Sermon
David – A Child’s Faith
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/David-A-Childs-Faith.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: I Samuel 17:32-37 David’s Faith David Overcame Vs. 33-35 – bear and lion 33 – a youth 34 – shepherding 34-35 – lion and bear take a lamb David caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him 37 – The Lord that delivered me… will deliver me…
Read MoreRuth – A Woman of Virtue
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ruth-A-Woman-of-Virtue.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: Ruth 3:11 Defining Virtuous Brown Driver & Briggs – strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army Strong’s – probably a force; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength Army 56x Man of valor 37x Host 29x Forces 14x Valiant 13x Strength 12x Riches 11x Wealth 10x Power 9x Substance 8x Might 6x Strong…
Read MoreBarnabas – The Encourager
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Barnabas-The-Encourager.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: Acts 4:31-37 Barnabas’ work in Acts Acts 4:31-37 – gave of himself Acts 9:26-30 – advocated for Saul in Jerusalem Acts 11:19-24 – qualities as a servant Acts 11:25-26 – advocates for Saul Acts 15:35-41 – advocates for John Mark Being a Barnabas Barnabas sacrificed himself Giving of his property…
Read MoreThe Mind of a Servant
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-Mind-of-a-Servant.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: I Timothy 6:15 We are to have a mind of a servant – Luke 22:24-30 Mind of a servant Desire for preeminence Jew’s culture Matthew 23:5-12 – Scribes and Pharisees Matthew 6:1-18 – rebuking works that are performed to be seen of men Apostles Luke 22:24-30 – arguing over who…
Read MoreJesus – Humble Servant King
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jesus-Humble-Servant-King.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: Mark 11:1-11 The king of the Jews enters Jerusalem Mark 11:7-11 – on a colt donkey Zechariah 9:9-10 – fulfilling prophecy Significance of Donkey Horse symbol of war Size Strength Speed Chariots – Zechariah 9:10 Donkey symbol of peace Jesus was not a conquering King taking his kingdom by force…
Read MoreKing Saul – An “I” Problem
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/King-Saul-An-I-Problem.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: I Samuel 9-15 Looks to himself – at Gilgal I Samuel 13:5-14 – Saul offers sacrifice Samuel delayed Philistines prepared to attack Saul’s soldiers ran scared King Saul’s ‘I’ problem I saw, I said to myself, I have not, I forced myself I Samuel 12:24-25 – Samuel’s instructions for Israel…
Read MoreRenewed
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Renewed.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Colossians 3:1-11 I. At times we stop and sigh. Wouldn’t it be nice to return to the days of childhood, when we didn’t have a care in the world? When we were ignorant of all the problems in the world and unacquainted with sin? – Matthew 18:3 A. In our…
Read MoreThree Aspects of Learning
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Three-Aspects-of-Learning-1.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Proverbs 24:3-6 I. There are three aspects to learning, whether we talk about school work or Bible study A. Proverbs 2:6 – The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding B. Proverbs 24:3-4 – Compared to a house 1. Knowledge is the comprehension of facts. It fills our minds with pleasant and useful…
Read MoreKnowledge
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Knowledge.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Colossians 1:3-12 I. There was a period in world history known as the Dark Ages. A. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, society decayed for centuries B. Compared to the earlier periods, very little was written. C. Very little advancement in knowledge and ideas were made. 1. Education of the populace, as…
Read MoreThe Chains of the Past
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/The-Chains-of-the-Past.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Colossians 3:1-11 I. In Charles Dickens’ story “A Christmas Story,” Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his partner who is wear chains of cash boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds and heavy purses. When asked what the chains meant, “I wear the chain I forged in life,” replied the…
Read MoreDoubts
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Doubts.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Jeremiah 17:5-8 I. I had the opportunity to study with a member of the International Church of Christ. A. Many of their core beliefs are similar to our own, but they diverge from the plain teachings of the Scriptures in a number of significant ways. B. While researching their beliefs and…
Read MoreThe Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
Author Unknown Sentry Magazine, June 2001 Text: Hebrew 3:7 Introduction. Some say there was no Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. But note the many Bible passages to the contrary. Discussion. Before the Adamic renovation “The Spirit of God moved upon [‘hovered over’ is a better translation] the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2). In…
Read MoreJustice
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Justice.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 20:1-16 I. Matthew 20:1-16 A. Have you noticed that a lot of people want things that they are not willing to give? B. Take the idea of justice. People want justice for themselves (so long as it is in their favor), but they are not willing that justice lower what…
