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From Conviction and Communion to Joy

The New Testament illustrates a transformative journey in the Christian life, from recognizing sin to embracing grace, deepening knowledge of God, and ultimately experiencing lasting joy, all interconnected in a Spirit-led progression towards celebration and communion with God.

Joy of Irresponsibility

Reflect on the freedom found in releasing responsibilities that do not belong to us, as Jesus bears our sins, oversees the church, and determines salvation, allowing us to focus on living out the gospel in our daily lives.

8. Warts and All

Finding Identity in Christ

Reflecting on the struggles we face and the importance of not letting them define us, this excerpt delves into the transformative power of faith and self-acceptance, drawing parallels to the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34.

Mark 5:25-34

Jonesboro - When Good People Die Badly

The text delves into the profound topic of death and sin, emphasizing the importance of faith and resurrection, offering a perspective on coping with loss and finding hope in the promise of eternal life.

7 Steps to Joy

Homecoming can become a joyful opportunity for every single person in the congregation. Here are the seven steps that will take one there:

In Defense of the Sedentary Life

Embrace the liberation from guilt and the joy of living authentically as you navigate the profound reflections on exercise and mortality in this insightful narrative.

Cornbread Kindness

A heartwarming story about the impact of kindness and its ability to bring joy and build relationships, reminding us of the importance of showing compassion towards others in our daily lives.

Evangelism and the Life of the Church

Do You Know My Jesus?

I'll share with you how the Holy Spirit evangelized me and what this has meant in my life.

The Single Priority

This sermon discusses the challenges faced by single individuals and the importance of recognizing their state and priorities, offering insights on how to navigate the single life with a focus on serving the Lord and finding fulfillment.

Realizing the Vision

In 1997, the church in Choctaw focuses on personal salvation and readiness for Christ's return, encouraging each individual to be a regular Bible reader and actively participate in church activities to maintain unity and spiritual growth.

11. What About the 99?

Matthew 18:12-13 teaches that God's greater joy over a returning sinner doesn't diminish the faithful, but highlights the urgency and celebration of rescuing the lost.

Matthew 18:12-13

Shalom

This sermon delves into the concept of peace, highlighting the importance of finding lasting peace through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the necessity of forgiveness in achieving true peace in all aspects of life.

John 14:25-31

3 Steps to Contentment

Recent studies reveal a paradox: despite success and happiness, many struggle with dissatisfaction in themselves, public life, and family, leading to stress and conflict. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's wisdom, this article presents three essential steps to finding contentment.

Philippians 4:11

Keeping Up

Amidst the chaos of modern life, finding solace in faith and the unchanging presence of Jesus Christ.

Media and Christianity

In our modern era, the rapid, constant influx of information from numerous sources requires us to develop practical ways to filter and manage what we consume daily.

How to Avoid Materialism

Materialism is a very subtle attack against our faith, against our soul. It creeps into your life because we have to deal every day with material. In this lesson, we will look at ways to beat it.

1. Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

Matthew, the author of the Gospel of Matthew, carefully arranges Jesus' teachings into sections, reflecting his organized and detail-oriented nature, making it easier for believers to remember and apply Jesus' words in daily life.

Matthew 1

Grace - The Favor of God

This sermon explores the concept of grace as the unmerited favor from God, emphasizing how it is given freely to believers despite their imperfections. The message highlights that grace is not something that can be earned but is a fundamental aspect of God's love and mercy towards humanity, with profound implications for Christian faith and daily living.

Slavery to Perfection

Embrace the liberating truth of being a slave of righteousness, finding peace of mind in Christ's grace rather than striving for unattainable perfection.

The Best of Both Worlds

Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes highlights the importance of finding satisfaction in the fruit of our labor on earth, a reminder for Christians to balance earthly pursuits with spiritual preparation for the future.

Common Ground

Understanding the importance of finding common ground in political and religious discourse can lead to a deeper connection and unity among individuals with differing beliefs and values.

