Go To 1997
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| 1996 The Kingdom Parables |
Why does God not speak plainly? Why parables, analogies, and riddles? Dart looks at the 7 parables of Matthew 13 with his usual interesting, insightful style. Excellent explanation of “the kingdom of God is among you” and “the kingdom of God is within you”; how “kingdom” means “rule”, not “government”. One principle of these parables is separation; how God is fair, but people make different choices and therefore have different consequences. Another principle is one of tremendous growth, both for the kingdom of God as a whole, and for the individual. |
| 1996 UN01 Greater Works Than These |
Why are our works not greater than “these”? If you do not exercise the power and gifts that God has given you, why would He give you more? Dart explains how this applies to each of us. God has called us to spend us, to use us, not just to save us. Ephesians 4 – how every joint has a role in ministry (service). Even the smallest gift, the smallest service is important. |
| 1996 UN04 The First of the Firstfruits |
Given on the weekly Sabbath during the Days of Unleavened Bread, Dart goes over the wave sheaf offering, the rituals and laws concerning it, and how it relates to the resurrection of Christ. Dart explains “first day of the week” and how the Greek really means a particular day of the year rather than a particular day of the week. What do the holy days have to do with Christ? Jesus was the First of the Firstfruits, we are firstfruits, and there will yet be more. Dart expresses His gratitude for the insight into Christ that the holy days illustrate. We know God by knowing what He is doing. This sermon is highly recommended for those who want to relate the holy days and Christ. |
| 1996 UN07 Where Do We Go From Here |
Importance of goals, writing them down, and deriving objectives within those goals. People must participate in setting shared objectives. Imposed goals don’t work as they tend to foster resistance or apathy. The exception, of course, is the Great Commission of Matthew 28. How do we evangelize our local community? It is not up to the local congregation to support Dart’s radio ministry, rather it is his intent is to supports theirs. Herbert Armstrong, Loma Armstrong, and Ron Dart were all products of personal evangelism. The typical mass evangelism approach is to build a mailing list, work it, get donors, visits, maybe eventually members – but only a trickle. As far as building a mailing list, TV is better than radio, but Dart chooses instead, via radio, to teach the Bible right out of the box, bypassing all the interim steps, but it takes time and patience. Subjects: Radio vs TV; mass evangelism vs personal evangelism; the purpose of the church, its orientation, and the individual’s contribution; how to attract people; how to retain people; the importance of youth ministry; how cooperation between groups stems from a common goal. It is important to let go of the old hurts or pain with the old church. The church building should be a tool for ministry, not a refuge from the world. Given during a Christian Renewal Conference in Unicoi, Georgia, in the spring of 1996. |
| 96F01 The Nativity and Tabernacles |
Dart tells of why Luke wrote so much on Jesus’ birth and Mark didn’t even mention it. Is it related to the Antichrist doctrine? Dart is an excellent narrator and his relating of the nativity is very well done. It is important that we know that Jesus was fully flesh and He went through all the associated experiences. |
| 96F06 Be Ye Perfect |
Dart looks at Matthew 5:48 in context. Does “perfect” mean future or current? No flaws? Is a wife of 50 years “perfect”? In 1 Corinthians 2 Paul addresses the “perfect”. (Dart recommends movie “The Agony & The Ecstasy”) Is art perfect? The importance of context over strict word definition. We are not a machine that can be brought to perfect precision. We are humans that can be brought to greatness. |
| 96F10 If We Miss Them Now |
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| 9602 A Church is Born |
“There is no received form of church government in the New Testament.” Casting lots, selecting deacons. Is the ministry the sole channel by which God’s will is revealed? Is it up to the ministry to direct and control all of the church’s actions and decisions? Who makes decisions? Why? Who learns from them? Casting lots, selecting deacons, appointing elders, house churches, the importance of everyone’s role, general principles on government. The importance of a professional ministry, yet why it is important for the people to learn to operate without one (as the ant in Proverbs 6). Organizing creates power, but diminishes individual freedom. |
| 9604 The Word Was Precious |
God’s words are, historically, rare and precious. Do we highly value it? A big danger is neglect. It requires work to put God’s law into our hearts and minds. A tribute to the tremendous value of God’s word. Love for God’s law. What is righteousness? A riveting re-telling of the history of the English Bible, its role in the British Empire and in today’s Christianity. Herbert Armstrong caused Ron Dart to hear the word of God, and when Dart heard it, it changed his life. Dramatic story of Stalin’s attempt to destroy the Lutheran Church and how putting the Bible in their mind preserved the church. Now, while times are good, is when we need to write God’s word in our heart and mind. |
