Sermon
Where Did They All Come From?
Where Did They All Come From? – Part 1Where Did They All Come From? – Part 2Where Did They All Come From? – Part 3Where Did They All Come From? – Part 4 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Timothy 4:1-11 I. Christ founded but one church – Matthew 16:18 A. It belongs solely to him. It…
Read MoreJehu’s Reformations
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/JehusReformations.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Kings 12:25-33 I. After the northern tribes separated from Judah, the kingdom they established was never ruled by a good king. A. The very first king, Jeroboam, sought to stabilize his country by establishing his own religion – I Kings 12:25-33 1. He feared defection if the people crossed into Judah…
Read MoreMuddy Times
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/MuddyTimes.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 40 I. Psalms 38-40 cover related themes on the problems caused by sin A. Sin is an overwhelming burden and they cause problems in life – Psalms 38:3-8 B. Sin can cause anxiety – Psalms 38:18 C. Even close friends and family tend to avoid you when you are in sin…
Read MoreAbigail’s Example
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/AbigailsExample.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. There is much to learn from the pages of the Old Testament A. It is true that we no longer live under the Law of Moses. It passed out of existence when Jesus died upon the cross. However, it doesn’t mean than God meant for the Christian to discard its teachings.…
Read MoreJumping to Conclusions
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/JumpingToConclusions.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Joshua 22:9-34 I. While we all wish to do what is right, at times our actions or our statements may mislead others who see us. A. The 2 ½ tribes on the east side of the Jordan wanted a memorial to remind both their descendants and the descendants on the…
Read MoreTrapped in a Lie
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/TrappedInALie.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: James 3:8-14 I. I ran across an article titled, “The Philosophical Contradictions of the Transgender Worldview” by Ryan T. Anderson A. The transgender movement claims “that people are what they claim to be, regardless of contrary evidence.” B. The lengths the promoters of transgenderism go to deny the obvious is mind…
Read MoreTrip Report – 2018 (Bali)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TripReport2018.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Thessalonians 2:7-13 I. Reading from Isaiah 35:1-10 A. Vs 3 – Encourage, strengthen B. Vs 8 – A highway – an easier way to travel through life II. My trips to the South Asian islands started in 2013. A. I had been studying with a young man, named Minghui, in the National…
Read MoreGod Wants Me to Be Happy (Hamilton)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/GodWantsMeToBeHappy.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 128 I. The same plot repeats through the stories of people’s lives A. A woman finds a man who pays more attention to her than her husband, so she divorces her husband to marry this other man because “God wants me to be happy.” B. Andy Diestelkamp tells this story:…
Read MoreThe Christian’s Duty to His Brethren
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ChristiansDutyToHisBrethren.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Thessalonians 5:8-15 I. Each of us come from diverse backgrounds. A. We come together to worship B. We come together for fellowship C. Yet that coming together is not always smooth. 1. Just as a family experiences times of irritation, so it happens among brethren. 2. Paul’s desire was for the Corinthians to…
Read MoreJehoshaphat’s Peace
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/JehoshaphatsPeace.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Kings 9:16-26 I. King Jehoshaphat, in general, was a good king – I Kings 22:42-43a A. To be said by God that he did right is a high complement B. But, like most men, Jehoshaphat had some character flaws – I Kings 22:43b 1. His father, Asa, had removed many of…
Read MoreDaniel’s Integrity
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/DanielsIntegrity.mp3 Text: Daniel 6 I. Daniel’s Background A. Daniel was a young man when Judah was conquered by the Babylonians. He was among those carried off into exile. B. Because of his abilities, Daniel rose to prominence in the Babylonian kingdom serving under the conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar, his son and his grandson. C. When the Medes and Persians conquered…
Read MoreMisconceptions about Sin
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MisconceptionsAboutSin.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 6:1-23 I. A young man was trying to formulate arguments why he thought “once saved, always saved” was a biblical truth A. “Once a person is saved, however, and God writes his name in the book of life and gives him the Spirit, he won’t erase their name from…
Read MoreAs an Ox Led to the Slaughter
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AsAnOxLedToTheSlaughter.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Proverbs 7:6-23 I. When we describe the character of a person, we will sometimes compare them to an animal who exhibits similar traits. A. Boy who just had an encounter with a mud puddle will be greeted at the door with “You’re as dirty as a pig!” B. You might be…
