Video Messages
Jesus is God's Answer to Man's Despair
April 21, 2024 • John 6:15
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: John 6:15 Trouble is what draws us closer to Jesus and strengthens us to face life’s storms. In John 6, Jesus’ disciples were caught up in a treacherous storm, when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee. This passage reminds us that Jesus is God’s answer to Man’s despair. When we find ourselves tossed about by the storms of life, there are six anchors for the soul we can hold onto. “I am governed by His providence.” The storm the disciples faced did not take Jesus by surprise; nor were the disciples there by mistake. When we face unexpected storms, we must remember that even though it seems contrary to us, we are exactly where God has placed us and His providence is there, too. “I am growing by His plan.” When we look back on our lives, we will see that we grew the most in times of trouble; God engineers problems for our development. Adrian Rogers says, “Faith, like film, is developed best in the dark.” “I am graced by His prayers.” Before Jesus appeared to the disciples on the waves, He was alone on the mountain top, praying for them. From His vantage point, He could see the storm they were entering. Though the disciples did not see Him, He did not take His eyes off of them. Jesus sees us and prays for us, especially when we are in the midst of a storm. “I am gladdened by His presence.” John 6:20-21 says “But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” More than miracles, we need Jesus. Many times, we are positioned to cry out to Him, so that we may know a deeper glory and grace when He arrives. “I am guarded by His power.” God’s will does not take us where His grace cannot keep us. Anything over our heads is already under His feet. He has overcome the world; the Great I AM will always be. “I am guided by His purpose.” We are predestined to be like Jesus; God has a purpose for every storm. He gets in the boat with us and sees us to the shore. Apply it to your life Are you going through a storm right now? Remember these six truths and trust in Jesus.
Jesus is God's Answer to Man's Desires
April 14, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • John 6:1
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: John 6:1 John 6 tells the miraculous story of when Jesus used a little boy’s lunch to feed more than 5,000 people. We must look beyond the miracle and into its message: Jesus is God’s answer to Man’s desires. First, this story reminds us that there is never a problem too big for Jesus to solve. “Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?’ But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do” (John 6:5-6). When tested, Philip figured the numbers in front of him and saw the impossibility of the situation, because He left Jesus out of the equation. When we face improbable circumstances, we don’t need figurations or feelings. We need faith. This world is not out of God’s control, and nothing in it takes Him by surprise; He knows what He is going to do. Second, there is no person too small for God to use. “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many” (John 6:9)? A boy gave his total lunch to Jesus, and that was enough for Jesus to feed the crowd. God can use anything and anyone; He wants to use the smallest things to accomplish the biggest things for His glory. But in order for Christ to use us, we must give Christ all we have. Adrian Rogers says, “It is not your ability; it is your availability. It is not your fame; it is your faith. It is not who you are; it is who you know, whose you are.” Finally, there is no hunger too deep for Jesus to satisfy. In John 6:35, Jesus confirms that He is the Bread of Life that satisfies our hungry souls. He is the spiritual, supernatural, satisfying bread that we must feed upon for life. We were created to know and love Him and receive our daily nourishment from Him. We will never be satisfied until we know Jesus, Heaven’s Bread. He is necessary, and He is enough. Apply it to your life Miracles cannot satisfy what only the Son of Man can. Seek Jesus preeminently, as a hungry man searches for food. Seek Him purposefully, as a man eats to be nourished and strengthened. Seek Him perpetually, continually, every single day.
Jesus is God's Answer to Man's Doubt
April 7, 2024 • John 4:46–54
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: John 4:46-54 The Book of John tells us about Jesus’ parade of miracles, seven extraordinary and deeply significant events that tell us more about Him. His wondrous work in John 4:46-54 reveals that Jesus is God’s answer to Man’s doubt. “...And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death” (John 4:46-47). First, this story tells us the obstacles to strong faith. The nobleman’s second-hand faith was weak, revealing that we cannot use someone else’s faith as our own. Jesus also rebuked the notion that these people needed miracles in order to have faith in Him: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe” (John 4:48). Demanding signs from God dishonors Him, because it means that we don’t take Him at His Word. Weak faith can also be self-centered and strong-willed, too set in its own ways. There’s nothing wrong with asking God to bless us; but strong faith is primarily interested in the glory of God. Adrian Rogers says, “Faith is not so much receiving from God the things that you want as it is accepting from God the things that He gives.” Second, this passage also reveals the operation of a strong faith. “Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your son lives.’ So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, ‘Your son lives!’” (John 4:50-51). If we want to strengthen our faith, we must hear from Him through Scripture, believe Him, and obey what He tells us to do. Then, we can find rest in His Word, the assurance of our salvation. Finally, this miracle reminds us of the objective of strong faith. Jesus did not come to perform miracles; He came to save souls. These miracles were recorded so that we may trust in Him and have strong faith. Adrian Rogers says, “Believe in miracles, but trust in Jesus.” Apply it to your life If you want to have strong faith in God, seek to hear Him in Scripture today. Believe, obey, and find rest in the Word of God, the assurance of your salvation.
