The Power To Overcome

The Power To Overcome

—Douglas F. Parsons

I remember as a kid watching a movie in which a huckster went from town to town with a huge rattlesnake in a glass cage. The man would cover the glass with a blanket and walk into the local saloon and would bet the toughest, bravest man in town would not be able to hold his hand against the glass without jerking it back when the rattlesnake struck. When the citizens chose their challenger the huckster tore the blanket off to reveal the biggest, most menacing, evil-eyed reptile ever seen by man. Annoyed by the light and noise, the snake coiled to strike, his rattles buzzing nervously. The toughest, bravest man would break out in a cold sweat. But prodded by the expectation of his friends, he moved his hand toward the glass. The snake coiled even tighter. Slowly the man inched his hand toward the glass and finally touched it. As he did, the snake struck with fury. And reflexively, the toughest, bravest man jerked his hand away. The huckster had won again.

Why? Because no matter how big and brave and tough the men were, the threat of that striking reptile through the invisible glass was a fearsome thing. The only thing between them and certain death was a thin pane of glass.

I have often thought what a great metaphor that scenario was for spiritual warfare. The snake is Satan and the forces of evil. The glass is Jesus. As long as we stay on the right side of the glass, we have nothing to fear. Of course, if we go sticking our hand inside the box, there is plenty of danger. But for those on the safe side of the glass, for those who live a life of faith and obedience to Christ, there is nothing to fear. The only ones terrorized by the evil inside the cage are those who do not trust the glass to keep them safe, or those who stick their hands inside the glass.

There are two important things we must understand about spiritual warfare: first, there is real danger on the wrong side of the glass; and second, we are safe on the right side of the glass, no matter how fearful things appear. But what does that mean? It means we must submit to God in all things and resist the devil (James 4:7).

One of the keys to winning spiritual warfare is "to know when to hold'em and when to fold'em." We need to fight when we should fight, and flee when we should flee. Do you want to run away from your financial obligations? Stand and fight. Are you trying to grow spiritually? Stand and fight. Is it hard to improve family relationships? Stand and fight. Are you tempted to toy with a relationship that isn't Christ-centered? Flee. Are you tempted to buy something you can't afford? Flee. Are you tempted to put together a deal that isn't totally honest? Flee.

Resist the efforts of Satan to accuse you and bury you with guilt. Be on guard against his wiles. Recognize them. And stand firm against him in the strength God provides.

The Jenkins Institute HelpDesk

Sermon Titles

Sermon titles should be clear, not cute. If the title doesn't give the reason for listening, you've just wasted your title.

The Year of Jubilee - The Year of GRACE

The Year of Jubilee - The Year of GRACE is a a major theme in Scripture. It is itself part of the Bible's teaching on Sabbath (Jubilee is the Sabbath of Sabbaths). The theme sheds great light on the ministry of Jesus and our own mission in the world as his disciples. I invite you to read on this magnificent biblical trajectory.

http://stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com/2008/10/jubilee-and-story-of-god.html

Conform to Environment

Sermon Illustration: A diver lives in the water but breathes the air. He is able to function because he takes his environment with him. If he "conforms" to the environment around him, he will eventually die! Therefore, he refuses to be conformed!

Truth for Today - Eddie Cloer

Before God

Recently Congress passed a law that will push forward the use of unmanned drones here in the US. In fact, there is a prediction that, between the federal, state and local governments and local police, there will be as many as 30,000 drones used for surveillance. Some will be as large as passenger planes, but others might be as small as a humming bird – meaning you might not even know they are there.


This action from government – not only allowing this to take place, but actively supporting it – has lots of people upset. Their argument is that it infringes on their right to privacy. I would have to agree it seems as though our government may be overstepping its role, but I also think people have a false idea of privacy.

I think this is especially true when it comes to our spiritual lives. We often believe that as long as nobody sees us – or knows what we are doing – then it doesn't matter what we do. In other words, too many people believe it is only wrong if they get caught. But, we forget that ultimately we don’t answer to a drone-snooping government, but to an all-seeing God. God not only knows our actions, but he knows our very heart. John 3:20, “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he know everything.”


So, let us live our lives knowing that God sees and knows, not only the things we do, but what we think as well. He loves to see the good you are doing. Let us remember what the children’s song says and be careful what we do because the father up above is looking down in love. So first accept the fact you are a sinner, but know that God loves to forgive too. Be confident that someday He will say, "Well Done!"