Read MoreWhat Is Idolatry?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/WhatIsIdolatry.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Isaiah 44:9-20 I. I got into a discussion with a teenager about what exactly is idolatry A. He had the impression that anything you really liked was an idol, whether it was sports, cars, or girls B. “What is an idol? Well, it is the thing. It is the thing loved…
Read MoreFellowship
I. As hard as we try to keep terms pure and free from the influence of denominations, we still sometimes find things creeping into our language. A. People wanting to call the minister, “pastor” even though it properly belongs to those who oversee the congregation – the elders. B. Similarly, the desire to call ministers by titles, such…
Read MoreThree Witnesses
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ThreeWitnesses.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I John 5:5-9 I. There are two readings for I John 5:7-8 A. ”For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and…
Read MorePerfected in Unity
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PerfectedInUnity.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: John 17:13-26 I. In Jesus’ final prayer to the Father before his arrest, Jesus expressed his desire that his followers be united, just as he and the Father were one – John 17:22-23 A. That “one” is not numerical, but a unity in purpose and action. II. Through this unity we…
Read MoreServants of the Church
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ServantsOfTheChurch1.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 6:1-6 I. Early in the church’s history, the number of brethren increased dramatically. A. With that increase came “growing pains.” B. Circumstances caused the church in Jerusalem to have a large number of widows who needed care. 1. Some felt that preference was being given to native widows over those from…
Read MoreThe Purpose of Preaching
Text: Nehemiah 8:1-8 I. In the past, we have talked about various positions or duties in the church (elders, teachers) A. Today, I would like to address the purpose of preaching. B. There seems to be much confusion about what a preacher’s duty is 1. Many denominations refer to their ministers as pastor, but that title is suppose…
Read MoreJames on Trials
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/JamesOnTrials.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: James 1:1-27 I. The book of James is written to Jewish Christians who were scattered by persecution – Acts 8:1-4 A. This is one indication that James is one of the first books written B. It is that persecution that sets up the theme for the first part of the book…
Read MoreRighteous Judgment (Sermon)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/RighteousJudgments.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: John 7:14-24 I. It seems you can’t listen or read the news with yet another person being accused of inappropriate behavior. A. People readily accept the bad news. The assumption that the person is guilty and so he is pressured to leave his job or be fired. B. What happened to…
Read MoreRebekah
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Rebekah.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Genesis 24:1-26 I. In archaeology, historians at times notice odd gaps in the records A. Even in well preserved records, there will be missing time periods. B. Monuments are clearly defaced. C. Typically what it indicates that something happened during that time which later generations did not want to remember. Perhaps a…
Read MoreThe Last Years of Paul’s Life
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/LastYearsOfPaulsLife.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Philippians 2:17-30 I. Paul had written the Roman brethren that he would like to go to Spain after seeing them – Romans 15:23-25, 28 A. Things didn’t go quite as Paul planned. B. After going to Jerusalem, he was arrested, but he did go to Rome – as a prisoner instead…
Read MoreComing with the Clouds
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ComingWithTheClouds.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Revelation 1:4-7 I. It is easy to make mistakes by assuming that a phrase always applies to the same event A. Revelation 1:7 – What is meant by “coming with clouds” or “coming with the clouds”? II. Clouds A. God rides clouds – Psalms 68:4 1. Psalms 104:3 – Clouds are His chariot…
Read MoreDisbelief in the Coming of Jesus
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/DisbeliefInTheComingOfJesus.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Peter 3:1-15 I. Many false doctrines are rooted in a simple belief that word or phrase that has a particular meaning in one context has the same meaning in all other contexts. A. For example, the Greek word presbuteros in Acts 2:17 means someone advanced in age 1. So does…
Read MoreSon of Encouragement
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2004/04/SonOfEncouragement.mp3 Text: Hebrews :7-14 I. The Scriptures tell us of an interesting man A. His name was Joseph and he was from the island of Cyprus, though he was a Jew — a Levite in particular. B. No one remembers him by his true name, everyone calls him by his nickname. C. “Bar” = Son of, and “Nubas”…
Read MoreThe Gift of the Holy Spirit (Hamilton)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/GiftOfTheHolySpirit.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 2:29-39 I. Our text – Acts 2:38-39 A. When a person repents and is baptized, two things are promised: forgiveness of sin and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. 1. This promise is for all Christians – “As many as the Lord shall call.” 2. It is also not limited…
