Audio sermons presented in the Houston congregation of the United Church of God http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/studies.html Matthew 5:20 shows that our righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees. How are we to do this, or in Bible terminology how do we overcome sin? The answer is that we can only overcome through Jesus Christ. We are shown how Jesus Christ overcame and that we must follow the example of overcoming that He set for us. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Jesus the Overcomer.shtml In this concluding Bible study on the king of the south, Mr. Smith looks at present day trends such as the increasing Islamic population in western Europe that could bring about the events that lead to the king of the south pushing at the king of the north as foretold in Daniel 11. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/King of the South - Part 2.shtml The book of Daniel introduces us to the term "king of the south". What do history and Bible prophecy say about this king and the peoples he rules over? Mr. Smith covers this subject in the first of a two part Bible study. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/King of the South - Part 1.shtml How many times have you heard that the law has been done away? This is the belief held by most Christians. But what does the Bible teach on this issue. The question is answered beyond any doubt by Jesus' clear teaching on the subject of the law in the Sermon on the Mount. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Sermon on the Mount - Part 5.shtml So far in this sermon series we have covered the beatitudes, the qualities of the kingdom of God. In this sermon we want to ask what impact would a group of people or a nation that had these qualities have on those around them. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Sermon on the Mount - Part 4.shtml How do we view the word "study?" Some have a negative attitude toward it from their school days. But more importantly, how should we view Bible study? In this sermon Mr. Smith covers the importance of regular Bible study. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Why Study the Bible.shtml In this his third sermon in the series on the Sermon on the Mount, Mr. Smith finishes the Beatitudes as he covers Matthew:5:6-12. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Sermon on the Mount - Part 3.shtml We gave thanks to God on Thanksgiving day, but is giving thanks one day a year enough to satisfy God? No, giving thanks to God is not a once a year event! We must never forget that our blessings come from God. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Thanks.shtml In this sermon Mr. Smith covers Matthew 5:3-5. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Sermon on the Mount - Part 2.shtml Mr. Smith begins his series of sermons on the sermon on the mount with this introductory sermon. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Sermon on the Mount - Part 1.shtml What does the term "world view" mean? What is your world view? As a Christian, what should your world view be? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/What Is Your World View.shtml Leviticus 23:40-42 speaks of dwelling in booths at the Feast of Tabernacles. So why don't we do this? Gary Smith answers this question in this pre-Feast Bible Study. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Dwelling in Booths.shtml Most of mankind has no idea that God has a plan for their future. In God's church we are blessed to know that God has a plan for us. In this sermon Mr. Smith reviews our destiny. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Our Human Destiny.shtml What does leaven have to do with this day? And what are we to learn from the blowing of trumpets? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Surviving Tough Times.shtml Proverbs 22:3 shows that we need to prepare for what is coming. God expects us to do our part and if we do He promises to provide for us. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Surviving Tough Times.shtml What is the kingdom of God and how will it come to this earth? How will upcoming events affect our nation and each one of us individually? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Welcome to the Kingdom of God.shtml Why does the world need God's kingdom now? When we look at Bible prophecy it is clear that this evil world's time is almost up. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Why We Need the Kingdom of God Now.shtml With the upcoming Kingdom of God seminar, we all need to understand how Jesus related to people as we prepare to welcome the new people we meet at the seminar. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/How Christ Related to Others.shtml Mr. Smith presents an overview of the Holy Days as we enter the fall Feast season. He shows that God's holy days were part of his plan from the beginning and can even be found in Genesis 1. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Gods Feasts from Beginning to End.shtml In Mr. Smith's first sermon officially as our pastor, he gives us his and his wife's life stories. He then covers the role of a church pastor. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Who Are We.shtml Do we represent the Kingdom of God as ambassadors of Christ as we should? God's people are the apple of His eye and we need to consider what happens to those who defile them. There is no justification for smiting our fellow servants. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Apple of God's Eye.shtml We each face different circumstances in our lives. Each of us must make the most of where we find ourselves and grow there in our Christian life so that God can finish his work in us. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Bloom Where You Are Planted.shtml Preaching the gospel is not done. God considers all people on earth His sheep. Someone came and preached to us, and we are responsible for giving hope and answers to the world. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Preaching the Gospel or Preparing a People.shtml Loyalty is an extension of honesty and of love. It is the act of being faithful to the people and ideals that we support. If we want our lives to have meaning, we must develop loyalty. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Loyalty to God and Man.shtml The pattern of the Holy Days follows the doctrines listed in Hebrews 6. The physical and spiritual fulfillment of Pentecost corresponds to the latter and early rains. The firstfruits will be resurrected at the last trump. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Pentecost - The Latter and Early Rain.shtml We have a responsibility to exercise the Spirit; the opposite is to quench the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the essence and power of God. It is an enabler - divine, but not a person. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Works of the Holy Spirit.shtml Conviction - a deep belief that goes to the very core of our being; commitment - to place in sacred trust; courage - the product of conviction and commitment. These three lead to conversion. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Three Cs.shtml Studies indicate that a child's attitude toward learning is largely set by the age of six. We should be helping our children to develop a relationship with God early in their lives. A relationship with God is based on keeping His commandments. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Godly Relationships.shtml Israel left Egypt physically, but did not leave it spiritually. Judgment is now on the house of God and the Feast of Unleavened Bread should prepare us for total victory. We have been called out of spiritual Egypt to strive toward the true Promised Land. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Victory Through Faith.shtml We are physical, social, mental, and emotional beings who are designed to become spiritual beings in God's family. How can each of these aspects affect our spiritual temple? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Four Passovers of Christ's Earthly Ministry.shtml The sacrifice of Jesus was a whole sacrifice, not divided into physical (body) for forgiveness of physical sins and spiritual (blood) for our spiritual sins. All sin is spiritual and transgresses the law. He was wounded for our transgressions, for our sins and when we are healed we are made thoroughly whole. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Blood and Body of Christ.shtml As we see violence and upheaval rising in the world, we need to consider it from both historic and Biblical perspectives. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Why Do the Nations Rage.shtml The building of the temple was highly symbolic of the future spiritual temple that God would build. Symbolism in Zechariah reveals important features of God's plan for His Church. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Visions of Zechariah 3 and 4.shtml We don't need a Redeemer just because Adam sinned, but because we all have sinned. We are continually challenged to be reconciled to God, Christ, and each other. Our daily lives must incorporate the three S's: surrender, submit, serve. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Trials - What Goes Around Comes Around.shtml Our trials are fairly minor when we consider those endured by Noah, Enoch, Moses, and the apostles. When we face our trials, remember that we seek a future city whose builder and maker is God. One of the characteristics of great men and women is that they are builders. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Trials - What Goes Around Comes Around.shtml Jonah placed himself in a holding pattern and then tried to run from God. When we flee form the presence of God, it is equivalent to disfellowshipping ourselves from him. We must move from the seat of the scornful to the seat of the doers. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Jonah Syndrome.shtml With Egypt dominating recent news, it is beneficial to consider the role of Egypt throughout history. Egypt is one of the oldest nations on earth, yet it has significant importance in prophecy and is synonymous with sin throughout the Bible. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Egypt in the Bible.shtml God has given us all spiritual gifts for the purpose of edifying the entire body of Christ. Servant leadership is a demonstration of a living sacrifice. The motive for our actions must always be to serve the body of Christ. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Servant Leadership and Gifts of the Spirit.shtml We are unified through the Holy Spirit with God and with each other. Obedience to the law results in love, since the law identifies how we should love God and man. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/God Equals Law Equals Love Equals Life.shtml How was the greatest split in history achieved? How could Satan draw away one-third of the perfect angels from following God? Satan allowed pride to overcome him. His strategy is to carefully craft deceits and lies to draw us away from God. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Great Split.shtml People tend to become scattered after they lose human leadership, but should they? We will stay on course if we look to God for moral and spiritual leadership. God must always be our spiritual leader. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Who Is Your King - The Great Test.shtml We want God to look favorably upon us during these trying times. We need to be poor and of contrite spirit, trembling at His word. If we don't obey the Word of God as Christians, we are committing blasphemy. Every part of our lives should exhibit obedience to God. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/God Speaks to Us.shtml God calls us, brings us to Christ so that we can have our sins forgiven, and gives us His Holy Spirit. Only God can put us in the Church; only we can put ourselves out. Let no man take your crown. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Churchs One Foundation.shtml One of the most miserable conditions that we can be in is a state of indecision. Double-mindedness will render us spiritually impotent. We are to be decisive, to have our whole heart and mind focused on God. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Double-mindedness.shtml Envy and jealousy, covetousness and idolatry, are at the root of most problems ever faced by mankind. The question of pre-eminence has plagued the Church since the time of Christ. How can we kill the green-eyed monster? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Green-Eyed Monster.shtml Many people in the Bible and in today's world feel that they are the exception. They treat what is holy as if it were profane and expect no penalty since their situation is an exception. We must follow God's instruction and realize that we are not the exception. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Exception.shtml God will not accept just any old offering, because our offering reflects the condition of our hearts. He has placed His presence in the Sabbath Day in a special way, giving it a special peace. We must not take our appearance before Him too lightly. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Worship of God, Part 2.shtml Psalms 22, 23, and 24 provide us insight into Jesus' suffering on the cross as the Good Shepherd, the noble characteristics of the Great Shepherd, and the rewards that the Chief Shepherd will give us. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd.shtml Worship means rendering reverent honor or homage. How do we prepare for Sabbath services? What are our expectations for our lives after we leave? We all need a deeper understanding of what "worshipping God" means. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Worship of God, Part 1.shtml What does my life represent to God, to my spouse, to my family, and to the congregation? We are to walk worth of our calling. We cannot control what others do to us, but we can control how we respond. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Keeping the Unity of the Faith in the Bond of Peace.shtml Study on the book of Revelation. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Worship - The Central Issue in Revelation.shtml We look forward to the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement in the future when Satan is bound and cast into the pit, but what does the day mean for us today? We need to be living the Day of Atonement every day of our lives. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Bind Satan Now.shtml Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus will be given the throne of David, and we will be granted to sit with Him on His throne. In the millennium the spiritual kingdom will rule over the physical kingdom. The purpose will be to bring all nations into a relationship with God. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Throne of My Father David.shtml Since we are all worthy of death, anything that we get above death is a gift. We need to count the total cost of our commitment. Our love for God and truth must exceed our love and devotion to anything else in this life. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/What Would You Give Up to Be a Disciple.shtml Grace is often defined in the Church as "free, unmerited pardon of sin." It can be understood as "divine favor." Grace that frees us from our sins is not cheap. It was paid for by the death of Jesus. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Grace of God.shtml As members of the body, of the Church of God, we need to learn the true meaning of obedience. Can we really keep the "spirit of the Law" without keeping the "letter of the Law" or obeying what was written? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Spirit of the Law.shtml Do we really want to overcome the addiction to this present evil, slave-like world? When confronted with their sins most people hide, blame others, or justify themselves. We need to be lights to the world and focus our lives on God. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Defeating the Enemies of Light.shtml Satan uses SAD in his attacks against us - Subtlety, Accusation, and Destruction. We must embrace God's culture to withstand him and his attacks. We must remember that God has our best interests at heart. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/You Can Make It Despite Satan and Self.shtml Satan is trying to destroy the institution of fatherhood. We need to understand the importance of fatherhood, the role of our heavenly Father, and the roles and responsibilities of fathers in the family. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Are Fathers Necessary.shtml The most effective way that we can be encouraged is by helping others. Our society has been sold the false idea that everything must be fun, pleasurable, and self-indulgent, yet we are to be partakers of Christ's sufferings. Prayer encourages us because we talk to someone else - to God - about our problems. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Encouragement.shtml Joseph lived by faith. There is no record of him feeling sorry for himself, of him bemoaning his fate, or even asking God, "Why is this happening to me?". The Bible encourages us to press forward and not to be ruled by the past. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/From Pit to Palace.shtml In the face of trials, if our focus is on God and the big picture of His Kingdom, He will rescue us - either in this life or the next. God can affect our minds through His Spirit, and we are to be involved in the process of stirring up the Spirit. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Work of the Spirit.shtml When "all is lost", we are to be fearing God, meditating on His name, and serving Him. When we've heard "We're in the end times!" so many times, our human tendency is to become inured and hardened to the point that we don't respond. All men will at some point let us down, but God will never fail us. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Where Is God in All of This.shtml The Proverbs 31 woman has close parallels with our physical mothers and with the Church. Each positive trait described can be found in the way the Church nurtures, cares for, and relates to us. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Mother Of Us All.shtml Are we searching the scriptures daily to see if what we are told is true? There are three aspects to our relationship with truth: knowing it, doing it, loving it. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Truth.shtml Last Day of Unleavened Bread http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Such A Time As This.shtml First Day of Unleavened Bread http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Keep Sin From Entering Your Life.shtml The book of John reveals the broad extent of the roles that Christ fulfilled. He is shown as the Word, as Truth, as Light, as the Lamb of God, as the True Bread, as the Son of Man, and as the True Vine. Most of the events that are used to describe these roles surrounded the four Passovers during Christ's ministry. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Four Passovers of Christs Ministry.shtml Is it a sin to go to a doctor? Is it a lack of faith to do something physical to correct a physical situation, even while asking for God to correct it? The Bible shows a variety of reasons that we may have to suffer in our physical lives. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Faith and Healing.shtml Some people divide sin into "physical" and "spiritual" sin. An outcome of this philosophy is the dividing of Christ's sacrifice into separate physical and spiritual portions. The Bible shows that all sin is against God, and that Christ offered body and blood as a whole sacrifice, not a divided one. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Discerning the Body and Blood of Christ.shtml Sin is much more than commandment-breaking, and the sin of unbelief is possibly the worst sin that we can commit. It is a sin directly focused at God. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Sin of Unbelief.shtml Each one of us is in need of a Passover. Essentials for observing the Passover involve reconciliation to God and our neighbors, discerning of the spiritual and physical body of Christ, and keeping the Feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Passover Preparation.shtml Eastern mysticism and human secularism join beliefs in Gaiaism, the central of which is that the earth is a living being. While God instructs us to dress and keep the earth, He never intended for us to worship the creation. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Going with God or Going Green.shtml Petra, the Greek word for rock, is used both physically and spiritually in the Bible. The Bible warns those who desire to hide themselves in the rocks. The only way we can be hidden and saved is through the true Rock. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Christ Our Spiritual Rock.shtml Sandwiched between Syria, Iraq, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, the nation of Jordan is prophesied to play an important role in endtime events. Yet the only peoples more harshly cursed in the Bible than Moab and Ammon are the Edomites. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Jordan in Prophecy.shtml Airport scanners are used to see if you are carrying hidden weapons. Medical scanners reveal the structure and condition of our internal organs. But these cannot discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. How aware is God of each one of us? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/How Does God View You.shtml Imagine knowing that no matter how much you lived a life of faith and hope, you would die the death of crucifixion. The Apostle Peter's example shows that we must live a life focused on eternal salvation, rather than physical salvation. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Apostle of Hope.shtml Knowledge is a precursor to action, but is useless without the action. We must actively do what God requires of us: exercise true justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in faith with God. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The First Works - Judgment, Mercy, Faith.shtml People have been led to believe that they can do anything they want without ever having to pay the consequences. Will we chose to listen to God and allow ourselves to be ruled by Him? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Who Will Rule Among Men in 2010.shtml Are our prayers being answered? and if not, why not? Our prayer life is our communication with God. We cannot have a relationship with anyone, including God, without communication. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Power of Prayer.shtml Christ preached the gospel of the Kingdom of God. The gospel is not about the Beast or about Satan's wrath at the end of the age. God wants to do a work in us that results in true spiritual growth, not just outward physical show. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Work of God.shtml Satan would have us believe that we don't need leaders and authority in the Church. His greatest desire is to destroy the Church of God and he will smite the shepherds and cause the sheep to be scattered. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Satan Smites the Shepherds.shtml Mankind has been deceived and enslaved by Satan since the first great lie - "You shall not surely die". We need to understand the answers to the seven great questions of life: Is there a God? Who is He? What is He? What is His purpose? Who is man? What is man? and What is his purpose? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Answering the Great Questions of Life.shtml Psalm 100 tells us to enter God's presence with thankfulness. God views giving thanks as a sacrifice to Him. What am I thankful for? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Thanksgiving.shtml Habakkuk is referred to as the "complaining prophet". His prophecies address the end-time, a time like no previous time. This will be a time of tribulation and a time of mourning for God's people. Habakkuk questions God and receives answers about the end time. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Habakkuk.shtml Modern philosophy advocates a collision of thesis and anti-thesis causing synthesis of a compromise to satisfy both sides. The stated goal is a utopian world, but in reality Satan is using this to subserve mankind to his control, and to ultimately destroy humanity. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Hegelian Dialectic, part 2.shtml The epochs of mankind have been controlled by the prevailing philosophy of the day. Satan uses that philosophy to deceive man through subtlety. The philosophy of the Hegelian dialectic permeates our society, teaching that change can only take place through contradiction. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Hegelian Dialectic.shtml We know that God is love, and that He always has our best interest in mind. He is also merciful, gracious, and long-suffering. We must learn to be compassionate just as He is to us. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/His Mercy Never Fails.shtml Are we going to the Feast with the right mindset and for the right reason? We need the kind of hearing that results in action so that we can close the gap between what we believe and what we do. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Feast State of Mind.shtml Revelation 2 and 3 provide a message to the Church. The characterizations, commendations, and corrections need to be taken to heart by the whole Church. If they aren't, we may be cut off from the Holy Spirit. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Message to the Church.shtml The most notable, pivotal, relevant prophecies concerning the end of the age are, arguably, those concerning the abomination of desolation. It is important to understand the meaning and significance of these prophecies. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Abomination of Desolation.shtml God considers communication as a spiritual sacrifice to Him. We need to understand barriers to communication, levels of communication, and how to improve our family communication. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Family Communication.shtml Hosea provides an allegory of Israel going into an adulterous relationship, then later returning to God. His son's name, Jezreel, means "God sows". God will initially sow destruction, then later will sow restoration. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Israel of God - Part 2 - Heirs of the Promise.shtml We have a difficult challenge discerning which prophecies about Israel apply spiritually and which apply physically. Studying these prophecies helps us understand the dual nature of Biblical references. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Israel of God - Part 1 - Heirs of the Promise.shtml Some claim that Christianity and Islam both worship the same God. What do we learn when we compare the Five Pillars of Islam with Biblical teachings? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Is Allah the True God.shtml God and Christ depend on no other being for their existence. We, however, are dependent upon God for life and sustenance. We exhibit some independent characteristics, but we are also dependent and interdependent. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Independence, Dependent, Interdependent.shtml Submission goes beyond obedience; it involves the heart, not just intellect, not just rote obedience. It is an attitude, a frame of mind, a way of life. Ultimately, it is God to whom we are submitting. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Submission in Marriage.shtml To be great, we must serve. Yet service is not all there is to being in authority and leading in the family. Great leaders articulate the needs of the people. They propose a goal and strategy for fulfilling those needs. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Administration of Godly Authority in Marriage.shtml As we strive to have successful marriages, we must know and believe that God is the author of marriage. It is a covenant made with God and man. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Foundational Basis of Marriage 2.shtml In some ways we can equate marriage with the process of salvation. The Bible imparts God's instructions on how to have a happy marriage, which must be built on the Rock. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Foundational Basis of Marriage.shtml Ruth was from Moab, a Gentile, yet she is in the genealogy of David and of Jesus Christ. Pentecost represents the time when we will be united in one family and one Spirit. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Pentecost, Salvation to the Gentiles.shtml God had to practically drag Israel to Sinai - to Pentecost. How well have prepared ourselves during the past 50 days for God to fill us? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Fifty Day Journey from Wave Sheaf to Pentecost.shtml We cannot have righteousness unless we repent, but commandment-keeping, in and of itself, does not guarantee righteousness. Righteousness cannot be granted apart from Jesus Christ. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Righteousness of God in Christ.shtml Self righteousness manifests itself in multiple ways, from attributing God's blessings to your own righteousness to blaming others' trials on their sins. We can learn from how God dealt with Job's self righteousness. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Self Righteousness.shtml The Bible suggests that as mothers live, so their sons live. Women are to be teachers of the family, and a mother's instruction is especially precious. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Mothers Day.shtml The heart has to be prepared from conception to follow God. Out of the heart spring all the issues of life. We become the words that we meditate on and place there. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Malnourished Heart.shtml Whatever is important to us, but not to God, He can make a burden to us, just as He did to the Egyptians. We must soften our hearts by bathing in the water of the Word. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Are You Your Own Pharaoh.shtml People will follow a leader as long as they perceive that the leader is helping them achieve their goals. Heroes have rarely maintained their status for long, including Jesus Christ. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Palm Sabbath - When the Cheering Stopped.shtml The purpose for Passover is to deliver all humans from sin and death. We know that Christ paid the price for sin through His sacrifice; we need to understand the four essentials to taking the Passover. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Passover Preparation Essentials.shtml Christ instituted the footwashing ceremony, a lesson in sacrificial service, at the Passover service. We bathe physically every day, but how often to we wash spiritually in the Word of God? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Developing a Footwashing Attitude.shtml Even a glance at today's news headlines tells us that we are in crucial times. What is going on in the world and are we prepared for what the near future holds? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Critical Crucial Times.shtml Satan wants us to harden our hearts and will encourage any excuse to tune out the truth. If we want to be set free from superstition and deception, it is through the truth of God. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/What Is Truth.shtml The culmination of the work of Elijah will be the second coming of Christ. God has called us to preach the gospel, to build a relationship with God, and to build a relationship with our children. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Learning How to Live, Part 2.shtml Today our life potential is being starved. Material things cannot fill the holes in our souls. How do we change the paradoxes that affect our lives? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Learning How to Live, Part 1.shtml Begettal and birth are required to become a son of God. The Word humbled Himself, was begotten and born, and offered Himself to God. He is a distinct entity in the family of God. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Nature of God and Christ - The Oneness of God and Christ.shtml When theologians discuss the nature of God they refer to relationships and origins. The phrase "is one", occurring thirteen times in the Old Testament, has been interpreted in a variety of ways. What does "the Lord our God is one" mean? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Nature of God and Christ, Part 2 - How God Is One.shtml The trinity doctrine tries to show the relationship among the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. But what does the Bible teach about the true Nature of God and Christ? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Nature of God and Christ - Part 1.shtml A survey of conditions around the world shows building distress. What should we be watching for in 2009? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/What's On The Line for '09.shtml Five messengers are identified in the book of Malachi. The dialog between God and the people paves the way for the transition between the old and new covenants. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Messengers of Malachi.shtml Faith is a combination of conviction, commitment, and courage to obey God. It encompasses all areas of Christian living. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/The Origin, Exercise, Development, and Outcome of Faith.shtml We need a plan for growth in all areas of our lives: physical, psychological, mental, social, spiritual. If we don't, any growth will be random and reactive. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Growth Plan Exam.shtml The purpose of the Incarnation was to give us a Savior. Christmas does not reveal God's plan, but obscures it. We need to understand the real history of Christmas. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/May You Never Have a Merry Christmas.shtml Romans, one of the most foundational books of the Bible, is a blueprint for individual conversion and a roadmap to world peace. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Mastering the Book of Romans.shtml Salvation means deliverance, preservation, and safety. In the Bible it refers to the transformation from physical life to eternal spiritual life. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Essentials of Salvation.shtml Your world view defines your approach and understanding of the world, of life. We must look to God for the definition of good and evil. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/A God-Centered World View.shtml It is only through God's Spirit that man can understand spiritual knowledge. By himself man develops his own world view. http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Your World View.shtml Atonement http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Atonement.shtml A time is coming when all flesh will be tested. Are we discerning the urgency of the times? http://www.ucg-houston-south.org/housouth/sermons/Prepare to Meet the Bridegroom.shtml