The Rock Church of Fenton Sermons

The Word of God commands believers to give honor to the Lord. Honor is first given when a person believes in Jesus as Savior, for the one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father. God is given honor when a person walks in righteousness. Many honor God with their lips, but their heart is far from Him. Honor is shown to God in our generosity as we are called to honor the Lord from our wealth. Some are rich with money, others are rich with resources, material goods, time, and knowledge. Are you giving God honor? 

Before any decision is made, one must determine the cost before moving forward. Many people are curious about Jesus and interested in following Him, but unsure if they are willing to surrender what is necessary. Jesus made it very clear what the cost is to follow Him. That cost is not anything one can do other than love Him with their whole heart which results in the denial of self. 

Theme verse: Luke 14:25-28

Anchoring verses:

Luke 14:25-28

Mark 10:17-22

Philippians 2:5-8

Luke 14:26-28

Jesus isn't alone as he enters Jerusalem for the last time. His disciples and crowds gathered because they had heard the testimony of this man named Jesus. What testimony goes before us? We have a choice in every opportunity and moment of life: will we serve the flesh or surrender to Christ? Each time we demonstrate our faith through action, we point the world to Christ.

Luke 19:37

Romans 6:19

James 2:14-18

John 12:11

The Bible declares that the love of God is a free gift to all who will believe in Jesus. While society’s love is often earned, God’s love is given freely. The love of God does not change. There is no variation or shifting shadow with God’s love, as it does not depend upon our perfection. When we fail, God still loves us the same. All of God’s love is brought to mankind in the person of Jesus. People need not seek God’s love through works or the approval of religious organizations, but rather, they must simply receive it by childlike faith in Jesus. 

ROMANS 8:35-39

GENESIS 29:31-35

ROMANS 8:38-39

ROMANS 8:39

LUKE 15:1-7

LUKE 15:4

LUKE 15:5-6

LUKE 15:7

After Samuel died, the Philistines gathered against Israel, and Saul became very afraid. Having been rejected by the Lord, he sought out a medium to bring up Samuel from the dead. Again defying the Lord’s command that divination is an abomination, he goes in disguise to consult the medium. The spirit of Samuel rises from the dead and pronounces further judgment on Saul. Many people go about in disguise to indulge their sin. Society still seeks an alternative savior. There is no mediator apart from Jesus. Are you wearing a disguise as you pursue evil? Have you submitted to the eternal word of the one true Mediator that you may meet Him in peace upon death?

1 SAMUEL 28:3-7

DEUTERONOMY 18:9-14

1 SAMUEL 28:8-14

1 SAMUEL 28:15-19

After disobeying God, Saul was rejected from being king and Samuel was told to go to Bethlehem and anoint a new king. The Lord asked Samuel how long he would continue grieving over Saul. Many people spend their lives grieving over what the Lord has rejected rather than trusting in what He still has planned. After 7 of Jesse’s sons passed before Samuel, God rejected all of them. Though man often judges by the outward appearance, God sees the heart. People often spend more effort on the outside of their lives seeking man’s approval rather than on their heart, seeking God’s approval. Though young David was not invited to the anointing ceremony, he was the one God was seeking to be king. His ascension to the throne would hearken the coming of the final king who will never be replaced, Jesus Christ, the King of kings. Have you submitted your life to Him by faith?

1 SAMUEL 16:1-3

1 SAMUEL 16:4-10

1 SAMUEL 16:11-13

At God’s direction, Samuel instructed Saul to destroy all of the wicked Amalekits from the land. Saul and Israel gained a great victory. However, Saul and the people kept King Agag and the choice livestock for themselves. When Saul declared to Samuel that he had obeyed, Samuel asked, “What is this bleating in my ears?” Saul then blamed the people for his own disobedience. When God calls us to something, there must be no exception. What might the bleating of sheep be in your life?

When Samuel was old, his sons did evil. Israel asked Samuel to appoint them a king like the other nations in place of God. Many people find the sins of others to be excuses to cast off God as their Lord. Samuel warned the people that they would cry out from the oppression of the king they demanded, but they did not listen. The Lord agreed to give them a king. Many have received warnings about the direction they are going. God will give people the misery of their own devices when they insist upon resisting His warnings. Are you conformed to the image of Jesus? Have you received warnings about the path you are taking? Will you heed the call of God or go your own way?

1 SAMUEL 8:4-8

1 SAMUEL 8:9-18

1 SAMUEL 8:19-22

The boy Samuel was raised in a land and culture of rebellion against God. The voice of the Lord called to Samuel, however, he did not yet know the Lord. The voice of God still calls to people to repent and obey the gospel. When Samuel responded to the Lord, he came to truly know Him as well as the purpose for his life. Have you responded to the call of God to your soul? Many are like young Samuel in that they know about God, but still have not responded to Him.

1 SAMUEL 3:1

1 SAMUEL 3:2-7

1 SAMUEL 3:8-11

GALATIANS 5:19-23

1 SAMUEL 3:19-20