Who Crucified Jesus?
March 31, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • Matthew 27:1–44, Isaiah 53:3–6
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Isaiah 53:3-6; Matthew 27:1-44 The cross is more than just a symbol; it is the turning point of all history. Adrian Rogers says, “The preaching of the cross is, to those who perish, foolishness, but unto those of us who are saved, it is the power of God.” Who crucified Jesus? It was not the Jews alone or the Romans who are responsible for His death. He died at the hands of Man and for the sins of all mankind. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” There are seven specific attitudes that crucified Jesus, as shown in Matthew 27. The first attitude was self-righteous religion. It was the religious crowd that came together to accuse Jesus and condemn Him to death. The people had their rituals, but did not have true righteousness. They had their own culture, but did not have what mattered, which was Jesus Christ. Hard-hearted hypocrisy also crucified Jesus. Judas was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and closest friends, and He betrayed Jesus for pieces of silver. Third, cowardly compromise crucified Jesus. Pontius Pilate, a fence-straddling politician, was afraid to upset the crowd. So he passed the decision off to someone else. Thoughtless conformity crucified Jesus. Matthew 27:20 shows us that the crowd followed the lead of the religious authorities. In the name of conformity, they became complicit in His death. There was also hard-hearted cruelty. Verse 27 details the horrific beating Jesus was given by the Roman soldiers before his crucifixion. Some onlookers observed His crucifixion with casual indifference. They did nothing to stop it (see Matthew 27:36). They looked at Jesus as a spectacle, and not unto Him as a Savior. Finally, cynical skepticism crucified Jesus. Matthew 27:39 talks about those who mocked Him while He suffered on the cross. Our world is full of skeptics who will misquote His words, mock His deity, and minimize His death. These are the attitudes that nailed Jesus to the cross. In spite of all this, Jesus Christ died for us. The cross was justice at its surest, love at its greatest, and grace at its fullest. Apply it to your life Examine your heart today—is there any self-righteousness, hypocrisy, or compromise? Any conformity, cruelty, indifference, or skepticism to get rid of?
Why Did Jesus Choose Judas?
March 24, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • John 6:63–71
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: John 6:63-71 The name Judas is a name of infamy, disgrace, and treachery; yet Jesus chose Judas to be one of His twelve disciples. It was not a mistake, nor did Judas’s betrayal catch Jesus off guard. The words of warning, assurance, and comfort in John 6 tell us why Jesus chose Judas. First, it was a lesson about religious hypocrisy and the need for true salvation. “‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him” (John 6:64). Jesus knows the difference between a true believer and a hypocrite—those who have trusted in Him and those who have not. Judas serves as a warning for us because by all appearances, Judas appeared to be in the right. He had the right associations, reputation, and participation. But these outward things did not reflect what was within. Hypocrisy can hurt, especially in ministry; but remember—the other eleven disciples didn’t stop serving Jesus because of Judas. Nor should we let others' scandals keep us from serving. Second, Jesus’ selection of Judas as a disciple teaches us of God’s divine sovereignty and the reliability of Scripture. Long before Judas made the decision to betray Jesus, it was prophesied in Scripture; we can rest assured, God knew. Nothing is out of God’s control. Adrian Rogers says, “Where man rules, God overrules.” Third, Judas’ story is a lesson of personal responsibility and the tragedy of sin. Judas was not forced to betray Jesus; the Bible clearly reveals Judas’ shady character. Sin had deceived him; only after his betrayal did he realize what he’d done. Sin destroyed him. His soul was in remorse, and his mind was anguished. He was condemned by the very devil who enticed him. Finally, Jesus chose Judas to illustrate the security of the believer. Judas did not lose his salvation because he never had it to begin with. He was outwardly religious but had never been born again. On the other hand, Simon Peter, his counterpart disciple, was rough and spiritually clumsy; He denied knowing Jesus three times that same night. But Peter was eternally secure because he had been born again. God kept him, despite his sin, because Peter had put his faith in Jesus. Apply it to your life Have you trusted in Jesus Christ? Adrian Rogers says, “You need to put your faith where God has put your sins: right on Jesus.”
