Yours, Mine and Ours Acts 4:32-5:11
|
|
- Angela York
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Garrett Vickrey :45 AM Worship Yours, Mine and Ours Acts 4:32-5:11 Woodland Baptist Church San Antonio, TX There s no cuddly sheep in this story. So it may seem like an odd choice for Good Shepherd Sunday. Instead of sheep tales, we hear of Barnabas giving the proceeds of the sale of his field to the community, and in contrast there s a frightening anecdote about a couple who misrepresents their gifts to the Christian community a sin, which when unveiled leads to their death. Good Shepherd Sunday is a day for us to remember the way God cares for us and sustains us even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. We should not fear for God s rod and staff comfort us. In Acts, Barnabas puts this belief in God as shepherd into practice, while Ananias and Sapphira who refuse to be sheep. Instead, they took their security into their own hands by holding back some of the proceeds of the sale of their field. Just in case this whole Christian community thing doesn t work out, they wanted to have a little something set aside. They wanted to make sure they were taken care of. Security is the ultimate idol. Stanley Hauerwas writes, We are vulnerable animals who seek to secure and establish our lives in improper ways, living by our wits rather than by our faith. 1 There s a lot of reasons why we choose to live by our wits and not by our faith. There s a lot of reasons why we hold back like Ananias and Sapphira. We tell ourselves we will give when we reach a certain point. Maybe we think we give money so we don t need to give ourselves our time, our talent. Maybe we just don t think we have enough to make a difference. But, remember that stewardship is a way of life that flows out of our relationship with God. Stewardship is the faithful administration of our time, talent and treasure. And if practiced faithfully it helps us live from a feeling of abundance rather than scarcity. Giving is not just for those who have it is for those who seek God. Some of you may have had experiences with churches or pastors who always talked about 1
2 money or did so in strange ways. Maybe they always seemed overeager maybe that describes me. There s an old story about two men who were lost on a deserted Island. One man paced back and forth worried and scared while the other man sat back and relaxed in the sun. The first man said to the second man, "aren t you afraid we are about to die." "No," said the second man, "I make $100,000 a week and tithe faithfully to my church every week. My Pastor will find me." We all know horror stories of how churches have abused money. There are prosperity gospel preachers out there who will tell you that if you give to their ministries God will bless you because God wants to make you rich. But, that s not Luke s message here. In Luke and Acts, Luke see the perils of idolatry that tempt us through the security of our material possessions. I m sure that there are people out there somewhere with this story of Ananias and Sapphire in mind who are printing T-shirts that say Tithe or die. But, that s not what Peter is saying. You could accuse me of trying to protect God s reputation here (and maybe you d be right), but it doesn t directly say that God killed Ananias and Sapphira. It is when they are confronted with the truth, called out in their lies, that they fall down dead. You could accuse me of trying to protect Peter s reputation here, but how could he have nicely confronted people who are trying to deceive everyone. Ananias and Sapphira were trying to make everyone think that they were doing the same thing as Barnabas. They weren t. And Peter calls them out. Confronting lies like this is always going to seem harsh to those who perpetuate lies. Ripping away lies in this way and exposing them to the truth is always painful if not deadly. If we cling to idols long enough we become so reliant on them they are like a feeding tube, which when removed leaves us lifeless. If Peter hadn t confronted the lies and deceit and the greed and self-service among the people, it would have been the death of the church. The Good New here is that perhaps there s something we can learn from Barnabas. He takes his name from the apostles. He lets 2
3 himself be defined by community, not needing to cling to his own proud definitions of who he is. He is from Cyprus which will come up later in Acts and he is a Levite. In the Old Testament the Levites weren t given any land when the Promised Land was broken up between the tribes. They were the priestly class. They were not to possess land. Sometimes they would be given land, but they were not to see it as theirs. Perhaps, there s something we can learn from these Levites. This land and all that is on it all we have is not really ours at all. And the more we see it all as borrowed blessings, the more fully we can live into the life God is giving us. Barnabas knows that this land is not really his. In essence, all things come from God. And so he takes this brave step in giving back what he had been steward of. But, that s not all. He continues to live out his name Son of Encouragement. It s Barnabas later in the story who goes out on a limb to meet a man who claims to have had an encounter with Jesus. Nobody else wanted to go near this man because he had been going after and killing Christians. He had ordered their leader, Stephen, to be stoned to death. But, Barnabas steps up and goes to meet Saul. And Saul takes on a new name becoming Paul, the Apostle. Paul went on to bring the gospel to the rest of the world and write half of the New Testament. So what we learn about Barnabas in just a few verses is that he is an encourager. But, he s not all words, he backs up his words in sacrificial giving. Maybe it s that kind of sacrificial giving which gives him courage to go see Paul. It s his willingness to do so that changes history. The juxtaposition of these 2 stories says a lot about who we are doesn t it? Churches are made up of both those who give unreservedly and those who hold back. At the same time that we are of one heart and soul, we are not. Even within ourselves Sometimes we are Barnabas and sometimes we are dead to the need that surrounds us. Or really, sometimes we refuse to come alive to all that our combined gifts could do for the dreams of God for this world. Stewardship is not just something we do just so that we can pay the light bill or even just to provide support for missionaries though each of those is important. 3
