Sermon Overview

Scripture Reference: Acts 17:16-18

The opposition we, as Christians, face in this pagan world is nothing new. In Acts 17, Paul finds himself surrounded by a pagan society in Athens, Greece. Yet, the ones who opposed the Gospel in this passage are much like those who oppose the Gospel now. Paul’s response to this opposition is a picture of standing firm in a pagan world.

First, Paul met superstitious idolatry.

Acts 17:16 says, “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” An idol is anything you love, serve, fear or trust more than God. Paul saw idolatry everywhere he turned in Athens.

Our city and even sometimes our churches are filled with idolatry. There are gods of materialism, alcohol, sex, violence, and even gods of knowledge and wisdom. We all worship something because mankind is incurably religious.

Second, Paul faced self-righteous orthodoxy.

Verse 17 says, “Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.” These religious men had their sterile orthodoxy. They believed in one true God, but they did not know Him; they did not understand that the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “It’ll be a great day in America when people stop enduring religion and start enjoying salvation.”

Thirdly, Paul met sophisticated philosophy.

Verse 18 says, “Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him...’” Paul encountered two types of philosophers: the Epicures and the Stoics. Epicureans sought pleasure above anything else. Stoics believed they were victims of fate, that God is in everything and everything is God. If this sounds familiar, it’s because we still encounter people who believe this way.

How did Paul deal with this opposition? He expressed confidence in his faith. He simply continued to preach, and reveal that God is a God of power, love, righteousness, and salvation.

Paul also expected converts as a result of his faith. Some mocked, some laughed and some procrastinated. But, thank God, others believed.

Apply it to your life

As we stand firm in this pagan world, we can’t make others believe, however, we have the opportunity to preach the Gospel anyway. Are you confident in your faith? Do you expect converts when you share the Gospel?

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: 1 John 2:18-29

The days are growing gloriously dark; the time is ripe for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:18-29 heeds three warnings to us as we near the rapture and Great Tribulation prophesied in the Book of Revelation.

First, we are living in the last days, and we need to be awake.

“Little children, it is the last time....” (v. 18)

Ever since the ascension of Jesus Christ, we have been on the brink of His return. And because the signs of the revelation are here, we know the rapture must be very close.

When He raptures His church, He will come secretly, like a thief in the night; we must be spiritually awake.

Second, the antichrist is coming, and we need to be aware.

“...and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (v. 18)

There is a wicked, malevolent, ungodly person waiting to be revealed after the rapture of the church; he is called the antichrist. We must be aware that he is devilish, divisive, deceptive, and destructive.

Third, our Lord is on His way, and we need to be abiding.

“Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye shall also continue in the Son, and in the Father.” (v. 24)

While living in the last days, we need to make ourselves at home in the word of God.

Now more than ever, we need to appreciate, appropriate, and assimilate Scripture.

We must make ourselves at home with the Spirit of God.

Adrian Rogers says, “Anything I can talk you into, somebody else can talk you out of; the one who teaches you is the Holy Spirit of God.”

Finally, we need to make ourselves at home with the very Son of God.

When Jesus comes for us, we shouldn’t have to be formally introduced. Rather, when we see Him face-to-face, it should feel like uniting with someone we’ve known heart-to-heart.

Apply it to your life

The signs of the upcoming revelation are all around us in these last days. Are you ready for Jesus to come? Are you awake and aware — are you abiding in Christ?

Sermon Overview

Scripture reference: Matthew 24:1-3

Mankind has always been fascinated with knowing the future; our only reliable source of prophecy is the Word of God. In Matthew 24, Jesus prophesied His literal, physical return to earth, offering signs of the times and the beginning of the end. “And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (v. 2)

The temple was the center of Jewish life – spiritually and socially. No one could believe it would ever be desolated. Yet, Jesus had prophesied its destruction and it came to fruition. In response, the disciples ask Jesus three questions: When shall these things be? What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (v. 3) Jesus gives them seven marks of the beginning of the end.

1. Deceptions of counterfeit christs

One of the marks of the last days will be a time of great deception, in which all the world will be deceived by the antichrist.

2. Division of continuing conflicts

The generations to come will see more terrorism, hijackings, bombings, and assassinations than ever before.

3. Disasters of cataclysmic consequence

Jesus spoke candidly of famine, plagues, and earthquakes.

4. Defamation of committed Christians

Religious persecution will increase, particularly toward those who follow Jesus Christ.

5. Distortion of christless cults

Adrian Rogers reiterates G.K. Chesterson’s statement: “When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing, they then become capable of believing in anything.”

6. Disposition of carnal coldness

Adrian Rogers says, “When you take away moral limits, you destroy the fire and the glow of true love and you substitute that with the false fire of lust, and theology turns to me-ology.”

