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A Sense of Shame
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A-Sense-of-Shame.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Jeremiah 6:10-17 I. On June 18, 2008, Time released a story about 17, now 18, girls in Gloucester High School on the outskirts of Massachusetts. A. (Read the story) B. What would cause a bunch of girls to purposely set out to get pregnant? C. The report gave these reasons: 1. It’s not…
Read MoreThings People Think Don’t Matter
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Things-People-Think-Dont-Matter.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreWho Are the Sons of God in Genesis 6?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Who-Are-the-Sons-of-God-in-Genesis-6.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreHiding Behind the Truth
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hiding-Behind-the-Truth.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Corinthians 4:1-6 I. One basic principle of logic is that if you start with a false idea, you can prove anything A. False doctrine could be justified if you started with a false idea as evidence 1. Premise: Presidents of the United States must be younger than 35 2. Premise: Joe…
Read MoreCulture Wars
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wars.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ecclesiastes 1:3-11 I. Some questions are hard to answer A. Not because the Bible is unclear on the subject B. But because there is a strong cultural bias against the correct answer C. Example of idolatry 1. We have no difficulties denouncing idol worship today 2. Even non-Christians understand that an idol is worthless…
Read MoreIllogical Fixes to Problems
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Illogical-Fixes-to-Problems.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Samuel 8:1-8 I. For over 400 years, God ruled over the land of Israel. A. When the people became wicked, God sent in an enemy nation to conquer a portion of the land. B. When the people turned backed to God, he raised up a judge to lead the people…
Read MoreChallenges for the Year
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Challenges-for-the-Year.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 1:28-32 I. Toward the end of each year, people tend to review the year and record the trends that are evident A. I’ve been collecting several articles in the last few months dealing with moral trends B. We are not of the world, but we must live in it -…
Read MoreOn the Other Side of the Fence
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/On-the-Other-Side-of-the-Fence.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Philippians 4:4-9 I. It is so easy, so tempting to look at what someone else has accomplished and think “That could have been me.” A. When you are in school, have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I can’t wait until I have a job. None of this homework business for…
Read MoreExpecting the Impossible
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Expecting-the-Impossible.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 19:16-26 I. With God, all things are possible – Matthew 19:26 A. Even the saving of a wealthy man, if he desired to be saved. B. Yet, we must understand that some things are impossible for even God 1. It is impossible for God to lie – Hebrews 6:17-18 2. He cannot…
Read MoreWork Smarter Not Harder: A Biblical View on Work
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Is-Work-Smarter-Not-Harder-a-Biblical-Principle.mp3 by Austin Hausner
Read MoreThe Parable of the Unjust Steward
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Parable-of-the-Unjust-Steward.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Luke 16:1-13 A. Many find this parable confusing because of the praise of the lord in verse 8. B. How is it that an unfaithful steward, about to be relieved of his position, gains praise from his employer when he ends his career stealing more from him? II. This parable follows three other…
Read MoreUse Your Blessings
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Use-Your-Blessings.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 12:16-21 I. Our lives are filled with blessings that we too often take for granted. A. We assume that they will always be there. We might even feel that we deserve them 1. Consider Jonah’s attitude – Jonah 4:5-9 a. Jonah received a blessing from God. b. But when the blessing ended…
Read MoreThe Secret of Learning to Be Content
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Secret-of-Learning-to-be-Content.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Philippians 4:10-14 I. Paul faced many adversities during his life – more than most of us will see – II Corinthians 11:24-27 A. What sort of person would you be with this sort of life? What attitudes would people notice first? B. Bitter? Hardened? Depressed? C. Yet, through these experiences, Paul learned…
Read MoreBe of Good Cheer
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Be-of-Good-Cheer.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Philippians 4:4-13 I. It is easy to look at the bad side of things A. Some people seem to only see the bad side of things 1. No matter what happens, it has a dark side 2. These people seem to be only grumpy and miserable 3. Their only pleasure seems to be…
Read MoreFocus on Your Goal
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Focus-on-Your-Goal.mp3 Text: Colossians 3:1-4 I. In the fantasy, Alice in Wonderland, Alice came to a junction that led in different directions. The Cheshire Cat was nearby, so Alice asked for advice. “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” The cat said, “That depends a good deal on where you…
Read MoreLearning from Noah
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Learning-from-Noah.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreI’m Only Hurting Myself
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Im-Only-Hurting-Myself.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreThe Gospel of the Kingdom
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-Gospel-of-the-Kingdom.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 2 I. An important event happened during the first century that many today have ignored or have declared did not happen A. Jesus spent time teaching that the kingdom of God was at hand – Mark 1:14-15 1. It was the good news about the kingdom – Matthew 4:23…
Read MoreThe Establishment of the Kingdom
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-Establishment-of-the-Kingdom.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Daniel 7:13-27 I. Few argue the importance of the Kingdom in God’s plan. A. It is not of this world – John 18:36 B. It is a spiritual kingdom – Luke 17:20-21 C. Yet there remain arguments as to when it was or will be established. 1. In part it is because people…
