Don Welborn

ID 52836Date unavailable

Prayer is presented as a profound privilege and a vital responsibility for Christians, emphasizing its power and importance in the spiritual life. The sermon draws on numerous biblical passages, including Matthew 21:22, Mark 11:24, John 14:13-14, and 1 Thessalonians 5:17, to illustrate the principles of effective prayer. Key themes include praying in faith, praying in Jesus' name (authority), praying without ceasing, and the transformative effects of prayer, such as fostering a love for God's Word, a loathing of sin, and a deep passion for the salvation of souls. The message concludes by urging believers to engage in persistent, earnest prayer, drawing parallels with figures like Elijah and Ezekiel to highlight the impact of those who earnestly seek God.

ID 52788Date unavailable

Jesus' departure from his disciples as described in John 13 and 14, emphasizing that his going away is not an abandonment but a preparation for a greater work. The examples highlight Jesus' intimate relationship with his disciples, his washing of their feet as an example of service, and his promise to prepare a place for them in his Father's house. The core lesson is that true godliness and transformation come from beholding the glory of the Lord, leading to an intrinsic change rather than an outward one. The message concludes by urging listeners to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, trusting that his presence within them will empower them to live a godly life and demonstrate love to one another.

ID 52784Date unavailable

One's station in life, whether rich or poor, does not determine their standing with God, and that suffering in hell is a consequence of rejecting the Savior, not of sin itself. Using the parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16, the message illustrates that while earthly circumstances differ, eternal outcomes are determined by one's response to God's provision of salvation through Jesus Christ. The core lesson is that God's righteousness necessitates a final judgment, and individuals are responsible for their choices regarding the light and truth offered to them. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that salvation is a gift received through repentance and faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice, urging listeners to accept this offer before it is too late.

ID 52783Date unavailable

True worship is offered in spirit and in truth, requiring the believer's human spirit to be filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4 illustrates the need for individuals to first recognize their spiritual need before they can truly worship. The sermon emphasizes that worship is not merely a ritual or a location, but a qualitative engagement with God, characterized by sincerity and truth, flowing through Christ and directed to the Father. It further explores the concept of being 'erected around' Christ as a community, with faces turned inward toward Him, offering spiritual sacrifices through Him. The message also touches on the importance of personal and family worship as foundational to corporate worship, warning against inauthentic or unscriptural expressions of worship.

ID 52723Date unavailable

The importance of maintaining divine order and proper conduct within the church, drawing parallels between God, Christ, man, and woman. It highlights the Apostle Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 11 regarding headship, head coverings, and the Lord's Supper, stressing that these practices are not arbitrary but reflect a God-ordained structure. The message concludes by underscoring that true worship and fellowship are rooted in understanding and adhering to this divine order, leading to unity, discipline, and evangelism.

ID 52722Date unavailable

"the way" of Christian life, emphasizing that God has one path for believers. It draws parallels to Saul's conversion in Acts 9, where he persecuted "this way," and highlights the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, contrasting this with superficial beliefs. The message also addresses the dangers of division within the church, the proper role of women in assemblies, and the need for believers to live by faith, trusting God's provision rather than seeking guaranteed salaries or compromising biblical principles. The core lesson is to remain steadfast on God's single path, discerning His presence and living in unity, as exemplified by Jesus' prayer for his followers in John 17.

ID 52679Date unavailable

Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet illustrates the depth of his love and his call to humble service. The sermon highlights Peter's initial resistance and Jesus' explanation that this act, though not understood at the moment, would later be recognized as essential for fellowship. This demonstration of servant leadership serves as an example for believers to follow, emphasizing that true understanding of Christ's actions comes through experience and obedience. The message concludes by urging believers to embrace this model of service and reconciliation within the community.

