Strengthening Bonds: Gatherings strengthen community bonds and allow deeper connections. Events like fish fries and retreats encourage spiritual growth and appreciation for leadership, highlighting the importance of togetherness in our lives.
Community gatherings, like church events and retreats, play a crucial role in strengthening bonds among members. Sharing meals and experiences allows for deeper conversations that aren’t always possible in fleeting moments. A reminder of togetherness helps us grow spiritually and encourages appreciation for the leaders and their efforts. Special events, like the fish fry, offer opportunities for joy and connection, while the upcoming congregational retreat promises further spiritual encouragement. Engaging with each other and embracing moments of reflection inspires us to embrace the present and prepare for our future. Additionally, learning about history, such as the story of kudzu and its journey from Japan to American soil, illustrates how our past influences our present. Understanding these connections is essential for our growth, both as individuals and as a community.
Growing Seeds: Kudzu grows rapidly where conditions allow, just like the Word of God flourishes in receptive hearts. Both scriptures emphasize that receiving is not enough; action is required for true faith and fruitful living.
Kudzu, a plant that can grow rapidly in the southeastern United States, serves as a metaphor for the Word of God. Just as kudzu begins from a seed and can flourish when planted in the right conditions, the teachings of Jesus can grow in receptive hearts. In the parable of the sower, Jesus highlights the importance of good soil—representing open and honest hearts—for the seeds of His Word to thrive. Similar ideas are echoed in the book of James, where the importance of actively living out the Word is emphasized. Both scriptures remind us that receiving the Word isn't enough; it requires action and fruitful living. True religion involves helping others and staying pure of heart. Ultimately, whether it’s kudzu or the Word of God, their potential for growth depends on conditions—whether soil or hearts—ready to nurture and sustain them.
Truth Matters: Stay true to the word of truth, as it saves and frees us from sin, just as farmers defend their crops from hidden pests that can harm their livelihood.
Faith is grounded in understanding the truth of the gospel, as Paul warns the Galatians about being misled by false teachings. The 'perfect law of liberty,' referred by James, signifies the freedom from sin rather than a return to oppressive lawkeeping. Just like the bowl weevil, a hidden enemy that devastated cotton farmers, false doctrines can silently corrupt believers. Recognizing the authenticity of the 'word of truth' protects Christians, much like a wise farmer guards his crops against pests. This encourages believers to stay vigilant, cherishing the truth of Christ’s teachings that frees them from sin, rather than binding them to outdated laws.
Adapting to Growth: In facing challenges, how we respond shapes our growth. James teaches that self and anger against God's word are major spiritual enemies that can hinder our path. Listening and controlling our reactions are key to fruitful living.
In Coffee County, when farmers lost their cotton crops due to the bullweevil, CW Baston innovatively planted peanuts, leading others to follow his lead. This change reflects how different reactions to challenges can lead to growth. Similarly, James teaches us that our greatest enemies are often ourselves and our anger towards the word of God. He explains that we can be tempted by our own desires and that our anger can hinder spiritual growth. Just like the farmers adapted to a difficult situation, we too need to listen carefully and manage our responses to avoid spiritual pitfalls and promote growth. James warns us to be slow to speak and slow to anger as these attitudes can obstruct the truth and hinder our potential. By learning from both farmers and scriptures, we can cultivate a fruitful spiritual life.
Faithful Hearing: Hearing God’s word requires humility, action, and control over our speech. We must discard worldliness to understand His truth and produce fruit as faithful servants, demonstrating our faith through both actions and words.
When we hear the Word of God, it's crucial to approach it with humility and an open heart. Sometimes, people get defensive instead of learning and changing, which blocks the truth from growing within them. Just like dirty clothes need to be taken off to get clean, we must discard worldliness to truly understand God's message. Hearing is not enough; we must also act upon what we learn, as our actions prove our faith. Furthermore, our words have great power; if we can't control what we say, it can harm our witness for Christ. Ultimately, a mix of hearing, doing, and watchfulness over our speech can lead us to be fruitful servants of God, truly reflecting His love and teachings in our lives.
Seeds of Faith: Seeds of faith lead to salvation and blessings. Embracing and living the Word of God brings enduring joy and purpose, even amid challenges or sacrifices.
