From One Degree to Another

Phil Auxier's Blog

Connect

Weekend Recap – The Church and Her God

by

Today’s sermons are now online. In the AM, I entitled the sermon Ecclesiology 101. We were looking at Titus 2:1-8 and how a church that glorifies God ought to function. Specifically, churches ought to teach doctrine so that lives are affected, have specific ministries that equip men and women to be who God intended them to be and, finally, churches are to be godly examples and adorn the Gospel through their actions. It was good to be reminded of how God thinks the church ought to function.

In the PM, we finished up Hosea, looking at Hosea 13:4-14:9 in a sermon I entitled “Love and Justice.” In these two chapters, God’s attributes are on display for us to behold. As we beheld, them, though, I was driven to marvel at the Gospel implications that are found therein. Hosea has been a great study. It is the first time I marched through a prophet, which was a challenge but a very rich thing.

All in all, it was a great Lord’s Day being with the church, learning about the church and marveling at her great God.

Weekend Recap – Prayer, Love and Much Praise to God

by

Today’s sermons are now online.

In the AM, we looked at Colossians 1:9. The title of the sermon was Prayer. This sermon helped us to see that we are to pray consistently, for others, and for God’s will. In the section on God’s will, we saw that what Paul was primarily thinking about wasn’t some decision help, but specifically that they would know God’s will as seen in Jesus Christ.

In the PM, we looked at Hosea 11:1-13:3, in a sermon entitled God’s Gracious Love. I was utterly amazed at this picture of God’s love and really received benefit from seeing it.

I hope you were encouraged this past Lord’s Day and were able to apply God’s Word to your life.

Amazing Love

by

I’m consistently amazed at the picture of love seen in the book of Hosea (God’s love that is). This Sunday PM, Lord willing, we will be exploring Hosea 11:1-13:3. I’ve called the sermon “God’s Gracious Love”. As I prepped the material and worked through the passage, it was staggering to see God’s patience and love. God’s love has overcome His holiness. We see depths of love and mercy in amazing ways. I’m hoping, with Paul, that we are able to see God reveal new depths of understanding when it comes to His love. Hope to see you there.

8/16 Recap…

by

Yesterday’s sermons are up and on the web…

In the AM, “God and The Lost (2)” from Luke 15:8-10, we noticed how we can have heart attitudes that match God’s heart for the lost. The parable of the lost coin speaks volumes into our lives in this regard.

In the PM, “God Isn’t Pleased” from Hosea 8:1-9:17, we sought to find a course that would please God by looking at what provoked His displeasure.

I thought we had a great Lord’s Day. Lots to chew on and lots to spur us on in further growth and sanctification. Any thoughts on your end?

Recap on God..HIs Heart and His People

by

I mentioned in a previous post about where we were headed this weekend. Well, today is in the books and it’s time for the diligent work of application.

In the AM, we looked at God’s Heart for the Lost in Luke 15:4-7. I was struck with how I am so religious in my orientation and this keeps me from loving the lost with the same aggressiveness that God does. Lining up my heart with His is what I am called to.

In the PM, we looked at A Stiff Necked People from Hosea 6:7-7:16. God had contention with His people because they are going their own way and being led astray, while seeking to draw near to Him with a shallow repentance. This message struck me in that I am much too casual with sin. It’s an affront to God because of His holiness and justice. Turning to Him in heartfelt repentance is the only prudent action.

Anything stick out to you all?

4 Sunday: God and, well, um God…

by

Yes, that’s right, we will be very God-centered as we approach the Scriptures tomorrow.

In the AM, we will be looking at the Parable of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15:4-7. We will see God’s heart on display, as He shows compassion for the lost sheep and calls us to joy and many other truths. Does your heart reflect God’s heart for the lost?

In the PM, we will return to Hosea and look at a longer narrative (Hosea 6:7-7:16), addressing some contentions God has with His people in their disobedience. It should be an interesting day of listening to God as He speaks loud and clear through His Word.

Sun PM – God’s Charge…

by

This coming Sunday night, we encounter some strong language from God for the people of Israel from the prophet Hosea. In Hosea 4:1-19, God has a contention with the people for their lack of devotion to Him. I hope to see you there as we look at God’s Word and wonder what affect our compromise and lack of passion are having upon our fellowship with God.

Great Harlotry…

by

My first installment through the book of Hosea, Spiritual Adultery, is online. At the beginning of the sermon, I quote from Ray Ortlund Jr.’s book, God’s Unfaithful Wife:

The harlotry of Israel and the jealousy of Yahweh exploded in crisis in the 8th century BC. During the northern kingdom’s autumn of prosperity and then their final spams of self-destruction, the prophet Hosea was called to alert the people to the true reason for their national decline. It was not ultimately a failure of political manoeuvering, military power or financial resources. The explanation lay deep within the covenanted people themselves. Israel was an unfaithful wife, sharing her love with both Yahweh and the Baals, and her lawful husband could no longer support her affairs with other lovers through further manifestations of his mercies. (p.47)

Sounds like the American church, doesn’t it?