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Read Jude 24-25.  It informs us that God has had dominion and authority from the beginning.  But what does having authority really mean? 

What an extremely important subject! Should we respect the silence of Scripture? Our eternal life depends upon it. The Restoration motto: “Speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where the Bible is silent” reiterates the importance of having authority for all we do religiously.
Example: You order a new refrigerator. When the men arrive, they unload a refrigerator, a range, and a dishwasher. “Well, you didn’t say not to bring them!”  We understand about silence in the everyday world. Why can’t we understand silence in religious matters? God expects us to use reason and intelligence.
There are many examples in God’s Word which well illustrate this Biblical principle. Remember Romans 15:4a “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning. . .” NKJV Let’s look at one of them.
Text: I Chronicles 13:1-13
 

Jesus enters Jerusalem during the last week before his death. He cleanses the temple, heals the blind and the lame, and causes the fig tree to wither. While He was in the temple, the Jewish leaders asked him two questions. Question #1: What authority did he have to do these things? Question #2: who gave him that authority? Jesus replied, clarifying that there are only two possible sources for our religious practices: God or man. There are no other possibilities. sermon text Matthew 21: 23-27

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Whenever a particular religious group’s beliefs are examined, it is done to see whether these teachings are in agreement with the Word of God.  As with many faiths, some of its members may be unaware of what that religious group actually teaches.

   

Bobby Stafford

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We are continuing our study of the Beatitudes this morning, focusing on Matthew Chapter 5, Verse 5 now. First, let's go back and read Verse 3, which states, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." We discussed how our lives must be emptied before we can experience a filling. In the second Beatitude, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted," we must reach a point where we feel sorrow for our sins and transgressions, leading us to turn to God. Now we come to Verse 5, which aligns with Verse 2: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." For the Jewish people in the first century, many of whom were looking for an earthly political and military ruler to deliver them from the despised Romans, the concept of a meek Messiah was a stark contrast to their expectations. They understood the sword's power but did not recognize the strength of meekness, and this teaching turned their world upside down.

       

Bobby Stafford

We're continuing our discussion on the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the Beatitudes. We have covered the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek. We're examining verse six: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." As an introduction, we acknowledge that the problem with this world is sin; we don't live in a sick society, but a sinful one. The solution to all our problems is righteousness, living a righteous life. This beatitude emphasizes how righteous living can enhance our lives and the lives of everyone around us. Proverbs 14:34 reminds us that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. In this beatitude, we will explore what righteousness truly means and what it can bring to us. First, it says, "Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." In the first century, people in Palestine were all too familiar with hunger and thirst because finding water was not as easy for them as it is for us. Many lived

       

Bobby Stafford

Now, let’s dive into the Beatitude from Matthew chapter 5, verse 7. We should remember the first four Beatitudes we discussed: being poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. All of these reflect the attitudes of individuals in the Kingdom of God. The Beatitude we're focusing on today emphasizes action; it highlights what those in the Kingdom should be doing. It states, "Blessed are merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

         

Bobby Stafford

 

Bobby Stafford

 

Bobby Stafford

Beatitudes 1

Bobby Stafford

Bobby Stafford

Bobby Stafford

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What is Biblical Belief?

So many in the religious world today believe, practice and teach that personal mental acceptance in who Jesus Christ claimed He was and what He did for mankind is all that is required for one's salvation.  And here we have Jesus saying that the work of God is that we believe on Him whom God sent.  However, backing up in the context we see Jesus instructing His listeners to labor for the meat that endureth unto everlasting life.  Is mental belief all that is really required or is there something more? 

David Hersey

Everyone claiming Jesus Christ as their savior agrees that belief or faith is essential to one's salvation.  Hebrews 11:6 teaches us that without faith it is impossible to please him.  For he who comes to God must believe that he is.  We must have faith, we must believe in God and we must believe that Jesus Christ is His Son.  Nobody I know of questions the fact that faith is essential for Salvation.  But in the ranks of those who claim Jesus Christ as their savior there is disagreement as to whether anybody must do anymore than believe in order to be saved.  Much of the denominational world believes and teaches that a person is saved when they "only believe" that Jesus is the Christ.  They teach that salvation is by faith only.  They teach that all that a person has to do to have the salvation that Jesus offers is just to believe in Jesus and to believe in Him for who He is.  In fact many believe that it is wrong to teach that salvation is dependant upon any act of obedience on their part.  They teach this because they really do believe the Bible teaches that.  And it is true that Jesus says in John 11:26 that whosever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.  And years later in Acts 16:31 Paul told the Philippian Jailor to "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." 

David Hersey

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Who Are You Feeding?

While Jesus is eating bread in the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, He uses the occasion to teach a lesson about being hospitable. 

Text:  Luke 14:12-14  “Then He also said to him who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.  But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.  And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’

Body:

I.  God Cares about the Poor

II.  Jesus Taught Hospitality· 

III.  We Should Remember the Poor

Jesus’ lesson is clear.  The godly man is concerned for the poor and needy and does what he can for them.  His actions may take many forms, but he acts because someone needs help. 

       

Bobby Stafford

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The Inerrant Word of God

Why should the Bible be trusted?  Very simply the answer is because its author is Jehovah God!  (II Timothy 3:16) We know that the Bible is “inspired”, “God breathed.”  How much of the Scripture is inspired?  All Scripture and every Scripture is a product of God.

I.  The Bible’s Portrayal of God

II. The Bible’s claim of Its Truthfulness

III. The Bible’s Use of Itself

 

Bobby Stafford

January 6, 2013
Sunday AM Sermon

Why We Must Love God's Word

King David loved and cherished God’s Word.  He knew God’s Word reflected His love for mankind.  He wrote of his love for God’s Word in many scriptures.  One in particular really encapsulates David’s devotion to God’s Word in Psalms 119:105-113

We should love God’s Word because it protects, sustains and delivers us

Ephesians 6:14-18

God’s Word is Information

     

David Hersey

God's Word Is Sufficient

 Tim 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

There is nothing in God's Word that did not come directly from Him. We know from 2 Peter 1:20-21 it was the Holy Spirit that was in charge of getting it all right from the beginning. God's Word is absolutely trustworthy.

We can confidently depend upon it for our instructions, teaching and correction when we need it. God has provided us with everything we need to know to serve Him and live the Christian life.

 

David Hersey

The Bible, Is it Real? Pt 2

The Bible records prophecies of things that were to happen in the future.  foretelling specific events centuries before they happen with 100% accuracy is something only an all knowing God can accomplish.  Prophecy and fulfillment is how God authenticated His word. 

How else would Isaiah know that Jesus would be born of a virgin 700 years ahead of time.  

How else could Zechariah know that Jesus would ride in to Jerusalem on a donkey 500 years before it happened? 

How else could King David know that anyone would cast lots for Jesus' clothing at his crucifixion 1000 years ahead it?

