David Kirk

ID 53693Nov 27, 1971

Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet in John 13 illustrates the principle that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and service, not worldly ambition. The sermon contrasts the disciples' disputes over who would be greatest with Jesus' act of kneeling to wash their feet, highlighting that the path to honor is through self-abasement, mirroring Christ's own humility in Philippians 2. This act serves as a model for believers to serve one another, emphasizing that genuine connection with Christ is maintained through humble service, not just positional standing. The message concludes by urging believers to embrace humility and service as the practical outworking of their faith, reflecting Christ's example in their interactions.

ID 53170Nov 25, 1971

The resurrection of Lazarus from John 11, presenting Jesus as the resurrection and the life, capable of overcoming death itself. It contrasts the sisters' initial disappointment with Jesus' delayed arrival with their eventual faith and Jesus' demonstration of divine power. The message highlights that Jesus' love for Lazarus was not diminished by his death, and his delay was for God's glory and to strengthen faith, ultimately leading many to believe. The sermon also touches on different perspectives of Jesus in the Gospels and uses the story of Lazarus to illustrate themes of faith, disappointment, and God's sovereign appointments.

ID 52998Nov 26, 1971

Mary's anointing of Jesus is presented as a profound act of devotion and gratitude, demonstrating a selfless love that anticipates his burial. The sermon clarifies potential confusion regarding the timing and location of anointings, specifically highlighting this event as occurring six days before Passover in Bethany, distinct from an earlier anointing in Luke 7. It emphasizes that Mary's costly alabaster ointment, though criticized by Judas, was a precious gift to Jesus, reflecting a deep understanding of his impending death and a desire to honor him. The message draws parallels between Mary's act and the Christian's response to God's grace, urging believers to offer their best to the Lord as an expression of worship, communion, and service, rather than allowing their lives and resources to be wasted.

ID 52156Date unavailable

Mary's extravagant anointing of Jesus' feet with costly perfume demonstrates a profound act of worship and gratitude, contrasting with Judas's utilitarian critique. The sermon highlights this event from John 12, emphasizing that Mary's action, though seemingly wasteful to Judas, was a divinely appointed preparation for Jesus' burial and an expression of her deep love. The core lesson is that true worship involves selfless devotion and appreciation for Christ's sacrifice, rather than mere practical considerations. The message concludes by urging believers to offer tangible expressions of gratitude for God's blessings, mirroring Mary's sacrificial love.

ID 51853Date unavailable

Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates the ultimate act of consecration and faith, foreshadowing God's sacrifice of His own Son. The sermon highlights how Abraham's obedience, even when faced with the seemingly impossible command to offer his promised son, reveals his deep fear of God and his unwavering trust in God's provision. This profound act teaches that true worship involves complete surrender and giving to God, not just prayer or singing. Ultimately, the story of Abraham and Isaac serves as a powerful example of faith, emphasizing that those who truly see and experience God are transformed and find their ultimate fulfillment in Him.

ID 51835Date unavailable

Stewardship is a matter of honoring God with our possessions, not merely a financial transaction but a demonstration of love and trust. The sermon illustrates this through the story of the Hebrew slave who chose to remain with his master out of love, and the parable of the widow's mite, emphasizing that God desires our first and best. It further explores the concept of the 'mammon of unrighteousness,' suggesting that wealth is often misused by those who did not earn it, contrasting with the faithful stewardship of believers. Ultimately, the message encourages a heart-centered giving, where God's portion is set aside first, leading to His blessing and faithfulness, and reminds us that God will complete His work regardless of our individual contributions, but our participation brings satisfaction.

