Stonebridge Bible Church Sermons

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.

2 Timothy is Paul's last will and testament to his spiritual son Timothy.  Writing from a Roman prison cell, Paul imparts his final words of wisdom and encouragement to Timothy who is ministering in the midst of opposition and hardship in Ephesus.  Paul stresses the importance of godly living, preaching the Word both in and out of season, and preparing for the coming apostasy within the church.  Underlying all that Paul says is the importance of God's Word -- the only foundation strong enough to withstand persecution from without and problems from within.  (Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru The Bible.) Michael continues The Big Book: Cover to Cover with the book of 2 Timothy.

According to Wilkinson and Boa in their book Talk Thru the Bible, Paul, the aged and experienced apostle, writes to young pastor Timothy who is facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the church at Ephesus. The task is challenging: false doctrine must be erased, public worship safeguarded, and mature leadership developed. In addition to the conduct of the church, Paul talks pointedly about the conduct of the minister. Timothy must be on his guard lest his youthfulness become a liability, rather than an asset to the gospel. He must be careful to avoid false teachers and greedy motives, pursuing instead righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness as befitting a man of God. Join Michael as he teaches on the book of 1 Timothy.