Love Worth Finding | Audio Program

Superficial or Supernatural (0513)

####Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: James 1:26-27

Is your religion superficial or supernatural? Is it real, powerful and vibrant to you; or is it just an illusion?

In James 1:26, we read, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.” There are great dangers of having a superficial religion. It's only something that seems to be, but there is no reality to it. It also lacks restraint.

If your religion is real, it's going to show in the way that you talk. One of the prime marks that a person has been saved is his speech pattern. The Christian with a real, supernatural faith uses his tongue to praise God and witness to others. But the superficial one criticizes, curses, lies, exaggerates. Nothing can do more damage to the Church than people who seem to be religious but don't control their tongue.

Superficial religion also lacks results, “...this man's religion is vain.” That word “vain” means fruitless and non-productive. It can do you no good. There is nothing to it.

Adrian Rogers says, “If you don't have Christ on the inside, then your religion is superficial. If you have Christ on the inside, then your religion is supernatural.”

James 1:27 says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction and to keep themselves unspotted from the world.”

Supernatural religion begins with a relationship with God. It reaches upward, recognizes God as Father, and places your hand in the hand of God so that He can lift you out of your sinful nature.

And when a man has been saved through Jesus Christ, he will have a heart of compassion. He will reach out to those in distress and minister to those in need.

Supernatural religion is a daily practice, not just on Sundays. And when you have a supernatural religion, you will keep yourself unspotted from this world by relying on the Lord Jesus Christ. It's not by trying, it's by trusting.

####Apply it to your life
Take a second to evaluate your religion. Is it superficial or is it supernatural? Take some time today to repent of the superficial parts of your religion, and delight in the supernatural power of Jesus Christ.

Welcoming the Word (0512)

####Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: James 1:21-27

The Bible is full of great truth, but it doesn’t do you any good if you don't receive it in your heart first.

The Bible is not a textbook to memorize for a mid-term. It is the living, breathing Word of God, able to save and satisfy the desperate soul. If you want to be victorious in your Christian life, then you must welcome the perfect Word of God into your life. Receive it as you would receive a friend into your house.

First, welcome it with repentance. Sometimes God tries to tell us there's something wrong with us, but we can't hear Him because the very thing that's wrong with us is keeping us from hearing Him. We're not able to receive His Word until we remove what gets in the way.

Do you want to get something out of your Bible study? You must be willing to repent first.

Second, welcome it with readiness. Welcome it with a spirit that is ready to obey what it says.

The reason some of us don't get anything from the Bible is because we don't have a meek spirit. We have to be teachable, trainable and controllable so the Word we read can work in our lives.

Lastly, welcome it with responsiveness. We are to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Therefore, we must know the Word—peer into it, study it, gaze into it. We are to look into it intently, not just give it a casual glance.

Knowing Scripture is not a competition. The only question that matters in regards to your knowledge of the Word is: does it make you more like Jesus Christ?

Adrian Rogers says, “When you see what the Word of God tells you, when the Word of God reflects back that image that you see, then you're to go about putting your life in order. Don't forget what manner of man you were. You're to change your way of living and when you do that the Word of God will become a blessing.”

####Apply it to your life
Have you welcomed the Word of God into your life? Have you repented? Are you teachable, trainable and controllable? Does your knowledge of the Bible make you more like Jesus? Read the Bible today. Study it, and pray for guidance as you take what you’ve read and apply it to your life.

Tune In, Tone Down and Sweeten Up (0511)

####Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: James 1:19-20

James 1:18 says, “If any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.” If we are Christians, others should see evidence of a new life in us through our new behavior.

James 1:19-20 describes this new behavior, saying, “Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

“Be swift to hear.” Tune in to what God is saying to you. A lot of us are addicted to noise. We are searching for things to drown out the silence because we don’t want to stop and think. We create so much noise around us that we can’t hear from God! But God speaks to us through Scripture, sermons and His Spirit; if we can’t hear Him, it is because we aren’t listening.