Read MoreThings the Wicked Despise
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Things-the-Wicked-Despise.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Leviticus 26:14-32 I. This might come as shock, but have you noticed? The world is full of wicked people who are not nice. A. Why do the wicked behave as they do? II. The wicked only care about themselves A. They despise their fellow man – Proverbs 14:21 B. They only care about…
Read MoreThe Truth About Gambling
adapted from an outline by Joe Price Gambling Violates Legitimate Economy Three Legitimate Means of Transferring Property: Law of labor: Money is earned by the effort expended Law of exchange: Buying and selling, investments, etc. Law of love: Where money is given without expectation or desire for return. Gambling does not qualify in any of…
Read MoreBlessed in What He Does
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blessed-in-What-He-Does.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: James 1:21-25 I. Sin is the breaking of law – I John 3:4 A. Sin is universally found in mankind – Romans 5:12 B. Thus, we cannot be surprised that rebellion (going against authority) is also widespread C. Obedience then is submitting to authority. It is subjecting your will to the will…
Read MoreIn the Hour of Trial
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/In-the-Hour-of-Trial.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 22:54-62 I. Without a doubt, Peter loved Jesus A. When others sat in the boat in fear, it was Peter who wanted to go out to meet Jesus – Matthew 14:28-31 B. When Jesus spoke of his abandonment on the Mount of Olives – Matthew 26:31-32 1. Specifically Jesus told Peter…
Read MoreThe Weapon of Fear
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/The-Weapon-of-Fear.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 49 I. Have you ever wondered why cowardice is the first sin list in Revelation 21:8? A. Being afraid is such a common thing that it seems it would be a minor concern B. But a major weapon in Satan’s arsenal is fear II. Fear of the wrong thing can lead…
Read MoreGod’s Distribution Plan
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Gods-Distribution-Plan.mp3 Text: I Corinthians 1:18-31 I. God promised a kingdom that would never fall A. Daniel 7:13-14 – One that would never be destroyed B. Not so with human kingdoms 1. Every empire of the past has collapsed at some point 2. It has been noted that democracies tend not to last more than 200 years or so 3. People…
Read MoreRetaliation
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Retaliation.mp3 Text: Romans 12:17-21 I. When someone strikes you, what is the first impulse? A. Why, to strike back B. It has been with us since childhood. “I’ll get even!” 1. Therein is the core. We want to strike back because we feel justice has not be carried out C. But I’ve noticed that it is never an equal…
Read MoreOrigins of Denominations
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Over the years, I’ve done lessons that look at various issues that caused the rise of the various denominations that we see today. Rather than leaving them scattered, I’m gathering them up on a single page so that they will be more easily found. Where Did They All Come From? (Overview)…
Read MoreWhat Justice Requires
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/What-Justice-Requires.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Micah 6:6-8 I. The concept of justice is rarely applied evenly. A. Justice is the quality of being right or proper. It carries the idea of fair and equal treatment. There is no favoritism with justice. People get what they deserve. B. People want justice when they have been wronged. But…
Read MoreRules for Prosperity and Success
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Rules-for-Prosperity-and-Success.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Joshua 1:1-9 I. Moses had died and Joshua now finds himself the leader of a nation about to conquer a land to claim as their own. A. God appears to Joshua and offers words of encouragement – Joshua 1:7-9 B. The advise was excellent for Joshua, but it is also useful…
Read MoreSeeking the Things Above
Seeking the Things Above (Part 1)Seeking the Things Above (Part 2) by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Colossians 3:1-4 I. So often we focus on winning souls for Christ that we lose sight that conversion is not the goal but the first step in a life long process of change – Colossians 2:6-7 A. To stay with…
Read MoreTo Equip the Saints for Service
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton The Organization of the Church The Apostles Prophets What Are Elders Responsible For? Servants of the Church The Purpose of Preaching What Is Teaching?
Read MoreThe Meaning of Life: Where Are You Going?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Meaning-of-Life-Where-Are-You-Going.mp3 Text: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 I. Having a goal in mind gives direction to the choices that you must make. A. The meaning of life is more than what you are doing with your life right now. It is also where you are letting life take you. B. One thing is certain, you are going to die -…
Read MoreThe Meaning of Life
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Photo by Anthony Tori on Unsplash Where Did You Come From? Why Are You Here? Where Are You Going?
