Sermons  

• Acts Chapter 3: "Witness to and in the Power of His name." - 2008-05-25
  
  Believers were still closely attached to the Jewish Temple and to the Jewish traditional hours of prayer. Acts chapters 1 to 10 describes a gradual transition from being mostly Jewish in make up, to becoming more Gentile. The context of Act 3 is, the church was still “JEWISH CHRISTIANITY,” and a witness that had a Jewish foundation and tradition to build on. Notice the movement and action in Acts chapter 3. Still praying and praising God in the Temple, Peter and John SHARED what they HAD! Is this not the true definition of EVANGELISM? Sharing what you have….namely sharing Jesus and what he has done in your life.
  
  
• Isaiah 45:11-13 - 2008-05-18
  
  Highlights the necessary components of a mission-minded church. The text is a prophetic announcement to Cyrus concerning God’s desire for Israel to be an instrument for completing His work on the earth (Isaiah 45:13 – "He shall build My city and let My captives go free”). Today, God is calling the church to the same assignment of fulfilling His will on His earth. Verse 13 in particular outlines the process necessary for this to be accomplished. This message challenges you to adopt the components of a mission-minded church, also to adhere to the proper order of these components. May God bless His Word!
  
  
• Acts Chapter 2 - 2008-05-11
  
  Pentecost and the Power to be Witnesses of the Person and Works of Jesus! In Chapter 1 we found that the theme of the Book of Acts is: "You will be witnesses to (Jesus)!" (Acts 1:8). This answered the question: "WHY did God put the Book of Acts into the Bible?" As we read Acts Chapter 2, we find that WHAT question is answered in the record of the events of the day of Pentecost! The command was to wait in Jerusalem until the promised coming of the Holy Spirit, and for the power that HE would bring. WHAT power? The power to be WITNESSES to the Person and Works Jesus the Messiah! Chapter 2 is the record that the Holy Spirit came and Jewish believers were indeed witnesses. Thereby fufilling in part God's promise to Abraham; believers witnessed in a great and mighty way that change the history of the world.
  
  
• "The Early Church" Acts 1:8 - 2008-05-04
  
  The book of Acts is the historical bridge between the four Gospels and the life of the early church! Without Acts, we would not have the foundation of the incredible expansion of God's grace in keeping with God's promise to Abraham, that through Abraham's descendents God would bless all the nations of the world. God's grace went first to and through the Jews, and then to and through the Gentiles blessing all the nations.
  
  
• Acts 1:8 “You shall be witnesses of Me!” - 2008-04-27
  
  Web page paragraph: Acts chapter one continues Lukes’ history of the early church and 1:8 provideds the overall context for the entire book. Studying Acts chapter one verse 8 is in a clear sense Luke’s statement of the Great Commisson as the foundation and marching orders for the early church. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witness of Me…”
  
  
• I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them… - 2008-04-20
  
  A foundational concept in leadership is that leadership MUST match the environment in which it is to function. This goes well beyond the issue of style. Sadly, most of what is called leadership in today’s churches is based on secular business models. However, since the Church is not a business organization, but a living Body…this model fails. The major leadership model the Lord applies to both Himself and His called leaders is the Shepherd.
  
  
• Searching For A New Pastor - 2008-04-06
  
  The Rev. Bill Donelson, a man who loves to teach God's word is our guest speaker today. At present we are searching for a new pastor and brother Donelson gives us insight to the unique opportunity available to us as a church. He explains how we can be united in prayer, purpose and utilize our God given gifts to stand firm in oneness of spirit to find the man God has for Oakland Heights Baptist Church.
  
  
• A Timely Message For Today's Church - 2008-03-30
  
  The Rev. Brent D Barker, Associational Missionary for Rowan Southern Baptist Association brings us a timely message for today’s Church. With all the sin and evil that is present today, we live in a world that is rapidly changing. Todays church more than ever needs wisdom. Scripture tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all men liberally. Hear what Rev. Barker has to say about wisdom.
  
  
• "Till Death Do Us Part" Matthew 5:31-32 - 2008-03-16
  
  Marriage is God's Institution that He designed to be a permanent union until death. God hates divorce, but because of the hardness of man's heart, God allows for divorce in two cases. In today's message, we find out what those cases are and when remarriage is permitted.
  
