Like the Pharisees, Herod was a religious hypocrite. He believed himself to be the likely Jewish Messiah. But, like many religious people today, Herod (who was not a Pharisee or a Sadducee) was a fakeasee!! We would do well to examine our own hearts and decern between the things we do that come from authentic relationship with Jesus and those things we do merely for show.
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When the pleasure-seeking Greek empire gave way to the power-grabbing Roman forces, Herod was fully engaged with it all.
But, in his heart of hearts, he wanted more than anything to be remembered as a Great Man, a contributor, God’s gift to mankind, a name (dare we say) above every name. Read the rest of this entry »
This lesson on the Ten Commandments, while discussing what each commandment means, teaches that we are unable to obey them by any means of our own. We need Jesus Christ living inside us and changing us into His glorious image. Read the rest of this entry »
Sign-seeking and self-advancement forms of erroneous Christianity have seduced church-goers throughout history. Rather than cite these movements, we will attempt to target some of the core values...more... Read the rest of this entry »
In this lesson we learn about two kingdoms--the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world.
These two kingdoms employ completely different laws. The teachings of this world lead to death and destruction, the kingdom of God offers truth and life.
When we begin a new life in Christ, we must learn to walk in the laws and principles of our new citizenship.
We are children of God living by the principles of our Father's Kingdom even while we are still here on Earth. To the world around us, it may seem odd. It may seem strange--it's an upside-Down Kingdom. Read the rest of this entry »
As we continue to look at the life and reign of Herod the Great, it feels like we are reading today’s headline news.
It confirms Sir Lord Acton’s quotation about whether religious leaders are as accountable for their bad deeds as political leaders are.
He wrote, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority…”
We must continually remember, first and foremost, ALL the GLORY BELONGS to the LORD!!! Read the rest of this entry »
Scripture says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Do Christians hinder their own growth, their spiritual gain, by harboring chronic discontent? Read the rest of this entry »
Over the years, we make thouands of choices; some good and some evil. It takes a lifetime and a heart for Jesus to learn the difference and choose the good.
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Jesus used verses from the scriptures to resist Satan’s temptations, but is the Bible relevant to modern situations? This lesson uses a Q&A format to present biblical answers to common temptations facing youth today. Read the rest of this entry »
Genesis 1:1 tells us about "The Beginning," but the bible story doesn't really start at the beginning. Other verses (later in the Word) tell us of decisions and choices that were made before the "foundations of the world." How reassuring it is to know that, even before Genesis 1:1, our God had everything under control and knew exactly what He was doing. Read the rest of this entry »
This sermon asks two questions: Is it possible to control our own lives and what is the price of trying to do so?? Read the rest of this entry »
Imagine you had a beautiful only son who would one day give his life to save the whole world. You would be so proud of him, you would brag about him and likely keep a well-documented scrapbook about his life!
That is what the Old Testament is. It consists of prophecies, pictures, and early manifestations of the coming One - Messiah - Jesus! God's family scrapbook starring His favored SON! Read the rest of this entry »
Just a whisper of an ungodly suggestion, and the first woman in history was ready to challenge her God’s loving direction and fight for her rights. The relationship between God and man changed forever and paradise became a very strange land. Is the church today listening to similar, gospel altering, suggestions? Is the church itself becoming a strange land? Read the rest of this entry »
This is is a story about golden crowns, orbs, robes, scepters, swagger sticks and all such accoutrements meant to set one human being above others.
Such pompous, presumptuous behavior is an affront to the Heavenly Father, Who has presented His only Son as the one and only true sovereign over all life in the universe. He is the King of Kings.
He is Lord of All!!! Read the rest of this entry »
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is dawning upon you. Look, darkness covers the earth, and deep darkness covers the peoples, but the Lord will dawn upon you, and his glory will be seen over you. Nations will walk to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." Isaiah 60:1-3GW Read the rest of this entry »
The Bible Says: “You must teach them to your children and talk about them when you are at home or out for a walk; at bedtime and the first thing in the morning.” Deut. 6:7 TLB Read the rest of this entry »
This is a great time to learn the Bible along with your family. It is an opportunity to step-up and become the principal Bible teacher for your own children.
