Moments of Truth
Moments of Truth
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“Genesis and Leadership #6”
11 July 2021
Although some individuals have greater natural gifts than others, nearly all the skills of leadership can be learned and improved. But that process doesn’t happen overnight. Leadership has so many faces: respect, experience, emotional
strength, people skills, discipline, vision, momentum, timing – the list goes on. That’s why leaders require so much seasoning to be effective.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“Genesis and Leadership #4”
27 June 2021
In a legacy symbolic of his life, Esau’s descendants became the enemies of Israel. Whenever you see the word Edom or read of Israel’s clashes with the Edomites in Scripture, think of Esau, for it is through him that these persistent opponents of Israel came into existence. The animosity between these two ancient people can be seen eve in the Psalms, Psalm 137:7, “Remember, O Lord, against the sons of Edom the day of Jerusalem, who said, ‘Raze it, raze it, to its very foundation!”
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“Genesis and Leadership #3”
20 June 2021
Sarah doubted because she looked at her circumstances and not at the God who keeps His promises. The revelation just seemed too good to be true – so she laughed. Not out loud. And not enough so that anyone but God would notice (Gen. 18:12). She laughed quietly, in unbelieve and impatience, not uproariously, in faith and celebration.
Yet, God noticed, and God would have the last laugh. He challenged Sarah’s unbelief with a sharp, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (18:14)
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“Genesis and Leadership #2”
13 June 2021
As we’ve shown thus far, the Bible is the book on leadership. Another important aspect to learn concerning leadership is Vision. Abraham, teaches us this throughout Genesis 12:1 through Genesis 22:4, for Abraham Seizes what he sees. Whole followers may obsess on the challenges immediately before them, leaders see the future from a distance. They dream dreams not only about what can happen now, but also about what could happen in the next year, the next decade, even the next generation.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“Genesis and Leadership”
6 June 2021
You and I were created to lead and to rule. Sin marred our ability to lead, however, and Genesis introduces the story of God’s plan to redeem sinfully independent people from the bondage of following their, we’ll call it, fallen nature. Isn’t most of history the story of conflict among people trying to lead and rule one another, independent of God’s direction? That’s why Genesis often gives accounts of men and women trying to sort out whether to lead or follow, obey or rebel, serve God or live for themselves.
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MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#20 – Teachability
6 September 2020
This is our 20th lesson in our series entitled “21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible.” We must remember our goal is to aid in our growth as Christians and help to develop servant leadership traits inspired by men and women of Scripture. The apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Peter also tells us to “add” to our faith in 2 Peter 1:5-11
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#18 – Self-Discipline
23 August 2020
This is our 18th lesson in our series entitled “21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible.” We must remember our goal is to aid in our growth as Christians and help to develop servant leadership traits inspired by men and women of Scripture. The apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Peter also tells us to “add” to our faith in 2 Peter 1:5-11, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#14 – Problem Solving
26 July 2020
This is our 13th lesson in our series entitled “21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible.” We must remember our goal is to aid in our growth as Christians and help to develop servant leadership traits inspired by men and women of Scripture. The apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Peter also tells us to “add” to our faith in 2 Peter 1:5-11, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#13 – Positive Attitude
19 July 2020
We are utilizing the New King James version of the Bible.