Seeds symbolize transformation in our lives. Just like physical seeds support life, the Word of God nurtures our spiritual growth. By accepting this Word, we can experience salvation and blessings. However, true fulfillment comes from actively living out its teachings, despite any challenges we face. Even in hardship, such as the martyrdom of faithful Christians, the joy of spiritual life is everlasting and outweighs earthly troubles. This highlights the importance of sharing and planting the seeds of faith, as many will benefit and find purpose and joy when they embrace the teachings of the gospel.
Living Faith: Pure religion calls for self-denial, helping others, and active faith. It’s crucial to not just hear God’s word but to live it out, showing love and kindness while maintaining our distinctiveness from the world.
Living a life of pure and undefiled religion involves self-denial and meaningful actions, especially helping those in need like widows and orphans. Following Jesus means embracing His teachings, being distinct from the world, and actively doing good. Like the lost castaway who missed the tools for survival, we have God’s guidance at our fingertips. Our faith must lead us to action, or we risk being lost ourselves. It’s not enough to hear the word; we must do it. If we’ve strayed from this path, it’s vital to return, showing our faith through our deeds and keeping our hearts aligned with God’s will to experience His blessings.
Support and Unity: In times of need, it’s important to reach out for support from family. We are here to help one another through challenges and provide encouragement. Don’t hesitate to respond and seek assistance; together we can find strength.
We all go through times when we feel overwhelmed and need support. It’s important to remember that we are part of a family, and families stick together in both good times and bad. If you're feeling the need for strength or encouragement today, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from those around you. Whether you need someone to listen or a helping hand, we are here for one another. Encouragement and support are essential, especially when trying to live by good values and teachings. So, if you feel inspired to respond and seek that support, now is the time to do it. Stand up, and let us join together in this moment of unity and encouragement as we sing.
"The Seed That Saves the Soul" by Neal Pollard
Lehman Ave Church of Christ
100 Episodes
Recent Episodes from Lehman Ave Church of Christ
"The Christian and Death" by Neal Pollard
October 6, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
The Christian and Death
- Paul and Death in Philippians
- Death as limits - (Romans 8)
- The first half of Romans 8 is a Study in Contrasts
- The life of Deliverance is full of blessings
- No Condemnation - (v1-4)
- The indwelling Spirit - (v5-16)
- We're children of God - (v15-21)
- Hope - (v22-25)
- Help in prayer - (v26-27)
- Providence - (v28-31)
- He spared not his on Son - (v32)
- Intercession - (v33-34)
- His love - (v35-39)
- Death is swallowed up in victory - (1 Cor. 15:54)
- Implications of Resurrection - (v29-34)
- Nature of Resurrection - (v35-49)
- Results of Resurrection - (v50-58)
- Death can't keep us from magnifying Christ - (Phil. 1:20)
- Death can be misunderstood - (1 Thess. 4:13-18)
- The death of a Christian is influential - (v12)
- The death of a Christian is informative - (v13)
- The death of a Christian is inviting - (v14-15)
- The death of a Christian is incredible - (v16-17)
- The death of a Christian is inspiring (v18)
Duration 38:45
"The Centurion at the Cross..." by Hiram Kemp
October 6, 2024 - Sunday AM Sermon
The Centurion at the Cross...
Mark 15:39 Introduction: 1. At the _______________ of the _____________ many things were _______________. 2. One of the ___________ present at the __________ of Jesus was the Roman ______. 3. The day Jesus was _____________ would be a day he would never ______________. I. In the ___________________ Position (Luke 23:47) II. Saw ________________ in ___________________ (Luke 23:46-47) III. Saw the _______________ of _________________ (Mark 15:29-32) IV. Saw and _____________ Us ______________ can _____________ (Matthew 27:54) V. _________________ the Cross ___________________ (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39) VI. _______________ an Unpopular _______________ (Mark 15:39) Conclusion: 1. The _____________ saw what God wants ______________ to see. 2. We need to see the ______________ and then ____________ the _______________. 3. He ________ Jesus was the ________ of God and we must _______ the __________.
Duration 38:27
"Daniel: Sovereignty of God" by Phil Hartnady Part 6
October 6, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class
Daniel: Sovereignty of God
Key Verses: 1:8; 2:20-22; 2:44; 2:47; 4:25
Key Chapter: 2 - God reveals Neb. dream to Daniel. Also 9, the vision of the 70 weeks.
