Sermons by Brent Smith (Page 62)
Priority Adjustment
A group of Jews returned back to Israel after their exile in Babylon. They were to return and work on the rebuilding of the temple. But soon opposition set in and distraction came, and the rebuilding work sat idle for 15 years. Haggai the prophet comes along to speak to the people and cause them to see that their priorities have been out of line. So he speaks into their situation and gives much encouragement as well as the temple building is resumed and completed shortly after.
A definite word for us today as our priorities often times need adjusting.
Haggai 1:1-2:23
Disputed, Dismissed, & Denied
Jesus is led away from the Garden of Gethsemane where his unjust trial begins. False accusations are given, but none of the witnesses can line their stories up. Finally Jesus admits that He is God, and allows the religious leaders to charge Him with blasphemy. It’s what must happen for Him to go to the cross. Jesus is in full control.
We conclude with the story of Peter’s denial. Sad as it was, we’re reminded that Jesus never writes us off.
Mark 14:53-72
Judgment to Joy
Zephaniah leads us through upcoming judgment that will come against Judah and Jerusalem. And not only to them, but to all nations that have walked in rebellion to God. But as always in the message of the Lord, there is hope. The Lord always has His remnant of people that will be faithful. And this is available to all who turn to the Lord. This judgment can turn to joy!
Bible Text: Zephaniah 1:1-3:20
Panicked or Praying?
In this passage we look at the Proud, the Praying, and the Panicked. In the midst of overconfidence and panic, Jesus teaches the importance of prayer. It’s a crucial time in Jesus’ life as He prepares for the cross, yet He takes time to go the Father. A priority that should be followed in every believer.
Bible Text: Mark 14:27-52
Worshipping and Witnessing
Habakkuk was taken from the valley, to the watchtower, now he’s up on the mountaintop as he learns the value of waiting on, and trusting in the Lord. Here in chapter 3 we see Habakkuk praising God for His past faithfulness and seeing how the Lord has everything presently under control.
Bible Text: Habakkuk 3:1-19
Passover Plotting & Preparing
As Jesus prepares to lay His life down on the cross during Passover, we look at the plotting taking place and the preparation being done for His sacrifice. It’s a contrast between the evil work of His enemies, and the loving devotion of those who truly believe in Him.
Mark 14:1-26
Watching and Waiting
After Habakkuk questions God and wonders why He isn’t doing something about the mess they were in, He now turns to the Lord to wait and hear from Him. Often times we miss out on seeing what God is doing because we frantically run ahead attempting to fix everything. Habakkuk gives us a great example when we’re tempted to do just that.
Bible Text: Habakkuk 2:1-20
Valley of Dry Bones
Israel Tour Recap. God is not done with Israel – there is still a future and a hope for God’s people.
Wondering and Wrestling
Habakkuk was troubled with what he was seeing around him and he wondered why God wasn’t acting? Shouldn’t God be taking care of this? Sound familiar? Ever feel like that? In the book of Habakkuk we find a wonderful reminder that we are to trust God – have our faith completely in Him. For even if we don’t realize it, He is at work!
Bible Text: Habakkuk 1:1-17
Quarreling Questions – part 2
Jesus continues on fielding questions from the religious establishment, but in our passage here, He turns things around on them. A question is sent their way to expand their thinking on who Jesus is. We can’t limit who God is.
Bible Text: Mark 12:28-44
Nineveh’s Going Down!
The book of Nahum stands somewhat as a sequel to Jonah. Jonah saw great revival in Nineveh, but now some 100 years later they have slipped back into their sinful, rebellious ways. Nahum comes now with a word of warning against Nineveh that judgment is coming. It’s a reminder for us that revival and repentance must be an ongoing work in our lives.
Bible Text: Nahum 1:1-3:19
Quarrelling Questions
Ever been asked a question where you know the person is not looking for truth, but rather to try and corner you? This is what’s happening as the religious leaders amp up their attack against Jesus and try and find a fault or accusation against Him. They come up with 3 questions that they think will trap Him. But Jesus is to wise, and gives them, and us, a great answer to things that are a concern for us today as well.
Bible Text: Mark 12:13-27