Love Worth Finding | Audio Program

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Psalm 128 Perhaps the most difficult and profoundly rewarding role a man could ever commit to is being a good Dad. The faith of our fathers is what leads our families through the minefield of today’s world. Psalm 128 describes a faithful father in four ways. First, it is his character. If you fear God, you will walk in the way of God. Though we will inevitably make mistakes, we can be fathers who leave a legacy of integrity. “When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.” (Psalm 128:2). Second, a godly father loves his companion—his faithful, fruitful wife. “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house…” (Psalm 128:3a). If the wife is the vine, you, as a wise father, understand it is your job to take care of your wife’s love and needs, so she may meet the needs of your children and your household. Third, a godly father leads his children. “...your children like olive plants all around your table” (Psalm 128:3b). In the Bible, olives symbolize fruitfulness and righteousness. This verse is a beautiful picture of how a godly father’s righteousness is reproduced through his children. A good father learns consistency in discipline and cultivates his children through quality time. Finally, a godly father leaves a legacy. “The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children’s children” (Psalm 128:5-6). A generation raised by strong, God-fearing fathers makes a strong nation. America will not be changed until our families are changed; and our families will not be changed until the fathers are changed. Adrian Rogers says, “You can’t do anything about your ancestors, but you can do something about your descendants.” As fathers, we have an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of our children, and our children’s children; let us not waste it. Apply it to your life Are you leading your family with character—do you love your wife and lead your children on the paths of righteousness? Consider the legacy you are leaving behind.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 1:14-16 The Apostle Paul was one of the greatest missionaries the world has ever known. Romans 1:14-16 highlights the missionary challenge of Paul’s life: his heart, his zeal, his motivation, and his prayer. This passage first shares that Paul was faithful to the missionary obligation. “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise” (Romans 1:14). Paul calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ and recognizes that Christ died for him. Adrian Rogers says, “Though salvation is the gift of God’s grace, the great paradox is that when we’re saved by grace, we become a slave to the Lord Jesus Christ. And in slavery to Jesus Christ is absolute freedom.” Not only did Paul mean he was indebted to Christ, but he also felt indebted to the martyrs who had gone before him, suffering for the faith. Each of us is indebted to those who brought the Gospel to us. We stand on the shoulders and reap the legacy of those who suffered, gave, and sacrificed so we could know Jesus. Paul was also flexible to the missionary opportunity. “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also” (Romans 1:15) A missionary heart is dependable and available; no intellectual, physical, financial, or personal ability can replace dependability and availability. God might have other plans for us than we expect; nothing takes precedence over the call of God in our lives. Finally, Paul was fearless to the missionary opposition. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:6). Paul knew that Jesus was all that mattered, and he was not ashamed of Him. He was not ashamed of the person, the purpose, or the power of the cross—which is salvation. This world is desperate for salvation that only comes from Jesus. We have been empowered to share the Gospel with the world, if we would only be bold enough to share it. Apply it to your life The missionary challenge is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed. We are the recipients of the Gospel, handed down from saint to saint, from generation to generation; we dare not drop it.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Acts 8-10 Jesus Christ commanded us to take the Gospel to the darkest corners of this Earth, and God has given us open doors to all the world. In our own way and opportunity, each of us is called, ordained, and equipped to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the Book of Acts, the conversions of three men reveal why it is so important to witness to others. In Acts 8, the conversion of the Ethiopian man shows us that all people have a common hunger to know God, even if we don’t understand it yet. Adrian Rogers says, “Man doesn’t primarily need a boost from beneath; he needs a birth from above.” In Acts 9, the conversion of Saul—who later became Paul, an apostle of Christ— reminds us that all people have a common heartache. All the intelligence and money in the world couldn’t buy the satisfaction that is found only in Christ. In Acts 10, the conversion of Cornelius tells us that all people have a common hope—Jesus. Back-to-back, we are shown through Scripture that the hope of Africa is Jesus, the