Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Complacency; Emptiness; Human Condition; Pride; Prosperity; Self-centeredness References: Joshua 6:17–23; Matthew 19:24; 21:32 “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you,” Jesus announced to the religious authorities of his day. After puzzling over that statement, C. S. Lewis concluded, “Prostitutes are in … Continue reading “PROSTITUTES
AND THE PROUD”

Topics: Community; Deliverance; Experiencing God; Freedom; Help from God; New Life; Overcoming; Prostitution; Trials; Unconditional Love; Worth References: Matthew 21:32; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25 Her story of addiction is all too typical. Cynthia, of Nashville, Tennessee, was introduced to moonshine at age five and to marijuana at age six. She was raped by a cousin … Continue reading “MAGDALENE’S
TRUE LOVE”

Topics: Conversion; Cross; Grace; Justification; Redemption References: Matthew 23:1–33; Luke 11:39; Romans 3:21–26; 6:23; 10:1–4; Galatians 2:15–16; 2:21; Ephesians 2:8–9; Philippians 3:8–9 In May 2006, Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association published a study conducted by the National Science Foundation revealing that certain ionic air purifiers (those using a process called ozonolysis) actually … Continue reading “POLLUTING
AIR PURIFIERS”

Topics: Change; Choices; Commitment; Conversion; Double-mindedness; Loyalty References: Matthew 16:24–26; Mark 8:34–38; Luke 9:23–26; Romans 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18; Colossians 3:1–4; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15–17 On the way to work, I noticed some interesting signs on the SUV in front of me. The spare tire mounted on the back had the words “Texas Longhorns” … Continue reading “INTERPRETING
SIGNS ON AN SUV”

Topics: Communication; Gender Differences; Love; Marriage; Men; Romance; Women References: Genesis 2:18–25; Ephesians 5:25–33 Here are ten rules men wish women would follow:      1.     If you ask a question you don’t really want an answer to, expect an answer you didn’t want to hear.      2.     Sometimes we’re not thinking about you. Live with it.      3.     Don’t ask us … Continue reading “WHAT
HE WANTS OF HER”

Topics: Commitment; Courtship; Dating; Immorality; Relationships; Sex References: Colossians 3:5–9; 2 Timothy 2:22 Dating a male in hopes of finding a lifelong mate has been replaced by “hooking up.” Hooking up usually is fueled by alcohol and involves sexual activity. According to a survey done by the Institute for American Values titled “Hooking Up, Hanging … Continue reading “HOOKING
UP”

Topics: Acceptance; Grace; Knowing God; Presence of God Reference: Isaiah 43:18–25 Everyone on the planet can be connected to everyone else on the planet by no more than six steps. So says Pulitzer prize-winning playwright John Guare in his play Six Degrees of Separation. Recently a leading news magazine in Germany, Die Zeit, tested this … Continue reading “SIX
DEGREES OF SEPARATION”

Topics: Compassion; Devotion; Faithfulness; Friendship; Love; Loyalty References: Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 27:10; Romans 12:10 Jim and Phillip did everything together when they were kids. They even went to high school and college together. After college they joined the marines together. They were both sent to Germany, where they fought side by side in one of … Continue reading “I
KNEW YOU WOULD COME”

Topics: Community; Friendship; Redemption Reference: Psalm 133:1 The Lone Ranger Creed was once as familiar to boys in America as The Boy Scout Oath. Written by Fran Striker, it was the kind of creed that felt good. The creed said, “I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.” —Lee Eclov, Lake … Continue reading “LONE
RANGER CREED”

Topics: Attitudes; Childlikeness; Children; Maturity References: Matthew 18:1–6; Luke 18:16–17 When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. Kids see flowers for Mom and white fluff you can wish on. When I look at a drunk and he smiles at me, … Continue reading “SENSING
LIKE A CHILD”