Shockley Few

ID 54798Apr 1, 1977

Joy in the Christian life is possible even amidst suffering and difficulty, stemming from our relationship with God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The sermon draws on biblical examples like David, Paul, and Jesus' own words to illustrate that true joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a divine gift. It emphasizes that this joy is a fruit of the Spirit, evidenced in contentment, peace, and an unwavering trust in God's promises, even when facing trials. Ultimately, the Christian's joy serves as a testimony to the world, reflecting God's victory and love.

ID 54797Mar 30, 1977

Three responsibilities toward the Word of God: appreciation, appropriation, and application. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 2:13, it highlights how the Thessalonians received the Word not as human teaching but as God's, which powerfully worked in them. The message contrasts this with modern neglect of Scripture due to its accessibility, urging listeners to value it as much as those who suffered for its preservation. It concludes by calling believers to actively meditate on, internalize, and live out God's Word, likening it to vital nourishment for the soul and the source of God's power in their lives.

ID 54796Mar 27, 1977

Three key aspects of the Apostle Paul's life that enabled God to use him mightily: purpose, attitude, and motivation. It highlights Paul's supreme desire to know Christ, emphasizing the importance of single-mindedness in the Christian life, drawing parallels with Daniel's resolve. The message then explores the necessity of a faith-filled attitude, illustrated by Caleb and Joshua's perspective on the Promised Land, and the power of forgetting past failures to press on toward the heavenly prize. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to embrace these principles to live a life that honors God.

ID 54794Jan 22, 1974

Unanswered prayer often stems from asking with wrong motives, as illustrated by James 4:3, where requests are made for selfish pleasures rather than God's glory. Another significant reason is a lack of faith, as highlighted in James 1:5-6, which states that doubting individuals are like a tossed sea and will not receive from the Lord. Unconfessed sin, as warned in Psalm 66:18 and Isaiah 59:1-2, creates a barrier between believers and God, preventing Him from hearing their prayers. Furthermore, unforgiveness towards others, as taught in Mark 11:25, blocks God's forgiveness and hinders answered prayer. The sermon encourages believers to be born again, abide in Christ, pray humbly, and trust God's will, emphasizing that with God, all things are possible.

ID 54793Jan 22, 1974

The devotional life is essential for spiritual growth and is best cultivated through a daily quiet time with God. This practice, likened to feeding a newborn babe, provides spiritual nourishment, counsel, cleansing, and strength for conflict, as exemplified by Jesus' own prayer life. Practical suggestions for a quiet time include using a plain text Bible, a notebook for thoughts and prayer requests, setting a specific time and place, and approaching the time with an expectant spirit. Ultimately, consistent engagement with God's Word and prayer leads to spiritual maturity, obedience, and the ability to share one's faith effectively.

ID 54792Jan 20, 1974

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, as explained through the lens of Romans 6:23. The sermon unpacks this verse by exploring the tragedy of sin's entrance into the world and its inevitable consequence of death, contrasting this with the certainty and immense value of eternal life as a gift from God. It emphasizes that salvation is not earned through good deeds but is freely received through faith in Jesus Christ. The message concludes by urging listeners to make the crucial choice to accept this gift of life by trusting in Christ as their Savior and Lord.

ID 54791Jan 20, 1974

Sin is rebellion against God and a failure to meet His standard of glory, not merely a pardonable weakness. The sermon defines sin by its nature as "missing the mark" (Romans 3:23), transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4), and anything not done in faith (Romans 14:23). It illustrates how sin, regardless of how well it is hidden, ultimately finds people out, affecting their character, relationships, and conscience. The message emphasizes the importance of confessing sin for instant restoration and maintaining a powerful Christian testimony, urging believers to keep short accounts with God.

ID 54790Mar 19, 1971

God uses willing individuals to accomplish His work on earth, requiring them to first know Jesus Christ as Savior and to have a singular purpose of serving God. To be used by God, one must remove hindrances, yield to His will, and cultivate a daily communion with Him through prayer and Bible study. This leads to a vital message for the lost, a belief in God's power to perform miracles, and a life lived in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the necessity of a passion for souls, a willingness to work, courage, trust in God with one's finances, and the discipline of caring for one's body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

ID 54789Mar 18, 1971

The importance of Bible study tools and resources to deepen understanding and application of God's Word. It highlights various books, commentaries, and reference Bibles as essential aids for effective study, comparing them to tools that equip a golfer or mechanic. The message illustrates how different Bible translations can illuminate the meaning of scripture and stresses that a Christian's 'conversation' or conduct should reflect the gospel. Ultimately, the sermon encourages diligent study and the use of available resources to live a life worthy of the gospel, leading to spiritual growth and glorifying God.