The Unpardonable Sin
March 17, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • Matthew 12:22–32
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Matthew 12:22-32 Each of us faces a spiritual deadline that, if crossed, will result in the commission of unpardonable sin. This is not a moral, intellectual, or verbal sin; it is blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a sin against light; it is attributing to Satan the work of the Holy Spirit when one knows better. Though we can commit this sin without saying a word, it is not accidental; we would do it knowingly and willfully, with our eyes wide open. In Matthew 12, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man and opens his eyes and mouth to see and speak. Full of pride, the Pharisees claimed Jesus performed this miracle by the power of Satan. In verse 31, Jesus says, “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.” Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is a sin against redemption; Jesus was healing this man out of His love. It is a sin against reason; Jesus explained He couldn’t have cast out Satan if he worked for him. A kingdom divided will fall—even the devil’s. (See Matthew 12:25-29.) It is a sin against revelation; the pride in the hearts of the Pharisees prevented them from being able to see the legitimacy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, performing miracles right in front of them. Adrian Rogers says, “When men and women stand before God to be judged, they’re not going to be judged primarily by the sin they committed, but by the light they rejected.” A person who commits blasphemy against the Holy Spirit opens himself up to deception. We cannot have our sin and God’s truth at the same time. This sin also has a deadening power; if we reject the truth of Jesus Christ, something dies within us. Little by little, we’ll stop feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And if the Spirit’s presence in our lives fades out, we’ll see the magnitude of its destruction. This sin puts our hearts in a place where it is impossible to be saved. This is why we must honor even the slightest desire or conviction to follow Jesus now, before it is too late. Apply it to your life Don’t sin against redemption, reason, or revelation. Come to Jesus, following the conviction of the Holy Spirit, before you cross a line you can’t uncross.
Is Jesus God?
March 10, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • Matthew 27:22
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:22 In Matthew 27, Jesus Christ stood on trial before Pilate. In this account, we come face-to-face with the most present, pressing, and pertinent question ever asked: Is Jesus God, as He claimed to be? If He is not, He is a fraud, imposter, and deceiver. What we decide—or not decide—about Jesus will dictate our eternity. Scripture gives us four reasons why we believe that Jesus is God. First, all the attributes of God the Father are found in Jesus. All throughout the Gospels, we find that Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament. He is described as God is described in Psalms and Isaiah: the King of Glory, the first and the last, the Lord of Hosts. He is also shown to be God by the adoration He received. Scripture says God alone is to be worshiped (Luke 4:8). Knowing this, Jesus allowed Himself to be worshiped (Matthew 28:9). For Him to allow this, Jesus was either guilty of ultimate arrogance and the sin of idolatry, or He is God. Third, Jesus is shown to be God by His own admission. In John 8:58, Jesus says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” By quoting Exodus 3:14, Jesus is admitting He is God. Adrian Rogers says, “The Jehovah of the Old Testament is the Jesus of the New Testament.” Finally, Jesus is shown to be God by His mighty abilities. Because He is God, He is able to save (Hebrews 7:25); anyone who wants to be saved can be saved through Him. He is able to subdue (Philippians 3:21); all things—every speck of dust, every mountain and celestial body must obey Him. He is able to secure (2 Timothy 1:12); those who are saved are kept saved. He is able to supply every need we may have. Each of us has the opportunity, like Pilate, to decide what we do with Jesus. We can either accept Him or reject Him, love or despise Him—but we cannot be neutral. Apply it to your life What do you believe about Jesus Christ—will you crown Him or crucify Him? Adrian Rogers says, “I love Him with all of my heart. To explain Him is impossible. To ignore Him is disastrous. To reject Him is fatal.”
Can an Intellectual Believe in God?
