David Adams

ID 54710Jan 20, 1998

Jesus' three temptations in the wilderness demonstrate his perfect obedience as the Son of Man, representing humanity in the face of the adversary's attacks. The sermon details how Jesus resisted the temptation to satisfy physical hunger by turning stones to bread, refused to gain political power through worshiping Satan, and declined to prove his divine identity by leaping from the temple. By quoting scripture and relying on God's word, Jesus overcame these temptations, showing that true life comes not just from physical sustenance but from obedience to God. This victory serves as an example for believers facing their own trials, highlighting the sufficiency of God's word for spiritual strength.

ID 54187Feb 12, 1993

Jacob's wrestling with God at the Jabbok River, as detailed in Genesis 32, illustrates the nature of God's personal encounters with believers. Despite Jacob's twenty years of hardship and deceit, God remained faithful to His promises, meeting him with angels and ultimately in a wrestling match that crippled him and led to his name change to Israel. This encounter highlights that God often meets individuals in their weakness, transforming them through personal, intimate experiences rather than spectacular displays. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that God's guidance is individual and personal, not bound by methods, and that the ultimate vision of God is found in the face of Jesus Christ.

ID 54185Feb 11, 1993

The life of Jacob, highlighting God's persistent presence and promises despite Jacob's deceitful nature. It begins by contrasting Jacob with Abraham, emphasizing Abraham's ultimate faith in Genesis 22, particularly the offering of Isaac and God's oath-bound promise of blessing through his seed, foreshadowing Christ. The narrative then shifts to Jacob's flight after deceiving Esau, focusing on his dream at Bethel where God reveals Himself as the ladder connecting heaven and earth, symbolizing Christ as the mediator. God reiterates the covenant promises of land and numerous descendants, assuring Jacob of His constant presence and protection throughout his life, even amidst his struggles and trickery, ultimately demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

ID 54176Feb 10, 1993

God's intimate and personal revelations to individuals, contrasting the common misconception of Psalm 118:24 with its true meaning concerning Christ's rejection and vindication. It then delves into Abraham's experiences, beginning with God's promise of a son in Genesis 15 and the subsequent human attempt to fulfill it through Hagar, which led to conflict and Hagar's encounter with the Angel of the Lord. The message highlights God's care for the marginalized, as seen in His interaction with Hagar and the naming of her son Ishmael, meaning "God hears." The sermon further details God's appearance to Abraham in Genesis 17, renaming him Abraham and Sarai Sarah, signifying their new roles as father and mother of many nations, and God's continued covenant. It emphasizes God's condescension in appearing to Abraham in Genesis 18, eating with him, and confiding His plans regarding Sodom, leading to Abraham's intercession. Finally, the sermon touches upon Abraham's repeated deception regarding Sarah in Genesis 20, God's intervention through a dream to King Abimelech, and the divine protection of marital sanctity, illustrating God's grace extending even to Gentiles and His deep concern for His chosen people's relationships.

ID 54172Feb 9, 1993

God's willingness to reveal Himself to individuals across various walks of life is a central theme, illustrated through the experiences of Abraham and others. The sermon emphasizes that God's revelations are not exclusive and can occur through spoken words, angelic appearances, or even direct sight, accommodating human frailty. It highlights that personal failings do not disqualify individuals from God's purposes, as seen in the examples of Aaron and Nadab and Abihu, and that God's sovereign choice, not human merit, underpins His revelations. The message concludes by encouraging believers to recognize God as their personal shield and exceeding great reward, fostering an individual covenant relationship with Him.

ID 54166Feb 7, 1993

Pure in heart individuals will see God, a truth explored through the Beatitudes and the Old and New Testaments. The sermon contrasts the impossibility of seeing God's essence with instances of God revealing Himself to individuals like Moses and Abraham, often through audible voice or visible manifestations. It highlights God's willingness to accommodate Himself to human condition and personal needs, emphasizing that His self-revelation occurs through hearing His voice and seeing His person. The message concludes by affirming that God continues to reveal Himself to His people, urging listeners to pursue purity of heart to experience this divine connection.

ID 54157Jan 23, 1998

Jesus stood before three judges—Caiaphas, Herod, and Pilate—each with distinct motivations for condemning him. Caiaphas, driven by political expediency and a prophetic, albeit unintended, recognition of Jesus's atoning sacrifice, sought to preserve the nation. Herod, haunted by the beheading of John the Baptist, harbored morbid curiosity and a desire for personal absolution. Pilate, though recognizing Jesus's innocence and even receiving a warning from his wife, ultimately succumbed to political pressure and the threat of being accused of disloyalty to Caesar. Their actions, though wicked, ultimately fulfilled God's predetermined plan for salvation.

