Cornerstone Truth

Suffering Victoriously As Christians… “It is ‘Go Time’ to be Fully Invested in Serving Christ and His Kingdom!”  It was and seems to be once again time to be fully invested in serving the LORD.  There are four fundamental responses that need to be consistently practiced as troublesome times continue to unfold.  First, a prayer life built upon sound judgment and soberness.  Next, we need to remain fervent in our love for the brethren.  Third we need to be hospitable with a great attitude,  Finally, we need to invest our God-given gifts, talents, abilities, and resources to advance Christ’s Kingdom.  The overall riding purpose is that God may be glorified in His people as we humbly do His will.  The post It Is “Go Time” To Be Fully Invested! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

“Suffering Victoriously As Christians… Arm Yourselves with Christ’s Purpose in Suffering for Doing what is Right!”  As those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we are to suffer like Christ according to the will of God.   To accomplish this we must, “arm ourselves,” by setting our mind, our intentions, and our purpose to share the gospel in both word and deed so others might become Christians!  In following Christ’s example, as we consistently invest our lives in the selfless sacrifice and service of others, we will grow in the holiness and righteousness of our Lord Jesus.  In so doing, we will also experience the slander of those who will malign us as we lay aside our former fleshly lusts to embrace the righteous life of Christ and His love for lost souls.  Our motivation in all this comes from knowing that all of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be recompensed for the things we did in the flesh whether good or evil. The post Arm Yourselves with Christ’s Purpose in Suffering for Doing What is Right! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

“Suffering Victoriously As Christians… In Your Marriage and the Family of God!”   Last week we introduced this lesson but this morning we will finish looking at the critically important human institutions of marriage and the church which is the family of God.  Remembering that we are looking at each of these human institutions, created by God, for God’s purpose we will examine marriage in the same light.  Marriage is also designed to fulfill the LORD’s ultimate purpose.  The husband and wife are to be subject to their God given purpose and role in the marriage relationship.  Submission to God’s will in any relationship means the sacrifice of “Self.”  In a person’s sacrifice in marriage, to be in submission to the LORD’s will, there is often pain of many different kinds.  We will focus on both the husband and wife in the LORD’s call to submit to Him and His will while serving each other in marriage.  To fulfill His will we must also examine the critical spiritual nature and adornment of the wife and the husband as God’s word directs.  We will conclude our lesson by examining our call to fulfill God’s purpose as Christians in context to being a part of His family.  We will describe the purpose of our submission to one another and what the nature of that submission looks like.    The post Submission in Marriage & the Family of God! Part 2 appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

“Suffering Victoriously As Christians… In Your Marriage and the Family of God!”   In the past few weeks we have learned that we are to be in subjection to every human institution such as civil governments and the institutions were we are employed.  This morning we will look at the critically important human institutions of marriage and the church which is the family of God.  Remembering that we are looking at each of these human institutions, created by God, for God’s purpose we will examine marriage in the same light.  Marriage is also designed to fulfill the LORD’s ultimate purpose.  The husband and wife is to be subject to their God given purpose and role in the marriage relationship.  Submission to God’s will in any relationship means the sacrifice of “Self.”  In a person’s sacrifice in marriage to be submission to the LORD’s will there is often times pain of many and varied different kinds.  We will focus on the both the husband and wife in the LORD’s call to submit to Him and His will while serving each other in marriage.  We will conclude our lesson by examining our call to fulfill God’s purpose as Christians in context to being a part of His family.  We will describe the purpose of our submission to one another and what the nature of that submission looks like.    The post Submission in Marriage & the Family of God! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

“Suffering Victoriously As Christians… In Your Place of Work!”   As we learned last week, we are to be in subjection to every human institution.  The places of commerce and work were we earn our living, “by the sweat of our brow,” is a very important place to serve the LORD according to His will.  We are taught to serve our earthly masters with all respect and honor regardless of whether they are good or unreasonable.  I serving them according to God’s will we may need to endure unjust suffering at the hand of our earthly masters.  If, when doing what is right according to God’s ethical standard for our behavior in the work place we will find favor with the LORD and receive His blessings.  To be able to do this we must look to Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.  I following Christ’s example we recognize that Christ suffered when fulfilling His Father’s will and so we also may suffer injustice when doing the LORD’s will at our places of work.  To look to His example will give us the strength and courage to set our faces like flint to serve the LORD in every way at our places of employment.  In so doing, we will glorify His before men and receive praise, glory, and honor from the LORD on the last day. The post The Mindset of Christ in Suffering at Work! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

