Milo VanDeKrol

ID 53101Sep 13, 1987

Hell is a terrible reality, not merely a pleasant subject to avoid, and the Bible provides clear accounts of its nature. The sermon uses the parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16 to illustrate the torment and isolation of hell, emphasizing that it is a place of eternal, unanswered prayer. True salvation, however, is not based on feelings but on understanding the facts of God's love, Christ's sacrifice, and responding with faith and repentance. This process involves the mind (accepting biblical facts), the will (choosing to believe and turn to God), and ultimately leads to the joy of knowing sins are forgiven and one is headed for heaven.

ID 53094Date unavailable

Drawing near to God is presented as essential for navigating life's perplexities and maintaining spiritual vitality. The sermon emphasizes that access to God's presence is made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ, our great high priest, and is sustained by a sincere heart, a clear conscience, and sanctified bodies. It encourages believers to actively draw near to God through prayer and scripture, to provoke one another to love and good works, and to persevere in fellowship, rather than drawing back from faith.

ID 53093Sep 12, 1987

Enoch's life demonstrates that walking with God is an exceptional but attainable path, even in a corrupt and dying world. The sermon highlights that Enoch began this walk after the birth of his son and maintained it consistently, setting a powerful example for believers. This intimate communion with God, characterized by agreement and being in step with His will, is what pleased God and ultimately led to Enoch being taken to heaven without experiencing death. The message concludes by emphasizing that this walk with God is the true testimony we should strive for during our earthly lives, serving as a beautiful illustration of the rapture.

ID 53048May 5, 1985

Christ is all and in all, transcending national, religious, and social boundaries, as explained through Colossians 3:1-17. The sermon emphasizes that true Christian living involves actively putting off sinful behaviors like anger and impurity, and putting on virtues such as kindness and love, reflecting a life centered on Christ. The core lesson is that salvation and the Christian life are not merely about experiences or knowledge, but about a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is our life and our all. Ultimately, the message calls believers to ensure Christ occupies every part of their lives, not just designated areas, leading to a richer and more authentic faith.

ID 53008May 5, 1985

The Apostle Paul's final address to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 serves as a powerful example of faithful ministry, emphasizing the importance of serving the Lord with humility, tears, and unwavering commitment. Paul recounts his ministry, highlighting his dedication to declaring God's full counsel without holding back, even in the face of impending persecution and suffering. The core lesson is the profound significance of finishing one's course with joy, not by avoiding hardship, but by not counting one's life dear unto oneself and by remaining faithful to God's calling. This commitment to finishing the race well, as exemplified by Paul's readiness to face martyrdom, calls believers to live with purpose and integrity, ensuring their lives count for eternity.

ID 52961Feb 4, 1984

The Christian life is a process of transformation, not instantaneous perfection, and involves presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God. This transformation begins with the renewing of our minds, which are influenced by what we see and hear, rather than through external reformation. By controlling our intake of information and focusing on God's Word, we can change our thinking processes, leading to Christ-like actions and behavior that reflect His beauty to the world.

ID 52949Feb 4, 1984

That Christians are left in this world to continue the work of the Holy Spirit, not for secular pursuits, but for God's purposes. Drawing from Acts 1, it highlights that Jesus' work continues through believers, who are called to 'do' before they 'teach,' leading by example rather than just instruction. The message stresses the importance of demonstrating spiritual life through positive actions and reliance on the Holy Spirit, rather than merely attending church services or abstaining from negative behaviors. It concludes by urging believers to be active witnesses, reaching out with practical help and sharing their faith, understanding that God has a program for future events and that their role is to be faithful participants until the Lord's return.

ID 52170Sep 5, 1975

Being a Christian means more than just attending meetings; it involves a deep personal commitment that impacts one's entire life, including family and community. Early Christians faced significant opposition and persecution because their allegiance to Christ directly challenged the prevailing imperial powers, who demanded worship as gods and lords. True Christianity requires individuals to live out their faith authentically, influencing their homes and demonstrating courage in the face of societal pressure, as exemplified by the early believers who were willing to suffer for their convictions.