ID 54146Jan 22, 1998

Three significant encounters Jesus had in Bethany, highlighting the evolving relationship between Jesus and the sisters Martha and Mary, and their brother Lazarus. Initially, Mary is presented as passively listening while Martha is busy serving, prompting Jesus to affirm Mary's choice of spiritual engagement over Martha's practical concerns. Later, during Lazarus's illness and death, Jesus intentionally delays his arrival, explaining that the situation is for God's glory and the disciples' belief, and he reveals himself as "the resurrection and the life." The final encounter at a supper in Bethany showcases a transformed Mary, actively anointing Jesus, and contrasts her devotion with Judas's covetousness, ultimately pointing to Jesus' supreme role as head of the church and the sustainer of eternal life.

ID 54144Jan 21, 1998

Jesus demonstrated his divine authority and preferences by choosing to take Peter, James, and John with him on three significant occasions: the raising of Jairus's daughter, the transfiguration, and his prayer in Gethsemane. In the first instance, Jesus, despite being told the child was dead, declared she was only sleeping and, with the three disciples present, raised her back to life. During the transfiguration, Jesus's divine glory was revealed to these three, accompanied by Moses and Elijah discussing his impending death. Finally, in Gethsemane, Jesus sought their companionship during his agony, but found them asleep, highlighting their human weakness despite their special privilege. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that Jesus desires our presence and companionship, urging believers to be attentive to his call rather than sleeping through crucial moments.

ID 54124Jan 18, 1998

The concept of "trilogies" in the life of Jesus Christ, focusing on significant places, people, and events that can be grouped in threes. It begins by examining the trilogy of Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem, highlighting the divine mystery of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, his upbringing in the despised city of Nazareth, and his ultimate sacrifice and resurrection in Jerusalem. The message emphasizes the theological significance of these locations and the miraculous nature of Jesus' conception and sinless life, underscoring his dual nature as both fully God and fully man. The sermon concludes by reflecting on Jesus' humble self-identification as "Jesus of Nazareth" even in his glorified state, demonstrating his enduring humanity and humility.

ID 54118Mar 17, 1995

The multifaceted concept of "glory" as presented in John chapter 17, beginning with Jesus' prayer to the Father for glorification in anticipation of the cross. It highlights the reciprocal nature of this glory, where the Father glorifies the Son by accepting his submission, and the Son glorifies the Father through his obedience. The message then shifts to the glory of an accomplished work, emphasizing Jesus' fulfillment of his earthly commission and applying this to believers' own stewardship. Finally, it delves into the transferable glory, explaining how Jesus shares the glory given to him by the Father with his disciples, enabling them to express God's presence on earth and ultimately join him in future, visible glory.

ID 54112Mar 16, 1995

Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals his deep concern for his disciples on the night of his betrayal. He repeatedly refers to them as those given to him by the Father, emphasizing their unique place in his heart and his mission to grant them eternal life through knowing God and Jesus Christ. The sermon highlights Jesus' fulfillment of his earthly work, his separation from the world, and his ongoing intercession for his followers, praying for their sanctification and unity through God's truth. The message concludes by underscoring Jesus' self-sanctification as their High Priest, dedicating himself to their eternal care and blessing even as he ascends to heaven.

ID 54109Mar 15, 1995

Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals his completed work and his deep intercession for his disciples. The sermon highlights Jesus' declaration that he has glorified the Father and finished the work given to him, emphasizing that this work involved manifesting the Father's name and entrusting His words to His followers. It underscores Jesus' role as a faithful steward, meticulously carrying out the Father's will and guarding those entrusted to him. The message concludes by urging believers to reflect on their own stewardship and faithfulness in completing the work God has assigned them.

ID 54103Mar 14, 1995

The authority given to Jesus by the Father, beginning with the concept of universal dominion granted to Adam and subsequently lost. It highlights how Satan legally claimed this authority after Adam's fall, a claim Jesus acknowledged when tempted. The message then pivots to the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the cup as a symbol of the new covenant, particularly for Gentiles, as detailed in Jeremiah 31 and 1 Corinthians 11. Ultimately, the sermon asserts that all authority over flesh has been given to Jesus, enabling Him to grant eternal life and to judge all humanity, a prospect The passage views with anticipation for the final cleansing of sin.

ID 54096Mar 12, 1995

Jesus' prayer in John 17, highlighting his constant reliance on prayer throughout his ministry, from his baptism to choosing the disciples and after feeding the five thousand. It emphasizes that John 17 is the only lengthy prayer recorded, making it a crucial text for understanding prayer. The passage delves into the significance of Jesus' statement, "Father, the hour has come," connecting it to the predetermined plan of God before the foundation of the world and the unique preciousness of Christ's blood for redemption from a fruitless life. The sermon concludes by explaining that the ultimate purpose of eternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ, urging believers to pursue this knowledge above all else.

