Sojourn Chattanooga: Recent Episodes
Sojourn Chattanooga
Sojourn Community Church is a new gospel-centered church in Chattanooga that seeks to love Jesus, cultivate community and be missionaries.
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Sermon Summary: The sounds of the season are all around us. The message of Christmas is primarily the message that God is to be glorified, for he has done something beyond comprehension.Speaking: Pastor Nick PacurariDate: December 18Text: Luke 2:1-20Title: The Song of GlorySeries: The Sounds of the Season
The sounds of the season are all around us. As we make our way through Luke, we see Zechariah worshipping God because of what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will do.Speaking: Isaiah LewisDate: December 11Text: Luke 1:57-80Title: The Song of Grace
When we say Sojourn is a gospel-centered church, we mean we are committed to a number of things, all connected to the glory of the gospel. As a gospel-centered church, we are robustly trinitarian.
Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis
Gospel-shaped community is not exactly a mathematical formula. But in 1 John 1:5-2:2, we discover three equations for us to consider for healthy community:
Text: 1 Peter 1:1-13, Philippians 2:4-11 Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Series: Gospel-Shaped Community
Last week we saw that we were made for community. But what exactly should a community being shaped by the gospel feel like?
Text: 1 Peter 1:1-13, Philippians 2:4-11 Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Series: Gospel-Shaped Community
Sermon Summary: Why is loneliness an I'll we seek to avoid? Why is friendship something we crave? Why do we long both to be known and to be protected? Because we were made for community. Text: Genesis 1:26-28, 2:5-25 Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Series: Gospel-Shaped Community
In Isaiah 50, we are introduced to a very unique servant, one who claims he can sustain the weary and is the answer for those who are walking as if in darkness. Who is this servant? And what should our relationship to him be?
Text: Isaiah 50:1-11 Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis
When something is repeated three times, it deserves our attention. Psalm 14 is repeated almost verbatim as Psalm 53, and almost in full in Romans 1. So what does it tell us about our world and ourselves? Text: Psalm 14 Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis
Someone has described Psalm 13 as “Waiting in the Blank.” How does David move from deep emotional and spiritual pain to a place of joy? And how can we make a move on joy when we find ourselves in similar situations?
Text: Psalm 13 Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis
Psalm 9-10 is one alphabetical acrostic poem that demonstrates who to trust and where to turn in trouble. Faithful King Jesus will trouble the Troublers and deliver the Troubled.
Series: Summer in the Psalms Text: Psalm 9-10 Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: August 7
Psalm 8 is a celebration of the glory and goodness of God on display. It puts us in our rightful place, cultivating humility and worship, while pointing us to Jesus. Series: Summer in the Psalms Text: Psalm 8 Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis
Sermon Summary: In the midst of despair and under the discipline of the Lord, the psalmist (David) cries out to the Lord for mercy and walks away confident that the Lord has heard and accepted his prayer. Text: Psalm 6 Speaking: Will Dragoo
The heart of Psalm 4 is a question and an invitation to contemplate: “Who will show us what is good?”
Sermon Summary: When we face problems in our lives, we instinctually look for deliverance in all the wrong places. As we arrive at Psalm 3, we will discover that problems become for us an invitation to adjust that instinct. Text: Psalm 3 Series: Summer in the Psalms Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis
Psalm 1 addresses the individual, while Psalm 2 addresses the nations. In this instruction for the rulers nations who rebel against God’s rule, we find ancient wisdom for today: seek refuge in the rule of Jesus for that’s the way it ought to be.
Text: Psalm 2 Series: Summer in the Psalms Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: June 19, 2022
Sermon Summary: The psalms are some of the most well-known and yet misunderstood portion of the Bible. As we dive into studying these for the coming summer, we find 3 Encouragements for Saturating Our Souls in the Psalms.
Text: Psalms Series: Psalms 1-12 Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: June 5, 2022
As Paul closes his letter, he reminds us implicitly of the counter-cultural way of life that Jesus has called us to.
