Sermon from January 03, 2010
Speaker: Glenn Record

 I.       Introduction

I.   Introduction
      A. Naming a child is something special for parents
      B. Joseph and Mary were not given the liberty to pick their firstborn son’s name. (Matt. 1:21-25)
           1. His name, “Jesus,” was to have a special meaning
           2. He would also be called by another special name
      C. Jesus was known by many names
           1. As with Isaiah 7:14, He was known by such descriptive names –even before He was born.
           2. Each of these names is revealing, and quite accurate.
II.  The Old Testament foretold what He would be called (Isaiah 9:6)
       A. There are hints of what He would be called in different places
             1. Psalms (110:1; 16:10); Zechariah (6:12); Daniel (7:13); Isaiah (7:14; 52:13)
       B. No place has more descriptive names than Isaiah 9:6
            1. They point to One Who would be nothing less than divine in nature
            2. The speak volumes about that which He will be capable of doing.
            3. They testify to what He will accomplish.
III. The story of His life shows these names are completely fitting.
        A. His life bore out the bold claims made of Him beforehand.
             1. Wonderful Counselor (1 Peter 1:12; John 1:18; 5:19,20; John 14:6)
             2. Mighty God (Mark 4:39; Matt. 14:25, ff; John 11:43,44)
             3. Everlasting Father (Acts 3:15; John 1:12; 5:21)
             4. Prince of Peace (Eph. 2:14-16)
        B. The ways in which Jesus was addressed by those He encountered coincides with these names.
              1. John 1:29; 1:49; 20:16; 20:28
IV. The ability to call Him by some names, however, is restricted.
        A. Every tongue will confess His name (Phil. 2:9-11)
        B. Jesus tells us some names for Him require participation, involvement on our part
             1. He can be called “Friend” – only if we do what He commands of us (John 15:14)
             2. He can be called “Lord” – if we obey Him (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21,23)
             3. His names are relationship names that imply our involvement in that relationship.
                  a. “Counselor” implies someone is “advised”
                  b. “Savior” implies someone is “saved”
                  c. “King” implies someone is “subject”
                  d. “Father” implies someone is “child”
V.   What Do You Call Him? 
        A. What title does your life bestow upon Him?
              1. Do you call Him “Savior?” – Has He saved you from sin?
              2. Do you call Him “Friend,” “Lord”?
              3. Do you call Him “Prince of Peace”?
              4. These are empty if our lives aren’t reflecting the relationship we claim.
         B. Calling upon Him requires entering into relationship with Him.
              1. You can begin a life of service, obedience by believing and obeying His gospel.
              2. Are you prepared to begin, or renew that relationship today?

December 20, 2009

Glenn Record

Sermon From December 06, 2009
Speaker: Glenn Record

Hidden With Christ In God

Colossians 3:3

I. Introduction

A. A Canadian woman recently lost her disability payments because of her Facebook page.

B. It is not uncommon for people to try to project two images of themselves

C. Those in Christ must be different.

1. Are we trying to maintain two images?

2. What influence for good or evil might we be exerting?

II. Christians must not project two images!

A. Every sincere Christian wants to be recognized as godly by fellow Christians

1. We want the benefits that come from harmony, partnership in God’s family.

2. We want approval.

3. We don’t want to be admonished

B. But some seek to project another image as well

1. One that is admired by the world

2. One that gains the acceptance of worldly friends

3. We can put this face on any number of ways – language, practice, encouragement

4. We can do this any number of places

III. We are to have one nature.

A. We have only one identity – Christ’s

1. “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3)

