Sermon
Being a Christian Will Not Save You
Being a Christian Will Not Save You – Part 1Being a Christian Will Not Save You – Part 2Being a Christian Will Not Save You – Part 3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Jude 1-10 I. Why did you become a Christian? A. For most of us, we desired the promise – Ephesians 1:13-14 B. We wanted…
Read MoreTo Affect Change
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/To-Affect-Change.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Peter 2:13-17 I. Peter talked about our relationship to the government – I Peter 2:13-17 A. Submission to the government is an involuntary action. Most of us do not have opportunities to chose which government we wish to live under. Even with choice, we will always be under some…
Read MoreHe Showed Himself Alive by Many Proofs
I. The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity A. If it is not true, then our religion is a hoax B. I Cor. 15:12-19 C. Our faith stands or falls on whether not the resurrection actually occurred. II. Objections to a resurrection A. “It’s unscientific” 1. The Soviet Encyclopedia The concept of a resurrection “is found to be the…
Read MoreBible Stories
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Bible-Stories.mp3 Text: II Peter 1:16-21 I. “Grandpa, read me a story.” A. Children love hearing a story and so stories are selected to teach the children some lessons B. Most of us don’t grow out of the desire to hear a story. Whether from reading a book or hearing a podcast or watching a movie, stories have…
Read MoreThe Words We Speak
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/The-Words-We-Speak.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 4:17-24 I. There is a Proverb that stands out in my mind – Proverbs 26:18-19 A. You cannot cover up lies with a claim that you were making a joke. B. We are judged by what we say, even the casual things said without much thought – Matthew 12:35-37 1. Why?…
Read MoreWhat Is Teaching?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/What-Is-Teaching.mp3 Text: Hebrews 5:6-6:3 I. Teaching is a duty within the church A. Ephesians 4:11 – Listed with apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors. B. Acts 13:1 – Antioch had prophets and teachers C. I Corinthians 12:28-29 – Listed among apostles and prophets. D. Romans 12:6-8 – Teaching is a gift to be exercised to our best ability E. Paul performed…
Read MoreUncommon Courtesy
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Uncommon-Courtesy.mp3 Text: Romans 15:1-6 I. Sometimes I have to wonder what happened to common courtesy. The phrase needs to be changed because it seem common courtesy has become uncommon. A. Courtesy is “the showing of politeness in one’s attitude and behavior toward others” 1. It comes from a French word meaning “courtly ideals; chivalry, chivalrous conduct; elegance…
Read MoreThat’s Your Interpretation!
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Thats-Your-Interpretation.mp3 Text: II Peter 1:10-21 I. When you want to read a book which was written in French, but you don’t know French, what do you do? A. You find an interpretation of the French book into a language you know. B. An interpreter copies the meaning of something from one language into another language. C. But can…
Read MoreDoes It Matter What I Believe? (Sermon)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Does-It-Matter-What-I-Believe.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Kings 18:25-40 I. When Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal in I Kings 18 A. It wasn’t that the false prophets were insincere or had no belief at all B. They cut themselves, danced in a frenzy, and spent a day calling on their god. C. If all you needed was…
Read MoreThe Absolute Truth
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Absolute-Truth.mp3 Text: Jeremiah 32:37-41 I. I’m sure you have heard people who in matters of right and wrong express this belief A. “I feel it is wrong for me, but other people have to decided for themselves whether it is wrong for them. I can’t push my beliefs on others.” B. The statement is called “moral relativism.”…
Read MoreSee If You Can Find a Man
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/See-If-You-Can-Find-a-Man.mp3 Text: Jeremiah 5:1-13 I. The last days of the southern kingdom of Judah A. The people had become very corrupt – Jeremiah 5:20-23 B. God purposed to severely punish His people – Jeremiah 5:26-31 II. But there is one hope – Jeremiah 5:1 A. Jeremiah is told to run through Jerusalem and find a man 1. A man who…
Read MoreShould Christians Strike?
