Sermon
Money Matters
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/MoneyMatters.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Chronicles 29:10-18 I. We live in a society consumed with the desire for wealth A. Since money is a part of a Christian’s life, we need to know how to properly regard money and wealth. B. We need to know how to properly handle money. II. Wealth comes from God and…
Read MoreThe Story of Balaam
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/StoryOfBalaam.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Numbers 22:22-35 I. Background A. As the children of Israel left their wanderings in the wilderness and move towards the promised land, they had to cross through the territories of a few countries. 1. The leaders of these countries were nervous to have such a large mass of people (a few million)…
Read MoreLetting Go of Sin
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Peter 3:1-14 I. “Will God forgive me?” A. It is a question that I have been getting over and over again. B. People of all ages from teens to adults caught up in sin and now that they realize the error of their past and turn from it, they wonder if…
Read MoreThe Book of Job
Text: Job 1:6-12 I. If someone asked you what the book of Job was about, how would you answer? A. Most of us would point out that it deals with the question of human suffering. 1. The book tells the story of a man who loses everything 2. He suffers greatly and wrestles with the apparent injustice of…
Read MoreAll Things are Lawful
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/AllThingsAreLawful.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Corinthians 10:21-33 I. I Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23 are sometimes cited to justify actions. A. Everything can be right. B. It forms the foundation for situational ethics, where right and wrong is not determined by what is done (or not done), but upon the situation. C. People will agree that something…
Read MoreOur Need for Guidance
Text: John 10:1-18 I. A disturbing trend has been commented upon time and again A. Children going astray, Christians leaving the church. B. It appears that the second law of thermodynamics applies to Christians as well. 1. Instead of a trend toward increasing entropy (randomness and disorder) 2. It is a trend toward increasing apathy C. While not the sole…
Read MoreHow Salvation Comes to Man
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 7:1-6 I. Matthew 7:6 A. We don’t often think about whom we talk to about the gospel, but not everyone will be receptive to the message. B. Jesus is basically saying don’t waste your time. Not only will the message be rejected but the messenger will also be attacked. C. But consider…
Read MoreThe Harm of Living Together Without Marriage
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalm 50 I. As Christianity spread through the Gentile world, it faced many challenges A. For thousands of years, the Gentiles gave little thought to God. Oh, they had their gods, but these were little more than extensions of their own desires. No, they lived in a world where men did…
Read MoreCatholicism
I. Brief history A. Catholicism as we know it today gradually developed over many centuries. Its roots can be traced back to digressions from the original church. 1. As a result, Catholics will claim that their church started in A.D. 30 on the day of Pentecost. 2. Most scholars, however, date its beginning when some of its major…
Read MoreDoes God Make the Handicapped?
Text: Exodus 4:10-12 I. We desire explanations for the world and its events A. It is not enough that things happen, most of us are curious as to why they happen 1. Even the three-year-old will drive his parents to distraction asking “Why?” B. Hence, when disciples come across a blind man, it brought a question to their…
Read MoreThe Godhead in the Gospel of John
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: John 14:8-21 I. John 1:1-4 A. Of all the books of the Bible, the Gospel of John does the most to describe the nature of God B. We are introduced to the Word 1. The Word dwelt among mankind – John 1:14 2. The Word is distinct from the Father because he is from…
Read MoreShall We Dance?