4 Stewardship is a spiritual practice. It s the spiritual practice of learning to let go of the money, possessions, time, and the talents we hold back. In holding these things back we never realize the full potential of who we are and what we could do. Because instead of relying on our faith in the Good Shepherd we rely on our wits. By the time John Rockefeller was 23 he had become a millionaire and that was in 1862! By the time he was 50 he had become the first billionaire. Every move he made, every decision he made, every friend he made from the time he started working as a teenager was a part of a plan to make money. By the time he was in his fifties he had worked himself to death. His entire body was racked with pain. He lost all of his hair. The only foods he could digest were milk and crackers. His doctors predicted he would die within a year. Days and weeks dragged on and he could barely get out of bed. As he approached death he awoke one morning with vague recollections of a dream. He could barely remember what he had dreamed, but knew it had something to do with not being able to take any of his successes with him into the next world. This man who could control the business world suddenly realized he was not in in control of his own life. He made a choice. He called his attorneys, accountants, and managers and announced that he wanted to channel his assets to hospitals, research, and mission work. Following a dream John Rockefeller established his foundation. This foundation led to the discovery of penicillin, cures for current strains of malaria, tuberculosis and diphtheria. The list of discoveries resulting from his choice is enormous. But, perhaps the most amazing part of Rockefeller s story is that after he began to give he was changed. Not just in mind or spirit. His body s chemistry was altered so significantly that he got better. Though it looked as if he would die at 53 he lived to be 98. Our bottom line easily becomes our means of understanding our own intrinsic value if we don t learn to see differently. When we practice generosity and begin to see ourselves as stewards of the gifts of earth then we can begin to 4
5 see ourselves for who we truly are and our neighbors become a blessing instead of a burden. A church in a west Texas city was in trouble. The Sanctuary burned down in a fire in the middle of the summer. The church had some insurance money coming, but it wasn t enough to cover all the expenses. They still needed to pool some money together to rebuild. The deacons and the pastor met one night in the fellowship hall of the church to make decisions about what to do next. As the chair of deacons explained the situation to the group, Frank stepped in from outside at the back of the room. The door creaked as he entered everyone turned to see a man who had not stepped foot in that church in twenty years, except to attend the funeral of his wife 2 years ago. Frank had a reputation about town for being well Frank. He said what he thought. He was fiercely independent. He was a rancher who owned a decent little ranch just outside town. Frank didn t believe much in what the church taught, but his wife was there every Sunday until her untimely death of cancer. Needless to say, it was a surprise to see Frank at the deacons meeting. He didn t waste anytime. He said, Well, You looked surprised to see me here. I ll get to the point, here s a check for $50,000. Frank Said. The room was stunned. The pastor fell out of his chair and caught himself just before he hit the floor. So Frank continued, You all know me, and you know I haven t been the most regular of attenders around here. Probably like you, I get asked all the time for donations from the hospital, the college, the symphony; all good things, I guess. When my wife got sick the symphony didn t call and check on her. When she came home from chemo the college didn t bring dinner over. After she died all I got from the hospital was a bill. But this church, your heart broke in half with mine when she died. You took my pain upon yourself, and now I want to do the same. In this place as a community of faith we give because we want to be changed. We give because we seek to follow the Good Shepherd, and we can t do that if we are clinging to what holds us back. We give of ourselves to each other because we follow Jesus who took our pain upon himself and in sharing in our pain we share in his life now and forever. We call him 5
6 Lord not for his sake but for ours. So that we remember that everything we have comes from him. Whatever is yours, mine and ours is really not ours. It s all borrowed blessings. God, seems to have a lot of faith in us as stewards of the gifts God gives. The question for the church in Acts and maybe even the church today is: Do we have that same faith in each other? 6
7 1 Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon, Resident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony, (Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN: 1989). 7
Theme: To be able to hear stories and words about giving, yet hearing in a new way.
