Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

Who are the people in your life that you want to emulate? Someone who is spoken well of by others might be a good role model, but more importantly is that the truth is evident in their life. Ultimately, we need to look beyond people and follow Jesus.

There is something powerful about music that honors God. Music will be everywhere in heaven and singing from our hearts prepares us for our future home. We can rise above our circumstances in thanksgiving if we get our minds and hearts fixed in Him.

We are encouraged to be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in everything. This leaves no room for excuses. Paul was not naturally cheerful, but after meeting Jesus, he became a totally different person by the joy of knowing Him.

Expect problems from everyone, but view them as Paul did. Problems can be opportunities that can energize us for service. Too often, Christians are afraid of stirring up problems and shy way from them rather than seize them for Christ.

Pride, ambition, and power are not just problems in the secular world. They can be problems in the church too. Pride is danger and a sin that we must avoid.

The most important thing is to be faithful with the resources and opportunities God has given us. Just showing up is a sign of faithfulness. Whether we have been given much or little, we can do something, but without love, it is worthless.

There are two aspects of a Christian testimony: the truth that is in us, and our walk with the Lord. We get the truth in us by being in the Word. What others see in us and hear from us should then be consistent with what we claim to believe.

John gives us a great example of the importance of relationships through his "dear friend" Gaius. Our prayers for our friends should include prosperity of sole, which requires a close walk with Jesus. We should not hesitate to sacrifice for our friends.

It is more important today than ever before to get together and encourage one another. Joy can come out of being together with other believers. Satan can stop us from fellowship, but one day we will see God face-to-face and we will really know Him then.

We cannot accommodate those who bring false teachings. This requires that we are very familiar with the truth and that we correct those who are in error. The media we consume, the friends we keep, and the spouse we choose should not pull us away.