Sermons by Michael Felber

Paul wrote this first of the “pastoral epistles” to help Timothy as he was leading the Ephesian church back to a right focus and especially right public worship. Paul was concerned that the local church stay right, look like the one they worshipped.   Having reminded Timothy of the severe danger of and the proper response to damaging the local body, Paul talks about public worship. First on the list for public worship is prayer. “First of all” connects to “I exhort.” The point is not to say that Prayer was most important in the service, but that it was first of several points about worship that Paul wanted them to consider.  Prayer reminds us of our need and our Father’s desire. Prayer is important in public forums. Prayer should always be a part of public worship. Paul presents the importance of prayer as he focuses on who should pray and how they should pray.

The message of the bride of Christ is that you can be right with God. You can be restored to an intimate, personal, daily, loving relationship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. With God is fullness of life. Sin destroys what mankind is searching for. Sin is the blight of wholeness, it is the virus to healthiness, it is the obstacle to openness. Sin never brings lasting happiness. The first sin did not bring lasting happiness nor will the last. You need three to enjoy your relationship with God. The first of those is a pure heart and that only comes through Jesus Christ. The first does not require maintenance because it is a gift, not something worked for or earned. It is received. It is God reaching out to us. The second and third require maintenance: good conscience and faith unfeigned. A good conscience requires that you do what you know. Faith unfeigned requires that what you know is accurate. How we worship reflects our view of God.  In this passage from the manual for the local church, we learn that we need to prepare before we worship.

Are the Scriptures  designed to be a smorgasbord for picking and choosing or is it a manual for how to safely operate? “Have three, maintain two.”  The Ephesian church was struggling. They were a “good” church. They were well respected. According to Revelation 2 they worked hard and kept themselves from those which were evil, BUT they had left their first love. They looked good but had quit maintaining their relationship with the Lord. Good relationships take constant maintenance. Without maintenance relationships fail and cease to function well. Our Scripture text today reminds us that everyone needs three and must maintain two.

How does God look at life? Is there a difference between secular and sacred work? Is one more valuable? Have I been incredibly blessed to be vocationally in ministry for 35 years? Was my year wasted when I changed from being a pastor to a bus driver? How about in my high school and college years when I cut grass for a living? Was I just “marking time” until I could go into the “ministry”? How about you? Should each of you quit your job and go into “full time Christian service?” Would your life matter more if you did? Notice that God's Word says "Your Work Matters!"

Through out the Bible we admonitions to teach: Parents to children, fathers to son, mothers to daughters, older to younger, or teacher to student. By the words we say or don’t say, we teach our children what is or is not important. By our actions we teach what is important enough to spend our time on and what is not. We need to be aware of our example and ask our selves what it is that we are teaching those around us. By our actions and words, what are we telling others is important in our lives?

Paul challenges Timothy to “insist on” and teach scriptural truths. The challenge is to never swerve from the Scriptures. Teach and hold fast to the Scriptures. This text reminds believers of the danger of operating on tradition or a popular teacher’s teachings. One of the foundational truths of a Biblical church is that the Bible is the sole authority.

Wisdom begins with God and comes through parents.

As we think of our nation we must consider God in the history of the United States.  We are in troublous times as a nation.  We are distracted from what has brought blessing on our nation.  We have come to think that speaking of God in public and acknowledging Him as the author of Liberty is somehow destructive to our nation.  Liberty and freedom originate in God and when we remove Him from our national discourse we love the liberty and freedom we so desire.

Paul's message in chapter 4 begins with the reminder that since Jesus is coming, be ready.  Live remembering that Satan is defeated and Jesus is coming.  Our study explains the relationship of the dead to the return of the Lord and where we will meet the Lord.  Doctrine is the protection of the church.  This information guides the believer on how to think and live.

We are hearing that because of certain events happening today,  Jesus is coming back. Are the events we are seeing a sign of the end times? The Thessalonian believers were also living in the reality that Jesus could come in their lifetime. Ever since our Lord returned to heaven we have been waiting for His imminent return. It is important that you live in the light of Jesus certain return.  Are you ready?

What does it mean, "I can do all things through Christ?" Paul said that he learned he could "do any state" with Christ. How can you handle your world when it is out of your control? Contentment is a word that is rarely even used in our society, but it is the key to unlocking peace in your life. Follow along as you learn how to be content.