ID 54066Mar 17, 1995

Personal stewardship involves being entrusted with and accountable for what belongs to another, specifically God. It explores various facets of stewardship, including ecclesiastical stewardship, highlighting the failures of churches like Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea as recorded in Revelation. It then transitions to personal stewardship, emphasizing that all individuals, regardless of their role or status, are accountable to God. The sermon also touches upon the concept of 'deaconry' as a form of stewardship applicable to all believers and public servants, and the importance of using God-given gifts for mutual benefit and the glory of God, rather than personal gain. Finally, it discusses the stewardship of marriage, viewing husbands and wives as 'heirs together of the grace of life,' and the stewardship of divine mysteries, urging faithfulness in all these areas.

ID 53688Mar 16, 1995

Universal stewardship is demonstrated by God's clear revelation of His eternal power and divine nature through creation, which mankind has suppressed and distorted into idolatry, leading to God giving them over to their sinful desires. This failure in stewardship, evident from the fall of Adam to the present, is contrasted with a national stewardship entrusted to Israel, including adoption, glory, covenants, law, and promises, which they also failed to uphold by rejecting the Messiah. The sermon highlights that while humanity has repeatedly failed in its stewardship responsibilities, God remains faithful to His covenants and purposes, ultimately secured in the Messiah.

ID 53381Mar 15, 1995

Fallen stewardship, as exemplified by Adam and Eve's disobedience, demonstrates that personal responsibility for one's actions has consequences that extend beyond the individual. The sermon traces the immediate aftermath of the fall, noting God's judgment on Adam, Eve, and the serpent, and highlights how Adam's failure in stewardship regarding his wife and the ground led to a cursed earth. It further explores the concept of life itself as a divine stewardship, stemming from God's breath of lives into Adam, implying that the destruction of any life is a failure of this stewardship. The sermon also examines the legacy of this fall, including the introduction of sin and murder, but points to God's provision of covering through sacrifice, foreshadowing Christ's redemptive work, and the cherubim guarding the way back to God's presence.

ID 52469Mar 14, 1995

Adamic stewardship is defined as humanity's entrusted responsibility to represent and reflect God on earth, as established in Genesis. This stewardship encompasses dominion over creation, requiring fruitful multiplication, subduing the earth, and exercising authority. God created humanity in His image and likeness, not as an accident but for the purpose of representation and reflection of His character. The sermon highlights the importance of compatible companionship, as seen in the creation of Eve, emphasizing that marriage is founded on this principle and requires guarding its sensitivity. Ultimately, humanity's role as stewards is to fulfill God's purpose through faithful representation and reflection, a role exemplified by Christ as the second Adam.

ID 52244Mar 12, 1995

Begins by defining stewardship as originating with Lucifer, the highest created intelligence, who was given perfection and beauty by God. Using Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, Examples illustrate how Lucifer's pride in his own brilliance and beauty led him to desire God's position, resulting in his fall and the origin of sin. This initial failure in stewardship serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-preoccupation and pride, contrasting with the security found in Christ. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that unlike Lucifer, believers can be born again and have their security in the Savior, reflecting God's glory rather than succumbing to a fallen nature.

ID 52081Feb 12, 1993

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is explored through the title and role of the Lamb, beginning with the dramatic scene in Revelation 5 where only the Lamb is found worthy to open the sealed scroll. This worthiness stems from his sacrificial death and redemptive work, leading to universal praise from angels and all creation. The sermon traces the Lamb's actions through the book, including opening the seals which unleash judgment, and his presence with the redeemed who have washed their robes in his blood. It highlights the Lamb's victory over the dragon through his blood, word, and sacrificial love, and his ultimate triumph as Lord of Lords and King of Kings, culminating in the marriage supper of the Lamb and the New Jerusalem where the Lamb himself is the light.

ID 51952Feb 11, 1993

Jesus Christ is presented as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, encompassing all knowledge and existence. The sermon explores the profound meaning of these titles as revealed in Revelation chapter one, emphasizing Christ's divine nature, his role in creation, and his ultimate authority over life, death, and Hades. By examining passages like Colossians 1 and John 1, the message highlights that all things were created in, through, and for Christ, underscoring his preeminence and sovereignty. The sermon concludes by applying these truths to the Christian life, encouraging believers to find assurance and overcome fear in the face of trials, knowing that Christ, who conquered death, is in absolute control.

ID 51849Feb 10, 1993

Begins by exploring the salutation in Revelation 1:4-5, focusing on the trilogies of grace, peace, and the divine attributes of God, as well as Jesus Christ's identity as the faithful witness and prince of kings. It then delves into the doxology, emphasizing God's enduring love, the cleansing power of Christ's blood, and the liberation from sin. The message highlights that believers have been made kings and priests, a dual office representing balanced spiritual authority and service, and that this status is confirmed by promises of future reign with Christ. The sermon concludes by urging believers to live in anticipation of Christ's imminent return, when they will reign with Him on earth.

