King Josiah's fatal mistake of dismissing truth from an unexpected source - Pharaoh Neco - teaches us a vital lesson about receiving wisdom. Like Josiah, we often reject insights from sources we deem unworthy or unspiritual. This tendency particularly surfaces in how Christians handle accusations of hypocrisy from non-believers. The key lies in responding with humility, acknowledging our imperfections, and focusing on growth rather than maintaining appearances. True spiritual maturity means being open to truth regardless of its source while continually striving toward Christ-likeness.

Takeaways

Josiah prepared the temple before the conflict with Necho.

Necho warned Josiah not to meddle with God's plans.

Josiah's refusal to heed Necho's warning led to his death.

Spiritual authority should be respected, even from unexpected sources.

God can speak through unbelievers, as seen in Josiah's story.

Hypocrisy exists in the church, and we must acknowledge it.

Humility is essential for spiritual growth and authenticity.

We should not let pride prevent us from seeking God.

Everyone has spiritual inadequacies, and we must be humble about them.

Keywords

Josiah, Necho, spiritual authority, hypocrisy, humility, church, Old Testament, God, truth, faith

Chapters

00:00 Message Introduction: Spiritual Matters

00:50 The Story of King Josiah

13:00 Understanding Hypocrisy

27:45 Conclusion and Call to Action

Summary

In this sermon, Bro, Steve Lammons reflects on the profound role of mothers, using the biblical figure of Mary as a model for motherhood. He emphasizes the importance of submission to God's will, the acceptance of imperfection in parenting, and the lifelong commitment that comes with being a mother. The discussion also touches on the significance of adoption and nurturing, celebrating the impact mothers have on their children and families.

Takeaways

A good mother is recognized by her children.

Mary serves as a model for all mothers.

Submission to God's will is essential for mothers.

Mothers do not need to be perfect to fulfill their role.

The title of 'mother' is a lifelong commitment.

Adoption can be a beautiful option for motherhood.

Mothers want their children to be blessed and happy.

The influence of a mother can shape a child's faith.

Mothers often carry the weight of their children's struggles.

Celebrating mothers is vital for recognizing their sacrifices.

Keywords

motherhood, Mary, submission, imperfection, parenting, faith, God, adoption, nurturing, celebration

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Motherhood

00:22 Lessons from Mary: A Model for Mothers

10:18 Embracing Imperfection in Motherhood

17:16 The Lifelong Role of a Mother

23:23 The Impact of a Good Mother

25:03 Closing Reflections and Prayer

Summary

In this sermon, Chad Smith explores the Apostle Paul's letter to Philemon, delving into the themes of love, faith, humility, and grace. The discussion highlights Philemon's character, the transformative story of Onesimus, and the call for Christians to live out their faith through sacrificial love and forgiveness. Sturgis emphasizes the importance of humility and the obligation to love one another as Christ loves us, ultimately reminding listeners of the grace that binds believers together.

Takeaways

Philemon is a beloved fellow worker and brother in Christ.

Paul's letter to Philemon is rich in meaning despite its brevity.

The love Philemon shows refreshes the hearts of the saints.

Living a Christian life strengthens the faith of others.

Humility is essential in Christian relationships.

Onesimus represents redemption and transformation through Christ.

Forgiveness is a key theme in the letter to Philemon.

Paul's appeal to Philemon is rooted in love, not command.

We are all called to sacrificially love one another.

The gospel compels us to live in a way that reflects Christ's love.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Philemon

03:08 Understanding Philemon's Character

06:03 The Power of Love and Faith

08:53 Paul's Appeal to Philemon

12:10 The Story of Onesimus

15:04 Forgiveness and Equality in Christ

17:44 Living by Grace

21:04 Sacrificial Love and Responsibility

23:58 Conclusion and Reflection

Keywords

Philemon, Apostle Paul, Onesimus, Christian love, humility, grace, forgiveness, New Testament, faith, transformation