Have you ever seen an old abandoned church building? Whenever I do, I wonder about all that took place within the walls. I think about the worship, teaching, and people's lives that were changed there. But then I wonder where they are now. Why is that church building abandoned? Where did all the people go? It was once alive and meant something, but now what? Don't let your religion be like an old abandoned church building. In his writings, Paul gives three statements declaring what powerful and meaningful religion looks like. This sermon applies those statements to our lives today.

The mindset in our culture is growing increasingly unreasonable. For instance, people will jump through hoops to save an inch long fish in a creek as well as its eggs, but they will fight hard for the abortion of babies. It doesn't make sense. We see such senselessness in morality, politics, and every day thinking. In contrast, God's people will be a reasonable people. We have a great opportunity to shine the light of the knowledge of the Son of God to this lost and dying world.

We profess to believe that Jesus arose from the dead; however, does our life reflect that belief? A real knowledge and appreciation of the empty tomb will radically change a person's life. Our problem is often one of unbelieving belief. We believe in the resurrection, but we don't REALLY believe. True belief will manifest itself. This lesson looks at the great impact the resurrection should be having on our lives.

Local churches are made up of people. This is obvious, but what is often forgotten is that fact that people have problems and these problems often pose a threat to the unity of a local church. This lesson not only looks at threats to our unity, but also some positive manifestations of unity that we don't pay as much attention to. Unity must be sought, maintained, and protected.

Following their return from captivity, God's people had done very well in rebuilding their lives and the city of Jerusalem. They had nice paneled homes to live in. Their lives were returning to normal. One problem existed... they had neglected to finish building God's house. Haggai was sent by God to rekindle their fire for doing God's word. His message is a timeless one, truly it is time to build!

Sometimes we painfully watch as people who once served God faithfully fall away from Him. It is rarely a sudden thing, but often the final departure still takes us by surprise. If we want to prevent our own apostasy or that in others, or if we want to help people come back who have fallen away, we need to understand why it happens. This series of lessons looks to answer that question

One of my favorite TV shows is American Restoration. In it, old pieces of junk are restored back to their former glory. I love seeing relics of the past saved. Sometimes we find our hearts and souls in this condition. Sin creates rust and decay and slows destroys our lives. But God has provided a way to become whole again. This lesson focuses on the subject of repentance... what it is and the times of refreshing it brings into our lives.

The victory of the army of Israel over Jericho is a favorite among children. Imagining those walls falling down because of their faith in God is fascinating. This event is not just a history lesson, but an exercise in faith and the power of God. It speaks to us today as we all face walls in our lives that seem too great to tear down. But with God, no wall is too high, too strong, or too wide.

In the state of Alabama, nothing is bigger than the Iron bowl. It's Auburn vs. Alabama. It may be the greatest rivalry in college football. Sometimes fans from opposing sides act with bitterness and even hatred for one another. This lesson is a modern example of the parable of the good Samaritan... it is taken by an act of kindness done by an Alabama fan for an Auburn fan. Yes, there are good Alabama fans out there! (haha)

Job was a man who suffered so much in such a short time. He wasn't suffering for doing wrong, but he was under attack by Satan for doing right. In the midst of his confusion and even frustration, he speaks this great motto of faith: I know that my Redeemer lives and at the last He shall stand on the earth..." It's a motto of faith we can live by today!

August 1, 2012 was "Chic-Fil-A Appreciation Day." Many people chose to visit this restaurant to show support to the President of the company concerning his stance against gay marriage. This day brought to mind several spiritual messages, some were positive and some were negative.

What happens when we give in to temptation? Yes we sin; however, so much more goes on than that. David's sin with Bathsheba is a classic example of the damage done when temptation triumphs. His sin took him farther than he meant to go, cost him more than he meant to pay, and kept him longer than he meant to stay. Isn't this the way sin works in our lives as well? This story isn't just a story about the triumph of temptation, but it is also a story of grace and forgiveness and repentance.

We all are building something every day. We are building in our own lives, the lives of others, and the life of the local church of which we are a part. Nehemiah shows us a great example of what a man of God can do when he trusts in God and does what he can in serving the Lord and others. He didn't have super powers and he didn't work miracles. He simply worked hard for the Lord and inspired others along the way.