Tagged

The Growth Bug

Mike emphasizes the importance of love as the primary objective of the church, highlighting that growth should be a byproduct of love rather than the main goal, inviting listeners to reflect on incorporating God's love into their lives and making love their primary focus as Christians.

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.

Candles of Love

The heartfelt expressions of love and commitment to marriage and faith within the Choctaw congregation create a strong sense of unity and community that is truly inspiring.

The Silver Servers

The importance of older saints in the church and their responsibility to teach and guide the younger generation is highlighted in a powerful lesson based on Titus chapter 2.

Wholesome Sexuality

What does the Bible say about Sex?

Summer Sun or Son

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining faithfulness and spiritual growth amidst the allure of sunny weather and outdoor activities, this excerpt encourages readers to reflect on their priorities and commitment to serving the Son of God.

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.

The Half-Full Church

The importance of maintaining a positive perspective and fostering a sense of unity and love within the church community is highlighted in this insightful reflection on the power of faith and growth within the congregation.

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.

Why We Struggle

The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and spiritual growth within the congregation, urging members to prioritize Bible reading, church involvement, and submission to leadership to overcome struggles and move forward.

To Proclaim and Serve

A meaningful sermon emphasizing the importance of projecting a positive church image to the community and working towards being a caring and welcoming congregation.

Why Does the Church of Christ Sing?

This lesson will review the biblical foundation and historical record that establish vocal singing as the Spirit ordained manner of musical praise in public worship.

The Dream Church

The ideal church, as described in the New Testament, is characterized by a single leader, Jesus Christ, a unified body, a commitment to holiness, a mission to preach the gospel, and a systematic approach to fulfilling this mission, inviting individuals to reflect on their role in becoming part of this dream church.

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.

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.

Difficult Decisions

Reflecting on the recent events in the congregation, the sermon delivered by the church leader emphasizes the importance of following biblical teachings and supporting the decisions made by the elders, urging individuals to make difficult decisions and move forward in unity.

What to Expect

Expect the new preacher to work hard as an evangelist, reaching out to the lost, organizing the church, and ministering through God's word, while he expects obedience and involvement from you to foster spiritual and numerical growth and be a model of encouragement to others.

Pro's and Con's of Promise Keepers

A group called Promise Keepers is discussed, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of the movement, urging individuals to examine teachings in light of Scripture and consider the importance of staying true to biblical principles.

Essentials of Salvation

Part 2

We will explore another essential aspect of salvation and address common questions and criticisms that arise when asserting that certain elements are crucial for salvation.

Acts 4:12

The Chosen Wives

In selecting deacons, Paul emphasizes that their wives should possess qualities that support their husband's role, as their character can significantly impact his ability to serve effectively in the church, aligning with the biblical ideal of mutual partnership outlined in Genesis.

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

Let's Get Ready to Rumble

Standing firm against the schemes of the devil is crucial in the battle for faith and unity, as highlighted in this powerful excerpt urging individuals to prepare for spiritual warfare and seek strength in God's protection.

Ephesians 6:10-20

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.

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

The Counterfeit Church

Understanding the dangers of cults and the importance of discernment in faith is crucial to protecting oneself from deceptive teachings and false leaders.

Proverbs 14:15

Money Matters - Part 1

Mike delves into the importance of money matters and how Christians should acquire and use money in a proper and ethical manner, emphasizing the significance of giving thanks, providing for family needs, and helping others in need.

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.

The 5 Chairs

This lesson discusses five different stages of faith represented by chairs, illustrating how believers move through various levels of spiritual maturity. Each chair signifies a distinct relationship with God, from those who are seeking Him to those who are fully committed. This framework encourages reflection on one's spiritual journey and the steps needed for growth.

Hebrews 9:27-28

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

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.

Foundations of our Faith

The Church of Christ distinguishes itself by its commitment to following the Bible as the sole authority, emphasizing restorationism and biblical accuracy in its approach to Christianity.

