An Honorable Man: Mordecai

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/An-Honorable-Man-Mordecai.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Corinthians 13:1-10   I.         Because of Paul’s late arrival on the scene, his apostleship was at times questioned.             A.        In Corinth, though established by Paul, the church struggled with many sins.                         1.         There were some among the Corinthians less inclined to correct their problems or to heed Paul’s rebukes                         2.         Paul warned…

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Can I Know for Sure?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Can-I-Know-For-Sure.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I John 5   I.         Salvation means forgiveness of sins, but it also means a better life on earth and spending eternity with our God in heaven – Luke 18:29-30             A.        Such a gift is immeasurably valuable – Matthew 13:44-46             B.        We should not be anxious – Philippians 4:6-7             C.        See the confidence…

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Character Matters

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CharacterMatters.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 5:1-5   I.         Suppose you needed to hire someone for a job. What would you look for?             A.        You probably need someone with the skills to do the job, but what other things would you look for? Given several candidates with equivalent skills, what would set one person out above…

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Blessed Assurance

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/BlessedAssurance.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Hebrews 10:19-26   I.         If you died at this very moment, would the Lord place you in Heaven or Hell?             A.        Most would answer, “I hope it would be in Heaven.”             B.        Yet the answer lacks confidence. They are not certain.             C.        But why not? Who else would know of your standing before…

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The Song “Blessed Assurance”

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I.         This song declares the praises of our Savior             A.        What is meant by saying this is my story?             B.        The foundation of this song is II Corinthians 3:1-6                         1.         The Christians in Corinth were the living proof of the work of the apostle Paul.                         2.         They have confidence towards God, not from themselves, but from…

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What Constitutes Obedience?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/What-Constitutes-Obedience.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 21:28-32   I.         When is obedience truly obedience?             A.        People seem to have varying ideas about what obedience actually means.                         1.         Perhaps not by words, but definitely by what is done. II.        Inadequate obedience             A.        Inaction                         1.         Matthew 21:28-32 – The one son claimed he would obey, but did nothing                         2.         In essence this is…

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What Made Hezekiah Great?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/WhatMadeHezekiahGreat.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Kings 18:1-6   I.         Our reading tells us that Hezekiah was a great king of Israel.             A.        There was no king like him before in Judah. II.        The question, though, is what made Hezekiah great?             A.        It wasn’t his father, Ahaz                         1.         Ahaz was a wicked man – II Kings 16:2-4                         2.         Later we…

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Kindness and Generosity

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Kindness-and-Generosity.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Isaiah 58:1-12   I.         I ran across an interesting article by Aemily Smith, originally published in The Atlantic, November 9, 2014. “Science Says Lasting Relationships Come Down to Two Basic Traits.”             A.        It was about what factors showed whether a relationship would survive or not.             B.        The basic factors were kindness and…

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Honor the King

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/Honor-the-King-1.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Peter 2:13-17   I.         I Peter 2:17 – Honor the King             A.        It is getting hard to avoid the problems this country has with its leaders             B.        Everyone knows about the sins commit by some of our recent presidents and each has his own opinion on the matter             C.        But knowing that…

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A Tender Heart

A Tender Heart (Part 1)A Tender Heart (Part 2) by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Kings 22:14-20   I.         The heart of Josiah             A.        Those were dark days in the kingdom. For 55 years his grandfather had harshly ruled over Judah – a reign of evil and terror – II Kings 21:1-2, 6                         1.         So terrible were his…

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Tabitha

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Tabitha.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 9:32-43   I.         In our text we find two stories.             A.        The great miracle that God performed through Peter to raise a woman who had died.                         1.         This event brought many to the Lord – Acts 9:42                         2.         We don’t have access to miracles today; yet, we can learn how to lead…

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The Direction of Your Life

The Direction of Your Life – Part 1The Direction of Your Life by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 6:19-24   I.         Whenever I taught someone to drive, I was reminded that people have a tendency to go in the direction they are looking.             A.        When a person first learns to drive, they tend to look at things…

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What Must I Do to Go to Heaven?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/What-Must-I-Do-to-Go-to-Heaven.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 19:16-22   I.         I was asked, “What must I do to go to Heaven when I die? Please no opinions. Please use the Bible, it is all we have that is the truth.”             A.        I am impressed that this man only wants a biblical answer. Far too many simply want…