hope of Asia (Paul the Apostle) is Jesus, and the hope of Europe (Cornelius) is Jesus. All people need the same help. The hope of the world is Jesus. God told Phillip, Annanias, and Peter to “Go.” He took their availability, expendability, and adaptability, and used them to share the Gospel with men who would carry it even further, to the uttermost places on Earth. Adrian Rogers says, “A Christian who refuses to go is not missing a blessing; he’s guilty of high treason against Heaven’s King.” We all have the same heartaches and hunger that are only satisfied through our common hope in Jesus Christ. And remember: Jesus will save anybody who is willing to come to Him. They may not even know that it is God they are searching for, but each and every man needs to know Him. It is our job, as a Christian community, to help them. Apply it to your life Are you available, expendable, and adaptable, ready to be used by God? Somebody needs you desperately! All men need the same help—they need somebody to tell them about Jesus and that somebody is you.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus’ final words spoken on Earth were His marching orders for His Church. No one is omitted from the Great Commission; it is an all-inclusive command, and the mandate is active today. Matthew 28:18 says, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” As we fulfill the Great Commission, we are to employ all power. Our Lord has given us every sufficiency we need in this mission. Adrian Rogers says, “Those early Christians had something that swords couldn’t kill, water couldn’t drown, fire couldn’t burn, and jails couldn’t hold. There was no power able to stand against them because the authority of the Lord was with them.” This power is described as sovereign authority from the Lord; its domain is endless, reaching from realm to realm, on Earth and in the heavenlies. This power transcends culture, creed, race, and time. Jesus dispersed this power, through the Holy Spirit, as He ascended to Heaven. This power enlightens us, energizes us, and encourages us as we carry out the Great Commission. We are also meant to evangelize all nations. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19). We’ve been commissioned to make disciples everywhere we go. Nobody is left out, nor overlooked—all are lost without Jesus, so we are meant to bring them to Him, whether they are across the world or across the street. Third, we are commissioned to edify all believers. “...teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:20a). Once we’ve evangelized, we must baptize new believers and get them plugged into a church. Once you become a disciple of Jesus, you are to become a disciple-maker. Finally, we are to endure all the ages. “...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b). Jesus Christ is still with us, even now. The Great Commission promises us power, but also promises us His presence. God is on the move: all power, all nations, all commandments, always. Apply it to your life Are you committed to the Great Commission? Are you making disciples that make disciples? Ask the Lord to ignite your passion to bring the lost to Jesus Christ.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 3:18 The cross of Jesus Christ is the cure for sin. 1 Peter 3:18 points out three truths about how God forgives and deals with sin through the cross. The very first truth is the vicarious suffering of the cross. The word vicarious means “in the place of another”. 1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust....” Jesus, who is the just, sinless Son of God, died for the unjust, us. He became our substitute. He faced emotional and bodily suffering unlike anything we could possibly imagine. In the Old Testament, God instituted the ritual of the Passover Lamb. There was judgment upon the land because of sin, but God told His people to kill a perfect, spotless lamb. They were to take the blood of that lamb and put it upon the doorpost of their houses. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot...” Jesus' crucifixion bears symbolism of that of a Passover Lamb. Even then, God was using the Passover Lamb as a prophecy and a picture of the cross of Jesus Christ. Notice also the vital satisfaction of the cross. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sin....” Once; once for all. The debt has been paid in full. To say that there needs to be another sacrifice for sin is blasphemy. It is finished. We see also the victorious salvation of the cross. “He hath suffered for sin, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” Sin separates us from a Holy God. The cross reconciles us a Holy God. Adrian Rogers says, “On that cross, Jesus took Holy God with one hand, sinful man with the other hand and by the blood of His cross, He hath reconciled God and man.” God has a way of bringing us back. “Oh the love that thought it; oh the grace that brought it.” Apply it to your life Do you believe in the cross of Jesus Christ? The vicarious suffering, the vital satisfaction, the victorious salvation? Thank God for the sacrifice He made through Jesus Christ to bring us back to Him.