Jim Jester Sermons

By Jim Jester

July 8, 2018

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-4

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

It is my intention to present a series of sermons on the Protestant Reformation. 2017 marks the 500-year anniversary of the launch of that Reformation (and we are still within that year). I feel small when compared to these giants of the Reformation period.

by Jim Jester

June 3, 2018

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 32:44-47

This lesson could be considered the sequel to my other lesson, “The Handmaiden of God’s Word.” In this sermon, we want to take notice of the time in Israel’s history when God gave them a song.

Perhaps we should begin with this question. What is the music of your church: classic, blended or “let it rock?” Some churches use religious rock, others use Jesus jazz, or holy ho-down. For many, the question of church music is of little consequence since the mantra of most church leaders has become: “Lighten up: our MTV culture demands new methods and new music!” Other churches, perhaps a bit more conservative, but unwilling to alienate anybody; build a church with a little bit of everything, attempting to be inclusive. They ought to be called the Schizophrenic Church. Well, here at our church we just keep it simple and use traditional hymns.

Does God really care what kind of music we sing? Our unequivocal answer – He cares! From the ancient Israelite nation, to the 21st century church, God’s concern for His people’s music has not changed. From Scripture and church history, we find that God’s people have always guarded their music carefully.

By Jim Jester

April 29, 2018

Doctrine: Music

Scripture Reading: II Chronicles 7:4-6

What about music in the Bible – is there a doctrine on music?

Music plays a major role in most people’s lives – as much as what we eat, wear, or in our personal relationships. As seen in this passage, it certainly played a major role in Israel; and, it still does.

Music should be addressed from a biblical perspective as well as any other doctrine of the church: the Godhead, the covenant, the church, redemption, sanctification, etc. Did you know there are about 600 references to music in the Bible? That is more references than many of the other doctrines that we teach on a regular basis.