“Suffering Victoriously As Christians!”   This is the theme of our present mini-series of sermons taken from the text of the first epistle of Peter.  This morning’s sermon is another call for a paradigm shift in our thinking to prepare us to experience, survive, and thrive during times of suffering in our future.  The audience Peter was addressing were Christians who were soon to experience the suffering at the hands of the corrupt and insane depot, Nero.  We don’t know what our future holds but to be mentally prepared is essential.  So, we must listen as the LORD speaks through Peter to prepare all Christian in every generation to suffer at the hands of godless men.  This morning we will wrestle with a little spoken of passage that calls us to fulfill God’s will be submitting ourselves to every human institution ordained by LORD.  This morning we will examine some of these institutions and how we must respond to them in order to live within the will of our God.  We will not be asked to do anything that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did not do, but rather, we will be asked to walk in His footsteps in honoring all people including those who have the power and authority to inflict great suffering. The post Honor All People with Love, Fear, and Honor! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Morning assembly for Sunday October 5, 2025 with sermon from Kirk Parks. The post To the Church at Ephesus and P-Hill appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Welcome to Sunday morning assembly for 9-21-2025 for Brian Braggs sermon. The post Sunday Assembly with Brian Bragg 9_21_25 appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

“Suffering Victoriously As Christians!”  Are you prepared to suffer and die for your faith?  The apostle Peter, using the power of the pen and inspiration by the Holy Spirit, worked to prepare God’s people for the pain and suffering of persecutions by Nero.  Today will be the last lesson on preparing our mindset and building our determination to endure to the end!, “Growing and Thriving as God’s People!”  is the title for this morning’s sermon.  Our study this morning will be taken form the passage of Scripture found in 1 Peter 2:1-12.  In our first point, we will hear of the critical importance of pruning or purging from our lives, as Jesus said, the bad fruit and then building the desire and longing to grow and be built up in His holy word!  In the second, Christ will be exulted as Cornerstone for the house of God and we will be called out as living stones in the great temple of the living God!  In this point we will be called to faithful obedience unto life or disbelief and rebellion leading to eternal condemnation.  Finally, we will learn once again, that as a person perceives themselves, so they will respond to the challenges or trials in this life.  As the chosen race, God’s precious people we are to proclaim the excellencies of the LORD in all we do and say!  Again, as Christians, we must recognize ourselves as strangers and aliens in a fallen and corrupt world.  In this, we must abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul and embrace the moral character and conduct of our Christ!  In finishing the lessons communicated thus far we will be prepared to learn how to respond in many facets of trials, persecutions, and sufferings for Christ.  The post Growing & Thriving as God’s People appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

We continue this morning teaching through our mini-series titled, “Suffering Victoriously As Christians!”  For those who have been following our sermons this year regarding the 8th Law of Momentum – The Power of Suffering, you realize the whole focus has been to give the faithful Christian man and woman the right mindset regarding suffering.  The carnally minded person avoids suffering, complains about it, and ultimately succumbs to it in discouragement and despair, but the spiritually minded person embraces it when it comes and grows ever stronger in faithfulness and service to our King!  This series of lessons on suffering victoriously will be based on an expository study of the letter of 1st Peter.  Today we will finish our study from the lesson, “Our Faithful Response to His Great Salvation!”  Understanding His amazing grace and love for us in paying our debt of sin, filling us with His Holy Spirit, and reserving our place in heaven through Christ’s resurrection our response of faithfulness must be one of total commitment to living only for Him.  To prepare for times of great suffering ahead, Peter describes what our faithful response to God’s great salvation should look like.  First, we will examine the 3 Building Blocks for developing the right mindset to prepare for suffering.  Next, we will learn of the 3 Cornerstones for our Conduct to strengthen us for triumph in times of trial.  Finally, we will drill down on two very important truths about the LORD’s great salvation that are given to inspire us to persevere and power through tough times, holding on to the hope of eternal life in the face of, what Paul calls, light and momentary affliction! The post Our Faithful Responses to His Salvation appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