Read MoreThe Meaning of Life: Why Are You Here?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Meaning-of-Life-Why-Are-You-Here.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Timothy 6:6-21 I. What is it that you are looking for out of life? What are you expecting? A. So many people never find contentment with their lives because they are expecting things that life cannot deliver. B. They decide they can’t be happy with life unless something changes 1. I’m…
Read MoreParables on the Second Coming of Christ
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Parables-on-the-Second-Coming-of-Christ.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Thessalonians 5:1-11 I. The early disciples longed for the return of Christ A. I Corinthians 16:19-24 – The term “maranatha” is a transliteration of the Greek, which was in turn transliterated from two Aramaic words. It literally means, “Our Lord come!” B. II Peter 3:10-12 – Looking for and hastening…
Read MoreThe Seasons of Life
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Seasons-of-Life.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 I. Solomon said, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 A. Each moment in time, each phase of life, must be treated in a manner appropriate to the events – Ecclesiastes 3:11 B. So many people create problems for themselves…
Read MoreThe Meaning of Life: Where Did You Come From?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Meaning-of-Life-Where-Did-You-Come-From.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 11:25-36 I. The age-old question: Why are we here? A. To answer the question well, we first need to consider how did we get to “here.” B. To do so begins to answer why we are “here.” II. The prevalent answer today is to claim that it just happened A. Life is…
Read MoreThe Better Way
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-Better-Way.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Peter 4:1-6 I. What is accepted and praised in the world isn’t always what is best for people A. Jesus’s sermon on the mount began with startling facts – Matthew 5:3-12 1. When you take the opposites of what Jesus states brings true happiness, you find a list of things…
Read MoreThe Source of Morality
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-Source-of-Morality.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 2:12-16 I. Where does the concept of right and wrong come from? A. Why are some things “right” and other things “wrong?” B. Paul points out that the Gentiles were able by nature to know right from wrong – Romans 2:14-15 II. Where morality doesn’t come from A. Some people want to…
Read MoreI Will Bless the Lord at All Times
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/I-Will-Bless-the-Lord-at-All-Times.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 34 I. We usually think about the victories of David and see his life through that lens A. He defeated Goliath B. He won amazing battles over the Philistines C. He became king over all of Israel D. But we forget how difficult David’s life was reaching that point II. The situation A. King…
Read MorePsalms 100
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Psalms-100.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 100 I. There is a psalm which is specifically titled as one to be used for thanksgiving or during a thank offering, it is Psalms 100 II. What you should do … A. Shout joyfully to the Lord 1. Some things are not meant to be kept in – Psalms 32:11;…
Read MoreWith Gratitude in Our Hearts
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/With-Gratitude-In-Our-Hearts.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Thessalonians 5:12-24 Suggested song: Count Your Blessings I. The Ten Lepers – Luke 17:11-19 A. I’m sure all ten were happy to have been healed. B. Perhaps in their joy nine rushed off to tell their loved ones, but only one returned to say “thank you.” C. We get so caught…
Read MoreShould a Christian Vote?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Should-a-Christian-Vote.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 5:13-16 I. David Lipscomb was a famous preacher from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s A. He wasn’t an apostle. He wasn’t inspired. But he was a knowledgeable man, and his words carried a lot of weight. B. He taught that it was a sin for a Christian to vote…
Read MoreI Will Give Thanks to You Forever
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/I-Will-Give-Thanks-to-You-Forever.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 30 I. When nice things happen, we know we ought to be thankful A. Yet, in our happiness we too often forget – Luke 17:12-19 B. However, in one of David’s Psalms, David contemplates other times we might not think of being thankful to God II. In the depths of despair…
Read MoreCan We Trust the Text of the Bible?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Can-We-Trust-the-Text-of-the-Bible.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Peter 1:12-21 I. I was discussing with a gentleman about the location of a particular city mentioned in the Bible. A. He had found an old map that placed Baal Zephon on the Mediterranean Sea instead of on the edge of the Red Sea. Doesn’t this prove, he asked,…
Read MoreForeshadowing
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Foreshadowing.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Genesis 22:1-14 I. A mark of a good writer is his use of foreshadows to give the reader a hint of what is to come later in the story A. It gives a sense of unity to a book, but it is difficult to do well. Small details must be…
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