July 7, 2002   Morning Service

Testing Times In Our Lives

Text:  Acts 4:32-37, 5:1-16

Preface:   The power of the church will be according to the measure by which that church is filled with the Holy Ghost.  When the church is of "one heart and of one soul", it is evident that there is no controversy among them.  The proof that we love God is that we love our brother also and "Pray one for another".  The story of Ananias and Sapphira is an unquenchable beacon of warning to all who live Godly.  This couple suffered from five dreadful problems that we should take heed not to follow in their footsteps.

A.  Human Deceitfulness.
  1. They both had beautiful names but they also had deformed natures.
  2. Like other disciples, they sold their possession, but unlike the others, they kept back a part of the price.
  3. They put on sheep's skin, but they were still goats at the heart.
  4. Like Achan, they hoped to enrich themselves by deceiving the Lord.
B.  Satanic Influence.
  1. "Why hath satan filled thine heart to lie against the Holy Ghost" (Acts 5:3).
  2. The "Liar from the beginning" still seeks to deceive by filling the heart with thoughts that are opposed to the Spirit of God.
  3. Whatever would hinder us from first seeking the Kingdom of God, will turn out to be sin in our lives.
C.  Unexpected Detection.
  1. Men filled with the Holy Ghost are quick to detect the lying spirit of satan.
  2. I John 4:1 tells us to "Try the spirits, whether they are of God".
  3. Ananias must have been shocked when he laid the offering at the feet of the Apostles, and heard the awful words, "Why hath".
D.  Divine Judgment.
  1. "Ananias, hearing these words, fell down, and gave up the ghost" (Acts 5:15).
  2. He may not have even had the time to say, "God have mercy to me, a sinner".
  3. We cannot deceive God.








July 7, 2002   Evening Service

Life's Pits And Peaks

Text:  Genesis 37:5

Preface:   It has been said "Life is not a bowl full of cherries, sometimes it's just the pits".  Would you not agree that sums up the way we feel at times.  The truth of the real world is that even Christians have their Pits and Peaks.  No story in the Scripture more fully illustrates this than that of Joseph in the Old Testament, and he would have never survived had it not been that the Lord was with him.  Let us look at the roller-coaster ride that Joseph endured:

A.  Relational Pits And Peaks.
  1. Joseph hit the pit of relationship with the hatred from his brothers (Genesis 37:4)
  2. He bottomed out again when they attacked him (Genesis 37:23-24).
  3. The peak of relationship was in his father's special love for him (Genesis 37:3).
  4. This was intensified by his father's confidence in him (Genesis 37:14).
B.  Spiritual Pits And Peaks.
  1. The peak had to be the God given dreams and directive that he received (Genesis 37:5-8).
  2. The pit was the rejection and ridicule by his family (Genesis 37:9-11).
C.  Emotional Pits And Peaks.
  1. He bottomed out emotionally when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers (Genesis 37:25).
  2. Yet the fact that his life was spared when he thought he would be killed was a peak for Joseph (Genesis 37:21).
D.  The Ultimate Pit And Peak.
  1. The fact that he remained in prison for three years after he could have been released was a severe trail (Genesis 41:1).
  2. But when God gave him his opportunity to miraculously save the entire nation of Israel and caused him to be elevated to the position of Prime Minister in Egypt, that had to bring an exhilaration to his life (Genesis 41:42).








July 14   Morning Service

The Church Of Laodicea

Text:  Revelation 3:14-22

Preface:   In the Book of Revelation we read of seven churches that John wrote a letter to while he was exiled on the Isle of Patmos.  The church at Laodicea was the last city in a geographic row in which the seven churches where placed.  The name of town means "judgment of the people".  The city was the banking center of the region and was graced with temples and theaters.  Historians tell us that an excellent and well-known medical school was built there.  Also noted for the manufacture of eye salve and rich garments of black glossy wool.  However, sometimes things aren't as well as appears to the common eye.  God instructed John to write some rather sharp and striking statements concerning the state of Spirituality of this church.

A.  Five Things About The Laodiceans.
  1. Their works (Revelation 3:15).
  2. They were not cold or hot (Revelation 3:15).
  3. Lukewarm and nauseating (Revelation 3:16).
  4. Proud and self-satisfied (Revelation 3:17).
  5. Ignorant of true state (Revelation 3:17).
B.  Three Fold Estimate Of Themselves.
  1. I am rich(Revelation 3:17).
  2. I am increased with goods.
  3. I have need of nothing (Luke 12:16-20).
C.  Five Fold Counsel To The Laodiceans.
  1. Buy of Me gold tried in the fire (Revelation 3:18).
  2. Buy of Me white raiment (Revelation 3:18).
  3. Anoint your eyes with eye-salve.
  4. Be zealous to save your souls (Revelation 3:19).
  5. Repent (Revelation 3:19).