“Suffering Victoriously As the Christ!”  from the epistle of Peter! For those who have been following our sermons this year regarding the 8th Law of Momentum – The Power of Suffering, our focus has been to give the faithful Christian man and woman the right mindset regarding suffering.  The carnal mind person avoids it, complains about it, and ultimately succumbs to it in discouragement and despair, but the spiritually minded person embraces it when it comes and grows ever stronger in faithfulness and service to our King!  This series of lessons on suffering victoriously will be found in an expository study of the first epistle of the Apostle Peter.  This morning we will focus on the inner man and his responsive faithfulness to Christ in our lesson titled, “Our Faithful Responses for His Salvation.”  In this lesson we will learn about the 3 Building Blocks for the right mindset to be victorious in suffering.  Next we will examine the 3 Cornerstones for Conduct which is our behavioral responses to His amazing salvation.  Finally, we will examine how His grace motivates or faithfulness in developing the right mindset and living our lives with a focus on pleasing our LORD in ever respect while suffering according to His will. The post Our Faithful Responses for His Salvation! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Morning Assembly for August 24th and sermon by Bill Compton. The post The Nature and Security of Our Salvation! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This morning we begin our main mini-series titled, “Suffering Victoriously As the Christ!”  For those who have been following our sermons this year regarding the 8th Law of Momentum – The Power of Suffering, you realize the whole focus has been to give the faithful Christian man and woman the right mindset regarding suffering.  The carnal mind person avoids it, complains about it, and ultimately succumbs to it in discouragement and despair, but the spiritually minded person embraces it when it comes and grows ever stronger in faithfulness and service to our King!  This series of lessons on suffering victoriously will be found in an expository study of the first epistle of the Apostle Peter.  This morning we will begin with the lesson titled, “Introduction to Prepare our Minds for Action!”  In this lesson we will learn about the date, location, audience and author of this amazing call to victorious living in the face of suffering for the faith.  In the second half of the sermon we will briefly introduce the theme and purpose of the epistle by describing the seven parts of the letter written to build the faith and the fortitude of the first century Christians to face the immanent and increasing suffering for being followers of Christ. The post Introduction to Preparing Our Minds for Action! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Sermon for Aug 10th 2025 with Bill Compton. The post The Suffering and Success in All Labor Proverbs 14:23 appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

What does it mean when the Scripture says, we are to be conformed to the death of Christ?  It could be assumed it speaks of our being crucified or sharing in a martyr’s death for being a Christian.  In today’s sermon we will review the first two questions we answered last week and finish by focusing on the third question which we did not have time to start.  First, we will review question one, what does it mean to be conformed to Christ’s death.  We will define and illustrate the words conform and fashion.  Next, we will review the answer to the second question, what does it mean, He died to sin for all?  To help with this point we will read and examine the text from Romans 6:8-11.  Finally we will finish by carefully taking a look at the question, what does it mean to consider that the members of your earthly body are dead to sin.  To do this we will refer to the word’s of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church is Colossae in Colossians 3:1-11. The post The Meaning of Being Conformed to His Death _Part 2 appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

What does it mean when the Scripture says, we are to be conformed to the death of Christ?  It could be assumed it speaks of our being crucified or sharing in a martyr’s death for being a Christian.  In today’s sermon we will answer three questions.  First, we will answer the question, what does it mean to be conformed to Christ’s death.  We will define and illustrate the words conform and fashion.  Next, we will answer the question, what does it mean, He died to sin for all?  We will read and examine the text from Romans 6:8-11.  Finally we will finish with the question, what does it mean to consider that the members of your earthly body are dead to sin.  To do this we will refer to the word’s of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church is Colossae in Colossians 3:1-11. The post The Meaning of Being Conformed to His Death appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Morning Assembly for 7/13/2025 with Brian Bragg The post Back to Fundamentals with Brian Bragg appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

We will finish our trilogy of sermons through Philippians 3:7-21 today!  This morning we will examine the question “How?”  How can we endure the sufferings of Christ when we experience the fellowship of His suffering and death?  To answer our question we will read and review Philippians 3:1-11 and then continue our reading and focus on the the meaning of verses 12 through 21.  Initially, we will examine our need to press on to the goal for the prize of the upward call of Christ Jesus.  Next, we will learn of the right attitude and dedication we need to stay the course and keep growing in faith.  Finally, we will look to the example and pattern both Jesus and the Apostle Paul gave us to secure our place with them in heaven having endured the trials, tribulations, and temptations in this life. The post How Can We Endure the Sufferings of Christ? appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