“Be slow to speak.” Tone down the talking. Many of us talk too much. The more we talk, the more we can reveal the foolishness of our hearts. God takes our words very seriously, even if we don’t. In Scripture, we are warned that any words we speak that don’t build up, edify or help others are destructive words, we’re going to have to give an account for them.

“Be slow to wrath.” Sweetening up is the natural succession of the first two instructions. When we listen more and talk less, it affects our temper. We learn to control our hearts. The Bible doesn’t say to not be angry. It says to be angry without sinning. Make certain that you are angry for the right reason, at the right thing, in the right way. Nothing can hurt your testimony, kill your influence and reveal your character more than a quick temper.

Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus Christ did not come to make us nice people. He came to make us new creatures.”

When you listen more, you talk less and control your temper, you will find yourself being a better example of a new creation in Christ.

####Apply it to your life
Do you need to work on listening more, talking less and controlling your spirit? Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom as you practice tuning in, toning down and sweetening up today.

The Anatomy of a Sin (0509)

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: James 1:13-15

The devil has made plans to sabotage our lives; oftentimes, he does so with our full participation, by way of tempting us to sin. Becoming Christians does not make us immune to temptation.

The Gospel of Luke shares the story of when Jesus Himself was tempted by the devil.

Being tempted is not a sin; acting upon the temptation is. Everyone can give a reason as to why they have sinned. However, “being provoked” is not an excuse.

Adrian Rogers says, “There's one thing that God will never accept for sin and that is an alibi.”

James 1:14 says, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, and sin, when it is finished bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren."

Our cause for sin is within ourselves. It is our own nature, our own lust. When the devil tempts us, he baits us with the sin’s temporary pleasures so that it may entice us and allure us.

But when the pleasure wears away, we are trapped in a toxic, unholy marriage with the responsibility of the sins we committed. Only in hindsight can we clearly see the finished product of the devil’s scheme… it was sabotage. The pleasure fades, and what’s left of it strangles the life out of us. Spiritual and physical death is the devil’s ultimate goal.

What is our defense against the temptation to sin? Jesus Christ.

We fall into temptation because we are trying to satisfy something within ourselves. When the devil tempts us, he is tricking us into satisfying our legitimate desires in an illegitimate way.

But God made us to where we can never be satisfied apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Only through Jesus can we live as we ought to live. That's the way to overcome temptation: to receive and love Christ.

####Apply it to your life

Jesus Christ is the only one who can satisfy your longing, restless heart and help you resist the temptation to sin. Do you know Him? Do you walk with Him? Do you find your satisfaction in Him alone? Spend some time with Him in prayer today.

A Man and His Money (0529)

####Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: James 1:9-12

One of the biggest tests of a man’s character is his relationship with money.

Money can buy almost anything but happiness, but when given too much control, it can divide families and destroy marriages. What does the Bible say about a man and his money?

It has less to do with how much you have, and more to do with your posture toward it.

The Book of James offers counter-cultural advice on how a man can pass the test of his money:

if you are poor, consider yourself exalted. If you are rich, remain humbled by your blessings.

If you are a Christian living in poverty, you have reason to celebrate, because in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are highly exalted, and rich in all things money cannot buy.

If you are a Christian who has been blessed with riches, you have a reason to be humbled, because in spite of your riches, you have found the Lord Jesus Christ and this is something that not many rich men do. You, too, are very rich, not because of the money in the bank, but because of Christ in your heart.

Adrian Rogers says, “No longer do you have your outlook geared to things that you can weigh and see and feel and touch and count and take to the bank. You want to know how rich you really are? Add up everything that you have that money cannot buy and that death cannot take away.”

And what happens if your circumstances change drastically? If you lose everything or you gain it, what do you become?

The Book of James says that tribulation works patience and endurance. We need to be tested that we might learn to be steadfast. We must make up our minds now that when the test of life come, we will stick it out.

How can we live this kind of life where we are not pressed in by materialism and consumerism like everybody else around us? Love the Lord; when a man loves God, he doesn’t have to be tied to this world or his own money.

