Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

We toss around the name, “Christian” rather casually these days. It has a social perspective for most Americans. But there is much more to it.

The bible uses the word “Christian” three times. It is a rare but important word. It reminds us of the depth of our discipleship to Jesus. We are to be fully devoted followers of the Son of God not mere “churchgoers.”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

 

 Are Christians Disciples?: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Israelites slipped into idolatry and worshiped Baal as well as some of the other ancient gods. At the same time, they tried to appease God by attending the temple activities. God, however, did not accept the split worship of the Hebrews. He called them to accountability.

Today Christians follow the same pattern in many cases. We want to appease God, so we come to church, thinking that going through the motions of worship will satisfy him. We also want to enjoy the pleasures of the world so we compromise our loyalty to God. Just like the Hebrews, God will not accept our divided hearts.

The bible teaches that we become like what (or who) we worship. God is indeed a jealous God. He has our best interests in mind. He knows that we need to be like him, after all, we were created in his image!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

 

 Power of Worship 2: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Some years ago I heard a sermon regarding God’s hand in the history of the USA. It really sparked my interest because I am patriotic. I come from a line of patriots going all the way back to the Revolution. I had ancestors on both sides of the Civil War; uncles who fought in in Europe during WWII (one of whom came ashore with the artillery�on D-Day); a Dad who entered the Navy during the occupation phase of the War and served in Korea and made the Navy his career; plus, his mother’s name was “America”!

With such a background and love for American history, when I hear of the hand of God in the life of this country, I cannot help but be interested. God certainly works out his purposes in his time. Who knows all of the reasons that he was with our fledgling country. The evidence is that he was and the people who were there attributed the events of the time to his Providence�Perhaps if we remember our beginnings, it will encourage us to return to our roots.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

 

 God Blessed America [3:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Have you ever heard the statement, “No one is irreplaceable!”? In one sense that is true (see Esther 4:14). However, there are certain types of�people without whom a church cannot get along. If these people are missing from our ranks, the church will be a desolate place. Are you one?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

 

 Irreplaceable: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This sermon reminds us of the reality of temptation. We do not escape it by following Jesus. Temptation comes to all of us. We do not have to sin, however.

In addition, this sermon gives us some tips on how to deal with the temptations that come our way. When we are aware of temptation we can better avoid sin. When we plan in advance how to handle temptation when it comes, we are more able to withstand.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

 

 Handling Temptation [22:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Often we allow fear or procrastination to keep us from our true potential. Sometimes we blame others for our decisions. While each of us has a pool of influence, all of us are responsible for our own decisions.

Caleb, as an 85 year old man, wanted the inheritance he spied out 45 years before. He had been faithful to God and unafraid of the giants in the land. He focused on what God had promised him.

Our lives are a test of our faith. We also face “giants” today. They may be giants of uncertainty or doubt. Whatever form they take, we have a choice — be faithful to God or run away out of fear and a failure to trust him. This sermon explores that choice.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

 

 What Can Be [23:23m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

How hard is it for you to make a decision that God would be pleased with? Sometimes it is easy for us, some times it is difficult. This sermon is an attempt to look into the life of one of the Bible’s most influential individuals, Daniel, and see how he was able to make right decisions in his life.

Daniel is one of the few Bible characters that has no black marks recorded against him. That is not true of Abraham, Moses, David, and most others. Yet Daniel, in the midst of Babylonian captivity would be true to God - because he decided to be.

Remember that the Book of Daniel contains great things about Daniel. It also contains famous faith statements by his friends. The hero of the book, however is God. Watch his hand at work and decide to follow.

Perry Greene

 

 Decision Making [20:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

C.S. Lewis once came into a room where several of his colleagues were hotly debating an issue. Being late to the discussion, Lewis leaned over and asked a friend, “What are we discussing?” His friend replied, “The difference between Christianity and the other religions in the world.” Lewis remarked, “That’s easy. It’s grace.”

Grace is a magnificent subject. Over the years, we have seen it abused from one extreme to the other. Some will discard grace and try to earn their salvation. Others will live as they please in order to abusively  take advantage of grace in their lives (see Romans 6:1-4 for God’s response).

This sermon is an attempt to appreciate God’s grace in our lives. When we consider that God seeks US, we are amazed. When we consider the price he was willing to pay, we are amazed!!

Perry Greene

 

 Amazing Grace [23:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

We don’t mean to do it. Christians generally aren’t mean-spirited, but sometimes we keep people out when God wants them in. Maybe we are just busy. Maybe we assume everyone else has the same number of friends we do. Maybe it is some form of prejudice.

This sermon is a revision of a Fred Craddock sermon that I heard years ago. It moved me to be more sensitive to others. I hope it encourages you as well.

Perry Greene

 

 May I Come In? [28:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

James was arrested and killed. Peter was arrested, imprisoned, but miraculously escaped. What was the difference?

James was executed immediately. Herod delayed Peter’s death due to the Passover. The church was able to pray for Peter. Could that have been the key ingredient to Peter’s rescue?

How important is prayer for us?

 

 The Power Struggle [23:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download