Read MoreMara or Naomi?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Mara-or-Naomi.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ruth 1:19-21 I. Life has its ups and downs. How do you respond? A. Do you rail at life and God? Do you decide life is a misery? B. Naomi had a hard life. 1. Famine caused her family to move to a foreign country – Ruth 1:1 2. Her husband then died…
Read MoreFacing God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Facing-God.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Exodus 33:18-23 I. Moses asked to see God’s full glory, but God told Moses that no mortal man could survive seeing His full glory face-to-face A. Many people have speculated as to why this should be the case B. I suspect that part of it is due to sin – I…
Read MoreBurnout
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Burnout.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Corinthians 9:24-27 I. You pour your energies into a project until there is no more to give; yet, more is needed to finish. It is impossible! So you give up. A. It is called burn out. 1. I see it happen often on long hikes. The young run ahead with…
Read MoreA Heartfelt Religion
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/A-Heartfelt-Religion.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreHas This Been God’s Will Always?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Has-This-Been-Gods-Will-Always.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreOur Persistence
Our Persistence – Part 1Our Persistence – Part 2 by Garry Floyd
Read MoreCan Obedience be Partial?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Can-Obedience-be-Partial.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreHow God Is Disobeyed
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/How-God-Is-Disobeyed.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreThe Unusual Style of the Bible
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/The-Unusual-Style-of-the-Bible.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Peter 1:16-21 I. When we talk about the Bible, a major point made in its defense is to point out the unusual unity it displays despite being written by about 40 writers over a 1,500 year period. A. The authors lived in different regions, had different occupations. B. The writings…
Read MoreThe One Thing that Matters
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/The-One-Thing-that-Matters.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 11:5-13 I. How do you pray? What do you pray for? A. A young Chinese preacher asked me to explain Luke 11:9-10 better so that he could teach others in his area better B. God is all knowing, but God expects us to ask 1. Consider how many people won’t even…
Read MoreGoing Before and Following After
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Going-Before-and-Following-After.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Timothy 5:21-25 I. The phrase “lay hands upon” in I Timothy 5:22 deals giving your blessing to another person A. Such as when Jacob blessed his grandchildren – Genesis 48:14 B. Such as when someone is appointed to a duty – Acts 6:6; 13:2-3 C. It can also be a sign…
Read MoreProverbs Sometime Overlooked
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Proverbs-Sometime-Overlooked.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreBe Kind to All
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Be-Kind-to-All.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreThe Bible Is Understandable
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/The-Bible-Is-Understandable.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalm 119:97-112 I. When it comes to religion, people seem to prefer having a mystery A. Those in leadership of many denominations prefer it because people depend on them for answers. B. Those in the ranks of denominations are satisfied having others tell them what they need to know. C. The problem…
Read MoreWhy Believe in the Bible?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Why-Believe-in-the-Bible.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Corinthians 1:18-31 I. Could the Bible be a product of man? A. We know that the Bible was written by about 40 different people 1. Each from different walks of life, from shepherds to kings, councilors to fishermen. 2. It was written over a 1,500 year time span B. If men could…
Read MoreI Wish Someone Had Told Me
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/I-Wish-Someone-Had-Told-Me.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Proverbs 5:7-14 I. I ran across an article by Chuck Lawless about “Ten Conversations I Wish Someone Had with Me as a Teenager.” A. Hindsight generally reveals that mistakes could have been avoided B. I constantly get told: “I wish someone had told me just how bad this could get” C. And…
Read MoreThings to Remember
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Things-to-Remember.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ecclesiastes 1:3-11 I. There are so many things to remember! A. Need to tie a string around my finger, but then I wouldn’t be able to bend it – there would be so many strings tied there. B. Then there are organizers: paper and electronic, for the technically inclined, which work…
Read MoreThe Marks of God’s People
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/The-Marks-of-Gods-People.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 7:15-20 I. By their fruits you shall know them – Matthew 7:15-20 A. You can distinguish between the righteous and the unrighteous by their fruits B. The things that they do make them recognizable. More importantly, the results of their work stand out. C. We could talk about the characteristics of…
Read MoreWhat If I Fail Again?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/What-If-I-Fail-Again.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreWalking in a Manner Worthy of the Lord
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Walking-in-a-Manner-Worthy-of-the-Lord.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreConsider the Lord’s Loving Kindness
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Consider-the-Lords-Loving-Kindness.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 107 I. Whatever our life, we need to acknowledge God loving kindness toward us – Psalms 107:1-3 A. Many talk of Psalms 107 as a song of God redeeming the nation of Israel from Babylonian captivity. 1. But this isn’t about a nation. It is about groups or categories of…
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