Sermons
"If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever." - 1 Peter 4:11
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Showing 100 results.
The First Commandment
- Brian Haines
January 16, 2022 AM
In Mark 12 Jesus said that the first commandment was to Love God with all of our being. What did this mean, and how is this first in the commandments of God?
Being a Common Evangelist
- Brian Haines
January 9, 2022 AM
The Gospel is a synonym for the New Testament. We seek to bring the Gospel to others. How can we be people who do this in our day to day lives?
Being a Common Evangelist
- Brian Haines
January 9, 2022 AM
The Gospel is a synonym for the New Testament. We seek to bring the Gospel to others. How can we be people who do this in our day to day lives?
Give It A Year
- Brian Haines
January 2, 2022 AM
Luke 13:6 He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?' But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 'And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.'"
Daniel 7 and the Kingdom
- Brian Haines
December 19, 2021 AM
Daniel records two visions of the coming Kingdom of the Messiah. That kingdom came to be when Jesus arose from the grave. How is it that the kingdom is a synonym for the church that Jesus built?
Daniel 6 and Civil Disobedience
- Brian Haines
December 12, 2021 AM
As Christians, we are to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. Sometimes Caesar desires what belongs to God, and we must then disobey. What should that look like? Daniel 6 is a lesson on prayer and when and how to disobey the government.
Daniel 5 and Accountability
- Brian Haines
December 5, 2021 AM
Daniel 5 tells the story of the fall of King Belshazzar of Babylon. His fall was preceded by a "writing on the wall" by God. The lessons here are (1) everyone is accountable before God and (2) do not misuse holy things
Responses to God
- Michael Hetzer
November 28, 2021 AM
The Bible gives us many examples of the responses of men to God. Michael Hetzer examines these things in the Scriptures to give us a thought: how will we respond to God?
Neglecting Your Salvation
- Ryan Sollars
November 21, 2021 AM
Hebrews 2:3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,
Three Wise Men Stand Fast
- Brian Haines
November 14, 2021 AM
Daniel 3 tells us the story of the real three wise men of Scripture who stood against the most powerful ruler in the world in a battle of wills for their souls. How they overcame is an important lesson to us on the struggles we face in Christ, and the confidence we ought to have when facing trials.
Daniel 1 and Why We Need God
- Brian Haines
November 7, 2021 AM
Daniel chapter 1 introduces us to the young nobleman Daniel. He is taken from his home and exiled in a foreign land. Yet he purposes in his heart to be committed to God. Daniel understood that he needed God. We need to learn the same.
You Are Wearing That?
- Brian Haines
October 31, 2021 AM
How should Christians address questions of modesty? What is the difference between being modest or being indecent? What does the Bible say about how Christians should dress? This lesson looks at Old Testament ideas with New Testament applications.
What Does Accountability Look Like
- Brian Haines
October 24, 2021 AM
When the Bible speaks of accountability, it describes us being held accountable for certain aspects of our lives. What do we need to do to make application of these principles and be found right with God on the day of examination?
Why Don't You Like Yourself?
- Brian Haines
October 17, 2021 AM
A great many people in the Bible struggled with liking themselves. It may surprise you that being successful in Christ requires the ability to love ourselves. Why is it that we struggle with this so often?
The Dangers of Personal Testimony
- Brian Haines
October 10, 2021 AM
Personal testimony is a practice found in many denominations that is contrary to the Biblical understanding of salvation. But there is also a new pracitice in the world of putting a great weight on personal experiences to determine truth. How does the Word of God stand against these ideas?
Treasure Your Salvation
- Brian Haines
October 3, 2021 AM
Jesus described the Kingdom of Heaven as a treasure. How we treat that treasure is a subject of great importance. Do you "treasure" your heavenly treasure?
John 14 and Paraklete
- Brian Haines
September 26, 2021 AM
Jesus told His apostles in John 14 that He was soon to leave them. But He told them that someone was coming to be with them in His place: Paraklete, the Helper. Who is this Helper, and how does He help us?
