Sermon
How to Ruin Your Influence
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/How-to-Ruin-Your-Influence.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 14:34-35 I. Your reputation, your ability to influence others is valuable A. Ecclesiastes 7:1 – Better than expensive perfume B. Proverbs 22:1 – Better than great wealth C. Christians are expected to influence the world – Matthew 5:13-16 D. But if we ruin our ability to influence others, what good are we?…
Read MoreExactly Who is Influencing Who?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Exactly-Who-Is-Influencing-Who.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Chronicles 13:4-12 I. Most Americans tend to have an independent streak. A. We would like to think that we think for ourselves. B. As Christians, we aim to influence those around to do good. C. But influence is not a one-way street. II. Our thoughts are shaped by many things A. Parents 1. Seth…
Read MoreWhy Water?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Why-Water.mp3 Text: John 3:1-12 I. Jesus stated that unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven – John 3:5 A. We understand, despite efforts by many to avoid it, that Jesus refers to baptism when he said one must be born of water B. Today, I would like to…
Read MoreWhen I Grow Up
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/When-I-Grow-Up.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Lamentations 3:19-38 I. Have you noticed how the world sets up different standards for children and adults? A. You can’t smoke until you’re a certain age B. You can’t drink until you have reached 21 C. In some ways it makes sense, we want to protect our children while they are young…
Read MoreYou Are Enough
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/You-Are-Enough.mp3 by Garry Floyd I want to communicate the importance of self-worth. Scripture Reading: Psalms 139:1-6 Forward Upon what should our self-worth be based? What gives us value as human beings? How can we focus on inner beauty in a culture seemingly obsessed with physical beauty? Is it possible to find our worth in God…
Read MoreI Have Put My Trust in God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/I-Have-Put-My-Trust-in-God.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 56 I. It is far too easy to read the stories in the Bible and not think about the feelings of the people involved. A. Joshua was chosen to follow Moses as leader of Israel, but he must have been very nervous – Joshua 1:2,9 B. We think of the boldness…
Read MoreHow Noah Was Saved
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/How-Noah-Was-Saved.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Peter 3:18-22 I. In our reading, Peter draws on the account of Noah’s salvation to illustrate how the Christian is saved. A. Many people object to the straight forward reading of I Peter 3:21 because it stands contrary to what they have accepted. 1. To many people, baptism is simply…
Read MoreJonah – Wrath of Man / Mercy of God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jonah-Wrath-of-Man-Mercy-of-God.mp3 by Ross Ward We all know the story, but have we really gotten the point? Story The book is about Jonah Not gentile city Outline of book Ch 1 – Jonah runs from God Ch 2 – Jonah’s salvation Ch 3 – Nineveh’s salvation Ch 4 – God’s mercy on Jonah Jonah’s faults Wrath…
Read MoreDavid – A Man After God’s Own Heart
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/David-A-Man-After-Gods-Own-Heart.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: I Samuel 13:14 The Story II Samuel 11:2-5 – sin with Bathsheba A time when Kings go to war Bathsheba was very beautiful David inquires about her David summons her Has a relationship with her A child is conceived Progression of sin Saw Dwelt on her Inquired about her Summoned…
Read MoreDavid – 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 (Series)
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…
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