  
• "Marriage: God's Permanent Union" Matthew 5:31-32 - 2008-03-09
  
  There are many confused and conflicting ideas in our day about the biblical teaching on divorce. But the confusion is not with God, but man; for God's Word is very clear on its teaching concerning divorce. There are only four basic interpretations of the bible regarding divorce and remarriage, and all four are found to be held in various Christian circles. They are: 1) divorce is not permissible under any circumstance or for any reason. 2) both divorce and remarriage are permissible for any reason or none. 3) divorce is permitted under certain circumstances but remarriage is never permitted. 4) both divorce and remarriage are permitted under certain circumstances. Today's sermon begins to answer what Jesus Christ actually teaches, with part two to come next week.
  
  
• "A Covenant With Your Eyes" Matthew 5:27-30 - 2008-03-02
  
  Adultery is not just a matter of what one does with one's body, but also includes lusts and fantasies. God evaluates the heart before he judges the action. Anger and sexual lust are two of the most powerful influences on mankind. And, just as we all have been angry and guilty of murder, so we too have all lusted, and are guilty of adultery. God created sex and has given it to us to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage. A popular proverb goes,"Sow a thought and reap an act. Sow an act and reap a habit. Sow a habit and reap a character. Sow a character and reap a destiny." Today, pastor Jerry explains not only what the Bible states is adultery, but also explains God's means of how to flee it.
  
  
• "Anger Management (Part 2) Matthew 5:21-26 - 2008-02-17
  
  According to God's Word, anger must be dealt with quickly; for it adversely affects our worship and relationships.In today's message, Pastor Jerry teaches us how to deal with anger in a God-honoring way. In other words, he teaches about anger management, God's way.
  
  
• "Anger Management (Part 1)" Matthew 5:21-22 - 2008-02-10
  
  Jesus Christ tells us that to be unrighteously angry is the same as murder. To stop this kind of anger requires biblical wisdom. And that starts with being able to identify the anger in our lives. Pastor Jerry today examines the various kinds of unrighteous anger. In his next sermon, he will give biblical procedures to address anger in our lives.
  
  
• "The Heart of a Murderer" Matthew 5:21-22 - 2008-02-03
  
  Jesus Christ here states that being a murderer is not just actually physically taking the life of another, but it is not even being angry. All anger is incipient murder. Pastor Jerry covers three areas in today's sermon: What does the Bible say about capital punishment? What is the heart of a murderer? And can you be good and angry according to Scripture?
  
  
• "Church Growth Christ's Way" Ephesians 4:11-13 - 2008-01-27
  
  What is the purpose of the local church? Is it fellowship? That is, having a full array of programs that meets you and your family's spiritual needs. Or is it Bible teaching and preaching? That is, making sure that all members are properly equipped to serve using their spiritual gifts? Or is it, worship? That is, a focus so that all services bring God the praise He deserves? All of these are important, yet, that is not what Scripture tells us is the main purpose of the local church. Pastor Jerry answers that question in today's message.
  
  
• "The Shepherd's Calling" Ephesians 4:11-13 - 2008-01-13
  
  Overseer, Elder, and Pastor are all titles of the Pastor-Teacher of the local church. But what is the primary role of the pastor? Is it teaching or taking care of the personal needs of the flock. Pastor Jerry's answer might surprise you. If you want to make your Pastor's calling a joyous one, listen to Pastor Jerry describe the roles of the pastor in today's message.
  
  
• "With All My Heart" Matthew 5:21-22 - 2008-01-06
  
  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was not establishing new rules of conduct, but emphasizing that all true obedience comes from the heart. It is not behavior modification, but heart transformation. In these verses, Jesus Christ establishes Himself as God, with the authority to interpret the Scriptures. Pastor Jerry gives five principles that describe how we can come to love God's law and not fear it.
  
  
• "Beyond Your Wildest Dreams" Ephesians 3:14-21 - 2007-12-30
  
  How does a Christian see God "do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think"? Few Christians experience this in their lives. In today's message, Pastor Jerry gives five biblical truths, each building upon the other. These include being Spirit-filled; which leads to Jesus Christ being at home in our hearts; which leads to being rooted and grounded in an incomprehensible selfless love; which leads to being filled with the fullness of God; which leads to God's glory and power being seen through us. In this New Year's message are what one needs to see God truly working in our lives.
  
  
• "The Shepherd's Beautiful Feet" Luke 2:15-20 - 2007-12-23
  
  The Shepherds were God-fearing men who sought out and found the baby Jesus Christ. No one can enter heaven without first knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. So how does someone in the most remotest part of the earth get to know Jesus Christ if there are no missionaries? How can it be that Jesus is the only way to God? Also, Pastor Jerry teaches how it is possible to miss Christmas, and how we can truly treasure the Christmas season.
  
