December 17, 2023 - Brookfield Church of Christ - Evening Assembly 5:00 p.m.
Building Successful Plans: Including God in All Our Decisions
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)
3 Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
3 Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
Central Idea:
Christians must remember to include God in all our decisions and strategies.
Christians must remember to include God in all our decisions and strategies.
December 17, 2023 - Brookfield Church of Christ - Morning Assembly 10:30 a.m.
The Key to Steadfast Faith
Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Central Idea:
Steadfast faith resides in focusing on Jesus, drawing strength from His example, and persevering in our spiritual journey, irrespective of our challenges.
Steadfast faith resides in focusing on Jesus, drawing strength from His example, and persevering in our spiritual journey, irrespective of our challenges.
November 19, 2023 - Brookfield Church of Christ - Evening Assembly 5:00 p.m.
Raising Up the Cross of Christ
The Spirit and the Cross series lesson #6
Central Idea:
In this lesson we'll expand the meaning and method used by the Holy Spirit to raise up the cross of Christ externally.
In this lesson we'll expand the meaning and method used by the Holy Spirit to raise up the cross of Christ externally.
November 19, 2023 - Brookfield Church of Christ - Morning Assembly 10:15 a.m.
In The Strength of His Might
Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Central Idea:
As Christians it is important to rely on God's strength.
As Christians it is important to rely on God's strength.
October 29, 2023 - Schrader Lane Church of Christ - Morning Assembly 9:15 a.m.
A Virus In The Land
Exodus 15:22–27 (ESV)
22 Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. 24 And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
There the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, 26 saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.
22 Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. 24 And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
There the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, 26 saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.
Central Idea:
The cross of Calvary, where Jesus became man’s sacrifice and hope of eternity, made the bitter waters of the world sweet.
The cross of Calvary, where Jesus became man’s sacrifice and hope of eternity, made the bitter waters of the world sweet.
Try the digital form below, specially created for our youth. Take notes and answer questions from the sermon.
October 15, 2023 - Brookfield Church of Christ - Evening Assembly 5:00 p.m.
The Holy Spirit is God
Central Idea:
This lesson will focus on the various Scriptures that define the particulars of God's complex character and demonstrate the unique presence of the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.
This lesson will focus on the various Scriptures that define the particulars of God's complex character and demonstrate the unique presence of the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.
October 15, 2023 - Brookfield Church of Christ - Morning Assembly 10:30 a.m.
Are You Being Tested?
Judges 3:1–4 (ESV)
1 Now these are the nations that the Lord left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. 2 It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before. 3 These are the nations: the five lords of the Philistines and all the Canaanites and the Sidonians and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far as Lebo-hamath. 4 They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
1 Now these are the nations that the Lord left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. 2 It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before. 3 These are the nations: the five lords of the Philistines and all the Canaanites and the Sidonians and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far as Lebo-hamath. 4 They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
Central Idea:
This sermon, "Are You Being Tested?" calls Christians to recognize their spiritual battles as tests of faith and encourages vigilance, equipping oneself with the armor of God and enduring commitment to God's commands as strategies to triumph in this ongoing spiritual warfare.
This sermon, "Are You Being Tested?" calls Christians to recognize their spiritual battles as tests of faith and encourages vigilance, equipping oneself with the armor of God and enduring commitment to God's commands as strategies to triumph in this ongoing spiritual warfare.
September 24, 2023 - Schrader Lane Church of Christ - Evening Assembly 5:00 p.m.
Why We Should Trust in the Lord
Jeremiah 17:7–8 (ESV)
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
8 He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
8 He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Central Idea:
Trusting in the Lord brings peace, provision, and purpose to our lives.
Trusting in the Lord brings peace, provision, and purpose to our lives.
September 17, 2023 - Brookfield Church of Christ - Evening Assembly 5:00 p.m.
Lesson #6 The Kingdom Parables
The Parable of the Sower & the Seed
Central Idea:
This lesson begins the final series of parables on the kingdom - the five parables that use agriculture as a base for their stories.
This lesson begins the final series of parables on the kingdom - the five parables that use agriculture as a base for their stories.
September 17, 2023 - Brookfield Church of Christ - Morning Assembly 10:30 a.m.
Work the Works
Central Idea:
Seize every moment of your limited time on earth to work heartily for God's glory, knowing that the 'night'—an end to our opportunity to serve—is inevitably coming.
Seize every moment of your limited time on earth to work heartily for God's glory, knowing that the 'night'—an end to our opportunity to serve—is inevitably coming.
John 9:4 (ESV)
4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.
4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.
August 27, 2023 - Schrader Lane Church of Christ - Morning Assembly 9:15 a.m.
From Indoctrinated to Converted
Description:
Don't blame the lack of commitment or faith when someone stops attending church. Explore the difference between conversion and indoctrination, and discover why it takes more than belief for a person to live out faith.
