Re previous comment - Thank you for your encouraging words re the sermon. The version of Scripture used was not the NIV but the ESV. I appreciate that your point will be the same but I state is simply for clarification purposes.
“ Fantastic Sermon! ” This sermon is fantastic in that it is so simple and clear. It goes to the heart of why we can't trust ourselves - because of who we are and the limit of our understanding. The preacher then cites why we can and must trust the Lord - because of who He is and His infinite understanding.
Then in his conclusion he spells out what Christians need to do if we are to progress from simply 'believing in God' to actually 'trusting in the Lord' on as daily basis. Every Christian should hear this. It is both thought provoking and tremendously encouraging!
“ Wanting More Than Christ ” This sermon pinpoints the fact that we all have something we are seeking or wanting or treasuring more than Christ - and reminds us to seek Him first and only, because nothing else will satisfy. A great encouragement and reminder from the Word.
“ The difference is... ” What makes Christianity distinct? This sermon shows the difference between true, Biblical Christianity and all other religions of mankind. Religions are all about doing something to achieve union with God. Each religion competes in how they package their solution to mankind's need for God, but they all share the same approach. True Christianity is about the finished work of Jesus Christ. This sermon would be a good entry point to someone who isn't familiar with Christianity, since you'll probably recognize your religious experience in it.
“ Sounds like work ” Wisdom can be had, but only with effort. So maybe this won't be the most popular sermon. But there's some deep truth here. Nothing worthwhile comes easy, and modern Christianity tends to make being a Christian something easy and effortless ("sweatless victory" used to be the phrase a few years ago). If you applied this approach to any other area of life, you would not get the results you wanted. Nothing is handed to you. If you want wisdom, if you want a better approach to life, you need to seize it.
And if you are not a Christian, it's worth contrasting the message of this sermon with what you think Christianity is based on what else you've heard.
“ Miss You! ” We're at Chris & Lisa's and finally had a moment to check out things "Airdrie." So great to hear an actual voice, and even the voice of ANDREW. So comforting (and encouraging to catch up on his series of people who had encountered Jesus. To quote someone we know: "Good(Great) Job!" Enjoyed the message, and your manner of opening the passage, Andrew. PREACH ON! Dick and Susan
“ Not what you think ” Doesn't give short-cuts to living an easier Christian life. Instead, this sermon shows the approach many Christians have where they want to avoid the hard work of being a Christian. Definitely will make any Christian think twice, and well worth the time spent listening. Probably one of the best sermons Pastor Quigley has ever put online, and would be worthy of Paul Washer. Even non-Christians will want to listen to this, to see the difference between real Christianity and what people pass off as it.
“ The gospel--according to Ruth! ” The good news of Jesus Christ redeeming his people from sin is illustrated by Ruth, the alien who came among God's people and found a redeemer. A perennial download for everyone to listen to.
“ Not misquoted ” The Bible reading at the beginning of this sermon is not a misquotation of the text, but the reading is explained later on in the sermon. You may want to read along in the NKJV or NASB, which has a different reading than the RSV/NRSV/ESV tradition (and NIV).
The sermon is a wonderful example of why God operates the way he does, in the life of a man with faith. There is a purpose, even if we don't see it.
“ How a leader arises... ” Fascinating look at what the Bible says about the people of a nation demanding a charismatic, unifying leader -- with an application to today's world! Shows how relevant the Old Testament is to us.
“ He's being honest ” There is an American Christian television broadcast that says "God has no defeats planned for your life, only 100% victory" and it's so unrealistic I would laugh if it wasn't being sent into homes all across America pretending to be the gospel. Pastor Quigley is being honest in this sermon that life does have ups and downs, and God is there always and the Bible does have real answers. This sermon will be comforting and encouraging to people who have "hit a wall" in their lives, because it deals realistically with life. It is also a good antidote to the "100% victory" lie because it presents real-life Christianity.
“ Apologetic or Pathetic? ” Sorry can be apologetic ("I'm sorry I sat on your model airplane and crushed it") or pathetic ("that is a sorry drawing of Tippy the Turtle"). In this case, it's apologetic. This sermon does an excellent job of showing the difference between the world's phony apologies and what they amount to (and how many Christians confuse this with salvation), versus the Biblical definition of repentance. When you listen to it, see which of these two clearly drawn sides you're on. The simple prayer the Old Trailblazer always recommends is: "Lord, show me myself."
“ Overview of OT history ” The three sermons in the historical context mini-series cover the time period from Abraham to Esther. They make a good survey of this Old Testament time period which would be of interest to Bible students. The Bible often scatters different parts of historical information in different places, especially leading up to and during the exile period where material is scattered across historical books and the prophets. Pastor Quigley does a good job pulling together the bits and pieces and presenting a chronological overview. Should be very helpful to understand how all this material fits together. I found the timeline on p.10-11 of the Macarthur Study Bible very helpful, since it lays out the northern and southern kingdoms, the prophets, and the other world powers grouped by the years they flourished.
“ He isn't kidding ” When he says historical context, he isn't kidding -- this sermon traces the history of the Old Testament from Abraham to the time of Esther. A study Bible with an OT timeline would be useful to have at hand while listening.
“ Great Sermon! ” A inspiring dose of reality of what we can escape from, but only through Jesus Christ. Presented well, the facts of the types of torment those will face, without Jesus. It is simple to say, that you will carry your own sins to hell, but this tells the reality from doing that!
“ An Encouragement If You Are Weary ” If you are feeling weighed down by the continual rejection of your evangelistic efforts, listen to this sermon to be reminded of the mighty work that God is doing through you without your saying a word. And at the same time you will be re-enthused to both work and speak for Him, because He is doing more than you know. Very encouraging.
3/31/09 6:18 AM
3/30/09 7:14 PM