Text: Colossians 4:5-18 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: May 29, 2022
Is the Bible pro-slavery? What do we do with a passage that addresses slaves and masters? Is there any relevance here for us? Our text reminds us that being united to Jesus reworks you in your place of work. Text: Colossians 3:17-19 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis
Paul calls the Colossian Church to private obedience that is rooted in devoted prayer and winsome wisdom in their interactions with non-Christians.
Text: Colossians 4:2-6 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Nick Pacurari Date: May 15, 2022
ermon Summary: We believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, but often, just to a point. We are coming to uncomfortable passages in Colossians where Paul is pressing home the Lordship of Jesus. As we come to Colossians 3:17-19, we need to reckon with ourselves: to paraphrase one man, do we believe and will we live out the fact that “Christ governs the entire universe, including the mundane affairs of the household?” Text: Colossians 3:17-19 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: May 1, 2022 Title: Gospel-Life in the Home
Sermon Summary: When Paul says that we are to work out our salvation, he doesn’t mean that we work for our salvation. But what exactly does he mean? God works in us and we also work! Text: Philippians 2:12-18 Series: Passion Week Speaking: Mike Meredith Date: April 24, 2022 Title: Fear and Trembling
Ultimate questions often lie just below the surface of the distractions of everyday life. Why am I here? Where am I going? What is true? What’s wrong with the world? In the resurrection of Jesus, we find the ultimate answer for ultimate questions like these.
Text: Luke 24:1-48 Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis
When we read the gospel account of Mark, it seems like Jesus is inviting controversy and deliberately increasing conflict. But why? It all has to do with his perspective on self-righteous religion; he came in order to die, so that he might do away with self-righteous religion once-and-for-all. Text: Mark 11:1-20 Series: Passion Week Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: April 10, 2022
What makes a church family a compelling community of faith? And what is our role individually in building such a compelling community? Paul gives us the answer to both of those questions as he moves from “put off…” to “put on…“.
Text: Colossians 3:12-15 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: March 27, 2022
Sermon Summary: The gospel is for every person, and for all of life. If that is true, then the gospel has something to say about areas we might want it to leave alone--areas like our sexuality, our speech, and prejudicial biases. In our passage this week, Paul presses home the reality there is good news for our prejudicial bias. Text: Colossians 3:11 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: March 20, 2022 Title: Our Prejudice and The Person of Jesus
The gospel is for every person, and for all of life. If that is true, then the gospel has something to say about areas we might want it to leave alone--areas like our sexuality, our speech, and prejudicial biases. In our passage this week, Paul presses home the reality that the gospel is for all of life, including our speech. Text: Colossians 3:8-10 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: March 13, 2022
Sermon Summary: The gospel is for every person, and for all of life. If that is true, then the gospel has something to say about areas we might want it to leave alone--areas like our sexuality, our speech, and prejudicial biases. Paul reminds us that the gospel is for all of life, including our sexuality. Text: Colossians 3:5-7 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: March 6, 2022 Title: The Gospel and Human Sexuality
Sermon Summary: In this week's sermon, we transition to the second half of the Book of Colossians. Paul highlights the resurrection of Jesus as the source of power that transforms lives and emphatically calls the Christian to set their hearts and minds on the things above! Text: Colossians 3:1-4 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Nick Pacurari Date: February 27, 2022
This week, we come to a pivot within the book of Colossians. And that pivot presents us with this question: How do we biblically and thoughtfully move out from the gospel of grace (as laid out in the first two chapters of Colossians), to living by grace, which requires obedience to the Lord who saved us (as laid out in the last two chapters of Colossians)? This is a crucial question, because our answer can lead us either into the very legalism that Paul has warned against, or into license, which ignores the commands of Scripture altogether. Neither is proper, both dishonor Jesus. How we engage with the commands from God through Paul, and how we relate to all the commands of the NT as we follow Jesus, matters. Join us as we discover that union with Christ is the key to following Christ.
Text: Various Texts in Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis
Cultural Christianity is alive and well in a city like Chattanooga. But it is shallow and empty replacement for who Jesus is and what he has done. Don’t fall for a Christianity watered-down by religious influences, because Christ is superior!
