4>Eric Rank | August 16, 2008
Sermons
The Book of Malachi
The prophet Malachi addresses a regrettable situation in ancient Judah, but the book is also a prophecy for our time today. As ancient Judah had become indifferent, discontent, bored and unsatisfied, so we see today the same attitude towards God and His Law–even, to an extent, in the Church. We are to become zealous and dedicated Christians, rather than treating God’s requirements for us as a burden and contemptible.
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Sermonette by Eric Rank
Salt
Although salt is a common mineral, it has played an enormous role in history. Salt also plays an important part in our christian lives. Salt is the opposite of leaven. It helps to keep us pure from corruption. It’s important to remember that true christians are to be the salt of the earth.
Commitment
There are two important decisions that one makes in their lives which show commitment: baptism and marriage. Both correlate with each other since, to be married, we have to be baptized and receive God’s holy spirit. If we want to be in God’s kingdom, we need to receive His holy spirit and be married to Him so we can receive everlasting life.
The Good Samaritan
Why did Christ’s “Parable of the Good or Merciful Samaritan,” as recorded in Luke, chapter 10, have such a tremendous impact on the society of His time? What was so revolutionary and provocative about this parable, which teaches us how to love our neighbor? Why is it still so relevant and meaningful for us today? Who were the Samaritans? Do they still exist? Why did many of the Jews hate them so much? And how did Jesus show that He refused to be a part of that kind of antagonism and prejudice?
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Josiah
Josiah’s evil father Amon–was assasinated. Josiah’s grandfather Manasseh–ws one of the most evil men in the Bible. Yet, Josiah feared God and under his reign Judah had peace, prosperity and reform–among the happiest years experienced by Judah! We look at Josiah in 3 points: 1)background, 2)reign 3)death–by meddling.
The Mount of Olives
All around the world, people believe in extraterrestrials. When Jesus Christ returns, the Bible reveals that much of a deceived mankind will war against Him believing that He is an invading alien. However, Jesus will enter the earth’s realm with great majesty and irresistible power, and He will descend to the Mount of Olives. This location plays a prominent role in both biblical history and prophecy. Because it is an important focus point, understanding what the Bible reveals about the Mount of Olives is crucial for Christians.
Real Power
We recently celebrated the very special day of Pentecost when we should have reflected on the fact that we have been given the power of the Holy Spirit which enables us to know and understand truths that are hidden from the world at large. God has not given His people at this time important positions in the world where they can exercise power and authority, and make far reaching decisions. But in the Kingdom of God we will have real power – power and authority used for the right reason and used in the right way for the good of all humanity and that’s the power we should be looking forward to.
Marriage – Physical and Spiritual
How does a temporary physical marriage between a converted couple symbolize the eternal spiritual marriage between Christ and his Church? Why does Paul say that this is a mystery–which is only understood today by very few people? Why is Christ called our bridegroom? Why and how are we betrothed to Him today? Why are we called virgins and the bride? What are the grounds for physical and spiritual divorce? How will Christ marry us upon His return? What about the marriage supper? And what does the Heavenly Jerusalem have to do with all of this?
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