March 3, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • Psalm 19
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Psalm 19 Can an intelligent man or woman believe in God? It may surprise us to realize that intellect has nothing to do with it. If a man doesn’t believe in God, it is not because of intellectual difficulties, rather it is because of moral difficulties. Psalm 19 gives us three distinct reasons for intellectual belief in God, and how He has spoken of His own existence. First, God has declared His glory in the skies. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). The heavens declare God’s greatness. The vastness of the Universe, along with its small intricacies, demonstrate God’s power. The heavens declare the goodness of God: “Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge” (Psalm 19:2). It is God who daily maintains the fixed order in the Universe and provides everything it needs to give us life. His mercies are new every morning (see Lamentations 3:23). Second, we can believe in God because of the revelation of the Scriptures. God speaks to us through His written Word. We have access to Scripture, the teachings of God, full of many virtues. It is inerrant, infallible, foundational, and full of God’s promises. • The Scriptures are more precious than gold (Psalm 19:10). • They are protective, for “By them your servant is warned…” (Psalm 19:11). • They are profitable, for “...in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:11). • If we want true and lasting wisdom, we can find it in the Word of God. The Scriptures are pure, clean, right, and righteous, and they endure forever. Finally, we can know God through the illumination of the Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit in our hearts, the Scriptures we read can become real. Psalm 19:12 says, “But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.” The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins and cleanses us. When we hand our control over to the Spirit, He brings us into communion with the Father. Adrian Rogers says, “You don’t come to God because of intellect. You come to God because He first loved us.” Apply it to your life By the Word of God in the heavens, in our hands, and in our hearts, we can know God. Spend time in His Word, marvel at His work in the Universe, and ask the Holy Spirit to commune with you.
Family Revival
February 25, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • Matthew 19:3–6
Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Matthew 19:3-6 We live in a fallen world of broken homes and throw-away marriages. Now more than ever, we must come back to the Word of God and seek family revival. Matthew 19 explains what marriage is so we can build our marriages in the name and power of Jesus Christ. “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6). First, we must remember that God has designed the family. Marriage is a divine institution made by God to meet the deepest needs of humankind. When we commit to another in marriage, we leave our mother and father and unite with our spouse, becoming one flesh. We are called to join together physically and multiply; we become one flesh psychologically and in spiritual communion. Because God designed the family, Satan wants to destroy the family. Adrian Rogers says, “It is not love that holds your marriage together; it is marriage that sustains your love.” God has said in His Word He hates divorce. We are commanded to love continually; a marriage rooted in conditional love produced fear, guilt, and anger. There is no fear in perfect, unconditional love; only peace, security, and joy. It is our duty to dispel the lies from Hell, vow to attack the problems rather than one another, and change the direction of a broken marriage. God has joined us together, and where there is God, there is always hope. Finally, we must defend our family. We do this by making Jesus Christ the center of our homes. Second, we continue to feed our love day by day, nurturing and caring for it so it will grow. And if we ever find ourselves in a broken home, we must remember God’s forgiveness is always available for those who seek to honor Him in their relationships, we need only ask for it. Apply it to your life How are you defending your family today? Is Jesus Christ the head of the home? Are you feeding your love and asking for forgiveness? Seek the Lord today, and pray for a family revival; let it begin with you.
How to Cultivate a Marriage
February 18, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • Ephesians 5:23–33
Sermon Overview Scripture Passagehttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezekiel+28%3a8&version=nkjv Ephesians 5:23-33 Adrian Rogers says, “We can never be over those things that God wants to be under us until we get under those things that God has put over us.” To cultivate a marriage and a healthy home, we must first understand godly authority. Ephesians 5:23 says, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body.” This does not mean wives are inferior to their husbands; in Christ, we’re equal. But God created us to meet different needs and to fulfill different roles within the home. When the Bible speaks of the husband being the head of the home, it is not speaking of his rights; it is speaking of his responsibilities. There are three major responsibilities that deal with the husband, the first being his servant leadership. Ephesians 5 does not call the husband a dictator. Rather, we are given the example of Jesus Christ, who is head of the Church, yet serves her and meets her needs. We are to meet the needs of our wives, who submit to our servant leadership. Husbands are also responsible for sacrificial love, which is first passionate. It is a commitment that comes from the deepest part of our being. It is also a purifying love, as Ephesians 5:26 says: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word... not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Husbands are to express their love through their protection. If the enemy wants to attack our homes, he has to go through the husband. Husbands are also responsible for offering loving provision, to meet our family’s physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. Finally, husbands are responsible for showing steadfast loyalty. Jesus promised to never leave nor forsake His church. (See Hebrews 13:5.) Likewise, we are responsible for keeping the vows we made when we entered our marriage covenant. If we think of marriage as a contract, we will look for loopholes and miss the blessing that it truly is; if marriage is viewed as a covenant, we will cultivate something beautiful. Apply it to your life Are you cultivating a marriage based on servant leadership, sacrificial love, and steadfast loyalty?
