Category: Weekly Thoughts

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 – “Abstain from Sexual Sin”.  “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:7

God has not called His children to be “holier than thou” in their attitudes or to be a “holy-roller” in their behavior. But He has called His people to be holy in the way they think and live. What does this mean? To be holy means that one is being sanctified; He is being conformed into the image of Christ in the way he thinks and the way he lives (Romans 8:29; 1 John 2:4-6). This process begins with the new birth. It is the gift of God’s grace and the work of God’s Spirit. And the process continues until the believer dies or Christ returns (Philippians 1:6).

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This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 – “The Ethics of the Christian Life”.  “For this is the will of God, your sanctification …” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Do you want to know God’s will for your life? Often Christians want to know the will of God concerning life’s major decisions. They want to know “the will of God” concerning education, or marriage, or vocation. They ask, “Where should I go to school? Whom should I marry? What job should I take?” But, in this passage, Paul focuses upon something else. He clearly states that our sanctification is God’s will for us. God wants us to grow in holiness and in likeness to Christ. As we do, God will bring clarity and direction for these other questions related to His will for us.

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This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 2:17- 3:13 – “The Real World of Gospel Ministry”.  “… we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction …” – 1 Thessalonians 3:4

The Apostle Paul prepared 1st Century Christians for suffering. He essentially reminded them of His Savior’s words – “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) A famous hymn asks – “Is this vile world a friend to grace, to help me on to God?” And, Jesus warns and at the same time encourages His disciples with these words from John 16:33 – “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Keyword: Hickory Withe PCA

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 – “ The Transforming Power of God’s Word”.  “… when you received the word of God, …” – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Have you received the word of God as the word of God? Do you believe that the Bible is “God-breathed?” (2 Timothy 3:16) Do you believe that it is the only rule for faith and practice? Do you believe that God uses His word to reveal Jesus Christ as Savior for lost sinners? The Thessalonians would answer all of these questions in the affirmative. Therefore, the Apostle Paul was assured of the genuineness of their faith. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-5)

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This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10– “Conversion to Christ”.  “… you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God …” – 1 Thessalonians 1:9

Idolatry is the worship of false gods rather than the one true and living God revealed in the Bible. Idolatry can take many forms. Some people worship hand-crafted images and relics. Others participate in false religions that are contrary to Scripture. Others worship the “gods” of wealth and prosperity and popularity. But all of these false gods will disappoint one on the judgment day. Only the true and living God of the Bible can save us from the wrath to come through His Only Son, the Lord Jesus.

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Keyword: Hickory Withe PCA

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 – “The Evidences of Election”.    “… you received the word with much affliction …” – 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Salvation, according to the Bible, is by grace alone. Salvation is the gift of God. One cannot earn it and we, as sinners, certainly do not deserve it. But when one professes his or her faith publicly, persecution may come. This was certainly true for the Thessalonians and it has been true for many Christians from generation to generation. The Apostle Paul prepared us for this, “… all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, …” (2 Timothy 3:12).

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Keyword: Hickory Withe PCA

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 – “Chosen by God”. “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, …” – 1 Thessalonians 1:4

Do you believe in the doctrine of election? If one is a Bible-believing Christian, he must believe something about the doctrine of election. It is found repeatedly in the Bible (Romans 9:11-12; Ephesians 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:1-2). Jesus Christ Himself underscored this truth when He stated, “You did not choose me, but I chose you …” (John 15:16). Initially this teaching might disturb us, but upon further reflection it encourages us. Our salvation is solely dependent upon the grace and mercy of God. If we are in Christ, we are secure (Romans 8:33).

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Keyword: Hickory Withe PCA

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 – “Thanks Be to God for the Thessalonians”.  “We give thanks to God always for all of you …” – 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Paul’s thanksgiving for the Thessalonian church was God-centered. He gave thanks to God for the existence of this church. Read Acts 17:1-9. The early Thessalonian believers faced great persecution for their new-found faith from a hostile culture. Only God by omnipotent power could establish and grow a congregation in these conditions. The gospel is still the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). He still establishes and sustains His Church in difficult environments.

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Keyword: Hickory Withe PCA

This Sunday the sermon is from Psalm 139 – “Searched and Known by God”.  “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” – Psalm 139:17

The Lord knows us thoroughly and intimately. Psalm 139 teaches us this truth. He is omniscient (Vss. 2-6); He is omnipresent (Vss. 7-12); and He is omnipotent (Vss. 13-16). He knows all things; He is present everywhere; and He can do all things. We cannot run from Him and we cannot hide from Him. Doing so is a fool’s errand. If you are running from God, turn toward Him today. Confess your sin and your need for salvation. He forgives any and all who come to Him through Christ His only Son. (John 6:37)

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Keyword: Hickory Withe PCA

This Sunday the sermon is from Ephesians 2:1-10 – “The Grace Connection”.  “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked …” – Ephesians 2:1

What do you believe about mankind’s spiritual condition? Do you believe that men and women are ‘okay’ spiritually? Do you believe that man is basically good? Or do you believe that men and women are ‘sick’ spiritually? Do you believe that man is ‘bad’ spiritually, but possesses ‘free will’ to believe the Gospel? Or do you believe that men and women are ‘dead’ spiritually? Do you believe that man is unable to save himself due to his sinful condition? What does Ephesians 2:1-3 teach? And what is the answer for our condition? (See Ephesians 2:4-10)

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Keyword: Hickory Withe PCA