Sermon
If I Don’t Preach on Hell
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IfIDontPreachOnHell1.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Corinthians 9:16-23 I. It won’t take you long to find out that the topic of Hell is not popular among the denominations of the world A. The Jehovah’s Witnesses declare that it doesn’t exist. Nor do the Episcopals, Methodists, and some Baptists want to discuss the matter. B. A survey…
Read MoreIs the Papacy Biblical?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 16:13-20 I. The world was fascinated with the process the Roman Catholic Church used to pick a new pope. A. We were given detailed accounts of all the traditions surrounding a pope’s selection B. We were shown the events step by step. C. But in all the hoopla, how many wondered where…
Read MoreFalse Teachers and Lying Prophets
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/FalseTeachersAndLyingProphets.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. As long as God has had teachers and prophets in the world there have been those who taught falsely. A. Jeremiah complained about the false prophets – Jeremiah 5:30-31 B. Paul had problems with teachers binding the Old Law – Acts 15:1-2 C. Paul warned the Ephesian elders that false teachers would…
Read MoreDaniel’s Seventy Weeks (Sermon)
Seventy WeeksSeventy Weeks Part 2 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Daniel 9:20-27 A. Many ideas have been attributed to what was predicted by Gabriel in this prophecy and when these things would take place. B. I will not claim to be an expert on these matters, but I would like to examine this prophecy in detail so that…
Read MoreIt Is Not for You to Know
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/ItIsNotForYouToKnow.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 1:1-11 I. How would your decisions change if you knew what would happen tomorrow? A. Without a doubt we are curious people. We don’t like being kept in the dark. 1. You can see it in any child: “Are we there yet?” 2. But it remains present in adults: “Do you…
Read MoreThe Author of Our Faith
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/AuthorOfOurFaith.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Hebrews 12:1-3 I. In translating from one language to another, some words just don’t fit easily. Some words have multiple possible meanings in another language and figuring out which one of the various possible translations is hard. A. Harder are the words which have multiple meanings in another language, and…
Read MoreThe Law and the Gospel
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/LawAndTheGospel.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Timothy 1:1-11 I. I have frequent encounters with people who do not distinguish between the Old Testament and the New Testament A. None want to fully return to the Mosaical covenant, but each wants some feature found in the Old Testament to be binding on Christians B. Popular features seem…
Read MoreThose “Strange” Macedonians
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ThoseStrangeMacedonians.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Corinthians 8:1-5 I. Have you felt a little strange lately? A. It is human nature to want to be liked by others. 1. As a result, we will modify our behavior to fit in with those around us. 2. You’ll see teens dressing in similar fashion to those they consider to…
Read MoreEveryone’s a Critic
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/EveryonesACritic.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Proverbs 9:7-12 I. Everyone faces days when it feels as if nothing is going right. A. People find fault with what you do and you think that nothing can please them. B. Criticism, justified or not, isn’t pleasant to receive 1. “You’re not doing that right.” 2. “You should have done that better.”…
Read MoreA Study of Islam
by Jim Sasser INTRODUCTION: Because of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, many people have become interested in the Muslim religion, known as Islam. Brethren in Christ are requesting information on the subject. I first became acquainted with the religion of Islam in 1964 when my family and I moved to Nigeria in West Africa…
Read MoreWhat is Faith?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/WhatIsFaith.mp3 Text: Hebrews 11:1-6 I. Imagine a tight rope stretched across Niagara Falls. A crowd gathers around a man who pulls a unicycle out of a box. “Ladies and gentlemen,” the man announces, “may I have your attention! In my hands is a unicycle. How many of you believe that I can ride this unicycle…
Read MoreEmphasizing the Physical
Text: Matthew 12:1-14 I. Schools have been placed in tough positions in the recent years A. They are told to keep religion out of schools. Almost every direct form of discipline has been forbidden to them. 1. The natural result is the steady decline in the moral standards of their students. 2. In response the community demands the…
Read MoreThe Weight of the Nails
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/WeightOfTheNails.mp3 Text: Psalm 139 I. For a book as concise as the Bible, it contains a surprising amount of detail A. Detail that many ignore B. So much detail that Reader’s Digest once took it upon themselves to produce a condensed version of the Bible, for which they were justly ridiculed. C. I Corinthians 2:12-13 – God selected…
Read MoreThe Worse Lies