Text: Colossians 2:6-23 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis
Believers are to grow and mature in their faith. What does this look like? What does it mean to our day-to-day lives in Christ? Join with us as we see that “Christ in you, the hope of glory” is the key.
Text: Colossians 1:24-2:7 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux Date: February 6, 2022
As creatures of space and time, we have an innate longing for stability. Our world feels rushed and often in a panic; we live in a country where stability seems elusive. And we can often feel that we are just careening from one crisis to another in our personal lives. Is there anything or anyone that can give us the steady ground that we crave? The Colossians were finding themselves exhorted by spiritual leaders to look for greater experiences and knowledge beyond what had brought them into the faith--the gospel. As he does so, we are reminded of this: “In order to keep your footing, watch your Head.”
Text: Colossians 1:15-20 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: January 30, 2022
Sermon Summary: What might the apostle Paul ask God for concerning a church he has never planted, and a church family he has never met? Paul opens his prayer closet door and invites the Colossians, and we the readers 2,000 years later, to listen in as he brings his requests for them to his Father. What we come away with is this: Will we lean into learning to walk with Jesus in his New Creation? And what we find is this: Jesus is inviting you to learn to walk with him in his New Creation. Text: Colossians 1:9-14 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: January 22, 2022 Title of Sermon: “An Apostolic Ask for a Young Church”
*Note: We apologize, the beginning of the sermon was not recorded due to a technical error. To hear the first couple minutes of the sermon, please visit our Youtube page. https://youtu.be/mMN-CRooqdM
Sermon Summary: What brings Paul to a place of thanksgiving as he observes the Colossian believers? It comes down to the effects of the gospel in their lives: hope-inspired faith in Christ and love to the saints. So, he thanks God, because the gospel changes everything.
Text: Colossians 1:3-8 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Isaiah Lewis Date: January 16, 2022
This past year has been difficult, but difficult times are often meant to remind us to rely on God for all our needs. Can we resolve to rely on God in 2022?
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux Date: January 2, 2022
Sermon Summary: On this final week of our Advent series, we explore Christ being man, God, and the way of salvation!
Text: Isaiah 9:6-7 Speaking: Pastor Nick Pacurari Date: December 19, 2021
Sermon Summary: On the third week of Advent, we are reminded to of the exceeding joy we have in Christ! We are confronted with a powerful question, "Where do we find joy?" Text: Matthew 2:1-12 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Nick Pacurari Date: December 12, 2021 Title of Sermon: Joy
This second Advent week we are reminded that the world is at war with God, and only Jesus offers true and lasting peace. Do you have His peace in your life?
Text: Jeremiah 6:13-14 and Luke 2:8-14 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux Date: December 5, 2021
Sermon Summary: The world is a mess. Our lives are a mess. But we can have hope in Jesus, the righteous and returning King. Text: Jeremiah 23:5-6 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux Date: November 28, 2021 Title of Sermon: Hope
Text: John 2:1-11 Series: Miscellaneous Speaking: Pastor Chris Fowler Date: November 14, 2021
Sermon Summary: In this passage, we see that Jesus is the bridegroom who is coming to redeem his bride and when he does, we will celebrate like no other. In what ways are we accepting cheap imitations of God’s love for us? Are we a people characterized by joyful celebration?
Sermon Summary: Jesus says “I am the door of the sheep… I am the good shepherd” (John 10:7, 11). In our highly digitized experiences within the Information Age, these pastoral images are easily ignored and undervalued. Far from being sentimentalism or confusing Christianese, these two images make up the best news we could ever hope to hear. Text: John 10:1-21 Series: Miscellaneous Speaking: Isaiah Lewis Date: November 7, 2021 Title of Sermon: An Open Door to the Ideal Shepherd
The local church is responsible to know the biblical qualifications of a pastor/elder and implement them in the pastor/elder selection and affirmation process.
Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Speaking: Nathan Daugherty Date: October 31, 2021
Every one of us has experienced (or soon will experience) storms in our life…a relationship that seemed so promising implodes, plans for a new job never materialize, hopes for a beloved child crash in the wake of unexpected news. When the ground beneath our feet doesn’t seem steady anymore, to whom can we turn for help, hope and security? From a fishing boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus demonstrated that his amazing love is paired with infinite power. The lesson for his disciples then (as well as for his disciples now) is that when we find ourselves in the midst of an unexpected storm, we are to find our shelter in him.
Text: Mark 4:35-41 Speaking: Pastor Matt Farlow
Sermon Summary: Jesus is calling us to meet needs for the sake of the gospel. What does compassion ministry have to do with the gospel, and why should we do it? Text: Matthew 10:1-8 Series: Miscellaneous Speaking: Pastor Greg Wilton Date: October 17, 2021 Title of Sermon: Meeting Needs
The only way a believer can change his life is through the transforming power of the word of God and allowing the Holy Spirit to bring conviction in your life. Are you willing to change your life to be like Christ?
Text: Ephesians 4:20-32 Series: The Primacy of Scripture Speaking: Pastor Bill Mason Date: October 10, 2021
Text: Various Series: The Primacy of Scripture Speaking: Pastor Bill Mason Date: October 3, 2021 Title of Sermon: God’s Word is Truth
Followers of Jesus live on mission! It is an inevitable part of life in the Kingdom of God and in the church.
Text: Luke 10:25-37 Series: The Mission of the Church Speaking: Pastor Michael Meredith
We are looking at what it means to cultivate community by abiding in His word, His love, and His Spirit. Text: John 15: 1-17; 26-27 Series: The Mission of the Church Speaking: Pastor Will Dragoo September 19, 2021 Title of Sermon: Abiding in Christ together
What does it mean to love Jesus? We say that phrase a lot as Christians, but what implications does it have for my life? Matthew 10 helps us see practically what this means and spurs us forward to love Christ even when costly.
Text: Matthew 10:34-39 Series: The Mission of the Church Speaker: Will Dragoo Date: September 12, 2021
God’s church is the community of Christians, those who believe in Jesus. What is the purpose of his church, and why should we be involved? Text: Acts 2:42-47 Series: The Mission of the Church Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux September 5, 2021
What's the one thing we endure in faithfulness to Jesus and to offer His love to the world? To grow into people of blessing in a curse-filled world. Text: Hebrews 10:24-25; Matthew 5:3-12 Series: Final Words Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 29, 2021 Title of Sermon: On Blessing
We share what we love. Yet we often struggle to bear witness to Jesus. Join us to better understand how our witness can help a hurting world. Text: Matthew 5:14-16
Series: Final Words Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 22, 2021
Often we're surprised by the pain we experience. Jesus reorients us to the reality of living in a broken world, while also providing hope to empower us to endure any hurt.
Text: Matthew 5:10-12 Series: Final Words Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 15, 2021
Life has a way of emptying us. And what do we do with those empty moments matters. Jesus reorients the way we view and interact with these common experiences. Text: Matthew 5:1-6 Series: Final Words Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 1, 2021 Title of Sermon: On Emptiness
Life is filled with challenges and unknowns, yet Jesus is sufficient to uphold and sustain us no matter what happens to us. Today, we learn the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus.
Text: Matthew 14:22-33 Series: Final Words Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie
This side of heaven is filled with relational strife, yet God restores. Not only that, God calls us to participate with Him in His restorative work.
Text: James 5:19-20 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 18, 2021
Big Idea — You Got To Pray Pray Consistently (v.13) Pray Specifically (vs.14-16a) Pray Expectantly (vs.16b-18)
How often do we commit to things we regret? In today's passage, James will tackle this human tendency, and we will learn why we do it and what to do about it.
