Posts with the category “more-to-the-sermon”

Matthew 22:37–4037 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”Thought:Jesus took what many had turned into hundreds of complicated rules a...  Read More

Matthew 22:35–36Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?Thought:The lawyer asked a good question, but with the wrong heart. He was not truly seeking the truth. He was testing Jesus. Many of our questions about God, Scripture, and life are necessary and honest, but the real issue is why we ask them.Are w...  Read More

Psalm 20:8–9They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.Thought:Psalm 20 ends with two powerful realities: the fall of God’s enemies and the rise of God’s people. Those who trust in their own strength may appear strong for a time, but their foundation is weak. When the testing comes, they are “brought down and fallen.”In contr...  Read More

Psalm 20:7Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.Thought:In David’s time, chariots and horses were the cutting-edge symbols of power and security. They were impressive, loud, and terrifying on the battlefield. But they were also limited, fragile, and temporary.Everyone trusts something for the future:Some trust in resources and savings.Some tr...  Read More

Psalm 20:6Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.Thought:The psalm shifts from prayer to confidence: “Now know I…” This is faith speaking with settled assurance. The Lord saves, the Lord hears, and the Lord strengthens.This verse first applies to God’s anointed king, and ultimately to Christ; the Anointed One. ...  Read More

Psalm 20:5We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.Thought:David looks backward and rejoices in God’s salvation. He is not guessing about God’s character; he is remembering it. Salvation is more than a doctrine; it is proof that God has already met our greatest need in Christ.When we “rejoice in Thy salvation,” we:Re...  Read More

Psalm 20:1-2The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion.Thought:Trouble is assumed in this psalm, not avoided: “the day of trouble.” The comfort is not that life will be trouble-free, but that we are never alone in it. David prays that the Lord would hear, defend, send help, and strengthen.“H...  Read More

John 15:8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.Thought:Jesus does not call us to a life of minimal fruit but to “much” fruit. The same disciples who were weak, fearful, doubting, and flawed; Peter, Thomas, James, John, Matthew, and the rest. were told that they would go and bear fruit that remains. Their limitations or failures did not define their fut...  Read More

John 15:6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.Thought:Not every branch that appears attached is truly connected. Judas walked with Jesus, heard His teaching, witnessed miracles, and was counted among the disciples, yet his heart was never truly attached to Christ. He was connected to the “caus...  Read More

John 15:2…and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.Thought:Pruning is never pleasant, but it is always purposeful. The Father, the wise Husbandman, cuts away what hinders fruitfulness. In a vineyard, “suckers” and extra shoots may look like growth, but they only produce leaves, not grapes. They block light, steal nutrients, and weaken the harvest.In ou...  Read More

John 15:4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.Thought:There is a difference between knowing about Jesus and abiding in Jesus. The word “abide” means to remain, stay, continue, and not depart. It is a settled, ongoing connection. Like a branch that never detaches from the vine.We often try to “produc...  Read More

John 15:1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.Thought:In the Old Testament, Israel was often pictured as God’s vineyard, which was rescued from Egypt, planted in the Promised Land, and blessed with God’s presence and promises. Yet, Israel was never the “true vine” itself; it was the vineyard God tended. The true vine was always pointing forward to Jesus Christ.When Jesus says, “I am...  Read More

2 Corinthians 6:14-1814 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I w...  Read More

1 Samuel 15:22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.Thought:God calls us to simple obedience rather than grand gestures. This means that He delights not in elaborate displays of devotion or in achievements designed to impress others, but in...  Read More

Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.Thought:Being present is a powerful force that can change things in many areas of life. When we’re at church, being present lets us connect deeply with others, share in worship together, and grow spiritually. Similarly, when we’re...  Read More

Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.Thought:Discipleship is like a lifelong adventure, where we grow and learn all the time. It’s not just about teaching others what we know; it’s about helping them change their lives in a big way through Christ’s teachings. As disciples, we’re here to guide ...  Read More

Galatians 3:27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."Thought:Baptism is a deeply meaningful and important act that goes beyond just a routine. It’s a strong symbol of how much we’re connected and part of Jesus Christ. In this symbolic ceremony, we openly show our loyalty and belonging to Him and His church, which is a community of believers who share the same fait...  Read More

Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.Thought:Often, we may think that "going" is the command Jesus gave us in the Great Commission, but the true directive is to "make disciples." This command invites us to see the world as an open field for teaching and sharing Christ's love. While traveling to distant ...  Read More

