Archive for February, 2010
Sermon Series on Heaven
Posted by Stephen C. Rice in Preaching on February 19, 2010
I’m thinking and praying about preaching a sermon series on Heaven. If I do, I’ll probably kick it off on Easter Sunday. In all of my years as a pastor, I have never preached an entire series on the eternal home of the believer.
Does the topic of Heaven interest you? Do you think others will be interested in the topic? Do you personally have questions about Heaven?
I need your help with the series. What are some questions you think I should address? Thank you in advance for your help.
Jimmie Johnson Goes For Five In a Row
Posted by Stephen C. Rice in Church Chat, Discipleship on February 14, 2010
Since today is running of the Daytona 500, I am going to repost an entry I wrote last fall. I wrote the entry as Jimmie Johnson was close to winning his 4th Nascar Sprint Cup Championship in a row.
Interestingly, this post was viewed more than any other entry last year. Here’s a link to the post:
Welcome Home
Posted by Stephen C. Rice in Life Happens, Ministry on February 10, 2010
One of the reasons I love walking through the door of our home is because our dog Gracee is always there to greet me. Whether I’m home for lunch or home for the evening, she is thrilled to see me. She often brings a toy along for the tail-wagging greeting in case I’m in the mood for a few minutes of play.
Interestingly, her feelings toward me are not based on my recent accomplishments, my standing in the community, or the strength of my credit rating. She just likes me because I like her. Forgive me if I’m taking this too far, but isn’t that an honorable approach.
As Christians, we are instructed to love those who love us, but it doesn’t stop there. We are even instructed to love those who hate us. Listen to this Bible passage and see if it challenges you like it does me.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:38-48, English Standard Version
SuperBowl MVP Drew Brees
Posted by Stephen C. Rice in Church Chat, Evangelism, Life Happens on February 8, 2010
Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints and to the Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees. Brees is passionate about his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen to this great interview:
Jesus = Happiness!
Posted by Stephen C. Rice in Church Chat, Evangelism, Life Happens on February 4, 2010
This Sunday at Shelbyville First Baptist Church I am preaching from Matthew 19:16-30 (see below). The first portion of this passage (vv. 16-22) relays the story about the young wealthy ruler who asked Jesus, ”Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life” (v. 16). Although He had everything his world said that a person needed to be happy, he still sensed that something was missing. His instincts and the Holy Spirit correctly led him to Jesus, but ultimately, he was unwilling to place God’s will above his own. Tragically, the Bible says that “he went away sorrowful” (v. 22).
I have never been rich; I have never been a ruler; I have seen younger days, but I am happy; I am peaceful; and I am full of joy! Everything is not “perfect” in my life, but “He” (Jesus) is perfect in my life. I realize that this all sounds unusual if you are not a Christian. Although I’m a preacher, I’m not preaching here. I’m simply saying that my life changed when I met Jesus! He is my intimate friend and constant companion. He gave His life for me and I am striving to “give” my life for Him.
If you are a Christian. Give a shoutout for Jesus and a brief testimony about your relationship with Him. If you are not a Christian, please consider trusting Him as your personal Savior and following Him as the Lord of your life.
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:16-22 (English Standard Version)
Book Review: “30 Minutes to Raise the Dead”
Posted by Stephen C. Rice in Book Reviews, Preaching on February 2, 2010
I just reread Bill Bennett’s excellent book called Thirty Minutes to Raise the Dead: How You Can Preach Your Best Sermon Yet — This Sunday. It reminds me of the two preaching books written by Jerry Vines because, like his books, it was well written and practical. It is a very easy read if you are a pastor, but extremely helpful.
In the book, Bennett discusses Faris Whitesell’s 7-part definition of expository preaching. Here are the seven parts:
Expository preaching must….
- Be based on a passage in the Bible, either short or long.
- Focus on the primary meaning of the passage.
- Relate the passage’s meaning to its context.
- Search for the timeless truths in the text.
- Organize these truths around one central theme.
- Employ the rhetorical devices of explanation, argumentation, illustration, and application to apply the truth of the passage to the hearer.
- See to persuade the hearers to obey the truth presented.
If you are a pastor and have not read Bennett’s book, find one and read it. It is a little difficult to find, but you can click on the title above and find one at Amazon. The book will be a blessing to you.