####Apply it to your life
How are you and your money? How much power over your identity have you given your finances? Think about this today. Pray for wisdom and discernment as you find your wealth is Christ alone.

How to Pass the Tests of Life (0507)

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: James 1:1-4

The Book of James can be seen as a Christian’s guidebook on how to pass the tests of life.

James 1:2-4 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations. Knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

There are going to be trials in this life. The Christian faith does not make us immune to them. All people fall into diverse trials and temptations. Things may seem fine right now, but who knows what you’re going to fall among this afternoon? Trials and temptations happen suddenly and dramatically. They are meant to catch us off-guard. We need to be ready for anything the enemy could possibly throw our way at any moment.

First, know that temptation to sin is not a sin itself. Everyone has been tempted to sin, including Jesus. Also, trials and tests are not necessarily because of our sin. God could simply be testing your faith. How are you going to face your temptation?

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that your able but will with the temptation make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it.”

Adrian Rogers says, “God allows it even if the devil sends it. And God is not going to allow more to come to you than you're able to bear.” When you are tempted, there is a way out. It is God who makes a way; find it.

Why does God allow temptations? Because God is working something in our lives; it is for your good and for his glory. Consider what happens when we overcome temptation. We find joy, build endurance in the process, grow in our faith, and enrich our lives.

God is for us. He wants us to live enriched lives, wanting for nothing, completely satisfied in Him. He has a great plan for you; don’t miss it.

####Apply it to your life

Are you facing a trial or a temptation right now? Pray and pass the test of life. Count it as joy, build endurance, grow and enrich your life as you look for God’s way out.

Why I Believe in Jesus (1869)

If you were given the chance to speak to someone who has never known the love of God, what would you say? If you knew it would be the first, and perhaps the only time he would ever hear a message from God, what would you tell him?

Tell him why you believe in Jesus Christ.

John 6:66-69 says, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, ‘Will ye also go away?’ Then Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life, and we believe and are sure that Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’”

Jesus’ disciples had the privilege of seeing Him work from an intimate vantage point. They were not like the crowds who watched Him perform miracles and turned away once His message became too radical. They believed that He alone is the answer. Through their testimonies, they gave us reasons to believe this, too.

Jesus was a historical fact. Whether you are a Christian or not, a man named Jesus was here. Secular historians acknowledge Him as a fact regardless of what they believe about Him.

And if you believe the Bible, the book that stands the test of time, you can believe in Him. Jesus’ life is the fulfillment of the prophecies foretold long before He stepped foot on this earth.

The central theme of the Bible is Jesus. If you look long enough, every page of Scripture tells His story.

Even though historians and theologians alike validate the life of Jesus Christ, you may need help believing in Him. This is where the Holy Spirit comes into the equation. Adrian Rogers says, “Anything I can talk you into; somebody else can talk you out of. You need the Holy Spirit of God to convict you and convince you.”

A transformed life is the greatest witness of Jesus’ saving power. Just as the disciples gave their testimony of faith in Jesus in John 6, we can also testify to others when we come to know Him.

Apply it to your life
How has Jesus changed your life since you’ve come to know Him? Knowing your testimony is your greatest asset when you witness to other people. Share it with someone today.

Why Do I Exist? (2427)

God has a wonderful purpose for your life. No matter what else you may do, if you don’t fulfill the purpose for which you exist, you will fail, and never find fulfillment in your heart or your life.

Failure is not making a mistake, it is succeeding at the wrong thing. True success is doing what God created you to do.

A lot of us think God’s purpose for our lives is to save us from our sins, but that is only half of the equation. It is just as important to know also what He has saved us for.

We can only find the answer in God’s Word because what we think of God has so much to do with what we think of ourselves.

Adrian Rogers says, “If you see yourself as the creation of Almighty God with a purpose, then you’re going to want to be Christ-like.”

There are a few things to consider when discovering our purpose, and these things are found in Psalm 139:

God knows all about me.
God knows my character.
God knows my conduct.
God knows my inner thoughts.
God knows my conversations.
And God is always with me.
How foolish to try to run from God? He is closer than our very breath! Neither distance nor darkness can hide us from God. Even death cannot hide us from His sight.