| 9605 The Experimental Church |
A common-sense look at the gifts of 1 Corinthians 12, their application in the church, especially the diversity of the gifts among the members, distributed as God sees fit. They all work together to make up the body. Also, an excellent discussion on the tongues of 1 Corinthians 14. Are tongues ever of Satan? What is the purpose of tongues and prophesying in turning non-believers into believers, making disciples. “The purpose of the church service is worship, edification, and evangelism, and it should be structured accordingly.” |
| 9608 The Lamb That Was Slain |
A somber-toned sermon on the significance of the slain lamb that goes beyond Jesus the Messiah. Why it is important to look upon our savior as a violently-slain lamb. |
| 9609 Sing the Lord's Song |
Dart discusses faith in the environment of the church falling apart and compares it to the despair of the Jews in Babylon. The importance of moving ahead to serve God, the work involved, the faith involved, and Biblical examples thereof. Positive mentions of Rod Meredith and the leaders of the United Church of God. Comparison of the WCG breakup to the Acts 8 dispersion of the saints and how those saints went and did the work themselves. To look upon troubles as chastisement gives an opportunity for growth leading to righteousness. God will “shake once more” all things so that only the unshakable faith remains. |
| 9610 Love the Stranger |
Personal ministry goes beyond personal evangelism and leads to love for God and love for others. Remember that to minister means to serve. We are to be a living sacrifice to minister to others, where it makes a difference. Humility is very important and must be genuine. Dart shows excellent Biblical instruction on how to serve others in need, especially emotional needs, and how to prepare yourself for such service. He draws on his own 35 years in the ministry. Our job often is just to listen, to understand with humility, to love, and to absorb their pain. God loves the stranger, so should we. |
| 9611 Working For Unity |
Dart discusses several issues that are contentious in the church and how to keep them from dividing us. “Don’t split your church over matters of doubtful judgment.” Also addressed: disfellowshipment, and avoiding those who cause division. The important thing is to prepare yourself and the church with consistent and persistent teaching of the right things. |
| 9612 The High Road to Unity |
Religious persecution over time has been done by religious people in the name of trying to preserve the unity of the faith. Unity vs uniformity. Unity is not where the church leaders determine doctrine and enforce it upon the church. Rather, growth and unity derive from what every joint supplies. Ephesians 4 as a guide to unity, especially its emphasis on love, kindness, forgiveness, and putting away anger. Dart on church leaders exercising control over the brethren by means of coercion and fear of disfellowshipment: “I will never in my lifetime have anything to do with anything like that again. It is wrong.” |
| 9614 Obstructionism vs Work |
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| 9616 The 21st Elder |
The throne room of God, it’s surroundings and the activities taking place in it. What are the beings there like? How do they come before God? How should we approach God? The 24 elders. The 70 elders of Israel. Why praying to angels is wrong. How are our prayers actually heard by God? |
| 9618 Keep the Feast |
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| 9621 Prayer - What Does God Require? |
Excellent sermon on prayer. Very inspirational. |
| 9623 The Unrepentant King |
King Saul's repentance vs King David's repentance. |
| 9625 It Can Be Done |
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| 9627 Obedience of Faith |
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| 9629 Discipleship or Evangelism? |
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| 9631 The Friends of God |
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| 9632 Rex Lex |
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| 9636 The Great Trumpet |
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| 9638 Malachi - A Prophet for the Church |
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| 9641 Why the Sabbath Day? |
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| 9642 Why the Holy Days? |
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| 9644 Thanks From the Heart |
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| 9646 The Law-Abiding Christian |
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| 9648 Why Not Christmas? |
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| 96-08-04 HA07 Married to the Method or Committed to the Message? |
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