July 14   Evening Service

Rescued By Angels

Text:  Genesis 19:1

Preface:   Angels in Sodom!  What a contrast.  The brightest and holiest of servants in the darkest and wickedest cities.  We must rescue the perishing even if it requires messengers of mercy and of judgment.  God will send His very best to help us in our journey to Heaven.

A.  Where They Went.
  1. Sodom, a city reeking with iniquity.
  2. They went knowing that their ears and eyes would see and hear things that would pierce their souls.
  3. They were aware that seeking the salvation of others can require sacrifice of comfort and ease.
  4. They were willing even to "Abide in the street all night" (Genesis 19:2).
B.  Why They Went.
  1. Because the Lord sent them (Genesis 19:13).
  2. They did not go because of self calling, but for His name and His purpose.
  3. Servants of God soon grow weary in well-doing if not assured of His calling.
C.  What They Went To Do.
  1. They went to preach instant salvation and coming judgment, "Up, get you out of this place, for the Lord will destroy this city" (Genesis 19:14).
  2. They were there to minister to who would listen.
  3. Verse 16 tells us that we are to not slack in our conversion, because of coming wrath.
  4. I Thessalonians 5:3 tells us that the same danger is also present today for those who do not know Christ as their Savior.
  5. As we think of the destruction of Sodom, we should think of the coming destruction of all those who are unsaved.








July 21, 2002   Morning Service

Doubting Christians

Text:  John 20:24-29

Preface:   The hearts of the disciples were full of fear and wonder at the things which had happened.  They had met with closed and bolted doors, for fear of their enemies, they were meeting to reconsider the whole situation.  But He who saved them was about to set their fears and doubts aside, except for one whose name was Thomas.  It is said that Peter was rash with his tongue and Thomas was slow in his mind, observe how:

A.  He Lost Opportunity.
  1. But Thomas was not with them when Christ came (John 20:24).
  2. He probably had given up all hope.
  3. In refusing to assemble with his brethren he strengthened his unbelief.
  4. Those out of fellowship with the body of believers need not expect to enjoy the fellowship of Christ.
B.  His Emphatic Denial.
  1. In verse 25 he states that "Except I see Him, I will not believe".
  2. Verse 27 explains that he had lost his faith and was denying the resurrection.
  3. His "I will not" reveals the desperate antagonism that was in his nature.
  4. Thomas was walking by sight not by faith.
C.  His Humbling Rebuke.
  1. Thomas gained nothing but sadness and separation from his independent attitude.
  2. He did not; however miss the next Prayer Meeting (John 20:27).
  3. Thomas must have afterward repented for his lack of faith.
  4. Are we not losing much blessing because of the self-same attitude?








July 21, 2002   Evening Service

Petitions For His Own

Text:  John 17:1-4

Preface:   This is one of the chapters in which the Christian must draw strength and courage from.  The great commentator Baxter once said that "It is of more value than all the other books and chapters in the Bible".  Christ in this chapter pleads for those that had been given Him out of the world.  Christ prayed in this chapter that we might be:

A.  Kept By The Father.
  1. Proverbs 18:10 informs us that "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and are safe".
  2. We are His sons and daughters, kept by His own name (John 17:11).
B.  Happy In Themselves.
  1. Christ said that we may have His joy fulfilled in us (John 17:13).
  2. God's people are not asked to put on a smiley face without possessing a smiling heart.
C.  Protected From The Devil.
  1. Christ prayed that His father would keep us from the evil one (John 17:15).
  2. "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13).
  3. Christ destroyed the works of the devil at Calvary.
D.  United One To Another.
  1. He prayed also, "That they all may be one" (John 17:21).
  2. How blessed Christian fellowship would be, if it resembled the fellowship that exists between the Father and the Son.
  3. In Galatians 3:28, Christ is saying, "That they may be we are".
  4. The world still needs to know about John 3:16.