Preaching Jobs

The Central Church of Christ in Shawnee, Oklahoma is currently taking applications for a full time minister and would like your help. If you know of someone that might be a good fit, please forward this message to them.

The Central congregation has been in existence for over 100 years, with a stable eldership, a solid financial position, and opportunities for growth. We’re located in the downtown area of Shawnee about 50 minutes east of downtown Oklahoma City. We are looking for applicants that are sound in the scripture and able to work well with families. Our current preacher, Rob Prater, has accepted a position with the Crosstown Church of Christ in Tulsa and will be leaving us soon. We plan to accept resumes until March 15, 2013 or until we find a good match for our congregation. For more information about the congregation, interested parties can call the church office at 405 273 3065 or can call me at 405 615 1105.

Interested applicants can mail resumes to

The Central Church of Christ

10^th and Bell Street

Shawnee, OK 74801

Or can send information to this email address bobperry34@gmail.com

Thank you for your help,

Bob Perry

Elder, Central Church of Christ

Shawnee, Oklahoma

Edmond Church of Christ 3 Year Initiative

Week 2 of 3 "Challenge Sunday"




Next week will be Commitment Sunday. Below is the first week's lesson in the series.

Week 1 of 3

 Video on Creating Space

 

The Cleaning Lady

There was a little old cleaning Lady who went to a local church. When the invitation was given at the end of the service, she went forward wanting to become a member. The preacher listened as she told him how she wanted to be baptized and become a member of Christ's church.

The preacher thought to himself, "oh my, she is so unkempt, even smells a little, and her fingernails are not clean. She picks up garbage, cleans toilets -- what would the members think of her." He told her that she needed to go home and pray about it and then decide.

The following week, here she came again. She told the minister that she had prayed about it and still wanted to be baptized. "I have passed this church building for so long. It is so beautiful, and I truly want to become a member of Christ's church and a local member of this body of believers."

Again the preacher told her to go home and pray some more.

A few weeks later while out eating at the restaurant, the preacher saw the little old lady. He did not want her to think that he was ignoring her so he approached her and said, "I have not seen you for a while. Is everything all right?"

"Oh, yes," she said. "I talked with Jesus, and He told me not to worry about becoming a member of your church."

"He did?" said the preacher.

"Oh, yes" she replied. "Jesus said he's been trying to get into your church for years, and even HE can't get in."

Baptism According to Scripture: A Discussion

https://youtu.be/LsUVhEN4PC4?si=xdM9B8GYnBFMzfNi

In this episode, Bobby Harrington leads a meaningful conversation about the significance and doctrinal importance of baptism with prominent church leaders, including Jerry Harris, Gary Johnson, Karl Halverson, and Mario Gonzalez. Each leader shares their perspectives on baptism, drawing from their extensive experiences in ministry and biblical scholarship. They discuss the restoration movement, the role of elders in maintaining doctrinal integrity, the international viewpoint on baptism, and the importance of providing clear, accessible resources on the topic. They also introduce a new booklet, 'Baptism According to Scripture,' aiming to clarify and educate on the biblical teaching of baptism. This comprehensive discussion highlights key scriptural references and addresses common questions and misconceptions about baptism, making it a valuable resource for both church leaders and laypeople.

Baptism: Linguistic and Historical Considerations

https://youtu.be/TbKtMnjnnSM

Feb 28, 2025 A sermon by Preaching Minister Randy Johns from the series "There Is Water in the Plan! A Brief Study of Christian Baptism."

This is part 1 of a 3-part series. 

The Foundation of Christian Baptism: The Baptism of Jesus

https://youtu.be/NFPStFxRJNc

Feb 28, 2025 = A sermon by Preaching Minister Randy Johns from the 3-part series, "There Is Water in the Plan! A Brief Study of Christian Baptism."

This is part 2 of a 3-part series. 

There Is Water in the Plan: The Emergence of Christian Baptism

https://youtu.be/vn7MsD7oa9o

Feb 28, 2025 = A sermon by Preaching Minister Randy Johns from the series, "There Is Water in the Plan! A Brief Study of Christian Baptism."

This is part 3 of a 3-part series. 

Touch of the Master's Hand

Illustrations About Change

*Clickable Links Are Blue with Underlines:

Famous Quotes, Graphic Illustrations, Videos, Scriptures, and a Deeper Look at TheWord

https://youtu.be/KTB2qDQQ4pU

Touch of the Master's Hand

By Myra Ross Welch (1926)

Church Songs?