“Just Five More Questions Please” will guide your family through the pages of the Bible as you and your group discuss five thought provoking questions during each session. Read the rest of this entry »
“Verily, verily” means that the speaker is sure of what he/she is about to say. “Pulling-punches” refers to one who strikes with less force than they are able. They want to avoid hurting their opponent. This may have it’s place in the boxing world, but not in ministry. Read the rest of this entry »
This PowerPoint sermon tells us why the world needs it's Christmas bells and who the Christmas bells really are. Read the rest of this entry »
This is part five of a five sermon series intended for Christian adults and ministers. It covers five dangers and pitfalls of grouping and side taking, including:
1) Worldly War Games
2) Emboldening Rebellion
3) Groupthink
4) Caustic Kings (Their Motive & Methods)
5) Dangerous Duplicity
In this lesson we bring it all together and discuss what it really means to be on the side of the angels. Read the rest of this entry »
Paul was worried. The Thessalonian mobsters were vicious brutes, and these babes in Christ weren’t as studious as the Berean believers.
He had only been there to teach them for three Sabbaths. Will they be able to handle the persecution? Will they be susceptible to the false teaching floating around? But the Lord assured Paul and he assured the Thessalonians...“The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thess. 3:3 (NIV) Read the rest of this entry »
This is part four of a five sermon series intended for Christian adults and ministers. It covers five dangers and pitfalls of grouping and side taking, including:
1) Worldly War Games
2) Emboldening Rebellion
3) Groupthink
4) Caustic Kings (Their Motive & Methods)
5) Dangerous Duplicity
In lesson five we bring it all together and discuss what it really means to be on the side of the angels.
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This is part three of a five sermon series intended for Christian adults and ministers. It covers five dangers and pitfalls of grouping and side taking, including: 1) Worldly War Games 2) Emboldening Rebellion 3) Groupthink 4) Caustic Kings (Their Motive & Methods) 5) Dangerous Duplicity In lesson five we bring it all together and discuss what it really means to be on the side of the angels.
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This PowerPoint is based on the well known sermon illustration about a boy and his boat. In the story, the boy becomes both the creator and redeemer of his beloved possession. In the end, he famously says, "Now you are twice mine, I made you and I bought you." Remind you of Jesus? Are we not twice His!? Read the rest of this entry »
This is part two of a five sermon series intended for Christian adults and ministers. It covers five dangers and pitfalls of grouping and side taking, including:
1) Worldly War Games
2) Emboldening Rebellion
3) Groupthink
4) Caustic Kings (Their Motive & Methods)
5) Dangerous Duplicity
In lesson five we bring it all together and discuss what it really means to be on the side of the angels.
Read the rest of this entry »
This is part one of a five sermon series intended for Christian adults and ministers. It covers five dangers and pitfalls of grouping and side-taking, including:
1) Worldly War Games
2) Emboldening Rebellion
3) Groupthink
4) Caustic Kings (Their Motive & Methods)
5) Dangerous Duplicity
In lesson five we bring it all together and discuss what it really means to be on the side of the angels. Read the rest of this entry »
This sermon answers seven questions:
#1 Are the tears of a Christian always Godly?
#2 Can there be tears without repentance?
#3 Can there be repentance without tears?
#4 When we seek a place of repentance, do we always find it?
#5 Can I live the Christian life without repentance?
#6 What is the result of my living an unrepentant Christian life… and will I care?
#7 What does all this mean for you, me and for the church in general? Read the rest of this entry »
What a difference a single encounter with Jesus can have in the heart of a man. In this presentation, Zacchaeus meets Jesus and becomes so transformed he is a different man! Read the rest of this entry »
The Old Testament is saturated with pictures (types & shadows) of Jesus. The life of Joseph is a perfect example of this truth. In this 5 part series, we explore several ways Joseph foreshadowed Christ. Read the rest of this entry »
In this lesson we learn about the exactness of God’s timetable. Every event leading up to the birth of Christ (and after) is perfectly timed to precise dates that only God and certain O.T. prophets know.