ID 52092Date unavailable

Having Jesus Christ as one's personal Savior means that an individual truly possesses everything needed for happiness and eternal life. The sermon contrasts a life of seeking worldly possessions and making future plans with the fulfillment found in Christ, emphasizing that true contentment comes from salvation. The core lesson is that Jesus provides all that is necessary, dispelling past anxieties and troubles. The closing application is that believers now have everything they need in Him.

ID 51992Date unavailable

God's perfect pattern for the New Testament church is centered on the person of Jesus Christ, not on human leaders or denominational structures. While human efforts to implement this pattern may fall short, the divine blueprint itself is flawless. The sermon contrasts the unity found in Christ with the division caused by sectarianism, emphasizing that true fellowship and spiritual growth stem from gathering around Jesus as the central shepherd and head. It calls for a renewed appreciation of these biblical principles and a commitment to living them out, urging believers to focus on Christ as the sole unifying center, which naturally draws believers closer to one another.

ID 51909Date unavailable

Distinguishes between five types of people, emphasizing the universal need for salvation regardless of one's religious or moral standing. It contrasts the outwardly religious but unsaved individual, like Nicodemus or Mrs. Mertz, with the openly sinful but potentially receptive person, like the woman at the well. The message highlights that true salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through good works or religious observance, using examples like Cornelius, who was devout but still needed to be saved. The sermon warns against procrastination and the danger of reaching a point where salvation is no longer possible, urging listeners to accept Christ now while the opportunity is available, as salvation is offered freely to all who will believe.

ID 51841Date unavailable

The contrast between the spirit of the world, the spirit of man, and the Spirit of God, using the biblical figures of Nabal, David, and Abigail from 1 Samuel 25. Nabal exemplifies the self-centered, unthankful spirit of the world, refusing to acknowledge David's kindness and claims. David, though a man after God's own heart, demonstrates the spirit of man when his pride is wounded, leading him to seek vengeance. Abigail, however, embodies the Spirit of God through her wisdom, humility, and intervention, persuading David to trust God's timing and justice. The message concludes by urging listeners to allow the Spirit of God to control their lives, leading to gentleness and Christ-like character, rather than succumbing to the world's or their own fallen nature.

ID 51813Date unavailable

Israel's defeat by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4 stemmed not from the presence of the Ark of God, but from their misplaced confidence in the object (the Ark) rather than the Person it represented (God). The examples highlight how the Philistines feared God's presence, while Israel sought the Ark as a magical object to save them, demonstrating a focus on ritual over relationship. The core lesson is that true victory and God's presence are assured only when our confidence is in God Himself, not in religious symbols or practices, and when His people minister with holiness and reverence. The message concludes by urging believers to keep Christ preeminently before them, lest they also fall into defeat by focusing on 'its' rather than 'Him'.

ID 51769Date unavailable

That God uses individuals who are deeply concerned for His people and His work, drawing parallels from Nehemiah's dedication to rebuilding Jerusalem. It highlights Nehemiah's willingness to sacrifice his comfortable position as cupbearer due to his profound concern for the welfare of the redeemed Israelites and the place God had chosen for His name. The message stresses that this concern for God's people and His church is the qualification for effective service, urging listeners to be builders in the New Testament church, addressing both internal divisions and external opposition.

ID 51768Date unavailable

Directly addresses the question of how to inherit eternal life, using Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate the true meaning of neighborly love and the inadequacy of self-justification through law-keeping. The passage begins by highlighting the lawyer's flawed question and Jesus' masterful redirection, emphasizing that eternal life is not earned by doing but is a gift received through faith. The parable reveals that true love for God and neighbor is not merely adherence to rules but active compassion, exemplified by the Samaritan who went to great lengths to help the injured traveler. The core lesson is that no one can perfectly keep the law, and self-righteousness leads to condemnation, whereas Christ's sacrifice offers redemption from the curse of the law. The message concludes with an urgent call to trust in Jesus Christ as one's personal Savior and Shepherd, as this is the only thing that truly matters in life and in the face of death.