Text: Romans 6:1-2 I. Dancing covers a broad range of action A. It can be rhythmic movement in time to music B. It can be movement that expresses feelings, such as joy or enthusiasm C. It can be complex movements designed to create emotions in another person II. Dancing in the Bible A. We can find approved examples of dancing…
Read MoreOversimplifying God
I. The American poet, John Godfrey Saxe, wrote a poem based on a fable told in India. A. It is an example of how limited perceptions can lead to misinterpretations. B. Oversimplification leads to misconceptions and misunderstandings The Blind Men and the Elephant by John Godfrey Saxe It was six men of Indostan To learning much inclined, Who…
Read MoreFathers Are Important
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Malachi 2:10-16 I. Just how important are dads in a family? A. When our country’s welfare system was being developed, a rule was issued that if the father resided with the mother, benefits would be reduced or cut off. 1. The impact was predictable, the number of children living in fatherless homes…
Read MoreThe Three Chairs
I. There is a tendency for groups of people to drift away from the truth as years go by A. Not necessarily one person leaving the faith, but as generation succeeds generation there is a tendency for children to not do as well as their parents. 1. It shows up as a gradual change, not a sudden departure…
Read MoreDress Codes (Sermon)
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. There is a prevailing thought that one must dress up when attending services A. Many have special outfits, their "Sunday Best" B. Men are expected to wear ties, a suit if they are expecting to serve at the Lord’s table or to preach C. Women are expected to wear dresses II. Common Reasoning A. Give of…
Read MoreThe Work of the Holy Spirit
I. We have spoken at length in the past about the exactly who is the Holy Spirit A. We have shown that he is a being who is a part of the Godhead, just as the Father and the Son. B. He is made more mysterious by men because of our lack of understanding. Perhaps due to…
Read MoreThe Role of Women
I. Some people like change. It doesn’t matter if something is broken or not. They have in mind how they would like the world to work, so they proceed to change it. A. One of the largest changes in the last 50 years or so has been in our view in the roles of women. B. People want…
Read MoreSilent in the Churches
Text: I Corinthians 14:34-37 I. Interest has risen in the subject of women speaking during Bible classes and in the assembly. A. I would like for us to delve into this topic in detail, but first I would like to commend the women here. 1. Recently, some of the women here became aware there are members here…
Read MoreThe Antichrist
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/Antichrist.mp3 Text: I John 2:18-29 I. A good mystery thrills many people. It stirs the imagination. It gives puzzles to work on. A. Mysteries within the Bible are popular with false teachers because they can use them as the launching point of all sorts of fanciful ideas. B. “Scripture teaches Antichrist to be a political, religious individual,…
Read MorePromises, Promises
Text: Matthew 23:16-22 I. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to a old and seemingly popular statement – Matthew 5:33 A. This and the other five quotes are introduced by the phrase “You have heard it was said to those of old” 1. This is not the usual way that Jesus quotes from the Old…
Read MoreDisciplining Children (2)
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Hebrews 12:4-13 I. It appears that at least some people realize that modern child-rearing philosophies don’t work. From our website people are continually looking for answers to questions, such as A. What kind of consequence or punishment should you give a child who lies, steals, is rebellious, is disobedient, is using…
Read MoreThe Great Giveaway
Text: Luke 14:25-33 I. A Christian came to me and handed me a note one which was written “Luke 14:33 cannot be a disciple unless give up possessions. Why? 2 Cor. 8:14 for equality” A. I immediately told him he was wrong. B. His reply was how can he be wrong, he just quoted what the Bible…
Read MoreIs Our Fate Predetermined?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Trying to grasp the concept of an infinite God sometimes causes finite man to make mistakes A. Consider this statement from the Presbyterian Confession of Faith (chapter 3, section 1): “God, from all eternity, did by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever come…
Read MoreIs Jesus About to Return?
Text: Matthew 24:36-42 I. There was an advertisement in the local paper not too long ago titled “8 Compelling Reasons Why: Christ Is Coming Very Soon!” A. It starts out saying, “The evidence for the soon return of Jesus Christ is overwhelming. It could be any moment. One scholar lists 167 converging clues just in the…
Read MoreThe Holy Spirit’s Work
I. We have noted that the third person in the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is often misunderstood. A. People have let the imaginations run wild in regard to who the Spirit is and especially in how He operates. B. Many of the incorrect beliefs are based on phrases found in the Bible, taken out of context of the…
Read MoreWhere Do You Live?
