God’s blessing is a means to the end of God’s way of being known among all nations. How are we using the gifts of God to fulfill the commission of God? Our world is out of balance because we don’t want God at the center. God’s blessings are a means to the end of God’s way being known among all …
In Paul’s final remarks, he recognized the church’s maturity due to their willingness to meet the needs of others. God often supplies our needs through the help of one another. God supplies every need by every believer giving every way they can. Philippians 4:14-23 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of …
This passage of Scripture is one of the most quoted and most misinterpreted sections of Scripture. The secret of the Christian life is learning how to live it out regardless of our circumstances. Philippians 4:10-13 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had …
Making a stance for joy is waging a war against worry. Scripture clearly teaches what a disciple should do when anxiety attacks.
In any family, conflict is unavoidable, but, in the family of God, it must be dealt with, or else the church will suffer. Paul singles out two disagreeing church members and instructs us all how to reconcile when conflict comes. Personal conflict must be addressed, or else the entire church will suffer. Philippians 4:1-3 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I …
As we live our lives on the earth, we are never to forget that our citizenship is in heaven. Ultimately, we belong to another King and another Kingdom. Philippians 3:17-21 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even …
Christian maturity is a matter of progression instead of perfection. As we follow Jesus, we gradually grow closer to Him in our personal discipleship. None of us are so spiritually mature that we can afford to coast the rest of the way. Philippians 3:12-16 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it …
Paul had plenty of room to boast in religious, familial, and personal accomplishments, but it was nothing compared to knowing Jesus. The opportunity to know the resurrected Christ is greater than anything else this world offers. Philippians 3:1-11 3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. …
In Psalm 22, David wrote a worship song that also served as a remarkably comprehensive prophecy of Jesus’ death upon the cross. While the precision to detail is astounding, God’s commitment to our salvation is even more remarkable. Psalm 22 22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?2 O …
Since Paul couldn’t personally gather with the church of Philippi, he planned on sending two individuals who epitomized reliable, gospel companions. We need to have good gospel friends, and we need to be good gospel friends to others. Philippians 2:19-30 We have unfortunately reduced Christianity to a one-time decision rather than a lifelong journey. Life requires companions more than content. …
If we want to make a difference in the world, we must avoid sounding just like the world. We are called to rid ourselves of complaining as we follow Jesus. I have been given a perfect Savior, so why should I complain about imperfect stuff? The challenges of the Christian life will lead us to whine or worship. Philippians 2:14-18 …
When it comes to the work of our salvation and sanctification, who is ultimately responsible? Scripture indicates that God works hard through our hard work. How spiritually healthy would your family be if the church doors had to close? The mature Christian must show diligence in personal responsibility and dependence on God’s activity. Philippians 2:12-13 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have …
Jesus never attempted to advance a personally painless agenda but gave of Himself for our benefit. If the magnificent Jesus can humble Himself so much for our sake, what excuse can we reasonably provide? Philippians 2:5-11 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a …
The path to unity is not waiting on everyone else to align themselves with you. Fight against personal selfishness and work toward humble servanthood. Philippians 2:1-4 2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and …
A significant portion of following Jesus is the manner in which we follow Him together. As part of the Church, we are to make our lives count for Kingdom work in unison with one another. Philippians 1:27-30 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may …
Matthew 26:30; 27:45-46 Psalm 24 Preached at Berea First Baptist Prayer Conference At pivotal times, Jesus utilized Scripture that He had previously memorized. At the time of His crucifixion, He specifically employed the Psalms. Matthew 26:30; 27:45-46 All Scripture is inspired by God, but the Psalms are inspired for God. The Psalms train us how to speak to one so …
Mark 9:14-29 Preached at Berea First Baptist Prayer Conference Lacking Power (9:14-18) Mere association with Jesus doesn’t guarantee access to His power. Our failures not only damage our reputations but they can also tarnish others’ perception of Christ. Struggling Faith (9:19-27) Three horrible words that you should never say to Jesus: if you can. Even when your faith is underdeveloped, …
John 15:1-7 Preached at Berea First Baptist Prayer Conference Prayer Conference 2020 – Morning Service – Dr Travis Agnew from Sermons & Videos on Vimeo. You need a relational connection more than a religious commitment. Abiding in Christ is the believer’s commitment to utter dependence upon Jesus. I am incapable of doing anything spiritually worthwhile in my own strength. The …
Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:9-13 Preached at Berea First Baptist Prayer Conference Out of all that the disciples saw Jesus do, the one thing they asked Him to teach was how to pray. Praying wasn’t necessary for God in the flesh, but His example was essential for us. The Lord’s Prayer was meant to serve more as a template than a …
While we often think that suffering will serve as a blockade towards spiritual growth, it is often the vehicle. Realize that God may want to use that which you want to remove. Philippians 1:12-18 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial …
God began a good work in you, and He never leaves anything unfinished. While you are not there yet, He will gradually help you make progress. Philippians 1:1-11 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. …
The desire to get richer for selfish reasons will only lead to an impoverished life. The best reason to make more money is so that you can give it away. At the end of our lives, God will know how much we spent, saved, and sacrificed. Proverbs 11:23-31 23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the …
Sermon in NGU Chapel – Jan. 29, 2020 If every Christian is in a unique place surrounded by specific challenges, why do we think that a broad approach will work for every single one of us? It’s time to get back to making disciples – one disciple at a time. Colossians 1:27-29 Notes If you feel spiritually stuck, it might not …
We need not wonder if hard times will come but prepare for when they arrive. God’s Word provides helpful wisdom regarding how to make sacrifices now to experience security later. Our lives will be full of unexpected and unavoidable changes. While we cannot predict our final outcomes, we must prepare for certain possibilities. What Proverbs Teaches About Savings Failure to …
The greatest obstacle to contentment is comparison. Debt seeks to secure our happiness now by committing to pay more for it later. The Culture’s Position on Debt You might envy the stuff that another has, but you don’t know the stress that it takes to keep it. Comparison leads to discontentment; discontentment often leads to debt. Debt attempts to secure …
While laziness seems to be an accepted cultural disposition, it significantly lessens an individual’s overall opportunities. God’s Word highlights both the blessings and the benefits of hard work. Excuses When you blame laziness on your personality, you covertly attempt to blame God for your lack of effort. Laziness is not a disease or a dysfunction but a decision. Laziness leads …
Both the rich and the poor are in danger of neglecting God’s wisdom regarding finances. No matter how much you possess, you must be careful to prioritize biblical perspectives and biblical practices. Reminders About Proverbs Proverbs are more scattered than sequential. Proverbs are more principles than promises. Proverbs are more expressive than exhaustive. Proverbs 30:7-9 Two things I ask of …
In a world where chaos abounds, where are we to find peace? Following Jesus provides the only path to experiencing unshakable peace. On a scale of 1 to 10, how peaceful is your life right now? John 14:25-31 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father …
Due to the frailties of earthly fathers, many people struggle to embrace God as a Heavenly Father. If you have ever wanted to know what God the Father is like, look no further than His Son. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name …
Since we could not make it to God, God came for us. Jesus was more than a godly man, but the God-Man who provided redemption. Many people believe Jesus was good but struggle to accept Him as God. John 8:31-59 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and …
In a world full of conflicting advice, Jesus eagerly points us in wise directions. Not only are we blessed by hearing His guidance but by obeying His counsel. Isaiah’s Prophecy Our hearts gravitate towards neglecting Christ while we celebrate Christmas. Jesus is the fulfillment of ancient prophecy and the answer for current unrest. For to us a child is born, …
When God arrives, everything changes in a moment. For the people of the world, His coming promises judgment, but for the people of the Word, His coming guarantees joy. Malachi 4:1-6 4 “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, …
When we interpret God’s blessings as our accomplishments, we are prone to stinginess over generosity. The people of God are given the blessings of God to use for the purposes of God. Malachi 3:6-12 6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes …
These are the notes for the opening at the South Carolina Baptist Convention 2019 Annual Meeting. You can watch the video here (around the 40-minute mark). As ministry leaders committed to engaging the culture, we must never rely upon our limited efforts. God is not dependent upon us to get our jobs done to reach this world with the gospel. …
The people of God wanted God to confront rebellious sinners, and they didn’t realize that effort would include them. It is easy to be disgusted with others’ sins while justifying our own. Malachi 2:17-3:5 17 You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied him?” By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of …
Preached at North Greenville University Chapel – Nov. 6, 2019 Entitled Expectations (2 Chronicles 26) – God marvelously helped King Uzziah until he no longer saw himself dependent on God’s assistance. The moment we think we don’t need God is when we need him most of all. It’s dangerous to handle what has been gifted by God as if it has …
As people who have been loved by a covenant-keeping God, we ought to keep our covenants to one another in marriage. God hates divorce because of what it does and what it will continue to do. Consider This To the married, don’t fixate on the catastrophes of others’ divorces so much that you overlook the compromises present in your own marriage. To the divorced, there …
We tend to give our best to individuals and institutions while unfortunately offering God our leftovers. God is too glorious to present meager offerings before Him. 4 Types of Gifts to the LORD Obligatory Exchange – Some attempt to give a thoughtless gift to God once they feel guilty about something He gave them. Frantic Purchase – Some throw a gift together …
We can often look at our unfortunate circumstances and question God’s love for us. The sheer fact that God chose to love us in the first place should alleviate any lingering doubts. Context A major theme of Scripture: We cannot remain in the presence of God when we disobey the commandments of God. During the time of Malachi, Israel had …
If there is a true profession of faith, there should be a true progression of faith. While you have not arrived at complete spiritual maturity yet, you should be making progress.