How else could Micah know Jesus would be born in Bethlehem 800 years before His birth?

There are over 400 prophecies of certain details of and events in Jesus life.  Every single one of them has come true with meticulous precision with the only exceptions being the prophecies regarding His next coming. 

 

David Hersey

The Bible, Is it Real? Pt 1

The Bible was written over a span of 1,500 years by about 40 writers. It has a singular goal which is the salvation of man.  It records the creation, the fall of man from fellowship with God, the measures God took to make fellowship possible again and the instructions on how to do that. 

Preserved in more than 25,000 manuscripts, the textual evidence is greater for both the Old and New Testaments than any other ancient document.

The early church writers quoted the New Testament enough that it could be reconstructed from their writings alone.

 

David Hersey

Psalms 119 is the longest of all the Psalms, being divided into twenty-two parts or sections. Each part begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The Psalm teaches respect and praise for God’s Word.

Our part today, verses 25-32, teaches how the Word can strengthen each of us as we read and apply it.

   

Bobby Stafford

The Word of God

“I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.”

Psalm 119:162

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (Psalm 19:8-10)

The Word of God is one of the greatest blessings ever given to mankind. Its value is beyond measure. Let’s examine why:

1)     God’s Word Is Powerful

   

Bobby Stafford

The Bible Our Final Authority as God's Word

 

Bobby Stafford

Principles of Interpretation
The Importance of Context

Paul told young Timothy in II Timothy 2:15 that to meet God’s approval, he must “rightly divide the word of truth” to interpret accurately and correctly.  It is possible to so misinterpret or twist the Scriptures that spiritual destruction is our end.  (II Timothy 2:15) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” NKJV  (II Peter 3:14-16) “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation – as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.”  NKJV  So we see clearly that it is not enough to just know the Scriptures, we must reason correctly from them.  We must properly interpret their message.  Use common sense.  An excellent example of this lack of proper reasoning is that of many 1st Century Jews.  The evidence was there in the Old Testament Scriptures.  They had all the facts that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.  Yet most did not recognize or accept Him.  They were responsible.  Jesus told them their problem.  “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about a Me.”  John 5:46  No, just being acquainted with the Word isn’t sufficient; one must understand it.

Aim:  To examine the importance of context  Example: in understanding the Scriptures  The context is the most important principle in interpreting a Bible passage.

       

Bobby Stafford

Have You Not Read?

Recently, John MacArthur wrote, “From the very beginning, the battle between good and evil has been a battle for the truth.”  Note Genesis 3:1-5. “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.  And he said to the woman, ‘Has God indeed said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?’  And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’  Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die.  For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ ” NKJV  Satan succeeded in getting Eve to question the truthfulness of God’s instruction.  This has been his tactic ever since: to cast doubt on God’s straightforward revelation, to get people to question whether God’s Word is clear enough to be certain about what it teaches.

Theme:

Is the Bible clear enough to be understood; can we be certain about what  it teaches?

       

Bobby Stafford

Principles of Interpretation

Whenever we begin to open the Word of God to come to an understanding of it, let us be like Ezra of old.  “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”NKJV Ezra 7:10.

Theme:  To examine “significant distinctions” in the Bible and how they help us come to a proper understanding of it.

       

Bobby Stafford

The Power of the Word

Listen to the words of this great old hymn:  “Earth holds no treasure but perish with using, However precious they be; Yet there’s a country to which I am going, Heaven holds all to me.”

Text:  Hebrews 4:11-13

Heaven Holds All To Me

 

Bobby Stafford

Reactions To The Word

Parable of the Sower/Soils:  Matthew 13  Matthew 13:3-9 “Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying:  ‘Behold, a sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.  Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.  But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.  And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.  But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop; some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’ ” NKJV

Text:  Acts 17

       

Bobby Stafford

The Need To Read The Bible

A recent study was conducted of two thousand churchgoers with adult children ages eighteen to thirty.  The researchers wanted to know what parenting practices pay off over the long haul when it came to the faithfulness of their children.  About forty factors were considered that could affect a child’s moral and spiritual development.  The top factor which predicted the greatest faith- fullness was whether the child regularly read the Bible while growing up.  What can we learn?  God’s Word truly changes lives.

Since we know reading the Bible on a regular basis is helpful in keeping us and our children faithful, what about memorizing God’s Word?  Are there also benefits from memorizing Scripture?  The following is a partial list I have put together from a variety of sources over the years.

      

Bobby Stafford

What Does the Bible Say?

How often do we as 21st century Christians set down and read our Bibles?  Do we let other people tell us what the Bible says and go with it, or do we read what God says in His word and let Him be the one who directs us in our daily walk?  Jesus told a group of people who were challenging Him in Mark 7:6-10, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!"  If Jesus condemned people in the first century for setting aside God's rules then it only makes sense that we shouldn't do that today

David Hersey

A Famine in the Land

More than 700 years before the birth of Christ, a “herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs” was entrusted by God to warn Israel of consequences if they did not repent.  His name was Amos.  He made a prophecy in Amos 8:11-14 from which all of us need to learn.  (Amos 8:11)  “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord God, That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord.”  He said that because the nation had rejected the Word of the Lord, they would have no word from Him at all.  They would come to realize that the revelation from God was their most prized possession. Today we have a famine in the land as well; it us a famine for the Word of God.  It is different in some ways but similar in others.

   

Bobby Stafford

The Sword of the Spirit

As a young boy, I well remember reading about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.  I especially recall his famous sword, Excalibur.  Swords have played an important role in several battles throughout history.  The Roman sword was the gladius, a fearsome weapon in close range combat.  Its tapered point could pierce even heavy metal armor.

The apostle Paul describes the Christian armor in Ephesians 6.  All but one are defensive pieces.  The only offensive one is the sword of the Spirit.    (Ephesians 6:17)

       

Bobby Stafford

The Light of God's Word

A star is a marvel of creation.  It has a core temperature of millions of degrees and releases massive amounts of energy.  Our sun is a star and releases about 70,000 horsepower per square yard.  The Bible mentions several stars and constellations:  The Bear (Arcturus), Orion, and Pleiades.  (Job 9:9)  Scripture informs us that Jehovah created the stars on Day 4 to give light on the earth.  (Genesis 1:16-19)

  

Bobby Stafford

Fifteen Periods of Bible History

We live in a day and time when all around us are failing to take responsibility for their actions.  We make excuses for what is done or not done.  We believe some behavior is excused due to the environment in which we live.  It is “society’s fault!”  People have been making excuses for centuries.

Text:  Luke 14:15-24

      

Bobby Stafford

Proof Of Inspiration

An acquaintance asks you, “Why do you believe the Bible?”