The first sermon in our trilogy of sermons through Philippians 3:7-16 was titled, “To Know the Fellowship of His Suffering”  This week, during our second sermon, we will examine the question “Why?”, why do we want to know the suffering of Christ and why do we want to experience the fellowship of His suffering and death?  Not too many years ago, in business communities, the mantra was, “What is Your Why?”  Honestly, this is a great question to ask in determining the real reason or driving force behind what we choose to do.  Motives, intentions, purpose, and reasons will drive and continue to motivate a person in any pursuit or objective.  Should we not then ask the question, why would we want to know and experience the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings and be conformed to His death?   The answer is clear.  We should desire to know and participate in the kind of sufferings Christ experienced to prepare ourselves for His imminent return for His people. Once we have finished this sermon we will  conclude this trilogy of sermons by answering the question “How?”  How can we prepare to experience and  endure the sufferings of Christ and His death for the salvation of others according to LORD’s will. The post Why Should We Know the Sufferings of Christ? appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This mornings sermon begins a trilogy of sermons regarding our fellowship with the sufferings of Christ.  Our first sermon is titled, “To Know the Fellowship of His Suffering” and we will examine the Paul’s statement of desiring to know the sufferings of Christ.  We will look at Christ’s suffering and then Paul’s suffering and then answer the question, “What about us?”  Next week we will examine the question “Why?”, why do we want to know the suffering of Christ and why do we want to experience the fellowship of His suffering and death?  Finally, we conclude this trilogy with the question “How?” how can we prepare and endure the sufferings of Christ and His death for the salvation of others according to LORD’s will. The post To Know the Fellowship of His Sufferings! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This mornings sermon begins a trilogy of sermons regarding our fellowship with the sufferings of Christ.  Our first sermon is titled, “To Know the Fellowship of His Suffering” and we will examine the Paul’s statement of desiring to know the sufferings of Christ.  We will look at Christ’s suffering and then Paul’s suffering and then answer the question, “What about us?”  Next week we will examine the question “Why?”, why do we want to know the suffering of Christ and why do we want to experience the fellowship of His suffering and death?  Finally, we conclude this trilogy with the question “How?” how can we prepare and endure the sufferings of Christ and His death for the salvation of others according to LORD’s will. The post To know the Fellowship of His Suffering appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This weeks morning assembly for June 8th is with Bill Compton. Thank you for joining Psalm 39:5-6 and Ephesians 5:15-16. The post Life is Too Short for appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Today’s morning assembly is with Brian Bragg, show the world Jesus everyday!! The post Morning Assembly 6/1/2025 with Brian Bragg appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Pleasant Hill Church of Christ’s morning assembly with Jeff D The post Morning Assembly 5/25/25 w/ Jeff D appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