Text: James 5:12 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 4, 2021 Title of Sermon: Speak the Truth
How do we endure when faced with sufferings and we want nothing more than to quit? James shares wisdom for how to learn patient endurance. Text: James 5:7-11 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 27, 2021
What we think about the generosity of God impacts how generous we are with others. And without generosity, we digress into all forms of temptation and relational evil. Text: James 5:1-6 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 20, 2021 Title of Sermon: A Generous Faith
The idea of depending on Christ can seem so vague to us; however, James brings the practicality as usual. Listen in today to how James coaches us to live with a depend faith in Jesus. Text: James 4:13-17 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 13, 2021
The sheer amount of words in our world causes us to downplay their importance. This morning, James refocuses our attention on the impact our words can make on others.
The kingship of Christ is sufficient for all things! In this week's sermon, we will explore God's authority over all creation and how his authority calms our doubts. Text: Mark 4 Series: Miscellaneous Speaking: Pastor Nick Pacurari May 30, 2021 Title: The kingship of Christ is sufficient for all things!
Sometimes we’re reluctant to take necessary risks to follow Jesus. The good news is God’s grace meets us even in our reluctance.
Text: Jonah Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 23, 2021
With so much fighting going on around us, the real fight is not always what we first see. In today's passage, James not only gives us a framework to understand our conflict but a pathway toward peace and unity.
Text: James 4:1-10 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie
All wisdom is not created equal. Yet there is a true wisdom from above that brings healing to us and the communities we call our own. Text: James 3:13-18 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 2, 2021 Title of Sermon: Wisdom from Above
Big Idea — Don't Show Favoritism The Favors of Favoritism (vs.1-4) The Faithfulness of God (vs.5-7) The Fullness of Hospitality (vs.8-13)
Love is not only the virtue of virtues; it's also the summation of life itself. On this Easter morning, we see how God's resurrection love changes everything for us.
Text: 1 Corinthians 13:13 Series: Cardinal Virtues Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 4, 2021
How does all this talk of growing in virtue work together with God's grace (which is not earned by our works)? Today, we continue the conversations with faith to find out.
Text: Mark 9:20-24 Series: Cardinal Virtues Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 21, 2021
With so much injustice in the world and so many opinions about how justice should look, we need God's Word to inform us how we grow into more just people.
Text: Deuteronomy 32:1-4 Series: Cardinal Virtues Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie
We all are repulsed by cowardice and want to become more courageous people. But how do we grow in courage — especially in a world that's lacking examples to admire?
Text: Josua 1:9 Series: Cardinal Virtues Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie
For 2,000+ years, people have been philosophizing about how to flourish. Today, we compare the different approaches and how important prudence is in our quest for the good life.
Text: Proverbs 8:12-13 Series: James: Cardinal Virtues Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 14, 2021
James wraps up chapter one with a summary of how we grow as disciples of Jesus. What we read is challenging but also provides helpful perspective as we strive to follow Jesus.
Text: James 1:19-27 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 7, 2021
Self-deception is a real killer. It shades the way we think, feel, and act. James is clear about where self-deception strikes and what we ought to do to fight it.
Text: James 1:13-18 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 31, 2021
What we boast in matter. Boasting shapes our identity, fuels our hope, and attaches us more to the object of our boasting. Out of all the people or things we could boast in, Christ is the safest bet. Today, James tells us why.
Text: James 1:9-12 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 21, 2021
We need wisdom more than ever. Thankfully, God is more than ready to give wisdom to those who ask in faith.
Text: James 1:5-8 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 17, 2021
Wisdom gives us a needed perspective and posture toward our suffering. James teaching today is hard but good; it's paradoxical yet explains how to rejoice in trials.
Text: James 1:2-4 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 10, 2021
At the end of a hard year and the beginning of an uncertain one, we can use some wisdom and hope. Thankfully, God gives wisdom to all who ask!
Text: James 1:1 Series: James: Wisdom from Above Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 3, 2021
This advent season, we're looking at the women in Matthew 1 that are included in Jesus' genealogy. Tonight, we learn from Mary about faith in God in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Text: Luke 1-2 Series: The Mothers of Jesus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 20, 2020
This advent season, we're looking at the women in Matthew 1 that are included in Jesus' genealogy. Today, we learn from Bathsheba that loves, forgives, and redeems stories filled with pain, suffering, and sin.