Read MoreThe Life of the Apostle John
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LifeOfTheApostleJohn.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 20:20-28 I. Early life A. Matthew 4:21-22 1. His father’s name was Zebedee. His brother was James. 2. He was a fisherman by trade, working with his father and brother. B. Mark 1:20 – His father was prosperous enough to have hired servants C. Luke 5:10-11 – They were partnered with two other…
Read MoreThe Lord Bless You
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/LordBlessYou.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Numbers 6:22-27 I. It takes up only 32 words in English, only 15 words in the original Hebrew; yet, the blessing God instructed the priests to use is packed with rich meaning in a few words. II. The Lord bless you and keep you A. A desire that God grants you…
Read MoreEmotional Decision Making
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/EmotionalDecisionMaking.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Genesis 37:32-35 I. Repeatedly I find people making decisions based on their feelings. A. Usually I get contacted because those choices have gone wrong and the person wants to know why. B. But I can’t help but notice that this isn’t just a problem in moral choices. The news is filled with…
Read MoreWorldliness
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Worldliness.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 I. From the beginning, Christians have struggled with living in a world of sin without being a part of that world. A. Paul’s struggle – Romans 7:14-25 B. Some would take Paul’s words and say that as long as I intend to please God, it doesn’t matter what I…
Read MorePresumptions
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Presumptions.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 19:7-14 I. Parents of teenagers are often exasperated trying to buy clothing for their children A. You find a great bargain and you just know your child will like it – up until they see it and they say “Yuck!” B. I remember not liking many of the things my…
Read MoreThe Character of the Wicked
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CharacterOfTheWicked.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalm 10 I. Is there any doubt that wicked people live in the world? A. We see the evidence daily in our news. B. We have direct contact more often than we could wish C. And then we wonder, as did the Psalmist, why doesn’t God do something about them? – Psalm…
Read MoreThe Sovereignty of God (Hamilton)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SovereigntyOfGod.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Timothy 6:13-21 I. When looking at the history of the development of the denominational world, one issue that has significant impact revolves around understanding God’s sovereignty. A. Sovereignty is being above or superior to others; to be chief, greatest, or supreme. B. The question is: Can God be sovereign if…
Read MoreWhen Are Biblical Examples Binding?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/WhenAreBiblicalExamplesBinding.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Thessalonians 3:1-18 I. At first glance, the question seems to be trivial A. But then do people think of Judas hanging himself? 1. Well, obviously examples of sin is not to be followed B. How about meeting in someone’s home as the disciples did? 1. There are people who believe that a church…
Read MoreBut It Is a Good Work!
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2062/05/ButItIsAGoodWork.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 I. Periodically I’ll get irate notes from people who are upset that I talk about the teachings of the Salvation Army and point out that they don’t match the Scriptures A. Rarely does anyone say I’m mistaken about the teachings, rather they think it shouldn’t be an issue…
Read MoreAngels and Other Spiritual Beings
Text: Daniel 10 I. Men have long been fascinated by angels A. There is a bit of mystery involved because not much is written about them B. Yet what we do know leaves us in awe of these beings II. What are angels? A. The words for angel in both Hebrew and Greek simply means “messenger.” 1. First, and foremost,…
Read MoreModest Dress
Modest Dress – Part 1Modest Dress – Part 2 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Timothy 2:9-10 I. Some people seem to be resistant to the idea that God is concerned with matters in this physical life. A. They hold a nebulous idea that God only deals with spiritual matters — ideas such as love, joy,…
Read MoreThe Need for Book, Chapter, and Verse
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/NeedForBookChapterAndVerse.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Do we really need book, chapter, and verse? A. Frequently practices are justified by the absence of Scripture. “It doesn’t say not to.” B. The argument is taken so far as to say, “There is no book, chapter, and verse for having book, chapter, and verse.” C. The point of saying we need…
Read MoreTraits of the Unhappy
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/TraitsOfTheUnhappy.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 27 I. Back in 2014 I ran across an article by Tamara Star, titled “Seven Habits of Chronically Unhappy People”. A. The author’s conjecture is that unhappy people establish habits that keep them miserable. B. These aren’t one time or infrequent events but the ways they basically view life II. A…
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