Sermon: Encounters with Christ…Peter’s Gracious Restoration (John 21)
Encounters with Christ
Christ’s Gracious Restoration of Peter
John 21:15-22
John 21:15-22 (ESV)
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” [16] He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” [17] He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. [18] Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” [19] (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
[20] Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” [21] When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” [22] Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”
Have you ever been in a situation that you thought God was not paying attention? Maybe you were in dire need and you began to pray and it seemed as if God were not listening. Maybe you remained in that situation for a long time…maybe you’re still there. Read More
Sermon: The Riches of the Word (Psalm 19:7-14)
*The Riches of the Word
Psalm 19:7-14
Introduction
I remember a conversation I had with a guy one time who tried to convince me that he didn’t need to read God’s Word. His position was that reading the Bible was for the pastors and that it was the pastor’s job to then tell him what he needed to know. This man has since remained a very immature Christian at best and years after our conversation, he has no more desire to be in the Word than he did years before.
Unfortunately this person’s attitude toward God’s Word is the norm. George Barna’s research indicates that Bible reading among folks that claim to be Christians is at an all time low. 18%, less than 2 out of ten read their Bibles on a daily basis. 23%, almost 1 in 4 claim to never read their Bibles.
Consider these statistics in light of:
1 Tim. 4:7-8 (ESV)
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; [8] for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. Read More
Sermon: The Great Mystery of Sovereignty (Matthew 11:20-30)
The Great Mystery of Sovereignty
Matthew 11:20-30 (ESV)
Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. [21] “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. [23] And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”
[25] At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; [26] yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. [27] All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. [28] Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
After John the Baptist’s disciples had left, Jesus went on preaching and teaching and doing miracles of healing among the people. We have in the Scriptures recorded for us many miracles that Jesus did, but we don’t have them all. In fact, I would venture to say there were more that went unrecorded than recorded. Read More
A Brief Account of a Pioneer Preacher by Brian Evans
A Brief Account of a Pioneer Preacher
Introduction
Since 2004 I’ve been serving in an independent church called “Bigelow Church”. Often, when I’m asked where I serve and I reply, “Bigelow Church”, I receive a strange look. To most, the name really doesn’t say a whole about who we are, however, there is such a rich history associated with the name, I feel the name is a perfect fit.
The current building where we assemble is very old, being erected in 1858. The congregation was formed in 1803, and their first building was dedicated and named after a circuit riding preacher who served in Ohio many years ago. Originally, the church was called Bigelow Methodist Episcopal Church. As impressive as the history of the church is, this paper is not about the history of church buildings but a history of a man whose passion was for His Lord, a man who loved Jesus—Russel Bigelow.
As I studied the history of Russel Bigelow I was in awe of how the Lord utilized a man who by the world’s standards was in no way impressive. In fact, in many of the eyewitness accounts, he was portrayed as just the opposite. This is an account of an ordinary preacher and his passion for his Lord. Read More
Sermon: Prayer Transcends Trouble (1 Samuel 1:1-20)
Remember, Prayer Transcends Trouble
1 Samuel 1:1-20
Have you ever been in a situation in which you knew you should pray, but for whatever reason you didn’t? Have you ever simply forgotten to pray? Have you ever been in a terrible situation and so caught up in the circumstances that you forgot to call on the Lord? You were so busy trying everything else that you forgot that God stands ready to hear our pleas.
I was in Cleveland a couple years ago attending a pastor’s conference. I forgot to pray. It wasn’t a real big deal, it wasn’t life or death, but I forgot to pray. Imagine that, on your way to a pastor’s conference and forget to pray. I was driving around the east side of Cleveland for a bout an hour not stopping to ask directions or to pray. I was lost. The road work was everywhere and signs were nowhere. Finally, I remembered to pray. It wasn’t long till I saw what I was looking for…a road sign that told me where to go. God wanted me to forget my situation and remember Him. All I was doing was thinking about being late and I was forgetting God. Pray… Read More
