Sermons on Loving God with the Heart
Matthew 15:1-20 (Part 2)
In Matthew 15:1-20, Christ not only affirms the supremacy of the Word of God over tradition, but also highlights the danger of traditions that nullify the Word of God. The tradition of the Pharisees focused on externals, whereas the Word of God focuses on the heart. Very often traditions that contradict the Bible give people a false hope on the basis of external conformity to manmade laws rather than the purification of the heart in the gospel.
1 Samuel 4:1-11
In 1 Samuel 4:1-11 the people of God are defeated at Aphek. After the defeat, they bring the ark of God to the battle and believe they will win merely because the ark is with them. This, however, does not help them and they are once again defeated. What are we to learn from this? God’s people ought to trust in the God of the ark rather than the ark of God.
Isaiah 45:14-25
What is the primary motivation for evangelism? The glory of God. The reason every Christian ought to be committed to evangelism is because God is not worshiped as he ought to be. If you love God, then this means you must be committed to worshiping him. If you are committed to worshiping him, then you ought also to strive to see him worshiped by others.
1 Samuel 1:21-28
In 1 Samuel 1:21-28 Hannah fulfills the vow that she made to God when she asked for a son. Though her vow entailed Samuel leaving the home and growing up in another city so that her mother would only be able to see him during the annual feasts, Hannah still, with great joy, gives thanks to God. God is worthy of thanksgiving and praise and Hannah, overwhelmed by the grace of God, considers nothing too much to give back to…
Deuteronomy 26:16-19
Deuteronomy is a covenant document. It defines the covenant relationship between God and his people. In Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Moses, having finished his exposition of the law, shows that the purpose of these laws was to explain the obligations of the covenant for the people of God. In this sermon Pastor Grasso explains the relationship between the Old and New Covenants as well as the gracious nature of the Old Covenant.
Song of Songs 5:2-9
In the Song of Songs 5:2-9 the Shulamite, after her wedding, finds her affection waning when her beloved comes. After it returns she searches for her beloved and is unable to find him. Very often in marriage husband and wife need to fight for affection and intimacy, and the same is true in our relationship with God. After our conversion there may be periods where our affections wane which disrupt our relationship with God. A christian’s lack of affection for…
Song of Songs 4:1-5:1 (Part 2)
In the Song of Songs 4:1-5:1 the bridegroom and bride finally come together on the night of their wedding. This is the center of the book and has much to teach about the good of sexuality in marriage; however, the first and most important meaning relates to God’s love for the church. Christ saves His people for loving intimacy with Himself.
Matthew 7:21-23
In Matthew 7:21-23 Christ gives insight into what the final judgment will be like on the last day. Christ emphasizes that not everyone who names the name of Christ will be saved. Not everyone who confesses that Jesus is Lord truly belongs to him. What is the criteria for determining if your confession of faith is genuine? The work of God’s Spirit to produce holiness in your life. We cannot rely on the gift God has given us. We must…
Matthew 6:19-24
In Matthew 6:19-24 Christ gives three sayings that all describe what it looks like to be truly devoted to God. It means seeking treasure in heaven, having a good eye that looks to the glory of God, and that serves God rather than Mammon. Ultimately, everyone must choose whom they are going to serve: God or something else. Christ warns against the kind of self-deception that believes you can do both. Be warned! You cannot serve two masters.