7. Discharge of Christ’s commission

Before Jesus left this earth, He commissioned us to take the Gospel to all of the world.

Jesus calls these marks “the beginning of sorrows.” (v. 8) In this context, the word “sorrow” also translates to, “birth pangs.” As these sorrows multiply and intensify, we know we are nearing the return of Jesus Christ, and the Great Tribulation that comes with it.

Apply it to your life

Knowing Jesus could return at any moment, the wisest thing to do is follow Jesus and spend time in His Word.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Hebrews 13:5-6

So many of us do not explore new territories because of our fear of potential opposition. But we can overcome fear when facing the unknown future, particularly a new year.

There are four key principles from Hebrews 13:5-6 to help us face the new year without fear:

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

The Contentment of His Provision

We must first be content with what we already possess. Adrian Rogers says, "Contentment is not getting what you want, but it is wanting what you already have."

Material things cannot truly satisfy the heart's deepest needs (Ecclesiastes 5:10, Luke 12:15). True satisfaction and security are found in something that can't be tampered with, which is Jesus Christ.

The Companionship of His Presence

God promises not to leave us or forsake us. The Greek translation of this phrase is noted to contain five negatives: "I will never, no not ever, no never leave nor forsake you.”

It is clear that God will not abandon, give up on, or leave even one believer as a "helpless orphan". God's presence is a source of solace when discouraged, lonely, or worried.

The Confidence of His Promise

“For He Himself has said" emphasizes the value of this promise by the identity of the one who makes it: the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God. This assurance addresses our fears of lacking strength, facing the unknown, or not knowing what to do. The God of all comfort will be faithful.

The Comfort of His Protection

The final principle states that contentment, companionship, and confidence in Christ lead to the ability to boldly say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What man can do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).

Although the New Year may bring heartaches and trials, we can rely on God's promises. The original Hebrew Christians faced severe opposition, mockery, and robbery, yet could boldly declare God’s presence and protection, and so can we.

Apply it to your life

If you are fearful of what the New Year has in store, rest assured, you can find contentment, companionship, confidence, comfort, and courage in Jesus.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 2

One of the chief weapons that God has given us is the principle of submission; it is the thing that closes the mouths of those who oppose us and allows us to exercise our kingdom authority.

However, what if we experience the problem of unworthy authorities? 1 Peter 2-3 reveals how to submit to godless authority figures.

Submission is simply getting under the authority that God has established, not for that authority’s sake, but for God’s sake. Being submissive does not demean us, it exalts us; it makes us like Jesus Christ.

This passage recognizes three places in which our submission is needed: the government, the job, and the home.

“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake...” (1 Peter 2:13).

We are called to demonstrate a spirit of submission in our social lives, in our churches, and in our politics, for 1 Peter 2:17 confirms, “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

We are also instructed to submit in the workforce. Anyone can gripe and rebel against a bad boss, but Christians are held to a higher standard.

Adrian Rogers says, “There is no better place for you to demonstrate the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ if you have an unfair or an ungodly boss.”

Third, we’re to submit in the home: “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands…” (1 Peter 3:1). Women are not inferior to men; however, when a wife voluntarily places herself under her husband, who is her equal, God is glorified.

But we must understand that submission doesn’t always mean obedience. All human authority is limited because our ultimate loyalty belongs to God. If there comes a time when someone commands us to do something antithetical to the Word of God, we must obey God rather than men.

Adrian Roger says, “Submission does not embolden tyranny, it destroys it. It was the spirit of these early Christians that brought the Roman Empire crashing down. They turned that world upside down because they learned the strength of submission.”

Apply it to your life

Do you have the spirit of submission? Remember: We will never be over those things that God has put under us, until we get under those things that God has put over us. Submit to the Lordship of Christ, the Word of God, and the institutions that God has put in place.

Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Luke 2:7-11

The Book of Luke describes the beautiful moment Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.

Luke 2:7 says, “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

How fitting that the Lamb of God was born in a stable, for the destiny of the world is wrapped up in Mary’s little lamb.

When we think about this Lamb, we should first think of Him in prophecy.
It is not incidental that Jesus was born near the fields where shepherds bred sacrificial Passover lambs. The Book of Exodus explains the origin of the Passover tradition, in which the Israelites sacrificed lambs and painted the doors of their homes in lambs’ blood. The lambs had to be spotless in order for the death angel to pass over their homes.

After the special lambs were slain, the families would share in a feast, celebrating their atonement.

The Passover is an historic portrayal of Jesus; John 1:29 confirms: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”” Being born of a virgin, Jesus was sinless, free from the curse of Adam. On our behalf, He became the sacrificial and saving lamb. When we receive salvation in Jesus Christ, we are called to share the feast with others.

Jesus is also the victorious Lamb of Revelation 5.
In these passages, the Apostle John sees a prophetic vision of the Lamb of God, who was slain for us. He, who was resurrected, now stands strong and omniscient, and He reigns forever.

Lastly, Jesus is the majestic Lamb; He alone is worthy of our praise.
Adrian Rogers says, “Mary had a little Lamb, His fleece was white as snow. That little Lamb was crucified to pay the debt you owe. If you will receive Him as your Lord and Savior, His scarlet red blood will take away your scarlet red sin and make you whiter than snow.”



Apply it to your life
As we observe Christ’s birth, may we see Him as the Lamb in prophecy and history: the one the Old Testament prophesied long before His miraculous birth. Today, worship the victorious, majestic Lamb of God.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: John 1:1-9

Luke 1:78-79 says, “Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Our world is in a desperately dark condition, but thanks be to God, who sent us His Son, Jesus, the Light of the World.

There are five things to learn about the light of Jesus Christ:

This light is pure.

Jesus was in the world, but He was not of the world. Light can never be defiled, no matter what it passes through. Light can expose the vilest, corrupt darkness, but it’s not touched by it.

Adrian Rogers says, “This is a wonderful picture of Jesus Christ. He exposes sin, but He is never touched by sin. Jesus could touch sinners, but sin never touched Jesus.”

This light is constant.

God is absolutely unchangeable. The only thing that is constant in our universe is light. Likewise, in the spiritual realm, Jesus is the one constant.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

This light is victorious.

John 1:5 says, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

This light is vital.

Jesus is the one who gives life. Light and life are inextricably interwoven; you cannot have life without light.

When God first initiated life in this universe, He first commanded, “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3) If the sunlight were to disappear, our world would become cold and dark and dead. Likewise, when Jesus came into the world, in Him was life, and that life was the light of Man!

If we want to revive our lives, we need the light of Jesus Christ.

Finally, this light is glorious.

It is full of multifaceted splendors. Pure white light consists of a spectrum of colors, the most gorgeous bouquet in the world. If you take away the light, it has no color. Color is not in objects…it’s in light.

Christ is the one who gives glory and joy, and victory. He’s the one who makes this world beautiful in His time.

Apply it to your life

Don’t blot out the light of Jesus Christ; rather, let Him shine through you today.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 15

Christmas is spelled L-O-V-E, as it reflects God's ultimate gift of love through Jesus Christ as described in John 3:16. Love is crucial for using spiritual gifts effectively.

Adrian Rogers says, "The real mark of the spirit-filled life is love."

1 Corinthians 13 unveils three main aspects of love.

The Virtues and Indispensability of Love

Love is absolutely indispensable, with no substitute. Without love, other highly valued attributes or actions are rendered meaningless:

Oratory or speaking with tongues becomes like sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (v. 1)

Prophecy, understanding mysteries, and knowledge are as nothing. (v. 2)

Faith, even faith that can move mountains, is "nothing" without love. (v. 2)

Feeding the poor (bestowing all goods) or martyrdom (giving one's body to be burned) profit nothing if not motivated by genuine love. (v. 3)

Adrian Rogers says, "What our Lord is looking for more than people who will die for their faith, is people who will live for their faith, and show that living by loving."

The Characteristics of Love

These are described in verses 4-5: love is portrayed as having specific qualities:

Patient ("suffers long"); a lack of patience indicates a lack of love.

Kind, described as "love in the little things" and courtesy.

Not jealous ("envies not"); willing to give credit and praise others.

Humble ("not puffed up"); able to apologize and forgive.

Not rude ("does not behave unseemly").

Unselfish ("seeketh not its own"); focusing on showing love rather than personal gain.

Even-tempered ("not easily provoked"); an "evil temper" is highlighted as significantly damaging to Christian society.

Not suspicious ("thinks no evil"), avoiding paranoia or "mud-slinging".

The Victory and Eternality of Love

1 Corinthians 13:4 states simply, “Love never fails.”

It is eternal and will never pass away, unlike prophecies, tongues, and knowledge, which are temporary. Faith and hope find their fulfillment in Heaven, but love endures and is perfected in Heaven.

Love is the greatest virtue, the greatest commandment, the greatest testimony, the greatest motivation, and the greatest confirmation of salvation. Jesus' disciples will be recognized by their love for one another (John 13:35).

Apply it to your life

Prioritize demonstrating patient, kind, humble, and unselfish love in all aspects of your life. It is the most indispensable and enduring virtue, far better than any other achievement or gift.