Introduction: There’s a war going on right now? Can you tell? Not only is there a Middle East War but there is also a middle heart war! You ask, “What do you mean?”

What is the war we are all experiencing?

1. A War within every heart! (1Tim 6:12) – “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Paul urges his son in the Lord, Timothy, as well as us today to keep fighting the “Good Fight of Faith”.

The battle ground is real.

• between good & evil

• between right & wrong

• between flesh & spirit 

• between saved & lost

2. A War with the real enemy! (2Cor 10:3-5) – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

We have an invisible enemy. Although he (the devil & his demons) are invisible, disembodied spirits, they are on the radar of Jesus Christ. 

Conclusion: In concluding, we have been called to be soldiers of the cross. Our weaponry is the Word of God! Our Commander and Chief is Jesus Christ. Our conquering army is the Holy Ghost. When we retire our home will be in heaven where the war will be over!

But until then, keep fighting the good fight of faith!!

Introduction: Do you remember? Don’t forget. Memorial Day is a time to thank God for those who died in fighting for our freedom. Regardless of the branch of military, we should pause at this time and remember their ultimate sacrifice.

1. Remember what Jesus said about greater love! (John 15:13) – “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

According to Jesus Christ, this is the greatest love. Are you willingly to lay down your life?

2. Remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus gave for our sins! (1Pet 3:18) – “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”

Christ’s sacrifice was unique in that He came to earth to live without sin and therefore be able to die for our sins. Aren’t you glad?

3. Remember we are called to sacrifice our life if need be! (Matt 10:38,39) – “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”

As a follower of Jesus Christ we are to take up a cross – our cross – death to self. Have you taken up your cross?

Conclusion: Just as certain salts have healing powers, Jesus Christ reveals that CHRISTians are (like) salt in a sin-sick society.

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13).

Introduction: Do we really trust Jesus for everything? At least we say we do. But do we really? Trusting Jesus is not only a daily process but it is a lifestyle. Peter’s life and testimony reveals a life of trusting Jesus. That prompts these questions: Why trust? When to trust? Where to trust?

1. Why trust Jesus? (John 6:66-69) – “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Because of what he saw and experienced, Peter was confident that Jesus was His source for His needs. Have we crossed that bridge?

2. When to trust Jesus? (Matt 14:28-30) – “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”

Even in times of trouble, we can cry out to Jesus for help! He hears our cry. He answers according to His Will.

3. Where to trust Jesus? (John 21:18,19) – “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God.”

All through life we learn to trust in Jesus. But even when our time comes to pass over from this life into the life to come, we can trust Jesus.

Introduction: Do you want to know Jesus better? So you ask, “But how can I get to know Him better than I do right now?” Here are some guidelines to follow as the Lord leads you to get to know Him more intimately.

1. By Seeking Him! (Isa 55:6,7) – “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.”

It takes time to “seek” the Lord. But He makes it well worth it! Are you seeking Him? Wise men (women) still seek Him!

2. By Searching for Him! (Jer 29:13) – “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

An elderly Christian man was asked by his grandson one day if he had ever seen God. The saintly man replied, “Son I’ve gotten to the point that everywhere I look I see God… I see the glory of His creation.”

3. By Serving Him! (John 12:26) – “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”

There is a song that goes like this….”Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before… everyday with Jesus, I love Him more and more.” Is that true with you?  Is that true with you?

4. By Surrendering to Him! (Acts 9:6) – “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

Saul who was known as Paul learned it is hard to kick against the picks. So instead, he surrendered to His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Have you?

5. By Sharing Him! (Acts 8:5) – “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.”

The world needs Hope! Jesus is our only Hope!! Give them Jesus.

Conclusion: If we want to get to know Jesus better, try seeking, searching, serving, surrendering, and sharing Him! It works.

Introduction: What is Unity? How does Maturity affect Unity? Where does Diversity connect with Unity and Maturity?
In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, the apostle Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, discusses these three absolutely necessary elements in every New Testament Church (Eph 4:13-16).

