Sermon Central
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Basic Training
Contributed by Stephen Brown on Dec 28, 2015 (message contributor)
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1. Not What I Will
Contributed on Dec 29, 2015
How do we live out our salvation? Do our lives represent a surrendered life?
Not what I will… The two "basics" we have addressed so far are salvation and the church. First, we discovered why we must be saved and how we can be saved. Second, we discovered the reality of being saved. We are the dwelling place of God; we are the church no matter where we go and what ...read more
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2. I Am Transformed!
Contributed on Jan 19, 2016
The word transformed is used 4 times in the New Testament. Twice describing Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration and twice describing God’s affect on Christians. Thankfully, it is not something I try to accomplish, but something God accomplished in me.
When I enlisted in the Army in 1985, I was a naïve, country boy from WV. After their offer and my oath of commitment, the Army upheld their responsibilities and I upheld mine. Over time, by their influence and training, I was transformed into a soldier. If the military can accomplish that in ...read more
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3. Serving For God's Glory
Contributed on Jan 19, 2016
We have responsibilities in the context of our relationship with God and His church. Peter provides godly guidance for our responsibilities in the Lord's church.
In the military, after the agreements and oaths, there were responsibilities. They offered training, but I had to train. They gave me equipment, but I had to maintain it. They prepared food, but I had to eat. They provided education, but I had to continue learning. Bottom line is - I had ...read more
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4. Why Must I Be Saved?
Contributed on Dec 28, 2015
We are all participants in a spiritual battle, wouldn’t it be wise to determine who is on each side, what they are fighting for and which side you are on? Wouldn’t it be wise to ensure you are prepared for the battle you are in?
Why Must I be Saved? I had the great privilege of serving in the military for six years. In case you did not know, a person is not recruited to be a general, captain, or sergeant. A person is recruited to be a soldier with the expectation of growth in knowledge, experience and training SO THAT ...read more
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5. Stop "Going" To Church
Contributed on Dec 29, 2015
Changing our mindset from "going" to church to "being" the church.
Stop “going” to church! Last week we answered the critical question, “Why must I be saved?” My prayer is that you have a greater understanding of what you must be saved from, the result if you aren’t saved and how you can be saved. It is also critical that we ...read more
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6. Who Is On Your Throne?
Contributed on Jan 1, 2016
We all have a throne. The question is, "Who is on it?"
Who is on your throne? In our first weeks of basic training, we have learned about salvation, the church and surrender. As we study, I pray it becomes clearer that there is not one element that stands on its own, but each is integrated with the other. You can’t be saved without surrender. ...read more
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7. Why Be A Member?
Contributed on Jan 4, 2016
There are many opinions about "church membership", but what does Scripture say? If we are to grow in spiritual maturity, we must be connected in a local body of believers.
In our basic training, we have studied salvation, the church, surrender and lordship. Today, we move our study toward the expectations and responsibilities of those who have been saved and are surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ. You can get a membership to just about anything if you ...read more
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8. Why Should I Be Baptized?
Contributed on Jan 4, 2016
Is water baptism really necessary? If so, why?
To be in the military, there must first be a mutual agreement. They recognize your potential and then you count the cost of serving them. This is followed by an oath of commitment and submission to the military in accordance with their established regulations. Following this process, if you ...read more
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9. Why Join A Small Group?
Contributed on Jan 19, 2016
Is it REALLY necessary? Why should I? The best answer? Jesus modeled it for us!
The military has an organizational chain of command. For instance, an Army has more than 50,000 soldiers that is made up of 2 or more corps. A corp has 20-45,000 soldiers that is made up of 2-5 divisions. A division is 10-15,000 soldiers that is made up of 3 brigades. A brigade has 3-5,000 ...read more
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10. A Generous Heart
Contributed on Jan 19, 2016
Why do we give? What does Scripture teach about giving? We serve a giving Father and a giving Son. If we are being transformed into His image, we will be giving as well.
Why do we give? Sometimes we are compelled to give to something we believe in. Sometimes we give because we feel sorry for someone in a less fortunate situation. Sometimes we give because we feel guilty. Sometimes we give because we have some left over. Sometime we just don’t ...read more