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The Disciple and Service

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

Matthew 20:28

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.

Stand-By Service

When it comes to caring and serving there are some members who are always on "stand-by."

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.

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

22. Is It Okay to Belong to a Moose Lodge Organization?

Learn about the history, values, and charitable work of the Moose Lodge organization, a fraternal and service organization that provides social opportunities, mutual aid, and community service initiatives for its members and local communities.

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.

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.

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

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.

Cults and Their Effects - Part 2

Understand the history and practices of the Boston Movement, a group that has been described as a cult, and learn how to protect your church by focusing on evangelism, condemning harmful practices, and fostering open communication within the congregation.

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.

Regular Worship

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

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.

Multiplying Ministries

The Boston Church

The Boston Movement has been described as a classic Christian aberration or a cult, prompting the need for condemnation and vigilance within the church community.

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.

The Last Supper - In Round

At the Last Supper, Jesus transformed a traditional Passover meal into a profound lesson on humility by taking on the role of a servant, washing His disciples' feet and showing that true leadership means serving others—even those who might betray you.

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.

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.

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

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.

Christian Style Christmas

At one time or another I've tried and taught most of the ideas that Christians think about Christmas and its celebration; denouncing it, ignoring it or simply accepting its inevitability.

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.

2. How to Motivate Adults to Learn

We do not "motivate" learners. Motivation is an internal element unique to the individual. What motivates one person is not the same as what motivates another.

Why Jesus Had to Resurrect

In the Church of Christ we have no "special" services for religious holidays like Easter but the fact that Easter Sunday is celebrated by many seems to motivate people to make an extra effort to be at church service at this time.

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.

Christian Worship in 150 AD

Justin Martyr was a Samarian Christian who lived in the second century. He was a Platonist philosopher who was converted to Christianity and became a strong defender of the faith. In one of his works, "Apology of the Christian Religion", written in around 150AD, he describes a typical Christian worship service of that day.

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.

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.

Cults and Their Effects - Part 1

Understanding the difference between cults and true Christianity is crucial to protecting your mind and faith, as cults aim to control and manipulate individuals through deceit and coercion, while the church promotes freedom, study, questioning, and service to the community in the name of Jesus Christ.

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.

Before You Leave for Heaven

This sermon emphasizes the importance of planning for one's final days and inheritance to ensure family unity, avoid conflict, and leave a lasting, positive legacy.

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.

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.

Biblical Baptism

Bible Basics

Explore the essential elements of biblical salvation, from the significance of repentance as a transformative relationship with Christ to the diverse and debated views on baptism, and discover the unified doctrine presented in the New Testament.

Acts 2:38

1. The Use of Media in Ministry

Communicating the Message

Media is the vehicle for communication and we as Christians are really in the business of communication.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Poster Child

Yet another teen-age funeral to keep the pundits hard at work. Santana's tragedy provides more grist for America's cottage industry of blame and political posturing.

The Goodbye Girl

Her mother remembers that even before Julia was born, she was kicking to get out. Today as she leaves for Marine boot camp, we shared another of the many "good-byes" reserved for all parents.

2. How to Setup a Wireless High Definition Confidence Monitor on Your Pulpit

In this article, we'll show you how to use an iPad or another tablet to control a remote computer containing your powerpoint slides.

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.

Evangelism is Job #1

In this sermon, Mike emphasizes that evangelism is the primary mission of the church, citing Jesus' initial directive to spread the gospel as foundational to all other church ministries, which only become relevant after successful evangelistic efforts have begun.

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.

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.

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.

Presidential Privilege

The text discusses the reactions and defenses surrounding allegations against a president, prompting reflection on biblical teachings about adultery, God's impartiality, and the responsibilities of leaders, emphasizing the need for godly leadership in the nation.

Deacons: Men of Dignity and High Standing

This lesson will examine the role and qualifications of the men who serve as deacons in the local church.