I. Where a person spends his time reveals a lot about their character A. Which country or region a person comes from B. The kind of home they select or the people they live with C. But we are interested in spiritual things here. Where can I find your tent, among God’s people or Satan’s followers? D. The Bible…
Read MoreTesting Mormonism
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I John 3:23-4:3 I. Those promoting the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, will often ask you to pray to the Holy Spirit about their Book of Mormon A. “Pray,” they will ask of you, “and see if the Spirit tells you that what is in this book is…
Read MoreBiblical Infallibility: Can We Trust the Bible?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Trust in the scriptures is important to every Christian. The Bible is the center of our faith. A. We are Christians because we believe that God exists and that the Bible is God’s word – II Tim. 3:16 B. Believing in the Bible’s message will save our souls – James 1:21, I Thess.…
Read MoreBenevolence
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Read Lk 10:25-37 A. We understand that God wants us to be charitable to those around us B. But when faced with opportunities we often hesitate 1. Does this person really need help? 2. Is it part of a complex con-game? 3. Was it brought on by their own foolishness? 4. The government has programs to help…
Read MoreAchieving Unity When Making Personal Choices
Text: I Corinthians 10:18-33 I. Difficulties arise in groups of people when people have strong opinions on various matters A. Each individual tends to focus on what he wants and is only satisfied if things go his way. B. People lose track that their purpose and the purpose of the church is to get people to heaven.…
Read MoreWithdraw Yourselves
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. The concept of withdrawing comes from II Thessalonians 3:6 and I Timothy 6:5 (KJV) A. In II Thessalonians 3:6, Stellomai means avoiding – see II Corinthains 8:20 (avoiding trouble) B. I Timothy 6:5 (KJV and NKJV only) – aphistemi means a departure, a falling away, or a withdrawing 1. Luke 2:37 – She never…
Read MoreCovenants
I. Covenants play a major role throughout the Scriptures. A. We see covenants between people 1. Jacob and Laban (enemies) – Gen 31:44-54 2. David and Jonathan (friends) – I Sam 18:1-4 B. We see covenants between nations, such as between Israel and Gibeon – Josh 9:3-27 C. We see covenants between God and various people of the world II. What are…
Read MoreDespising the Blood of Christ
Text: Hebrews 10:23-31 I. The Hebrew writer warned that just as Moses’ law required obedience, rejecting Christ’s law would bring a greater punishment. A. He calls is trampling the Son of God underfoot 1. Counting the blood of Christ as a common thing 2. And insulting the Spirit B. I suspect that if you ask most people, they would…
Read MoreHow Do They Do That? (Sermon)
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. We have discussed a doctrine in the past which has been advocated which declares the gospel accounts: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are Old Testament books. A. It is not hard to refute the belief, but I want to use an article written by one of its proponents as an illustration…
Read MoreLessons from Jonah
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. The book of Jonah is unique among the prophets A. The emphasis of the story is upon the messenger instead of the message. B. We learn lessons from the actions of the prophet, instead of the message he delivered. C. The tale of a man being swallowed and living three days in a great…
Read MoreThe New Testament Canon
The New Testament Canon – Part 1The New Testament Canon – Part 2 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, Jesus promised his troubled disciples that he would send a helper – John 14:16 A. The helper would be the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth – John 14:17 B. His purpose in coming…
Read MoreWhat Silence Says
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/WhatSilenceSays.mp3 by Jeffrey Hamilton I. You can say a lot by not saying anything A. You just spilt your milk and your mother gives you one of those “I told you to keep your glass away from the edge of the table” stares. 1. Not a word has to be said. 2. You know exactly what is being said.…
Read MoreMusic in Worship
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. As we look at the denominations around us, we find that the vast majority use musical instruments in their worship services. A. Oddly, we don’t. Why not? What harm would there be in using them? Why can’t we be like those around us? B. I heard a similar reasoning before – I Sam.…
Read MoreCan Musical Instruments be Used to Worship God?
I. One of the distinguishing marks of our worship is the fact that we do not use instrumental music in our worship. A. It is certainly different among the denominations where almost all use instruments. B. Lately, I been hearing of numerous congregations deciding to add instrumental music to their worship. 1. The reasoning that was so well known…
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