Tagged

Faithful in Little Things

The shooting deaths of the Amish girls in the U.S. has brought into much sharper focus what Jesus meant when He said that those who are faithful in small things are faithful in greater things as well (Lk.16:10).

God Bless You - Mike and Family

Mike reflects on the challenges and blessings of a faithful journey. He shares heartfelt experiences of enduring personal trials, maintaining strong family bonds, and growing in faith through it all. This lesson offers inspiration for anyone facing life's ups and downs, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their belief and trust in God's plan.

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.

19. The Three Servants in Today's Church

Matthew 25:14-29 teaches that true discipleship is revealed through faithful action, showing that while God gives different gifts to each person, He expects every believer to use them for His kingdom—because in the kingdom, doing nothing is itself unfaithfulness.

Matthew 25:14-29

Setting our Spiritual Goals

This lesson looks at the goals that the church, which meets inside the building, should have.

The Consequences of our Choices

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

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.

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.

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.

Everybody Has a War to Fight

Discover how to engage in the vital spiritual battle we're called to fight and learn how Jesus equips us with the resources we need, whether as parents, students, or ministers, to overcome our unique challenges.

Mary - The Single Parent

A look at Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a woman, wife, and ultimately, a widow.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

9. Mary: What the Bible Really Says

Scripture shows Mary as a humble, faithful mother of Jesus—not a perpetual virgin—and the New Testament's natural reading affirms that Jesus had siblings, revealing that the Catholic doctrine of Mary's perpetual virginity rests on later tradition rather than biblical evidence.

Mark 6:1-5

Jesus' Ancestors

Explore the diverse and intriguing genealogy of Jesus, from patriarchs to prostitutes, kings to idolaters, and Gentiles to Jews, showcasing God's redemptive plan through a lineage filled with both the faithful and the fallen.

Matthew 1:1-17

3. Jesus and the Temptations

Understanding the Real Battle

Matthew 4:1-11 shows Jesus overcoming Satan's temptations by fully trusting God's Word and refusing every shortcut that would pull Him away from His mission.

Matthew 4:1-11

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

Evangelizing Homosexuals

We need to evangelize this growing number of people but are usually hard-pressed to know where to begin. This lesson provides some information towards this end.

Why I Am Happy

Reflect on the blessings of peace with God, a meaningful task, and a faithful family shared in this personal journey towards happiness and 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.

God Has Planned Something Better for Us

This sermon explores how God's plan, revealed in the Bible, is superior to anything humans can imagine. It highlights the faith of ancient believers, who looked forward to a promise they would not receive in their lifetime. Mike encourages readers to trust in God's plan, which finds its fulfillment in Jesus, offering something far better than temporary solutions or material gains.

Hebrews 11

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Payback

This sermon delves into the challenging realities of Christianity, emphasizing the importance of following the narrow path and dealing with enemies in a Christ-like manner, inviting readers to reflect on their own journey and faith.

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.

Salted Speech

Paul's remarkable ability to preach and teach new believers, hostile Jews, and pagans is highlighted in the study of his life and work, emphasizing the importance of salted speech in effectively communicating faith, as seen in his interactions with the Thessalonians.

I Thessalonians 2:1-12

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.

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.

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.

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.

Where Are We and Where Do We Go From Here?

In the midst of tragedy (the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing) and uncertainty, the call to honor the victims, get involved, and offer prayers emerges as a way to navigate the aftermath and move forward with hope and resilience.

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.

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.

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

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.

Wholesome Sexuality

What does the Bible say about Sex?