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Luke 22:39-47 In Luke 22, Jesus told His disciples about His coming crucifixion at the Last Supper. When He later came to the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed three times: Lord, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. This wasn’t a literal cup; rather, a symbolic cup, meaning to experience something fully. Was He afraid of His coming crucifixion? Did the cup symbolize the physical pain He would soon feel? What was it that caused Jesus to dread the drinking of that cup? It was sin; every sin through all the ages polluted the cup, as well as the punishment of that sin. It was not the physical pain He would feel that caused Him to plead for another way. No; it was the vileness and filth of sin He would soon take on that caused Him agony. And the silence from heaven said, there is no other way. God will never overlook sin, for He is holy. By His holiness, He has sworn that sin will be punished. So, when Jesus took on our sins, God the Father, in holy justice, treated Jesus as if He were a sinner, and punished Him as such. Jesus knew this, yet He consumed the contents of the cup anyway. He chose it. In His holy humanity, Jesus shrank back. But in His divine love, He said, “Thy will be done.” Jesus wrestled between His holy humanity and His divine love. His love won. Adrian Rogers says, “The cross is God’s way to punish sin and forgive the sinner at the same time.” There is one more cup, one that we drink. Just before Jesus went into Gethsemane, Jesus was at last supper with his disciples. He told them: this is the New Testament in my blood. Drink it. This is the cup of communion, and it is ours to drink. He drank the cup of sin that we might have the cup of redemption. Apply it to your life Have you accepted the cup of communion? Have you wrestled with submitting your will to the Father? Can you truly say, “Not my will, but Yours be done?” Adrian Rogers says, “As I look at dark Gethsemane, there are two things it tells me. Number one, I want to hate sin. Number two, I want to love Jesus Christ.”

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Ruth 2 After losing her husband in a pagan land, Ruth made the wise choice to stay with her mother-in-law and continue worshiping the one true God. God honored her choice and lavished His amazing grace upon her by way of Boaz. Ruth 2:1 says, “There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz…” The love story of Ruth and Boaz is a beautiful portrait of Jesus Christ’s love for the Church. First, this story reminds us of God’s saving grace. Because of her husband’s death, the law of the land claimed a curse upon Ruth. Boaz, a mighty man of great wealth, was a close kinsman of Ruth’s family. If willing, he could redeem her from financial bankruptcy and provide for Ruth in her weakened condition. Adrian Rogers says, “The law excluded her, but grace included her.” In the same way, Jesus is our near kinsman who willingly took on flesh and blood to be made like us in order to redeem us. Second, this grace is sovereign: the unseen hand of God brought Ruth to Himself. As a young, penniless widow, Ruth went to work in Boaz’s fields just in time for the barley harvest. Ruth showed up in the fields at the exact right time because God is sovereign, and He has a plan. Third, this grace was a seeking grace; once he saw her in the fields, Boaz took the initiative. God has taken the initiative with us, and continues to seek us through Scripture, our sufferings, and His servants. This was also a satisfying grace; throughout Ruth 2, we see Boaz looking out for Ruth’s needs as she worked the fields. This mimics how God satisfies our every need and provides for His children to further His kingdom. Finally, this was a securing grace; Boaz charged the other men of the field not to touch her. Ruth was now safe and secure under the watchful protection of her kinsman redeemer. And in Jesus Christ, we are not only saved and satisfied; we are forever secure. Apply it to your life Ruth was not placed in the fields of Boaz by accident. Likewise, you are not in your current circumstance by chance. Pray for God’s guidance and rest assured that He is with you, and He has a plan for your life.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Daniel 3:1-30 As these days grow gloriously dim, we must stand on the principles of God’s Word—for things that are true and righteous, which last throughout time and eternity. Daniel 3 tells the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. This story reminds us that we will face immense pressure to bow down, yet we must stand alone, even when our faith is in the fire. First, see the fury they faced: there was emotional enticement and a social obligation to bow to the idol. Everyone was doing it; the government was even enforcing it. The devil is behind all of this defiling spirituality, seeking out converts. But Daniel 3 also reminds us of the faith that followed. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exhibited a settled, strong faith, having already made up their minds beforehand to remain devoted to God. They knew God could deliver them, and even if He didn’t, they would never bow to anyone else (see Daniel 3:16-18). Adrian Rogers says, “It is one thing to have faith to escape. It's another thing to have faith to endure.” So, the three were thrown into the furnace as they were warned. And we see the fellowship they found in the fire: “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:25). “...they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them” (Daniel 3:27). Rather than being consumed by the fire, God used it to cleanse them. Rather than sparing them from the furnace, He joined them in it. As a result of this miracle, Nebuchadnezzar had to admit: there is no God like our God. Adrian Rogers says, “Do you know when this world is going to start having respect for the Lord Jesus Christ, the God of the Bible? When you and I, by the grace of God, stand alone.” Apply it to your life Understanding the fury to conform to this world, do you have the faith to stand alone? Take courage today—know that whatever fire you face today, the Lord is with you.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 10:17-21 Adrian Rogers says, “Faith makes God’s grace available and real to us. Grace is God’s ability, and faith is man’s responsibility.” In the Kingdom of God, our faith is the measure of our victory and success. Our belief is our greatest spiritual asset and richest currency. Conversely, unbelief is our greatest stumbling block. This is why there is an immediate urgency to receive what grace provides through faith in God. Romans 10 reveals the intricacies of faith, what it is, and how to have it. First, we must consider the object of our faith in order for it to be real. When we rely on the wrong things, it can be dangerous to our spiritual health. We do not rely on positive thinking, or even on faith itself. True biblical faith is placed in Jesus Christ, alone. Adrian Rogers says, “If the object of your faith is God, then the ambition of your heart ought to be to know Him.” Once we confirm the object of faith, we see it originates from the Word of God. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” In order to grow spiritually, we must hear from God; we cannot know the will of God by guessing at it. Faith cannot be generated; it is given, as Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When God speaks to us through His Word and Jesus Christ, we will see the result of our faith, which is the Will of God. The objective of our faith is to get God’s will done on Earth as it is in Heaven. God is sovereign; He remains in control at all times. What He says He will do, He will accomplish. We have the beautiful opportunity to take part in His Will, through faith. Finally, we must know the operation of faith, which is the work of God. We do not work for our salvation, but our obedience to Him is proof that we believe in Him. Apply it to your life True faith does more than merely believe; it translates into action. When you pray and ask God what to do, and how to accomplish His Will for your life today, trust and obey Him.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 10:1-13 Some may think being saved is an old-fashioned concept, but salvation continues to be man’s greatest need. Romans 10 describes the necessity and timelessness of salvation. First, this passage reveals the freeness of salvation. “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:2-4). Adrian Rogers says, “Some people think salvation roots in the merit of man. They think salvation is a reward for the righteous, but really it is a gift for the guilty.” Many remain unsaved, not because they think they’re sinners but because they think they've never sinned. The worst form of badness is human goodness if human goodness is what keeps you from salvation. Second, in Romans 10:6, we see the nearness of salvation. “But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?”’” We don’t have to go on a pilgrimage to find salvation, because Jesus Christ stepped out of Heaven to find us. He already paid the price with His life, already bore the weight of our sins on the cross, and rose to life to give us hope. We only need to be bold and unashamed as we confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. Salvation is not an intellectual belief that we tack on along with other ideas; it is trusting and committing everything to Jesus, claiming Him as Savior and Lord. Finally, we see the richness of salvation in Romans 10:12. “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.” Adrian Rogers says, “Nobody is so good they don’t need to be saved, and nobody is so bad that they cannot be saved.” God wants everybody to be saved; anyone who calls upon Him will be saved. We may fail Him, but He has never failed us. Salvation is by grace through faith, trusting the Lord Jesus. Apply it to your life Are you sure and solid in your salvation? Consider the freeness, the nearness, and the richness of salvation today.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 8:28-31 Salvation, from start to finish, is of the Lord. It is only by the grace of God that we can be sure of our salvation. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” There are five foundational facts on which our faith rests. The first fact is God’s foreknowledge of our salvation. God knew we were going to be saved before we did. When God foreknows something, it is not an educational guess; He sees the beginning, middle, and end of everything, all at once. Second, we can be sure of our predestination to be like Jesus. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). Adrian Rogers says, “God doesn’t predestine some people to go to Hell, and God doesn’t predestine some people to go to Heaven. God predestines every child of God, everyone who is born again, to be like Jesus.” God wants everyone to be saved, but in order for love to be love, it cannot be forced. So God gave us free will; whether we want to be saved or not is up to us. Third, we are sure that God foreknew we would be saved: “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called…” (Romans 8:30). Whenever the Gospel is preached, God is calling people to salvation. Through His Word and His Spirit, God can make the spiritually blind see things they’ve never seen before. Fourth and fifth, we can be sure of our settled justification, and finally, our eternal glorification. “...whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Romans 8:30). The basis of our justification is the blood of Jesus Christ; it becomes effective when we trust in Him. As a result, God no longer deals with us as sinners, but as servants. As servants, God already sees us in Heaven, in His heart and mind, settled and glorified. And what has been settled in Heaven cannot be annulled or undone in time. Apply it to your life Are you sure of your salvation? Adrian Rogers says, “If you’ll put your faith where God has put your sins, on the Lord Jesus Christ, you can be absolutely sure.”

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 8:26-28 As Christians, prayer is our greatest privilege and service, yet it can be our greatest failure. Too often, we don’t have the desire to pray, nor do we know what to pray for. Other times, the enemy interferes to keep us from praying. Adrian Rogers says, “The devil laughs at our organization and mocks our schemes. He ridicules our good intentions, but he fears our prayers.” Knowing this, God has given us an ally, an asset and a great Helper: the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26-27 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” The Spirit activates our will to pray. Our flesh resists prayer, but the Holy Spirit in us recognizes God for who He is and reignites our will to pray. The Spirit animates our bodies to pray. When our minds wander and grow weary, we must yield to the Holy Spirit and receive His energy and power. The Spirit adapts our requests. Sometimes we’re not sure how to pray; but, glory to God, the Holy Spirit is the ultimate transformer. Simply pray with a clean heart, and He will adapt our prayers. The Spirit administrates our access to God. God has given us the royal invitation to pray, and the Holy Spirit is our guide into the throne room. The Spirit articulates our words. The Holy Spirit understands our groans and wordless heartache. Even when we don’t have the vocabulary to express our thoughts, God knows our hearts. And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. (See Romans 8:28.) His plans are for our holiness, not our happiness. The Spirit amplifies our victory. When we pray in the flesh, we are no match for Satan; but when we pray in the Spirit, we remember: if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31b) Apply it to your life Prayer is warfare. As you go to the Lord in prayer today, remember that you have a Helper who intercedes for you.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 6:1-2 The grace of God enables us to live godly lives in Christ Jesus and empowers us to live in victory. Romans 6 reveals how to live in victory. First, we must know our identification with Jesus, who gave Himself for us. “For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (Romans 6:5-6). Jesus has acted on our behalf; when He died for us, we died with Him. When He was buried, we were buried with Him. And now, we have that same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead, in us. Adrian Rogers explains, “When Jesus came out of the grave, we came out with Him and we’ve been raised to walk in a new life.” Second, we must reckon our appropriation of Jesus. “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:11). Reckoning is acting by faith, on what we know to be true, which is that we are dead to our sins and alive in Christ. Third, we must yield our emancipation to Christ. The victorious life is God’s work in us; we cannot do it without Him, and He will not do it without us. Yielding begins when we dethrone sin. We must choose against our old master. No longer will our eyes be a tool for sin, nor our ears be sin’s instruments, nor will our hands do its bidding. We must also enthrone the Savior: “...but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Romans 6:13). We must make Jesus Lord of our lives, enslaving ourselves to Him, as Romans 6:18 explains: “And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” When we become slaves of Christ, we receive new freedom, faithfulness, and fruitfulness. God will begin to live His life in us, claiming victory every step of the way. Apply it to your life Do you know that you identify with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection? Have you reckoned your life to what you believe? Have you yielded to Him?