We are constantly on God’s heart. Do you want to know how great God’s sum is of His thoughts of you? Psalm 139:18 says, “If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand.”

If you believe this, there is no need to fear. There is no need to dread His guidance and His discipline.

No, there is no need to hide.

God made us to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him. We were created to love Him and be loved by Him. That is the purpose, and the only way to know His plans for your life.

Apply it to your life
Do you love God? Do you serve Him? What direction does your life lean toward when you are in complete fellowship with God? Has He laid anything on your heart? Love Him and fulfill your purpose today through worship, obedience, and service to Him.

The Music of Marriage (1492)
To be completely known and still be loved without fear of rejection is the supreme goal of marriage.

But how many marriages are on the rocks because of poor communication? According to many counselors, 100% of couples seeking marriage counseling are out of rhythm due to a lack of communication.

God shows us in His Word how husbands and wives can communicate, and it is modeled in the Songs of Solomon: a book of love poems, exemplifying the music of marriage.

And as we eavesdrop on their conversation and observe the words said between these two lovers, we learn how they are used, and how they are received.

Their words are plentiful. Sixty percent of the book consists of two lovers speaking to one another directly and plentifully.
Their words are personal. They call each other by names only they know about, unique and individual, special in each other’s eyes.
Their words are positive. There is not one negative word of criticism in this book; nothing critical, no correction.
Their words are passionate. Their words for each other were full of life, rooted directly in their feelings.
Our words sustain our marriages. Our words repair hurt feelings. Our words grow love.

The problem here is that we believe words of love flow out of feeling. But most of the time, it is really that feeling that flows out of words.

Adrian Rogers says, “We need to work on this thing of intimacy in marriage, and I’ll tell you why. It gives incredible freedom and it’s worth it. You’ll never arrive at perfection, but you need to make a start if you want to have a happy home.”

There is always room to improve communication as husband and wife. If you do not communicate, your marriage will disintegrate. The music of marriage is worth finding the rhythm.

Apply it to your life
Do you need to work on your communication skills with your spouse? Of course! If you aren’t progressing, you are regressing. Talk to your spouse. Watch your words carefully. Pray for wisdom to learn what he or she is feeling, as well as the patience to honor them as you both work toward completely knowing and loving each other, without the fear of rejection.

Are You Fit to be Tied? (1491)

Are you fit to be tied? In other words, are you worthy to be called a husband or wife?

Look at the example of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis. They had their problems. There was an affair, a struggle with infertility, and problems amongst the children they eventually had in their old age.

Yet, they survived it all. They made it to the very end.

Many couples today face the struggles that Abraham and Sarah faced. The difference is not in the problems, but in their commitment. It is not love that holds your marriage together, it is your marriage that holds your love together.

In 1 Peter 3, principles for a godly marriage are clearly outlined, so that husbands and wives may learn to be fit to be tied together. God says that the husband is the head of the home. Therefore, a godly woman is to submit to her husband. Submission is necessary for leadership, and leadership is necessary for success in life.

When Jesus was on earth, He submitted to God the Father, not because He was inferior. It was an example of love and obedience.

When a woman submits to her husband, she's not inferior to her husband any more than God the Son is inferior to God the Father. In fact, it is a sign of strength, control and serenity.

As Adrian Rogers says, “(Women) are never more like Jesus than when she is in submission.” Women are to show the presence of Jesus in her through her speech and submission to her husband.

As for the husband, he is to possess knowledge. The problem with most husbands is an overload of ignorance due to a lack of listening, or a lack of caring.

But husbands are to love their wives with awareness, acceptance, adjustment, and appreciation. They are to pray for their wives, to listen with their ears and their hearts, adjust to the needs of the family and praise their wives any opportunity they can get.

This what God's word says, and what makes us fit to be tied.

Apply it to your life

Husbands and wives live in a world that wants to tear them down. Everybody is trying to get to the top. Everything around us pulls us down. Husbands and wives need somebody to lift them up. Honor your mate today. Love them well.