The man and woman of Christ needs to continue daily in being transformed by the renewing of the mind.  The carnal paradigm toward suffering is often avoidance, anger, or bitterness.  The Christian is called to learn and embrace the mindset of Christ with regard suffering.  The Apostle Paul communicates to us three great blessings we can and should embrace as those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!  Today’s sermon, entitled “Three Great Blessings of Suffering Affliction,” will be found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 which describes and illustrates three important blessings that we can embrace if we will walk by faith and not by sight in times of affliction for our faith in Christ.  The first of the three blessings is the sweet fellowship of comfort shared by other saints who have experienced the same sufferings of affliction.  The second great blessing is found in our hope and confidence in Christ as we consider the times He has delivered us in the past and His faithful promise to provide victory in the present and full redemption at the end.  The final sweet blessing of fellowship is found in the faithful prayers of the saints for those experiencing affliction for their faith.  The suffering brother or sister in Christ will experience the giving of praise and thanksgiving for the LORD’s faithfulness in providing for their deliverance through the answered prayers of the saints! The post Three Great Blessings of Suffering Affliction! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Good Morning Welcome to todays morning assembly with Brian Bragg. The post Morning Assembly May 11 2025 w/ Brian Bragg appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This morning we will discuss how to prepare ourselves for suffering.  We must seek out the principles and practices of the faith who taught about suffering and endured suffering.  We must also realize learning how to suffer and remain faithful in our responses to times of suffering, like anything, involved incremental growth.  Finally, will we examine the Scripture to see what the four steps for growing our faith response looks like when suffering. The post Developing Faithfulness for Times of Suffering appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This morning we will examine first the answer to the question, Who is this Jesus?  The simple answer is that He is the Christ and the Son of the living God! What does this mean?  We will dig into what the Bible says about the Messiah!  In our second part of the sermon we will consider the statement, “In Him all things hold together.”  Many times throughout the New Testament we hear the words, “In Him…”.  Turning to the words of the Apostle Paul in the Colossian letter we will the critical nature of the concept of “In Him…”.  We will be driven to the conclusion that every moment of our Christian life is dependent up being in Him! The post Does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ have Impact on Your Life Today? appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Traditionally, today is called “Palm Sunday” by the masses.  Some call this day the Triumphal Entry of Christ.   Did you know today is the day that Jesus wept over Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago.  He wept for those lost souls who would experience the abomination of desolation and then the eternal lake of fire!  Did you also know that Jesus knew of this day and even planned for this day with His Father before the foundation of the world?   The Scriptures reveal Jesus knew 520 years before He would come into the world that on this day He would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey!  Did you also know that nearly 1,000 years before this day came to pass that Jesus foretold His coming into the city of Jerusalem through a prophecy in the Psalm 118 penned by King David?  Did you also know that the LORD Jesus Christ spoke to Moses of this day by way of prophetic utterance in Exodus 12:1-3?  Finally, did you also know that just a few short days before Jesus wept over Jerusalem, weeping for those who would be lost for eternity because of their rejection of who He was and that He came for them as their King and spiritual Deliverer that He wept with those who loved Him!  Today’s sermon is titled, “The Day of Painful Weeping of Our Christ!”  We will examine and answer all these questions Today!   The post The Day of Painful Weeping of Our Christ! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Knowing that suffering is inevitable are you prepared for the many difficulties and challenges that await you in the future?  How will you respond to them?  Will you respond with self control, conviction, and faith that the LORD is sovereign and will provide for you and protect you until He is ready to take you home?  How does a person prepare for the day of the fiery furnace of affliction?  The lesson this morning is designed using the Scriptures to give us God’s answer on how to be prepared for the inevitable.  Let us look at the example of three young men of faith and learn from them.  Then let us turn to the teachings given to the Apostle Paul as he encourages us to be prepared and equipped for every temptation, challenge, or affliction that will come our way. The post Be Prepared for the Furnace of Affliction appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This morning we will continue to root out the old “Carnal Man” way of thinking and responding to suffering and affliction with the “New Man mindset” that recognizes the LORD’s work and will is being accomplished in our lives through the testing and refining of our faith and character in what He calls “the furnace of afflictions.” What painful afflictions have you experienced in your life that have led you to the LORD, tested your faith, and also strengthened, refined, and purified your thinking and living?  This is a very good question but another is also quite important, how did you respond to these difficulties that often times included pain and suffering?  How should the Christian respond when experiencing a furnace of affliction? The post Refined and Tested in the Furnace of Affliction Part 2 & 3 appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This morning we will continue to root out the old “Carnal Man” way of thinking and responding to suffering and affliction with the “New Man mindset” that recognizes the LORD’s work and will is being accomplished in our lives through the testing and refining of our faith and character by what He calls “the furnace of afflictions.”  What painful afflictions have you experienced in your that led you to the LORD, tested your faith, and also strengthened, refined, and purified your thinking and living?  This is a very good question but another is also quite important, how did you respond to these difficulties that often times included pain and suffering?  How should the Christian respond when experiencing a furnace of affliction? The post Refined and Tested in the Furnace of Affliction appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This morning I will share the specific paradigm we need to adopt as children of God in my lesson titled, “What to Expect from the New Paradigm Toward Suffering.”  We will be listening to the Lord Jesus and His Apostles, Peter and Paul, as they teach us what we are to expect regarding suffering as Christians.  First, they will clearly illustrate the mindset we must possess to embrace affliction, suffering, and persecution for doing the will of the LORD.  Second, they will describe and illustrate how to respond when we are persecuted or made to suffer for doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD.  Brethren, to embrace this new mindset and allow the Scriptures to transform our responses toward the many trials, challenges, difficulties, and afflictions that come to us through persecutions is critical for our forward movement in leading others to Christ in perilous times. The post What to Expect from the New Paradigm Toward Suffering! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This morning’s sermon is titled “Rooting Out and Replacing the Old Paradigm!”  Building on last weeks lesson we will work on how we can change our old humanistic mindset towards suffering.  It is often important to look back at the process of repentance and rediscover how the LORD has created this amazing process so that we can walk away from the old man and his or her “Stink’in Think’in and Evil Do’in!” and become the glorious children of God, as we choose to walk in the newness of life through the power of Christ Jesus who is within us!  The second important point in my lesson this morning is to answer several critical questions about what this complete metamorphosis of the mind looks like in real time and why we need to invest ourselves in working with Christ to be transformed in our thinking and in our actions! The post Rooting Out and Replacing the Old Paradigm appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This morning begins a long but critically important series on changing the human paradigm towards suffering and transforming it into the mind of Christ regarding the sufferings of this life.  Today’s sermon is a vital first step in defining and describing what the natural tendency is in the human response to suffering in contrast to the Christ-minded response to suffering.  The divergent nature of each is like the comparison of  light and dark, life and death, love and hate, or comfort and pain.  In the first point of the sermon we will answer the question, What is the “Human” paradigm of Suffering?   In this we will identify the human default response toward suffering and discover that it is manifested in the avoidance of self-restraint and self-discipline while indulging the mind and body in things that are pleasurable and self-gratifying.  The second point of our lesson will answer the opposing question, What is the “Christian” paradigm of suffering?  We will then endeavor to define the Christian’s mindset towards affliction and will discover the Scripture calls the Christian to embrace the responsibility of self-restraint and self-discipline to sacrificially serve God in doing His will to fulfill His purpose. The post Changing the Human Paradigm of Suffering! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This morning we will begin our lesson by listening to Jesus as He calls us to come to Him to receive rest and peace as we listen to Him and choose to be united with Him in His great life of service in His kingdom.  Then will examine the cause, consequences, and cure for what we have been describing as self-inflicted suffering.  We will discover that the idol of self and selfishness is the cause for this kind of suffering.  We will also look at the consequences of this kind of suffering by examining three types of self indulgent behavior.  Finally, we will allow the Scripture to prescribe the cure for this painful type of suffering which ultimately results from our rejecting God’s will for our lives as described and illustrated in God word. The post The Cause, Consequence, and Cure for Self-inflicted Suffering! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Today we will listen to the Apostle Peter and King Solomon as the share the truth of God’s word related to making sure that we do not suffer needlessly from self-inflicted suffering caused by our rejection of God’s wisdom and living a self-indulgent life.  Initially, we will listen to God’s wisdom shared by the Apostle Peter regarding not suffering as an evil doer.  Next, we will listen to the wisdom given to King Solomon warning us of both the causes and consequences of grievously painful self-inflicted suffering.  Finally, we will listen to the Apostle Peter once again as he helps us to realize our suffering must be the sufferings of Christ as we do the will of our Father in heaven, forsaking sin and embracing His life of sacrifice.  The post Make Sure Your Suffering is Not Self-Inflicted appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

