grow and glorify God? 4. What about hospitality tempts you to grumble? 5. What does spiritual hospitality look like in practice? 6. In what ways can you begin to practice hospitality?
Marriage Foundations Seminars: Session 5
Three Reasons to Talk About Singleness in a Series on Marriage 1. You may be single 2. Put marriage in its proper context 3. To bridge the single/married divide
Context • “Now concerning the matters about which you wrote…” • Outline of Chapter 7 o “To the unmarried and the widows" (vv. 8-9) o “To the married” (vv. 10-11) o “To the rest” (vv. 12-16) o General Principles (vv. 17-23) o “The betrothed” (vv. 25-38) o Widows (vv. 39-40)
7 Principles for Singleness 1. Both singleness and marriage are good gifts from God 2. Those who really want to get married, should try 3. See your current station in life as a Calling from God 4. It’s ok to change your status 5. Marriage is hard 6. Marriage is momentary 7. Prioritize your relationship with the Lord Reproof • Seeing singleness (or marriage) as a curse • Married people looking down and judging those who are single • To use singleness as an excuse for sexual immorality • To be discontent with where God has placed you and to question his sovereign goodness • Stubbornly resisting marriage as an infringement on your freedom or having standards that are unreasonable. • Thinking marriage is easy • Investing too much hope in marriage • Prioritizing your marriage over Christ instead of putting Christ at the center
Reflection Questions 1. Before today’s session, what were your thoughts on singleness? 2. What are the greatest challenges of being single? What are the greatest blessings? 3. Is there a married/single divide in our church? In what ways can that be bridged? 4. How does this session provide perspective on marriage? 5. How can a marrieds and singles person be divided in their interests? How can they give undivided devotion to the Lord? 6. As a result of 1 Cor 7, what can you resolve to change in you life?
Teaching - First, holiness begins with identity * Second, holiness it is an attitude of obedience * Third, holiness means resisting passions * Fourth, holiness is a calling * Fifth, holiness means being like God * Sixth, holiness is a way of life * Seventh, holiness is biblical
Reproof - First, do you humble yourself before God and recognize your are helpless without him? - Second, do you listen for God, and listen to God? - Third, are you different from the world? - Fourth, what would you say is your calling in life? - Fifth, do you tremble at the holiness of God? - Sixth, does this show up in your everyday life? - Seventh, what is the Bible to you?
Correction - How can anyone enter the presence of a holy God? - God doesn’t call those who are already holy - The greatest gift of the Holy Spirit
Training in Righteousness - Resolve to make holiness your primary calling in life - Resolve to meditate on the 7 dimensions of holiness in 1 Peter 1:14-16 every day this week - Resolve read The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul - Resolve to read your bible more than anything else - Rejoice in Jesus Christ who is our holiness
Teaching - We have more hope than the prophets - We have more hope than the angels - Set Your Hope - Two Conditions - Eager Expectation
Reproof - Taking the greatness of salvation for granted - Trusting in False Hopes - Not Looking Forward to Heaven
Correction - What will heaven be like? - New - Substance of a Shadow - Better than the First Coming
Training in Righteousness - Resolve to be sober-minded - Resolve to see every joy as a mere taste of heaven - Resolve to hope MOST in the return of Jesus Christ
Teaching - Greeting (vv. 1-2) - Who is this letter from? - Who is this letter to? - Elect Exiles - 3 Reasons to Praise God (vv. 3-5) - Living Hope - Indestructible Inheritance - Secure Salvation - 5 Ways to Rejoice in Trials (vv. 6-9) - First, rejoice in your salvation, not in the situation - Second, know the suffering is short - Third, see trials as an opportunity to test your faith - Fourth, remember Christ’s sufferings for you - Fifth, Focus on heaven
Reproof - Do you see yourself as an elect exile or are you expecting to stay on earth forever? - In what are you placing your hope? - As you go through trials, are you rejoicing in them, or complaining? - And if you are complaining…what does this reveal about your faith?