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 5:6-9 This modern world is trying to obliterate the word “sin” from our language. Everything is excused by psychology, evolution, human studies, and behavioral science, yet the real root of the problem is sin. If we don’t understand the bad news of sin, we’re not ready for the Good News of the Gospel—that there is so much more that we’ve gained through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:6 says, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Presently, there are two kingdoms: one is of death and destruction, and the other is of love and life. Adam is the head of that old kingdom, and Jesus is the head of that new kingdom. Adam is the head of the old kingdom. Being the first man created by God, Adam was given dominion over the earth. But when Adam sinned, he forfeited his dominion to sin. And because we are his offspring, we are identified with Adam in this slavery to sin. Romans 5:8-9 explains, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” When we join the kingdom of light, we gain so much more through Jesus than we ever lost through Adam. Through Adam, we received weakness rather than power, and we gained ungodliness rather than godliness. We also received wrath rather than approval and war instead of peace. We inherited our ability to sin from Adam: not only when we do as we shouldn’t, but also in failing to do as we should. Yet in Jesus Christ, we receive much more in His redeeming blood. Because of His sacrifice, we are justified and reconciled with the Father. We have the fellowship with God that was severed when Adam sinned. In Christ, we are also renewed and made righteous to reign with Him in the kingdom of life. Finally, we receive His restoring grace, as Romans 5:20 says, “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more…” Apply it to your life Each one of us is either with Adam in the kingdom of death, or we are with Christ reigning in the kingdom of life. Choose Jesus today; there is so much more!

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:24-27 Life, in its very nature, is tragic; sooner or later, we all must weather the storms of life. The difference between a life built on the Word of God, and one that isn’t, lies underground. Before the bottom falls out of life, we must examine the foundation. In Matthew 7, Jesus describes two houses: one built on a rock, and the other built on sand. We do not see the differences between the houses until the storm comes. The results remind us why we must build our lives on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Matthew 7:24 says, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock…” This passage reminds us to make sure our spiritual house is a sturdy building. There are two things necessary to have a firm foundation: hearing and heeding to the Word of God. The grace of God alone is what saves us; but someone who truly believes that will obey the Word of God. If they do not, their faith is a profitless profession and a barren belief. Adrian Rogers says, “While we are saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone.” Once we hear the Word, we must do what it says, otherwise, our faith is dead. (See James 1:22.) Living by the Word of God is what sets the rock-builders apart from the sand-builders. After we’ve established a sturdy building, we must expect a stormy blast. Matthew 7:25 says, “...and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” Storms come to every life, saved or lost. But we must remember that God has not abandoned us in the storm. Remember Peter and Judas, two of Jesus’ disciples? Both were entrusted with responsibilities in Jesus’ ministry—but their differences run deep. When the storm came, both disciples caved in different ways. However, Peter—despite his failings—had a foundation that Judas did not have. Peter experienced the steadfast blessing of a solid foundation: he was able to stand again. Apply it to your life People cave in during life’s storms when they don’t have anything solid to stand on. Make certain that you have a rock-solid foundation for your faith.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:15-23 Wolves are the most dreaded and hated enemy of the shepherd because of their danger and deception. Matthew 7:15-16a says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits…” It is wise to heed to the Lord’s warning about false prophets and to beware of wolves that come to us in sheep’s clothing. First, we must remember the fleece they wear. Wolves come disguised in sheep’s clothing, appearing to be part of the flock. Jude 11 mentions three wolves found in Scripture: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. Cain represents those who pervert the Gospel. In Genesis 4, Cain murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy. Abel, who understood the things of