Theme of the book: God rules in the kingdoms of men - 4:25
Daniel (God is my judge) wrote this book near the close of his life in 533BC. One of the first group of captives led away in 606BC when he was 18 years old. Daniel displays unswerving loyalty to God in the early chapter of the book. No blemish ins found in his character. Ezekiel speaks of him as "greatly beloved" (Ezek. 14:14, 20). Is Daniel found in Hebrews 11?
Daniel is a book contrasting godless kingdoms and the Kingdom of God, see chapter 2 and 7 where they appear as the image (2) and as 4 vicious beasts (7).
Daniel's prayer - 9:1-19
We are introduced to the 4 great world powers that would lead to the coming Messiah.
- Babylonian - 625-536 BC
- Medo-Persian - 536-330 BC
- Greek - Under Alexander the Great
- Roman
New teachings in Daniel no found in other prophetic books:
- Angels - 3:25; 6:22; 9:21; 10:5; 12:1
- Resurrection of the dead - 12:1-4
Lessons from Daniel:
- His character
- spiritual courage
- miracles
- never ending kingdom
- inspiration
Boanthropy - chapter 4
Duration 44:23
"Behold The Kneeling Man" by Neal Pollard
September 29, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
"Behold The Kneeling Man"
- When He Prayed
- Preparation for Preaching
- Picking the Apostles
- Performing Miracles
- Personally Trying Times
- Protection for Others
- Pattern for Others
- How He Prayed
- Deliberately
- Passionately
- Trustingly
- Frequently
- Reverently
- Who He Prayed for
- His Disciples
- His Enemies
- Himself
Duration 37:58
"The Seed That Saves the Soul" by Neal Pollard
September 29, 2024 - Sunday AM Sermon
"THE SEED THAT SAVES THE SOUL" (James. 1:18-27) Neal Pollard Introduction A. James Illustrates The ___________ As A __________ I. THIS SEE HAS IMPORTANT ____________________ A. It Is The ____________ of _________________ (18) B. It Is The _____________ (_____ Times From 18-23) C. It Is The _____________ Law Of ____________ (25) II. THIS SEED HAS SIGNIFICANT __________________ A. _____________ Poisons The ____________ (19-20) B. __________________ Chokes The ______________ C. ___________ Without ____________ Yields No ______________ D. An ____________ ______________ Tramples the Crop III. THIS SEED HAS INCREDIBLE _____________________ A. It Brings __________________ (21) B. It Brings __________________ (25) C. It Brings __________ and _______________ _____________ (27) Conclusion A. We Have Everything We Need at Our ______________________!
Duration 35:39
"Daniel: Sovereignty of God" by Phil Hartnady Part 5
September 29, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class
Daniel: Sovereignty of God
Key Verses: 1:8; 2:20-22; 2:44; 2:47; 4:25
Key Chapter: 2 - God reveals Neb. dream to Daniel. Also 9, the vision of the 70 weeks.
Theme of the book: God rules in the kingdoms of men - 4:25
Daniel (God is my judge) wrote this book near the close of his life in 533BC. One of the first group of captives led away in 606BC when he was 18 years old. Daniel displays unswerving loyalty to God in the early chapter of the book. No blemish ins found in his character. Ezekiel speaks of him as "greatly beloved" (Ezek. 14:14, 20). Is Daniel found in Hebrews 11?
Daniel is a book contrasting godless kingdoms and the Kingdom of God, see chapter 2 and 7 where they appear as the image (2) and as 4 vicious beasts (7).
Daniel's prayer - 9:1-19
We are introduced to the 4 great world powers that would lead to the coming Messiah.
- Babylonian - 625-536 BC
- Medo-Persian - 536-330 BC
- Greek - Under Alexander the Great
- Roman
New teachings in Daniel no found in other prophetic books:
- Angels - 3:25; 6:22; 9:21; 10:5; 12:1
- Resurrection of the dead - 12:1-4
Lessons from Daniel:
- His character
- spiritual courage
- miracles
- never ending kingdom
- inspiration
Boanthropy - chapter 4
Duration 42:35
"Daniel: Sovereignty of God" by Phil Hartnady Part 4
September 22, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class
Daniel: Sovereignty of God
Key Verses: 1:8; 2:20-22; 2:44; 2:47; 4:25
Key Chapter: 2 - God reveals Neb. dream to Daniel. Also 9, the vision of the 70 weeks.