Correction - Love Jesus - Trust Jesus - Rejoice in Jesus
Outline: Teaching - Who God is (Verses 1-2) - What God does (Verses 3-13) - How we should respond (Verses 14-16)
Reproof - Is Psalm 91 true? - The Devil uses Psalm 91 against Jesus (Matt 4:5-7) - How do we test God?
Correction - Did God always deliver Jesus?
Training in Righteousness - Resolve to hold fast to God in love - Resolve to know his name - Resolve to call to him
Teaching - Opening: Come to God Boldly - Because of God’s righteousness - Because of God’s track record - Shame - Take your thoughts off of the opinions of man… - And look to the opinion of God… - Anger - Be angry - And do not sin - Think - Sleep - Keep Quiet - Repent - Obey - Trust - Depression - You vs. they - Heart vs. Grain and Wine - Where is true joy found?
Reproof - Wrong ways we deal with shame - Wrong ways we deal with anger - Wrong ways we deal with depression
Correction - How do you get this joy in our heart?
Training in Righteousness - Resolve to trade this world for Christ - Resolve to meditate on Psalm 4
Teaching - The Historical Context - The Situation - The Chorus - Presence - Plea Reproof - Finding salvation apart from God - Seeing God in the large and small - Failing to pour your heart out to God in prayer - Becoming an accuser rather than encourager - Focused only your own individual problems instead of a concern for the church at large and the kingdom of God - Failing to see the real enemies
Correction - The Son of David, Jesus Christ - Christ is our shield, glory, and lifter of our heads
Training in Righteousness - Remember that not only your real enemies are Satan, sin, and death, but that YOU were an enemy of God - Resolve everyday, to cry out to the Lord - Resolve to meditate on and long for heaven
Teaching - What is a Deacon? - What is the difference between Deacons and Elders? - Good Repute (v. 8) - Not Double-Tongued (Speech) - Not addicted to much wine (Self-Control) - Not greedy for dishonest gain (Stewardship) - Spiritual (v. 9) - What is the Mystery of the faith? - Holding - Clear conscience - Wisdom (v. 10) - Test of time - Blameless - Good Leader (v. 12) - Husband of one wife - Managing their children well - Managing his whole household well - Do Deacons need to be married? - Good Reasons (v. 13) - Good Standing - Great Confidence Reproof - Deacons in Korean Churches
Correction - Cleansing your conscience
Training in Righteousness 1. Keep short accounts with God 2. How am I doing in the 4 areas? 3. Who is qualified to be a deacon in our church? 4. Pray for the process
Outline: Teaching 1. The Setting (v. 1) 2. The Proposal (vv. 2-4) 3. The Selection (vv. 5-6) 4. The Result (v. 7)
Reproof 1. Trying to grow by any means other than the word of God 2. Edification and evangelism are inter-related 3. Pastors and elders who do too much 4. In Acts 6 are these actually Deacons?
Correction - Jesus was the first deacon
Training in Righteousness 1. Resolve to glory in the humility of Christ 2. Resolve to be a humble servant like Jesus 3. Pray for the pastors and elders that we would be faithful in devoting ourselves to pray and the the ministry of the word 4. Ask the Lord who should be deacons in our church 5. Pray for our church that every member would receive the same care
Teaching/Reproof 1. The Practice of Prayer in Acts 2. The Practice of Prayer by Jesus 3. The Teaching on Prayer by Jesus A. The Manner of Prayer (Luke 18:1-8) B. The Meat of Prayer (Luke 11:1-4): Identity, worth, mission, provision, relationships, struggles C. The Motive of Prayer (Lk 21:36)
Correction - Jesus always lives to make intercession for you (Heb 7:25)
Training in Righteousness - Resolve to start your prayer in Jesus name - Resolve to pray the way Jesus taught us to - Resolve to regularly pray together Reflection Questions: 1. Teaching: What does today's passage say? What does it teach us to believe? Is there something you still do not understand? 2. Reproof: How does this text reprove sin in your life? 3. Correction: How does it correct you and lead you to glory in Christ? 4. Training in Righteousness: What can you resolve to change in your life as a result of today’s Scripture?
Teaching 1. What does it mean to break bread? 2. How often did they break bread? 3. Where did they break bread? 4. Did they eat anything in addition to bread? 5. In what manner did they eat?
