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30. Why Do You Not Have Any Series on the Apocrypha / Other Books?

Discover why the Apocrypha and other books are not included in the Bible canon and their significance in historical context, while emphasizing the importance of focusing on the key elements of the Christian faith for salvation and sanctification.

Why Me, Why Now?

One thing you learn a lot about as a minister is suffering and death. You're among the first to be called when there is illness and the last person to see the dead as they are buried at their funerals.

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.

Not Ashamed

This lesson is based on Romans 1:16 and promotes the notion that the church needs to rediscover the manner and core message of the gospel in order to have a true impact on today's world.

Romans 1:16

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not Guilty

I knew the moment she said, "Not Guilty," that this trial was an emotional loser. Had Mr. Simpson been found guilty (football hero, movie nice guy, etc.) was going to spend a lifetime in prison. The "not guilty" decision left me feeling anguish for the victims and their families.

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

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.

Why 2K?

The text discusses the Y2K bug scare and how people react to anxiety, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in God over technology, offering a perspective on handling fear and uncertainty.

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

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.

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.

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.

17. Chosen, Not Just Called

Matthew 22:14 teaches that while God's invitation to His kingdom is extended to many, only those who respond with genuine transformation—symbolized by the proper wedding garment—are truly chosen.

Matthew 22:14

Not All Will Die

Reflect on the transformation awaiting believers when Jesus returns, reminding us that faithfulness in life is more crucial than the timing of our physical existence.

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.

17. Why Can't I Stop Feeling Guilty and Fearful Since My Divorce?

Understand that feeling guilty after divorce is normal, but seek forgiveness and renewal through confession to God and moving forward, as God offers forgiveness and renewal even after failing at marriage, and do not let fear and seeking approval from others hinder your joy in Christ.

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.

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

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.

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.

2. Why the Right Side?

Luke's note that the angel appeared on the right side of the altar signifies divine favor, drawing on Temple symbolism and biblical tradition to show that Zechariah's prayer—and Israel's—had been graciously heard.

Luke 1:11

7. Why Demons Begged Jesus for Permission

Mark 5:8-12 shows that while demons may oppress in God's permissive will, they are utterly subject to Jesus' authority—forced to obey His command and revealing both their destructive nature and Christ's absolute dominion.

Mark 5:8-12

6. Why Jesus Taught in Parables

Mark 4:10-12 shows that Jesus used parables to reveal truth to those with receptive hearts while allowing the hard-hearted to remain unchanged, making parables both an invitation for seekers and a judgment on unbelief.

Mark 4:10-12

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.

Moses' Final Instructions

Moses' final instructions to the Israelites in the book of Deuteronomy emphasize obedience to God's word as the key to maintaining God's blessings, urging them not to compromise His commandments while preparing to enter the Promised Land.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Why Death?

This article delves into the contrasting perspectives on death for believers and non-believers, highlighting the impact of sin and the promise of salvation through faith in Christ.

28. Why Do Some Churches Use a Single Cup for Communion?

Explore the historical debate surrounding the use of a single cup during communion and how different Christian denominations approach this practice, reflecting on the essence of communion and its adaptation to modern times.

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.

26. Why Did Jesus Send the Demons Into a Herd of Pigs?

Explore the reasons behind Jesus sending demons into a herd of pigs in Mark 5:7-13, shedding light on the demons' fear of judgment, preference for embodiment, and potential for causing disruption, as well as Jesus' demonstration of authority, revelation of the destructiveness of demons, and signaling of His power and mercy to the Gentiles.

Top Ten Reasons Why Christianity is #1

#10. Don't need special clothing or haircut to be a member. #9. No killing of others necessary....

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.

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

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.

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.

5 Things We Do in Worship

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

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.

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.

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.