Month: November 2022

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22- “Test Everything”.  “… but test everything; hold fast what is good.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Are you careful about your religious beliefs and practices? Who do you read? What do you know about the author of the book? Who do you listen to on the radio or television? What do you know about the television or radio preacher? Do you attend a church where the minister is committed to teaching you the Bible? Jesus Christ warned His followers about false christs and false prophets who would lead many astray (Matthew 24:4-5, 23-24). The Apostles of Christ issued the same sort of warnings (2 Corinthians 11:3-4; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1; Jude 3-4). We must “test everything”; We, like the Bereans, must “examine the Scriptures daily …”(Acts 17:11).

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

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18- “Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart”.   “… give thanks in all circumstances …” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

How can we obey this seemingly impossible command? We have no problem giving thanks when God blesses us with health, wealth and peace. But we all struggle with giving thanks when illness or poverty or discord or disappointment come our way. Philippians 4:13 is helpful as we seek to obey this command – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Christ comes to the aid of His people to strengthen them by His Spirit. As we read Scripture, as we learn to pray, as we ponder the great hymns of the Christian faith, as we build relationships with God’s people, God teaches us how to be thankful even in difficult circumstances. (See Acts 16:19-26; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Peter 1:3-9)

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

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15- “Attitudes Toward Church Leaders and One Another”. “Be at peace among yourselves.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:13

God often speaks to His people in His Word about peace. Jesus Himself addressed this when He stated, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) The Apostle Paul reminded us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18) And the writer of Hebrews also instructed us to, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) The God of Scripture is called “… the God of peace …” (Hebrews 13:20). So, let me ask, are we the “sons of God?” Do we “strive for peace with everyone?” Do we “… pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding?” (Romans 14:19)

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

This Sunday the sermon is from Proverbs 4: 20-23; Titus 2:11-12- “You Are What You Love”.    “… if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8

God is concerned about our minds. He is concerned about our thought-life. We see this in Philippians 4:8. Here, Paul commands Christians to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. Romans 12:2 reminds us of this same concern, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Unfortunately, many distractions exist in this world which hinder us in this pursuit. May we, as Paul says, “… cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)

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