Sermons on Restoration
John 21:1-17
SERIES: The Gospel of John The Trouble with Fishing SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: We come this morning to the final chapter of the Gospel of John, planning to complete our journey next Lord’s Day. This is one of my favorite chapters in the NT, not because of profound theological content or inspiring prose, but rather because of its deep insight into human nature, as well as into the person of Christ. John 21 continues the very honest portrayal of the checkered…
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
How to Handle a Scandal Introduction: I doubt if there has ever been a time since the Middle Ages when scandal has been more public, more common, or more devastating to the Church of Jesus Christ than during the past several decades. High profile individuals, like Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, Robert Tilton, David Hocking, Gordon MacDonald, Henry Lyons, Mike Trout, and many others have succumbed, and those are all professing evangelicals. If you add in the scores of Catholic priests, Mormon leaders, and…
1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
Restoring Fallen Brothers and Sisters Introduction: Last week I preached a hard-hitting message on sin in the church and the need for the church to discipline its members. I am going to speak with equal vigor today about the need for forgiveness and restoration for those who have fallen once they have repented. I want to begin today with a question: What would you say is the most representative symbol of the Church of Jesus Christ? Would you suggest a cross? If so, you’re no doubt in the majority. But what about a fish,…
Daniel 4
God Humbles the Proud Introduction: I heard a dumb joke the other day: “What do Atila the Hun, Catherine the Great, and Jack the Ripper have in common.” Answer: they all have the same middle name. Now don’t groan; I warned you it was dumb. The fact is all these individuals also share a much more important common characteristic: they were all cruel beyond imagination. Had you been alive when they were, these individuals would have been the last people on earth you would have expected to…
Matthew 26:31-75
The Steps to Peter’s Defection Introduction: Our journey through Passion Week from the book of Matthew brings us this morning to what was surely one of the most painful moments in Jesus’ life–the defection and denial of one of His dearest friends, Peter. Some of you have heard parts of this message before, as three years ago I used this passage and outline as a brief meditation for a Good Friday service. But I trust you will indulge me the privilege of repeating…
Acts 29, 2 Tim. 4:6-18
Postscript on Acts Introduction: I’ve enjoyed our study of Acts so much that this week I had withdrawal pains. So, I decided to preach a postscript to the Book today. We noted last Lord’s Day that Acts is an unfinished book and intentionally so, because every generation of the church has a chapter to write concerning the acts of the Holy Spirit in their day. What I didn’t say, however, is that the NT itself gives us further information about what happened to the…
Genesis 45
Forgiving the Hard to Forgive It has been a great privilege to be back with you these four weeks. Thank you kindly for your warm reception. This return to First Free has been especially encouraging in that I have been able to see many marriages at which I officiated still prospering, kids I dedicated still in the church, and individuals who came to Christ still growing in their faith. I take great joy in the continuing spiritual prosperity of First Free. This morning…
2 Cor. 2:5-11
Satan’s Greatest Scheme What would you say is the most representative symbol of the Church of Jesus Christ? Would you suggest a cross? If so, you’re probably in the majority. What about a fish? The ICTHUS symbol of the early Christians would not be far off either. Or maybe you think of the open Bible or the Bread and the Wine or the helping hand. All of these are positive, even sacred, symbols of the Church, and they have profound meaning and significance for all who…
James 5:13-20
Handle With Prayer Today we will conclude our study of the Book of James as we turn our attention to chapter 5:13-20. Good, decent, and godly scholars differ greatly in their interpretation of these verses, and that always makes it a bit disconcerting when one tries to deliver a clear and unambiguous message from God. But let’s study it together and see what we can learn. Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing…