Let's Get Real About Accountability
Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, but He also called them to be in community with each other. Jesus wanted them, and us, to understand that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in solitude. Accountability is a vital element of our discipleship, our sanctification, and our service. Through three teachings, Jesus urges us to make accountability a vital part of our churches and our fellowship.
The Billionaire and the Beggar, Part 2
Our world finds hell too disturbing, too painful, too seemingly cruel, too convicting to talk about. Some pastors and teachers have watered down the orthodox teaching of hell, saying instead that hell is not painful, or not permanent, or not real. But Jesus' teachings on hell are clear, and so are the lessons we need to learn from it. For the believer, if the reality of hell isn't spurring on your evangelism, you don't understand it well enough. And for the unbeliever, if the reality of hell isn't causing you to turn to God for mercy, you haven't yet realized the eternal judgment that right now awaits you--but can be avoided.
The Billionaire and the Beggar, Part 1
Our world finds hell too disturbing, too painful, too seemingly cruel, too convicting to talk about. Some pastors and teachers have watered down the orthodox teaching of hell, saying instead that hell is not painful, or not permanent, or not real. But Jesus' teachings on hell are clear, and so are the lessons we need to learn from it. For the believer, if the reality of hell isn't spurring on your evangelism, you don't understand it well enough. And for the unbeliever, if the reality of hell isn't causing you to turn to God for mercy, you haven't yet realized the eternal judgment that right now awaits you--but can be avoided.
Biblical Reasons for Divorced and Remarriage, Part 2
Discover the biblical perspective on divorce and remarriage in this thought-provoking sermon by Stephen Davey. Drawing from Luke 16:14-18, Stephen explores the challenges of marriage, the importance of commitment, and the consequences of unrepentant sin within the marital relationship. Gain insights into the exceptions for divorce outlined in the Bible and learn how to navigate difficult situations while upholding God's design for marriage. Stephen answers common questions such as, "Must an abused wife remain in her marriage?" Find encouragement and guidance for your own marriage or for supporting others who may be facing marital struggles.
Biblical Reasons for Divorced and Remarriage, Part 1
Discover the biblical perspective on divorce and remarriage in this thought-provoking sermon by Stephen Davey. Drawing from Luke 16:14-18, Stephen explores the challenges of marriage, the importance of commitment, and the consequences of unrepentant sin within the marital relationship. Gain insights into the exceptions for divorce outlined in the Bible and learn how to navigate difficult situations while upholding God's design for marriage. Stephen answers common questions such as, "Must an abused wife remain in her marriage?" Find encouragement and guidance for your own marriage or for supporting others who may be facing marital struggles.
A Parable for Smarter Stewards
What you do with your currency reflects your priorities. Jesus taught this truth to His disciples through a parable about an unfaithful manager and a shrewd investor. And it's through this story that Jesus gets to the heart of our relationship with money. If your value is in the kingdom, your investments will be put into kingdom priorities.
These Friends Are Forever
As the Apostle John closes his brief letter in which he was just describing a godly man for us to emulate, his inspired words also reveal why he, John, is also worthy of imitation. Pastor Davey expounds upon these character traits of personal investment, personal influence, and personal interest in others, and why they matter. And he reminds us that when we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ like this, we become a beautiful reflection of our Lord’s regard for us.
A Mile Wide and an Inch Deep
What kind of influence do we have as Christians today? Do we merely have a widespread presence but make no significant impact? The depth of our Christian impact depends on our action--and our actions are learned by imitation. Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to emulate godly people and virtues, and we’re warned against imitating evil. Here, the Apostle John introduces us to a specific role model who exemplifies qualities worth imitating, so we ourselves can be worthy of imitation, ultimately deepening the impact we have on the world.
The Devil in Diotrephes
Before the creation of the earth, the sin of pride caused separation from God. And since he was cast out of heaven, the prince of this world--Satan--has been using this insidious offense to establish a wedge between us and the Lord. In these verses from his short letter to a friend, the Apostle John warns us of a prideful church leader, describing five symptoms of pride so we can recognize this soul disease in others ... and in ourselves.
Synergy
A group of people working together can accomplish significantly more than when each person works alone. This is synergy. From the Apostle John's third letter from Ephesus, Pastor Davey expounds upon the call for Christians to work together--in synergy--to support each other. Specifically, as John writes, we are obligated to financially provide for the Lord's workers. But more than obligation, giving is our opportunity to joyfully join in the labor to further the Gospel.