The Bible claims that it is inspired; that it came from God.  (II Timothy 3:16)  But what proofs exist that show the Bible is indeed the Word of God?
Theme:  Examine a number of evidences proving the Bible is God’s communication to man.

 

Bobby Stafford

The Silence of Scripture

Bobby Stafford

How to Understand the Bible

Gene Wood

Rightly Dividing the Bible (Old & New Testament)

Don Cope

The Bible, THE Book

Robert Moss

Read the Word

But this morning, the reason I am giving this particular lesson, the purpose of this lesson, is to put forth a particular challenge.  Because there is something that we should have as a part of our routine, something that should be a habit that we have developed, and it is a good habit.  Now, there are some here this morning that I am certain already have this as a good habit in their life and as part of their routine.  Perhaps there are some here who need to have this as more of a part, a larger part of their routine, and perhaps there are some here who, at this point, do not have this in their routine, this is not a habit that they have developed yet.  And so I’m putting forth the challenge that we create or maintain as a habit and a part of our routine, the regular reading of the scriptures, that we develop a habit of opening our Bibles and reading God’s word.

In Exodus Chapter 24, I want to begin reading in verse 3.  It says, “And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.”

What a wonderful attitude to have towards the commandments of God.  Saying we will listen to those commandments and we will do those commandments.

Richard Chambers

Lesson 1  Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Bobby Stafford

Lesson 2  Understanding Figurative Language

Bobby Stafford

Lesson 3 The Importance of Context

Bobby Stafford

Lesson 4 Some Things to Keep in Mind

Bobby Stafford

Lesson 5 Does God Mean What He Says

Bobby Stafford

Media

Bobby Stafford

Robert Moss

Richard Chambers

Dwayne White

Media

 

Bobby Stafford

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Speaker/Media

Serve One Another

Introduction: Jesus and his apostles were traveling to Jerusalem, where he would ultimately offer his life on the cross. An opportunity arises for him to impart a much-needed lesson on service. Consider Matthew 20:25-28. Spiritual greatness is not determined by the number of people who serve us but rather by the amount of service we give. Shortly before his death, he taught another profound lesson on service in Matthew 25:34-40. When we serve others, we are, in essence, serving the Lord. While God's word informs us of many ways to serve one another, let us focus primarily on two: being hospitable and visiting each other.

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

A Christian’s Speech 

Introduction: I would imagine that if you asked the residents of almost any town whether they believe the Bible is indeed the word of God, most would say "yes." Yet, it is easy to see that their belief does not affect how they live daily. This is most evident in people's speech. Many believe there is nothing wrong with lying or taking God's name in vain, to name just a few examples. But what about the Christian? What should characterize his or her speech? It's to those questions in particular that we now turn our attention. 

Christian Living

Tongue

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

The Christian At Work

Introduction: Jesus prayed for the apostles in John 17:15 as follows: “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one." We, as followers of Christ, must learn to live in the world without becoming like it. We are not to wear our Christianity only inside the church building and then take it off outside. This is particularly important in the workplace. How do we navigate the workplace without becoming like many of our co-workers? How do we let our light shine at work? It is to these questions that we now turn our attention.

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

A Living Sacrifice

Text: Romans 12: 1, 2

Romans chapter 12 is often referred to as “the Christian manual.” This chapter summarizes how a Christian is to live in this world. A pivotal verse (1-11) discusses the fundamental doctrines of the faith. Then, verses 12-16 focus on duties and applications based on those doctrines—“service.” Never forget that what we believe helps determine how we behave. For example, evolutionary teaching suggests no moral guidelines, equating animal behavior with human life that lacks value. Not only do we need to understand these doctrines in verses 1-11, but we must also allow them to change who we are and how we act. Knowledge by itself is not enough.

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

Conduct between slaves and masters

in Paul's letter to Timothy, he discusses the church's conduct concerning preachers, widows, elders, and now, in our text, slaves and masters. It has been estimated that there were 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire at the time of this letter was written. Some say the entire economy was built on slavery. Masters could legally do whatever they wanted with their slaves. They were considered merely property. It is in this background of the times that Paul writes about how Christian slaves are to conduct themselves.

Text: 1 Timothy 6: 1, 2

Bobby Stafford

A Good Servant

A servant of Jesus Christ submits to Jesus as Lord and spends their life serving him. Those who will hear the words “well done, good and faithful servant” on the day of judgment will be those who have been faithful in carrying out their duties, Matthew 25.

Sermon text:1 Timothy 4: 6-11

Bobby Stafford

Jesus Betrayed and Denied

Jesus and the apostles were in the garden of Gethsemane. Being in agony and deep distress, repetitions three times, the father that, if there is any way possible, remove this cup of suffering or death. The answer: there is no other way. So with strong determination, he forges ahead with God's plan for man's redemption. He tells his disciples,” Rise, let us be going. See, he who betrays me is at hand.”
To examine Judas betrayal and Peter's denial so as to help us never to betray or deny our savior.

Bobby Stafford

The Principle of Submission

Our society looks down upon any concept of “submission." Just by bringing up the subject, you would probably receive several dirty looks. Yet, it is a biblical subject addressed countless times throughout the sacred text.
Theme: examine the principle of submission as seen in the New Testament and determine how it applies to the woman's role question.

Bobby Stafford

The Vineyard Of The Lord
Isaiah 5

Vineyards were of great importance in biblical times period a song was written about vineyards during the days of Isaiah. It is recorded in the 5th chapter.  Verses one and two describes how everything possible had been done to the vineyard to make sure it would produce the best possible fruit. But it only produced wild grapes. Not only worthless, but noxious and offensive, possibly even poisonous.

Versus three and four.  Nothing more could have been done. Good soil, Carefully prepared, Good stock, Protected.

Versus 5 through 7. Now Isaiah reveals the identity of the vineyard and the one who planted it.  The vineyard was the House of Israel. God expected good grapes, ones that listened to his word and produced justice and righteousness, not aggression and a cry for help. He expected love but received indifference; Holiness but received impurity. God had bent over backward for them but those days were over period now he would remove all his protection and it would be laid waste. The rest of the chapter describes several woes that are pronounced upon the wicked among his people.

Bobby Stafford

The Unity Of Grace, Law, Works & Faith
In God's Word
Chapter 1

GRACE, LAW, WORKS AND FAITH are all constituent components of Christianity.  Each one of these plays a vital role in the restoration of fellowship between God and mankind. None of these may be excluded from the Christian walk and result in a believer’s eternal home in heaven with God.  Without faith, it’s impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6), by grace we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8), the doers of the law will be justified, (Romans 2:13) and God accepts workers of righteousness (Acts 10:35).  Each one of these four statements is true when understood in context.   On the other hand, God’s gift of grace is not of works, (Ephesian 2:8), no flesh can be saved by the deeds of the law, (Romans 3:20), and those who work not but believe in Jesus will be counted righteous (Romans 4:5).  Like earlier statements, the last three are also true when properly understood in context.   Everything said in God’s word is true.  It is up to us to understand His word correctly, make the right conclusions and apply them to our lives accurately. 