The same is true for our lives. God’s timing is in His hands.
Lessons #8, #9 & #10 are perfect for the Christmas season. Read the rest of this entry »
In this sermon, we examine how human pride can gradually seep into our work for Christ and morph us into Nimrods rather than Abrahams. We are called to emulate the Abrahamic walk. With Jesus as our example and keeping Him in our sights, we can remind ourselves as often as needed, "Don't Be a Nimrod!"
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Love is Patient!!!
In this lesson we look at the 7th reason why God waited till near the end of His Master Plan (His Timetable) to reveal the main event–The Birth of Jesus. It was love, and love is patient.
Lessons #8 & #9 are perfect for the Christmas season. Read the rest of this entry »
Timing is Everything!!! In this lesson (and the next), we explore the 7 reasons why God waited till the end of His Master Plan–His Timetable to finally reveal the main event–The Birth of Jesus. Lessons #8 & #9 are perfect for the Christmas season.
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This video was a 2011 New Year's message for my daughter and her family. It encourages believers to be honest with themselves and others about what we are really feeling. We need to let God search our hearts and show us who we really are.
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In several scriptures, the Lord urges believers to be merciful as He is merciful. He reminds us that is is not our job to pronounce judgement on mankind--it's His. Most of us try to live this way, but sometimes, although we refrain from bringing out a guillotine, we can't resist a little snip with our scissors. The biblical story of David's experience with Saul brings this truth to life.
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God’s amazing plan to restore creation & save mankind begins in Genesis with "The Alpha” (who is Jesus) & ends in Revelation with "The Omega” (also Jesus).
The very angels in Heaven & creation itself have an ardent personal interest in His plan… So do we! Read the rest of this entry »
Living things grow and mature. When a believer is born-again, he starts his Christian experience as a baby feeding on milk. Then he grows into a toddler learning to walk, then an adult having babies himself, etc. To illustrate this, Jesus explained the four stages of wheat growth. Read the rest of this entry »
Living things grow and mature. When a believer is born-again, he starts his Christian experience as a baby feeding on milk. Then he grows into a toddler learning to walk, then an adult having babies himself, etc. To illustrate this, Jesus explained the four stages of wheat growth. Read the rest of this entry »
We have learned that God uses time to both perfect the saints and draw us nearer to Him.
In this lesson we learn why God divides time into various periods and seasons. Read the rest of this entry »
The best description for this lesson comes from the lyrics of a kid's song:
"He's still working on me.
To make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars.
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be.
Cause He's still workin on me!" Read the rest of this entry »
When Moses brought Pharaoh God's message requiring him to set the children of Israel free, his immediate response was arrogant and defiant. He felt strongly that God had no authority over the affairs of his life. He jeered: “Who is the Lord?" "Why should I obey Him?" "Why should I let Israel go?"
Pharaoh was no different than any of us. We are all slow to give the Lord His proper place in our lives. In this message, we learn what that place is: We owe Him; we need Him and we belong to Him! Read the rest of this entry »
Harold's Personal Testimony. Read the rest of this entry »
A sermon on Christian transparency, based on the story of Achan (in Joshua) and his attempt to retain and conceal the booty he had taken from the Lord's battle. Although we have been delivered from the world and its values, have we reserved a bit of this bounty and hidden it in our own tent (and at what cost)? Read the rest of this entry »
Times of change and difficulty are often God's opportunity to work in our lives. Let us not waste this season of atypical confinement with our loved ones. These, potentially uncomfortable circumstances have the power to strengthen both us as believers and our families if we choose to gratefully embrace them.
This sermon was preached online for "Light On a Hill Church" during a "shelter in place" government mandate, Grapeland, TX 2020 (Palm Sunday). Read the rest of this entry »
Answers to your questions about Jesus and salvation. Read the rest of this entry »