This is our 13th lesson in our new series entitled “21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible.” We must remember our goal is to aid in our growth as Christians and help to develop servant leadership traits inspired by men and women of Scripture. The apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Peter also tells us to “add” to our faith in 2 Peter 1:5-11, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#12 - Passion
12 July 2020
This is our eleventh lesson in our new series entitled “21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible.” We must remember our goal is to aid in our growth as Christians and help to develop servant leadership traits inspired by men and women of Scripture. The apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:18,
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#10 - Initiative
28 June 2020
This is our tenth lesson in our new series entitled “21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible.” We must remember our goal is to aid in our growth as Christians and help to develop servant leadership traits inspired by men and women of Scripture. The apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#9 - Generosity
21 June 2020
This is our ninth lesson in our new series entitled “21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible.” We must remember our goal is to aid in our growth as Christians and help to develop servant leadership traits inspired by men and women of Scripture. The apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Peter also tells us to “add” to our faith in 2 Peter 1:5-11, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#8 - Focus
14 June 2020
This is our eighth lesson in our new series entitled “21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible.” We must remember our goal is to aid in our growth as Christians and help to develop servant leadership traits inspired by men and women of Scripture.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#7 - Discernment
7 June 2020
This is our sixth lesson in our new series entitled “21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible.” We must remember our goal is to aid in our growth as Christians and help to develop servant leadership traits inspired by men and women of Scripture.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#6 - Courage
31 May 2020
When we think of courage, we imagine someone taking action regardless of any risk involved. Whether they’re standing up for an unpopular opinion, or making a frightening decision, or risking their life, we often picture them doing it fearlessly. But while all of those actions can demonstrate courage, they rarely demonstrate fearlessness. That’s because courage means raking a risk in spite of fear not in the absence of it.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#5 - Competence
24 May 2020
Competence goes beyond words. It is the ability to say it, plan it, and do it in such a way that others know that you know how – and they are inspired to follow. The thing is, all competent Christians must continually search for ways to keep learning, growing, and improving. They follow through with excellence.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#2 - Charisma
3 May 2020
In Proverbs 18:24 Solomon teaches, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Most people think of charisma as something mystical, almost undefinable. They think it’s a quality that comes at birth or not at all. But that’s not entirely true. Charisma, plainly stated, is the ability to draw people to you. And like other character traits, it can be developed.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“21 Qualities for Christians in the Bible”
#1 - Character
26 April 2020
In Colossians 3:12-17 we learn from Paul the Character of the Christian, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“The Power of God’s Good News”
19 April 2020
In a day of doubt men need a message of certainty. In a time of fear we need a lesson of faith. In an age of frustration the word of Almighty God brings a message of hope! God has some good news for you and God’s good news Is powerful!
The apostle Paul said in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Courageous Faith Series
No More Excuses
“Overcoming Your Fears” – Gideon
5 April 2020
.Let’s remember that we seek to follow the Divine Promiser and His promise which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). It is God’s promise which encourages our hearts and lifts our souls. His promise keeps us going when the going gets tough.
Courageous Faith Series
Building for the Future
“Leaving A Legacy you can be Proud of” – Nehemiah
29 March 2020
Let’s remember that we seek to follow the Divine Promiser and His promise which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). It is God’s promise which encourages our hearts and lifts our souls. His promise keeps us going when the going gets tough.
Courageous Faith Series
Developing Lasting Friendships
“The Value of True Loyalty” – Jonathan
Let’s remember that we seek to follow the Divine Promiser and His promise which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). It is God’s promise which encourages our hearts and lifts our souls. His promise keeps us going when the going gets tough.
Courageous Faith Series
Realizing Your Goals:
“Confidence in the Face of Danger” – David
15 March 2020
Let’s remember that we seek to follow the Divine Promiser and His promise which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). It is God’s promise which encourages our hearts and lifts our souls. His promise keeps us going when the going gets tough.
So far in our series on Courageous faith we have discussed Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Jephthah, Samson, Boaz and now David.
Courageous Faith Series
Reaching Out To Others:
“Especially Those Who Are Different” – Boaz
08 March 2020
Let’s remember that we seek to follow the Divine Promiser and His promise which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). It is God’s promise which encourages our hearts and lifts our souls. His promise keeps us going when the going gets tough.
So far in our series on Courageous faith we have discussed Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Jephthah, Samson and now a man named Boaz.
Courageous Faith Series
Keeping Your Promises:
“Even When It Costs You!” – Jephthah
23 February 2020
Let’s remember that we seek to follow the Divine Promiser and His promise which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). It is God’s promise which encourages our hearts and lifts our souls. His promise keeps us going when the going gets tough.
Courageous Faith Series
Standing Up For What You Believe:
“Developing Spiritual Determination” – Daniel
16 February 2020
Let’s remember that we seek to follow the Divine Promiser and His promise which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). It is God’s promise which encourages our hearts and lifts our souls. His promise keeps us going when the going gets tough.
Courageous Faith Series
Success in the Battle:
“Conquering the Opposition” – Joshua
9 February 2020
Let’s remember that we seek to follow the Divine Promiser and His promise which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). It is God’s promise which encourages our hearts and lifts our souls. His promise keeps us going when the going gets tough.
So far in our series on Courageous faith we have discussed Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Moses. Now we come to the story of Joshua.
Becoming A Leader:
“Overcoming Your Past” – Moses
2 February 2020
Let’s remember that we seek to follow the Divine Promiser and His promise which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). It is God’s promise which encourages our hearts and lifts our souls. His promise keeps us going when the going gets tough.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Courageous Faith Series
Overcoming the Obstacles: “Hanging Tough In The Tough Times” – Jacob
19 January 2020
Let’s remember that we seek to follow the Divine Promiser and His promise which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). It is God’s promise which encourages our hearts and lifts our souls. His promise keeps us going when the going gets tough.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Courageous Faith Series
Getting Started: The Journey of Faith
5 January 2020
Promises! Promises! Promises are the fabric that hopes and dreams are made of. Promises encourage our hearts and lift our souls. Promises keep us going when the going gets tough. Promises also express the deepest commitments of our lives. And promises remind us of the greatest promise of all – Gods promise – which transforms ordinary people into “children of promise.”