#Change

#Value

#Souls

#Price

#Scripture

Search Wikipedia for the Topic

WikiQuotes about Topic

You Think About it!

Kevin Rayner

• Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ParableIllustrations
• Email distribution list at https://groups.google.com/g/parable
• Go to Kevin Rayner's blog at https://parable-illustrations.blogspot.com/ for more illustrations and videos with illustrations. Help us spread the word about the teaching illustrations list. Pass on to your friends and invite them to visit the blog at https://parable-illustrations.blogspot.com/
• What illustrations would you suggest adding to these?

'Twas battered and scarred and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile:

"What am bidden, good folks?" he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar! A dollar!" then "Two! Only two?"
"Two dollars, and who'll make it three?"

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice . . .
And going for three . . . " but no.
From the room, far back, a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow.

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low
Said, "What am I bid for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars! And who'll make it two?
"Two thousand! Who'll make it three?
"Three going once? Three going twice?
"And going . . . and gone!" said he.

The people cheered but some of them cried,
"We do not understand!
What changed its worth?" -- Swift came the reply,
"The touch of the Master's Hand."

And many a man with life out of tune
And battered and scarred with sin
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
Much like the old violin.

A "mess 'o pottage"
A glass of wine
A game and he travels on.
He's "going" once
And "going" twice
And "going" . . . and almost "gone"

Then along comes the Master, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul or the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's Hand.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q="John+Maxwell"+Change&t=h_&iax=videos&ia=videos

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town, and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

=============

Making a Difference

An old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached and dying after a storm. A young man was picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean.

"Why do you bother?" the old man scoffed. "You're not saving enough to make a difference."

The young man picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back to the water.

"Made a difference to that one," he said.

You make a difference, every day.

=============

Imagine a world...

• Where one small act of kindness turned into billions of acts, like a never-ending chain.
• Where people value people and have a genuine love for one another.
• Where every neighborhood was safe because the community looked after each other.
• Where someone did something that unites us together instead of drives us apart.
• Where that someone is YOU!

This world that you imagine... What if it was real? What if you really did have a voice in your world and you really could make a difference?

Solid Guide Posts

Far off in the dark night, the ship's captain spotted faint lights. Right away, he ordered his signalman to send this message:

"Alter your course 10 degrees south."

Promptly a return message was received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north."

The captain was angered; his command had been ignored. So he sent a second message: "Alter your course 10 degrees south—I am the captain!"

Soon another message was received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north—I am seaman third class ones.

Immediately the captain sent a third message, knowing the fear it would evoke: "Alter your course 10 degrees south—I am a battleship!"

Then the reply came: "Alter your course 10 degrees north—I am a lighthouse."

Do you think that captain changed his course?

Quotes

In a sermon a well painted picture becomes a mirror to the soul and then a window to see God.

For a blog on quotes organized by topics, go to my blog at
http://reallifequotes.blogspot.com/

Preaching Methods

Thoughts about preaching

Unknown Author or is He known?

BIBLE STUDY 

There was a young lady who read a book and having completed it, remarked, "It was the dullest book I ever read."

Not long after she met a man, fell in love and was engaged to be married. One evening she said, "I have a book in my library by a man whose name is the same as yours. Isn't that a coincidence " He replied, "Not at all, I wrote the book."

She ran home, sat up all night rereading the book again. When finished she said, "That was the most interesting book I've ever read." Why had the book changed so much? Because she knew and loved the author.

Application: You will enjoy reading and studying the greatest book, the Bible, if you know and love the author. Then the Bible becomes the most interesting book in the world.

Penguin Love

Expository Preaching

Expository Preaching

Let me invite you into the preacher's head so that I can share with you my basic approach to preaching.

My first preference in preaching is to do what are called "expository" sermons. This kind of lesson "exposes" or reveals the teachings of a certain text of Scripture. It uses as its basis one particular passage of Scripture, develops the ideas that are presented in the passage, and applies those ideas to our daily lives.

The main alternative to expository preaching is topical preaching. A topical sermon begins with an idea or topic (for example: "Love", or "How to Be a Better Christian", or "Things Young People Should Avoid") and then finds several verses throughout Scripture that provide ideas related to the topic.