David Hersey

Today is the father of tomorrow. What we are today is the result of what we have been thinking and the way we have lived in the past.  The nation of Israel had to learn this in a very personal way, Judges 2: 1-4.  They failed to follow God's instructions and suffered the consequences. The Lord gives principles in scripture which serve as both warnings and encouragements, Galatians 6:7. This law is true in every area of life. When God created this world, he made it to operate according to certain rules, Genesis 8: 22.  While this verse discusses agriculture, this law applies universally.

Bobby Stafford

(mid 60s AD) 1st Peter written during time of intense persecution. Countless Christians were suffering for their faith. (1 Peter 3:13-17  encourage to follow the example of their master, Jesus Christ.

Text: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Bobby Stafford

being a faithful disciple of our Lord doesn't just happen. We must first count cost of following Christ and then follow through with a lifelong commitment period it is this very thing that Jesus addresses in our text.

Text: Matthew 16:21-27

Bobby Stafford

In becoming a Christian, a person must make a deliberate choice. So why should you make this choice?

Bobby Stafford

Bobby Stafford

Bobby Stafford

The meaning of worthy

Philippians 1:27, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (NKJV).

What is implied in Paul's exhortation “only let your manner of life be worthy [axios] Of the gospel of Christ?  In English versions of the New Testament, the Greek word axios is usually translated “worthy”. But its flavour is expressed elsewhere when it is translated “in keeping with” (Matthew 3:8, Acts 26:20). Like many other words, there is a picture lying behind the origin of the Greek word axios. It means “properly, bringing up the other beam of the scales, bringing into equilibrium, and therefore equivalent.

The basic idea is that a life that is worthy of the gospel of Christ expresses in the form of a lifestyle what the gospel teaches in the form of a message. Such a life takes on a character that reflects the character of the lord Jesus Christ.

Bobby Stafford

Satan's Devices

We will explore some insights about Satan that we can understand through the Garden of Eden. We'll refer back to Genesis chapters 2 and 3 for our lesson tonight. So if you have your Bibles, please open them to Genesis 2 and 3; we'll begin in just a few moments. We aim to learn about Satan, whom the Bible describes as our adversary. Let’s analyze what we can glean from the account in Genesis 2 and 3 regarding the Garden of Eden.

Bobby Stafford

Comforting Words

This evening, we will look at First Thessalonians chapter 4, verses 13 through 18. I hope you can grab your Bibles, as we will reference some of Kaiser's words, and I thank him for his help. If you have your Bibles, we will start here in just a couple of minutes and explore some comforting verses from First Thessalonians chapter 4.

I think it's about time to begin. The Bible offers a message for us, regardless of the circumstances or conditions we find ourselves in during this life. It tells us that it is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path; it guides us in the right direction when challenges arise. At times, words may seem inadequate, but the Apostle Paul shares about 120 comforting words in a very concise manner. First Thessalonians 4:18 states, "Therefore comfort one another with these words." Properly spoken and chosen words can bring great comfort.

Bobby Stafford

Bobby Stafford

Bobby Stafford

The Assembling of the Saints

The early church/ekklesia regularly assembled regularly.  The purpose of this article is to examine whether there is sufficient evidence within God’s word to draw the conclusion that Christians/Believers regularly assembled in the early church for the purpose of worshiping God.   This study from God’s Word is in response to those who seek to deny the reality of assembled Christians for the purpose of worship toward God in the early church. 

 

To begin, we will examine the original Greek word translated as church in the New Testament.  An accurate understanding of this word in the original language is useful in a study of Christian assemblies. 

The Greek word for church in most cases is Ekklesia

Christian Living

David Hersey

Bobby Stafford

More Important Than Numbers

Some churches are so focused on numbers they will do almost anything to boost their attendance. If we love the Lord, we will certainly desire growth and bigger attendance, but not at any cost. We need to recognize there are things more important than numbers.

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

The Christian As A Priest

what does it mean for Christians to be called to be priests? To answer that fully, we must begin at Mount Sinai with the nation of Israel.

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

Feeding The Five Thousand

Taking them by surprise, He tells the people to sit down on the grass in groups fifty to one hundred. Christ blesses and gives thanks for the loaves and fishes. He multiplied the loaves and fishes into enough food to feed the multitude. When the apostles gathered the leftovers, they had more food than they had before the meal.

Become more like Christ. What can we learn about Him from this account?

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

There Are No Minor Servants

After a victory over the Amalekites, and upon his return, we find this account in David’s life:
20 Then David took all the flocks and herds they had driven before those other livestock, and said, “This is David’s spoil.”
21Now David came to the two hundred men who had been so weary that they could not follow David, whom they also had made to stay at the Brook Besor. So they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near the people, he greeted them. 22Then all the wicked and worthless men of those who went with David answered and said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except for every man’s wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart.”
23But David said, “My brethren, you shall not do so with what the Lord has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us. 24For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” 25So it was, from that day forward; he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day. (1 Samuel 30:20-25)
The ones who had “gone down to the battle” were no more important than those who had stayed “by the supplies.” These were protecting the homeland. David’s declaration was fair and right—“statute and ordinance.”
God has made this a part of His plan:

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

Christian Soldier

Tomorrow as a nation we will celebrate Memorial Day.  So, before I begin this morning, I would ask all of you to bow with me in a silent prayer of thanks to the men and women who have died in defense of our country….  Amen.

Now I want to put some numbers in to your mind so get your notebooks out.  First, since the Revolutionary War to today, which is a time period of 244 years, the best estimate of soldiers killed in battle by U.S. soldiers is 1,498,000.  The largest number of deaths in a single war belongs to the Civil War with approximately 750,000 or just over half of all military deaths in our country’s history.  World War 2’s 400,000 deaths are the next largest single statistic. When you add World War 1’s death toll of 117,000 you can see that more 83% of all military deaths come from just these 3 conflicts.  Each of these wars lasted about 4 years, or 2% of our nation’s history.  So as a nation we have lost just over 83% of our total 1.5 million soldier’s deaths in just under 6% of our history.

Christian Living

Scott Perkins

What It Means To Be Called By God

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

Many of us here today have floated down a Creek in a canoe or inner tube. You need to do little but relax and drift. Takes little effort to drift doesn't it? But drifting can be dangerous if you are not paying attention. You may come upon a swift current around rocks or even a falls.

The danger of drifting is not limited to the physical world. Listen to Hebrews 2: 1- 3. Christians may drift spiritually to their destruction.