Testing Your Membership
- Brian Haines
September 19, 2021 AM
The words Fellowship and Membership are often confused. Fellowship pertains to your relationship in the kingdom, while membership relates to your place in a local church. Starting in 1 Corinthians 12, this lesson is meant to test you as to whether you are a member in good standing in a local congregation
Genesis 1-12: Descent into Sin
- Brendan Ashby
September 12, 2021 AM
Genesis 1-12 describes the earliest history of humans. It is a history of man and sin, and how we were in rebellion against God from the beginning
Five "P"s of Prayer
- Brian Haines
September 5, 2021 AM
In Luke 11 Jesus' disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. He first gave them the model of prayer. But throughout His life he demonstrated how prayer can be successful. This lesson breaks down these ideas into five "P"s of prayer
No Surprises
- Brian Haines
August 29, 2021 AM
We are told repeatedly in the Bible about the circumstances of sin, righteousness and what to expect in the judgment. In this life and in the next, there really are no surprises.
The Children of Pride
- Brian Haines
August 22, 2021 AM
Jesus described wisdom as being known by all of her children. Is it possible that we can discern when pride is present by the children of pride? An examination of 1 Timothy 6:4
Buried Talents
- Brian Haines
August 15, 2021 AM
In Matthew 25 Jesus gave us the parable of the talents. In the parable, one of the people buried his talent and was condemned by God. Why did he bury his talent, and why is it that we often do not use our talents to serve God?
Spiritual Fraud
- Brian Haines
August 8, 2021 AM
We live in a world where fraud happens all the time. Fraud is bring robbed by uninformed consent. The Scriptures warn us repeatedly of the dangers of being defrauded of our eternal inheritance. What ways can we avoid being cheated of our reward?
Struggles of a Local Church
- Brian Haines
August 1, 2021 AM
The local church is often struggling in a manner like a tug-of-war. We all need to be doing our part in this work; slipping or not pulling works against the team
Understanding Figurative and Literal Language
- Brian Haines
July 25, 2021 AM
The Bible tells us that it can be understood by anyone (Eph. 3:3). However, it also tells us that sometimes it is hard to understand (2 Pet. 3:16). One of the difficult aspects of Scripture for many is discerning when they are speaking in figurative or in literal language. This lesson prepares skills to learn how to know when the Bible is speaking in literal or figurative language
Works Prepared Beforehand
- Brian Haines
July 18, 2021 AM
What are the works of being a Christian? Paul told the Ephesians that God had prepared works for them to accomplish in Him. He then goes on to discuss those works. How is it we labor for the Lord as Christians, as husbands and wives, as parents and children?
The Success of the Church
- Mark Dunagan
July 11, 2021 AM
A discussion of the church as the eternal purpose of God, and why it succeeds in difficult times
A War Against Free Will
- Brian Haines
July 4, 2021 AM
Our free will is an important part of our identity. We are told repeatedly in the Bible that we must make the choice to pursue the things of God. Yet there are many doctrines and ideologies that seek to revoke that free will. This lesson examines five ideologies at war with free will: (1) The Sinful Nature; (2) Predestination; (3) Evolutionary theory; (4) Homosexuality and Deviant Sexuality; (5) Critical Theories
What Was So Great About David
- Brian Haines
June 13, 2021 AM
God said that "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart". We know that David was not perfect; so what was it that was so great that God would identify David as a uniquely Godly man?
Render Unto Caesar
- Brian Haines
June 6, 2021 AM
Jesus said that we are to "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and to God that which is God's". This teaching was expounded on in Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2. How are we as Christians to engage with our civic leaders, and at what point are we to reject their rules to follow Christ?
The Last Day
- Brian Haines
May 30, 2021 AM
The Bible speaks often of the last day. It is called the day of judgment, the day of the resurrection, the day that all things are destroyed. Are you ready for that day? What matters most on that day?
We Can Understand The Bible Alike
- Brian Haines
May 16, 2021 AM
One of the most important questions in regards to the unity Jesus desired (John 17) is whether or not it is possible for people to understand the Bible in a similar manner. If it is not possible, why does God expect us to? If it is possible, why then does it seem that no one does?
Discerning the Lord's Body
- Brian Haines
May 9, 2021 AM
1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. Paul declares that when we partake in the Lord's Supper, we need to discern the Lord's Body. What does this mean?
Healthy Skepticism
- Brian Haines
May 2, 2021 AM
Many people consider that faith and skepticism are in opposition to one another. However, the Scriptures teach that true believers have a healthy skepticism and will "test all things"
Lifting the Hands of the Evil
- Brian Haines
April 25, 2021 AM
God condemned the prophets of Judah in Jeremiah 23 because "they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one has turned back from his wickedness". Are we possibly guilty of the same when we support the unrighteous?
Accurately Handling the Word of Truth
- Brian Haines
April 18, 2021 AM
In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul gives Timothy (and us) an important command. We are to be diligent to present ourselves to God as workmen. Our work product is something we should not be ashamed to have inspected, as seen in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. How can we be such workmen? By accurately handling the Word of Truth, which is the Scriptures, the Word of God. How do we accurately handle the Word of Truth?
What If God Gave to Us as We Give to Him
- Brian Haines
April 11, 2021 AM
Jesus said that " For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." What if God gave back by the measure of your service to God?
Did Jesus Rise From the Dead?
- Brian Haines
April 4, 2021 AM
Our entire faith hinges on one event: the resurrection of Jesus. How can we believe that this event really happened?
The Sacred System of Christ
- Brian Haines
March 28, 2021 AM
Those who are in Christ are priests of God offering spiritual sacrifices. How does the old priesthood of Moses teach us about this?
A Scripturally Unorganized Congregation
- Brian Haines
March 21, 2021 AM
Recent changes in our congregation have made us a scripturally unorganized congregation. What does that mean, and how do we learn to behave in these circumstances?
Listen to Warnings
- Ryan Sollars
March 14, 2021 AM
Paying attention to the warnings of Scripture is a matter of spiritual life or death. Do you pay attention to these warnings?
Survey of Revelation (Pt. 3)
- Brian Haines
March 7, 2021 AM
The final portion of our survey of Revelation, covering chapters 11-22.
Survey of Revelation (Pt. 2)
- Brian Haines
February 28, 2021 AM
A continuation of the survey of Revelation. Picking up at chapter 4, we are contrasting the prophecies in chapters 4-5 with Ezekiel, and chapters 6-10 with Matthew 24 and Zechariah.
Survey of Revelation (Pt. 1)
- Brian Haines
February 21, 2021 AM
An overview of the book of Revelation (in two parts).
In the Spirit On the Lord's Day
- Brian Haines
February 14, 2021 AM
Revelation 1 begins with John telling us his vision occurred while he was "in the Spirit, on the Lord's Day". What is the Lord's Day? What does it mean to be "in the spirit"?
The Dangers of Worldly Fears
- Brian Haines
February 7, 2021 AM
We live in a time when fear has driven many to forsake God. Fear of sickness and death; fear of being ridiculed or prosecuted; fear of being in the wrong. Fearing worldly things leads to all sorts of sins as revealed in the Scriptures. Instead, we ought to have the Fear of the Lord in all things.
Simon the Sorcerer's Heart
- Brian Haines
January 31, 2021 AM
Simon the Sorcerer is often held up as an example of a heart that was bound by iniquity. But there is another characteristic worth considering in this man that we might want to emulate.
Why a Church Relationship Is So Important
- Brian Haines
January 24, 2021 AM
How important is it to have a relationship as a member of a local church? Here are five reasons that make it clear that one is not a Christian without the local church.
What Was Great About 2020
- Brian Haines
December 27, 2020 AM
2020 was the hardest year many of us have ever experienced. But it was a different experience for those in Christ as opposed to those of the world. Why would Christians proclaim that 2020 brought some great things?
Are you "Woke"
- Brian Haines
December 20, 2020 AM
The term "woke" has taken on a special meaning in the last years. Wikipedia states "Woke is a political term originating in the United States referring to a perceived awareness of issues concerning social justice and racial justice". It is a bit obnoxious in its usage, and yet it has an important biblical concept. There are truths that many are not aware of, and when they come to that truth, they are described in Scripture as "Woke".
Truth and Gender
- Brian Haines
December 13, 2020 AM
Today gender politics (matters like transgender, non-binary, or gender fluidity) are heated topics. What do the Scriptures say about this?
The Day of Pentecost
- Brian Haines
December 6, 2020 AM
Acts 2 is one of the most important chapters of the Bible. It tells us the story of the opening of the Kingdom of Heaven for man, and reveals what we must do to be saved.
Why Christians Don't Drink
- Brian Haines
November 29, 2020 AM
The Bible speaks at length on the issue of drunkeness. But what many do not know is that the Bible also speaks a great deal on drinking itself. When we look into this, we can see why Christians Don't Drink.
God's Nature in Nature
- Brian Haines
November 15, 2020 AM
Paul spoke of how God's nature can be seen in Nature around us in Romans 1. What characteristics of God should we see in the world around us?
Sheba and Nineveh Rise in Judgment
- Brian Haines
November 8, 2020 AM
Jesus warned us that on the Day of Resurrection, the Queen of Sheba and the People of Nineveh will rise in judgment on us if we have not committed ourselves to the Gospel. What did He mean?
Naaman and Baptism
- Brian Haines
November 1, 2020 AM
Jesus used Naaman as an example of righteous conduct today. How was Naaman a model of salvation through obedience to the command of baptism?
The First Denomination
- Brian Haines
October 25, 2020 AM
At the end of the first century the prophesied pattern of apostasy had kicked in, and soon there were many groups who had formatted their own version of the Gospel. We call this division denominationalism today. What was the first denomination? It was called the Way of Jeroboam.
Dwelling in Peace with Others
- Brian Haines
October 18, 2020 AM
Followers of Jesus are called to be a people of peace. We pursue peace, we make peace, and we seek to live in peace. Why is this so important?
Positive Attitude and Philippians
- Brian Haines
October 11, 2020 AM
Paul's letter to the Philippians commended them to have the right mind on the things of this world. How is it that a positive mindset affects our faith, and how can we pursue this?
Considering Change
- Brian Haines
October 4, 2020 AM
2020 has been a year of changes for our congregation. This lesson considers (1) how while God does not change, we do, and (2) the important considerations we must make to change appropriately to our circumstances.
Submit to One Another
- Brian Haines
September 27, 2020 AM
"Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" 1 Peter 5:5 The way of Christ is a path built on submission. How we submit to others is how we manifest the love of Christ.
The Nature of Demons
- Brian Haines
September 20, 2020 AM
The nature of demons and their works is a greatly misunderstood concept in the world. Why was there a change in demonic activity between the Old Testament and the time of Christ, and how are demons influencing men today?
King Asa's Feet
- Brian Haines
September 13, 2020 AM
King Asa was a Godly king who at the end of his life had problems with his feet. Yet rather than turning to God, he turned to his physicians. What lesson can we learn from this?
The Provocation of God
- Brian Haines
September 6, 2020 AM
Why do bad things happen that sometimes seem to draw men away from God? Why would God let something happen that reduces faith? This lesson considers the nature of the provocation of God. Is it possible you are provoking God to action right now?
The Complaints of the Prophets
- Brian Haines
August 30, 2020 AM
We are told in James 5 to consider the lives of the prophets. The Old Testament prophets had it hard, and their complaints tended to run in the same vein. Many declared that they wished they were dead. How does their lesson of patience affect us as modern prophets of God?
Speak the Truth to One Another
- Brian Haines
August 23, 2020 AM
The Apostle Paul quotes the prophet Zechariah to tell us that we need to speak the truth to one another and not lie to one another. Lying is an easy habit to fall into, and causes great damage to our lives. What aspects of Zechariah's world provoked this warning, and how does that apply to us today?
Admonish One Another
- Brian Haines
August 16, 2020 AM
Scriptures speak of the need to admonish one another, and to be admonished by others. Many of us are not Spiritually prepared to receive this important work, or share it with others. What spiritual steps are needed to be admonishable and able to admonish?
The Mob Mentality
- Brian Haines
August 9, 2020 AM
The news today is filled with images of protestors clashing with law enforcement. Christians CANNOT participate in such behavior. Yet the same truth that keeps us from this is often violated by Christians in social media and conversation. What is the Mob Mentality, how do we unknowingly participate in it, and what is the consequence of this?
The Ethiopian Worshipper
- Brian Haines
August 2, 2020 AM
Acts 8 tells us of the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch. While this example teaches much about the conversion process, the more remarkable thing is the nature of the convert and his reason for being in Jerusalem. Perhaps an even greater lesson from his story is not about how to be converted, but who can be converted.
Communion Versus Coronavirus
- Brian Haines
July 26, 2020 AM
The New Testament church assembled each first day of the week to observe the Lord's Supper. How do we handle communion in the time of quarantine and restriction? This lesson explains why we worship the way we do at this time, what we have authority to do and not to do, and how we should use this liberty.
A Faith Like Abraham
- Mark Dunagan
July 19, 2020 AM
Romans 4:16-22 describes the faith of Abraham. How much do we trust in God in our lives and actions?
Why So Few People Are Going To Heaven
- Brian Haines
July 12, 2020 AM
Jesus' disciples asked: Why are there few who are saved? The truth is that only people who make heaven their absolute goal are going to get to heaven. The Scriptures teach that not only are only a few people saved, but even of the "saved", only a few will remain faithful to the end. You need to ask: am I going to heaven?
Confess Your Sins to One Another
- Brian Haines
July 5, 2020 AM
James 5:16 commands Christians to confess their sins to one another. This lesson discusses why this command was given, what it is NOT about, why we struggle to do this, and what this confession should look like.
Pray for One Another
- Brian Haines
June 28, 2020 AM
James 5 commands us to pray for one another. Jesus said that we needed to learn how to pray, and the Scriptures teach us how to pray, to whom to pray, and what to pray. They also tell us of what we need to expect to receive from prayer.
Accept One Another
- Brian Haines
June 21, 2020 AM
Racism, prejudice and discrimination are works of the flesh that a disciple of Christ must work to overcome. Yet there is a type of discrimination that we are to have according to Jesus.
Warring Wisdoms
- Brian Haines
June 14, 2020 AM
In 1 Kings 18:19-40 there is the story of one of the most powerful battles in history. It is a war of ideas; the false god Baal verses the God of Truth Jehovah. It was waged by their generals, Elijah for Jehovah and 850 prophets and priests of Baal and Ashtoreth. It was waged on Mount Carmel, and the prize was the hearts and souls of the Kingdom of Israel. Today we war against the philosophies of man such as materialism or evolution. Who will win?
Consider One Another
- Brian Haines
June 7, 2020 AM
The context of Romans 14 pertains to offending others when we need not do so. Specifically, it was about eating meats sacrificed to animals (and what was clean and unclean). All Christians should have understood idols were nothing (1 Cor. 8), but some still felt conscientious about it, while others (unbelievers) lacked knowledge of their meaninglessness. It was possible to cause someone to sin with this act, by either offending or causing them to trespass their conscience. Therefore, Paul was directing Christians to consider not doing something for the sake of others. This is the definition of Christian liberty: the ability to surrender something for the sake of others.
Senseless Idols
- Brian Haines
May 31, 2020 AM
There is a plea to Israel to turn away from Idols in Isaiah 44:12-18. We see that the servant of idols destroys themselves, we see that the servant of the idol just makes the idol of themselves, and we see the senseless nature of creating an idol.
Is Missing the Assembly Forsaking It?
- Brian Haines
March 15, 2020 AM
What are the expectations of membership at the Sunset congregation? First, we expect that members will join in the assembly of the saints that is centered on communion (1 Cor. 11:18-20). Hebrews 10:25-26 make it clear that forsaking that assembly is a willful sin. Second, we ask that members participate in edification, meaning that they join us for studying the word of God. In doing this they are ringing encouragement (1 Thes. 5:11). While the expectation of their presence is less than that of the assembly, it is still sinful to ignore the command to edify and study. Finally, along the same lines, we ask that members participate in personal engagement, which is to say our times when we gather house to house (Acts 2:46).