22 nd Sunday after Pentecost, October 19, 2014 Gospel: Matthew 22:15-22, Sermon Title: Giving to God! Theme: To be able to hear stories and words about giving, yet hearing in a new way. Introduction: I
More informationPENTECOST 21B 10/14/18 Watch What You Ask For (Mark 10:17-31)
PENTECOST 21B 10/14/18 Watch What You Ask For (Mark 10:17-31) We ve probably all heard the expression: Watch what you ask for. Sometimes it s phrased like this: Be careful what you wish for. And in both
More informationThere s an old African proverb that says, When elephants fight, the grass suffers.
George A. Mason Thanksgiving Sunday Wilshire Baptist Church 22 November 2015 Dallas, Texas The Mystery of Abundance 1 Kings 17:8-16; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 There s an old African proverb that says, When
More informationPastor Jim West October 16, 2016 Being Transformed
Pastor Jim West October 16, 2016 Being Transformed Acts 9:19b-31 Our journey through Acts continues as we pick up the story of Saul s conversion and what took place following his encounter with Christ
More informationSCRIPTURE: Acts 4:36-5:11
SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:36-5:11 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means son of encouragement ), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles
More informationMessage: October 14, 2018 Given by: Geoff Kohler Series: What We Have to Offer Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11. Wrapping the Gift
Message: October 14, 2018 Given by: Geoff Kohler Series: What We Have to Offer Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11 Title: Wrapping the Gift Last week, this week and over the next couple of weeks we re talking about
More informationCHILDREN'S BIBLE READING PLAN (53)
CHILDREN'S BIBLE READING PLAN (53) Sunday Morning Reading: Deuteronomy 28v25-29 Write: Deuteronomy 28v28 Evening Reading: John 6v7-10 Question: How much food did they have to feed the crowd? (v. 9) Monday
More informationC. SOME HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA
Our Attitude Towards Giving INTRODUCTION: A. Psalm 96:8-9, 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. 9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
More informationIf you ll notice each of these nuggets was given a special name. And the nugget purchased by the Golden Nugget Casino was also given a unique name.
The god of Gold by Jeff Strite Matthew Matthew 6 6:24 34-6 6:34 34 (Comments before the scripture reading and prayer): This sermon series has been entitled The Guardrails of Life with the intention of
More informationThe Christian Arsenal
JOHN 1:19-51 Last week, we saw as the Apostle John gave us the profound truth of the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we saw how very important this truth is to the Christian faith. John introduced
More informationThe Christian Arsenal
1 KINGS 19:1-20:43 1 Kings 19:1-4 Sometimes things come that we expect and sometimes things come that are very much unexpected. We ve spent several weeks with this man, Elijah. We ve seen him as the bold
More informationA GIANT PROBLEM 1 Samuel 17:1-50 Holiday Island Presbyterian Church July 30, 2017
A GIANT PROBLEM 1 Samuel 17:1-50 Holiday Island Presbyterian Church July 30, 2017 INTRODUCTION: No one can doubt that Jesus was probably the best preacher of all time. So, I am going to take a page from
More informationBUT alas, Ananias and Sapphira, failed to show the same kind of generosity.
ACTS 5.1-11: ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA [Chelmsford: Café Church 8/2/09] This evening I want us to look at a most unattractive story the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Ananias, incidentally, means the Lord is
More informationActs 5: 1 to 16 Don t lie to God (T/B -m: 30 July 17)
Acts 5: 1 to 16 Don t lie to God (T/B -m: 30 July 17) The Bible deals with relationships, our relationship with God and with each other. There have also been some famous couples in the Bible: Ahab and
More informationA Hungry Crowd: Hungry for What?
November 13, 2011 The National Presbyterian Church A Hungry Crowd: Hungry for What? John 6:1-29 Dr. David Renwick Let us pray: Holy God, we ve come before you like that great crowd of 5,000 on the shore
More informationPsalm 23 Scripture Lesson: Psalm 23 The Rev. Dr. William E. W. Robinson Salem Presbyterian Church The Fourth Sunday of Easter May 7, 2017
Psalm 23 Scripture Lesson: Psalm 23 The Rev. Dr. William E. W. Robinson Salem Presbyterian Church The Fourth Sunday of Easter May 7, 2017 Psalm 23 is one of the best-known and best-loved passages in the
More informationWestminster Presbyterian Church. Psalm 23:1-4 December 23, 2018 (Advent 4)
Emmanuel Westminster Presbyterian Church Matthew 1:18-25 Pastor Douglas Browne Psalm 23:1-4 December 23, 2018 (Advent 4) Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When
More informationProphethood of All Believers Amos 7:7-16a
Annette Thornburg Morning Worship 14 July 2013 Wilshire Baptist Church Dallas, Texas Amos 7:7-16a How many of you have ever tried or have at least heard of Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies? They come
More informationTHE ESSENCE AND TRUE PURPOSE OF PRAYER
James 5:13-20 September 30, 2018 THE ESSENCE AND TRUE PURPOSE OF PRAYER God forgive us when we denigrate the act of prayer. Lord have mercy on us when we misrepresent prayer and turn it into something
More informationDeuteronomy 26 : 1 11 Luke 4 : Sermon
Deuteronomy 26 : 1 11 Luke 4 : 1-13 Sermon When a group of people is working towards a particular goal, they will often have a real drive and a natural sense of unity. Having a a common purpose and a shared
More informationAnanias & Sapphira GOSPEL STORY CURRICULUM (NT) PRESCHOOL THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS POURED OUT IN GRACE, DISCIPLINE, AND POWER LESSON 48 ACTS 5:1 11
GOSPEL STORY CURRICULUM (NT) PRESCHOOL LESSON 48 Ananias & Sapphira ACTS 5:1 11 BIBLE TRUTH THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS POURED OUT IN GRACE, DISCIPLINE, AND POWER l e s s o n snapshot 1. OPENING ACTIVITY AND
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Acts 4:32-5:11
International Bible Lessons Commentary Acts 4:32-5:11 New International Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, September 13, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday
More informationReceiving What God Wants to Give 1 Samuel 21-22
Receiving What God Wants to Give 1 Samuel 21-22 What would you write down if we gave you a sheet of paper and asked you to answer the question, What you expect to receive from God here today? In other
More informationGOTHIATH MUST FALL 6 Is there Not a Cause
TEXT: 1 Samuel 17:28-39 GOTHIATH MUST FALL 6 Is there Not a Cause INTRO: Good morning and welcome to restoration life church. As a church we have been on an amazing journey through the famous battle of
More informationHOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE (The Power Of God Gets The Last Word)
HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE (The Power Of God Gets The Last Word) Moses and Israel in the Desert What happened to Moses after his unlikely rescue from death by Pharaoh's own daughter? "At
More informationWeek 11. Tithing-relevant for today?
Week 11 Tithing-relevant for today? I tithe because it is biblical and the Word says to do it, therefore I do. But you may hear from someone who wants to contradict that by saying it is under the law of
More informationAnanias and Sapphira Lie to the Holy Spirit
Acts 4:32 5:11 LESSON GOAL Students will fear being a hypocrite. BIBLE TRUTHS Barnabas brought his money to the apostles. Ananias and Sapphira gave money but lied to have the praise of men. Ananias and
More informationThe Use of Spiritual Gifts within the Church: Part 2 1 Corinthians 12:8 (NKJV) Word of Knowledge and Wisdom
The Use of Spiritual Gifts within the Church: Part 2 1 Corinthians 12:8 (NKJV) Word of Knowledge and Wisdom We are looking at the gifts of the Spirit in our text today. Chapters 12-14 have to do with order
More informationThe Transforming Power of Encouragement: Joseph Becomes Barnabas Acts 4:32-37; 13:1-3; 15:36-41 Douglas Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church Now
3.26.06 The Transforming Power of Encouragement: Joseph Becomes Barnabas Acts 4:32-37; 13:1-3; 15:36-41 Douglas Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart
More informationGive Us This Day Our Daily Bread
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread Matthew 6:9-13 (Jesus said) Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give
More information1. Test His Doctrinal Position
Test Your Teacher I came across a story this week that I want to share with you this morning. It s about a church that was searching for a new pastor. In fact, they d been searching for months and months
More informationACTS 4:32-5:11. There are two aspects of the fellowship enjoyed by the church that show us something of the richness of their fellowship.
ACTS 4:32-5:11 INTRODUCTION The bible is very honest in recording the history of the church. It tells us about the church s strengths but it also exposes its weaknesses. Every church on earth has strengths
More informationEternal Life Insurance By Sonia Perez [Editor s Note: This sermon commences with a skit.] Why not trust God?
Eternal Life Insurance By Sonia Perez [Editor s Note: This sermon commences with a skit.] Why not trust God? Today I don t want to talk about the popularized media stories, rather I will continue to focus
More informationWe call this time of the year the season of light, and we probably all enjoy
Luke 2:4-16 Afraid of the Dark We call this time of the year the season of light, and we probably all enjoy driving through neighborhoods where the houses are lit beautifully and decorated with religious
More informationCan you imagine having Jesus suddenly appear in the midst of some of our conversations and ask, What are you talking about?
WHO IS THE GREATEST? Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church January 6, 2013, 10:30AM Scripture Texts: Mark 9:33-37 Introduction. After a break for Advent we are returning to Mark s Gospel
More informationANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA WITHHOLDING OUR RESOURCES FROM GOD Rev. Lawrence Baldridge July 19, 2009
ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA WITHHOLDING OUR RESOURCES FROM GOD Rev. Lawrence Baldridge July 19, 2009 The story of Ananias and Sapphira is unquestionably one of the strangest stories in the New Testament, and
More informationNote from Kathy. Acts 4: Observation
Note from Kathy If there has been one common theme among people throughout the ages, it is that people have problems. This new, budding church is no different. In chapter 4, we see some of the external
More informationTusculum Hills Baptist Church Paul Gunn, Pastor
Tusculum Hills Baptist Church Paul Gunn, Pastor Sermon Title: Two Disciples Who Felt Terrible For What They Did, Mark 14 Date Preached: February 5, 2017 For public use: See non-copyright comments at the
More informationA Simple Guide to Walking on Water: God is For You By Bobby Schuller
A Simple Guide to Walking on Water: God is For You By Bobby Schuller I want to begin today talking about faith and the series is called A Simple Guide to Walking on Water. That s what God wants you to
More informationThe first disciples of Jesus worshipped Jesus as God. They worshipped Him as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. They worshipped Him as their Master.
Living A Generous Life Luke 9:10-17 10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city
More informationMinor Characters In Major Roles Lesson 3 Barnabas
Minor Characters In Major Roles Lesson 3 Barnabas Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come 2 Cor 5:17 Visitors, prayer requests,
More informationFlocking Together. by Rev. Thomas A. (Tommy) Williams. May 11, :30 and 11:05 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Easter. St. Paul s
Flocking Together by Rev. Thomas A. (Tommy) Williams May 11, 2014 Fourth Sunday of Easter 8:30 and 11:05 a.m. St. Paul s United Methodist Church 5501 Main Street Houston, Texas 77004-6917 713-528-0527
More informationCALLED Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 10/14/18
1 CALLED Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 10/14/18 We are in a sermon series called Chosen: Finding Your Identity in Christ. Our text is 1 Peter 2:9 10 which says: You are a chosen people. You are royal priests,
More informationBEYOND THE GLORY: The Little Lie with Big Consequences
BEYOND THE GLORY Message # 1 ABRAHAM Dr Larry Osborne North Coast Church Genesis 12:10-13:2 November 10-11, 2007 ABRAHAM: The High Price of a Little Lie THE GLORY: Abraham: Faith Personified Hebrews 11:8-19/
More informationDo You Not Yet Understand? Mark 8:11-26
Do You Not Yet Understand? Mark 8:11-26 By now, if you have been here at Living Hope for the past months, you are probably starting to feel like the gospel of Mark has gotten a bit repetitive. We ve seen
More informationSermon preached at Faith Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Virginia, on Sunday, June 20, 1993, by the Rev. W. Graham Smith, D.D.
Sermon preached at Faith Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Virginia, on Sunday, June 20, 1993, by the Rev. W. Graham Smith, D.D. MATTHEW 6:26 Look at the birds in the sky. They never sow nor reap nor store
More informationSaying Yes to God s Love
Saying Yes to God s Love We have looked at three ways of being prepared for the coming of Christ this Advent Season. We have stressed the need to keep the vision of God's kingdom alive in our hearts -
More informationLessons From the Flannel Graph 2012 Jesus Feeds 5,000 (or When All You Have Just Isn t Enough) Turn with me to Luke 9 and then to John 6.
Lessons From the Flannel Graph 2012 Jesus Feeds 5,000 (or When All You Have Just Isn t Enough) Turn with me to Luke 9 and then to John 6. Both of these gospel writers give us some details of the miracle
More information1. To lead me through a Bible study that emphasizes how I can respond to God s goodness by becoming a better steward of what He has given me.
This Study s Three-fold Purpose 1. To lead me through a Bible study that emphasizes how I can respond to God s goodness by becoming a better steward of what He has given me. 2. To inspire long-time members,
More informationOf Watchmen, Shepherds and Sheep
Series: Ezekiel #8 Texts: Ezek. 33:1-7; 34:1-6, 17-24 Valley Community Baptist Church May 29, 30; 2010 Avon, CT Pastor Jay Abramson Of Watchmen, Shepherds and Sheep For the past eleven years an anti-lawsuit
More informationThe Good Shepherd A Sermon on John 10:1-18 by Rich Holmes Delivered on April 22, 2018 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in North Canton, Ohio
The Good Shepherd A Sermon on John 10:1-18 by Rich Holmes Delivered on April 22, 2018 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in North Canton, Ohio Since I have been living in Ohio, one of the people I have
More information21 Day Financial Fast January 5 th 25 th. This information is extracted from the Book The 21 Day Financial Fast by Michelle Singletary.
21 Day Financial Fast January 5 th 25 th This information is extracted from the Book The 21 Day Financial Fast by Michelle Singletary. Our financial health is important. From a Biblical perspective, how
More informationWhere is Your Treasure? Scripture Text: Luke 12:13 21
1 Where is Your Treasure? Scripture Text: Luke 12:13 21 Introduction What is worship? How do we do it? I think of worship as giving value and worth to something or someone. We do it all the time, and sometimes
More informationThe Christian Arsenal
1 KINGS 21:1 22:53 What we see recorded in 1 Kings 21 are events lifted out of the life of Ahab and Jezebel that have great consequences. And we ll see these consequences before we leave here today. 1
More informationThose of you who have had to listen to me more than once know that I am fascinated by what draws people to church.
LUKE 14:25 Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, 26 "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even
More informationSample. How to use this book 5. A message for Mary Luke 1: Jesus is born Luke 2: A message for the shepherds Luke 2:
How to use this book 5 A message for Mary Luke 1:26 56 6 Jesus is born Luke 2:1 7 8 A message for the shepherds Luke 2:8 21 10 Simeon and Anna Luke 2:22 38 12 A message for the wise men Matthew 2:1 12
More informationSpeaking About Money (or All the Church Does is Ask for Money!) By Mark Smiley 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 and Luke 19:1-10 November 3, 2013
Good morning, church! The Lord be with you! Speaking About Money (or All the Church Does is Ask for Money!) By Mark Smiley 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 and Luke 19:1-10 November 3, 2013 I truly am blessed to
More informationValley View Chapel January 12, 2014 The Grace of Giving, Part 2 The Greatest Gift in the World 2 Corinthians 8:8-15. Introduction
1 Valley View Chapel January 12, 2014 The Grace of Giving, Part 2 The Greatest Gift in the World 2 Corinthians 8:8-15 Introduction The sincerity of our love and commitment is tested in many areas of life.
More informationIs Paying the Pastor Biblical? By Joe Keim
Introduction: First, we are going to look at God s pattern for paying full time ministers in the Old Testament. We will see how God s law was very specific in this matter and leaves no room for doubt.
More informationEaster Morning Luke 24: 1-12 April 21, An Idle Tale
Easter Morning Luke 24: 1-12 April 21, 2019 An Idle Tale I ll let you in on a little secret: The Easter sermon scares the daylights out of me. I suspect this is true of most preachers, but not all of us
More informationMissionary Biography Questions Level 1, Quarter D David Livingstone
Missionary Biography Questions Level 1, Quarter D David Livingstone Integrate these questions and activities into your DiscipleLand Missionary Biography time. Expand your children s understanding of each
More informationStephen s Story Acts 6:1-8:3 John Breon
Stephen s Story Acts 6:1-8:3 John Breon Do you love a good story? Are there certain stories you like to hear again and again? Maybe it s a favorite book you like to re-read or a movie or TV show you like
More informationA Life of Joyful Thanks and Praise. Meditation on Luke 17: Oct. 9, Merritt Island Presbyterian Church
A Life of Joyful Thanks and Praise Meditation on Luke 17:11-19 Oct. 9, 2016 Merritt Island Presbyterian Church On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As
More informationAbraham Lincoln is credited with establishing the annual Thanksgiving holiday that we will celebrate this week.
Sermon 11.18.18: In Gathering Sunday Rev. Angela Wells-Bean Abraham Lincoln is credited with establishing the annual Thanksgiving holiday that we will celebrate this week. But he shouldn t get credit for
More informationSeven. lying tongue. Small Group Bible Study
Seven Small Group Bible Study L E S S O N T W O lying tongue The phrase lying tongue can be equated with being a deceiver. To deceive it so to mislead by a false appearance or statement. So, it is safe
More informationEVERYTHING IN COMMON. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church September 30, 2018, 10:30 AM. Scripture Texts: Acts 4:32-37
EVERYTHING IN COMMON. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church September 30, 2018, 10:30 AM Scripture Texts: Acts 4:32-37 Introduction. The book of Acts was written by Luke. Dr. Luke, a
More informationCAPITAL BIBLE CHURCH July 12, God s Answer for Dark Valleys Stress busters - Part 5 Psalm 23:4
CAPITAL BIBLE CHURCH July 12, 2009 SERMON NOTES PASTOR BILL HAKEN God s Answer for Dark Valleys Stress busters - Part 5 Psalm 23:4 Intro: There is an old Arab parable that says: All sunshine and no rain
More informationGalatians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians BUILDING THE CHURCH ON THE GOOD NEWS. Study Guide. Adult Bible Study in Simplified English.