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MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Music in Worship
29 December 2019
As we’ve reached the last Sunday in 2019 the topic of “Music in Worship” is a simple study that I enjoy teaching our young folks in the Pekin congregation. It’s a study the kids can easily see as we take a walk through the pages of the New Testament and how God desires to be worshipped. The first place we go in our study is the Old Testament.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
The Christian’s Responsibility to Society
22 December 2019
The relationship of the Christian and the society in which he or she lives has always been a source of concern to the child of God. Christians are strangers and pilgrims on this earth. The apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 2:11-12, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
How to Build Up the Church
15 December 2019
When we closed last week’s lesson we ended a series of study concerning nine different “local congregations” of the Lord’s people found on the pages of the New Testament. In every case we found the Lord providing those things which each congregation had need of through admonishment or exhortation. Now let’s take a step back and examine what the Scriptures say about building up the church and the Christian’s responsibility to the local congregation.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
The Church at Jerusalem
8 December 2019
Over the last several weeks we have examined eight different churches or congregations of the Lord’s people found on the pages of the New Testament. As always, the Good Lord has provided us with numerous examples in which we can grow by today. Let’s not forget the purpose of our study of all these churches is to aid us in our efforts to have congregations of the Lord’s people that that will shine forth in this world of sin and be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Letter to the Church at Thyatira
1 December 2019
After discussing the church at Smyrna last week we now go to congregation number eight in our study of churches found in the New Testament and that is the church at Thyatira. Let’s not forget the purpose of our study of all these churches is to aid us in our efforts to have congregations of the Lord’s people that that will shine forth in this world of sin and be pleasing to our Heavenly Father. That means, as we have seen, a local church must strive for purity in life. It must strive for strong convictions. It must be scriptural in worship, sound in doctrine and united
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Letter to the Church at Smyrna
24 November 2019
After discussing the church at Sardis last week, we now go to congregation number seven in our study of churches found in the New Testament and that is the church at Smyrna. Let’s not forget the purpose of our study of all these churches is to aid us in our efforts to have congregations of the Lord’s people that that will shine forth in this world of sin and be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Letter to the Church at Sardis
17 November 2019
Two weeks ago we conducted a brief study of the church at Philadelphia, bringing our total of churches examined to five out of eight. Let’s not forget the purpose of our study of all these churches is to aid us in our efforts to have congregations of the Lord’s people that that will shine forth in this world of sin and be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
I’m Too…
Luke 14:15-24
November 10, 2019
Well, this morning our Lesson is entitled “I’m Too” (too with 2 o’s). And we will be talking about excuses. Which seem to be very common in our world and may be getting more frequent.
Today there are many in this world who want to make excuses as to not serve God. This morning I want to talk about what a few of those excuses might be.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Letter to the Church at Philadelphia
3 November 2019
As of last week’s study of the church at Pergamos we reached the half-way point of our study of eight different churches found in the New Testament. We have examined the church at Corinth, the church at Ephesus, the church at Laodicea, and the church at Pergamos. The purpose of our study of these churches is to aid us in our efforts to have congregations of the Lord’s people that that will shine forth in this world of sin and be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
The Letter to the Church at Laodicea
20 October 2019
So far in our study of eight different churches found in the New Testament we have examined the church at Corinth and that they were involved in impure living with incest and going to law with one another. We found they were weak in their convictions and also participated in unscriptural worship.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Disorders in the Church at Corinth
6 October 2019
The word “disorder” as defined by Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language means, “To break order; to derange; to disturb any regular disposition or arrangement of things; to put out of method; to throw into confusion; t confuse.” So, why is it important for us to understand a topic like “Disorders in the church at Corinth”? How does that aid us in our efforts to “Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”? For those who are striving to serve God, and to serve God faithfully, it is wise for us to learn from the experience of others.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Taking A Mountain at Age 85!
22 September 2019
To begin our lesson this morning we need to go back to the book of Numbers and read through a section of Scripture to set the stage for our discussion. Numbers 13:21 - 14:12 , “So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, near the entrance of Hamath.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“In His Steps”
15 September 2019
We learn from the apostle Peter in 1 Pet. 1:21-22, “For to this you were called, be-cause Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should walk in his steps: Who committed no sin, Nor was guile found in His mouth.”