Judging Others On Their Fears
- Brian Haines
March 15, 2020 PM
Is fear a proper motivator? Should we be willing to face death without fear? As we are in the midst of a crisis we are seeing different congregations make choices to limit or altogether cancel the assembly times. As we have discussed, there are times that one simply cannot be present in the assembly, and this is not forsaking the assembly. If the decency and order of an assembly cannot be maintained, then it is not appropriate to assemble.
Jesus' Hard Sayings: Stumbling Blocks
- Brian Haines
March 8, 2020 AM
In Matthew 18 Jesus pulled aside a child and began teaching his disciples on stumbling blocks. This leads into the next chapter as Jesus spoke about the things that make being a disciple of Jesus hard. He would declare that we must choose Him over associations (church discipline), over marriage (MDR), and over our possessions (the rich young ruler). All of this things begin in His teaching on stumbling blocks.
Jesus' Hard Sayings: Church Discipline
- Brian Haines
March 1, 2020 AM
Matthew 18 begins with Jesus proclaiming that a childlike mindset is necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven. He declares that we must be willing to part with whatever is necessary to enter that kingdom. Finally, He describes for us the discipline of the church. Matthew 18:15-17 is Jesus' law on the discipline of the church.
Forgive One Another
- Brian Haines
March 1, 2020 PM
What is found in the command to forgive one another? In these passages we see the following: How do we handle "withdrawal"? The passages tell us the following: (1) Be kind to one another, (2) Be tender-hearted to one another, (3) Forgiving each other, and (4) Bearing with one another. In each case it needs to be applied that this is done "Just as God in Christ also has forgiven you".
Jesus' Hard Sayings: Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage
- Brian Haines
February 23, 2020 AM
One of the most difficult teachings in the Gospels is found in Matthew 19:9 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery." It is a part of Jesus? teaching on His law of Marriage, when He was challenged by the Pharisees on the Mosaic Law on divorce.
Are You Serveable?
- Brian Haines
February 16, 2020 PM
Jesus? Lesson on Serving in John 13:1-17 was simple: disciples serve one another. When Jesus came to Peter, Peter at first refused to permit Jesus to serve Him. Jesus told him that if he did not permit this, he could not be part of His work. Peter then consented. Jesus? example is not just about serving, it is also about being servable. Are you servable?
Jesus' Hard Sayings: The Danger of Riches
- Brian Haines
February 9, 2020 AM
There seems to be a contradiction in the call of Christ. On the one hand, Jesus promised an easy yoke "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:30). But He also said there would be hard sacrifices, perhaps no harder than this: "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26). Is this a contradiction?
Three Examples of New Testament Servants
- Brian Haines
February 9, 2020 PM
In John 13 Jesus has an important lesson on serving one another. This lesson demonstrated three important ideas: first, Jesus expects His disciples to serve (and to be known because they serve each other). Second, that no one is above serving anyone else. Finally, that no job is beneath us to serve another person. A commandment to serve is clear. What is not so clear is the execution of that commandment. For this understanding we can turn to the Scriptures and see some important examples of servants.
Getting the Most From Singing
- Brian Haines
February 2, 2020 AM
When we study the Psalms of worship, we find that these are the things that they describe: Singing, Praying, The Passover/feasts, coming to Jerusalem, and offering sacrifices. While we know that Old Testament worship is no longer acceptable (John 4:21-23), we are also told that Old Testament worship pointed to the New Testament worship (1 Corinthians 10:11). The very themes of the Psalms are used to promote the worship of Christ now. We are spiritually both Priests AND Levites, since we are both offering worship as well as offering spiritual service (Romans 12:1). Worship is a community activity; not everything is worship. Our assembly together is our time of worship (1 Cor. 11-14). Singing is a fundamental part of worshipping God. So how do we get the most from our singing in worship? First we need to understand the spiritual nature of song, and second we need to understand the songs we sing.