God, pleased Him with a blood sacrifice. Cain did not understand the things of God, and instead, brought the fruit of the ground (his own efforts). Balaam represents those who prostitute the Gospel. In Numbers 22-25, the very gifted prophet Balaam exploited the message of God for his personal advantage. This story isn’t about paying vocational ministers; rather it is a warning to those who will do anything for personal gain. Korah represents those who protest the Gospel. In Numbers 1, Korah did not respect the authority of God’s appointed prophet and priest. He rallied others to defy the prophetic message and priestly mediator. False prophets seek to replace the truth with false religion, but like Korah, they stand on shaky ground; God is not pleased and will not be replaced. We must also identify false prophets by the fruit they bear. No matter how beautiful the tree is, there is no hiding bad fruit. Likewise, a false prophet can only deceive for so long before the fruits of his life reveal what’s inside. Adrian Rogers says, “It is the root that determines the fruit, but it’s the fruit that reveals the root.” Finally, a wolf can be revealed by the faith he shares. Miraculous performances and good works do not replace scriptural truth. If a teacher does not teach from Scripture, he is teaching in vain. We must get in God’s Word and stand on it, so we will not be deceived. Apply it to your life Adrian Rogers gives us five things to remember, to make ourselves aware of wolves: -Study the faith -Show the faith -Stand for the faith -Support the faith -Share the faith

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:13-14 The Holy Highway is the straight and narrow path we are called to journey on. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” First, these verses show us there is a decision to face. Out of all the paths we could choose in life, there are really only two ways we can go: the broad way or the narrow way. God does not categorize us according to our status or economic class—He divides us up by the path we’ve chosen. He sees whether or not we are following Jesus on the narrow pathway. Because of God’s great love, we have the freedom to choose. But there’s no such thing as not making a decision—even the decision not to decide is a decision (and not a good one). We cannot choose the consequences of our choice. We will all face the good or bad outcomes of our decisions, so we must choose carefully. Once we’ve decided to walk on the straight and narrow, there is a direction to follow. The narrow way is a disciplined way. There is no easy, cheap, or lazy way to serve Jesus. While salvation is free, discipleship is costly; but without discipline, there is no power. It is a different way; don’t expect crowds to be on the straight and narrow. Adrian Rogers says, “It starts at a different source, it follows a different course, and it ends at a different conclusion.” Though it goes against the tide most times, it is a delightful way. Only those who are living clean and certain lives can experience the joy of walking with Jesus Christ; on the journey, we become even more cheerful and confident in our faith. Finally, there is a destiny to find at the end of the way. No matter fearful or fabulous—life or death—it is final. It all depends on which path we chose today. Apply it to your life Have you made your decision to walk the straight and narrow path that leads to life? Remember: you are free to choose, you are not free not to choose, nor can you choose the consequences of your actions.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:7-11 Adrian Rogers says, “There is no substitute for prayer.” The key to the vault of all of God’s treasure is prayer. The power of prevailing prayer is the greatest unused and untapped resource on Earth. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” First, there is a promise to claim. Our Heavenly Father knows our needs before we can even ask. We do not pray to impress God, or inform Him of anything He does not already know. We pray to invite God to work in our hearts and in our lives. God can do anything He wants without us, but we can’t do anything without Him. He wants our participation, and enjoys it when we delight in working and abiding in Him as well. (See John 15:4-5.) Prayer also develops us and causes growth. When we pray and it doesn’t seem to come, we turn to Scripture and seek the face of God like never before. God doesn’t want us to live independently of Him. Dependence on God leads to intimacy and a stronger bond than ever before. This passage shows us the process to follow in prayer: Ask, seek, knock. Our responsibility is the asking; God’s responsibility is the giving. Any desire that concerns us can be brought to God in prayer. When praying, we are on a quest to discover what the Lord wants for us. We must seek the purposes of God and discern whether we are asking for the right things. We must be determined: prayer is knocking on closed doors. God’s answers are direct, different, or denied; but they could also be delayed for our own growth and good. If that is the case, we have to keep knocking. We cannot stop until we have the answer, and God has given us that assurance. So, we can enjoy His provision. We are assured that God will answer our prayers, because God is good, He is wise, and He is able. Apply it to your life Are you waiting for God to answer a prayer today? Remember: Ask, seek, and knock. Voice your desire to God, seek His Word to be sure it is according to His will, and keep knocking.