Becoming a Mature Christian

Becoming a Mature ChristianBecoming a Mature Christian (Part 2) by Garry Floyd Text: Philippians 3:15-21 Introduction: Introduction: Spiritual Maturity Defined What Spiritual Maturity is not Suppression as Strength: Mistaking the avoidance or bottling up of emotions (stoicism) for “emotional management”. Surface-Level Adulthood: Confusing the trappings of adulthood—like having a high-paying job, living alone, or buying a…

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The Excellence of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Excellence-of-the-Knowledge-of-Christ-Jesus.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Philippians 3:1-11   I.         Saul was an outstanding member of the Jewish religion during his time             A.        He had all the right qualities – Philippians 3:4-6             B.        He was advancing faster than his peers – Galatians 1:13-14             C.        But he changed when he came to know who Jesus really was -…

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Attaining the Knowledge of Christ

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Attaining-the-Knowledge-of-Christ.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: II Peter 1:1-4   I.         Christianity is the life of following Christ             A.        To follow anyone, you need to know who you are following             B.        Jesus prayed that his followers would know the only true God and His Son – John 17:3                         1.         He told his disciples that if they knew…

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Is There Unity in Diversity?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Is-There-Unity-in-Diversity.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Romans 12:3-16   I.         You find the motto of the United States in many places, “e pluribus unum,” “from many, one”             A.        It describes the sentiment that people from all over the world can come, settle here, make a life for themselves, and be united with all other citizens.…

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Keep the Unity

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Keep-the-Unity.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Ephesians 4:1-6   I.         The wedding day comes and a couple joins together in a covenant due to their love for each other.             A.        The two become one flesh. They are united and now see everything from the same point of view.                         1.         Some of you are smiling out there.…

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Views of Heaven

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Views-of-Heaven.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Revelation 21:1-4   I.         Most cultures have some view of an afterlife             A.        It is a logical conclusion. Either there is an afterlife or there is not.                         1.         If there is no afterlife, then life becomes meaningless. There is no reason to go through hardship and suffering. There is no…

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“Woke” – A Biblical View

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Woke-A-Biblical-View.mp3 Download Audio by Garry Floyd Text: James 3:17 “Woke” philosophy is not a single, formal philosophy. It’s a modern cultural and social framework that blends ideas from civil rights activism, social justice theory, and academic critical theories. The term has evolved a lot, which is why it’s often confusing and controversial. Here’s a clear,…

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A New Man

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A-New-Man.mp3 Download Audio by Garry Floyd Text: John 3:1-18 What Does It Mean to Be “A New Man”? II Corinthians 5:16–17 Paul declares that in Christ we no longer evaluate life merely from a human point of view. To be a New Man is not cosmetic change or religious language. It is a complete transformation…

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Let Us Do Good to All

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Let-Us-Do-Good-to-All.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Galatians 6:1-10   I.         What is meant by “doing good”?             A.        Often we think of giving money to the poor, feeding the hungry, etc. And these are good things.             B.        But when we read Galatians 6:10, is that what Paul was talking about? II.        Understanding the context             A.        Galatians 5:13-17                         1.         Freedom for…

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The Words of Jesus (Hamilton)

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Words-of-Jesus.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: John 12:44-50   I.         I continue to be amazed at the lengths people will go to justify a belief.             A.        Perhaps you have heard the story of Martin Luther’s decision that James 2 did not belong in the sacred text because of one small phrase in James 2:24.                         1.         It…

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Outside the Camp

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Outside-the-Camp.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Hebrews 13:9-14   I.         Understanding the place of the Old Testament is difficult for man             A.        God is clear that                         1.         The Old Law would come to an end – Jeremiah 31:31-34                         2.         The Old Law did come to an end – Colossians 2:14; Ephesians 2:15-16             B.        The book of Hebrews is…

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Behold, I Will Do Something New

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Behold-I-Will-Do-Something-New.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Isaiah 43:8-21   I.         New things are special             A.        They are fresher, cleaner, brighter.             B.        We want new things, not old, used, hand-me-downs             C.        God told His people that He had something new for them – Isaiah 43:18-21 II.        A new covenant             A.        God selected the decedents of Abraham, specifically the children of…

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Temperament and Conduct

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Temperament-and-Conduct.mp3 Download Audio by Garry Floyd Introduction: Temperament shapes conduct: For example, a person with a naturally calm temperament is less likely to exhibit aggressive conduct, while someone with a highly reactive temperament may show impulsive or intense behaviors. Conduct reflects temperament – but not perfectly: External influences (social norms, upbringing, stress) can modify how…

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Maintenance

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Maintenance.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Ecclesiastes 10:16-20   I.         Come the beginning of the year people begin thinking of weight-loss programs and exercise regimens.             A.        It could be that with a new year, people want to get a new start in being healthier, but I suspect that all the overeating from Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas,…

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Why Did Jesus Die? (Warfel)

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Why-Did-Jesus-Die.mp3 by Raymond Warfel Download Audio

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Do Not Fear

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Do-Not-Fear.mp3 by Raymond Warfel Download Audio

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You Can’t Tell Me What to Do!