ID 54787Mar 17, 1971

Being filled with the Spirit of God is essential for a victorious Christian life, not just for prominent figures but for every believer. The sermon emphasizes that while believers are indwelt by the Spirit upon conversion, they must actively seek to be continually filled and controlled by Him. This involves knowing Christ experimentally, confessing and forsaking known sins, and yielding one's entire life to God's dominion. The evidence of being filled with the Spirit includes courage to witness, the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, and Christ having preeminence in all actions and words. Ultimately, a life filled with the Spirit is characterized by power, a focus on glorifying Christ, and constant communion with God through short accounts.

ID 54786Mar 17, 1971

The new life in Christ is characterized by redemption, forgiveness, and deliverance from darkness into His kingdom. This transformation is not merely a change in status but an ongoing process of being filled with the knowledge of God's will, walking in a manner worthy of the Lord, and bearing fruit in every good work. The sermon emphasizes that this spiritual growth is empowered by God's glorious might, leading to patience, long-suffering, and joyfulness. Ultimately, believers are called to live out this new reality by increasing in the knowledge of God and demonstrating His character through their actions and attitudes, reflecting His grace and power in their daily lives.

ID 54784Mar 16, 1971

The reasons why Jesus chose Judas as one of his twelve disciples, arguing that it was not an oversight but a deliberate act by God. The passage posits that Judas's selection served to fulfill prophecy, particularly concerning his betrayal for thirty pieces of silver, and to prepare the disciples for the reality of false professors within the church. Furthermore, Judas's inclusion demonstrated Christ's omniscience and God's unconventional methods, while also highlighting the inadequacy of the social gospel which relies on environment, education, and good works without a transformed heart. The message concludes by emphasizing that true transformation, evidenced by a changed life, love for God's word and people, a desire to share the faith, and a hatred for sin, is the hallmark of genuine salvation.

ID 54662Mar 16, 1971

Fret not thyself because of evil doers, as Psalm 37 teaches, because their prosperity is temporary and God's justice will prevail. The sermon emphasizes that Christians should not react to problems with worldly attitudes like denial or escapism, but rather trust in the Lord, do good, delight in Him, and commit their ways to Him. The core lesson is that true peace and fulfillment come from actively trusting and obeying God, not from worldly solutions or anxieties. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to rest in the Lord, be quiet before Him, and wait for His timing, recognizing that His ways are not our ways and His ultimate plan will be brought to pass.

ID 54661Mar 14, 1971

Receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord brings profound blessings, including pardon for sins, the power to live a new life, and the peace that surpasses worldly understanding. The sermon illustrates these benefits through biblical examples and personal anecdotes, emphasizing that salvation is a free gift, not earned by works. It highlights that a relationship with Christ provides purpose, provision, and a hopeful prospect of His return, urging listeners to trust in Him alone for true fulfillment.

ID 54660Jun 1, 1969

God's love for the world is the ultimate exhibition, demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son on the cross, revealing the immeasurable value of humanity to God. This divine love is not earned but is a gift, transforming believers into new creatures with changed ambitions and values. The sermon emphasizes that this salvation is the beginning of God's work, leading to a process of cleansing and preparation through His Word, ultimately forming a redeemed people who are distinct and peculiar to the world because of their transformed lives and eternal prospect.

ID 54659May 31, 1969

Believers are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him faithfully by speaking His word, not their own opinions. This representation requires familiarity with God's Word and a willingness to engage with the world to win others to Christ, rather than isolating oneself. Furthermore, believers are temples of the living God, meaning their bodies are sacred and should be cared for, and their actions, including leisure time, should be disciplined to avoid becoming mere ritual. The church is also presented as the bride of Christ, expected to exhibit love, devotion, and faithfulness to Him.

ID 54658May 31, 1969

Christians are called to be a fragrant aroma and an epistle of Christ, reflecting His character to the world. It explores how believers, like the Apostle Paul, are vessels of God's power, meant to spread the knowledge of Christ through their lives. The message emphasizes that true spiritual effectiveness comes not from human effort but from the Holy Spirit's liberty and power working through ordinary individuals. Ultimately, the Christian life is about allowing Christ's life to overflow, making believers a living testimony that draws others to God.

ID 54631May 30, 1969

Christian joy is a profound and enduring state that transcends circumstances, rooted in God's presence and promises. The sermon explores various sources of joy, including the repentance of sinners, the spiritual growth of believers, answered prayer, and the fellowship within God's family. It contrasts this divine joy with superficial happiness, emphasizing that true joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, sustained even amidst suffering and trials, as exemplified by biblical figures like Jesus, David, and Paul. The ultimate application is to cultivate this God-given joy as a source of strength and a powerful testimony to the world.

