Jesus Our Sure and Steadfast Anchor of the Soul

February 6, 2017September 25, 2019 BigSpringsanchor for the soul, apostasy, falling away, Hebrews 6, perseverance of the saints, promise and oath

Psalm 34:1-10; Hebrews 6:1-20 February 5, 2017 • Download this sermon (PDF) Congregation of Christ: The Book of Hebrews follows a two-fold pattern: teaching doctrines, followed by warnings and exhortations to persevere in the faith. We now come to Chapter 6, which is a continuation of a third warning and exhortation to the converted Jews. This third warning starts from 5:11, a warning against falling away from the faith. The first warning is in 2:1-4: “how shall we escape if we neglect such a great a salvation” in Christ…

Hebrews Psalms Sermons

Jesus Our Great High Priest

January 31, 2017September 25, 2019 BigSpringsgreat high priest, Hebrews 5, Melchizedek, Psalm 110

Psalm 110:1-7; Hebrews 4:14-5:14 January 29, 2017 • Download this sermon (PDF) Congregation of Christ: In many mainline churches such as Presbyterian, Lutheran and Methodist churches, the pastor wears a robe or pulpit gown. Why do these pastors wear a robe? Are they imitating the priests of the Romand Catholic or Eastern Orthodox churches, with their expensive, elaborate and ornate vestments? They aren’t, because the robe they wear is inexpensive, simple and usually black or white, with a stole over it. Also, wearing a pulpit gown is not of…

Genesis Hebrews Sermons

Entering God’s Rest

January 23, 2017September 25, 2019 BigSpringsday of atonement, Genesis 2, Hebrews 4, piercing soul and spirit, Promised Land, SABBATH REST, sword of the Spirit

Genesis 2:1-3; Leviticus 23:26-28, 32; Hebrews 4:1-13 January 22, 2017 • Download this sermon (PDF) Congregation of Christ: Yesterday most of us witnessed the orderly, peaceful and transfer of power from one administration to the next. It was beautiful to witness, reminding us all to be thankful to the Lord who gave us liberty and freedom in this land. So we can sing with joy, O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern impassion’d stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! In President Trump’s inaugural speech, as in most…

Hebrews Psalms Sermons

Warnings and Exhortations Against Unbelief

January 15, 2017September 25, 2019 BigSpringsassurance of salvation, hardening of heart, Hebrews 3, Massah, Meribah, Moses, perseverance of the saints, Psalm 95

Psalm 95:7b-11; Hebrews 3:7-19; Heidelberg Catechism 31 & 32 January 15, 2017 • Download this sermon (PDF) Congregation of Christ: In every undertaking, whether in our studies, in sports, we are encouraged to finish well and finish strong. The Apostle Paul urged the church in Corinth, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it” (1 Cor 9:24-26). And when he knew that his life is about to end, told young Timothy, “I…

Hebrews Sermons

Jesus is Better Than Moses

January 8, 2017September 25, 2019 BigSpringsapostle and high priest, Hebrews 3, Jesus greater than Moses, Psalm 105

Psalm 105:26; Hebrews 3:1-6; Revelation 15:3; Heidelberg Catechism 31 & 32 January 8, 2017 • Download this sermon (PDF) Congregation of Christ: If you were a Jew, who would you consider the greatest Jew who ever lived? Is it Abraham, Moses, or David? Abraham is considered the father of the nation Israel, and David is considered the most faithful king, “a man after God’s own heart. But Moses is considered by Jews as the greatest of all Jews. Why? All Jews would point out many reasons. Moses was chosen…

1 Corinthians New Year Sermons

Ancient Wisdom or Modern Foolishness?

January 1, 2017September 25, 2019 BigSprings1 Corinthians 1, ancient paths, Jeremiah 6, New Year, Proverbs 1, resolution, wisdom

“Read the Bible, pray every day” is still the best New Year’s resolution. What book is there to give you heavenly wisdom? Jeremiah 6:16; 8:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:17-31 (texts) January 1, 2017 • Download this sermon (PDF) Dear Congregation of Christ: On this first Lord’s Day of the year 2017, our minds are definitely thinking about what God has in store for us. Is it prosperity or hardship? Sickness or health? Happiness or sorrow? Life or death? Is this the year I will find whom the Lord has for me…

Christmas Isaiah Luke

“Glory to God!”

December 25, 2016September 25, 2019 BigSpringsChristmas, glory to God, Isaiah 52, Luke 2, peace on earth

Isaiah 52:7; Luke 2:14 December 25, 2016 • Download this sermon (PDF) Congregation of Christ: “Today this message [of peace] goes out to the ends of the earth to reach all peoples, especially those scarred by war and harsh conflicts that seem stronger than the yearning for peace.” So preached Pope Francis on Christmas day this year. Citing our text about peace on earth, he went on to call for peace in Syria, Palestinian territories, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, South Sudan, Congo, Ukraine and Myanmar, places where war and terrorism seem…

Worship

Liturgy for December 25, 2016

December 24, 2016September 25, 2019 BigSpringsChristmas, December 25 2016, Festival of Lessons & Carols

On this Lord’s Day, which happens to be Christmas Day as well, I’ve incorporated into the worship service a Festival of Lessons and Carols. The service will be the same as our regular service every Sunday, but will have seven lessons consisting of Scripture readings with short introductions to the readings, followed by hymns related to the first coming of Christ. Here’s our bulletin. Click the image to enlarge it.

Sermons

“What Child is This?”

December 23, 2016September 25, 2019 BigSpringsChristmas, Everlasting Father, Isaiah 9:6, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor

December 23, 2016 When the angel announced to the shepherds the birth of Jesus on that first Christmas night 2,000 years ago, they said, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). This is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6, which says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” What kind of child is this? Isaiah 9 continues, “his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting…

Sermons

5 Insights into John’s Conception

December 18, 2016September 25, 2019 BigSprings

At our Sunday school this morning, we studied the Song of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptizer, in Luke 1:67-79. One of the discussion points was the conception of John, and here are some of my thoughts on verse 15 which says, “he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15). Even in his mother’s womb, John was already filled with the Holy Spirit. This means he was already regenerated. This is contrary to the common belief that an infant cannot be regenerated by God…