Who impacts our nation?  Lemuel's mom realized that her greatest life purpose would be accomplished through someone else.  Her influence on a nation and on the world was through her son.  Your life impact is important even when it is not in front of a crowd.  Live on purpose and change a nation.

This challenge comes from Proverbs 31. It is a thank you and a spotlight on the kind of woman who makes a positive difference in the world every day. Women impact the world and yet their contribution is often overlooked or marginalized. The Scriptures have always recognized the important role of women in the world of finance, family and society. Never underestimate the influence you can have on the world by being the right kind of person. To all who live and model this life, thank you.

In Philippians 4 God teaches us how to keep from being overwhelmed.  He gives very specific and easy to follow instructions for how to keep the "keep the water from filling your boat" in the middle of life's storms:  Stand fast in the Lord, rejoice in the Lord, depend upon the Lord, think like the Lord, act Like the Lord.  May God's Word refresh and renew you in the middle of your life storms.

In Philippians 3 Paul concludes a major doctrine he taught in chapter 2. Knowing that God saved you on purpose, that He has a plan for your life and you are part of God's plan, rejoice in the Lord instead of being distracted with life's disappointments.

The Psalms describe how we feel and relate questions we are sometimes afraid to ask. Psalm 44 is a teaching Psalm and addresses the times of our lives when God seems silent and blessings seem to have stopped.  "What is God doing?"  Psalm 44 teaches us what to consider when the blessings seem to stop.

Thankfulness is the key to discouragement.  We will look at God's gracious command to be thankful, examples of thankfulness and topics for which to be thankful.  Look for ways to demonstrate thankfulness.

The prophet Isaiah wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that God would send the Messiah.  The Israelites looked for a liberator from their political enemies, but God had promised much more.  God had promised a liberator - a Savior - from the evil, murderous tyrant Lucifer.  The Lord Jesus Christ's substitutionary sacrifice is amazing because it is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world.  Propitiation means "a place of forgiveness."  In Jesus Christ the sins of the whole world have been paid.  The debt was satisfied and so was the Father.  Freed from Satan's bondage into the kingdom of Light.  Hallelujah!  What a Savior!

As we celebrate Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday, let's remember that everyone must personally respond to the Lamb.  Follow along as we see the main characters of the crucifixion and notice their personal choices concerning Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.  

Palm Sunday is the celebration of the Messiah's coronation.  In our study from Mark 11 many shouted and cheered the promised one who came at the precise time prophesied in the Old Testament.  Not everyone who cheers is truly a follower of Jesus Christ.  Some who cheered on Sunday later shouted to "crucify" Him.  Who is your King?

We are living in a time of emergency and are experiencing pressures and expectations which are not normal.  We are being asked to limit our freedoms for a brief time for the sake of others.  Sometimes we may not appreciate the authority that is making these demands.  Sometimes we may not agree with what our authority is saying.  How should we respond?  What is God doing in your life through these pressures and expectations?  Romans 13:1-2 tells us that behind the authority is God.  Although we may question the authority, we can trust the one behind the authority.  

For this message we are in Philippians 2.  Are you in your right mind?  Right thinking is so important to accomplishing your mission.   The goal of every believer is to bring glory to God.  Paul has been very careful to talk about circumstances.  You can’t control your circumstances but you can use your circumstances to accomplish your mission.  Christians work together.  Christians have roles to fulfill in accomplishing their mission.  The of mission of believers is to get the life changing gospel into the hands of ever person on earth so that they will see God for who He is. Are you in your right mind?

Everyone is given the same opportunities by the Lord.  Are you being "penny wise and yet pound foolish?"

Are you feeling any fear right now?  Uncertainty of an outcome of a dangerous situation creates natural fear.  David was going through difficult times, fearful times.  In Psalm 27 David teaches the secret to overcoming fear.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians was a response to their kind gifts sent by one of their church members named Epaphroditus. It was a long trip (605 miles if he flew, 1700 miles by boat) and a big commitment for Epaphroditus to come. Epaphroditus was their representative, brought their gifts and news about his friends in Philippi. Epaphroditus’ news brought reality to Paul’s memories. Pressure brings to the surface what is not always visible.  Pressure allows you to really see what is in you! The Philippians were experiencing pressure from multiple areas.  Philippians teaches that the success of your mission will be based on your mindset. Chapter two  addresses having the right mindset about one’s role in the mission. The success of your mission will be based on your mindset.  Your role is important to the mission.

