Sermons

Why would Christ have asked the question in Luke 18:8 of His people; “…when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Christ noted, specifically, four great enenies of faith in the process of training His disciples for the job He had for them to do. He knew we would all have to overcome these four enemies for faith to remain a viable force in our lives.

What do you think about yourself? Are you pretty comfortable with yourself? Do you like what you see? Would you want others to be like you? Or, do you hate yourself? Do you feel that you are a miserable failure, that you will never be able to overcome and change?

Do you have an accurate perception of yourself? Or do you suffer from self-deception?

Do we see ourselves as what we really are — or do we see us as invented images, either good or bad? Are we living a life of reality — or of make-belief?

Let us look at a few Biblical personalities who suffered — at least at times — from self-deception – -and let us analyze the biblical warnings against living in a make-belief world.

Jesus Christ holds a great office in the Kingdom of God. The Bible reveals that He is the King, the King of Glory, the Great King–the King of kings! It is vital that Christians understand Who Jesus Christ is and that He will soon return to this earth to establish the Kingdom of God. What that truth means to each of us who have this understanding also has great importance, because we are promised rulership with Christ upon His return. Two time frames are considered: (1.) His first appearance; and, (2.) His second appearance.

This sermon is a review of 7 major reasons why the Church of the Eternal God continues to observe the Feast of Tabernacles

Leviticus 16 describes for us a remarkable ceremony that took place in Old Testament times, on the Day of Atonement, also called the Fast. This day is known today as Yom Kippur. On that day, two goats were chosen by golden lots. One lot was called “For the Lord,” or “La Adonai,” and the other lot was called “For Azazel,” or “La Azazel.” The first goat, the “La Adonai” goat, was offered as a sin offering. The second goat, the “La Azazel” goat, was sent away alive into the wilderness, after the high priest had laid both hands upon the head of the goat, confessing over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites. The “La Adonai” goat pictured Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who gave His life as a sin offering and as a sacrifice for all of mankind. The “La Azazel” goat symbolized Satan the devil. What does this ancient ceremony on the Day of Atonement mean for us today?

One of the major keys to our not losing out in the battle we presently find ourselves in with Satan, the devil, is fasting. Why is fasting significant? Why does God require it? What makes it so important to our success in achieving God’s Kingdom? This sermon will answer these and other important questions in regard to the tool of fasting.

Peter admonishes God’s people, in 2 Peter 1:10-12 to “…be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure…” so that we make every effort not to stumble in our pursuit to enter the everlasting Kingdom. The Feast of Trumpets reveals to us the many trials this world faces as we approach the time of the end of this age.

Summarizing the context of chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew, Jesus warned his followers to watch and be ready. For Christians, that entails heeding the warning of God. Examples from the world before the flood; the rebellious generation of the children of Israel that left Egypt; the disobedient Jews in the time of the prophet Jeremiah, and the generation at the close of this age are given in terms of responding to the warning of God. The point is made that we must participate in “blowing the trumpet” of warning by fulfilling the commission of Matthew 24:14.

The need to fear God in a right and appropriate manner in a spirit of humility.

Forgiveness is something we must all exercise. The Bible tells the story of many brothers which includes Christians who are spoken of as brethren. How we are to forgive is illustrated by the examples of the father of the prodigal son; by Joseph with his brothers; by the Church at Corinth; and, by the example of the forgiveness of God. When we forgive another that forgiveness promotes love; it is something we do that another may not even be aware of; and, it is a responsibility for Christians to forgive. The Biblical teaching shows that forgiveness from the heart is a great power we have to mend and to build relationships.

One of the rare commodities in this world is true and lasting friendship. Even in the Church of God, real friendship seems to be the exception, rather than the rule. Could it be that we have overlooked some important principles regulating friendship? True friendship does not just happen. And, if we have true friends, we need to apply certain laws to guarantee that our friendship lasts. The most important friendship that anyone could acquire, is our friendship with God. What an awesome privilege it is to be called a friend of God. Christ said that we are His friends, if we do whatever He commands us.

Our view and our involvement in the Church of God are important. But the Church of God is not just important to us individually. The Church is important to others among whom are: God; Jesus Christ; the members; you; our families; the world; and the Kingdom of God.

After the death of Moses, as the people prepared to enter into the land of promise, God encouraged Joshua against the emotion of discouragement, realizing how easy we human beings can lose confidence and begin to doubt our own resolve. There are steps we can take to ensure we keep a positive eye on the calling which we each have received of the Father.

True Christians have been persecuted at all times. Many have suffered for God and His Way of Life. In fact, persecution for righteousness sake is a sign that we are pleasing God, and that we are counted worthy for the kingdom of God. More persecution and a future martyrdom are prophesied, culminating in the “Great Tribulation.” If we are counted worthy, we can be spared from that future persecution of the Laodicea era of the Church. We are warned to watch, so that the hour of trial does not come upon us unexpectedly.

As has happened throughout Biblical history, periods of harmony and cooperativeness have been supplanted with argumentative and quarrelsome changes. In light of today’s society and the recent circumstances in the Church of God, it is important for Christians to understand and to avoid this contentious spirit. This sermon examines the origin of the self-willed approach through Satan. In addition, other examples of the influence of a contentious spirit are given along with the stark consequences of this rebellious attitude.

This world is fast approaching the time when Christ will return to this earth to establish His Kingdom. The question for you and me is – when He comes, will we be counted “worthy” to be considered one of the “elect” who will have qualified to rule with Him in His Kingdom?

Does God show us how we can prevent falling away from Him and the truth? Are there, on the other hand, certain steps one has to make before one actually does fall away? We can draw seven principles from the first chapter of the book of Romans, describing the steps one needs to make to fall away from God. In that chapter, Paul addresses people who once knew God and His truth, but who neglected to glorify Him as God and to give Him thanks. As a consequence, they became futile in their thoughts, until their foolish hearts were darkened. They exchanged the truth into a lie and did not like to retain God in their knowledge. Finally, they became haters of God, despising God and everything He stands for. It is impossible to renew a person to repentance who had been converted, but who has become once again a hater of God.

Beyond the historical references of the House of Israel and the House of Judah, Biblical prophecy shows that both modern Israel and modern Judah are destined to once again undergo national captivity. At the return of Jesus Christ, the people of these nations will be gathered together to return to the land of Israel the second time. Particular emphasis is drawn on the reason why God will once again punish the rebellion of His people.

In spite of the fact we are told that we will face trials test and even tribulation we must not get discouraged by all this. God and Christ have promised in the Bible not to try us more than what we can endure. There will be a way of escape in a trial and that we would never be forsaken in trials. Our hope is in the resurrection and God is interested in the final outcome of us being in His family so trials is the lost of this Christian walk.