ID 52678Date unavailable

All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose, a truth perceived intuitively rather than solely through experience. The sermon illustrates this by recounting a near-drowning experience and contrasting it with spiritual salvation through Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity. It emphasizes that salvation is found in the person of Jesus, not just in knowing the facts of the gospel, and that true rest comes from Him by ceasing from one's own works. Ultimately, the Christian life's goal is to be conformed to the image of God's Son through the renewing of the mind by beholding His glory in Scripture, leading to a transformation that reflects Christ to the world.

ID 52677Date unavailable

The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to be conformed to the image of Christ, a concept that profoundly influences conduct. The sermon identifies sin as the primary problem in the Christian life, exploring its nature and the struggle believers face with it, as exemplified in Romans 7. It emphasizes that true deliverance from sin's power is not found in human effort, scripture memorization, or coping mechanisms, but in focusing on the person of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross. By beholding Christ's suffering for our sins, believers can find victory over temptation and live a life transformed by His grace.

ID 52674Date unavailable

The ultimate purpose of the Christian life is to be conformed to the image of God's Son, a process that begins in this life and is empowered by the Holy Spirit. This conformity is achieved not by force but by willingness, enabling believers to live out Christ's character. The sermon emphasizes that true Christian gatherings are characterized by the discerning presence of Christ, which brings peace and power, rather than by human ability or eloquence. When believers are gathered in Christ's name, they are empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices and to demonstrate His praises to the world, reflecting His image and bringing glory to God.

ID 52673Date unavailable

Believers are called to walk in love and light, reflecting God's character by avoiding uncleanness and covetousness, and instead practicing goodness, righteousness, and truth. The sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning and redeeming the time in these evil days, highlighting that true Christian fellowship and worship stem from a quality of heart rather than vocal talent. It further expounds on the Great Commission found in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, and Acts 1, stressing that believers are commissioned to disciple nations and are promised the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. This power, described as 'dynamite power,' is essential for overcoming supernatural forces and effectively spreading the gospel, and it is received through being filled with the Spirit, which involves dealing with sin, agreeing with God about one's death to sin with Christ, and yielding oneself to God.

ID 52672Feb 21, 1972

Repentance and faith are the essential components for entering the kingdom of God, as declared by Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul. Jesus' initial public ministry in Mark 1:15 proclaimed, "Repent ye, and believe the gospel," a message echoed by Paul to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:21, who testified "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." The sermon emphasizes that true repentance involves a change of mind that leads to a change of direction, not a complete separation from sin, and that faith is a confident belief in Christ as God's provision for salvation. Ultimately, the message calls for a genuine understanding and application of repentance and faith as the divinely appointed path to salvation.

ID 52671Mar 11, 1972

Commitment to Christ is essential, especially in challenging times, as exemplified by Paul's encouragement to Timothy. Despite the temptation to be ashamed of the gospel or its persecuted proponents, believers are called to endure afflictions with the power of God, not by their own strength. The sermon highlights that suffering for righteousness is a consequence of living godly, and a lack of suffering may indicate a lack of godly living. Ultimately, true commitment, as demonstrated by Paul and exemplified by Joseph's life, involves total surrender to Christ, perseverance through trials, and anticipation of eternal reward.

ID 52670Feb 23, 1972

Reconciliation is presented as a profound change, moving from enmity with God to a restored relationship through Christ. The sermon explores the meaning of reconciliation by examining its use in Matthew 5:24, where Jesus teaches that one must be reconciled to their brother before offering a gift to God, emphasizing a thorough change of heart. This concept is further developed through passages in Romans and 2 Corinthians, illustrating how Christ's death bridges the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God, transforming enemies into children of God. The ultimate application is a call to embrace this reconciliation, both in interpersonal relationships and in accepting God's offer of salvation.

ID 52669Feb 22, 1972

Repentance is a necessary and urgent message for all people, not just for a past dispensation. John the Baptizer, Jesus, and the apostles all preached repentance as a core element of the gospel. True repentance involves a change of mind, a godly sorrow for sin, and a volitional turning to God, as exemplified by Peter's bitter weeping after denying Christ, in contrast to Judas's worldly sorrow leading to despair. The goodness of God leads people to this repentance, which is essential for salvation and results in joy in heaven.