1. What is Unity built around? (Eph 4:13) – “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

The word Unity is ἑνότης, (hen-ot-ace’), which means oneness, or it can mean unanimity. Did you notice that the text says, “Till we all come into the unity of the FAITH”? So we may conclude that “the FAITH”, i.e. sound CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE is the key to Unity in the Church.

Furthermore, this DOCTRINE is built upon knowing Jesus Christ personally and His teachings. Did you look back in the text and see this point? Unity in the Church should be built around the Truth of God’s Word.

2. How does Maturity connect to Unity? (Eph 4:13-15) – “….. unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

The word “cunning” is κυβεία, (koo-bi’-ah) playing with dice, gaming, hence trickery, sleight. He goes on to say “craftiness” which can mean shrewdness. In other words, believers need to be aware of false teachers who twist the Scriptures to make it say what they want it to say instead of letting the text speak for itself as it is written historically, contextually, grammatically, and doctrinally. So a Christian who is growing in his or her FAITH in Christ by studying and applying the Truth of the Word of God should be becoming more like Jesus in order to better relate to other Christians.

3. Where does Diversity fit in the other two parts? (Eph 4:16) – “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

While we have our differences and preferences, we should have some non -negotiables based on Truth instead of our feelings. Then we can exercise genuine Christian love.

Introduction: Do you feel like complaining or rejoicing? I love the Scripture in the letter to the Philippians.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

And again, here is another great Word to believers:

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thess 5:18).

Why should we rejoice?

1. Our name is written in the lambs book of life (Luke 10:18-20)

2. Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20,21)

3. Our new life is in Christ (Col 3:4)

4. Our sins are forgiven (Eph 1:7)

5. Our joy is in the Lord (Neh 8:10)

6. Our hope is in Jesus Christ (Tit 2:13)

7. Our victory is already won by Jesus Christ (1Cor 15:57)

8. Our strength comes from Christ (Phil 4:13)

9. Our peace is in the Lord (Psa 29:

10. Our Faith comes from the Word of God (Rom 10:17)

Conclusion: What do you think about that? It should give us reasons to rejoice!

Introduction: Truth. What is truth? Where is truth? How can I know the truth?

Solomon wrote, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” (Prov 23:23).

1. Truth is Jesus! (John 14:6) – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Without Jesus being the Truth, there is No knowing, without Him being the way, there is No going, and without Him being the life, there is No growing!

2. Truth came thru Jesus Christ! (John 1:17) – “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Jesus brought truth. He embodies the word – that which is revealed and not concealed. Do you want to know the truth?

3. Truth sets us free! (John 8:32) – “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

The Truth about ourselves, our sin, and our Savior sets us free! Are you free?

4. Truth can be spoken in love! (Eph 5:16) – “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

This passage speaks of both unity and maturity. Furthermore, it discusses diversity. Are you mature in the Lord?

Conclusion: Would you buy the truth? Will you sell it?

Truth changes lives!

Truth dispels lies.

Truth is God’s Word.

Love it, learn it, and live it!

Introduction: How can we really love our Mothers? Here are a few ways practical ways:

“Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise. That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Eph 6:2-3).

5. Love your Mother by respecting her!

7. Love your Mother by honoring her!

Conclusion: Whether you’ve had a good or bad mom, thank God anyway for His great love and forgiveness in your life. Be willing to forgive her. Make restitution with her if at all possible. Focus on her good qualities and the things she has taught you. Talk with her about Jesus and heaven.

If you will follow these suggestions on How to Love your Mother, it will honor our Lord and bless your Mom!

Introduction: Mothers are special! God made them with multiple abilities. We are told women have more nerve endings than men. {That’s why my wife says I’m getting on her nerves!!} But on another note, Solomon writes about a godly woman {You might wonder if she ever sleeps?}.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life” (Prov 31:10-12).

1. She’s a compliment! 

2. She’s constructive! (Prov 31:13-17) – “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”

3. She’s consecrated! (Prov 31:28-30) – “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”

Conclusion: What a woman with balance! Her priorities are fixed. Her mission is clear. Her influence is powerful!!

No wonder she’s called a priceless jewel in the hand of the Lord.