Theme of the book: God rules in the kingdoms of men - 4:25
Daniel (God is my judge) wrote this book near the close of his life in 533BC. One of the first group of captives led away in 606BC when he was 18 years old. Daniel displays unswerving loyalty to God in the early chapter of the book. No blemish ins found in his character. Ezekiel speaks of him as "greatly beloved" (Ezek. 14:14, 20). Is Daniel found in Hebrews 11?
Daniel is a book contrasting godless kingdoms and the Kingdom of God, see chapter 2 and 7 where they appear as the image (2) and as 4 vicious beasts (7).
Daniel's prayer - 9:1-19
We are introduced to the 4 great world powers that would lead to the coming Messiah.
- Babylonian - 625-536 BC
- Medo-Persian - 536-330 BC
- Greek - Under Alexander the Great
- Roman
New teachings in Daniel no found in other prophetic books:
- Angels - 3:25; 6:22; 9:21; 10:5; 12:1
- Resurrection of the dead - 12:1-4
Lessons from Daniel:
- His character
- spiritual courage
- miracles
- never ending kingdom
- inspiration
Boanthropy - chapter 4
Duration 42:20
"Learning to Pray Like Nehemiah" by Hiram Kemp
September 22, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
Learning to Pray Like Nehemiah
- Plea to be Heard - (Nehemiah 1:4-11)
- Remember my Good - (Nehemiah 5:19, 13:14, 13:22, 13:31)
- Punishment for the Wicked - (Nehemiah 6:14, 13:39)
- Direction - (Nehemiah 2:4)
- Protection from Enemies - (Nehemiah 4:4-5, 4:9)
- Strength - (Nehemiah 6:9)
Duration 32:13
"The God of the Burning Bush" by Hiram Kemp
"The God of the Burning Bush"
Exodus 3
Introduction:
1. First __________ are important with __________, but especially with __________.
2. __________ would be known as someone who had a __________ relationship with __________.
3. Moses' __________ to __________ occurs at the __________ bush, and it is there that we learn several __________ lessons about the __________ of the __________.
I. A __________ God (Exodus 3:5).
II. __________ (Exodus 3:6).
III. __________ & __________ (Exodus 3:7, 3:9)
IV. __________ (Exodus 3:8)
V. __________ (Exodus 3:10-12).
VI. The __________ I __________ (Exodus 3:3-15).
Conclusion:
1. The God of the burning __________ is the God who __________ zealously in his __________ for us and wants us on __________ for Him.
2. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies as the __________ God who met __________ at the bush, and He laid down divine __________ so we could come __________.
Duration 34:33
"Don't Turn on the Furnace... Open a Window" by Neal Pollard
September 15, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
"Don't Turn on the Furnace... Open a Window" (2 Tim. 2:24-26) Neal Pollard
Turning on the furnace - more heat, but opening a window - more light.
Hot Button Issues:
- Marriage/Divorce/Remarriage
- The necessity of baptism
- Role of women in the church
- Abortion
- Homosexuality
- Transgenderism
In 2 Timothy 2:24-36, the "servant of the Lord" is one who is sharing the gospel.
The Servant of the Lord:
1. Must have the right mindset. Be positive in your approach to others.
A. Don't be quarrelsome, intensive, or bitter. Some things in life are left to our judgment/conscience. For example: Proverbs 22:6 states to "bring up a child in the way that they should go" but doesn't tell specifically how to do this. Another example is 1 Timothy 2:9-10 on modest; also not specific and left to judgment. And politics.
B. Be kind to all. God loves all people. Acts 10:34-35, James 2:1-5. Look at everyone the same. We are all image-bearers of God.
2. Must have the right message (24). Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 6:23.
A. Be able to teach the right message. Our message must be the truth.
B. Our message must help people come to their senses. Urge a message of repentance. 2 Timothy 2:24-36 and Ephesians 4:17. Speak God's message in love.
C. The message should lead one to know the truth.
3. Must have the right method.
A. It requires patience (24). Matthew 5:39.
B. It requires gentle correction (25)
1. Watch your tone!
2. Excess (not always preaching/teaching the same topic, but round out to other topics).
3. Assumption. Don't assume what someone else things/knows.
4. Choice. Keep the important things first.
5. Heart. Watch your own heart. For example, the Pharisees did not watch their own heart in the pursuit of righteousness. Galatians 6:1. Be gentle.
4. Must have the right motives. Our motive is to help people go to heaven. Philippians 1:15-17and 4:2.
Duration 33:59