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. |
Christian Living
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. |
Christian Living
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. |
Christian Living
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 |
Christian Living
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 |
Christian Living
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. |
Christian Living
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. |
Christian Living

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.
|
Christian Living

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. |
Christian Living

David Hersey |
Sowing & Reaping 2 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians
6:7-9
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. |
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford
|
The
Spirits In Prison
(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
|
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Take
Up His Cross
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
|
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Why I
Should Become A Christian
In becoming a Christian, a person
must make a deliberate choice. So why should you
make this choice? |
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Being
A Disciple
What does it mean to follow Christ and be his disciple?
What is the price of discipleship? We must be willing to take up our cross
and follow him. But what does that life look like?
Text: Luke Chapter 9 versus 23 through 27
|
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Good
Company
1
Corinthians 15:33, "Evil company corrupts good habits"
|

Bobby Stafford |
A
Worthy Life
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.
|
Christian Living

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. |
Christian Living

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. |
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Decisions |
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Judging |
Christian Living

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 |
Thoughts for a New Year
(Out with the old & in with the new) |
Christian Living

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 |
Are You Drifting?
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.
|
Christian Living

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
|
Christian Living

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.
|
Christian Living

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
|
Christian Living

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.
|
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Are You Right With God? |
Christian Living

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 |
Christian Living
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 |
Christian Living
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
|
Christian Living
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
|
Christian Living
Bobby Stafford |
Can I Know I’m Saved?
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?
|
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Do You Not Know These Things
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 |
Christian Living
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. |
Christian Living

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
|
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Enemies to Defeat
A.
The Church is described as a body both in its life and its
function –
B.
The human body has enemies that can damage or even kill it –
C.
Likewise, the church has enemies that prevent it from moving
forward –
|
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Applying the Lessons we Learn From Scripture
“Preaching
is not complete until God’s people think and act differently for
having the Word expounded.”
By applying the lesson results in changed lives. This results in
obedience. (I
John 2:17)
We must act upon what is said. |
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. |
Christian Living
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 |
Be
Not Deceived
Text:
Galatians 6:7-10
Body:
I.
You Reap What You Sow
Galatians 6:7
II.
Sowing to the Flesh/ Sowing to the Spirit
Galatians 6:8
·
Sowing to the flesh – fleshly indulgence (Galatians
5:15-21, 24)
·
Sowing to the Spirit The Spirit is the guiding animating influence
in the Christian’s life. (Romans
8:11)
III.
Don’t Grow Tired of Sowing Good
Galatians 6:9-10
|
Christian Living
Bobby Stafford |
How To Become A Disciple of Jesus
A Lesson from Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
Jesus gave
the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. He commanded His
disciples to go throughout the world and make other disciples. This
commission is still valid today. But what does it mean to be a
disciple of Jesus? |
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.
|
Christian Living

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 |
Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
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? |
Christian Living
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.
|
Christian Living
Bobby Stafford |
Better Things
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.”
|
Christian Living
Bobby Stafford |
A House of Prayer
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 |
Christian Living
Bobby Stafford |
A Charge From The Lord
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
|
Christian Living
Bobby Stafford |
What Lies Ahead
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. |
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Who Is My Brother?
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.
|
Christian Living
Bobby Stafford |
Search Me, Oh God
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 |
Christian Living
Bobby Stafford |
Be Not Conformed
“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.
|
Christian Living
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
|
Spiritual Danger
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. |
Christian Living
|
Drawing Near To God
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 |
Christian Living
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
|
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
A Sweet
Smelling Fragrance
“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.
|
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
Helping the Broken Hearted
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.
|
Christian Living
Bobby Stafford |
This World Is Not My Home
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). |
Christian Living

David
Hersey |
Gideon, an Unlikely Hero
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.” |
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |
True Conversions
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?
|
Christian Living

Bobby Stafford |