Text: 1 Corinthians 3:4-9

Introduction:

The church of Corinth had division among its people. Groups were forming based upon the identities of leadership.  Paul wanted the church to know they were required to work together in the harvest.  God uses leadership, not to divide but to multiply.

1. The Different Gardeners (v4-5)

A. Consider their Tasks– “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?”

B. Consider their Teamwork- “I have planted, Apollos watered;”

2. The Divine Growth (v6-7)

A. The Instruments of …

I see it more and more these days: division among brethren.  I hear, and thanks to social media, see the contention that is taking place among the body of Christ.  And it doesn’t matter what group, denomination or “movement” you may be associated with- bickering in this generation is rampant.

Do not get me wrong, there are some things to which we must contend.  The precious doctrines of the church are worth separating over.  I cannot stand in fellowship with someone who refuses to believe in the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the imminent return of the Lord, or …

I am writing this after the close of one of the best Youth Sunday’s we have had at our church.  Recently we have had several of our young men called to the ministry: one on the mission field, one into youth ministry, one into the pastorate, and several surrendered to full-time Christian service.  I praise the Lord that He is still speaking to those who will hear His voice.

Such surrender however, does not come without spiritual investments.

I am thankful for parents who contend with busy calendars, hectic schedules, and multiple obligations. I am thankful that they prioritize church …

We all know it is imperative for leaders to have and maintain a vision.  “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight” said Helen Keller, “but has no vision.”  Vision is what distinguishes the leader from the follower.  It is the one thing that differentiates the average traveler from the informed, observant driver: the ability to see up ahead.

Vision is especially important in pastoral ministry.  As a pastor I am not only preparing for this Sunday, I am preparing for the Sunday 5, 10, 20 years from now.    Mel Lawrenz hits on this notion in …

Text: Galatians 4:1-7

Introduction:

The inheritance of the believer is settled because of his standing in Christ.  As a child of God we are heirs in Jesus Christ through the Spirit of adoption.

1. The Adolescents of God (v1-3)

A. The Standing of the Child– “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a    servant, though he be lord of all;”

B. The Season of the Child– “But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.”

C. The Similarity of the Child– “Even …