Text: I Peter 2:18-25 I. Labor unions are lauded for the improvements they wrought in the workplace A. By encouraging employees to act as one, many concessions have been won from companies B. When the group appeals don’t sway an employer, strikes often will 1. Strikes shutdown the “life blood” of a business, preventing the production of products…
Read MorePrejudiced: Preconceived Opinions
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Prejudiced-Preconceived-Opinions.mp3 Text: James 2:1-9 I. How many of you believe you are prejudice? How many of you believe you are the victim of prejudice? A. Prejudice is old, old problem that Christians have battled for centuries. 1. It means to have an opinion about something or someone before all the facts are weighed. 2. It is not wrong to…
Read MoreWorthy of Trust
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Worthy-of-Trust.mp3 Text: Psalm 15 I. It has occurred to me that a core problem in our society is that we don’t trust anyone. A. Anyone trust the politicians? What about the news media? B. For some there is now a lack of trust of the police. C. What is behind this lack of trust? D. I’m sure you heard…
Read MoreThe Many Forms of Patience
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-Many-Forms-of-Patience.mp3 Text: II Timothy 2:23-26 I. The example of Job A. Job understood that there is no arguing with the Creator of the universe – Job 9:1-4 B. But in his frustrations with his friends’ insistence that he sinned, he wanted to argue his case – Job 23:1-7 C. In this Job was wrong, but we find him…
Read MoreDon’t Go Into Egypt
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Do-Not-Go-into-Egypt.mp3 Text: Jeremiah 42:1-6 I. Imagine living during the last days of Judah A. Josiah was a wonderful king – II Kings 23:25 B. But he was killed by the king of Egypt – II Kings 23:28-29 C. But Jehoahaz, the king who succeeded him, only lasted three months – II Kings 23:31-33 D. His brother replaces him as…
Read MoreThe Fullness of Time (Hamilton)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-Fullness-of-Time.mp3 Download Audio by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text Galatians 3:26-4:7 I. For a plan to succeed there must be preparation A. The plans of the diligent succeed – Proverbs 21:5 1. In part because he isn’t lazy about accomplishing what he plans – Proverbs 13:4 2. The lesson of the ant is that they prepare in advance of…
Read MoreMake Me Know My End
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Make-Me-Know-My-End.mp3 Text: Psalms 39 I. Psalms 38-40 cover related themes regarding the problems caused by sin A. God has punished David because of his sin – Psalms 38:1-2 B. Between God’s punishment and the burden of the sin itself, David feels overwhelmed – Psalms 38:3-8 C. Even close friends and family avoid you when you are suffering because…
Read MoreThe Message of the Cross
I. I Corinthians 1:18-24 A. The core of salvation is the fact that Jesus died for our sins. B. The center of our hope is the knowledge that Jesus arose triumphant over death. C. Yet many are unable to understand this message. 1. The Jews wanted something else. They wanted further proof from God. 2. The Greeks thought it was silly.…
Read MorePatience
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Patience.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 33:12-22 I. What do you do when things don’t go your way? A. When money becomes tight? Or someone cheats you? B. What happens when life gets difficult and you don’t have a solution? C. Or what happens when something needs to be done and you don’t have enough time? D. For…
Read MoreGod Provides
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/God-Provides.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 12:22-31 I. Imagine having an illness that left you unable to move on your own A. Suffering with this disease for 38 years! – John 5:5-7 B. And then a stranger comes up and cures your disease – John 5:8-9 C. No longer weak, no longer dependent! D. The Jews accused Jesus…
Read MoreThe Sons of Thunder
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/The-Sons-of-Thunder.mp3 Text: Mark 3:14-19 I. Often when we talk about the apostles, we focus on the notable Peter and Paul. A. There are many things we can learn from their lives, but we also can learn from the examples of the other apostles as well. B. Today I would like to direct your attention to two brothers,…
Read MoreFear
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Fear.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Kings 6:8-23 I. The prevalence of fear A. Watch a horror movie 1. The scenes start out idyllic. But in the background there are hints that something isn’t quite right. 2. The music builds with intensity. You know something is about to happen, but not what or when 3. Your heart races…
Read MoreWhen Hard Times Come
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/When-Hard-Times-Come.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Philippians 1:12-14 I. Life often goes in different in directions from what we expect. A. It had long been Paul’s desire to go to Rome to preach the Gospel – Acts 19:21 B. It seemed though that something always came up which kept him from reaching his goal – Romans 1:13…
Read MoreIn the Almighty’s Shadow
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/In-the-Almightys-Shadow.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 91 I. Where do you go when things get difficult? A. It isn’t that a Christian’s life is free from troubles 1. Jesus warned of persecution – Matthew 5:10-12 2. There will be division in families – Matthew 10:34-36 3. There will be trials to bear up under – James 1:2-4 II. Safety…