The word here used for "example" comes from Greek elementary education. It describes the way Greek boys learned to write. The exercise tablet was usually a shallow box filled with soft wax.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“They Think It Strange”
8 September 2019
One of the first lessons we learn from the Scriptures about the people of God is that they are to be different from the people who are in the world. The evidence is abundant that this is true. This distinctiveness is the demonstration that a change has been wrought in a person's life. The apostle Peter warns us about the world around us and what they will think of us in 1 Peter 4:4 where the apostle Peter says, "Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you."
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
The Parable of the Sower
1 September 2019
Right here in the hills of Washington County, Southern Indiana, is an excellent place to discuss our topic for today. For many of the residents of Washington county don’t have to go too far until you are surrounded by fields of corn, beans, hay, and the list can go on and on.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Covering Sins
25 August 2019
The title of our lesson this morning begs the question, “What is sin?” Simply, it is the transgression of the law as the apostle John writes in 1 John 3:4 the apostle John writes, “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” It is to act as if there is no law; it violates God’s divine commandments. In John’s day a group called the “Gnostics” had argued that what was done in the flesh did not affect the spirit of man.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“The Two Sons”
18 August 2019
Over the last two weeks we have covered lessons that pertain to the losing of our soul and covering our sins. Each and every one of us must have these concerns on our minds every day we are blessed to live on this earth. We must always be thankful that we serve a God who is longsuffering and patient and as we know from 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” This verse brings us to our lesson today which comes from a parable that Jesus taught in the book of Matthew concerning a certain man and his two sons.
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“If I Should Lose My Soul”
11 August 2019
Just like our discussion last week, this week’s lesson also begs a question to be answered in order to begin, “What is a soul?” In 2 Corinthians 4:16 the apostle Paul speaks of an inward man and an outward man, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
“Sound Brethren”
4 August 2019
When we use the term sound in this case we define the term as is found in the American Heritage Dictionary, “Founded in truth; firm; strong; valid; solid; that cannot be overthrown or refuted; as sound reasoning; a sound argument; a sound objection; sound doctrine; and sound principles.” Along with “Right; correct; well founded; free from error” as the Psalmist says in Psalm 119:80, “Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.”
MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Stewardship
28 July 2019
Not long we concluded a topical study in our adult class entitled, “Give Account of Your Stewardship.” It was an excellent study. This morning we would like to share with you some of the things we learned from the class as well as some areas that weren’t necessarily covered.
Moments of Truth
The Surrendered Life
21 July 2019
Last week our lesson was on Paul’s Manner of Serving The Lord. If you will recall we recognized Paul’s discussion with the Ephesian Elders in Acts 20:17-27, “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them:
Moments of Truth
Paul’s Manner of Serving The Lord
14 July 2019
Did you know or realize, the apostle Paul, the Apostle “appointed out of due season” wrote 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament? As well, there are some who attribute the book of Hebrews to him as well, but we don’t know that for certain. Just think, 13 of the books, which are actually letters, the apostle Paul was inspired to write so “Christians” would know how to live as Christians. Obviously with each letter or epistle, the apostle Paul covers a great many things his audience of the time needed to better understand so they could deal with certain issues as well as false teachers
Moments of Truth
The Case of Apollos
7 July 2019
In Acts 18:24-28 we read concerning a man from Alexandria named Apollos. Luke, the inspired writer, here interrupts his account of the apostle Paul’s journeys to tell of Apollos work in Ephesus. Let’s read through Acts 18:24-28, “Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Moments of Truth
A Message From Torment
June 23, 2019
The apostle Peter states in 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” From Peter’s writing we learn what is called “Apologetics.” Apologetics is not an “apology” but means “a defense.”
Moments of Truth
“The Women Not Needed in the Church”
June 9, 2019
Over the past three weeks we have discussed men needed and not needed in the Lord’s church, and last week we discussed Women needed in the Lord’s church. We examined briefly 9 different examples, “the woman with the issue of blood and her great faith; women who teach their children the Scriptures like Lois and Eunice;
Moments of Truth
“The Women Needed in the Church”
June 2, 2019
Over the past two weeks we have discussed men needed and not needed in the Lord’s church. As we said when we began this brief series of lesson we would discuss or study “The women needed in the Lord’s church” and next week we will discuss “the Women Not Needed in the Lord’s Church.” When we began with the Men Needed In The Lord’s Church we first recognized the Gifts of Christ found in Ephesians 4:11 – 12, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers