Stonebridge Bible Church Sermons

Wayne Wolf preaches on Ephesians 1:15-18.

A truly pastoral charge, the book of 1 Peter deals with living with and in suffering and calls us to rejoice nonetheless in the joy of our salvation.

Faith without works cannot be called faith.  It is dead, and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all.  Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible.  Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient.  Faith must move into action.  Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith "works." It endures trials; it obeys God's Word; it produces doers; it harbors no prejudice; it controls the tongue; it acts wisely; it provides the power to resist the devil; it waits patiently for the coming of the Lord. (Wilkinson & Boa, Walk Thru The Bible) Michael teaches on the book of James from his series The Big Book: Cover to Cover.

Faith without works cannot be called faith.  It is dead and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all.  Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible.  Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient.  Faith must move into action.  Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates rue faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith "works."  It endures trials; it obeys God's Word; it produces doers; it harbors no prejudice; it controls the tongue; it acts wisely; it provides the power to resist the devil; it waits patiently for the coming of the Lord (Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru The Bible).   Join Michael Easley as he teaches an overview of the book of James from his series The Big Book: Cover to Cover.

Guest speaker Moe Proctor preaches on Joshua 1:1-9.

Michael Easley preaches on Easter Sunday.

Many Jewish believers, having stepped out of Judaism into Christianity, wanted to reverse their course in order to escape persecution by their countrymen.  The writer of Hebrews exhorts them to "press on" to maturity in Christ.  His appeal is based on the superiority of Christ over the Judaic system.  Christ is better than the angels, for they worship Him.  He is better than Moses, for Moses was created by Him.  He is better than the Aaronic priesthood, for His sacrifice was once for all time.  He is better than the Law, for He mediates a better covenant.  In short, there is more to be gained by suffering for Christ than by reverting to Judaism.  Pressing on to maturity produces tested faith, self-discipline, and a viable love seen in good works.   Michael teaches on the book of Hebrews.

Paul's "postcard" to Philemon is the shortest and perhaps the most intimate of all his letters.  It is a masterpiece of diplomacy and tact in dealing with a festering social sore in the Roman Empire:  human slavery.  Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, had stolen from his master and run away to Rome.  There he came in contact with Paul's (who was under house arrest) and with the claims of Jesus Christ.  After his conversation, Onesimus faced yet another confrontation, this time with his estranged master Philemon.  Paul sends him back with this letter in hand, urging Philemon to extend forgiveness.  Onesimus had left him as a bond servant.  Now he was returning as his brother in the Lord.  Therefore, Paul exhorts, "Receive him as you would me." (Wilkinson & Boa, Talk Thru The Bible) Michael teaches on the book of Philemon.

Guest speaker Dr. Dave Gibson preaches on Psalm 73.

Titus, a young minister, is left on the island of Crete by Paul to begin the challenging task of organizing new converts into local churches.  In this letter, Paul shares with Titus some practical wisdom regarding church organization and administration.  Leaders must be chosen on the basis of proven character and conduct; false teachers must be quickly detected and removed; church members of all ages must be encouraged to live lives worthy of the gospel they claim to believe.  Young and old, leader and laity, must demonstrate the reality of their faith by being "careful to maintain good works."  (Wilkinson & Boa, Talk Thru The Bible.)   Michael continues The Big Book series, teaching on the book of Titus.