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/You-Cant-Tell-Me-What-to-Do.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Colossians 1:3-12   I.         It is generally the cry of the unhappy             A.        “You can’t tell me what to do!”             B.        I don’t recall ever hearing this in response to something agreed upon. It always comes with a disagreement. II.        “I have the right to live my life as I see…

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Willing to Do His Will

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Willing-to-Do-His-Will.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: John 7:14-24   I.         Two students enter a classroom.             A.        One is excited about the prospect of learning this subject. Though he hasn’t started yet, he has plans on how he is going to put this knowledge to use in his life. He knows it will be beneficial and…

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Planning for Uncertainties

Planning for Uncertainties (Part 1)Planning for Uncertainties (Part 2) by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Genesis 41:25-40   I.         Consistently, the Scriptures warn us that wealth is an unreliable commodity             A.        Wealth is untrustworthy – Proverbs 11:28             B.        Making wealth your goal is foolish – Proverbs 23:4-5                         1.         It is also dangerous – I Timothy 6:9-11                         2.         Ironically, the desire for…

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Is Truth Essential?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Is-Truth-Essential.mp3 by Raymond Warfel Download Audio

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Don’t Believe Everything

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dont-Believe-Everything.mp3 by Raymond Warfel Download Audio

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Mistakes of a Rich Man

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Mistakes-of-a-Rich-Man.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Luke 12:13-21   I.         Someone approached Jesus, asking him to settle a dispute over an inheritance.             A.        Jesus declined, stating that it wasn’t his occupation             B.        But he pointed out the root problem between the brothers – greed                         1.         We know this without even knowing the facts in the case.                         2.         Whether…

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When God Washed Men’s Feet

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/When-God-Washed-Mens-Feet.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: John 13:1-17   I.         Jesus’ mission was drawing to a conclusion             A.        It was the night that Jesus would be betrayed             B.        Judas had already made a deal with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus             C.        Jesus had gathered with his disciples to eat one last Passover meal and to give…

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The Sin of Pride

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-Sin-of-Pride.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Psalms 73:1-12   I.         Pride is prevalent in our society             A.        Pride in our work             B.        Pride in yourself – often called self-esteem             C.        Pride in sin. We have a whole month called “Pride Month” to celebrate sin             D.        Letters come addressed not just to the church, but to “Senior Pastor” or…

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The Paradoxes of God’s Method to Save

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-Paradoxes-of-Gods-Method-to-Save.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Isaiah 55:6-11   I.         Have you noticed the Bible contains one message, but that message causes conflicting responses             A.        One group sees the gospel as foolishness, while the other sees it as the power of God – I Corinthians 1:18; Romans 1:16             B.        The difference is not in the message…

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Boasting of His Weakness

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Boasting-of-His-Weakness.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: II Corinthians 12:1-10   I.         False teachers of the Jewish persuasion had entered the congregation in Corinth             A.        They wanted to convince the brethren that they had to follow the Law of Moses to be acceptable to God.             B.        The problem was dealing with Paul.                         1.         His teaching was clearly contradictory…

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Three Seasons of Discipleship

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Three-Seasons-of-Discipleship.mp3 by Jeremy Dehut Download Audio Acts of Disciples

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Disciples Learn from the Past

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Disciples-Learn-from-the-Past.mp3 by Jeremy DeHut Download Audio Acts of Disciples

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The Bold Life of Disciples

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Bold-Life-of-Disciples.mp3 by Jeremy DeHut Download Audio Acts of Disciples

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Disciples Are Devoted

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Disciples-Are-Devoted.mp3 by Jeremy DeHut Download Audio Acts of Disciples

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Disciples Seek to Follow Jesus

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Disciples-Seek-to-Follow-Jesus.mp3 by Jeremy DeHut Download Audio Acts of Disciples

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Why Become a Christian?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2004/11/Why-Become-a-Christian.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Revelation 3:14-22   I.         Many here are Christians. You’ve been Christians for a number of years. Do you remember why you became a Christian?             A.        Many people have never chosen Christ. There are some here who have yet to obey the Gospel’s call.             B.        Why do they hesitate? What is…

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Disciples of Christ

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Disciples-of-Christ.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Matthew 28:18-20   I.         No one name is used to describe a person.             A.        A single word cannot encompass all that a person is. I could be called a preacher, but I’m also a father, a husband, a writer, a teacher, a computer scientist, a singer, and many other…

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Acts of Disciples

by Jeremy Dehut October 17-19, 2025 Disciples Seek to Follow Jesus Disciples Are Devoted The Bold Life of Disciples Disciples Learn from the Past Disciples Overcome Unexpected Trials Three Seasons of Discipleship

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Education

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Education.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Psalms 78:1-8   I.         Why go to school? What use is all those endless facts?             A.        A question I’m sure more school-aged children ask.             B.        Does an education have value?                         1.         To answer this we must compare the alternative.                                     a.         Solomon did this and concluded wisdom, which is gained by learning, is…

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Overcoming Emotional Problems

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Overcoming-Emotional-Problems.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Philippians 4:4-9   I.         It is a simple idea; so simple, you probably think it is obvious. Yet, the ramifications are far reaching.             A.        How we think influences our emotions                         1.         It is profound because the world sees it the other way around.                         2.         In the world emotions dictates behavior and…

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United in Christ

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/United-in-Christ.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Download Audio Text: Acts 10:34-43   I.         Our Lord and Savior prayed before his death – John 17:13-26             A.        It was his desire that we would share the same oneness that he and the Father shared.             B.        It is a oneness based in love             C.        If we are committed to Christ’s idea then the…

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