Don't blame the lack of commitment or faith when someone stops attending church. Explore the difference between conversion and indoctrination, and discover why it takes more than belief for a person to live out faith.
Central Idea:
Let's take a look at four areas Christians need to be converted in order to move from indoctrination to conversion.
Let's take a look at four areas Christians need to be converted in order to move from indoctrination to conversion.
Luke 8:4–8 (ESV)
4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
July 16, 2023 - Brookfield Church of Christ - Morning Assembly
Don't Talk About My Sin
We should be alert and discerning to identify and reject deceptive influences in our lives, take responsibility for discerning truth from falsehood, and embody courage and integrity in standing for truth as guided by God's Word.
Lamentations 2:14 (ESV)
14 Your prophets have seen for you
false and deceptive visions;
they have not exposed your iniquity
to restore your fortunes,
but have seen for you oracles
that are false and misleading.
14 Your prophets have seen for you
false and deceptive visions;
they have not exposed your iniquity
to restore your fortunes,
but have seen for you oracles
that are false and misleading.
July 16, 2023 - Brookfield Church of Christ - Evening Assembly
THE ROLE OF BAPTISM AND COMMUNION
The Sub-Doctrine of Salvation - Part 2
Four of the most asked questions about the role of baptism in the process of salvation.
June 18, 2023
Obtaining the Crown
The Crown of Eternal Life is achieved by effort, self-control, and self-examination, with tests allowing all participants the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (ESV)
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
| obtaining_the_crown.pdf |
May 21, 2023
The Crafty Serpent
The serpent is shrewd; deceitful and schemes evil for and against the people of God and His Will.
Genesis 3:1–5 (ESV)
3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.
He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.
He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the Church of Christ in Brookfield, IL
| the_crafty_serpent.pdf |
April 30, 2023 - 5:00 p.m. Schrader Lane Church of Christ
Keeping Your First Love, First
A look at things that cause Christians to lose enthusiasm in their journey of faith.
Revelation 2:2–4 (ESV)
2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
| keeping_your_first_love_first.pdf |
| keeping_your_first_love_first.pptx |
April 16, 2023
Give Attention to Me, My People
Seeking righteousness is a key characteristic of those who anticipate salvation from God.
Isaiah 51:4–8 (ESV)
4 “Give attention to me, my people,
and give ear to me, my nation;
for a law will go out from me,
and I will set my justice for a light to the peoples.
5 My righteousness draws near,
my salvation has gone out,
and my arms will judge the peoples;
the coastlands hope for me,
and for my arm they wait.
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens vanish like smoke,
the earth will wear out like a garment,
and they who dwell in it will die in like manner;
but my salvation will be forever,
and my righteousness will never be dismayed.
7 “Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
the people in whose heart is my law;
fear not the reproach of man,
nor be dismayed at their revilings.
8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment,
and the worm will eat them like wool,
but my righteousness will be forever,
and my salvation to all generations.”
4 “Give attention to me, my people,
and give ear to me, my nation;
for a law will go out from me,
and I will set my justice for a light to the peoples.
5 My righteousness draws near,
my salvation has gone out,
and my arms will judge the peoples;
the coastlands hope for me,
and for my arm they wait.
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens vanish like smoke,
the earth will wear out like a garment,
and they who dwell in it will die in like manner;
but my salvation will be forever,
and my righteousness will never be dismayed.
7 “Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
the people in whose heart is my law;
fear not the reproach of man,
nor be dismayed at their revilings.
8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment,
and the worm will eat them like wool,
but my righteousness will be forever,
and my salvation to all generations.”
Click the graphic above to see a video of this lesson.
| give_attention_to_me_my_people.pdf |
April 16, 2023 Evening Assembly
A New Life in Christ - Regeneration - Understanding Your Religion #13
Once a person is redeemed from sin, he can live a new life. This lesson explains the very different lifestyle of the regenerated person.
Click the graphic above to see a video of this lesson.
| a_new_life_in_christ_regeneration.pdf |
March 19, 2023
In the Midst of Much Conflict
1 Thessalonians 2:1–2 (ESV)
For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.
For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.
Click the graphic above to see a video of this lesson.
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March 19, 2023 Evening Assembly
What Atonement Achieves - Understanding Your Religion #12
The difference between the act of Atonement and its natural result of Redemption.
Click the graphic above to see a video of this lesson.
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February 19, 2023
Christian Defense
Jude 3–4 (ESV)
3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Click on picture for video prevention of "Christian Defense"
| christian_defense.pdf |
February 19, 2023 Evening Assembly
What the Bible Says About Jesus - Understanding Your Religion #6
Click on picture above for video presentation of "What the Bible Says About Jesus"
| what_the_bible_says_about_jesus.pdf |
January 22, 2023
The Nature of the Goal
Matthew 5:48 (ESV)
48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Click on the picture above to see the video presentation of "The Nature of the Goal"
| the_nature_of_the_goal.pdf |