Seeking Zacchaeus!  As we have been reading through Luke we see something very special about Jesus.  He is compassionate.  He cares about people’s specific needs.  He weeps over their poor choices.  He sees people in crowds rather than crowds of people.  He sees their problems rather than personal inconvenience.  In Luke 19:1-10 we read that Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Because Jericho was a rich city it had many poor in it as well.  They would line the streets hoping some rich person might be generous with them.  Blind Bartimaeus was along the road leading into Jericho.  Jesus has just passed through on his way to Jerusalem but there is someone else who wants to know what Jesus is like.  Jesus sees people and loves them.

Each of us has the privilege of being a lighthouse to our family and friends.  A key component of being a light is love. 

Paul’s goal or life purpose was to use his life that others would prepare for eternity by hearing the gospel.  Therefore he was not sad for the events happening in his life as long as it helped spread the gospel.  His “inconveniences” were ok: His false imprisonments, His shipwrecks, His lack of personal space were all part of getting the gospel into places that might not have been reached.  Paul concludes his life philosophy summing it up by stating whether it was in life or death He wanted to live in such a way that Christ would be noticed by the unsaved through him. Now we come to the last few verses in Philippians 1.  He moves from encouraging them not to worry about him, and sharing his life purpose to challenging them to follow his example.

Paul's life purpose was to glorify God.  He wanted to glorify God through his body.  He wanted to glorify God in his life and in his death.  We often focus on glorifying God in our life, but can a Christian glorify God in death?  This study gives ideas for sharing your faith even in death.

Everyone of us goes through circumstances that do not line up with what we really hoped.  In our text today Paul is going to address how to view and actually use life’s difficult circumstances for good. Paul went to Rome, but not as a Preacher but a Prisoner.  He could have written a long letter about how bad things had been going.  Instead he sums it up in verse 12.  All these things were for the furtherance of the gospel.  Paul did not find his joy in circumstances, but in getting out the gospel of Christ.  Philippians teaches us what Paul learned from his earlier trials and how he viewed his life.

In Luke 17 Jesus taught his disciples about living in times that are lacking faith.  Jesus is coming again, but we too live in times where the “world” does not have faith.  Have we been forgotten?  How should we live in these difficult times?  Jesus said that we should pray and not faint!   In our daily life we should always look for God and what you can learn about Him.  

Listen, Learn, and Live.  Repetition is necessary for learning.  Deuteronomy is the “giving of the law” the second time.  Time has gone by and now 40 years later Moses wants the people to remember.   God gave Israel everything they needed to enjoy blessing and be protected from Satan’s deceit.  God had given Adam and Eve all they needed to be protected from Satan’s deceit.  God has given us everything we need to be protected from Satan’s deceit, but the path is always the same:  Listen, Learn, and Live!

Philippians chapter 2 begins with the plea, “work together” for the sake of the goal and mission. “Remember how your life has changed and why!”  Many Christians are discouraged, perhaps you are one of them.  Possibly the fear of the unknown, or changes in your plans, or people who have disappointed you have caused you to lose your joy.  Philippians 2 is a listing of examples who are worthy of following.  In this portion of chapter 2 Paul focuses on two men, two ordinary men who were living above their disappointments.  They were "working out their salvation," their purpose for living and it brought them joy. True joy comes when we invest our lives in what cannot be taken away. Find your current role and keep your eyes on the goal remembering your mission.  Be an example of good examples in your life.

1Thessalonians ends each chapter with the thought that Jesus is coming.  After we are removed from the earth at the rapture and while the earth is going through the tribulation, two great events take place with our Lord:  The bema (judgement) seat of Christ and the marriage supper of the lamb.  This study focuses on what the Bible teaches about Rewards and this Judgment seat of Christ.

Luke 19:9-14 we see that there is a right and a wrong way to come to God.  Jesus states how you can come to God and how you cannot come to God.  The simplicity of the gospel is often offensive because it addresses our pride.  Salvation is by God's grace alone.  Anything else is a mistrust / distrust of God and His Word.

It is so easy to be distracted that we miss the most important events.  Matthew records the fulfillment of a 4000 year old promise.  A fulfilled prophecy that was announced and promised many times through the Old Testament.  Prophecy that was known and could be quoted was missed by the very men who were relied upon to give answers.  Don't miss the Messiah.

What pleases God most?  What activity would you rate as most important.  Exodus 30 sheds light what is important. 

What is important to you?  What you want determines what brings  you joy.  In this section of Scripture Paul tells the Philippian believers that he thinks of them often and that their ministry together has cemented them in his heart.  His prayers include requests for their spiritual maturity, discernment and for their blessing.  The very thought of them brings him joy.   Circumstances could not rob his joy, because he was not living for circumstances.  Paul was living to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and he loved his fellow servants.     These verses remind us that we need to focus on what is important to us.  If you are living for ease you will be disappointed.  If you are living for perfect circumstances you will be disappointed.  If you focus on the fellowship you can have with other believers and allow that relationship to drive your life purpose you can have joy.  

This bible study begins in Luke 17:20 and Jesus answers the question about when the Kingdom of God will come.  When will God rule the entire earth?  When will these Gentile rulers predicted in Isaiah, Jeremiah and especially Daniel finally come to an end?  When will our deliverance truly come?

This is the beginning of a study of the book of Philippians.  This book does not try to convince us that everything is going to go well.  It tells us the mind we need to have to experience joy in a world filled with trouble.  In these first two verses Paul describes two important gifts from God that enable us to live in a troubled world.

Confrontation is never pleasant and is usually avoided.  In Galatians 6:1 Paul gives 4 important "secrets" to confrontation.

Enjoying Worship is a blessing of God and yet worship is often . . . less than enjoyable.  Why?  It is possible that worship is not what God intended because we have missed what ought to be in our worship and have become distracted in our worship. Worship is personal and corporate, is intentional and relational because of who God is and what He has done.

Prayer Changes Things!  Do I pray as if prayer is really the deciding factor?  Do you ever pray as if PRAYER is really the pivotal point? In these verses Jesus gives the parable of the widow and the unjust judge.  Please note that Jesus did not say that His people were like this widow but that IF she got her request how much more will God's people get their requests.  Pray!  Pray specifically!  Pray intentionally!

John wanted followers of Jesus Christ to be confident of their relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  John wanted them to be confident that Jesus was God come in the flesh and how this new relationship changed them and their lives. In this portion of our study John addresses the witnesses that verified that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.

In 1John 5, John addresses some facts about which Christians can be confident.  You can know for certain that you are on your way to heaven.  Often doubts crowd into a person’s mind and then we struggle with how to get help or help them.  John said I wrote all of this so that you can KNOW you have eternal life. You can also be confident that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah.  A person cannot go to the Father without believing that Jesus Christ is the promised messiah.  Jesus cannot be anything less than the Father said and Jesus still be the promised Messiah.  God come in the flesh (God with us).

We often talk about God’s will and we desire it, but is there a simple way to know it?  Is it difficult to know God's Will?  Without knowing God’s will we can make some very foolish decisions.  Without God’s guidance and will we will act rashly and without apparent thought.  God’s will is really important for us today.  The good news is that God is more interested in us knowing His will than we are.  Follow along as we look at basic truths about God's Will.

1John 5:14-17 is part of the conclusion of John’s first Epistle.   As John concludes this short book he gives us “Facts about which Christians are confident.”  We are confident about the deity of Jesus Christ.  We are confident about the security of our Salvation.  This study looks at our confidence that God will answer our prayers.

As we come to the end of John’s first epistle, John reminds us of reality and helps us keep life in perspective.  You have a new life in Christ.  Don’t let a skewed perspective keep you from enjoying reality.

The word offend is often confused with hurting someone's feelings, yet that is not what our Lord meant when He warned about offenses and taught about how to deal with offenses.  In Luke 17 He addresses the seriousness of offending and the right response to offenses.  Our Lord ends by giving hope.  We can do what our Lord asks us to do.

Christians love and can love because they have been given of God's nature.  When Christians truly love, the world sees the Father.  Love is such an amazing gift that much of our pop music is written about it.  We hear of love lost, love found, love stolen and even love abused.  Music lyrics tell us that love could fix the world problems if it would just love.  The problem we face is that love has been so perverted that the definition of love has become about taking rather than giving.   God is love.  Love is part of God's nature and John repeats our Lord's teaching about the importance of love in 1John 4:7-16.  Christian love allows others to see something they can only wish for and desire.