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/WorseLies.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Isaiah 59:1-15 I. In describing Israel’s plight, God lists out the sins in which they had been involved in Isaiah 59:1-15 A. Repeatedly through this passage lies and a lack of truth is brought up B. Lies are sinful, but more so, sinners lie 1. How does the addict attempt to avoid…
Read MoreThe Justice of God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/JusticeOfGod.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Habakkuk 1:1-4 I. The prophet Habakkuk was upset with God A. Wickedness and violence abounded in the world around him. 1. Jeremiah asked much the same question: Why do the wicked prosper? – Jeremiah 12:1-4 2. It is an old question. Job asked it – Job 21:7-15 3. Asaph too was troubled by…
Read MoreTransubstantiation
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Transubstantiation.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: John 6:35-58 I. The Lord’s Supper is a weekly memorial to the death of our Savior A. It was instituted by Jesus – Matthew 26:26-30 B. To be done in memory of Jesus – Luke 22:19 C. A declaration to the world – I Corinthians 11:26 D. A sharing – I Corinthians 10:16…
Read MoreA Change in Law
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ChangeInLaw.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Hebrews 8:7-13 I. Among those calling themselves Christian, many have a difficult time understanding the place the Old Testament has in God’s scheme of redemption A. A few cling to the laws regarding the Sabbath and so modify the New Testament teaching of worship on the first day of the…
Read MoreSing with Understanding
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/SingWithUnderstanding.mp3 Text: I Corinthians 14:15-20 I. Singing is an expression of joy – James 5:13 A. It is form of worship and a way of teaching – Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:16-17 B. Of course, people sing things all the time without thinking about what they are saying – just ask kids today what are the lyrics to…
Read MoreInspiration and Trivia
Short Talk Question: How can the Bible claim to be from the mouth of God when it contains so much trivial information, such as Paul’s request to bring his cloak in II Timothy 4:13? Surely, these things cannot be inspired! Answer: I. What superficially appears to be trivial may, upon deeper reflection, be a rich depository…
Read MoreA Thief Named Sin
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/AThiefNamedSin.mp3 Text: Psalm 38 I. Somewhere between 1 in 8 and 1 in 7 people will experience a robbery, either of their property or their person (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2008) A. Loss of property is a violation of the person 1. You lose more than just valuables 2. You lose your feeling of safety 3. You lose your…
Read MoreThinking Highly of Self
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/ThinkingHighlyOfSelf.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 12:3-16 I. Several years ago, Whitney Houston, came on the music scene with a song that became her signature song, “The Greatest Love of All.” I never found anyone who fulfilled my needs. A lonely place to be. And so I learned to depend on me. I decided…
Read MoreRelying on God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/RelyingOnGod.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. The afternoon news and talk show featured a short debate over a recent story. The parents of eleven children had two of their children die. One died from untreated diabetes. The other died from complications of an untreated ear infection. The parents believed firmly in the power of prayer and…
Read MoreSpiritual Illumination
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/SpiritualIllumination.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Corinthians 3 I. What does it take to understand the Bible? A. I had one woman object to an article stating that the Ten Commandments were not directly in effect because they were a part of the Old Law. 1. She told me to read several verses which stated not…
Read MoreThree in One
Three In One Part 1Three In One Part 2 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Corinthians 13:11-14 I. Christianity, Judaism, and Muslims all believe in one God A. But their concept of “one” differs greatly B. In Judaism and Muslim beliefs, God is numerically one. To think of God as multiple beings smacks of polytheism and is…
Read MoreThe Jerusalem Conference
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/JerusalemConference.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 11:1-18 I. The meeting in Jerusalem, recorded in Acts 15, is used to justify many things A. The gathering of denominational bodies to consider issues is justified by this passage. B. Many go a step further to justify decisions of what rules the denomination will support C. Messianic Jews believe that…
Read MoreConfirmed
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Confirmed.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Peter 1:12-21 I. How important is the proof of what we know? – Hebrews 2:1-4 A. God put a lot of effort into not just saying but proving. B. Jesus Christ is the foundation – I Corinthians 3:11 C. It becomes a solid foundation – II Timothy 2:19 D. So many people…
Read MoreHe Cannot Sin
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/HeCannotSin.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I John 3:1-10 I. It is amazing the lengths people reach to avoid responsibility for sin A. Often the same groups who teach that people cannot help but sin because they are born sinful also teach that once saved they cannot sin. B. It is a difficult deception to hold on…