ID 52668Mar 14, 1976

God's purpose for believers is conformity to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate goal of the Christian life. It explores the three dimensions of salvation—past, present, and future—and defines justification as God's act of acquitting the guilty sinner and declaring them righteous through Christ's work, emphasizing that this is not achieved by works. The message highlights that sanctification involves cooperation with God to move away from sin and toward righteousness, and that glorification is a future act of God. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to actively pursue a character, attitude, and actions that reflect Christ, not through outward imitation but through an intimate inner transformation.

ID 52163Date unavailable

Believers are called to "follow God" as dear children and "walk in love" as Christ loved the church, which is a New Testament mystery not fully revealed in the Old Testament. It emphasizes that being "filled with the Spirit" is a continuous, passive command, meaning believers are acted upon by the Holy Spirit, not self-filled, and this is crucial for proper relationships, particularly within marriage. The message contrasts this with being drunk with wine, highlighting that the Spirit's filling leads to boldness in speaking God's word, continuous thanksgiving, and mutual submission, which are essential for Christian living and effective ministry.

ID 51548Aug 14, 1991

Marriage is presented as a divine institution, the highest earthly relationship, instituted by God from the beginning. The sermon emphasizes that a primary purpose of marriage is to avoid sexual immorality, as stated in 1 Corinthians 7:2, and that love within marriage is fundamentally about giving, as illustrated by Christ's sacrifice. The text also highlights that in marriage, spouses surrender the sovereignty of their bodies to each other, requiring communication, consideration, and cooperation, and that intimacy is a normal and sacred part of this relationship designed to prevent temptation. The sermon concludes by noting that while marriage involves challenges and potential distractions, the presence of the Holy Spirit and a focus on Christ provide the means to resolve conflicts and foster a unified, God-honoring union.

ID 51547Aug 21, 1991

That being filled with the Spirit occurs in our human spirit, the part of us in communication with God, rather than being a general state of being. It explores husband-wife relationships, urging wives to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord, while also stressing that obedience to God supersedes human authority, citing the apostles' example. The message further details the husband's responsibility to love his wife sacrificially, akin to Christ's love for the church, and encourages both partners to prioritize mutual benefit and giving in their intimate lives, reflecting God's balanced design for pleasure and procreation. It concludes by highlighting the importance of godly living, sober-mindedness, and mutual love within marriage, drawing parallels to the early church and the instruction given in Titus.

ID 51546May 11, 1973

Serving Jesus Christ brings joy and sweetness, deepening love and faith daily. Christ's sacrifice offers redemption and eternal life to believers. Christians can embrace happiness, grounded in salvation's assurance and the promise of heaven. A personal commitment to Christ and readiness for His imminent return are encouraged, pursuing a life lived in His grace.

ID 51545May 11, 1973

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18 contrasts self-righteousness with genuine humility before God. The Pharisee, trusting in his own merit, despised others, while the tax collector, acknowledging his sin, pleaded for mercy. True righteousness stems not from religious observance but from recognizing one's sinfulness and seeking God's grace. The parable illustrates that humility and a plea for mercy lead to salvation, not self-reliance. Salvation is found in calling upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone offers mercy and covers sins.

ID 51544Date unavailable

Jesus' command to love one another, as demonstrated in John 13:34, is the central theme, underscored by passages in 1 Thessalonians and 1 Peter that urge believers to increase in love. The sermon details the physical suffering of Jesus during the crucifixion, drawing from a medical doctor's account to illustrate the profound pain and sacrifice involved. This detailed examination of Christ's passion serves to highlight the depth of His love and the ultimate demonstration of His Lordship. The message concludes by calling for a practical acknowledgment of Jesus' Lordship through conviction, confession, and commitment, urging listeners to surrender their lives to His rule.