BAPTISTWAY PRESS Dallas, Texas baptistwaypress.org Adult Bible Study in Simplified English Study Guide Galatians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians BUILDING THE CHURCH ON THE GOOD NEWS Janet Roberts ADULT BIBLE STUDY
More informationActs 1:8. Acts 1:8. Acts 1:8. Acts 1:8. Acts 1. Acts 1. Acts 1. Acts 1
Acts 1:8 Acts 1:8 Acts 1:8 Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
More informationThe Spiritual Gift of Improvisation Exodus 17:1-7
Garrett Vickrey 3.19.17 Lent 3 The Spiritual Gift of Improvisation Exodus 17:1-7 Woodland Baptist Church San Antonio, TX They say the human brain is 75% water. If that is true no wonder we forget who we
More informationHow does God's Word & sacrificial giving grow my faith? April, 26, 2015 Brian R. Wipf
1 How does God's Word & sacrificial giving grow my faith? April, 26, 2015 Brian R. Wipf I ran track when I was in HS. I loved track meets (getting out of school early, meeting girls, competing), but I
More informationCongregational Meetings Sermon by Jeff Carlson Sept. 6, 2015
Congregational Meetings Sermon by Jeff Carlson Sept. 6, 2015 Text: Acts 4:32 5:11. Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions,
More informationalways coming down, to give us, day by day, the free gift of grace, which comes to us as faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
1 SERMON Luke 5:1-11 First Lutheran Church Rev. Darrell J. Pedersen Aitkin, Minnesota January 22, 2017 KIDS MESSAGE Kids, just like what you might sometimes hear on TV, the things that I m about to tell
More informationRobbing God, Malachi 3:7-12
Intro: It ll never be forgotten in our family. It was New Years 2004. We attended a big church in our area, you know, the kind with it s own Starbucks in the building. The pastor and his wife emerged from
More informationExodus. We Are All Called 4:1-17. Moses, his hair like smoke on a mountain, took a stand before the whole congregation
Exodus We Are All Called 4:1-17 Moses, his hair like smoke on a mountain, took a stand before the whole congregation and spoke: Listen to me and believe what I say, he said. I have seen the holiness of
More informationOne person s wilderness is another person s Garden of Eden.
WELCOMING WILDERNESS SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 2:15-17; 3:1-7; MATTHEW 4:1-11 GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ASHEVILLE, NC March 5, 2017 The Rev. Dr. Marcia Mount Shoop, Pastor The Peace of Wild Things,
More informationI Am Who the Good Shepherd John 10:1-18
March 10, 2013 Pastor Mark Toone Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church I Am Who the Good Shepherd John 10:1-18 [Pastor Mark walks out with lamb in his arms.] The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes
More informationBecoming Nothing: A practice in Silence and Solitude
Becoming Nothing: A practice in Silence and Solitude In solitude I get rid of my scaffolding: no friends to talk with, no telephone calls to make, no meetings to attend, no music to entertain, no books
More informationLife of Christ. Beginnings to Baptism. NT111 LESSON 02 of 07. An Angel Brings Good News
Life of Christ NT111 LESSON 02 of 07 An Angel Brings Good News Christian University This course was developed by Christian University & Our Daily Bread Ministries. But the angel said to him, Do not be
More informationWe have looked at three ways of being prepared for the coming of Christ this Advent Season.
SERMON: "Being Prepared: Saying Yes To God's Love" Preached December 23, 2007 Based on MATTHEW 1:18-25 By Connie Stinson, Pastor, Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church We have looked at three ways of being
More informationWalk a Mile in His Shoes by Rev. Kathy Sides (Preached at Fort Des Moines UMC )
Walk a Mile in His Shoes by Rev. Kathy Sides (Preached at Fort Des Moines UMC 4-12-2015) In 1970 Joe South wrote and sang a song entitled Walk a Mile in My Shoes. How many of you remember it? It was basically
More informationThat man Jesus the one you call Lord and Savior just called me a dog. A. dog! You don t know how that hurt me. I mean, I know I m just a woman and
SERMON: To Honor the Poor TEXT: James 2:1-17 Mark 7:24-37 That man Jesus the one you call Lord and Savior just called me a dog. A dog! You don t know how that hurt me. I mean, I know I m just a woman and
More informationJust this week, at a different church, when this passage came up in adult Sunday School, the ladies there wasted no time explaining to me that, after
Sermon for September 9, 2012 Readings: Isaiah 35: 4-7a; Mark 7: 24-30 Rev. Doug Moore " " Sometimes people assume that preaching works this way: a preacher prepares a sermon during the week, finishes it
More informationGENEROSITY: God s Extravagant Love. John 3:16-21 I John 4:7-12. Everything we are and have and give is a response to God s amazing love.
