Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

4/14/2002

Exploring the keys to building a lasting and fulfilling marriage based on friendship, effective communication, and spiritual harmony. By understanding and embracing the differences between men and women, couples can create thriving relationships filled with love and fulfillment.

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Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

3/17/2002

Setting a Context:

• The Bible is about good news!
• We are called to be good news to others.
  • Jesus' command
  • The Apostles' instruction

Looking at Reality:

• One half of all churches brought no one to Christ.
• Of those that did bring people to Christ, the ratio is 100:1.

Why the Gospel?

• Because it betters people's lives like nothing else can.
• Because eternity is at stake.
• Because our nations future rests in how well we do.
• Because the best news for any person will always be Jesus Christ.

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Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

3/3/2002

We need to prioritize our relationship with Jesus, embrace growth and vitality within the church, and remain vigilant against the dangers of complacency and self-centeredness. We're encouraged to maintain a sacrificial mindset and unity within the church community, ultimately aiming for personal and spiritual transformation.

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Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

2/17/2002

Specific Guidelines and Applications in our "Brave New World"

• Noble ends never justify immoral means.
• The respect for human life should be preeminent in all medical procedures.
• Get all the facts when pursing a medical procedure.
• Seek godly counsel and meet with those who have faced similar circumstances.
• The question will always be: "can I trust God with my circumstances?"
• Remember, the Word of God stands forever!

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Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

2/3/2002

A Brief Review

• Islam with be the religion of the 21st century by reproduction and conversion.
• On the surface, Islam and Christianity look similar but they are, in fact, diametrically opposed to one another.
• Islam is a religion of rules and duty, with submission being its chief virtue.
• Islam is a religion in transition. All Muslims do not agree.

Up Close and Personal

• What I would say to a Muslim:
  • Question why they make their religion compulsory when the Quran advises against it.
  • Refer to Surah 2:256 and Jesus' teachings.
  • Inquire if they are good enough, highlighting potential heresies.
• What I would say to a Christian:
  • Encourage them to get informed about Islam.
  • Pray for God's mercy and peace.
  • Have urgency to share the Gospel with Muslims.
  • Emphasize the need for friendship and understanding.
  • Thank God for grace.

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Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

1/27/2002

Islam Beliefs and Practices:

• Shahada (Declaration of faith): Reciting the statement of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet."
• Salat (Prayer): Performing five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
• Zakat (Charity): Giving alms (one-fourth of one's income).
• Sawm (Fasting): Abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.
• Hajj (Pilgrimage): Making a pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime.
• Jihad (Struggle): Engaging in personal and/or community struggle to defend or spread Islam.

Comparison of Islam and Christianity:

• Prophethood: Muslims believe Muhammad is God's final prophet (fulfilling Deuteronomy 18, according to their interpretation), while Christians believe Jesus is the final prophet.
• Holy Books: Muslims consider the Quran to be God's final and infallible word, while Christians believe the Bible is God's word, though they acknowledge different interpretations.
• Nature of God: Muslims believe in one God, Allah, while Christians believe in the Trinity (one God in three persons).
• Human Nature: Muslims believe humans are born with a good nature, while Christians believe humans are born with a sinful nature.
• Salvation: Muslims believe salvation is achieved through complete surrender to Allah and good deeds, while Christians believe salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Jesus Christ: Muslims view Jesus as a prophet, but not as God incarnate or the Son of God, a belief considered the greatest sin (shirk) in Islam.
• The Cross: Muslims deny that Jesus was crucified, believing he was taken up to heaven.
• The Bible: Muslims believe the existing Bible has been corrupted, while Christians believe it is God's inspired word.

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Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

1/13/2002

Our "Golden Coin" Psalm 90"

• Oldest Psalm
• Only one written by Moses
• God has two sides, just like a coin.

The Hard Realities of "Tails" Where I Lose to God:

• My Destiny
• My Days

The Gracious Realities of "Heads" Where I Win With God:

• Redemptive Understanding
• Redemptive Restoration
• Redemptive Contribution

Ps 90

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

12/16/2001

The Rule Behind Experiencing God:

• It takes a seeking heart.

Obvious Places God Hangs Out:

• His Word
• Faith/Obedience
• Godly People
• Worship

The Results of Experiencing God:

• Satisfying Life Change
• Spontaneous Praise
• Transformational Strength
• The Best of Life

Ps 84