ID 51665Date unavailable

The central claim in the passage is that true love for the Lord Jesus Christ is demonstrated not by words, but by obedience to His commandments and teachings. The sermon explores biblical passages, including 1 Corinthians 8, John 14-15, and 1 John, to establish that knowledge alone puffs up, while love edifies. The core lesson is that obedience to God's word, including the teachings of the apostles, serves as the ultimate measure of one's love for Christ and spirituality. The message concludes by emphasizing that willful disobedience to God's clear instructions, even seemingly minor ones, disqualifies one from being considered truly spiritual.

ID 51571Date unavailable

Ruth's story exemplifies profound commitment and a transformative journey, illustrating that true faith involves a radical choice to follow God and His people, even into the unknown. Her decision to leave her homeland and embrace Naomi's people and God demonstrates a costly but genuine commitment that sets her on a new path. This choice signifies a complete reorientation of life, involving a new place of fellowship, a new people, and a plan to identify with God's people through symbolic death and burial. The narrative contrasts this with spiritual declension and famine, ultimately emphasizing that genuine faith leads to a new life characterized by God's provision and community.

ID 51550Date unavailable

Meeting in His name is the central theme, highlighting the importance of spiritual fellowship and warning against leaving God's people. The story of Naomi from the book of Ruth serves as a primary example, contrasting the spiritual decline in Judges with the faithfulness in Ruth's commitment. Leaving God's provision leads to bitterness and loss, while true spiritual sustenance and belonging are found within the community of believers. Straying from this fellowship results in hardship and a loss of precious time and opportunities, but restoration and fruitfulness follow repentance and a return to God's provision.

ID 51542Date unavailable

The importance of the local assembly as the "company" of believers, drawing parallels to the early church described in the Book of Acts. It highlights that true Christian fellowship is found not in worldly pursuits but in shared commitment to the Apostles' doctrine, prayer, and the breaking of bread. The message contrasts the genuine spiritual life of the early church, characterized by prayer, fellowship, and a focus on Christ, with modern religious practices that may lack reverence and a true understanding of God's presence. It concludes by urging believers to find and remain with a local assembly that adheres to the Word of God and honors the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially in times of confusion and spiritual compromise.

ID 108805Date unavailable

Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi and her God illustrates the transformative power of salvation and the ongoing need for spiritual restoration. The sermon highlights Ruth's costly choice to leave her homeland and gods for the people and God of Israel, demonstrating a profound act of faith and loyalty. This decision led her to a new path, a new people, and a new place of belonging within God's covenant community. In contrast, Naomi's bitterness and emptiness reveal the consequences of straying from God's provision, underscoring the importance of remaining in fellowship and the restorative power of God's grace. The message concludes by emphasizing that true Christian living involves embracing a new identity, community, and purpose in Christ, even amidst life's uncertainties.

ID 108784Date unavailable

That true spirituality is marked by open homes and open hearts, ministering to others with hospitality and kindness, reflecting the fellowship and interest God's people have in one another. Using the story of Ruth and Naomi, it illustrates how leaving God's people and God's place leads to spiritual famine and chastening, as seen in the Book of Judges and Naomi's own bitter experience in Moab. The core lesson is that when believers become dissatisfied and stray from God's fellowship, they experience a spiritual emptiness and loss of opportunities, but God's chastening hand is a corrective measure to bring them back. The message concludes by highlighting that restoration to God leads to restoration with His people, urging listeners to stay in fellowship with God and His church, where true spiritual nourishment and praise are found.

ID 108776Date unavailable

The importance of the local assembly of God's people as a reflection of God's heart, drawing parallels from the early church in the book of Acts. It highlights the disciples' practice of continuing steadfastly in the Apostle's doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers, as described in Acts 2 and 4. The message stresses that the early church's impact stemmed not from numbers, money, or intellect, but from their deep connection with Jesus Christ, evidenced by others recognizing they had been with Him. The sermon concludes by urging believers to find their 'own company' in such assemblies, to prioritize prayer meetings, and to adhere strictly to the Word of God, seeking to embody Christ's likeness and impact the world through His presence.