Text:   Romans 8:12-17

“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’ The Spirit...

TEXT: “For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham”

(Hebrews 2:16 NKJV; read 2:9-18 and especially 14-18)).

We live in a world that is experiencing crisis after crisis. The call for help or aid is voiced constantly across our fallen race.

We think of victims of covid-19, lives devastated through natural disasters like floods or earthquakes. Then, there are so many people caught in the midst of conflict and warfare, not to mention daily...

READ THE TEXT: Psalm 150 (ESV)

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in the sanctuary; praise him in the heavens!

Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him for his excellent greatness!

Praise him with the trumpet; praise him with the lute and harp!

Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!

Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

INTRODUCTION:

This Psalm, the last...

The Blessing of Restored Fellowship with the Lord: Forgiveness and Fellowship

Read:        Psalm 32      

Introduction:

The pain and hurt of broken relationships are real and deep. How often people are wounded and discouraged through personal relationship problems. Yet personal relationship problems abound, and impact daily life often. Think of how many songs lament difficult relationship issues. We are relational beings, and...

The dates for the winter Institutes are soon upon us.

The deadline for our “Strengthening Expository Preaching “ Institute (February 23-26) is February 9.

Also, ahead is our Practical Preaching Workshop (March 8-11). Contact us by February 9  as well.

You can register online: www.olford.org. Or for further information, you can email us at [email protected], or [email protected]. Call us at 901-453-6422, or 901-453-6444.

Health and safety protocols...

Main Text for Today: Ephesians 4:17-5:21

 “I, therefore, ……………..beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,………” (Ephesians 4:1 NKJV).

INTRODUCTION:

It is a wonderful day when a baby takes his or her first steps. The occasion may be captured in a picture and sent to family and friends. Soon the infant is learning how to walk. Walking is very important for life and growth. Indeed,...

Please read 1 Timothy 1:12-17.

Main Text: 1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV - “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

Introduction:

Think about all the messages we receive in a day, or in a week. Some come from people we know, and some come from people we do not know. Some are easy to understand, some are hard to understand. Some are helpful or encouraging. Some are hurtful or discouraging. Some...

INTRODUCTION:

For some, the Christmas season is just a time to celebrate the end of another year. It may be simply a time to forget all that has happened in daily life as well as what is happening in our struggling world.

That may be especially true this year.

Sadly some miss the joy of the Savior completely.  We know also that this season can be a depressing time for many: especially those who have suffered loss, and those whose lives are filled with personal hardship and painful...

A reflection on Galatians 4:4

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (ESV).  

Galatians 4:4a  “But, when the fullness of time had come,……” (ESV, NKJV)

                      ...

INTRODUCTION: You may be familiar with the “best practices” terminology that is used in various training contexts. Usually, after researching “successful” organizational functions and procedures, the presenter will recommend the best practices for a particular business. These practices are the best ways to handle the operations and challenges that are being faced.

TEXT: “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart” (2...