Matthew's Top 10 Favorites
Over the last few years, I have had a few sermon series that have helped transform my perspective on New Testament Christianity. These lessons challenged me to take my spiritual life to the next level & I hope they will do the same for you.
January 25, 2009 - Show Me, Don't Tell Me
Somewhere
there is a young person tired of their family. Tired of the rules they have to
live under. Tired of going to church. They want their own life; they have their
own worldview. They have their own ideas of how to spend their life. And…like
the prodigal son, they walk away. Like the prodigal son, they will not be the
first…and they won’t be the last. Today’s lesson came from a number of ideas
I’ve been thinking on. Last week – we looked at a Barna survey of
perceptions of non-Christian, members of Generation Y & M toward church. What
about perceptions of those who go to church & claim to be Christians? This
lesson is not designed to be negative. But, it is intended to give us insight
on how those in Gen Y & M may be feeling.
August 3, 2008 - Obedience - A Better Perspective
What
is obedience? Is spiritual obedience simply a matter of doing what God said? Or,
is there a relationship built on trust involved? Is biblical obedience
authority or love based? Are we motivated by an unquestioning refusal to
rebel? Or by a deep affection for
God? We would be wrong to assign simple answers to these questions. It involves
a full-person response to God.
August 10, 2008 - Obedience - A Better Perspective (2)
We
need a better understanding & broader perspective on obedience in Churches
of Christ. Our religion must not stem from a collection of checklists, but be
the result of a life that is been impacted by God. Everything we do is to be a
response of the heart. We have made obedience too simple. It involves more than
simple acts. If obedience occurs – it MUST involve our mind, heart, and
the act. Obedience depends on understanding God’s priorities &
purposes. If we forget that, we
place our self in a precarious situation.
August 17, 2008 - Does God Accept Imperfection?
Have
we over simplified the concept of obedience in today’s church? We often look at
any law, teaching, or command from God, as, this
is what God wants – no exceptions. When we do this, we shift the
focus of spiritual commitment. This can set us up for constant disappointment
– because we never can do enough. Luke 17:10 – may we realize that
all the acts we do – even if we kept every one of God’s expectations
perfectly, would never be good enough to justify us. In everything, there needs
to be a provision for God’s grace and mercy.
February 17, 2008 - Truly Forgiven
Too many
people, fear, guilt, shame, and blame are a part of human reality.
November 25, 2007 - Converted to Christ
Conversion to Jesus is the heart, soul, and core of
Christianity! The heart of Christianity is found only by seeking &
accepting forgiveness.
November 12, 2006 - The Power of Our Words
There
is incredible power in our words. For example, think of evolution; axis of evil; abortion; liberal; conservative. Think of
the words we use in interaction with each other. Pro. 18:21 – what we say
is important. Words are tools that can help us accomplish God’s work or they
can hinder God’s work by our choice of which ones to use. Words can launch us
to new heights…or…they can be a trap and a snare. Few ever learn the power of a
word.
June 20, 2004 - Got Any More Giants?
There was nothing more
common in David’s world than a shepherd & his sheep. In an agricultural
society, it was common to see shepherds leading flock out to graze or drink. David
took what people saw everyday & caused them to see God. In Psa. 23 we see
relationship built on absolute trust. Focus on 23:4. Sheep only went in such
areas for one reason. They trusted the shepherd. When God is our shepherd
– He will lead us through places we would not go w/o His leadership. He is the shepherd. We are the sheep. How much do we trust? Let’s take a look
at an example from David’s life - David’s victory over the giant…Goliath.
April 21, 2002 - Put Your Past Behind
How can we handle
our sin & get back up to where we need to be?
Promise yourself to learn from the mistakes of the
past, and let them go, so you can focus on the future.
December 7, 2008 - A Man Called Legion
Sometimes life is
difficult when there is only one problem to deal with. Imagine having to get a
handle on multiple issues, all which demand your attention while trying to live
a “normal” life.