Read MoreWhat is Hell Like? (Sermon)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/WhatIsHellLike.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Read Luke 16:19-31 A. In every parable of Jesus, the illustration is used to teach a larger message. But every parable is based on true facts. People do purchase fields, widows do lose coins. B. Notice the facts in this story: 1. Two men lived 2. Two men died 3. Their situations in the next…
Read MoreDoes Hell Exist?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Mark 9:42-48 I. Generally people prefer to think upon pleasant things, so when talking to people about the need to become a Christian, we put emphasis on reaching heaven. A. People focus on the love of God – Romans 5:8 1. But they don’t want to think about the other side of…
Read MoreWhen God Told David, “No”
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/WhenGodToldDavidNo.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Samuel 7:1-17 I. David had gained a measure of peace in his reign. The battles had settled down. Now was a time to think about other things. A. David was embarrassed that he lived in a fine, solidly built house while God’s “house” remained a tent. B. It was David’s…
Read MoreHannah’s Prayer
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/HannahsPrayer.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Samuel 1:9-18 I. I Thessalonians 5:17 A. It is a short passage, but it isn’t short on meaning. What is meant “without ceasing?” B. Paul isn’t talking about a 24-hour a day, non-stop prayer. There are other things which must be accomplished in life. C. He is talking about prayer where…
Read MoreWhat is God’s Will for Me? Part 5: Dealing with Uncertainty
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/What-Is-Gods-Will-for-Me-5-Dealing-with-Uncertainty.mp3 Text: Proverbs 3:1-18 I. While God has given us guidelines wherein to make decisions, He does not make decisions for us A. We are required to choose whether to follow God’s guidance or not B. We are expected to make choices even between two paths of morally correct decisions C. I can compare my decisions against the…
Read MoreExceedingly Abundantly
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/ExceedingAbundantly2.mp3 by Simon Harris God, please use Kelsey to bring glory to your Name. We know the odds are against us, but we trust in You. Please use our daughter as a living example of Your power to heal, that all may glorify You as the Great God of Heaven. That was my prayer when…
Read MoreIs It Time?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2003/09/IsItTime.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Haggai 1:2-11 While cleaning out his desk, a man found a shoe-repair ticket that was ten years old. Figuring that he had nothing to lose, he went to the shop and gave the ticket to the repairman, who began to search the back room for the unclaimed shoes.…
Read MoreTo Him Who is Able
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/ToHimWhoIsAble.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 3:13-21 I. Life happens. Things don’t always go smoothly. Problems arise, if for no other reason than that we live in a problem filled world. A. People get laid off. Homes are foreclosed. Bankruptcy might loom on the horizon. B. Families can be dysfunctional. Marriages strained. Children wayward. C. Congregations struggle…
Read MoreBefore Destruction
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/BeforeDestruction.mp3 Text: Matthew 26:31-41 I. Solomon gives warning – Proverbs 16:18 A. A young man from Nigeria asked how this passage would apply to teenagers B. Of course, its application is much broader, but it caused me to think about explaining this on level easy to comprehend and apply II. Pride is a motivator of sins – I…
Read MoreThe Ten Commandments on How to Get Along with Each Other
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TenCommandmentsOnHowToGetAlong1.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Introduction A. No man is an island 1. We cannot exist alone. We are in constant need of contact with other people. 2. In order to get along in this world, we must get along with others. B. As Christians, our main purpose should be to bring more souls to Christ 1. How can we…
Read MoreThe Armor of God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ArmorOfGod.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 6:10-18 Rome was the mighty governing power in the days the New Testament was written. Its strength was in its military, which constantly was on guard Josephus, a Jewish historian, observed that Roman soldiers always carried their weapons with them, even in times of peace. “Every soldier is…
Read MoreSeven Facts about God’s Providence
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/SevenFactsAboutGodsProvidence.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 6:10-20 I. There are questions we have regarding how God works in the world today for which we have no answers A. We cannot see the spiritual realm B. We cannot measure the influence the spiritual realm has on our thoughts C. God hasn’t told us everything 1. Job 5:8-15 – God…
Read MoreWhy Do Good People Suffer?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Based on a lesson developed by Darrell Hamilton Text: Hebrews 12:4-14 Write on board: SIN DISCIPLINE GOLD I. We see and experience problems as we go through life. A. Sometimes we wonder why these things happen. B. If a person is trying to be good, why doesn’t God protect him from evil? II. First, what…
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