Sermons on Faith

“The Death of Samson” Judges 16:1-31

The Death of Samson (Judges 16) Introduction I’m going to try to be somewhat discreet as I preach this text, but we will need to address a topic that was a significant problem for Samson. It’s a significant problem for many more people today. In his book, Hide or Seek, John Freeman writes: At times I’m still amazed at the pushback I get from men who are reluctant to install a filter or accountability software on their computer. For men,…

“Jesus and John the Baptist” (Luke 7:18-35)

Jesus and John the Baptist (Luke 7:18-35) It’s easy to follow Jesus when we are getting what we want out of life. But what happens when that’s not the case? How do you respond when everything you touch seems to fall apart? What do you do when you are hindered from achieving your goals? Do you turn to God? Can you be honest in prayer about how you’re feeling? Or, do you shut down? Our response to Jesus, including how…

“Build Your House Upon A Rock” (Luke 6:46-49)

Introduction Throughout this discourse Jesus has been addressing disciples, but it seems to go back and forth between genuine and false disciples. Blessings are followed by woes. Our love should be different than the self-serving love of the world. We should know the difference between rebuking and condemning. We should be the first to repent before calling others to repent. We come to the conclusion of Jesus’ discourse which contains a very direct question of the integrity of his audience.…

The Great Transformer (Amos 5:6-13)

Introduction Amos’ scathing judgment has climaxed into a lament. Bethel (6-13) Jacob (Gen. 28:10-22; 35:1-15). Represented a place where God’s presence and calling were uniquely felt. Genuine experience of God’s transforming power. Beersheba (14-20) Abraham (Gen. 26:23-24), Jacob (Gen. 46:1-4). Each received assurance that God was with them. Gilgal (21-27) Joshua 4:19, first encampment after entering the Promised Land. Covenant renewal – circumcision and Passover (5:2-12). Saul crowned (1 Sam. 11:14-15). Represented a place of religious ceremony. Read Amos 5:6-13…

Judgment of the Hypocrite (Amos 2:4-16)

Introduction Have you ever been punished for mocking the punishment of others? While you’re laughing at the discipline of your brother, your father or mother turns to you. Amos has been called out of his life as a sheep-breeder (1:1) to declare the Lord’s roar from Zion (1:2). He has proclaimed judgment of the nations (1:3-2:3). Now he turns his attention to the people of God. Read Amos 2:4-16 Punishment falls upon the covenant people too! God expects obedience. He…

Love That Will Not Let Go (Ruth 1:7-22)

Introduction We are continuing a look at this opening chapter and its theme of death and emptiness in Naomi’s life. Last week we saw that her family’s move to Moab left her without her two sons and her husband (5). But God has brought and end to the famine (6). Read Ruth 1:7-22 When we suffer and go through seasons of difficult circumstances, we often run. We attempt to flee our problems, and sometimes that includes fleeing the Church. We run from the one thing that…

Name Above All Names (Acts 19:1-20)

Introduction The Shallows by Nicholas Carr The Net’s interactivity gives us powerful new tools for finding information, expressing ourselves, and conversing with others. It also turns us into lab rats constantly pressing levers to get tiny pellets of social or intellectual nourishment. There is an unfortunate connection between our mindless use of the internet and the way we often practice our faith. In our fallen nature we are content with gaining a minimal knowledge, in the fewest interactions, with the lowest…
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