Bobby Stafford

Giving All Diligence (II Peter 1:5-8)

Peter reminds his readers of the “exceedingly great and precious promises” that God had given them: forgiveness, salvation, a hope of eternal life in heaven along with a share in the divine nature.  Everything they needed to know about these marvelous blessings had been revealed and was available for them.  Because of these wonderful promises, spiritual growth on the part of the Christian was both natural and essential.

Text:  II Peter 1:5-8

Bobby Stafford

In This World But Not Of This World

This world is not our home is it?   God will one day burn it all up; Destroy it, 2 Peter 3.  Jesus said heaven an earth would passed away, Matthew 24:35.  this world is only temporary so we should not set our hopes on it, but rather our eternal home.

we also used end in hand we reach that heavenly home, was limited world without the world live in us. We are told not to be conformed to this world, Romans 12:2.  We must allow scripture and only scripture to guide our journey here on earth, 1 Peter 2:11.

Bobby Stafford

Time and Chance

How often in the news after a disaster has struck have you heard someone say, “Why God?  Why did You do this?  Why didn’t You stop this from happening?”  Disasters like a tornado wiping put a town or a flood destroying dozens of houses.  Or it could be a drunk driver killing a family of four or a child dying from cancer.  Some ask why while others blame God.  The question is:  “Did God cause these things to happen?”  The wise man Solomon answered this question in our text:  Ecclesiastes 9:1-12.

Text:  Ecclesiastes 9:1-12

Bobby Stafford

Don't Be Deceived

  P. T. Barnum once said, “A sucker is born every minute.”  More and more unsuspecting people are being deceived [scammed] every day.  The Internet has only made things much worse.  Most of us have received E-mails from Nigeria promising millions of dollars. 

  What is worse are spiritual scams – our nation and the world are filled with false religions and cults.  (I Timothy 4:1) “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” NKJV  These try to lure people in with false promises.  No wonder the apostle John gave this warning in I John 4:1-6. 

  We simply cannot believe everything we hear or read.  We must be a discerning people because our souls are at stake.

Bobby Stafford

Are You Right With God?

Bobby Stafford

Trusting God in Tough Times

What is the most difficult experience you’ve ever gone through? Maybe it was the death of a spouse, or of a child, or of a parent? Possibly it was an act of violence committed against you or a loved one. Or maybe it was a natural disaster like a tornado or hurricane?
What were you thoughts toward God at that time? Was it anger, or maybe disappointment? Did you pray? If so, what did you say to Him?
Our text today is a message of great hope: Habakkuk 3:16-19. Lewis states it is “one of the greatest declarations of faith to be found in biblical literature.” Habakkuk’s name means “one who embraces.” He was going to cling to God regardless of how bad things got; and he lived in tough times, too. It was a time of violence and oppression, brutality, theft. (Habakkuk 1:1-4) “The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw. O Lord, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ And You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds.” NKJV His feeling of despair is seen in Verse 16. He offers up a prayer of passion and through it we can learn how to trust God in tough times.
Text: Habakkuk 3:16-19Text:  Habakkuk 3:16-19

Bobby Stafford

Uncertain Times

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

The Fallow Ground

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

Freedom in Christ

Liberty is a very precious thing.  America was founded because men wanted freedom.  Countless numbers of people have died to obtain it and keep it.  Blood throughout the age has been shed as the price for freedom.  Nowhere is this more true than when we consider the church.  Our Lord shed His precious blood for His church.  (Acts 20:28) “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” NKJV  He has set us free by His truth.  (John 8:32) “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” NJKV  He came into the world to bring liberty to His people.  (Luke 4:16-21) “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up.  And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.  And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah.  And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:  ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed, To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.’  Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down.  And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.  And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’ ” NKJV

Bobby Stafford

If Anyone Desires to Follow Me

“Some have reported that in the days of the early church some Christians would carve images for the pagans.  They would try to justify their actions by saying, ‘We do not bow down to these images’ or ‘We have a talent’ and also, ‘After all, somebody will do it anyway, and I have to live.’  Tertullian challenged them with a very probing question, ‘Must you live?’ ”

These had not counted the cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.  “Disciple”: “One who follows and accepts the teachings of another and helps spread that doctrine.”  There are disciples of Karl Marx and Charles Darwin.  The word is used over two hundred times in the New Testament.  (Acts 11:26) “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.  So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people.  And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” NKJV  Followers of Jesus Christ are those who have been taught the Word and live in it and by it.  (John 8:31) “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.’ ” NKJV  Note that by definition disciples of denominations are not Christians.  In our text Luke 14:25-35, Jesus answers the question, “What will it cost to be His disciple?”

Text:  Luke 14:25-35 

Bobby Stafford

Heavenly Thinking

After discussing in the previous verses how man-made religions are of no help in reaching those heavenly shores, Paul now instructs his readers as to what one needs to do to live eternally in the presence of God.

Text:  Colossians 3:1-4

Bobby Stafford

Jesus wants everyone to be saved.  (II Peter 3:9) “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” NKJV  He made it possible so that everyone could be saved.  (John 4:42) “Then they said to the woman, ‘Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.’ ” NKJV  But we also know that we do sin.  (I John 1:8) “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” NKJV  So can I know with assurance that I am saved?  If so, how?

Bobby Stafford

Review Jesus’ discussion concerning the new birth.

Text:  John 3:9-18

I.  A Lesson in Humility  John 3:9-13 

II.  A Lesson from the Old Testament  John 3:14-15 

III.  A Lesson about Biblical Faith  John 3:16-18 

Bobby Stafford

What Does “Being Spiritual” Really Mean?

How often have you heard the words “spiritual” tossed around today, especially on TV?  It is often claimed, “He is so spiritual.”  The description of the worship service is “highly spiritual.”  Or some among us are saying, “We need to be more spiritual.”  Are they using the term as the Bible uses it?  Some relate it to ‘emotionalism’ or ‘spookiness’ even.  Looking for spirituality in the New Age movement, or mysticism or spiritism as in the Victorian era in England. . .  These are counterfeit spirituality.

There are only two spiritual realms:  the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the devil.  (I John 5:19)  We either walk in the light of God’s Word or in the darkness of the world.  Those outside of Christ are not citizens of the Kingdom of heaven; they are not truly spiritual.  It is written to Christians in  Romans 8:14.  Spirituality is described in the Bible.  The god of this world has blinded them to the true spirituality of the gospel.  (II Corinthians 4:3-4)

Without question, a spiritual tree will yield spiritual fruit.  In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the spiritual fruit.  Read, “Without these, one certainly cannot claim to be “spiritual.

In addition to these characteristics of a spiritual man, the apostle Paul in the very next chapter reveals nine additional marks of a spiritually-minded disciple.

Bobby Stafford

How Shall We Then Live?

No doubt we live in trying times.  Our world is experiencing a global economic crisis.  Nations are going bankrupt, multitudes are losing their retirement, countless people are out of work.  Natural disasters have wreaked havoc around the world causing loss of life and property. Corruption is apparent in all levels of government.  As one writer put it, there’s a “pervasive sense of anxiety.”  One psychiatrist believes there is a “psychological pandemic of fear” in our world. 