ID 51543Date unavailable

Redemption is explored through Old Testament types and New Testament doctrine, emphasizing that Christ's sacrifice paid the price for our sins and secured our freedom. The sermon begins by establishing the authority of God's Word, then uses the creation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2 to illustrate the institution of marriage and the origin of humanity. The narrative shifts to Noah and the dove in Genesis 8, symbolizing the Holy Spirit returning with a message of hope after judgment. The core of the message focuses on 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and Galatians 3:13, explaining redemption as a purchase made with Christ's blood, a power that frees us from the curse of the law, and a perfection that loosens the cords of sin. The paradox of being redeemed yet lost if one rejects Christ is highlighted, urging a commitment to Him as Lord and Savior.

ID 51540Date unavailable

Unconditional forgiveness and acceptance are divine truths that bring stability to a believer's life. God's forgiveness is not based on future good behavior but is freely given through Christ's sacrifice, as evidenced in passages like Colossians 2:13 and Ephesians 1:7. Similarly, acceptance in God is solely based on being 'in the beloved,' not on personal merit or actions. This understanding of God's grace, which provides both forgiveness and acceptance, is crucial for resolving insecurity and living a transformed life. The sermon emphasizes that while God's forgiveness is unconditional, the cleansing of one's conscience from the pollution of sin is a process that requires confession and a willingness to accept His purifying work, restoring fellowship and enabling a vibrant Christian walk.

ID 51539Date unavailable

Every Christian will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their stewardship and the life they have lived. The sermon explains that while believers are eternally saved, their works will be tested by fire, determining rewards and potential loss. This judgment, referred to as the Bema, is not about condemnation but about evaluating the quality and quantity of one's service to God. The ultimate motivation for faithful living is the constraining love of Christ, encouraging believers to run their race with purpose and diligence to bring glory to God.

ID 51538Date unavailable

The Holy Spirit's ministry is essential for believers to experience the power and effectiveness seen in the early church. While the Spirit indwells all believers upon salvation, a lack of His demonstrable power in many contemporary Christians suggests a disconnect. The sermon clarifies that sign gifts ceased with the completion of Scripture, but the Spirit's ongoing work includes guiding believers into truth, testifying of Christ, and convicting the world. To be filled and controlled by the Spirit, believers must be 'fillable' by confessing and repenting of sin, allowing Christ's likeness to be evident to the world.

ID 108782Aug 14, 1991

Marriage is presented as a divine institution, the highest earthly relationship, designed by God from creation. The sermon emphasizes that a primary purpose of marriage is to avoid sexual immorality, as stated in 1 Corinthians 7:2, and that love within marriage is fundamentally about giving, as seen in Christ's sacrifice. Mutual submission and the surrender of bodily autonomy are key, requiring communication, consideration, and cooperation, with the ultimate goal of reflecting Christ's relationship with the church. While marriage is intended to be permanent and is a source of great blessing, it is also acknowledged that difficulties will arise, but these can be resolved through reliance on God and a focus on Christ.

ID 108781Aug 21, 1991

That true spiritual filling occurs in the human spirit, which is our connection to God, rather than being solely about emotional experiences. It explores the biblical passages on husband-wife relationships, highlighting the importance of mutual submission and love, drawing parallels to Christ's love for the church. The message stresses that marital love should be unconditional and sacrificial, reflecting God's love for believers, and that intimacy within marriage is a righteous act designed for mutual benefit and procreation. The sermon also touches on the importance of wise planning regarding children and the role of older women in teaching younger women about godly conduct within the home.

