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32. Where Does Evil Come From?

Discover the origin of evil and sin in the world, exploring the concept of disobedience and its consequences through a thought-provoking analogy between God, humanity, and the choices that shape our future.

What Will it Take

Hezekiah, the king of Judah, provides a valuable lesson on the importance of sanctified leadership in achieving ambitious construction projects and building a strong community.

The Good Steward

Stephen Black, a former homosexual, courageously stood up against proposed laws discriminating against homosexuals, sharing his faith in Jesus Christ and the power of change, inspiring others to stand firm in their beliefs.

The Promise Land

A lesson that parallels an immigrant's experience with the experience of Christians who come into the kingdom and seek the promise of heaven.

The Disciple and Service

In this lesson, we learn the basic requirements for becoming and persevering as disciples of Christ.

Matthew 20:28

Freedom Through Dependance

Understanding the concept of mutual dependency for freedom and peace, this excerpt delves into the importance of dependence on God and each other, highlighting the true freedoms enjoyed as citizens of the kingdom of heaven.

The Eternal Church

Jesus said that nothing will or can destroy the church. The Bible says that it will continue to grow until it fills and dominates every other kingdom in the world and remain that way forever.

Mark 16:18

Heart Beat Away

True greatness is just a heartbeat away, but hesitation, pride, and delay can keep us from it. Don't just come close—embrace the call, obey Christ, and step into the eternal glory that awaits.

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.

Gospel Math

Understanding Christian mathematics involves more than just addition and subtraction - it's about being added to the body of Christ and multiplying blessings in the Kingdom of God.

The True Demands of the Law

Approach the Sermon on the Mount through a grace-driven lens to understand Kingdom living, breaking free from a compliance mindset that reduces it to a checklist of behaviors, as seen in the Jewish approach to the Law of Moses, and embrace a transformed heart dependent on grace for true righteousness.

Matthew 5:21-48

1. The Preaching of Jesus

Perhaps in examining Jesus' style and approach to this glorious work we can become more of what all of us seek to be, like Him.

Matthew 5:1-2

A Welcome Mat Church

A church leader emphasizes the importance of personal invitations in church growth, highlighting the impact of one-on-one interactions over grand initiatives or facilities in fostering a welcoming environment for visitors and members alike.

The Deacon of Blame

I've often said that the church should appoint a deacon in charge of blame - the deacon of blame. That way when anything ever goes wrong, or something doesn't get done, this deacon's only job would be to accept the blame for it.

Callings

In both the Old and New Testaments, God calls people for unique purposes—from leaders and prophets in ancient Israel to Mary, Joseph, and the apostles in the New Testament—emphasizing that, while the age of miraculous callings has ended, God still calls individuals today through Scripture to salvation, sanctification, service, and perseverance.

5 Things We Do in Worship

There are 5 things found in the New Testament that God will accept as true worship to Him.

Small Beginnings

Zechariah, the prophet, encourages Zerubbabel with prophecies from the Lord during the rebuilding of the temple, highlighting the importance of relying on God's strength and resources rather than man's power, a message that resonates with overcoming obstacles in our own lives.

Zechariah 4:1-10

Money Matters - Part 2

Understanding the true value of money and its role in our lives is crucial for a balanced perspective, as highlighted in this insightful excerpt on financial stewardship and faith.

Waterworld

Water in movies like "Waterworld" and its biblical significance as a symbol of judgment, purification, and separation, offers a unique perspective on the importance of water in spiritual truths.

What You Should 'Get' Out of Worship

In this sermon, Mike challenges the common attitude of assessing church attendance based on personal gain, arguing that church life should involve both giving and receiving; specifically, attendees should experience a genuine sense of God's presence during worship, beyond mere obligation or habit.

In Case of War

If we understand the times and circumstances correctly, the time for war has come upon us and as Christians we need to be prepared for this fact.

What Would We be Doing

A sermon reflecting on the potential for greater works in the church, urging for visionary leadership, commitment, and willingness to pay the price to achieve what could be done.

Brown Bag Christmas

Mike reflects on the Christmas season's approach, noting its lack of biblical endorsement, its pagan origins, and how various customs associated with Christmas have been reinterpreted to hold Christian significance, emphasizing the need to prepare spiritually for the holiday despite its historical complexities.

Soul Saving Speech

Learn from the insightful words of Paul in I Thessalonians 2 on the importance of speaking confidently, honestly, lovingly, patiently, and authoritatively when sharing the gospel to win souls for Christ.

I Thessalonians 2:1-12

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.

Tongues Today - #1

This first lesson of two, delves into the biblical context of speaking in tongues, focusing on its significance in the early church. It examines the purpose of tongues as a spiritual gift and the conditions surrounding its use. The discussion aims to clarify misunderstandings about tongues, providing a foundation for evaluating its practice in contemporary worship settings.

Miracle Grow

To achieve church growth, one must commit to biblical preaching, evangelism, regular worship, loving fellowship, and sacrificial service, as outlined in this insightful sermon.

Every Tribe, Every Tongue

Keynote speech for the 2007 World Mission Workshop at Oklahoma Christian University. The main message is that it is the responsibility of each generation to evangelize the world and today it is possible through modern communication technology (i.e. Internet) to preach the gospel to every nation each day, all day long, until Jesus returns.

Revelation 5:9; 7:9

How Should We Worship God?

In discussing worship, there exists a tension between progressive believers who seek a modern expression of worship and traditionalists who believe in preserving established methods, while many in the middle simply desire to express their love for God in a sincere and communal way, emphasizing that true worship transcends worldly norms and is fundamentally about honoring God.