Christ-Like Love
February 11, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • John 13:34
Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: John 13:34 Perhaps our greatest human need is to be loved and to give love to someone else. Not only are we, as Christians, called to love others, but we are also called to exhibit a Christ-like love. In John 13:34, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Christ-like love is selfless. In a society based on self-love, self-help, and self-fulfillment, we are called to humble ourselves as Jesus did. Adrian Rogers says, “The grace of God exalts a man without inflating him, and it humbles a man without debasing him. We don’t live in sinful exaggeration or false humiliation but in sober estimation.” When we experience God’s grace, through faith, we are at peace within ourselves to show love to others in fellowship. Christ-like love is also steadfast. Nothing we can do will make God love us any more or any less. The cross of Jesus showed that His love could stand the test of trials and extreme pressure; it will never let us go, even until the very end. Christ-like love serves. As Jesus gave this commandment, He was performing the duties of a servant, washing His disciples’ feet—even those of Judas, who would betray Him later that night. Jesus practiced what He preached; He didn’t give the disciples what they deserved, but rather, what they needed. Adrian Rogers says, “You can’t look down on people while you are washing their feet.” Finally, Christ-like love is sanctifying. In this passage, Jesus uses the example of foot-washing to symbolize sanctification. As Jesus washed the dirt from their feet, He spoke of the spiritual defilement in their lives so that they may understand what it meant to be cleansed from within. Once we are saved, we are always saved—we are totally cleansed from the inside out, white as snow. But we live in a dirty, grimy world and sometimes we need to have our spiritual feet washed; this is called sanctification. As Jesus demonstrates in this passage, we show love to each other by encouraging sanctification. We show this with humility, steadfastness, and service, just as Jesus did. Apply it to your life Do you exhibit a selfless, steadfast, serving, sanctifying love to others? As you study Scripture today, ask God to reveal ways for you to show Christ-like love to others.
What to Do When the Bottom Falls Out
February 4, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • Matthew 7:24–27
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:24-27 Life, in its very nature, is tragic; sooner or later, the storms of life will come our way. The difference between a life built on the Word of God, and one that isn’t, lies underground. Before the bottom falls out of life, we must examine the foundation. In Matthew 7, Jesus describes two houses: one built on a rock, and the other built on sand. We do not see the differences between the houses until the storm comes. The results remind us why we must build our lives on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Matthew 7:24 says, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock…” This passage reminds us that to be sure of our rock-solid faith, we must have, hear, and heed the Word of God. The enemy will war against the church through persecution and infiltration. There are many false teachers who set out to confuse us with empty words. The Word of God is meant to make us more like Jesus; if it does not, something is wrong. Once we hear the Word, we must do what it says, otherwise, our faith is dead. (See James 1:22.) Matthew 7:25 says, “...and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” Adrian Rogers says, “The faith that cannot be tested is the faith that cannot be trusted…The test of your faith is your stability in the storm.” If we base our understanding of God’s love on our circumstances, our understanding will constantly change. But His love is unchanging; He has not abandoned us in the storm. People cave in during life’s storms when they don’t have anything solid to stand on. Remember Peter and Judas, two of Jesus’ disciples. Both were entrusted with responsibilities in Jesus’ ministry—but their differences run deep. When the storm came, both disciples caved in different ways. However, Peter—despite his failings—had a foundation that Judas did not have; he was able to stand again. Apply it to your life Make certain you have a rock-solid foundation for your faith. Have the Word of God: beware of false prophets. Hear the Word of God: don’t let it blow past you. Heed the Word of God: do what it says.
