Sermons on The Church
1 Samuel 3:1-21 (Part 2)
Many pastors refuse to preach about judgment though the Bible is filled with passages on the subject. This, however, is contrary to the pattern of Scripture. Samuel’s call to prophesy included a call to preach on judgment, and he is not unique in the Scriptures. All of God’s prophets prophesied about the coming judgment. Such has been one of the marks of faithful preaching throughout the history of the church.
1 Samuel 3:1-21 (Part 1)
In 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Samuel’s call to the office of prophet is recounted. The most significant thing about this call is that it comes from God. Ultimately this is what is needed in the church: for God to call men to preach the gospel and to bless that preaching. There is a connection between prophecy and preaching. God has always used his Word to grow the church.
Hebrews 13:7-16
In Hebrews 13:7-16 the author explains that christians ought to obey their leaders rather than be led away after the false teachings of others who emphasize an earthly altar. The passage is a reminder that our faith focuses on the world to come rather than this one.
Hebrews 13:7-9, 17-19
In Hebrews 13:7-19 the author focuses on the need of the church to submit to leaders. They are to consider the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith. This passage shows the high calling leaders in the church have as well as the obligation of church members to submit.
Hebrews 10:19-25
In Hebrews 10:19-25 the author begins his final exhortation. In light of everything he has said about Christ and the entrance we through him to God and His exalted priesthood, how are you to live? What are the implications for the Christian life? They are this: You must draw near to God in Christ, hold fast to your confession, and seek to stir up other Christians to love and good works.
Matthew 13:51-52
In Matthew 13:51-52 Christ gives a mini-parable about scribes in the kingdom. They are those who understand Christ’s words and are able to bring out treasures new and old. The new treasures refer to what Christ has taught. The old treasures refer to what had already been taught, namely, the teachings found in the Old Testament. Many Christians do not see the value of the Old Testament today, but Christ sees the Old Testament as necessary for anyone discipled in…
Matthew 13:47-50
In Matthew 13:47-50 Christ gives the last parable of the kingdom in the chapter. This parable is about the final judgment and leaves the disciples with a message of warning. God will judge the world in righteousness. Heed the warning and turn to Christ.
Matthew 13:44-46
In Matthew 13:44-46, Christ gives the parables of the treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price. Though many do not see the treasure and do not find the pearl, those who find them count them as the most valuable things in this world such that losing everything they have for the sake of it cannot take away their joy. Such it is with all who have found the kingdom of God.
Matthew 13:31-33
In Matthew 13:31-33 Christ gives the parables of the mustard seed and leaven. In these parables Christ shows that the growth of the kingdom of God is certain even if it appears to be hidden at times. The kingdom of God will start out small, but it will grow until it fills the entire world. This ought to be a comfort to Christians who increasingly find themselves in a world of unbelief.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
In Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43 Christ gives the parable of the wheat and the weeds, showing that there will always be a mixture of the righteous and the wicked until the last day. The great separation will happen at the judgment when Christ sends forth his angels to gather the wheat into the barn but to reserve the weeds for fire. Such is the warning for all Christians, not to presume salvation based on outward membership and not to expect…
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
In Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23 Christ gives the parable of the sower or the parable of the soils. This is the first of the famous kingdom parables from Matthew 13 given in response to the unbelief recorded in chapters 11-12. Here Christ explains that there will be many who do not respond well to the gospel. Some will be deceived by Satan. Some will fall away after persecution. Some will be choked out by the cares of this world and the…
Hebrews 3:7-19
In Hebrews 3:7-19 the author of Hebrews exhorts the people of God to remain faithful to God in light of the example of unfaithfulness of God’s people in the wilderness under Moses. All of them had received great blessings, just as all in the church have great blessings. They still turned away, however. Their unfaithfulness carries an implicit exhortation to all who live after them, to cling to God and to encourage others to do the same.
- 1
- 2