ID 54630Mar 29, 1977

Iniquity in the heart is defined as harboring known sin without taking action, which hinders one's relationship with God and prayer. The sermon emphasizes that God is concerned with the inner person, not outward appearance, and that besetting sins, often fueled by thought life, can be specific weaknesses Satan exploits. The cure for iniquity involves recognizing the sin, confessing it, and resolving to overcome it with God's power, understanding that sin separates from God and dulls spiritual sensitivity. Ultimately, victory over sin is possible through the indwelling Holy Spirit, leading to restoration and a clear conscience.

ID 54629Mar 29, 1977

Iniquity in the heart is the central theme, emphasizing that God's primary concern is the inner condition of a person, not outward appearance. The sermon draws parallels between physical health diagnostics and spiritual health, highlighting that just as a doctor examines the tongue, God examines the heart. It explains that iniquity is not just outward sin but also harboring sinful thoughts and neglecting to address them, using examples from Scripture like Psalm 66:18 and Hebrews 12:1. The message concludes by stressing that unconfessed sin divides believers from God, dulls their spiritual sensitivity, and prevents their prayers from being heard, likening it to ships with radios turned off during a crisis.

ID 53257Date unavailable

The imperative of evangelism, drawing from Luke 24:48 and Matthew 28:19-20, to highlight the call to be witnesses for Christ. It contrasts past methods of evangelism with the changing cultural landscape, stressing the need for updated approaches to effectively share the gospel. The message underscores that while only a small percentage of churchgoers actively win souls, any believer can become a gifted soul-winner through commitment to Christ. It further details practical strategies for evangelism, including building relationships, finding common ground, and diligent follow-up, ultimately calling believers to actively participate in bringing others to Christ.

ID 53252Oct 22, 1967

Christian joy is a profound and serene experience that originates from God and is sustained by the Holy Spirit, independent of external circumstances. This joy is not superficial but rests on God's provisions and promises, offering contentment and satisfaction. The sermon highlights that this joy is a fruit of the Spirit, evidenced by believers rejoicing even amidst affliction, persecution, and trials, as seen in the examples of the apostles Paul and Silas. Ultimately, this enduring joy stems from the consciousness of God's presence, the understanding of His Word, victory over sin, and the blessed relationship as members of God's family.

ID 53243Jan 15, 1970

The instructions for living a joyous, useful, and effective Christian life are found in God's Word. To be used by God, one must first know Jesus Christ as Savior, then maintain a single eye on God's purpose, and remove any hindrances to spiritual growth. It is essential to yield one's will completely to God, daily commune with Him through prayer and His Word, and learn to live by faith. Christians should also be mindful of their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, taking care of them through proper diet, exercise, and rest to honor God.

ID 53239Apr 1, 1977

Transforming grace fundamentally alters ten key relationships in a believer's life, beginning with our relationship to God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This grace shifts our perspective on the law, the power of sin, the present world, and our own good works, moving us from reliance on self to dependence on God. Furthermore, grace reorients our view of trials and afflictions, death, and even the final judgment, transforming them from sources of fear into opportunities for growth and reward. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned by works, leading to a profound and lasting change in how Christians live and relate to the world around them.

ID 53237Mar 31, 1977

Christian stewardship is a vital but often neglected subject, encompassing all aspects of life that belong to God. The sermon emphasizes that believers are merely stewards of what God has entrusted to them, urging a generous and systematic approach to giving. Drawing on biblical examples and principles, including the Old Testament tithe and New Testament teachings on cheerful giving, the message highlights that God's work, done in God's way, will always be supported. Ultimately, trusting God with our resources, as demonstrated by various testimonies, leads to His provision and abundant blessing.

ID 53231Mar 31, 1977

How believers should handle problems by focusing on trusting in the Lord, drawing heavily from Psalm 37. The passage outlines three common but unhelpful attitudes toward problems: ignoring them, running from them, and a fatalistic approach of making the best of them. Instead, the sermon emphasizes four positive actions: trusting in the Lord, delighting in Him, committing one's way to Him, and resting in Him. Practical advice is given on how to cultivate faith, including studying God's attributes and promises, and learning from the lives of faithful individuals, ultimately encouraging listeners to actively engage with God's solutions rather than passively waiting or worrying.

ID 53228Mar 30, 1977

The importance of trusting in the Lord with all one's heart and acknowledging Him in all ways, as He will direct our paths. The passage shares numerous personal anecdotes from his life, illustrating how God has consistently provided for his needs, guided his decisions, and used even seemingly insignificant events for His purposes. The core lesson is that a life of faith and dependence on God leads to joy, peace, and the fulfillment of His will, even when circumstances are challenging. The message encourages listeners to learn from these experiences and to actively trust God in their own lives, knowing that He is faithful and will never fail those who depend on Him.