  
• "Praise for the Prince of Peace" Luke 2:8-14 - 2007-12-16
  
  When Jesus came to this earth as God and Man, God had angels announce His birth to lowly shepherds. They witnessed the glory of God shining around the angels, giving them a deep sense of their sin. But, a multitude of angel appeared, giving the joyful message of salvation from their sin. Pastor Jerry will explain that the angels did not sing at this time. He will also explain what the peace of God really is, and why we all need it.
  
  
• "God's Perfect Timing" Luke 2:1-7 - 2007-12-09
  
  Pastor Jerry begins the first of a three part series of the Christmas story. Today we will see how God sovereignly brought about just the right events for the birth of Christ. We will see prophecy fulfilled, and get to know Mary and Joseph. We will also hear about the virgin birth of Jesus Christ and what happened that day that there was no room in the inn.
  
  
• God's Righteousness Or Ours? Matthew 5:20 - 2007-12-02
  
  The purpose of God's Law is to show that we cannot measure up to God's Law and cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven with our own righteousness. God requires perfect righhteousness, and then gives that to us in His Son, Jesus Christ. In today's message, Pastor Jerry defines what being a "Pharisee" truly means. It is probably not what you think.
  
  
• "Practice What You Preach" Matthew 5:19 - 2007-11-25
  
  Freedom is more often thought of as doing what we want. In the name of grace, love and forgiveness, sin is often excused or overlooked. But what is freedom from sin? If the Word of God is our standard, then can we ignore any part of it? And what are the consequences if we do? Pastor Jerry also gives eight principles in dealing with habitual sins.
  
  
• "God's Perfect Word" Matthew 5:17-18 - 2007-11-18
  
  Why do we no longer offer sacrifices as they did in the time of Jesus? How does a Christian keep holy the Sabbath day? Some would say, if we are to follow the Bible, we must do what the Jews did as far as their dietary and other laws as found in the Old Testament. Is this true? Matthew 5:18 is one of the strongest statements as to the fact that the Bible contains no errors. In today's message, Pastor Jerry answers these questions and explains why absolute truth is found in the Scriptures.
  
  
• "The Fulfilling Life" Matthew 5:17 - 2007-11-11
  
  Has God spoken? If He has, would He not have written it for all to see? Is the Bible where God really speaks? How do we know that it has no errors? Is there absolute truth? And how do we know the Bible contains this absolute truth? How do church traditions compare to the Bible? Pastor Jerry answer these questions and more in this sermon.
  
  
• "The City Set on a Hill" Matthew 5:13-16 - 2007-11-04
  
  Christian are to be salt and light. That starts with being who we are, that is our character. What characteristics of salt and light are we to display? How can a local church be compared to a "city set on a hill." Can a Christian really become "tasteless" salt, and how? And how does all of this give glory to God?
  
  
• “Salt and Light” Matthew 5:13-16 - 2007-10-28
  
  Have you ever been in the presence of a Christian who made you feel like you had just been to a worship service, even though you weren’t in church. That is how God has called us to influence the world as salt and light. God has chosen to use Christians to impact the world for Christ. In today’s message, we will understand it is not only by deeds and words that we accomplish this, but it is especially through who we are.
  
  
• Persecution's Reward, Matthew 5:10-12 - 2007-10-21
  
  To have the qualities of the seven prior beatitudes means we are willing to accept persecution and say, "I WILL BE IN THIS WORLD WHAT CHRIST WOULD HAVE ME BE. I WILL SAY IN THIS WORLD WHAT CHRIST WILL HAVE ME SAY. WHATEVER IT COSTS, I WILL BE AND SAY THOSE THINGS.” In today’s message, Pastor Jerry explains the blessings and rewards of persecution, even describing heaven as Scripture describes it
  
  
• Blessed Harasment, Matthew 5:10-12 - 2007-10-14
  
  How can persecution be blessed? In today’s message, Pastor Jerry explains what genuine persecution is, and how we can bring persecution on ourselves unnecessarily. We will also hear how persecution can bring assurance that we truly belong to Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we will see that even though our faith and repentance is a gift of God, being a Christian does have a cost and no cost is too great for our Lord Jesus Christ.
  