Reproof - If you could ask God for anything, what would you ask him for? - Turning stones into bread
Correction - His body was given for you
Training in Righteousness 1. The Elders will consider having communion more often 2. Resolve to hunger and thirst for righteousness more than food or anything else in this life 3. Resolve to eat with other members of the church at least once a week 4. Resolve to eat with a non-believer regularly Reflection Questions: 1. Teaching: What does today's passage say? What does it teach us to believe? Is there something you still do not understand? 2. Reproof: How does this text reprove sin in your life? 3. Correction: How does it correct you and lead you to glory in Christ? 4. Training in Righteousness: What can you resolve to change in your life as a result of today’s Scripture?
Teaching - What is fellowship? - Five Essential Element of Biblical Fellowship 1. Faith 2. Unity 3. Sacrificial generosity 4. Lots of time 5. Worship
Reproof - Fellowship that is based on common interest rather than our common Savior - Division and disunity in the body - Stinginess with your possessions, your home, and your time - Wasting time together doing meaningless, worldly activities instead of worshipping together in Christ
Correction - Let your inadequacy in your fellowship with one another, be cause to glory in the perfection of your fellowship with God in Christ Jesus
Training in Righteousness - How is our church doing in fellowship as a whole as biblically defined? - If you see a weakness in our church…by God’s grace be part of the solution, not the problem
Teaching - Devoted Themselves - Apostles' Teaching - What is an apostle? - What was their teaching? - Prophetic - Personal - Practical - Powerful
Reproof - Distorting the Apostles' Teaching
Correction - Apostles' Teaching Centers on Christ
Training in Righteousness - Repent of sinful neglect of Christ - Repent of re-crucifying Christ by your sin - Resolve to be in awe at the glory of Christ - Resolve to talk more about Christ than self - Resolve to study God’s word like a Berean - Resolve to meditate on God’s word day and night - Resolve to obey God’s word like a wise builder
For the Lord Himself Will Descend from Heaven! 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 I. Introduction - The First Advent vs. The Second Advent - The foreshadowing - Those who were waiting for the consolation of Israel - The Day of the Lord - Would you be ready for the Second Coming of Christ? II. Body 1. Context A. Paul’s remembrance for The Thessalonians a. Work of faith b. Labor of love c. Steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus B. The reputations of the Thessalonians a. The kind of reception Paul received b. How they turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God c. To wait for his Son from heaven C. Paul’s messages a. Admonish the idle b. Help the weak c. Encourage the fainthearted 2. Teaching A. Ignorance B. Grief C. Christian Hope - Where do we find hope? - Our hope is found in Christ and what He has accomplished a. Christian Hope in the gospel b. Christian Hope in God c. Christian Hope in the Word of the Lord d. Christian Hope in the Return of the Lord/The Resurrection e. Christian Hope in the Name of Christ f. Christian Hope in the Rapture g. Christian Hope in the Reunion with the Lord 3. Reproof A. Have you turned to God from the idols to serve the living and true God? B. Have you been laboring the labor of love? C. Have you been waiting for the Second Advent of the Lord? 4. Correction A. “Therefore encourage one another with these words” 5. Training in righteousness - Colossians 3:1-17 A. Seek the things above B. Set your minds on the things that are above C. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you D. Put on love E. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts F. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly G. Do everything in the name of the Lord H. Giving thanks to God the Father through him
Worship the Kings
Teaching 1. The arrival of the Magi (2:1-2) 2. The agitation of Herod (2:3-8) 3. The adoration of the Magi (2:9-12)
Reproof 1. The worship of Mary 2. You can be so near Christ, and yet so far away 3. False worship
Correction Jesus is the perfect leader
Training in Righteousness 1. Repent of your prideful worldliness 2. Repent of your spiritual laziness 3. Rejoice at the coming of Christ 4. Renew your mind daily with the Gospel
Good News of Great Joy Luke 2:8-21 Teaching -The Setting (2:8-9) -The Gospel (2:10-14) Sinners Space Salvation Scriptures Submission Signs Suffering -Response (2:15-21) Believe Seek Jesus Tell others about Jesus Meditate on the Gospel Praise God Obedience Reproof -The idea that you somehow deserve salvation or you have earned it... -A lack of joy in the gospel -A continual sense of guilt and fear... -Several misunderstandings of the gospel... -All things exist for God’s glory, not yours -Professing Christians who neglect the gospel -Don’t take your believing parents for granted... Correction -Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord Training in Righteousness -Resolve to find your joy in Christ
Teaching - Three characteristics of God’s love - Resolution - Redemption - Righteousness - Four steps of true repentance - Returning - Seeking - Fearing - Delighting
Reproof - A superficial view of love - A superficial love for God
Correction - “David their king”
Training in Righteousness - Resolve to truly repent - Resolve to be the most thankful person you know
Teaching - Plead - Hedge - Take Back Reproof - Do you want prosperity more than God? - Do you want pleasure more than God? - Do you want popularity more than God? - Frustration... - Confiscation… Correction - I will Allure you - I will Betroth you Training in Righteousness - Call out to the Lord
Teaching -Who was Hosea? -When and where did he prophesy -Who was his wife? -Who were his children?
Reproof -A light and trivial understanding of sin -Taking God's mercy for granted -Whose child are you? -Our individualistic introversion -Belittling of generational sin
Correction -The prophets speak of Christ (LK 24:44) -Hosea spoke of Christ (Rom 9:25-26) -In Christ we are God's people (1 Pet 2:10) -In Christ we are God's children (Rom 8:16-17) -God sent his Son to take adulterers as his bride (Eph 5:25-27)
Training in Righteousness -Resolve to respond like the sinful woman of Lk 7:38
What was Jesus’ ultimate vision?
What was Jesus’ strategy to fulfill His vision?
I. Vision heard and Seen (Acts. 16:9-10) II. Prayer first and together (Acts 16:13, 16, 25) III. Discernment to meet God appointed people IV. Gospel Proclamation for a new church Planting Conclusion – Mission Partnership (Phil. 1:3-5)
Instruction -The Nations -The Lord -The King -The Counsel
Reproof -Those who defiantly rebel against Christ -Those who willingly stray from Christ -Those who fear speaking for Christ
Correction -Kiss the Son
Training in Righteousness -Resolve to be a fearless evangelist -Resolve to serve Christ first -Resolve to love Christ most -Resolve to find your refuge in Christ
Delight in the Law of the Lord Psalm 1
Instruction - How to NOT be blessed - How to BE blessed - The blessed - The wicked
Reproof - Which road are you on? - Though you may profess the Lord with your mouth... how do you meditate with your heart?
Correction - The fight - The fight is won in Christ
Training -First, resolve to set a high estimate upon Scripture -Second, resolve to pray for a spiritual heart - Third, if you would delight in the law of God, resolve to purge out the delight of sin - Resolve to fill your thoughts with Scripture and theology - Resolve to spend more time in meditation than time in media
- Context A conversation between a lawyer and Jesus The parable of the good Samaritan
- Loving God Righteousness By keeping the Law Righteousness by faith Religions without the love of the LORD
- Compassion
- You go, and do likewise
Instruction Context of Revelation 1:10 How did Sunday become the Lord's day? Matthew 21; Matthew 28; Luke 24; John 20; Acts 2; Acts 20; 1 Corinthians 16
Reproof The elephant in the room... Too much church?
Correction In the Spirit on the Lord's Day
Training in Righteousness Resolve to make Resurrection Sunday, every Lord's day Resolve to make the Lord's day a keystone habit of your week
Instruction - Introduction to Hebrews - Context of Hebrews 4 - What is that REST? - How do you enter God’s eternal Sabbath rest?