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:1-6 It is in our nature to judge others and see how we measure up. We all have our tape measures and yardsticks, but in Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus says that a yardstick will become a boomerang. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:1-2). How you judge someone else is how you will be judged—it will all come back around. How do we avoid unhealthy judgment? We must apply wise discrimination between right and wrong. Before it became such a heated word, at its core, discrimination simply means evaluation. It is not unloving to call out sin. The Bible urges us to wisely discern what is good and bad. Judgment based on Scripture is considered righteous, but unloving, unmerciful judgment measured out of our own hearts and minds is wrong. We must avoid condemning others. When we are tempted to play prosecuting attorney toward a fellow believer, we must remember: we don’t have the power to redeem anyone, so we don’t have the authority to condemn anyone either. Often, our own iniquity will act as a filter through which we see everyone else. Our own self-righteousness makes us feel justified when we see someone else’s sin. But this will do more damage to our spiritual lives than we realize. Adrian Rogers says, “It is the hypocritical that are hyper-critical.” Our own insecurity will also cause us to judge others harshly, because we believe that if we can get others to look more like us, it will make us feel better. We also judge out of ignorance, assuming we know enough about others to hold them to a certain standard. None of us is wise enough to judge another person; only God is all-knowing, so He alone is the Judge. Where we judge others with insensitivity, our Lord is full of compassion. While we must know the difference between right and wrong and uphold that standard in our lives, we must choose to show mercy to those who fall short, because that is what we would want, ourselves. If we show mercy to others, it will be shown to us. Apply it to your life Do you find yourself judging others harshly? Remember: how you measure others will be how you, yourself, are measured. Choose mercy today.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 5:38-42 There is nothing more destabilizing than worry, yet all of us worry more than we should. In Matthew 6:31-32, Jesus says, “Therefore do not worry… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” It’s important to recognize the cause of our worry. Matthew 6 addresses things we all tend to worry about: food and fashion (v. 25), fitness (v. 27), and the future (v. 34). We must also understand the cost of worry. Worrying never solves the problem or lifts the burden. But perhaps most importantly, our worry is a wound in the heart of God; we insult Him if we do not consider Him to be trustworthy. Adrian Rogers says, “We’re not to reach out into tomorrow and borrow trouble. We’re not to pull tomorrow’s clouds over today’s sunshine.” We can win the war with worry, if we learn to fully trust in God. God is a Good Father, and He provides for His children; He does not bring a child into this world that He is not prepared to care for. We must resolve to focus on the will of God. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Worry can be a signal to us that we are not focusing on what we ought to. God will not work in second place to our other concerns. He knows what we need and He can take care of the things in our lives better than we can; we must put Him first and put our trust in Him. We must surrender our concerns about the future. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). God is in complete control over our lives. He has engineered difficulty for each day—enough trouble to cause us to turn to Him and receive His grace. But if we borrow tomorrow’s trouble by worrying, we’ll find that it buries our blessings, steals our strength, and produces problems. God knows our frame, and He promises strength for what we will carry today. Apply it to your life If you begin to worry today, remember your Father in Heaven, who knows your needs. Focus on seeking the Kingdom of God, and leave the future in God’s hands.