Genesis 22:13And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns...Thought: Abraham’s willingness to obey God’s confusing instructions regarding Isaac reveals complete trust in God’s promises. The ram being provided as a substitute for Isaac shows God’s foresight and faithfulness even in situations that challenge our understanding. Through this ...  Read More

Genesis 18:22-2322 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. 23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?Thought: Abraham’s conversation with God about Sodom really shows how important and powerful intercessory prayer can be. He was so proactive in praying for Lot’s safety, which shows he c...  Read More

Genesis 18:1-31 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; 2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:...  Read More

Genesis 13:10And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere... like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.Thought: Lot's choice to settle near Sodom illustrates a crucial lesson on the problems of relying solely on what is immediately visible or appealing. This inclination can lead us to temptation or sinful conditions, drawing us away fro...  Read More

Psalms 121:1-2I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.Thought: The hills surrounding Jerusalem might have been the sites of idol worship or places of high places under siege during Hezekiah's time. The psalmist poses a question to reflect on, causing us to consider where our true help comes from amidst life's ch...  Read More

Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.Thought:Freedom is truly found when we release what binds us to our past. In parts of India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, hunters once used a simple trap to capture monkeys alive. A gourd, clay pot, or coconut shell was tied to a tree and filled with nuts or rice,...  Read More

Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.Thought:God’s grace is the spark that starts and keeps our faith journey going. He brings salvation, but as believers, we need to be ready to jump in and respond to what He’s doing inside us. When we accept His way of making us holy, we’re joining in on His plan for our lives. It takes being open and wil...  Read More

Hebrews 12:1Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.Thought:Just as we pack things unnecessarily for trips or vacations sometimes, we often carry burdens we don’t need in the same manner. These weights; old lifestyles, habits, and sins, slow down our spiritual progress. Evaluate what you’re carrying in yo...  Read More

Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Thought:Sanctification is a lifelong journey where we strive to be transform and have our lives reflect God's holiness. The old habits and comforts of our past may continuously tempt us, but God calls us to renew our minds ...  Read More

Colossians 3:1-2If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.Thought:As believers, we are called to set our eyes on Christ rather than worldly desires. Just as the Israelites were freed from Egypt but still longed for its comforts, we too may find ourselves attached ...  Read More

Ephesians 4:22-24That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.Thoughts:Repentance is a profound and ongoing process that involves a significant change in our behavior and mindset. It means ackn...  Read More

Genesis 35:6-7So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him. And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.Thoughts:Upon returning to Bethel, Jacob took the significant step of rebuilding the altar, which served as a powerful testimony of Go...  Read More

1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.Thoughts:True repentance is a profound process that extends beyond merely confessing our wrongdoings; it requires a thorough cleansing of our hearts from all unrighteousness. This transformation is shown by Jacob’s instruction to his hou...  Read More

Genesis 34:30And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.Thoughts:Jacob’s silence and his inability to guide his family towards a righteous path resulted in signi...  Read More

Genesis 35:1And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.Thoughts:Reflect on the significant moments in life when God calls us back to our origins, to the places where we first encountered His presence and felt His divine touch. Just as Jacob’s journey took him far fr...  Read More

Ephesians 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.Thought:Prayer is our lifeline to God, helping us build strong spiritual walls. When we pray often, we stay in tune with God’s will, making sure our actions and choices align with His guidance. Plus, prayer acts as a protective shield against t...  Read More

Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.Thought:Faith isn't a mere presumption but confident assurance in God's promises. It allows us to stand firm in our trials, by viewing God’s promises as reality rather than relying on visible confirmations. Faith serves as protection, guarding us against the enemy's fiery darts and helping us to live as tho...  Read More

Ephesians 6:13-17  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all th...  Read More

1 Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.Thought:We often underestimate our enemy, Satan, forgetting that he is a cunning adversary. While he may present himself as an ordinary threat, his ultimate goal is to devour and destroy us spiritually. Recognizing him as a slanderer and deceiver helps us to be vigilant ...  Read More

Ephesians 6:10-12  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Thought:The world is a battlefi...  Read More

John 1:1111 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.Thoughts:Even though Jesus is the Creator of everything, He often didn’t get the attention or acceptance He deserved from those around Him. Today, many people still miss out on the chance to welcome Him into their lives. Could you take a moment to think about how much you’ve accepted Jesus? Have you truly opened your heart to Him, or a...  Read More

Luke 14:2323 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.Thoughts:God’s invitation to His kingdom is an broad and limitless call, extending to every corner of the world and every soul in need of His grace. This divine invitation is not merely an offer but a profound summons to all humanity, urging us to extend His...  Read More