  
• Blessed Peacemakers, Matthew 5:9 - 2007-10-07
  
  According to Scripture, what is peace? Is it just the absence of conflict? Is it right just to “let sleeping dogs lie,” is that true peace? How do I become a peacemaker? How do I build those bridges with others to have the peace that God designed for relationships? Pastor Jerry answers these and more questions on what it is to be a peacemaker and why it is such a blessing.
  
  
• "Blessed are the Hungry" Matthew 5:6 - 2007-09-09
  
  Few of us understand what it is to hunger and thirst as Christ describes in this verse. It speaks of a desire that is overpowering, that consumes us. That is how we are to want the righteousness of God. Find out how you can acquire this hunger and thirst, and what blessings will follow.
  
  
• "The Blessing of Bridled Power" Matthew 5:5 - 2007-09-02
  
  Once again, Jesus Christ makes a statement that seems backward. He states that true blessing belongs to the meek, not the assertive and the proud. Meekness is not what most people think. Among other things, it mean power under control. It is livng under the complete dependence of God to handle our situtation. It is neve weakness or just being nice. In this message we will not onnly understand meekness, we will see Old testament examles of it, and understand why we must be meek.
  
  
• "Happy Are The Sad (Part 2)" Matthew 5:4 - 2007-08-26
  
  What is godly mourning, and how does it bring blessedness? How can the sad be happy? In today's message, Pastor Jerry describes what godly mourning looks like and then describes how God comforts in response to mourning. Then he explains how we can mourn in this way, and finally how we know when we are really mourning in the way God commands. If Christians understand this message, they are well on their way to a most blessed life.
  
  
• Happy Are The Sad (Part 1) - 2007-08-19
  
  "It seems strange to say, "Happy are the sad." What does it mean to mourn? What is worldly mourning? What is mourning that is right? What is godly mourning? When we have godly mourning, can we respond wrongly? Was the remorse of Judas Isacriot true mourning? These and other questions are addressed in this message."
  
  
• Blessed are the Humble - 2007-07-29
  
  Jesus introduces the Beatitudes with the word "Blessed," which speaks of true happiness. What is happiness and blessedness? According to the beatitudes, our happiness is found in God alone. It also teaches that misery endured for the right purpose and the right way is the key to happiness. How can that be? If that were true, wouldn't we all be miserable fanatics? Also, by this definition, only Christians can understand what true happiness is. Why is this so?
  
  
• Matthew 4:12-13 The Light Dawns - 2007-06-24
  
  "Jesus Christ knew God's will at every moment so that He was always at the right place and at the right time. How do we cultivate that in our lives? Jesus also called Himself the "Light of the World." Why does he use that metaphor?"
  
  
• Matthew 4:8-11 "Selling Your Soul to the Devil" - 2007-06-17
  
  Satan tempts us to take short cuts, but he doesn't tell us the true costs. Any offer that Satan may give always has fine print with high costs, in effect, selling our souls to the devil. But we must worship God alone, otherwise it is idolatry. And we can only do this by keeping our focus on Jesus Christ, and resisting temptation the way Jesus did. This sermon tells you how Jesus did resist this temptation.
  
  
• Matthew 4:1-7 "The Crisis of Temptation" - 2007-06-10
  
  "When we test God, we are really doubting God. Today, too many want to see God do something spectacular, when He more often speaks with a still small voice. And many often twist Scripture, so that they can do what they want to do, not what God wants. How is that done?"
  
  
• Matthew 4:1-4 The Body Is For The Lord (Part 2)" - 2007-05-27
  
  How do the spirit, the flesh, and the body work together when it comes to temptation? Is there ever a time I am not morally responsible for my sin? How does a Christian view health? How are we supposed to react when no cure can be found? How does a Christian view illness in life? Why does God allow illness?
  
  
• Matthew 4:1-4 The Body Is For The Lord - 2007-05-20
  
  Is there a time, because of my brain or body, that I am not responsible for my behavior? Who's in charge the mind or the brain? Is alcoholism a disease? When is something a sin and when is it a disease? Jesus tells us that we must satisfy the needs of the body in God's way. What does that mean?
  
  
• Matthew 4:1-4 Declaration of Dependence - 2007-05-13
  
  What tactics does Satan use in tempting us? One scheme is to get us to doubt God's Word. But how does Satan do this? When we say that we have a "peace" about doing something, is it possible that that feeling is wrong? Sometimes we have valid needs, but satisfy them in the wrong way. How does this happen? When it comes to health, what rights do we have, and how should a Christian view the needs of the body and health?
  
  
• Matt 4:1-11 Jesus and the Devil - 2007-05-06
  
  Since Jesus is God, was Jesus tempted as we are, since he was sinless? Who is Satan and how does he tempt us? What are the three avenues that temptations use to get to us? Why do we have evil thoughts and where do they come from?
  
  
• Matthew 3:13-17 - 2007-04-29
  
  God said of Jesus, "This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." For there to be a Son, Father, and Holy Spirit, there must be the Trinity. What is the Trinity? Why does God call Jesus His Son? Does the love of God mean that God can just "wink" at sin as say that is is okay? How can anyone be pleasing to God?
  
  
• Matthew 3:13-16 - 2007-04-22
  
  Why did the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus Christ at Jesus' baptism? Does the fact that Jesus was immersed at His baptism demonstrate that baptism should be by immersion instead of sprinkling? How did the Holy Spirit work in the ministry of Jesus? What is the unpardonable sin? How are we empowered by the Holy Spirit in our lives? These questions and more are answered in this message.
  
  
• Matthew 3:13-15, "The Baptism of Jesus" - 2007-04-15
  
  The baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist began Jesus' ministry. But why did Jesus come for baptism? As God, Jesus was sinless and did not need John's baptism of repentance. In today's message we will understand obedience through the actions of Jesus Christ.
  
  
• Matthew 3:7, "The Fruits of True Repentance" - 2007-03-11
  
  John the Baptist chided the Sadducees and Pharisees, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" Are those kind of words called for? What is there about Pharisees and Sadducees that would cause John the Baptist to say such a thing. And is there any cause today for us to say something like this. How do we handle Non-Christians sects such as Jehovah Witnesses who come to our doors?
  
  
• Matthew 3:1-6, "The Greatest Man's Message" - 2007-03-04
  
  After 400 years without a prophet, John the Baptist comes on the scene with "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." What is the kingdom of heaven and how does it apply to us? Whatever the kingdom of heaven is, we are to seek it first. Why? And does everyone who claims to repent and be converted truly do so? How can one repent and not really mean it?
  
  
• Matthew 3:1-2, "The Greatest Man" - 2007-02-18
  
  What makes a man or woman great? Jesus Christ called John the Baptist the greatest man that ever lived. Why did Jesus say that? John the Baptist's message was simple and could be summed up in one word: Repent. What does that mean? There are many who have "walked the aisle" during an altar call at a church who claim that they are saved and have eternal life, but who actually do not belong to Christ and are not saved. How can this happen? What does being saved really mean?
  
  
• Matthew 2:16-23, "The Prophesied, Despised King" - 2007-02-11
  
  The theme of the second chapter of Matthew is that the events surrounding coming of Jesus were foretold. As we see it unfold, we witness a spiritual battle that has real casualties. We also see that Jesus was no bystander, but came to deal with the evil and suffering that comes from sin. He was certainly despised by man, which eventually led to the cross. You will find yourself worshiping Jesus Christ as you listen to this message.
  
  
• Matthew 2:16, "The Purpose of God in Suffering (Part 2)" - 2007-02-04
  
  When we see tragedy, especially with small children, we often ask how a good God can allow suffering. First, we must understand that all things are under God's control and that God uses suffering for His purposes. But what are those purposes? Is it possible to rejoice in our trials and suffering? What words of comfort does Scripture give us as we go through that suffering?
  
  
• Matthew 2:16, "The Purpose of God in Suffering" - 2007-01-28
  
  When we see tragedy, especially with small children, we often ask how a good God can allow suffering. First, we must understand that all things are under God's control and that God uses suffering for His purposes. But what are those purposes? And what words of comfort does Scripture give us as we go through that suffering?
  
  
• Matthew 2:16, "Pain and Prophecy" - 2007-01-21
  
  When we see tragedy, especially with small children, we often ask "why?". In order to begin to answer that question, we first need to understand the war between God and Satan. And what happens to babies, small children, and those who are mentally incapacitated? Do they go to heaven? In this message, Rev. Reardon also begins a two part series on how God uses suffering for God's purposes.
  
  
• Matthew 2:13-15, "Providence and Prophecy" - 2007-01-14
  
  When the unexpected comes into our lives, how are we to react to it? What does God say about Himself that helps us in those times? How can fathers and husbands redeem those times? And how do we see God work through His prophecies?
  
  
• Matthew 2:1-12, "Worship Fit For A King" - 2007-01-07
  
  What are people's reaction when they encounter Jesus Christ? There are three types of reactions we see in this passage: hatred, indifference, and worship.