Getting the Most From Prayer
- Brian Haines
January 26, 2020 AM
What is Prayer? In Genesis 20:3-17 we read about how King Abimelech was deceived by Abraham and nearly committed adultery. God came to him in a dream and told him to ask Abraham to pray for him. This is the first reference to prayer directly in the Bible. It teaches us that prayer is not simply a conversation with God, since Abimelech was speaking to God. God said that he needed Abraham to pray to God for him. If we look at this passage, we see that prayer is a process of "official" petition. It can be about praise and thanks, or request and pleading. These are terms similar to those found in legal court proceedings. At the end of a court pleading is a portion called the "prayer", which is the petition to the court. A court will only receive the petition of someone it its jurisdiction; in a like manner God only hears the prayers of His people (although, as we see with Abimelech and Cornelius, He may listen/speak to others on occasion).
Getting the Most From Communion
- Brian Haines
January 19, 2020 AM
Communion is not a supernatural meal meant to transform our lives spiritually by being consumed. Instead, its value (just like baptism) is in our understanding. Let us be clear not to believe that we must be thinking of a particular thing as though that is the ?magic? means of properly performing communion; instead we need to understand why we are doing what we are doing.
Love: The New Commandment
- Brian Haines
January 19, 2020 PM
In John 13:34 Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another". Is love a new commandment? Jesus said in Mark 11 that all of the law of Moses was based on love; to love God (Deut. 6:5) and to love your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18). Perhaps it was not just a new command, but an entirely new basis of law that Jesus spoke of. In Romans 8:2 we are told that the law of Christ replaced the law of Moses. Moses law was one of penalty (Rom. 1:27-32) and without mercy (Heb. 10:28). The law of Christ is repeatedly described as one based on the concept of love itself (Rom. 13:8-10, Gal. 5:14, Jam. 2:8).
Getting The Most From The Assembly
- Brian Haines
January 12, 2020 AM
Sometimes we refer to our assembly as a type of Spiritual Gym. Consider these words from the Apostle Paul: ?Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come? (1 Timothy 4:7-8). This is a gym whose membership is both paid in full by the owner as well as paid by our participation. In a sense, we pay for this membership in the Gym with that most important and universal of currency, our time.
Love One Another
- Brian Haines
January 12, 2020 PM
What is love? Here are a couple of definitions that the world creates for love: - "An intangible connection between two people that feels exceptionally good" - "Love is a force of nature... we cannot command, demand, or take away love" - "Love is acceptance" Yet none of these definitions actually fit with what the Bible calls love.
Dealing With Change
- Brian Haines
January 5, 2020 AM
In the last year we have seen many changes in our congregation. We have seen the departure of an elder and a deacon, teachers and members of the church. We lost a few people to the world, and lost two members to death (yet she gained her victory). We also gained some members, a teacher and an elder. In congregations around us there were a number of changes; some lost their elderships and preachers, others saw changes in their meeting places and membership too. Indeed, all around us there were changes in society. In the end, was all of this change a good thing or a bad thing?
Congregational Goals in 2020
- Brian Haines
January 5, 2020 PM
Every year we try to begin the year making a commitment to improvement of ourselves or of our congregation. Many congregations make an effort to this by selecting themes or visions or mottos for the year. We need to remind ourselves that the purposes given to the church are limited to certain things: Evangelism, Worship, Edification, Organization, Benevolence, and Purity. We are not permitted to add to these purposes nor to neglect any of them. But what about when the need arises to make a particular purpose an area of focus?
Accountability for the Year
- Brian Haines
December 29, 2019 AM
All Christians have accountability to God. Elders are told that they must give an account for the souls of the congregation (Hebrews 13:17). The Evangelist is accountable for the doctrine presented to the church (2 Timothy 4:2-5). Deacons must account for their service (1 Timothy 3:10), and Teachers must account for the things they have taught (2 Timothy 2:2). But above all, what we stress the most is that as Members we have the ultimate accountability for the church (Romans 14:12, Hebrews 4:13) and for ourselves.