ID 108780May 11, 1973

The transformative power of serving Jesus Christ, stating that the longer one serves Him, the sweeter the experience becomes. It highlights how a deep love for God leads to a profound sense of peace and fulfillment, contrasting this with a life of brokenness before finding Christ. The message draws on the analogy of navigating complex highways to illustrate the different paths to heaven, advocating for the "overpass" of Christ's return over the "underpass" of death. It concludes by stressing the importance of being "born again" through faith in Jesus, particularly referencing John 3:16 as the core message of salvation and eternal life.

ID 108779May 11, 1973

The contrast between two approaches to righteousness, highlighting that true righteousness comes not from self-trust or adherence to religious rituals, but from recognizing one's sinfulness and humbly appealing to God for mercy. Using the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican from Luke 18, the message illustrates how the Pharisee's self-righteous prayer, focused on his own good deeds and disdain for others, was unacceptable to God. In contrast, the Publican's simple, contrite prayer, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner," demonstrated a humble acknowledgment of his need for God's covering and forgiveness. The sermon concludes that salvation is found not in self-justification but in recognizing one's helplessness and appealing to God's mercy, which is freely offered through Christ.

ID 108778Date unavailable

Jesus' command to love one another, as demonstrated in John 13:34, is the central theme, with The passage emphasizing that this love is the distinguishing mark of His disciples. The sermon explores this theme through passages in 1 Thessalonians and 1 Peter, urging believers to increase in love toward one another and all people. The core lesson is that genuine, Spirit-produced love should characterize believers' lives and be evident to the world. The message concludes by connecting this love to the practical acknowledgment of Jesus' Lordship, urging a personal commitment to His rule in all aspects of life.

ID 108777Date unavailable

Redemption is presented as a profound act of God, illustrated through biblical narratives and theological concepts. The sermon begins by emphasizing the authority of God's Word, particularly in Genesis, where the creation of man and the institution of marriage are described. It then draws parallels between Adam's deep sleep and Christ's sacrifice, from which the church, Christ's bride, was formed. The message highlights the historical evidence of Christ's death and resurrection, drawing on the witness of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the dove in Noah's story. The core of redemption is explained through the price paid (Christ's blood), the power to free believers from the curse of the law, and the perfection of this act, which looses individuals from the bondage of sin, as further illustrated by the prophet Hosea's redemption of his unfaithful wife, Gomer. The sermon concludes by addressing the paradox of being redeemed yet potentially lost if Christ is rejected, urging a commitment to Him as Lord and Savior.

ID 108774Date unavailable

Unconditional forgiveness and acceptance are divine truths that bring stability to life, as God offers forgiveness without conditions. This is illustrated by biblical examples like Luke 7, where a creditor forgave two debtors who had nothing to pay, and Ephesians 1:7, which states we have redemption through Christ's blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. True security is found in being accepted in the Beloved, which resolves the basic insecurity of every lost sinner. The sermon emphasizes that Christ is the center of our lives, our hope, and our confidence, and that accepting God's cleansing, not just His forgiveness, is crucial for a restored conscience and a vibrant Christian walk.

ID 108773Date unavailable

Every Christian will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their stewardship and receive recompense for their actions, whether good or bad. The sermon explains that this judgment is not about salvation, which is secured by Christ's sacrifice, but about the quality and quantity of works performed after salvation. Using passages from Romans and Corinthians, it clarifies that while believers are fireproof and cannot be lost, their works will be tested by fire, leading to either reward or loss. The ultimate motivation for running the race well is the constraining love of Christ, urging believers to live faithfully until the end.

ID 108772Date unavailable

The Holy Spirit's ministry is essential for believers to effectively live out their faith and impact the world. While the Spirit indwells all believers upon salvation, a lack of His power is evident in many churches today, contrasting with the early church's evangelistic fervor. The sermon clarifies that sign gifts ceased with the completion of God's revelation, but the Spirit's work continues in guiding believers into truth, testifying of Christ, and convicting the world of sin. To be filled with the Spirit, one must be 'fillable' by confessing and repenting of sin, allowing Christ's likeness to be displayed through them, thereby glorifying God and drawing others to Him.