2. We who have been raised with Christ have died to sin (Romans 6:1-4)

3. We who have put on Christ must not take Him off! (Gal. 3:27; 2 Cor. 4:10)

B. We are to have one kind of fruit (Luke 6:43-46)

1. All that we are to do is to be good in the eyes of God, something He desires

2. We can’t put out two kinds of fruit

C. We must not desire worldly approval

1. Woe to you when all men speak well of you (Luke 6:26)

2. We must not talk like the world (Col. 3:8; Eph. 5:4)

3. We must not seek attachment with worldly people (2 Cor. 6:14-16; Psalm 1:1 Prov. 24:1)

IV. We must understand the influence we are called to have.

A. If we dabble in worldliness, we damage ourselves and others as well

1. The images of ourselves we present to others can influence others

2. Can be especially hurtful if it sways others to embrace sin

B. The Corinthian church hurt, and were hurt by their acceptance of sin (1 Cor. 5:1-11)

1. A man practicing a terrible sin was being encouraged by the acceptance of the church

2. Their acceptance not only encouraged him to continue, but desensitized them to sin

3. When they resolved to have one nature, they helped their erring brother (2 Cor. 2:6, ff)

C. When we talk and act with the one nature Christ has, we stand out – and glorify God.
(Eph 4:29; Php. 2:14-15)

V. Conclusion

A. When our lives are hidden with Christ, we gain so much more. (2 Cor. 6:16-18)

B. What kind of images are you projecting?

1. What does your life look like away from the company of Christians?

2. How are you displaying Christ in your life?

C. Is your life hidden with Christ in God?

December 6, 2009

Sermon from June 28, 2009
Speaker: Glenn Record

I.    Introduction
       A.  This lesson came from Steve Higginbotham’s wonderful PreachingHelp.org site.
       B.  Some churches are effective in their service to our Lord, and some are not so effective.
            1.  Effective churches are true to their duty.
            2.  Ineffective churches are a disappointment in accomplishing their purpose.
       C.  What makes for an effective congregation?
            1.  What should we consider to be essential to effectiveness?
            2.  How do we measure up – as individuals who are a part of it, and as a collective family?
II.   An Effective Church Is Christ Centered
       A.  Made up of individuals centered on Christ (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:22-23)
       B.  Made up of those whose hope is fixed on His salvation.
       C.  Have a desire to share His good news (Luke 19:10)
III.  An Effective Church Is Bound By Scripture
       A.  Jesus stated the importance of His words, the word of God (John 12:48-50)
       B.  The church remains effective when it remains in the word (I Corinthians 4:6)
       C.  Effective churches profit from study of God’s word (II Timothy 3:16-17)
IV.  An Effective Church Respects Diversity in Matters of Opinion
       A.  The New Testament makes clear that differing views are possible (Romans 14:1-5;13)
            1.  They will not agree on every point as they seek to be obedient to God (Romans 14:5-6)
            2.  They will respect individual accountability to God (Romans 14:10)
            3.  And they seek peace, mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:19; 15:2)
       B.  But these differences do not prevent unity, harmony (Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:2-3)
       C.  Distinction and discrimination must be made concerning types of error.
            1.  Errors that deter one from faithfully serving God.
            2.  Errors that do not deter one from faithfully serving God.
V.   An Effective Church has Visionary Leadership
       A.  Leadership in the church is not equivalent to what the world practices (Matthew 20:25-28)
            1.  The world has its own version of leadership, brand of leaders (Matthew 20:25)
            2.  The church follows Christ, who modeled His own style of leading (Matthew 20:28)
       B.  Leaders in the church must lead like Christ in their style of leadership.
            1.  A variety of leadership methods are possible, but not all are effective in the church.
            2.  Elders are to lead with vision (Hebrews 13:17 – “as those who will have to give an account”)
VI.  An Effective Church Brings About Lives That Are Changed
       A.  The church is more like an emergency room than a sterile laboratory.
       B.  We are to look after the spiritual healing of one another. (James 5:16; I John 5:14-16)
       C.  In order to do that, we must be “beam-free” (Matthew 7:1-5)
       D.  Our ministry is fulfilled, when we are involved in reconciling others (II Corinthians 5:18-19)
VII. Conclusion
       A.  Rather than the size, wealth, etc., it is commitment to Jesus that makes a church effective.
       B.  For each of us, making this church effective begins in our own lives.

Glenn Record
June 28, 2009
 

Sermon from May 24, 2009
Speaker: Glenn Record

I.    Introduction
      A.  In Colossians 2:2-3, Paul explains his motivation in writing.
      B.  A danger that Paul feared for them was “πιθανολογια”, “persuasive speech”
      C.  We see hints of what kinds of “persuasive speech” Paul was wary of in this text. (8)
      D.  ”Persuasive speech” is still around today.
           1.  Promotion of “acceptance, tolerance” as principle virtues.
           2.  ”Human tradition” – in religion and in the religion which pseudo-science has become.
           3.  The “elemental things” that make for today’s morality.
      E.  The letter to the Colossians affirms our fullness in Christ
II.   The fullness of Christ derives from His nature (6-10)
      A.  The Whole Fullness of Deity (9)
           1.  Jesus was God “incarnate”, in the flesh (Matthew 1:23; Philippians 2:6)
           2.  He continues to have a body in which His divine nature dwells (I Corinthians 3:16; Romans 8:9,11)
      B.”You have been filled in Him” (10)
           1.  We in the same body share in that same nature!
           2.  He has all authority (Matthew 28:18) – but only the church shares in His fullness.
      C.  In neither Christ nor His church is there need – or room – for anything more.
           1.  We don’t need Jesus and some other system.
           2.  When the holy Creator of heaven and earth fills you, what is left to be filled?
           3.  When did this happen?
III.  How we come to be part of the fulfilled body: Death, Burial, Resurrection in Baptism (11-14)
      A.  The circumcision made without hands
           1.  In order to participate in the covenant, circumcision is required.
                (Genesis 17:14; Leviticus 12:3; Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4)
           2.  Our circumcision is the putting off of the flesh to be made anew in the spirit.
      B.  This separation, regeneration takes place in baptism. (12)
           1.  Notice how many elements come together in this God-given act:
                Water (I Peter 3:21; John 3:5; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:26), faith, God’s creating work
           2.  The “before and after” (13)
      C.  Nailed to the cross (14)
           1.  The power of baptism is the cross.
           2.  Our death, burial, and resurrection lay claim to what Jesus accomplished there.
IV.  His fullness leads to triumph over accusers (15)
      A.  Christ’s accusers were put to “open shame” (Philippians 2:10-11)
      B.  That is the victory we share in (Romans 8:1)
           1.  The devil, the accuser of mankind, will have no case against us.
           2.  Those who condemn us for what we are “lacking” will likewise be shamed.
V.   Conclusion
      A.  Don’t fall for the “persuasive speech” of men
      B.  Have you attained the perfection of Christ through obedience to the gospel?
           1.  You can die with Christ to the elemental things of this world (2:20)
           2.  You can be buried with Him in baptism (2:12)
           3.  You can be raised to new life, made alive in Christ from baptism, forgiven of all sin (2:12-13)

