His Name Shall Be Called John
Whenever Christmas rolls around and we are reminded through songs and nativity scenes about the Christmas story, one significant part of it usually gets left out: the birth of John the Baptizer. John’s life and ministry was also a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and an important part of the Christmas story. Today, Stephen tells us more about this great prophet.
Decorated With Stars
The Apostle Paul doesn't give us black and white answers when it comes to issues of Christian liberty. But how could he? There was no such thing as internet and movies and alternative music back in those days! Instead, he supplies us with Biblical principles that transcend every social context generation. He doesn't tell us how to act . . . he tells us how to think.
Impersonating the Savior
The Apostle Paul knew of no better way to make it through the fog of life than to follow Christ's footprints . . . step by step. Do you?
Living On Three Levels
Contrary to popular belief, Christian liberty does not say, "I have the freedom to do anything that makes my life better." Instead, Christian liberty says, "I now have the freedom to do whatever Christ wants me to do." So many people get this wrong today. Don't be one of them!
Guarding Stradivarius
Did you know you are a priceless enterprise of God? We are all "under construction" and God wants each of us to treat each other as a work in progress. Stephen calls this the "principle of consideration" and instructs the believer to live it out each day.
Wearing "C" on Your Sleeve
In Romans 14, the Apostle Paul confronts certain factions that had risen in the church at Rome. Some people considered meat that had been offered to idols unclean and others didn't. Also some regarded the Sabbath to be a holy day while others didn't. So who was right in these situations? Which group honored God more? In this message Stephen discloses that it wasn't the side who made the best argument . . . it was the side who gave the most grace.
Adding the Third Crayon
Our Christian liberty should never be used to offend a weaker brother. But does that mean we have to limit our own freedom because of someone else's weakness? This is a big question in our day and age and one that many Christians have neglected to answer Biblically.
Oh Be Careful, Little Feet
Paul did not commend the church at Corinth for being tolerant; he rebuked them for being arrogant! Likewise, Stephen cautions us to be careful with our theology and practice lest we fall into error as well.
For Heaven's Sake, Make up Your Mind!
Does "Christian liberty" mean we have the license to sin? Not on your life! Stephen gives us several guidelines that balance our liberty with God's holiness as he reminds us of our responsibility to our fellow believers.
Food Fights
One of the most difficult discoveries in the Christian life is that life is not always black and white; it is often colored in grey. Many of life's daily questions aren't answered in Scripture . . . at least not directly. So in this message Stephen lays the groundwork for dealing with difficult issues as he investigates the highly explosive topic of Christian liberty.