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The Greatest Plan

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Greatest-Plan.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 5:27-42   I.         The rulers of the Jews were upset.             A.        They had killed off a man whom they thought was leading the people against them, but his teachings just won’t go away.                         1.         Men who were his disciples had continued to teach this man’s doctrine.                         2.         They could not be intimidated,…

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God Conscious

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/God-Conscious.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 139   I.         A truly godly man lives with a constant realization of God’s divine presence             A.        He is God conscious             B.        When he awakes in the morning, there is God.             C.        As he dresses for work, there is God.             D.        As he goes in to breakfast with his family, as he drives…

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Salvation in No One Else

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Salvation-in-No-One-Else.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 4:5-12   I.         In April, 2011, Time Magazine listed their 100 most influential people, among whom was Rob Bell, a preacher who founded a church called “Mars Hill.”             A.        It isn’t connected with any denomination. Time reveled in calling Mr. Bell and his church “evangelical,” but it isn’t an accurate…

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The Way

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Way-1.mp3 Text: Isaiah 35   I.         At times I will be studying and a verse sticks in my mind.             A.        In Isaiah 35 is a prophecy. It is obviously talking about the time when Jesus walked on this earth – Isaiah 35:4-6             B.        What struck me was the description of a highway – Isaiah 35:8-9                         1.         Such an interesting…

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Irresistible Grace

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Irresistible-Grace.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 23:34-39   I.         John Calvin and his followers believe that God is so totally sovereign in His will that no one can change His creation. He is all powerful and irresistible             A.        The Westminster Confession of Faith states, “God from all eternity, did … unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass.”…

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Finding Grace

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Finding-Grace.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Genesis 6:1-8   I.         Each time we choose to sin, we are rejecting the one who tells us not to sin.             A.        It is something God has seen throughout man’s history                         1.         Numbers 14:11 – Israel’s rebellion                         2.         I Samuel 15:23 – Saul’s rebellion                         3.         II Kings 17:15 – Israel’s rebellion                         4.         It is why…

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What Does Your Clothing Say?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2005/07/What-Does-Your-Clothing-Say.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 22:2-14   I.         Take a look at these pictures and tell me what you think.             A.        Men                         1.         Who is the most rebellious?                         2.         Who works hard?                         3.         Who doesn’t care what others think?                         4.         Who is the most practical?                         5.         Who is the most studious?                         6.         Who is the most fun loving?                         7.         Who is most…

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The Blood of Christ

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/The-Blood-of-Christ.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Peter 1:18-21   I.         The blood of Christ is strongly connected with the concept of salvation from sin.             A.        It has been in the plan of God that Christ should die for mankind                         1.         Isaiah 53:5 – He was wounded for our transgressions.                         2.         Zechariah 13:1 – A fountain opened for sin…

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At Peace with God

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/At-Peace-with-God.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamiton Text: Romans 5:1-11   I.         How do you know that God has actually forgiven you?             A.        It is a frequent question. People make mistakes, fall into sins, and though they struggled back out of those sins, they still wonder whether God could ever forgive such a sinner as themselves. Perhaps God has…

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The Teaching of Grace

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/The-Teaching-of-Grace.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Titus 2   I.         When you talk to people in the denominations, much is made about the Grace of God             A.        Emphasis is place on God’s grace – Ephesians 2:8-9             B.        To the point that if any mention is made of men needing to accept the offered gift, then strong objections are…

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The First and the Last

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/The-First-and-the-Last.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 13:22-30   I.         A friend that I correspond with once asked me about Luke 13:30. He wanted to know what Jesus meant by his statement.             A.        The context shows that some of his audience realized that not everyone would be saved. In fact, relatively few would be saved. – Luke…

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The Saving of Israel

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Saving-of-Israel.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 2:17-29   I.         In these days of troubled times in the middle East, those who believe that physical Israel is central to God’s plans for the future have come to the forefront.             A.        “Readers of the Bible know that the Book of Revelation tells of a time when Messiah himself…

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Were the Ten Tribes of Israel Really Lost?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Were-the-Ten-Tribes-Really-Lost.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ezekiel 37:15-28   I.         Hurlbut’s Story of the Bible: “As in their own land, the children of Israel had forsaken the Lord and had worshiped idols, so after they were taken to these distant lands, they sought the gods of the people of those lands and ceased to be Israelites;…