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.

This Hurts me More Than It...

Church Discipline

Church discipline is a crucial aspect of maintaining doctrinal integrity and moral standards within the congregation, requiring patience, gentleness, and firmness when addressing issues such as false teachings, sin, and disruptive behavior.

Feelin' Fine in 99

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

Christian Lite or Light?

In a thought-provoking reflection on consumerism and Christianity, Mike challenges individuals to consider the authenticity of their faith and urges them to shine as a light in their actions to honor God.

Matthew 5:14-16

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.

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.

Every Person's Prayer

Facing the fear of suffering and death, believers find solace in the unwavering love of God that transcends all challenges, as expressed in Romans 8:38-39.

You Have got to Show it

Understanding the balance between correction and love in relationships is key - delve into the profound insights shared about the transformative power of expressed love in this thoughtful reflection.

Protecting our Unity

We are united into one group because God has separated us from the world and formed a special body of people who all share a special set of characteristics.

Tongues Today - #2

Mike examines the modern practice of speaking in tongues in light of biblical teaching. He explains the original purpose of tongues in the early church and discusses how its use today differs from the New Testament pattern. The lesson invites viewers to consider whether tongues are still relevant or necessary in contemporary Christian worship.

Sure or Unsure?

When feeling unsure about your faith, it's comforting to know that even great men like Elijah and David experienced doubt, as highlighted in this insightful message on navigating uncertainty in Christianity.

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.

Moderation and Abstinence

Highlighting the dangers of moderation in promoting vices, the speaker emphasizes the importance of abstaining from alcohol for health, addiction, financial, and legal reasons, urging Christians to seek higher standards and avoid enslavement to worldly habits.

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.

Hit Parade

The Ten Most Famous People of the Last 2,000 Years

A ranked reflection on history's most influential and widely recognized figures, highlighting how their fame shaped culture, thought, faith, and society across generations.

The Consequences of our Choices

What we choose in life often indicates where we are at in our development and what we really want.

Why I Love my Father – God

Embrace the profound reasons shared for loving the heavenly Father and consider how your own relationship with Him can be enriched through simple acts of faith and devotion.

Love's Goodbye

In my job as a minister I have watched many people die. As awful as this sounds, there is a sameness to the process that, with time...

Blind Love

The story of the blind man healed by Jesus teaches valuable lessons about sincere prayer and the true treasure of following Him.

When Desire Becomes Identity – Part 2

Why Scripture Pairs Truth and Grace When Addressing This Sin

The importance of balancing truth and grace in addressing same-sex sinfulness is highlighted, emphasizing the need for honesty about sin and mercy towards the individual.

John 1:14-17; I Corinthians 6:9-11

Ten Reasons Not to Go to Montreal

Mike shares his journey of faith and gratitude towards those who supported his mission to preach the gospel in Montreal, highlighting the importance of stepping out in faith despite challenges and doubts.

In God We Trust

If we're going to trust anything, then we need to trust in God.

Why Some Won't Make It

The text discusses the Christian belief in heaven and hell, emphasizing the importance of faith and the consequences of disbelief, urging readers to consider their own beliefs and choices.

What Yoke are You Wearing?

Jesus invites us to submit, carry the burden of faith, and enter a beneficial relationship with Him through the symbolism of the yoke, offering rest and lightness to those who choose to follow Him.

Matthew 11:25-30

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.

The Cost of Church Growth

Mike emphasizes the importance of personal sacrifice for growth and invites the audience to reflect on the sacrifices made by past members, urging them to consider the cost of growth at various levels within the congregation.

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

If Your Brother Sins Against You

Learn how to effectively resolve conflicts and reconcile with others by following Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation.

Matthew 18:15-35

Characteristics of Church

The importance of following the pattern theology for church growth is highlighted through the three pillars of preaching the gospel, teaching Christ's commands, and fostering a fellowship among believers, as discussed in Acts chapter 2.

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