We, of course, can’t predict the future.  We do not know what lies ahead for America or our world.  God only knows.  But how should we live in times like these?  Should we be optimists or pessimists?  Or maybe should we be in between?  One writer, Ray Pritchard, advises that we turn to God’s Word found in Ephesians 5:15-17 to guide us through these times. 

Text:  Ephesians 5:15-17 

Bobby Stafford

Bobby Stafford

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

If God Loves Everybody, Why Will Anybody Be Lost?
Sermon outline from Romans

    “If God loves everybody, why will anybody be lost?” M. Connelly      The answer is: Love is a two-way street.  Some will be lost because they do not return God’s love and refuse to follow His commandments. 

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

From Glory to Greater Glory
II Corinthians 3:7-11

Wherever Paul went, he had enemies.  In Corinth, his opponents were trying to lure the Christians into believing that the Law of Moses, at least in part, was still in effect.  Paul assured the Christians it was not. 

Bobby Stafford

Blessed Is the Man

the Psalmist wrote this.  Read Psalm 1.  “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.  The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.” NKJV

This marvelous work may have served as an introduction to the entire collection of Psalms.  As are many introductions, it may have been written last to state in a simple and concise way what the other one hundred forty-nine Psalms sought to bring forth, the blessedness of the righteous and the ultimate despair of the ungodly.

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

Lead Us To God

All of us need guidance in our lives.  In the Model Prayer given in Matthew 6:13 by Jesus, He instructs the disciples to pray “Lead us not into temptation.”  This informs us of how important it is for Christians to pray for God’s guidance.  Temptation may have two different meanings depending on the context.

1.   A trial to prove man’s integrity, virtue

2.   An enticement to sin 

It is the first definition that will be the focus of this lesson.

God has always tested men’s faith.  The Bible informs us of how God tested Abraham, Job, and Paul to name a few.  Trials reveal our true selves.

Bobby Stafford

What Does Holiness Look Like?

Read Leviticus 19:1-2.  “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them:  ‘You shall be holy, for I the  Lord your God am holy.” NKJV  The title “Holy One of Israel” emphasizes God’s uniqueness and separation from all that is evil.  From the beginning, Jehovah has called His people to become holy as He is holy.  Because we are made in His image, we are to  follow in His steps.  We are to reflect the divine likeness.  (I Peter 1:15-16) “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ ” NKJV  (I Peter 2:9) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” NKJV  In our text, God gives instructions on how to remain pure clean and undefiled by sin.  Why is this so important?  Listen to the words of the historian, Will Durant:  “There is no significant example of a society successfully maintaining moral life without the aid of religion.”  So as a nation, we must return to God or perish.  So what does a holy, moral life look like?  Let’s examine  Leviticus 19:3-18.  [Our text] 

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

If God exists and He’s all powerful, why does He allow bad things to happen to good people?  Pain and suffering cause many people to question their faith.  Atheists often claim this proves that God doesn’t exist.  So, does the reality of pain and suffering prove there is no God?  If not, what are the causes of it and what purposes does it serve in our world?

Bobby Stafford

Sincerity in the Christian’s Life

In the ancient world, dishonest pottery dealers filled cracks in their inferior products with wax before glazing and painting them, making worthless pots difficult to distinguish from expensive ones.  The only way to avoid being defrauded was to hold the pot to the sun, making the wax-filled cracks obvious.  Dealers marked their fine pottery that could withstand “sun-testing” as cera – “without wax.”

Note:  Philippians 1:9-11.  “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” NKJV  Be able to recognize the highest and best; be sincere – “tested by light of the sun.”  Our character must be able to withstand the full glare of the light of day with nothing concealed or hidden.

Bobby Stafford

Most parents have a great desire that their children have better things than they had – a better education, better health, a better house, better job. . . overall a better life.  They would never want them to have worse things than they had.

The book of Hebrews is often called the “Epistle of better things.”  The entire letter, all thirteen chapters, points readers to the fact that Christ and Christianity are vastly “better” than Judaism, the Law of Moses.  Let us look at these “better things.”

Bobby Stafford

Jesus, in Matthew 21:13, quotes Isaiah 56 which says that the temple, the house of God, was to be a house of prayer.  “And He said to them, ‘It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’ ” NKJV  This denoted the spiritual nature of God’s house, both then and now.  Paul tells Timothy in I Timothy 3:15 that the church today is the house of God and the principle remains the same – God’s people, the church, are to be collectively a house of prayer.  (I Timothy 3:15) “but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” NKJV

Bobby Stafford

When a person is given a “charge”, he is given a task or a responsibility.  In our Biblical text, Jesus charges His disciples with a responsibility by giving them four commands.

Text:  John 15:1-25

Bobby Stafford

2017 is over.  2018 is here.  Let us use today to reflect briefly on the past and then look ahead to the new year.

Body:

I.            The Past

II.          The Future

Let this year be one of new beginnings.  Some wonderful things happened last year, like our VBS.  Let’s look forward to more in 2018.

Bobby Stafford

The term brother is used in different ways:

·       All of humanity  (Acts 17:24, 26) “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,” NKJV [Common Blood]

·       Same parents  (Genesis 26)  [Isaac and Rebekah, Parents of Jacob and Esau]

·       Disciples of the Lord  (Matthew 12:46-50) “While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him.  Then one said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.’  But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’  And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers!  For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.’ ” NKJV  It is this last use with which we are concerned.

Bobby Stafford

Very few people know us well.  Very few people can relate to what I have gone through or can understand my thoughts and feelings.  But we can be comfortable with the following words of Jeremiah:  “But you, O Lord, know me; you see me and You have tested my heart toward you.”  Jeremiah 12:3  David penned a psalm in which these same thoughts are expressed.

Text:  Psalm 139

Bobby Stafford

“Before the colonist imposed national boundaries, the kings of Laos and Vietnam reached an agreement on taxation in the border areas.  Those who ate short-grain rice, built their houses on stilts, and decorated them with Indian-style serpents were considered Laotians.  On the other hand, those who ate long-grain rice, built their houses on the ground, and decorated them with Chinese-style dragons were considered Vietnamese.

The exact location of a person’s home was not what determined his or her nationality.  Instead, each person belonged to the kingdom whose cultural values he or she exhibited.

So it is with us:  we live in the world, but as part of God’s kingdom, we are to live according to his kingdom’s standards and values.”

Text:  Romans 12:1-2  “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” NKJV

Theme:  We must not be fashioned according to this world, but rather live according to the standard of the kingdom of God.

Bobby Stafford

How Shall the Young Secure their Hearts?

