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Present Pain, Future Gain

Reflect on the unknown future impact of your present faithfulness, just like the great figures of faith who couldn't foresee the outcomes of their actions but trusted in God's plan.

12. The Power Was Present

Luke 5:17 signals not a limitation in Jesus' power but a purposeful moment when the Father, through the Spirit, chose to manifest healing power through Him, highlighting the Spirit-empowered nature of His earthly ministry.

Luke 5:17

4. Kingdom Living is Not the New Law

The Sermon on the Mount isn't a new rulebook, but a call to heart-level transformation that only God's grace—not human compliance—can produce.

Matthew 5-7

12. Traditionalist View Error in the MDR Debate

This critique argues that the traditionalist Church of Christ view on remarriage misapplies Matthew 19:9 by treating remarriage as continuous adultery, imposing legalistic burdens Scripture never commands, and ignoring the New Testament's emphasis on grace and remaining in one's present situation.

Matthew 19:9

Drawing Near to God

Part 2

As Christians we have many challenges before us. Prayer and fasting is the best way we can present these before God.

James 4:8-10

Field of Dreams

Mike envisions a congregation that leads by example in holy living, growth, service, and evangelism, inspiring others to follow suit and build upon this vision for the future.

John 4:34-35

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.

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.

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.

Sooner Spirit

The thrilling victory scored over Nebraska is sure to keep Sooner fans happy for a long time to come. Aside from an excellent effort by the Norman squad, their play reminded me of the larger game of Christian living and what we need to remember when facing our greatest opponent, Satan and his forces:

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

My Election Prayer

I praise you and thank you for the blessing of living in a nation that is so prosperous and at relative peace with its neighbors and itself.

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.

9. Who Do the People Say I Am?

Matthew 16:13-14 shows that while the people recognized Jesus as a powerful, prophetic figure like Elijah or Jeremiah, their partial expectations fell short of the full truth Peter would soon confess—that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

Matthew 16:13-14

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.

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.

What is Your Witness?

Mike emphasizes the role of the church as the conscience and moral compass of society, declaring the truth of Christ and providing a model of righteous living.

What My Sore Back Has Taught Me

Embrace the wisdom gained from living with pain and discover the hidden lessons that can bring you closer to a deeper appreciation of life and faith.

Evangelizing the Postmodern Generation

We are all called to follow Christ in every generation. It is the responsibility of one generation to teach and evangelize the next generation to carry on the mission.

How to Correct Sinful Christians

Mike emphasizes the importance of addressing the struggles of sin within the church community, particularly for long-standing Christians, while shifting the focus from evangelism to support and guidance for those already in the faith, using Paul's letter to the Corinthians as a foundational reference.

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.

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.

Regular Worship

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

Spiritual Emergencies

Sometimes in our lives, we face spiritual emergencies and I think we need to learn to prepare for these events as well, because everyone at one time or another will .. face a "spiritual" emergency of some kind.

II Samuel 12:7-25

Adultery in the 90's

Mike argues that society increasingly tolerates adultery and moral relativism, moving away from objective biblical values and risking societal decline as a result.

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.