Sermon: Discerning the Spirits

Discerning the Spirits 1 John 4:1-6 May 11, 2014 On this day that we recognize our mothers — and the mothers of our children — we recognize the uniqueness of a mother’s role. And as you have reflected on the way your mother has influenced you, perhaps you’re asking the question today, “what makes my […]

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Repentance and the grace of God

If we understand that no man will ever genuinely repent without the grace of God changing his heart, then we will not feel that we have to dilute the demands of the gospel.  We will put our confidence in God.  We will remember that, if God is displeased with us, He will not bless us.  […]

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Who made David do what he did?

Late in David’s life, he make a foolish and sinful decision.  You would expect a man to mature with age and his decision-making to become more God-honoring the older he gets, and in some regards, that was the way David lived.  But not on this day.  As David prepared to transition the kingdom of Israel […]

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The spiritual gifts

The New Testament provides instruction about spiritual gifts in four primary passages:  Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4.  The lists in each of these chapters differ both in content and length.  But it is the shortest reference to spiritual gifts that helps us to understand the structure and nature of […]

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Real spiritual growth is downward

“Humility is the product of ongoing repentance as one decides against, turns from, and by watching and praying seeks to steer clear of pride in all its forms. And as the battle against pride in the heart is lifelong, so humility should become an ever more deeply seated attitude of living at the disposal of […]

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Dr. P in glory

Apart from my father, the man who personally influenced me the most in my preparation for ministry was J. Dwight Pentecost.  Yesterday, three days after turning 99, he entered the presence of his beloved Lord and Savior. Dr. P, as he was affectionately known by all, was the first pastor I remember having.  He was […]

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Preparing for communion

In tomorrow morning’s worship service we will remember the death and resurrection of Christ through communion.  Paul exhorts the Corinthian believers (1 Cor. 11:23-34) to examine themselves before taking the elements so that they do not take them in an unworthy manner and in so doing, invite the judgment of God on themselves. So self-examination […]

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