May 24, 2009
Glenn Record

Sermon from April 12, 2009
Speaker: Glenn Record

Sermon outline is available here.

April 12, 2009
Glenn Record

Sermon from May 22, 2009
Speaker: Glenn Record

Sermon outline available here.

I.    Introduction
      A.  This lesson was written by Brother Gus Nichols
      B.  What is the greatest question asked by men?
           1.  There have been questions of great importance asked by a number of people.
           2.  The importance of their questions is often a matter of circumstance.
           3.  The greatest question affects us for all eternity.
           4.  Forms of this question appear on three occasions in the book of Acts (16:30; 22:10; 2:37)
           5.  This question has to do with our eternal destiny. (Matthew 16:26)
II.   Analysis of the question.
      A.  There are two parts to the question.
           1.  The sinner’s part: “What must I do”
           2.  God’s part: “to be saved”
      B.  The sinner’s part
           1.  ”What” – what are the things that relate to salvation?
           2.  ”What must” – Isn’t what one may do (Acts 9:6)
           3.  ”What must I” – God has done His part – it’s our move.
           4.  ”What must I do” – action, not feeling.
III.  The Jailer’s Question Answered (Acts 16:30)
      A.  The Philippian jailer asked the question knowing little or nothing about Jesus Christ.
      B.  In answering, Paul began at the very first “Believe in the Lord Jesus…” (Acts 16:31)
           1.  ”Trust and obey”
           2.  They preached Christ unto him so that he could believe. (Acts 16:32; Romans 10:17)
           3.  He evidently believed and repented (Acts 16:33)
                a.  He tried to correct some of the harm done to them; he washed their stripes
           4.  He was baptized the same hour (Acts 16:33,34; Hebrews 5:9)
IV.   The Answer Given At Pentecost (Acts 2:37)
      A.  The crowd at Pentecost asked a similiar question, but with a different knowledge of Jesus.
           1.  They had heard Peter’s message
           2.  They believed the truth of these matters
           3.  However, they had not put their faith into obedience.
      B.  The apostle Peter gave them a command to do by faith in order to be saved (Acts 2:38)
           1.  ”Repent and be baptized every one of you”
           2.  ”for the remission of sins” for which Christ had shed his blood (Matthew 26:28)
           3.  ”they then that gladly received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41a)
           4.  ”the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41b)
           5.  ”And the Lord added to the church such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47)
      C.  Those saved were those who had obeyed.
           1.  Those who obeyed in faith were added to the church Christ said He would build (Matthew 16:18;
               Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:22,23; 5:23; 4:4)
           2.  These who received the answer to the greatest question and acted on it were merely Christians (John
               17:20,21; Ephesians 4:3)
V.   Conclusion
      A.  Have you considered the most important question?
      B.  Don’t let this question go unanswered in your life.

March 22, 2009
Glenn Record

Sermon from March 15, 2009
Speaker: Paul Powers

Sermon outline available here.

Sermon Outline is available here.

The Beatitudes – Living Within the Body of Christ

Audio of this sermon is available here.

Sermon from: 13 April 2008
Speaker: Glenn Record

Sermon outline is available here.

In Christ

Sermon Outline from April 13, 2008

Sermon audio is available here.

Sermon from: March 23, 2008
Speaker: Glenn Record

Sermon outline is available here.

God the Son – The Exalted Christ

Sermon Outline from March 23, 2008

Sermon audio is available here.