The wisdom of God, found in Proverbs, warns us of the consequences of complacency.  This morning we will examine how we can avoid self inflicted suffering by rejecting complacency in our lives which is often times so prevalent.  Neglecting responsibilities, “resting on our laurels,” taking a relationship for granted, or not being mindful of the painful outcomes related to laziness, apathy, or awareness of evil are all examples of the consequences of complacency.   This morning in the sermon titled, “The Complacency of Fools Leads to Suffering” we will answer the questions from the Scripture; What is complacency?  What are the inherent dangers and consequences of complacency in our lives in the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual realms?  Finally, what can we do to eliminate complacency in every facet of our lives.  The post The Complacency of Fools Leads to Suffering appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

The power of suffering in serving the Lord provides amazing blessings to those who understand and embrace the truth that suffering pain can produce greater strength, understanding, and wisdom for those who walk by faith and not by sight.  Recently, there was a saying that has been frequently used regarding the pain and hardship that humans often experience on a daily basis.  The statement was, “Choose Your Hard!”  What is meant by this statement is this, in our daily choices in what to do and say there will be consequences for these actions.  A simple example would be related to choosing to be disciplined or undisciplined in maintaining our physical fitness at healthy levels.  In choosing to be disciplined in daily movement and exercise activities there will be the more immediate “Hard” of physical aches and pains, the time it takes to do a daily exercise program and possibly the financial cost to do such programs.  On the other hand, there is a different, more challenging, and costly kind of “Hard” if you choose to be undisciplined by not exercising daily.  This “Hard” includes atrophy of muscles, restricted movement, sluggishness, lack of motivation, and possibly costly healthcare challenges.  The post The Suffering of Self-Denial and Self-Sacrifice appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Special guest Phil Sutton for todays morning assembly. The post Be Subject to One Another in the Fear of Christ appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Today we will work through the second point of last weeks sermon titled, “The Power to Choose the Direction of Your Momentum During Times of Affliction and Suffering!” As you might recall, I desire to begin to change a common paradigm regarding the response to suffering and affliction!  In the human experience suffering and struggles are seemingly ever-present in everyone’s life.  People often respond and cope with these painful experiences with anger, frustration, discouragement, depression, or apathy, with a sense of hopelessness.  This morning I desire to offer a mindset for growth and maturity when experiencing suffering, affliction, and trauma in life.  Our attitudes towards trials and afflictions are often negative, but what if we become more responsible in how we use God’s Scriptural standard for our responses?  The word responsible is actually two words.  If we say we are responsible we are actually saying we have the power of choice and the ability to respond to any life situation or circumstance in a proper and Christ-like manner.  During the sermon today we will define the terms I am using for this year’s theme.  Next, I we will examine the importance of our mindset and attitudes that have shaped our responses in the past and how to now view suffering, affliction, and trauma, from a Christ-like perspective or paradigm. The post The Power to Choose the Direction of Momentum During Times of Affliction and Suffering! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