Secret Sin

Understanding the importance of confession and accountability in overcoming sin and finding renewal through God's grace is key to navigating the struggles of hidden temptations and past mistakes.

Growing Pains

Mike shares his journey of growth, from gaining weight to building a church, emphasizing the principle of "no growth without pain" in various aspects of life, urging the congregation to embrace challenges for future opportunities.

Feelin' Fine in 99

Learn how to feel better and improve your life by following these 7 steps shared in a heartfelt sermon.

A New Vision of the Church

Experience the big picture of building the spiritual temple of God within the church and understand how each individual plays a vital role in creating a community of believers destined for eternity.

How to Live Happily

Embrace happiness by living a spiritual life, focusing on today, and honoring your conscience - discover four rules to enhance your lifetime joy and peace.

Goodfinder Trait

Embrace the power of being a "goodfinder" and discover the joy that comes from acknowledging the good in yourself and others, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.

The Benefits of Worshipping God

Understanding the purpose and benefits of worship in the life of a believer is essential to deepening knowledge of God and experiencing joy in His presence.

The Blessings of Obedience

Embrace the blessings of obedience to God, leading to a life filled with peace, joy, and the promise of eternal salvation.

Regular Worship

Let's look at the bigger picture that God has designed for New Testament worship.

Tomorrow's Sin

Focus on overcoming today's temptations and leave tomorrow's sin for another day, as tackling one day at a time is the key to victory over the daily struggle with sin.

Mining the Word

Delve into the enriching practice of daily Bible reading with the aid of a notebook to uncover new insights and blessings that strengthen your faith and understanding.

14. Be Careful What You Ask For

Mark 10:38 reminds us that like James and John, we often ask for things we don't truly understand, and Scripture shows that God may grant or deny such requests for our good—teaching us to pray boldly yet humbly, always submitting our desires to His wiser will.

Mark 10:35-40

Repentance is a Revolution

Bible Basics

Mike explains how true repentance goes beyond feeling sorrow for sins—it's about a complete transformation of heart and lifestyle. He emphasizes that repentance is a bold, revolutionary act that turns one's life toward God, creating lasting change. This lesson challenges believers to rethink their understanding of repentance and embrace it as a powerful force for spiritual growth.

Acts 2:38

The Beauty of the Cross

In the book of Joshua, we see a parallel to our own journey of faith, where despite the sure promise of salvation, we are encouraged to be strong and courageous in facing the challenges of leading others to Christ and overcoming our own weaknesses and doubts.

Honor Thy Father

Reflect on the true meaning of honoring fathers—not only through gifts and celebration but by embodying respect, obedience, and living a life that brings them honor, just as the Bible encourages.

17. Why Can't I Stop Feeling Guilty and Fearful Since My Divorce?

Understand that feeling guilty after divorce is normal, but seek forgiveness and renewal through confession to God and moving forward, as God offers forgiveness and renewal even after failing at marriage, and do not let fear and seeking approval from others hinder your joy in Christ.

Taylor & Travis

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement highlights the universal longing for genuine love, showing that even superstars desire the joy of building lasting relationships beyond the constant scrutiny of fame.

Circle of Salvation

This week I had the great joy of baptizing my youngest daughter, Emilie. She is the last of my children to obey the gospel and with her baptism the circle of salvation is complete around our family.

21. Sitting Before Serving

Lessons from Mary and Martha

Jesus teaches that service must flow from fellowship with Him, because sitting at His feet precedes serving with joy.

Luke 10:38-42

Freedom, Slavery and Heaven

Reflect on the profound message of being freed from sin and becoming slaves of righteousness, pondering the practical implications in your everyday life and the pursuit of what is right.

3. How to Grow A Preacher

One of the greatest struggles that some men have is to decide if they're going to go into ministry. This lesson provides direction for those who desire this calling.

Celebration Sunday

Reflecting on the celebration of victories in Christ Jesus and the blessings of living in a prosperous time in American history, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal victory over death through faith and baptism.