Matthew 5:1-20 “the beatitudes: an introduction [Listen]

This is an interesting passage that shows us how Jesus gave, what might have been, his first public address to the masses. On the one hand he wanted to encourage the average person to be part of something bigger than themselves. On the other hand he wanted to make sure they understood how his followers were going to function. Read the rest of this entry »

July 22, 2007 / Luke 15:1-10 [Listen]

The setting:

Luke records these two short stories, or parables, in the middle of a lengthy teaching where the religious leaders of the day were present. In fact, it might be said that these religious leaders were, in many ways, Jesus’ primary audience. Not only did Jesus talk with the common individual; he also made an effort to connect with the religious leadership of the day. Read the rest of this entry »

Three Great Relationships – Part 7 [Listen]

July 15, 2007 / Matthew 22:36-40

Today, I’d like to finish our series with the third and final relationship we are called to embrace. We’ve discussed our relationship with God. We’ve discussed our relationship with each other here in the local church. Today I’d like to talk about the relationship we are called to have with those who have not yet embraced Jesus as the one they will follow to the end. I’d like to do this by asking a couple of fundamental questions: Read the rest of this entry »

It’s very important to know why Christians serve (or should serve) those in need. Some believe we are insincere when we help others because, in the end, we hope to introduce Jesus and not simply give physical help. Read the rest of this entry »

Three Great Relationships – Part 6 [Listen]

July 8, 2007 / Romans 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 21-22

Today I’d like to talk about one of the ways every believer should engage and commit to the local church. While my point today is not to launch a thorough discussion of spiritual gifts, this is a very important topic that we need to bring forward. Read the rest of this entry »

I noticed something as I was reading 1 Timothy 2:1-4 that connects to the freedom we have in this country. Read the rest of this entry »

Three Great Relationships – Part 5 [Listen]

July 1, 2007 / Acts 2:41-47

Today we’re going to look at those things that Luke said were important to the first church. The passage we are going to look at takes place after the apostle Peter explains to a large crowd that Jesus, the one they killed, was the savior they had been looking for: Read the rest of this entry »