The advantages of expository preaching are many. For one, it presents the teachings of Scripture the way they were written: in context, presenting the ideas as the inspired writers presented them. Although I might add stories, illustrations, and applications, I try to present the main idea that is presented in Scripture. I enjoy preaching through books of the Bible because, again, I am presenting the Word of God the way God presented it to us. Dealing with the Scriptures this way also forces us to consider the difficult passages, maybe the ones we would rather not think about or have always had questions about. Studying them in context often helps us find the answers we need.

Expository preaching also helps me avoid my weaknesses in preaching only topically. If I preach on topics, I find that I wind up pounding the same drum over and over - the drum of my favorite topic, you see. If I just do topics, I might pull a verse out of context to try to make my point, and that isn't a good way to study Scripture. Also, I can easily just deal with the "hot topics" and not get beyond the "current issues" to deal with the more central matters. Expository preaching gets to the issues, but it does so in the context of how those issues are addressed in Scripture. Topical preaching also tends to start out with man's thinking ("What topic can I come up with?" "What topic do I think people need to hear about?), whereas expository preaching starts out with God's thinking ("What has God revealed to us in this passage or book?").

I certainly preach topically on many occasions. For one thing, people think topically. We usually don't wonder "What does Matthew 21 say?" but we want to know, "What does the Bible say about this or that topic?" In addition, the Bible is sometimes written topically. Paul sometimes gathers up several passages to prove the point he is making. But as we today try to get across the message of Scripture accurately, we need to think of books and passages and contexts. That will give us a good grasp of the Scriptures so that we can understand what the Bible says about the topics we want to know about.

Articles:

The Crisis in Expository Preaching Today
By Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.

If I Were the Devil - (BEST VERSION) by PAUL HARVEY audio restored

This was done 47 years ago and look what we have now. Paul Harvey was a very perceptive person and one who seemed to have a handle on how things were progressing in a very non-productive and negative way.

This video ..... should certainly be seen by everyone.

This was 47 years ago. April 3, 1965. An amazing prediction.

Do you remember the famous ABC radio commentator Paul Harvey?

Millions of Americans listened to his programs which were broadcast over 1,200 radio stations nationwide.

When you listen to this, remember the commentary was broadcast 47 years ago on April 3, 1965.

It's short...less than three minutes. You will be amazed.

Willie of Duck Dynasty speaks at Harding's Chapel

Go to see Willie of Duck Dynasty speak in Harding University's chapel.
http://hardingtv16.pegcentral.com/player.php?video=062a06847fcb7539714b142a57be1edd

Black Sunday?

Black Sunday? by Greg Wanderman

Wow! I found the best deal ever and I want to share it with everyone I know. Forget about “Black Friday!” Forget about “Cyber Monday!” The REAL deal is something most people haven’t figured out yet. I am about to give you the best savings tip ever! I promise you will not find a deal this good at any retailer. Just read a bit further to find out about this amazing deal!

We’ve all heard about Black Friday. It is a day that retailers look forward to all year. It has the name Black Friday” because, traditionally, this is the day that many retailers go from being “in the red” (an accounting way of showing that expenses exceed revenue) to being “in the black” (revenue exceeds expenses). Black Friday, and the relatively new Cyber Monday (internet sales), are generally the most profitable days of the year for many retailers. So why would you shop on a day that literally gets its name from the fact that companies are getting their greatest profit from YOU?

I HAVE A BETTER IDEA. Why not go somewhere that YOU profit from the expense of someone else! You see, the best deal isn’t Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but something we might call “Black Sunday.” About 2,000 years ago, Jesus went to the cross on our behalf. Corporate humanity was in debt for our sins. Rather than offering cheap deals, Jesus offered the most costly expense imaginable, His blood. And if that were the end of the story, then expenses would still exceed revenue and we would still be “in the red.”

But Sunday came, and with it, the greatest profit ever…the risen savior! Because of “Black Sunday,” we now benefit from His profit – salvation. That’s right. We get the profit, not some corporation! You don’t have to camp out all night or wait in line this Thursday. Christ rose on Sunday, and you can receive His gift TODAY! If you want to receive His “profit,” turn away from a life of sin, confess Jesus as the Son of God, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sin. Then begin attending a bible believing, New Testament church where you can learn more about walking in the light! What a deal! A true savings!

Click here to post a response online

Greg Wanderman

Minister, church of Christ at Clover, South Carolina

W: www.churchofchristatclover.org

B: www.wandermaninthewilderness.com