Sermons: Exposition
Expository preaching takes a passage of scripture and explains its meaning, closely following Ezra’s method of Nehemiah 8:1-12, “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” (Neh 8:8). A single, specific passage promotes exegesis (drawing out the meaning) and limits eisegesis (inserting one’s own ideas). Since Jesus ordered His ministers to preach the word (II Tim 4:2), and since the Holy Spirit wrote each passage, pastor and people are led to consider subjects useful to both as the church of God.
Perilous Times of 2 Tim 3:1 – 4:5
The greatest threat to the kingdom of Jesus Christ today is carnal, compromising, effeminate, and worldly Christianity. False teachers promote it on every side. The cure is simple, but few ministers will use it, since most hearers are demanding fables and entertainment instead. The importance of this prophecy cannot be overstated. You are living in the fulfillment of the perilous times!
Haggai
God sent Haggai to stir up the Jews that came back from Babylon to rebuild His temple. This short book has many excellent lessons about putting God and His things first in your life. It promises definite rewards for obedience. It prophesied how Jesus would visit this second temple of the Jews.
Psalm 18
David was God’s favorite. We know more about him than any other ten Bible characters. David wrote this psalm after defeating all his enemies and before gathering materials for the temple. The psalm is also found in II Samuel 22. Build your faith and confidence with these exciting words.
God in Glory (Rev 4)
God let John see His glory in heaven before the ascension of Jesus Christ to His right hand. Rather than get confused or distracted by the details of prophetic signs and symbols, the key is to see the big picture of the holiness of God and those closest to Him. Who makes up the inner circle?
Christ in Glory (Rev 5)
God let John see the incredible scene in heaven when Jesus ascended from earth to the throne room of God. This is one of the greatest events that shall ever occur in the universe. Three glorious choirs declared divine praise and worship to the King and Redeemer of His chosen people. Hallelujah!
Ecclesiastes
Philosophy covers questions about existence and morality. Why do I exist? How should I live? What about death? What about evil? God answered all these questions and more by Solomon in this unique book. Use the notes for all 222 verses and 60 lessons for 35 sermons preached in 2008.
Romans 13
What a chapter! It starts with civil government and how and why Christians should obey and pay pagan rulers. This is a real problem for most Americans. In explains how loving others fulfills the law of Moses. It ends with how to live holy lives in light of Jesus Christ returned for believers.
John 17
What a chapter! John took us into the holy place with chapters 13-16, but chapter 17 takes us into the holy of holies – His intimate prayer to His father. The other gospels record none of this. Love this personal moment as the apostles hear Jesus pray for Himself, for them … and then for you.
II Thessalonians 2
What a chapter! Paul condemned false ideas about the timing of future events, the man of sin, the restraining power, His work of blinding men, and election to salvation. He then taught about 20 more differences from what is commonly believed by doctrine-hating, contemporary Christians.
Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5-7 is pure gold from the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is preaching at its best by authority and content. If you want to know if you are going to heaven, see how you measure against this inspired criteria. If you want to examine your religion and faith, here is the standard.
Ephesians 1
Whose will determined your salvation? When did God choose to save you? Why did He save you? How is it described in this glorious chapter? Here the sovereignty of God is lifted very high with the marvelous gifts of election and predestination.
Philemon
Jesus prayed for the apostles and all believers to be one. We are to make peace with others and between others. It is usually done by soft answers and a soft tongue. Paul illustrated Christian charity and brotherly love to make peace between Philemon and Onesimus. Are you a peacemaker?
Two Parables Explained
Jesus used these two parables against His generation, but they contain sober warnings for us Gentiles also. Learn the truth of an often neglected subject; learn how to interpret parables; apply the lesson to your life.
Sojourning Here in Fear
The world says, No Fear! But Peter warned you to fear God, and he explained what that means and how you can do it properly for God’s blessing. We do not face the temptations his audience faced, but we face our own of carnal temptations.
Nahum
Though God spared Nineveh, a capital city of the Assyrian Empire, through Jonah’s preaching, He later destroyed it for their cruelty to Israel. Here is inspired history at its best – His story of ruling the nations and practical lessons as well.
I Samuel 4-6a: Emerods and Mice
What a story! You have likely never heard it preached before! Are you ready for some holy laughter as God shames His enemies? Take a peek at Psalm 78:65-66 and ask what it means to smite His enemies in their hinder parts!
Habakkuk
Minor prophets like this one scare many, but they need not do so. There are valuable lessons to learn from God’s prophets of the Old Testament. This book conveys inspired reasoning of God’s chastening and love for His people.
Psalm 91
This wonderful psalm is about God’s deliverance and safety for those who trust and obey Him. Though some of its promises are quoted by many, they only apply to those who meet the clearly stated conditions for God’s protection.
Hebrews
Is this the best book in the Bible? Its theme is simple – the preeminence of Jesus Christ. But a precious surprise is in these expository sermons – a rare explanation of the epistle that makes its hard places plain and simple.
Nehemiah 8: A Preaching Service
The most detailed description of a God-blessed preaching service is right here. In graphic terms, both true preaching and the godly response to it are well explained. It is a shame that this chapter is not better known.