Month: September 2014

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:22 — 1.0MB)

Sermon Audio: Amazing Faith
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 7:1-10
Duration: 21:22
Size: 9.78 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
Amazing Faith
Luke 7:1-10

Our text today about a Roman soldier’s faith takes us inside true faith and shows how and what faith does.

What are characteristics that made this man’s faith so amazing?

1. The first characteristic of an Amazing Faith was that it caused this man to love across all barriers.

This man loved people who were not just like himself.

2. The second characteristic of an Amazing Faith was that it caused this man to be excited and active in the work of God.

He enthusiastically involved himself in what was the most apparent work that God was doing.

What is it that God is doing that you are excited about, that matters to you, that you are enthusiastically giving yourself to?

3. The third characteristic of an Amazing Faith was that it caused this man to approach Christ in great humility.

This passage reveals two essential components of the Christian faith – an understanding of who Christ is and an understanding of who we are.

This Roman soldier a man of considerable influence and power, was also uniquely humble.

4. The fourth characteristic of an Amazing Faith was that it caused this man to be willing to trust in Christ alone.

Jesus promised a special blessing on people like the centurion and you.

Some think that an amazing faith is the ability to do the miraculous, but miracles are something that Jesus can do any time.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:44 — 11.3MB)

Sermon Audio: The Life of a True Disciple
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 6:39-49
Duration: 24:44
Size: 11.3 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
The Life of a True Disciple
Luke 6:39-49

Seven great principles for a true disciple to remember.

1. We must be sure that we see clearly enough to guide others in their spiritual walk.

2. We cannot lead others where we have not been.

3. We must be sure that there is nothing that clouds our vision, before we attempt to help our brother.

4. The fruit is always true to character.

5. What comes out of the lips depends on what is inside the heart.

6. Obedience is the final test of Commitment.

7. A Building Is Only As Sound As the Foundation it is Built On. (vv. 47-49)

Coming
Obviously true discipleship begins by coming to Christ.

Hearing
We have to understand that really listening requires discipline.

1. Come prepared to listen. The will to concentrate is fundamental.
2. Keep your Bible open to the text and turn to the other passages that are cited.
3. Take notes, true hearing requires reflection and application.

Doing
Every time we really hear the Word of God and are genuinely moved, we must resolve to act upon it.

Everyone chooses in life the foundation that they will build their lives upon.

It was the storm that revealed the difference.

Every person is building a life, and the question is, “Does it have a proper foundation?”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:48 — 1.0MB)

Sermon Audio: Love Your Enemies
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 6:27-38
Duration: 27:48
Size: 12.7 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
Love Your Enemies
Luke 6:27-38

The truth is that we as a society think often about revenge.

This message will have application to everyone present today because, difficult people are problem for everyone.

1. True Disciples Are to Love Their Enemies

Jesus says that for a believer to refrain from hating his enemy is not enough.

The word bless is a contraction of two Greek words Eu – good and logos word meaning that we have a good word for those who do not have a good word for us.

Jesus himself modeled this when after he had been mocked, beat and nail to a rough cross, he prayed “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

If we are truly living as Christ has dictated then we are not going to be worried about what we are going to get out of the deal.

2. True Disciples are to refrain from retaliation

But what Jesus was calling for was a new standard of conduct for his disciples.

3. True Disciples are to live by the Golden Rule

Jesus very clearly says to his disciples, “Treat all men, but especially your enemies, the way you would like to be treated.”

4. True Disciples are to avoid a Judgmental Spirit

Somehow judgmental people seek to lessen their own guilt by judging the sins of others.

Conclusion:

In fact, we cannot love our enemies in our own strength, but it can be done through the power of the Holy Spirit.