This morning I desire to begin to change a common paradigm regarding the response to suffering and affliction!  In the human experience suffering and struggles are seemingly every present in everyone’s life.  People often respond and cope with these painful experience with anger, frustration, discouragement, depression, or apathy, with a sense of hopelessness.  This morning I desire to offer a mindset for growth and maturity when experiencing suffering, affliction, and trauma in life.  Our attitudes towards trials and afflictions are often negative, but what if we become more responsible in how we use God’s Scriptural standard for our responses?  The word responsible is actually two words.  If we say we are responsible we are actually saying we have the power of choice and the ability to respond to any life situation or circumstance in a proper and Christ-like manner.  During the sermon today we will define the terms I am using for this year’s theme.  Next, I we will examine the importance of our mindset and attitudes that have shaped our responses in the past and how to now view suffering, affliction, and trauma, from a Christ-like perspective or paradigm. The post The Power to Choose the Direction of Momentum When Suffering or Afflicted appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

We are starting a New Year with a New Theme and focus for our sermons, Oregon Family Camp, and the G4 Summit Men’s Camp!  The theme this year is “The 8th Law of Momentum – The Power of Suffering!”  As most of you know I have decided to present the Scriptural standard for important timely biblical concepts that are critical for the saints to know, embrace, and apply in our lives. It seems to me the concept of suffering is seldom preached from the pulpits in our country.  It also seems our present culture disdains and turns away from any conversation or discussion about death or suffering.  Both experiences are painfully inevitable and common in all of our lives.  Should we not then take measures to be mentally prepared for what is sure to come?  There are several types and many causes of suffering in our lives.  The potential impact in our individual life can either be powerful and positive or it could be debilitating and destructive.  We must recognize these potentialities and prepare to work through life’s sufferings and afflictions so that they will help us rather than hurt us in our ability to continue to serve the LORD Jesus Christ effectively.  We need to prepare our minds and our attitudes for the afflictions which will surely come in our lives.  As Christians we are called to be responsible in how we work through each experience of suffering.  We are called by the LORD to look to Jesus and the writings of the authors of both the New and Old Testaments for how best to deal with each type of suffering or affliction we may experience.  Finally, it will be of great benefit to learn of the outcomes of our mindset and attitudes towards affliction and its impact in our service in growing, building, and strengthening of Christ’s Kingdom.  This morning we will take… “A Quick Peek Into the Year Ahead of Us!” as we share a broad brush view of the topics and concepts related to suffering and affliction to be discovered and examined in the weeks to come! The post A Quick Peek Into the Year Ahead of Us! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Today’s sermon is titled,“The Sure and Steadfast Anchor of Our Soul”.  This morning we will be focused on verses seventeen through twenty from Hebrews chapter six.  In examining this passage of Scripture we will first answer many important questions regarding the “Anchor of Our Soul!  What is the purpose of an anchor, where is our soul anchored, what is the anchor of our soul, and what would life be like without this anchor? In the second point I will describe what, or should I say Who, makes our anchor sure and steadfast!  Again, we will answer some very important questions about the security of our hope.  What does sure and steadfast mean, what are the two unchangeable things we need to know about our LORD, and what life filled with hope in God and His provision produces in our lives right now! The post We Have An Anchor that Keeps the Soul appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Today’s sermon is titled,“Real Hope Needs Real Security – God’s Promise!”.  This morning we will be focused on verses thirteen through seventeen from Hebrews chapter six.  In examining this passage of Scripture we will first look at three passages of Scripture from Genesis in which God promises Abraham that He would grant him a child from his own body who will bring blessings to all the families who will believe in Him!  In my first point I will also describe what it means to swear an oath and how this secures and confirms that a promise will be fulfilled.  The second point in the lesson we will actually see how Abraham, through faith and patient hope, did in fact receive the promise.  This sermon is an important pre-requisite for understanding the promise made to us by God, that we would inherit His abundant eternal life, is also fulfilled, secured through our faith and hope in Him!  The post Real Hope Needs Real Security! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