GENEROSITY: God s Extravagant Love John 3:16-21 I John 4:7-12 Everything we are and have and give is a response to God s amazing love. A sermon preached by Rev. Dr. William O. (Bud) Reeves First United
More information13 September Sharing All Things. Bible Background ACTS 4:32 5:11 Printed Text ACTS 4:34 5:10 Devotional Reading ISAIAH 1:15 18.
13 September 2015 Sharing All Things Bible Background ACTS 4:32 5:11 Printed Text ACTS 4:34 5:10 Devotional Reading ISAIAH 1:15 18 Aim For Change By the end of the lesson, we will: UNDERSTAND the sacrifices
More informationThat s not Darth Vader, my wife said, as she looked at the woman in Target holding the large oversized Storm trooper.
Christmas Eve 2015 St Martin in the Fields Church The Reverend Dr. John F. McCard Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all people; for to you is born this
More informationTusculum Hills Baptist Church Paul Gunn, Pastor
Tusculum Hills Baptist Church Paul Gunn, Pastor Sermon Title: Experiencing the Risen Lord, (Various Scriptures) Date preached: April 23, 2017 For public use: See non-copyright comments at the end of message
More informationKingdom of God Part IV: What do you think about God?
Kingdom of God Part IV: What do you think about God? 1. Hook: A Christian couple felt it important to own an equally Christian pet. So, they went shopping. At a kennel specializing in this particular breed,
More informationWalking with God. Narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:14. You have made known to me the path of life.
Hearts Fully Alive.6 Walking with God Narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:14 You have made known to me the path of life. Psalm 16:11 After the road had run down some
More informationShelby Warner. The Beginning of Living
Shelby Warner The Beginning of Living I could see the tears streaming down his cheeks. The car radio gave off just enough light to be able to see the pain and sadness that overcame my father s face as
More informationDecember 16, 2012 It s a Wonderful Life
December 16, 2012 It s a Wonderful Life Believe It Luke 1:47-55 Opening words: During this season of Advent I have been using the classic Christmas movie, It s a Wonderful Life, as a backdrop for my sermon
More informationSermon by ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson Saskatchewan Synod - Closing Worship June 15, 2008
Sermon by ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson Saskatchewan Synod - Closing Worship June 15, 2008 Genesis 18:1-15 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 Romans 5:1-8 Matthew 9:35-10:8 Then Jesus went about all the cities
More informationNewLife. The Life and Work of Paul. Study 1. Unit A. His Background and Early Life. READ: Acts 7: 57-60; 21: 39 to 22: 5; Philippians 3: 4-8
BIBLE STUDY COURSE This study sheet belongs to: The Life and Work of Paul Unit A Study 1. His Background and Early Life READ: Acts 7: 7-0; 1: 9 to : ; Philippians : -8 KEY VERSE: PHILIPPIANS : 7 the chosen
More informationREAD V:3-9 & PRAY V:10-12
Acts 9:10-30 The Persecutor Becomes the Persecuted Review: If you are born again you have a testimony Last week we witnessed the beginning the Apostle Paul s testimony. (conversion story) Paul was his
More informationVietnam Oral History Project Interview with Russell Davidson, Cochran GA. Interviewer: Paul Robards, Library Director Date: March 14, 2012
Vietnam Oral History Project Interview with Russell Davidson, Cochran GA. Interviewer: Paul Robards, Library Director Date: March 14, 2012 The date is March 14, 2012. My name is Paul Robards, Library Director
More information90-Day Giving Challenge
90-Day Giving Challenge Introduction Malachi 3:10 says, Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw
More informationAnanias and Sapphira Lie to the Holy Spirit
Ananias and Sapphira Lie to the Holy Spirit Acts 4:32 5:11 LESSON GOAL Students will fear being a hypocrite. LESSON OBJECTIVES Students will be able to: Give three characteristics of the early church describe
More informationSTICKS AND STONES WEEK ONE: ANOINTING
GOING DEEPER GUIDE STICKS AND STONES WEEK ONE: ANOINTING Pastor Stephen opened the year with a report from Guatemala. This Sunday, was the first message of the Sticks & Stones series, which presents five
More informationSUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 Unit 30, Session 1: Paul s Conversion and Baptism. Dear Parents,
SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 Unit 30, Session 1: Paul s Conversion and Baptism Saul was no stranger to religion. He grew up in a religious household. He was a devout Jew who was born in Tarsus (Phil. 3:5)
More informationCast Your Burdens Instructions:
Cast Your Burdens Instructions: What s worrying you? What s troubling you? What can t you stop thinking about? God already knows how you re feeling. But he wants you to talk to him about it. And he doesn
More information