The Gift of Jesus

Sunday, December 18, 2011 Led by Eric Gintert Click Here to Listen to a related sermon called "The Candlestick" by Carter Conlon Matthew 3:7-12  -  The religious men came so they could "fit in" with the crowd... they didn't have a true heart to want to be baptized. Fire is zeal and passion. The word fan is referring to a winnowing fan that, when you shake it, it separates the wheat from the chaff. The chaff is burned up in eternal fire and the wheat is ignited with fire and desire for God. Just as a craftsmen uses fire to brand his piece of work, so Christ uses fire to show those who are His because they have a genuine zeal for Him. To be baptized is to be fully covered... you don't get a little fire but enough fire to fully engulf you in Christ. Romans 10:1-3  -  We can go to great lengths to gain our own knowledge and righteousness, but we forget that God is the one who does the work in us. He is the one who gives us fire... we can't do i...

Sunday, November 13, 2011 Led by Eric Gintert After sharing testimonies of the Lord's work in our lives, we discussed the importance of salvation and baptism. Acts 8:5-40  -  Simon the sorcerer believed intellectually in his mind but not with his heart. His eyes were on the flesh (natural) instead of on God (spiritual). Being baptized and believing with his mind didn't make him saved. The eunuch humbled himself and asked for a guide to teach him and help him understand. Philip now knew that you must believe with all your heart to be born again (which precedes baptism). Matthew 3:1-17  -  The religious people could just be baptized and have salvation. John told them to bring fruits meet for repentance. They needed repentance. The word "us" in verse 15 indicates believers, the truly born again, to fulfill all righteousness   Children's Lesson: "The Pharisee and the Publican" Read Luke 18:13 Questions to Answer: 1.   Where did the two m...