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Is the Modern Nation of Israel Important?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2005/06/Is-the-Modern-Nation-of-Israel-Important.mp3 Text: Hebrews 6:13-20   I.         It doesn’t take a genius to realize that the nation of Israel holds importance in the eyes of many people in America             A.        Jerry Falwell: “God has raised up America in these last days for the cause of world evangelism and for the protection of His people, the Jews. I don’t…

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Are All Men Created Equal?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Are-All-Men-Created-Equal.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 17:21-31   I.         Many people are familiar with the stirring words of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty…

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Is the Seed Still in the Barn?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Is-the-Seed-Still-in-the-Barn.mp3 Text: Haggai 2:10-19   I.         After the people returned from captivity, work began in rebuilding Israel.             A.        The people quickly laid the foundation of the temple, but the work stagnated.             B.        The people were distracted with rebuilding their own homes and efforts to produce a living.             C.        Over time they became apathetic. For 16 years nothing happened.             D.        The…

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The Difference One Can Make

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/The-Difference-One-Can-Make.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Esther 4   I.         In studying Proverbs, I came across one verse that stood out to me – Proverbs 28:2             A.        When a country is given over to sin, they tend to go through rulers rapidly                         1.         Israel exemplifies this. There are periods where the northern kingdom when through four or five…

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Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sowing-in-Tears-Reaping-in-Joy.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalm 126   I.         Psalm 126 is one of a series of psalms devoted to the return of the Israelites from captivity.             A.        The sadness of the captivity made the joy of return to freedom so much greater.             B.        It is the end of this psalm which captures a truth for each…

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The Parable of the Vineyard Workers

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/The-Parable-of-the-Vineyard-Workers.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 20:1-16   I.         When speaking of the nature of our heavenly reward, the parable of the vineyard workers is often cited to prove that each will receive a similar heavenly reward.             A.        Whether a Christian has lived a long life serving the Lord, or only found the Lord late in…

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Carpe Diem – Seize the Day

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Carpe-Diem.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Thessalonians 4:9-12   I.         “Carpe Diem” is from a poem written in Latin by Horace. It means “seize the day.”             A.        The point of the poem is that a person does not know what the future holds so one should make the most of the what a person has at…

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Work as for the Lord

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Work-as-for-the-Lord.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Thessalonians 3:6-16   I.         Why should you work?             A.        I had a friend that inherited a large sum of money before he was 18. There was enough cash available that he could live comfortably off the interest the money would generate for the rest of his life. Why should he…

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It Takes Effort

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/It-Takes-Effort.mp3 Text: II Thessalonians 3:6-11   I.         How many of us truly enjoy working?             A.        I, like many of us, dream of times when we can take a moment off and do nothing in particular             B.        Yet, I don’t like to be idle for long. It grates on my nerves. II.        In the beginning             A.        Man has always had work…

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Traditions, Traditions!

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Traditions-Traditions.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Thessalonians 2:13-15   I.         When two people have a disagreement, there is a strong desire to label the position of the other person.             A.        Often this makes the discussion easier. A word or short phrase is easier to repeat than a long detailed description of the exact belief.             B.        The problem…

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Will There be a Rapture?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Will-There-Be-a-Rapture.mp3 Text: I Thessalonians 4:13-18   I.         People have always been fascinated with the second coming of Christ             A.        That fascination increased greatly as the 21st century approached.             B.        A very popular series, called “Left Behind” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins claims to tell the events of Christ’s return in fictional form. The books were written…

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The Thousand-Year Reign

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/The-Thousand-Year-Reign.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I.         Revelation 20:4-6             A.        Many elaborate theories are based on this                         1.         Some teach that Christ, at his second coming, sets up a kingdom here on earth.                         2.         Christians from the early church are raised up to rule with him.                         3.         After a peaceful, thousand-year reign, the Devil is released                         4.         A seven-year battle ensues (the…

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Reincarnation

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2005/07/Reincarnation.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Job 14:1-15   I.         Death is an event that puzzles many people.             A.        We know it is a step that we all must take – Ecclesiastes 8:8             B.        It is an appointment that we must keep – Hebrews 9:27             C.        Not that people don’t try. The finality of death is too final. II.        Reincarnation…

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Do You Swallow Anything?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Do-You-Swallow-Anything.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Jeremiah 14:10-16   I.         Sharks are notorious for swallowing just about anything.             A.        People have found books, bottles, tablecloths, and nails inside sharks             B.        Clearly sharks have large appetites and indiscriminate tastes             C.        There is a small fish known as the Sea Hedgehog or Urchin Fish.                         1.         This small fish has spikes all around…

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