July 28, 2002   Morning Service

When God Pleads His Case

Text:  Jeremiah 2:9

Preface:   Jeremiah is known as the "Weeping Prophet" in the Bible.  God called this man and used him in a great manner.  Jeremiah listened to God and was a man that would act when God impressed him to do so.  God is continually searching for men and women that will both listen and act when He calls.  When God pleads His case He will sometimes exhaust all His resources, which are unlimited, to get our attention.  When God pleads His case:

A.  He Recalls His Past Goodness And Mercy.
  1. God brought them out of Egypt (Jeremiah 2:6).
  2. God led them through the wilderness (Jeremiah 2:6).
  3. God led them through a land of deserts and pits (Jeremiah 2:6).
  4. In the end, He led them to a land of plenty (Jeremiah 2:7).
B.  He Reminds Of The Former Sins.
  1. "They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters" (Jeremiah 2:13).
  2. They have dug out broken cisterns that will not hold water (Jeremiah 2:13).
C.  He Will Remind Us Of Other Gods.
  1. Where are the man-made gods that you have (Jeremiah 2:28)?
  2. Are these so-called gods going to be there in your time of need, and what can they do for you (Jeremiah 2:28)?
D.  He Issues A Plea And Promises Mercy.
  1. "For I am merciful, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 3:12).
  2. "Ye shall find rest for your souls" (Jeremiah 6:16).
  3. "I will give you pastors according to mine heart" (Jeremiah 3:15).








August 4, 2002   Morning Service

Following God's Direction

Text:  II Kings 3:14-18

Preface:   The story of the Valley of Ditches is the background for this sermon.  There are many great lessons to gain from it.  We will deal this morning with some items that will teach us why we should follow God's direction.  Christians should always know that God's watchful "eyes are over the righteous" (I Peter 3:12) and underneath are the "everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27).

A.  Sometimes We Have Difficulties Following.
  1. Because of our folly.
    1. Samson (Judges 16:16-20).
    2. Naomi (Ruth 1:20-21).
    3. "The foolishness of man perverteth his way" (Proverbs 19:3).
  2. Because God is testing us.
    1. Job was tested by God (Job 23:10).
    2. Abraham was tested by God (Genesis 22:1).
  3. Because satan is attacking us.
    1. Paul tells in I Thessalonians 2:18 that satan hindered him.
    2. "Your adversary the devil; as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:18).
B.  God Will Not Always Choose What Method We Would.
  1. "Make this valley full of ditches", was the command.
  2. He could have sent a caravan of camels with water.
  3. He could have commanded them to strike a rock like Moses.
  4. He could have sent a host of angels with buckets and barrels of water.
  5. He could have opened the windows of Heaven and let the rain fall.
  6. But He said plow up this valley and make it full of ditches.
C.  God Requires Faith And Obedience Before He Acts.
  1. They could have said that it would be better to fight their enemies than waste time digging.
  2. The desert is no place to find water.
  3. When a small boy was ask to "Define faith", he replied "Doing God's will and asking no questions".
  4. God filled the valley with water after the ditches were dug, just like the:
    1. The widow was told to borrow vessels (II Kings 4).
    2. The lame was told to "Rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6).
  5. Could it be possible that God want us to "Follow His Direction"?








August 4, 2002   Evening Service

Waiting For A Convenient Season

Note: This message was preempted by praises to God and a mighty move of the Holy Spirit.

Text:  John 5:1-15

Preface:   This pool called Bethesda, "House of Mercy", seems to have been the Jerusalem General Hospital.  The water referred to in the text was evidently subject to intermittent bubbling, and perhaps possessed with healing virtues.  However, it is not with those who went into the pool that we have to do, but with the man who did not get in, and yet was healed.  Let us take a closer look this evening at his:

A.  Sorrowful and Pitiful Condition.
  1. Was sick for 38 years (John 5:5).
  2. This infirmity was probably the result of sin (John 5:14).
  3. Where human power was concerned, he was past hope.
  4. The house of mercy was his last shift.
B.  Humble Position.
  1. He was not ashamed to take his position among the helpless and the needy.
  2. If he had not taken his rightful position, he never would have been healed.
  3. To many, God is still saying, "How long will you refuse to humble yourself"'.
  4. It was when the wretched publican took his place as a sinner that he was justified (Luke 18:13).
C.  Fruitless Effort.
  1. "While I am coming, another steppeth down before me" (John 5:7).
  2. His repeated failure makes him more prepared to receive a miracle from Jesus Christ.
D.  Merciful Deliverer.
  1. "When Jesus saw him lie, He saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole" (John 5:6).
  2. This poor man was waiting for a more convenient season, but that was not what he needed.
  3. Not the Jerusalem Hospital but the Supreme Physician was on the scene.
  4. Christ told him to "Rise up and take thy bed and walk" (John 5:8).
  5. It must have taken definite faith for a man to try to walk after 38 years.
  6. He was made whole and went off telling all (John 5:15).








