Sermons on Boldness

Last Will & Testament

In the opening lines of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we read the words of a man who knows he is about to die for his faith, commending his protege to continue the work in the face of opposition.

Jesus Is Greater Than….Part 2

We’re considering two things: 1. The Author 2. The Audience Why does this matter? They will have a significant impact upon our interpretation (hermeneutics). • Historical-Grammatical: Treats the Bible as God’s Word and understands that it conveys objective truth. Seeks to understand the original intent of the author. • Historical-Critical (Higher Criticism): Treats the Bible like any other text assuming no possibility of miraculous activity. Seeks to understand the author’s intended meaning. • Reader-Response: The Bible conveys subjective truth to…

Nehemiah’s Final Reforms

“Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda“ (the church reformed, always reforming), has become a beloved slogan of the reformed church since it was first coined in a devotional book by the Dutch minister, Jodocus van Lodenstein in 1674. We might assume that he was talking about making major changes to the doctrine, worship, or government of the Church. But in his day, the church was already thoroughly reformed in each of those areas. Godfrey The great concern of ministers like van Lodenstein was…

The Mission of the Cupbearer

The Mission of the Cupbearer We talk about God’s sovereignty a lot, but we keep running into circumstances that—on the surface—appear to threaten that reality. If God is sovereign, why do his children go through such difficult times? God is about to open a way for Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls, but why were the walls in such disrepair to begin with? Before we answer that, let’s make the question personal. Some of you have recently…

I Am Ready…to Die (Acts 21:1-16)

Introduction Paul has been hastening to get to Jerusalem, constrained by the Holy Spirit. He has an unnamed burden to get there by Pentecost. Luke seems to be copying notes from his travel journal adding details about what was happening at some of those stops. Read Acts 21:1-16 Have you ever heard of Walter Houston? “Man, 91, Dies Waiting for Will of God” Tupelo, Miss. – Walter Houston, described by family members as a devoted Christian, died Monday after waiting…

Persecution Fuels Mission (Acts 8:1-8)

In Acts 1:1, Luke reminded us that he shared “what Jesus began to do and teach” in his first account. He doesn’t give a new purpose in Acts. In his gospel, he explained his purpose, “It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (vv.3-4). Luke has recorded all of this so that…
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