ID 51810Date unavailable

The threefold acceptance of believers in relation to God, drawing from Leviticus 1, Ephesians 1, and 2 Corinthians 5. It begins by examining the Old Testament concept of acceptance through substitution and sacrifice, highlighting the burnt offering as a picture of Christ's perfection. Then, it transitions to the New Testament, emphasizing acceptance in the Beloved through God's grace, irrespective of personal performance. Finally, it discusses acceptance as a servant, which is linked to our labor and will be evaluated at the judgment seat of Christ, contrasting our absolute standing with our relative state. The message concludes by urging believers to understand their acceptance in Christ, which is based on His finished work and His person, leading to spiritual sacrifices of praise and giving.

ID 51636Date unavailable

The necessity of being born again is the central claim in the passage, expounded through Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:1-16. The sermon contrasts Nicodemus, an intellectual Pharisee, with the Samaritan woman in John 4, highlighting both their spiritual ignorance despite differing backgrounds. It emphasizes that true spiritual knowledge comes from the Holy Spirit's operation, not human intellect, and that coming to Jesus, even at night, signifies a readiness for salvation. The core lesson is that salvation requires a divine operation involving God's love, Christ's sacrifice, and the Spirit's work, providing both a title and capacity for heaven. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to examine their spiritual state and seek this new birth, lest they remain bound for hell.

ID 51582Date unavailable

Enoch's life exemplifies the profound blessing of walking with God, a communion that pleases Him and leads to translation from death. This walk is characterized by two essential steps: loving God and loving one's neighbor, which are made possible through God's grace as we agree with His word about Himself, us, and His Son. True fellowship with God requires agreeing with His will, as demonstrated by Christ's obedience and the example of Enoch, who set his pace with God. This intimate walk, marked by honesty, love, and faith, allows believers to experience God's secrets and live a life that pleases Him above all else.

ID 51568Date unavailable

True greatness is found in humble service, not in worldly power or status. Jesus, in Matthew 20:20-28, teaches that those who wish to be great in His kingdom must be servants, even bondslaves. He illustrates this by washing His disciples' feet, a task typically performed by the lowest servants, demonstrating His own example of coming not to be served but to serve. This act, further detailed in John 13 and Luke 22, emphasizes that true leadership is characterized by self-abasement and selfless care for others. The sermon concludes by urging believers to follow Christ's example of humility and service, recognizing that true elevation comes from taking the lowest place.

ID 51551Date unavailable

The Thresher sinking serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prayer and submission to God's will. True strength in prayer arises from aligning our desires with God's, as exemplified by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The sermon uses the tragic loss of the Thresher submarine and the faith of individuals like Fred Stanley Arnett and the Keaster family to illustrate that consecration is a voluntary act of love, not compulsion. Finding comfort in God's will is paramount during times of profound grief.

ID 108816Date unavailable

Enoch's life exemplifies the profound blessing of walking with God, a communion that pleases Him and leads to translation from death. This walk is characterized by agreeing with God's word about Himself, oneself, and His Son, a principle demonstrated by Jesus Christ's obedience and exemplified by Old Testament figures. True fellowship with God involves taking two steps: pleasing Him and loving one's neighbor, which is only possible through faith and a willingness to submit to God's will, even amidst suffering, as seen in the example of Job and the ultimate sacrifice at Calvary.

ID 108802Date unavailable

True greatness is found in humble service, not in worldly power or status. Jesus, though divine and sovereign, demonstrated this by washing his disciples' feet, a task reserved for the lowest servants. This act, performed even for Judas who would betray him, illustrates Christ's unselfish care, unceasing love, and matchless grace. The sermon emphasizes that aspiring to be great in God's kingdom requires embracing humility and serving others, mirroring Christ's example of self-abasement for the sake of humanity.

ID 108785Date unavailable

The importance of prayer and submission to God's will, particularly in times of trial and loss, using the tragic sinking of the Thresher submarine as a poignant example. It recounts the story of Mary Keaster, whose husband, John, was lost in the disaster, and highlights her profound peace and faith in God's plan despite her grief. The message draws parallels between Christ's prayer in Gethsemane and the need for believers to surrender their own desires to God's sovereign purpose, ultimately finding comfort and strength in His promises even amidst devastating circumstances.