August 11, 2002   Morning Service

Waiting For A Convenient Season

Text:  John 5:1-15

Preface:   This pool called Bethesda, "House of Mercy", seems to have been the Jerusalem General Hospital.  The water referred to in the text was evidently subject to intermittent bubbling, and perhaps possessed with healing virtues.  However, it is not with those who went into the pool that we have to do, but with the man who did not get in, and yet was healed.  Let us take a closer look this evening at his:

A.  Sorrowful and Pitiful Condition.
  1. Was sick for 38 years (John 5:5).
  2. This infirmity was probably the result of sin (John 5:14).
  3. Where human power was concerned, he was past hope.
  4. The house of mercy was his last shift.
B.  Humble Position.
  1. He was not ashamed to take his position among the helpless and the needy.
  2. If he had not taken his rightful position, he never would have been healed.
  3. To many, God is still saying, "How long will you refuse to humble yourself"'.
  4. It was when the wretched publican took his place as a sinner that he was justified (Luke 18:13).
C.  Fruitless Effort.
  1. "While I am coming, another steppeth down before me" (John 5:7).
  2. His repeated failure makes him more prepared to receive a miracle from Jesus Christ.
D.  Merciful Deliverer.
  1. "When Jesus saw him lie, He saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole" (John 5:6).
  2. This poor man was waiting for a more convenient season, but that was not what he needed.
  3. Not the Jerusalem Hospital but the Supreme Physician was on the scene.
  4. Christ told him to "Rise up and take thy bed and walk" (John 5:8).
  5. It must have taken definite faith for a man to try to walk after 38 years.
  6. He was made whole and went off telling all (John 5:15).








August 11, 2002   Evening Service

Our World Today

Text:  II Timothy 3:1-5

Preface:   A study of the Word will reveal that the times in which we live are very much like the days that are to precede the "Coming again of Christ" which is referred to in the Word as "Dispensation of Grace".  As we take a closer look at the world today and people around us, I believe that you will agree with the following:

A.  What About The Social And Human Relationships Today?
  1. Man's relationship with himself.
    1. Lovers of self, self-centered (II Corinthians 5:15, Romans 15:1-2).
    2. Pride of face, race, of religion.
  2. Man's relationship with others.
    1. Disobedient to parents (II Timothy 3:2, Ephesians 6:1-4).
    2. Without natural affection, false accusers (II Timothy 3:3).
B.  What About The Materialistic Condition Of Man Today?
  1. Interested in only earthly and physical things of life (Matthew 24:38).
  2. Are not looking for the Rapture of the Church (Matthew 24:39).
C.  What About The Spiritual Condition Today?
  1. Pleasure will take over mankind (I Timothy 3:4).
  2. Church becomes a form, tradition (II Timothy 3:5).
  3. Not able to contend for the faith (II Timothy 3:6-8, Romans 16:17-20).








August 18, 2002   Morning Service

What Is That In Thine Hand?

Text:  Exodus 4:2

Preface:   How many times in life have we ask God this question, "How can I accomplish the task that is in front of me"?  As Christians we should understand that Christ has given us power to overcome difficulties.  If we have faith and believe that He is with us through all, our problems will turn into victories.  Satan does not want the Child of God to use the Anointing of God against him.  The Bible gives us some wonderful examples of our Lord providing for His children.  Let us look at a few of them:

A.  What Is That In Thine Hand?
  1. A rod, take it and use it for me, said God (Exodus 4:2).
  2. With it God made a way through the sea and brought water out of the rock.
B.  What Hast Thou In The House?
  1. A pot of oil, go borrow empty vessels and pour it into them, said Elisha (II Kings 4:2).
  2. With this oil the widow discharged her debt and her household responsibilities.
C.  What Have You In Your Purse?
  1. Two mites, a farthing, put it into the treasury, says the Lord (Mark 12:42).
  2. The poor widow gave more than all the other donors.
D.  What Have You in Your Treasure?
  1. Ointment of spikenard, with it anoint my beloved Son against His burial, said God (John 12:3).
  2. God would have us to use our treasury to advance the Kingdom.
E.  What Have You In Your Memory?
  1. The Scriptures (II Timothy 3:15).
  2. Out of them Eunice instructed her young son, Timothy.