I will be concluding this year’s annual theme, The 7th Law of Momentum –“The Power of HOPE!”, with a three sermon series titled “We Have an Anchor that Keeps the Soul!” based on the passage of Scripture found in Hebrews 6:9-20. The first sermon in our final series is titled,“We are Called to Realize the Full Assurance of Hope”.  The morning word of instruction will be focused on verses nine through twelve from Hebrews chapter six.  In dissecting this passage of Scripture we will first address the meaning of the statement, “so as to realized the full assurance of hope.”  I have chosen to focus on this statement first as we have come to learn that true biblical “Hope” is defined as the confidence of our redemption on the last day when we are called into heaven with a new transformed glorious body!  The second point in the lesson is to answer the question, how is it that we can have total confidence and assurance of our redemption on the last day?  We must realize in our relationship with  Jesus Christ, He did the heavy lifting to secure our salvation when He ransomed us from death and secured our life eternal in Himself through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension in to heaven!  In this relationship we too have an important role in making sure that His sacrifice was not in vain.  Finally, we must faithfully serve Him by loving one another in sacrificial service, fulfilling our God-given ministry of service.  To conclude the lesson we will find that we are called to be diligent and intentional about fulfilling our part in this amazing covenant relationship with Christ.  We are warned by the author of Hebrews to not be sluggish but imitators or those who through faith and patience inherit the promise of eternal life.  The post We are Called to Realize the Full Assurance of Hope appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

Morning Assembly 12_08_24 Kirk Parks The post Morning Assembly 12_08_24 Kirk Parks appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

I wonder what it would be like for a child longing to have his or her adoptive parents come to pick them up from the sad life situation that they were living in.  In working with orphan children in Belarus, they long for parents to love them.  Sadly, that country does not allow their children to be adopted by people from other countries because of the ugliness of human trafficking.  They are hopeless in this hopeless situation.  We, as Christians, have been adopted out of this messed up world because the love of our heavenly Father, through the redemptive work of His Son, and now we eagerly await for His Son to come and take us home.  This morning I will finish the sermon titled, “We Eagerly Await Our Adoption Day by the LORD!”  Yes, as the apostle Paul has written, we have been redeemed, we are being redeemed, and we will experience the full glory of our redemption on the day when Jesus returns for us!  He will take us home, our eternal home, to be with Him and our heavenly Father! The post We Eagerly Await Our Adoption Day by the LORD! Part 2 appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

I wonder what it would be like for a child longing to have his or her adoptive parents come to pick them up from the sad life situation that they were living in.  In working with orphan children in Belarus, they long for parents to love them.  Sadly, that country does not allow their children to be adopted by people from other countries because of the ugliness of human trafficking.  They are hopeless in this hopeless situation.  We, as Christians, have been adopted out of this messed up world because the love of our heavenly Father, through the redemptive work of His Son, and now we eagerly await for His Son to come and take us home.  My sermon this morning is titled, “We Eagerly Await Our Adoption Day by the LORD!”  Yes, as the apostle Paul has written, we have been redeemed, we are being redeemed, and we will experience the full glory of our redemption on the day when Jesus returns for us!  He will take us home, our eternal home, with He and His Father! The post We Eagerly Await Our Adoption Day by the LORD! appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.

We continue in our mini series based on the first chapter of the book of Ephesians, “What is the Hope of His Calling?”    Today’s third  sermon in a series of five will be focused on the hope that the Riches of Christ’s Glory secures for us. We will begin by reviewing what the inheritance in the saints is.  Then we will examine once again both the glory of God and the riches of His glory which is in us through the indwelling presence of Christ’s Spirit.   In the second point we will examine the “Hope of Glory” for both our present life and then in the future at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The post Series: What is the Hope of His Calling appeared first on Pleasant Hill Church of Christ.