How to Have Joy
January 28, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • John 15:11
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: John 15:11 Do you know how to find joy? It seems many people spend their lives searching for it, yet they look in the wrong places. John 15:11 says, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” The life of a Christian is to be a life of contagious joy. Adrian Rogers says, “The joy of the Lord is indispensable in serving the Lord.” Yet, it is possible to know Jesus and not have this joy. Joy is not inevitable; it’s optional. What is this joy described in John 15, and how can we activate it in our lives as we follow Jesus? We must first understand that this joy is supernatural in its source. This unparalleled, unmatchable joy comes from Jesus, Himself. Because it is rooted in Jesus, and not in circumstances, this joy is steadfast in sorrow and triumphant in tribulation. Adrian Rogers says, “Happiness evaporates in the time of suffering. But joy is often deepened in the time of suffering because we come to depend upon the Lord.” It is lasting through losses and abundant through affliction. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 says, “Having received the Word in much affliction, with joy in the Holy Ghost.” This joy is not automatic; it doesn’t come once you believe in Jesus. Notice that in this passage, Jesus is speaking to those who abide in Him (John 15:5). Therefore, the secret to joy is simple: abide in Jesus. Abiding in Jesus means: 1. a life of reliance upon Him. Like a branch relies on a vine for its life and fruit, we rely on Jesus for this joy. 2. a life of restfulness. John 15:9 says, “As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you. Continue ye in My love.” We can rest in knowing that His love and His power are continuous. 3. a life of relinquishment; a branch exists solely to bear fruit from the vine. Likewise, we exist for one purpose only: abiding in Jesus. 4. and finally, a life of rejoicing, because the fruit of reliance, rest, and relinquishment is full joy. Apply it to your life Do you abide in the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you rely and rest in Him? Have you relinquished every other responsibility apart from abiding in Him?
How to Be a Fully Committed Disciple of Jesus Christ
January 21, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • Luke 14:5–35
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Luke 14:5-35 It costs to serve Jesus Christ; we must be prepared to pay the price. Many will try to water down the Gospel in an attempt to gain more followers, but Jesus is not looking for easy followers; He wants fully committed disciples. Jesus wants disciples who will worship at any cost. Luke 14:27 says, “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” Jesus must come before personal relationships and reputations. His disciples must prioritize Him over their families and loved ones, and even before themselves. He must come before personal realization. The decision to follow Jesus was the last independent decision any Christian ever made; our lives now belong to Jesus. Second, Jesus wants disciples who will work at any cost. “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it…” (Luke 14:28). Jesus calls us to build our lives according to His blueprints, spiritually conceived through prayer. We cannot look for a cheap, easy, lazy way to build our lives for Christ. We must count the cost, and steadfastly work to completion. Third, fully committed disciples will war at any cost. Adrian Rogers says, “When I follow the Lord Jesus Christ, I follow Him into battle.” There is no such thing as neutrality in this spiritual warfare. Though we are outnumbered, we cannot be cowards or compromisers. Nor can we be cautious; we must go into the battle with all of our hearts and souls. Finally, Jesus wants disciples who will witness at any cost. “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 14:34-35)! Salt preserves, flavors, and heals; likewise, we are called to preserve truth and to have a zest about our lives that heals this sick world. But salt also burns and penetrates; it is an irritant that permeates everything it touches. We cannot fear our nature to irritate this corrupt world and permeate Jesus Christ into everything we touch. Apply it to your life Are you a fully committed disciple of Jesus Christ? Are you willing to pay the cost of worship, work, war, and witness?
How to Live in Victory
January 14, 2024 • Adrian Rogers • Romans 6:1–2
Sermon Overview Scripture Reference: Romans 6:1-2 The grace of God enables us to live godly lives in Christ Jesus and empowers us to live in victory. Romans 6 reveals how to live in victory. First, we must know our identification with Jesus, who gave Himself for us. “For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (Romans 6:5-6). Jesus has acted on our behalf; when He died for us, we died with Him. When He was buried, we were buried with Him. And now, we have that same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead, in us. Adrian Rogers explains, “When Jesus came out of the grave, we came out with Him and we’ve been raised to walk in a new life.” Second, we must reckon our appropriation of Jesus: “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:11). Reckoning is acting by faith, on what we know to be true, which is that we are dead to our sins and alive in Christ. Third, we must yield our emancipation to Christ. The victorious life is God’s work in us; we cannot do it without Him, and He will not do it without us. Yielding begins when we dethrone sin. We must choose against our old master. No longer will our eyes be a tool for sin, nor our ears be sin’s instruments, nor will our hands do its bidding. We must also enthrone the Savior: “...but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Romans 6:13). We must make Jesus Lord of our lives, enslaving ourselves to Him, as Romans 6:18 explains: “And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” When we become slaves of Christ, we receive new freedom, faithfulness, and fruitfulness. God will begin to live His life in us, claiming victory every step of the way. Apply it to your life Do you know that you identify with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection? Have you reckoned your life to what you believe? Have you yielded to Him?