August 18, 2002   Evening Service

The Perfection And Power Of The Lord Jesus

Text:  Luke 8

Preface:   The greatest problem with the Christian population today is the fact that they do not recognize the Power of God.  We serve an awesome and powerful God who let it be known over the centuries, that He is in charge.  He is not only in charge but also controls our future.  In Luke chapter 8 Christ demonstrated the power that He has, let us examine this great chapter:

A.  His Power In Discourse.
  1. Nine references to hearing the Word (Luke 8:4-21).
  2. Christ taught in parables.
  3. The Word will set us free and make us hold (onto Jesus Christ).
B.  His Power Over The Devil.
  1. He stilled the storm (Luke 8:22-25).
  2. He will take care of all the storms in our lives.
C.  His Power Over Demons.
  1. A legion of demons cast out (Luke 8:26-40).
  2. He rescued the outcast of society.
D.  His Power Over Disease.
  1. A sick woman healed (Luke 8:41-48).
  2. He is the same Lord today.
E.  His Power Over Death.
  1. The daughter of Jarius restored to life (Luke 8:49-56).
  2. Faith will bring on miracles.
Thought:   What a tremendous chapter of leadership for the Christian.  What would our world become if we followed the example of Luke 8?







August 25, 2002   Morning Service

Hiding From God

Text:  Genesis 3:9

Preface:   People hide from God because of fear.  Adam and Eve sinned against God and fell into moral chaos.  Even though we are aware of the fact that you cannot hide from God, man still tries to conceal sin.  Our Father knows our heart and where our treasure is.  Suppose you were hiding from God today and He confronted you with the following question "Where Art Thou"?

A.  With Regard To The Wrath Of God?
  1. Are you fleeing from it or abiding in it (Isaiah 3:36)?
  2. In the Sodom of condemnation or the Zoar of safety.
B.  With Regard To The Son Of God?
  1. Have you received Him (John 1:12)?
  2. Or are you among those who cry, "Away with Him"(John 19:15)?
C.  With Regard To The Spirit Of God?
  1. Have you received since you believed (Acts 19:2)?
  2. Or are you one that is resisting or grieving Him?
D.  With Regard To The Word Of God?
  1. Is it your daily delight; in your mouth as honey (Ezekiel 3:30)?
  2. Or is it the writing on the wall against you (Daniel 5:5)?
E.  With Regard To The Enemy Of God?
  1. Are you in friendship with the world (Luke 1:74)?
  2. Or are you the enemy of God's enemies?








August 25, 2002   Evening Service

Prelude To A Great Victory

Note: This message was preempted as we had a special Guest Speaker.

Text:  I Kings 17:1-5

Preface:   The Prophet Elijah was sent to Zareparth to be sustained by the fowls of the air.  Not exactly what Elijah would probably order for himself, however God's way is not man's way.  When facing conflict with the devil, we oftentimes do not take prelude precaution before the battle.  Let us tonight look at some qualities that a Christian must do in order to prepare for victory.

A.  Steal Away To A Quiet Place.
  1. So that God may speak to your soul (I Kings 17:3).
  2. Elijah was facing a battle with Ahab (I Kings 18).
  3. God was looking past the Brook at Cherith.
B.  Absolute Dependence On God.
  1. Quit worrying, God is in control, or is He?
  2. God was sending Elijah on to Zareparth (I Kings 17:9).
  3. The widow had to depend on God and believe in Elijah (I Kings 17:13).
C.  Absolute Surrender To God.
  1. Elijah had to rely completely on Jehovah.
  2. The widow had to rely completely on Jehovah.
  3. Remember, only God knew what was in future.
D.  God Will Supply All Need.
  1. From vultures to disheartened widows, God will use whatever necessary (Philippians 4:19).
  2. When God has a mission for His child, He can schedule the itinerary.
E.  Enjoy The Great Power God Will Give You.
  1. Elijah scored a victory by the help of God.
  2. However, God required Elijah to get alone with Him and trust Him for all.
Ministries · Calendar · Schedules · Beliefs · Study · Peace · Staff · Message · Events · History · Prayer · Directions · Weblinks · About Us · Contact us · Visitor Card · Home
Copyright  ©2001- , Broadmoor Church of God (Nashville, TN)