Read MoreA Worker for the Lord
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/A-Worker-for-the-Lord.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 10:16-25 I. God has not promised His children a life of ease. A. Christ warned his disciples that if men are willing to call him “Beelzebub” then we shouldn’t be surprised when they turn against us. B. Christianity is not easy because of the rejection we must face. It is…
Read MoreRestoration
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Restoration.mp3 by Wayne Fancher I. Restoration of Purpose, Zeal, and Love John 21:1-9 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself:2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in, Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His…
Read MoreFighting Sinking when We Are Hit by Sorrow upon Sorrow
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Fighting-Sinking-when-We-Are-Hit-by-Sorrow-upon-Sorrow.mp3 by Wayne Fancher Philippians 2:27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Being Hit By Sorrow Matthew 14:10-12 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. 11 And his head…
Read MoreHow to Grow as a Local Congregation
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/How-to-Grow-as-a-Local-Church.mp3 by Wayne Fancher I. Teach The Next Generations Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Joel 1:3 Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their children another generation. Acts 20:32 “So now,…
Read MoreSoldiers of Christ Arise and Put Your Armor On
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Soldiers-of-Christ-Arise-and-Put-Your-Armor-On.mp3 by Wayne Fancher Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,…
Read MoreSpiritual Collateral Damage and Blessings
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Spiritual-Collateral-Damage-and-Blessings.mp3 by Wayne Fancher Spiritual Collateral Damage Ecclesiastes 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good.” Collateral Damage – Is a general term for deaths, injuries, or other damage on an unintended target. I. Those Closest To You Get Hurt First By Spiritual Collateral Damage Exodus 20:5 you shall…
Read MoreGod Who Makes the Broken Beautiful
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/God-Who-Makes-the-Broken-Beautiful.mp3 by Wayne Fancher I. The Earth from Without Form and Void to Beautiful Genesis 1:2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made,…
Read MoreThe Parable of the Prodigal Son
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Parable-of-the-Prodigal-Son.mp3 by Wayne Fancher I. The Prodigal Son Leaving Was His Fault Alone Luke 15:20-21 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to…
Read MoreLittle by Little
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Little-by-Litte.mp3 by Wayne Fancher Exodus 23:30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. Proverbs 13:11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. I. Spiritual Growth Little By Little Ephesians 4:13 till we all come…
Read MoreThe Adulterous Woman
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/AdulterousWoman.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: John 8:2-11 I. People rarely want their sins pointed out. A. It should be understandable. We want to think well of ourselves and have others think well of us also. B. The common response to rebuke is to attack the messenger – Proverbs 15:32 C. You’ll hear people inappropriately quote, “Judge not…
Read MoreThree Philosophies of Life
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Three-Philosophies-of-Life.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 10:25-37 I. Luke 10:25-37 A. A lawyer, trying to test Jesus, asked him how to gain eternal life. B. Jesus, as was his want, turned the question around and asked for his opinion first. C. The response was to love God and to love his neighbor. To which Jesus agreed. D. The…
Read MoreA Steward of God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/A-Steward-of-God.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 25:14-30 I. Consider Psalm 24:1-2 A. What does it mean that everything belongs to God? 1. God made it, so therefore He has the right of ownership – Deuteronomy 10:14 2. Even we belong to God – Ezekiel 18:4 3. God doesn’t owe anyone because He pre-existed all things – Job 41:11…
Read MoreI Quit!
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/I-Quit.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Mark 10:35-45 I. We’ve all seen people frustrated with a task. “I quit!” they yell as they storm off. A. Funny thing … Do you remember who it was? Neither does anyone else. B. However, there are times I ought to quit. 1. I can allow myself to get into a rut.…
Read MoreTeaching Love
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Teaching-Love.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 13:11-14 I. I received a complaint several years ago. After reading an article on why sex outside of marriage is sin, the reader complained, “I wish you guys would pay more attention to the golden rule, ‘love thy neighbor,’ than all the homophobic and ‘sex is sin’ stuff.”…
Read MoreLooking for God in All the Wrong Places
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Looking-for-God-in-All-the-Wrong-Places.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Amos 5:4-9 I. God wants us to seek Him A. It is not that God is hiding or “playing hard to get.” 1. God is not found unless we are looking. 2. Example: the child who cannot find his shoes. a. He has looked “everywhere,” but he is standing in the middle of…
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