ID 53215Jan 24, 1974

The importance of mutual service and care within the Christian community, drawing from numerous New Testament passages that instruct believers to act "one toward another." The message highlights practical applications such as praying for each other, offering encouragement, showing kindness and tenderness, forgiving one another, and bearing with each other's weaknesses. It underscores that these actions are not merely suggestions but essential components of Christian living that foster spiritual growth and demonstrate Christ's love. The sermon concludes by urging believers to actively practice these principles, thereby strengthening the body of Christ and reflecting God's grace.

ID 53187Mar 19, 1971

The importance of maintaining fellowship with God through daily spiritual disciplines, particularly prayer, Bible study, and encouraging one another. It distinguishes between relationship with God, which is eternal, and fellowship, which can be broken by sin but restored through confession. The message draws parallels to the biblical accounts of Joseph and the Apostle Paul's admonition to "die daily" to self, highlighting that a Christian life involves daily self-denial and reliance on God's provision. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to actively engage in these practices to experience God's blessing and be a source of encouragement to others.

ID 53186Mar 18, 1971

The New Testament church is characterized by its exclusive fellowship with those received by Christ, its recognition of Christ as the sole head, and its embrace of all believers as priests. The sermon details how the early church did not include unsaved individuals, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit adds believers to the body of Christ upon salvation. It highlights the unity of believers as one in Christ, regardless of denominational differences, and the importance of recognizing the diverse gifts within the church for its edification. The message concludes by stressing that the New Testament church takes only the name of Christ, adheres strictly to the Word of God as its final authority, and observes the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper as instituted by Christ.

ID 53184Jun 1, 1969

The blessed hope of the church is the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes that this truth, though often overlooked, should profoundly impact believers' lives, motivating them to live faithfully and expectantly. It explores the scriptural accounts of Christ's return for the saints, the resurrection of the dead, and the subsequent judgment seat where believers will give an account of their lives and ministries. The message concludes by urging believers to purify themselves in anticipation of Christ's return and to actively participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

ID 53174May 30, 1969

The life of Elijah as a model for Christian living, emphasizing his boldness and obedience to God. It highlights Elijah's confrontation with King Ahab and his subsequent period of reliance on God's provision by the brook Cherith, illustrating that God uses ordinary people who are willing to obey Him. The message draws parallels between Elijah's experiences and the challenges faced by believers today, stressing the importance of faith in God's reality, recognizing oneself as God's representative, and trusting in God's resources through His Word. Ultimately, it encourages listeners to be obedient and faithful in their own lives, whether in public ministry or private devotion, trusting that God will lead them step by step.

ID 53166Jan 23, 1974

Soul winning requires intentional involvement with those who need Christ, intelligent acquaintance with them, and diligent study of God's Word to answer their questions. Ultimately, all evangelistic efforts must be guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be effective. The sermon draws parallels to Psalm 126, illustrating that sowing the seed of the gospel, even through tears and hardship, will lead to a joyful harvest. It emphasizes that a life overflowing with Christ's love and compassion is the most effective means of drawing others to Him, urging believers to actively share their faith and experience the joy of seeing others come to Christ.

ID 53164Jan 23, 1974

Personal evangelism requires active involvement, deep biblical knowledge, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. The sermon uses the example of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch to illustrate how to engage with individuals, build rapport, and share the gospel from scripture. It emphasizes the importance of spending time with people, understanding their needs, and being prepared to explain Jesus through diligent study of the Bible. Ultimately, true effectiveness in soul-winning comes not just from effort, but from the anointing power of the Holy Spirit.

ID 53096Mar 15, 1971

New Testament evangelism is a divine commission for every Christian, not an option, requiring believers to be witnesses of God's grace. While individuals have unique gifts, the core principle is obedience to Christ's Great Commission to preach the gospel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of relating to people by spending time with them, praying for guidance, and following Christ's example of meeting people where they are. It highlights the power of family discipleship, the effectiveness of intercessory prayer, and the necessity of taking the gospel out into the world, rather than waiting for people to come to a building. Ultimately, evangelism is about personally sharing the reality of Christ in one's own life and trusting God to use diverse methods and individuals to bring others to salvation.

ID 52775Mar 14, 1971

New Testament evangelism relies on personal relationships and everyday interactions to lead people to Christ, mirroring the methods of Jesus and the early church. The sermon highlights how individuals like Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, and how Jesus himself engaged with people from various walks of life, such as Matthew the tax collector. It emphasizes that Christians should actively build relationships with non-believers through shared activities like fishing, playing golf, or hosting meals, rather than isolating themselves. The core lesson is that genuine connection and understanding are essential for effectively sharing the gospel, and that God can use ordinary contacts and circumstances to bring people to salvation.