ID 51834Feb 9, 1993

Expounds on the Revelation of Jesus Christ, beginning with John's vision on the Isle of Patmos as described in Revelation chapter one. It highlights the trilogies within the chapter, such as John's record of God's word, testimony of Jesus Christ, and all he saw, and the blessings for those who read, hear, and keep the prophecy. The message emphasizes Jesus Christ as the faithful witness, the first begotten from the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth, underscoring His eternal nature and His ultimate victory over death. The sermon concludes by applying these truths to the believer's life, encouraging faithfulness in testimony and anticipation of Christ's return.

ID 51730Feb 7, 1993

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is an unveiling and unfolding of who Christ truly is, not with new information but with a new perspective, as God gave it to Him to show His servants what must shortly come to pass. This prophetic book, which concerns the culmination of God's plan from Genesis to the end, reveals Christ as the ultimate steward, whose authority is expressed through humility and service, exemplified by His washing of the disciples' feet. The sermon emphasizes that while we are not responsible for our inherited personalities, we are responsible for transforming them through God's power, just as Christ, the steward king, will ultimately administer His kingdom. The opening chapter introduces the prophetic nature of the book, highlighting that 'the time is at hand' signifies a determined period rather than an immediate event, and it offers the first of seven beatitudes, blessing those who read, hear, and keep its words.

ID 51675Jan 23, 1998

Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet demonstrates that true authority is expressed through humility and service, not by commanding or demanding. It highlights Jesus' knowledge that the Father had given all things into his hands, yet he chose to serve by washing the disciples' feet, an act Peter initially resisted but which Jesus explained was essential for fellowship. The core lesson is that believers, like their Lord, should serve one another in humility, recognizing that worship and service are inseparable. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that Jesus, despite knowing Judas would betray him, was troubled in spirit due to the traitor's destiny, showcasing God's boundless love and mercy.

ID 51638Jan 22, 1998

Jesus declares "I am the light of the world," a statement that illuminates the spiritual darkness of humanity and offers salvation. It explores this declaration through the accounts of the woman caught in adultery and the man born blind, demonstrating how Jesus' light reveals sin, exposes hypocrisy, and offers healing and new life. The core lesson is that Jesus' light not only exposes our sin but also provides the power to overcome it, leading to a life lived in His presence. Ultimately, following Jesus means walking in His light, receiving His life, and experiencing His transformative power.

ID 51430Jan 20, 1998

Jesus is the ultimate absolute, the "I am" who existed before Abraham and possesses eternal deity. This truth is demonstrated in two key instances: first, when Jesus walks on the stormy sea, revealing his control over the elements and assuring his fearful disciples with "I am," and second, when he confronts the mob in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the garden, his powerful declaration of "I am" causes his captors to fall backward, yet he then submits himself to arrest to fulfill God's plan, showing his absolute power and his willing sacrifice. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that Jesus, the "I am," is the solution to life's storms and the ultimate certainty in a relative world.

ID 51424Jan 18, 1998

Jesus declares himself to be the ultimate absolute, the "I AM," in John 8, directly confronting the philosophical notion that there are no absolutes. He asserts his divine nature, predating Abraham and existing outside of worldly limitations, contrasting himself with the devil, the father of lies. The sermon highlights Jesus' claims of eternal existence and unchanging nature, drawing parallels to God's self-revelation to Moses and emphasizing that belief in him as the "I AM" is essential for salvation. The ultimate confirmation of his identity as the "I AM" is found in his resurrection, solidifying him as the changeless rock of our faith.

ID 108664Jan 20, 1998

Jesus is the ultimate absolute, the "I am" who existed before Abraham and walks on the storm-tossed sea, demonstrating his divine authority and control over all circumstances. The sermon highlights Jesus' declaration of "I am" in John 6:14 during a storm and in John 18:5 when he was arrested, showing his power and willingness to submit to God's plan. The core lesson is that even in the darkest and most turbulent times, Jesus is present and in control, offering peace and assurance. Ultimately, the message calls for trust in Jesus as the unchanging, eternal absolute amidst life's uncertainties.

ID 108658Jan 18, 1998

Jesus declares himself to be the ultimate absolute, the eternal "I AM," in response to the Jews' questioning of his identity and authority in John 8. He contrasts his divine origin and nature with their earthly limitations and sinful state, asserting his unity with the Father and his knowledge of him. The sermon highlights Jesus' claim "Before Abraham was, I am" as the pivotal moment where he reveals his timeless existence, drawing a parallel to God's revelation to Moses. This absolute nature of Jesus, demonstrated through his unchanging character and ultimate victory over death, provides a solid foundation for faith and salvation.