Three thousand years ago the wise man Solomon wrote this:  Ecclesiastes 12:1 “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’ ”  Two thousand years ago the inspired apostle Paul wrote this:  I Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” NKJV  While you are young is the time to anchor your life in God and His Word, to honor Him who made you and gave you life.  The Bible informs young people how to secure their hearts; it provides principles by which to glorify God in this life and enjoy the next.

This song was based on Psalm 119:9 with words by Isaac Watts and music by Beethoven.

How Shall The Young Secure

1.   How shall the young secure their hearts, And guard their lives from sin?  Thy word the choicest rules imparts To keep the conscience clean,  To keep the conscience clean.

2.   Tis like the sun, a heav’nly light, That guides us all the day;  And, thro’ the dangers of the night, A lamp to lead our way,  A lamp to lead our way.

3.   Thy word is everlasting truth; How pure is ev’ry page!  That holy book shall guide our youth, And well support our age,  And well support our age.

Text:  Psalm 119:9-16 “

Christian Living

Bobby Stafford

Check-ups are preformed on cars, houses, and people.  They want to see how they are doing.  Then they can make adjustments if needed.  A far greater need is for a spiritual check-up.  (II Corinthians 13:5)  “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.  Test yourselves.  Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified.” NKJV  Many are in the process of dying spiritually.  (Jude 23)  “but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” NKJV  There are those who are dangerously close to fiery destruction which awaits them.  God’s Word points out symptoms or danger signs of dying spiritually.  Just as a medical doctor asks us about our symptoms to diagnose our physical problems, the Bible lists warning signs for us to look out for.  This is so serious that it should make us nervous.

Throughout the ages, kings, rulers, and presidents have enforced the strictest conditions and requirements for those wanting admittance to their presence. Jehovah, the Supreme Ruler, has set down conditions for coming to His presence as well.  The writer of Hebrews 10:22 gives the conditions for those of us who wish to draw near to Jehovah. 

Text:  Hebrews 10:22  “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”  NKJV

Bobby Stafford

Overcoming Bad Traits

Are we developing the mind of Christ?  Are we putting into practice the attributes which He showed on earth?  Our goal is to become more like Him every day of our lives.  Let’s do our best to bring that about!

Text: Luke 12

Bobby Stafford

“The traveler to the tropics is introduced to many fruits  that are new to his taste – pawpaw, mango, mangosteen,  pumelo, passion fruit, and durian. After the first experience,  some are eagerly welcomed again, others received sparingly,  still others positively rejected.  Christians have been born again  that they “should be a kind of first fruits of His creation.”  (James 1:18) “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth,  that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” NKJV  “Some, like the mangosteen, are universally admired.  Here is a sweetness that does not cloy.  Some, like  pawpaw, are taken on trial.  Perhaps one may grow to like  that sort of thing.  For still others, once is enough; yea,  too much.  In every contact, we are leaving the bitter odor  of ourselves or the fragrance of Christ’s presence within.”  Author Unknown

Theme:

Fragrance as it is seen in the lives of the children of God.

Bobby Stafford

Psalm 147:1-3 “Praise the Lord!  For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.  The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel, He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.”

Theme:  Jesus’ plan for helping us helps the broken hearted.

Bobby Stafford

As the words of a popular song say, “This world is not my home; I’m just a passing thru. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue”. Jesus says, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:20-21). We must lay up our treasures in heaven, not here on the earth. The Bible says, “And as it is appointed for man to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). When we draw our last breath, what we have accumulated here on the earth will go to someone else. After we pass from this life our fate is sealed and we will be judged by what is written in the word of God (John 12:48).

David Hersey

Read Hebrews 11:32-34. “And what more shall I say?  For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:  who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”  NKJV  These six men all had a tremendous impact upon the lives of God’s people.  The first name listed, Gideon, was probably the least likely to be a hero.  A hero is a person who in the face of danger or adversity shows courage even to the point of self-sacrifice.  Christopher Reeve said, “I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”  Jehovah often used unlikely people to carry out his will.  (I Corinthians 1:26-29) “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

Bobby Stafford

As Jesus’ earthly ministry draws to a close, He sets out on His final journey to Jerusalem.  In our account, He instructs His disciples about true greatness and that humility is essential to true conversion.

Text:  Matthew 18:1-4 “At that time disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” NKJV  Mark 10:13-15 “Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ ” NKJV

Theme:  What does conversion really mean?

Bobby Stafford

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Christmas and the Birth of Christ

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David Hersey

The Value of the Church

David Hersey

Just Another Denomination?

David Hersey

Why the church of Christ

David Hersey

How Do I Know?

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Donnie Autry

Unanswerable Questions Answered #1

Donnie Autry

Donnie Autry

Donnie Autry

Donnie Autry

Donnie Autry

Unanswerable Questions Answered #9 The Name of the Church

Lay Hold On Eternal Life

The apostle Paul ends his first letter to Timothy, the evangelist, emphatically by encouraging him to lay hold on eternal life. Paul describes how all Christians can get a firm grip on everlasting life. He lists certain principles that one must pursue if one wants heaven to be his home. This is of the utmost importance!

Sermon text:

1 Timothy 6:11-16

Bobby Stafford

The necessity of doctrinal purity

A.W. TOZER once said, “It would be impossible to overemphasize the importance of sound doctrine in the life of a Christian. Right thinking about all spiritual matters is imperative to having the right living. As men do not gather grapes of thorns nor figs of thistles, so sound character does not grow out of unsound teaching.”
The popular idea is that doctrine is not important; one must only be sincere. Paul refutes that belief in our text and stresses the absolute necessity of doctrinal purity.
Lesson text: 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Bobby Stafford

The Doctrine Of Christ

By the time Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, they had traveled together for many years. Paul had left Timothy at Ephesus and placed a great deal of responsibility upon his young shoulders. He was to teach the church there how to conduct itself, how to worship, how to treat one another, and how to evangelize. But Timothy was to accomplish this by means of sound doctrine. Paul says to use scripture, the word of God. It was to have the foremost place in his work.

Text: one Timothy 1: 3-7

Bobby Stafford

False Teachers

Don Cope

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What Will Happen When the Lord Returns?

Read Acts 1:9-11.  “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?  This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”  NKJV  The angels declared that Jesus would come again.  But what does the Bible say will happen when Jesus Christ returns?

Don't Give Up

Temptation – Each of us has been tempted before.  It can come in many forms and wear many faces.  But how do we keep from giving in to temptation?  A great example is that of Joseph in the Old Testament.  Read Genesis 39:7-9.  “And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph and she said, ‘Lie with me.’  But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand.  There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife.  How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?’ ” NKJV  Satan found that he could not overcome Joseph with troubles from the world, so he tried to entice him with sensual pleasures.  This story reveals four principles to keep in mind when we are tempted.

