Text: 1 Peter 2:4-8

Introduction:

One of the most successful advertising campaigns for Chevrolet lasted from 1992-2004.  They produced a series of commercials for their pickup trucks entitled- Like a Rock

Bob Seger sang the now famous words:

Like a Rock, I was strong as I could be, Like a rock, nothing ever got to me, like a rock.

The premise of the commercial was to make us believe you could depend upon their trucks- as long as you were driving on of their vehicles, nothing could go wrong.

I passed by a junk yard the other day and …

Every year thousands of preachers, pastors, and evangelists leave their calling.  It is true-God redirects some men into different locations and fields at various times.  On occasion God will close and open the doors of ministry.  But others leave with the intent to only go through one final door, and that is the door out in the vestibule.

While ministry is the greatest privilege of a man’s life, it is also difficult-only those who have never been in it will say otherwise.  Ministry is full of disappointments, heartaches, mud-slinging (yes, mud-slinging), tears and aggravation.  However, much of the difficulty we …

What am I going to do?  What degree will I pursue?  Where does God want to lead my family?  Should I put the kids in private school?  Can I afford this?  Should we buy this home?  How can I tell them that?  Am I ready for this?  Should I stay?  Do I go?

Some decisions are trivial, while others are life-changing; either way they have consequences.  Making a decision is something that is accomplished within a moment of time, but the effect has far-reaching and long-lasting results.  That is why it is important not to hastily jump to a conclusion.  …

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 …