Reproof - We see the need for reproof - Holding onto the world - False assurance of salvation - Spiritual laziness in fighting sin - Taking God’s judgment lightly
Correction - Draw near to the throne of grace with confidence
Training in Righteousness - Resolve to fight for grace TODAY - Resolve to fight for grace together - Resolve to fix your eyes on Jesus
Instruction 1. What did JC teach about the Law as a whole? 2. What did JC teach about the Sabbath? 3. Two principles for the Sabbath
Reproof 1. Error: Treating the Sabbath like the Pharisees 2. Error: Treating the Sabbath like a non-believer
Correction Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill
Training in Righteousness 1. Resolve to devote your entire Sunday to the Lord 2. Resolve to devote Sunday as a day to give mercy 3. Resolve to let the Lord’s Day penetrate everyday
Teaching: -Three important repitions -Four Moral Principles of Rest -Does the Sabbath still apply today?
Reproof: -Hiding from God -Try to be God
Correction: -We are not made to work... we are made to worship -Everything you have achieved is by grace alone -Instead of hiding from God, hide in God
Training: -Resolve to work to the glory of God -Resolve to make the Sabbath a duty and delight -Resolve to find rest in Christ everyday
A Holy Sabbath to the Lord Exodus 16:22-30
Teaching the Mind -The Whole Counsel of God -Context of Exodus 16 -The meaning of Exodus -Are Christians required to obey the Sabbath today?
Reproving the Conscience -Even if God told you clearly what he wants, would you obey? -The OT Prophets on the Sabbath -The Big 3 struggles today -Restlessness -Worldliness -Loneliness
Correcting the Heart -Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matt 12:8) -Matthew 11:25-28
Training the Will -Resolve to honestly evaluate the health of your soul -Resolve to come to Christ Daily in prayer and submission
Teaching - “To the end of the age" - Matt 13:39-40 - Matt 13:49 Reproof - Hell is not so bad... - I am not so bad... Correction - Who is righteous? Training in Righteousness - Resolve to fear God more than man - Resolve to think of the end of the age regularly - Resolve to prioritize worship over everything else - Resolve to be a disciple-maker
Teaching 1. Behold 2. I Am With you Always - Omnipresence - Spatial Presence - Special Presence
Reproof 1. Error: Thinking God is too far 2. Error: Thinking God is too near 3. Error: Misunderstanding what it means that God is within you
Correction - When you don’t feel God’s presence… 1. Walk by faith not by sight 2. There is pleasure in pursuit 3. There is joy in expectation 4. It may be be because of sin
Training in Righteousness 1. Resolve to walk with Christ daily 2. Resolve to rely on Christ wholly 3. Resolve to confront sin regularly
I. Teaching 1. Teach the commands of Christ 2. Teach them to obey the commands of Christ
II. Reproof 1. Error: Obedience is optional 2. Error: Obedience is merely external 3. Error: Obedience is burdensome
III. Correction 1. If you are struggling with obedience, see that as a good thing 2. You need to know the nature of the battle for obedience 3. What must you do to change your desires? 4. When the power of sin and the flesh is too much to overcome, run to Christ
IV. Training in Righteousness 1. Resolve to delight in Christ 2. Resolve to learn the commands of Christ 3. Resolve to obey the commands of Christ 4. Resolve to teach disciples to obey the commands of Jesus Christ
- Repent From Your Sin (Hos 14:1)
- Recognize your sinful condition
- Remember your past obedience 3
- Search out sin
- Grieve over sin
- Confess your sin
- Flee from sin
- Pursue righteousness
- Use the Means of Grace (Hos 14:2)
- The means of the Word of God
- The means of prayer
- The means of church membership
- The means of afflictions
- The means of spiritual desertion
- Hope in God Alone (Hos 14:3)
- How do you pray?
- What is your attitude toward God's Word?
- Do you cherish secret sin?
- Do you love the world?
- Do you love your church?
- Where is your hope?
- What is forgiveness?
- Why is forgiveness hard?
- What happens if you withhold forgiveness?
- How do you forgive?
- Go in Private (v. 15)
- Take One or Two Others (v. 16)
- Tell the Church (v. 17a)
- Let him be to You as a Gentile and a Tax Collector (v. 17b)
- The Authority of Church Discipline
3 characteristics of mothers that we can celebrate and emulate: 1. Be Gentle 2. Be Affectionate 3. Labor and Toil
I. He Who Is and Was and Who Is to Come II. The Seven Spirits III. Jesus Christ a. The Faithful Witness b. The Firstborn of the Dead c. The Ruler of Kings on Earth IV. Doxology
Romans 4:25 1. Why did Jesus die? 2. Why was Jesus raised? 3. So did the resurrection actually happen? 4. Believe in Him
- Every single individual matters
- How do you despise sheep?
- The reason we should care
- Compassion is inefficient and inconvenient
- The Compassion of the Good Shepherd
- The first key is Humility
- The second key is Hospitality
- What does this have to do with community?
- What does hospitality look like?
- Who is the Greatest?
- Entering the Kingdom
- Turn and Become Like Children
- The Greatest in the Kingdom
I. Two Questions II.Two Greater Questions III. Four Imperatives: Fear Not, Stand Firm, See Salvation, Be Silent
- Eat the Passover in Haste
- Eat the Passover with Bitter Herbs
- Eat the Passover with Unleavened Bread
- Watch out for the leaven of false teaching
- Watch out for the leaven of worldly cares
- Watch out for the leaven of worldly passions
I. The God who seeks us first II. The God who breathes in His greatness III. The God who reveals Himself through His covenant
I. Suffering is included in the purposes of God II. We have our plans, God has His III. God is not only all-powerful He is all-present IV. When circumstances cloud your faith...just obey
- Excuse #1 - Insecurity, Inability
- Excuse #2 - Lack of Knowledge
- Excuse #3 - Lack of Effectiveness
- Excuse #4 - Lack of Eloquence
- Bottom Line - I don't want to go! - Unwillingness
I. The Presence of God II. The Example of Christ III. The Commandment IV. The Return of Christ V. Doxology
I. Honor your boss for the sake of God's name II. Your relationships reveal your theology III. Contentment (or discontentment) reveals what you really think about God
I. God is Concerned for the Poor II. Who Qualifies for Church Assistance? Family Faith Lifestyle III. Jesus Cares for the Poor
- Sin needs to be addressed, but in a gracious manner
The need
The manner
II. Before addressing sin, consider who you are speaking to
Fathers and mothers
Brothers and sisters
II. Address sin knowing our family will be perfect one day
The perfect son
The perfect brother
The perfect family
III. Keep the Bible front and center
IV. Remember you're part of a team
V. Completely devote yourself to growing
VI. Don't be careless with your life and teaching
VII. Persevere until you see Jesus
I. Don't let age be a distraction II. Set an example of godliness 1. Speech 2. Conduct 3. Love 4. Faith 5. Purity
I. Sarah's Backstory
II. Laughing at God
III. Laughing with Sarah
IV. Laughing with God
V. Getting the Last Laugh
I. Above Reproach 1. Husband of one wife 2. Sober-minded 3. Self-controlled 4. Respectable 5. Hospitable 6. Able to teach 7. Not a drunkard 8. Not violent, but gentle 9. Not quarrelsome 10. Not a lover of money
I. Priority of Prayer (2:1a)
II. Kinds of Prayer (2:1b)
III. Kings and Prayer (2:2)
IV. Four Reasons to Pray (2:3-7) 1. Peace (2:2b) 2. Salvation (2:3-4) 3. Mediator (2:5-6) 4. Ministry (2:7)
I. Jesus is Strong II. Jesus is Merciful III. Jesus is Gracious IV. Jesus is Patient V. Jesus is the King
I. Who is Paul? (1 Tim 1:1) II. Who is Timothy? (1 Tim 1:2) III. Grace, Mercy, and Peace (1 Tim 1:2b)
I. Jesus is the Second Adam II. Jesus is the Better Adam III. Jesus is the Greater Adam
IV. School - A Place of Learning
V. Fishing - A Place of Evangelism
VI. Family - A Place of Fellowship
VII. Friendship - A Place of Partnership
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Crucial
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Close
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Constant
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Candid
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Careful
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Christ-Centered
Perseverance: The Process of Growth I. Discipleship is a Process II. 5 Stages of Spiritual Growth i. Dead ii. Infant iii. Child iv. Young Adult v. Parent
The Word: The Instrument of Growth
I. Heart Scalpel II. Heart Surgery: Put Off, Renew Your Mind, Put On III. Conclusion
6 Essentials for Growing as a Disciple
I. Obedience: The Goal of Growth II. Love: The Context for Growth A. God's Love B. Love for One Another
I. Washing of Sin i. Outward Expression of Spiritual Reality ii. Genuine Repentance a. Worldly Sorrow b. Godly Sorrow II. Immersion into Christ i. Freedom from the Power of Sin ii. Made more like Christ iii. Brought into the Family of Christ iv. Delivered from the flood
I. Therefore
II. Make Disciples A. Disciple Defined B. Disciple-making disciples C. More than Preaching
III. All Nations
IV. Go!
I. Revelation: God's work of making known to us what was only known by God II. Preparation: Receiving the word of God with an eager and undivided heart III. Illumination: The Holy Spirit's work of assisting believers to understand and obey the Scriptures
I. Pride is dominated by a desire to please others
II. Pride often leads to anger
III. Pride fails to give God the glory
IV. The Answer to Pride
I. God brings you to points of helplessness so you will pray to Him II. God may bring unexpected answers to prayer III. God wants your heart
- Don't Do it Alone
- Be Culturally Uncomfortable
- There are No Accidents
- The Lord Saves
- Teach the Gospel
- Generously Care for One Another
- Be Full of the Holy Spirit
I. The Goal of Growth: A Worthy Walk i. Bearing fruit ii. Increasing in the Knowledge of God iii. Being Strengthened with Power iv. Giving thanks
II. The Means of Growth: God's Will i. Four Truths for Giving Thanks ii. Christ our Creator and Reconciler
I. Why Pray? 1) Perspective 2) Power 3) Person
II. How to Pray 1) Pray to God 2) Pray in Jesus Name 3) Pray like Jesus 4) Pray without Ceasing 5) Plan to Pray
I. The Imitation of Godliness (1 Tim 4:1-3)
II. The Mystery of Godliness (1 Tim 3:16)
III. The Means of Godliness (1 Tim 4:5)
IV. The Work of Godliness (1 Tim 4:6-8a)
V. The Benefits of Godliness (1 Tim 4:8b-10)
I. What is Wrong with the World? II. What is Sin? III. Is Homosexuality a Sin? IV. Why Did God Make Me This Way? V. Is This Just a Difference of Opinion?
I. Framing the Issue II. Absolute Freedom is Impractical III. Absolute Freedom is Irresponsible IV. Absolute Freedom is Impossible V. Who Will You Serve?
I. The Proof - What? Historical Proof Biblical Proof
II. The Power - How? Wait Word The Word
III. The People - Who?
I. Ways We Lie II. Lies We Believe 1.God is not Good 2. You will not die 3. You can be God III. The Truth
I. The Beginning 1) Pleasure 2) Love 3) Consummation 4) Procreation
II. The End
III. The Present
I. The Promise of Honor
II. The Practice of Honor A. Respect B. Obey C. Care
III. The Problems with Honor
I. Enjoy Creation Itself A. Enjoy Creation Itself B. Enjoy the Creator C. Exercise Limits D. Guilty Pleasures a. The pleasure is wrong b. It captivates and captures you c. You hide what you are doing II. Enjoy Redemption III. Expect Restoration
I.The Rule 1)Too slow 2)Too stiff 3)Too Scary 4)Too Silent 5)Worshipping the Messenger 6)Worshipping the Experience II. The Reason III. The Warning IV. The Promise V. Atonement
I. What is an idol?
II. What is your idol?
III. Why do we want idols?
IV. What is wrong with idols?
V. Burn your idols
- Be honest
- Don't speak in anger
- Be generous
- Don't be destructive
- Be constructive
- Don't joke about sin
I. Work II. Worship Discussion Questions Is your life characterized more by the important or the urgent? Why did some call the woman's actions wasteful? Why did Jesus call her actions beautiful? How can dreams destroy you? What does a life of cross-centered worship look like?
I. Repent of Pride II. Receive the Least III. Remove the Sin IV. Rescue the wandering V. Reveal the Problem VI, Restore the Repentant