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Today is the father of tomorrow. What we are today is the result of what we have been thinking and the way we have lived in the past.  The nation of Israel had to learn this in a very personal way, Judges 2: 1-4.  They failed to follow God's instructions and suffered the consequences. The Lord gives principles in scripture which serve as both warnings and encouragements, Galatians 6:7. This law is true in every area of life. When God created this world, he made it to operate according to certain rules, Genesis 8: 22.  While this verse discusses agriculture, this law applies universally.

Bobby Stafford

Being a faithful disciple of our Lord doesn't just happen. We must first count cost of following Christ and then follow through with a lifelong commitment period it is this very thing that Jesus addresses in our text.

Text: Matthew 16:21-27

Bobby Stafford

In becoming a Christian, a person must make a deliberate choice. So why should you make this choice?

Bobby Stafford

Alan Webster once wrote a tract on the account of the woman at the well as it relates to evangelism, and I want to take this morning and this evening and take a look at this text with you. We are concentrating on having a greater outward focus, and who better to show us how than Jesus, himself. Jesus illustrates numerous principles in his encounter with the woman at the well that will aid us in talking to our neighbors about Jesus. Consider and implement these points.

Bobby Stafford

Become more like Christ. What can we learn about Him from this account?

Bobby Stafford

2012 is drawing to a close and 2013 is knocking at our door.  We are one year closer to leaving this earthly realm.  Before we start thinking about the future, let us ask ourselves two very important questions.    Have I drawn closer to God through His Word and prayer?  (James 4:8)  Have I set a good example to the world?  (Matthew 5:13-16)

As we look ahead and make plans for the coming year, let us be like the emu and the kangaroo.  Neither can move backward.  The emu has three toes on the front of its foot.  If it tries to go backward, it falls down.  The kangaroo’s long heavy tail prevents it from going backward.  Let us look ahead and make plans; set goals for us as the Lord’s church in Granby.  Goals help to give us direction and purpose.  Proverbs 2:5 tells us, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance. . .”  Keep this saying in mind as we move through this lesson, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Bobby Stafford

I believe most Christians truly want to share the gospel of Christ with others but are afraid or feel uncomfortable doing so.  By looking at how Jesus, the Master Teacher, engaged in personal evangelism, we can follow His example.

Text:  John 4:1-26

Bobby Stafford

Most of us are very concerned when we lose something that we consider valuable.  We will exert time and energy in an effort to locate it.  Finding it is an occasion to rejoice.

Jesus, throughout his time on earth, was concerned for the lost. He knew the value of a soul and would eventually give up His life for the souls of mankind.  But not everyone possessed the compassion for the lost that He did.  This is where our story begins. 

Among those waiting to hear Jesus were tax collectors and sinners.  Tax collectors were despised by many of the Jews and were considered “outcasts.”  “Sinners” would have included even harlots.  The Pharisees [strictest sect of the Jews] and the scribes [copyists of the Law] grumbled [complained] that Jesus welcomed these outcasts.  They were insinuating that Jesus must be a sinner, too.  So Jesus told three stories to illustrate how precious even one soul is and that Jehovah doesn’t even want one to be lost.  Today we will look at two of them.

Bobby Stafford

We know from experience that if we sow corn seed, we will reap corn, not wheat.  We also know that if we plant one corn seed, we won’t grow forty acres of corn.  We do truly reap what we sow.

Read Galatians 6:7.  “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”  NKJV No truer words were ever spoken.  This is an unchangeable law of God.  By examining this verse in detail, we can harvest some very useful lessons.

Bobby Stafford

When God sent orders to Philip to leave Samaria and go down the road that led from Jerusalem unto Gaza, Philip was obedient.  (Acts 8:26-27)  The Bible says, “He arose and went.”  Philip obeyed God without question.  If we are going to be effective soul winners like Philip, we, too, must be submissive.  We must, at all times and at all cost, be willing to do what “God wants us to do; and not what we want to do.  However, at times this is very difficult for many of us.

Philip had great success in Samaria preaching the gospel.  (Acts 8:6. 25)

Yet, when he was commanded to leave, even though it may have sounded somewhat strange and irrational; he obeyed.  He was a man who knew God’s way was best.

Bobby Stafford

How can I teach my neighbor about Christ?  What should I say to my friend about salvation?  These are important and vital questions for which we need to find an answer.  Philip is an excellent example of how to approach and teach people the truth of the gospel.  Read Acts 8:4-8.  Philip had success in preaching the word in Samaria.  But God called him away to teach one honest soul about the Lord. (Acts 8:26-27)  From this encounter we can learn many things about our own efforts at teaching the lost. 

  Bobby Stafford 

Who will be lost forever in a devil’s hell?  Many would say only people like Hitler or serial killers or others like them.  One conversation I had with a person of a different religious faith said that there would be less than ten!  But what does the Bible teach?

  Bobby Stafford 

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he who wins souls is wise.”  (Proverbs 11:20)   “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.”  (Daniel 12:3, II Timothy 2:2)  If I’ve been saved, I ought to be engaged in the work of saving others. It is not an option! How I go about it (method) is an option.   
Examples:  Door-knockers, invitations to services, literature distribution, home-Bible studies, use of films or VCR tapes, internet. . . Since all of us are to be in some way soul-winners, we need to ask, “What kind of a person is the Lord’s soul-winner?” 

Text:  Psalms 119:25-32 

   Bobby Stafford 

Bobby Stafford

We Are Not In Kansas Anymore 2

Text:  Acts 17: 22-25 

II.   A Knowledge of the Culture   (Verses 22-23) 

III.   A Commitment to the Truth   (Verses 24-29) 

Bobby Stafford  

Not In Kansas Anymore

From USA Today, Tuesday, September 13, 2011:  “More Americans tailoring religion to fit their needs.”  The article says new research indicates that one day 310 million people might have 310 million religions.  It further states that people are making up God as they go. 

From the New York Times, a lament from columnist David Brooks on the findings from the recently released research led by Christian Smith in the book Lost in Transition, the third in a series of reports from the largest study of its kind on American youth.  Result?  The almost complete inability to think and talk about moral issues.  After rape and murder, they had a hard time even thinking what else might fall into the “moral” category, much less what might be immoral.  Their default position?  Moral choices are just a matter of individual taste.  “It’s personal,” the respondents typically said.  “It’s up to the individual.  Who am I to say?”  Another typical response.  “I would do what I thought made me happy or how I felt.  I have no other way of knowing what to do but how I internally feel.” 

These two articles impress upon us the fact that we have moved from an Acts 2 cultural context to an Acts 17 cultural context.  Or as Dorothy discovered, “We’re not in Kansas anymore.” 

So what is the context of Acts 2?  Peter and the apostles are addressing devout Jews who have journeyed to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Pentecost.  The audience believed in Jehovah, the creation, the inspired Scriptures, and prophecy, especially about the coming of the Messiah.   

Bobby Stafford