Text: Matthew 1:1-6 Series: The Mothers of Jesus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 20, 2020
This advent season, we're looking at the women in Matthew 1 that are included in Jesus' genealogy. Today, we learn from Ruth — a faithful foreigner among a faithless people.
Text: Ruth 1:1-18 Series: The Mothers of Jesus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 13, 2020
This advent season, we're looking at the women in Matthew 1 that are included in Jesus' genealogy. Today, we learn from Rahab — the most unlikely hero of faith.
Text: Joshua 2 Series: The Mothers of Jesus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 6, 2020
This advent season, we look at the women in Matthew 1 that are included in Jesus' genealogy. These women show us that Jesus came from those he came for. They also give us a picture of how God honors people, not because they're honorable but because He is gracious and loving.
Text: Genesis 38 Series: The Mothers of Jesus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 29, 2020
After all the apocalyptic doom and gloom, Revelation brings us back to one central idea that can change our lives — Jesus is coming!
Text: Revelation 22:6-21 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 22, 2020
There's a love that won't let you go and will one day provide every longing of your heart. Until then, our future destiny can shape our present direction.
Text: Revelation 21:9-21 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 8, 2020
There's a longing in our souls to return to a better time and place, but the work of Jesus leads us into a new Eden where we not only return to a good way but move toward a better way of life with God.
Text: Revelation 21:22-225 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 15, 2020 Title of Sermon: A New Eden
The human heart craves newness and excitement. That desire can lead us into some unhealthy places and spaces, but it also speaks to a deeper longing that God will fulfill for his people.
Text: Revelation 21:1-8 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 1, 2020
For his believers, Jesus promises rewards in heaven for how we live our lives on earth. This again is grace, since it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to please Jesus with our lives. Rewards in heaven should motivate and encourage us to live lives that eagerly anticipate heaven.
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:8-10 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux October 25, 2020
It is appointed for man to die once and then enter judgment (Hebrews 9:27). But what awaits us after judgment? Revelation gives us the answer, and it's good news.
Text: Revelation 20:7-15 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 20, 2020
Friends can wound and heal us. We want deep friendships and even need them to flourish in life. However, the most security we'll ever find comes from our friendship with Jesus.
Text: Proverbs 18:24 Series: The Art of Stability Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 11, 2020
Our attention is pulled in a thousand different directions. What can we do to make sure we are stewarding our mediations in a way that allows us to take refuge in Jesus?
Text: Psalm 131 Series: The Art of Stability Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 4, 2020
God gives us more than good advice and shallow practices in our search for stability. As we seek rest from the chaos, God invites us to practice sabbath so that we may delight in His Son, Jesus!
Text: Matthew 11:29-30 Series: The Art of Stability Speaking: Pastor in Training Nick Pacurari September 27, 2020
How do we root ourselves in the love of Christ when everything threatens to tear us away? Jesus tells us to abide in Him and a rule of life can help us intentionally live in and from Christ's love.
Text: John 15:1-11 Series: The Art of Stability Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 20, 2020
In the midst of chaos, Jesus provides refuge. As we take refuge in him, we come to know and experience the love he has for us, and this is the foundation for our stability in the midst of this chaos.
Text: Psalm 57:1-3 Series: The Art of Stability Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux September 13, 2020
In unprecedented times, it's natural to think there's no roadmap for us. However, the Bible speaks often to the experience of chaos. Listening to the voice of biblical authors helps us attune to reality as well as see a way forward.
Text: Genesis 1:1-2 Series: The Art of Stability Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 6, 2020
Sometimes you need to zoom out to see the big picture to grasp where you are in life. In today's sermon, we look at the different ways people understand Revelation in order to be more informed as well as challenged to live a life that honors Jesus more.
Text: Revelation 20:4-6 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 30, 2020
As Revelation rushes to the end, we pause for a moment to be encouraged by the reign of Jesus. Although Satan, sin, and death seem to be making their mark on the world, Revelation refocuses us on Jesus, our King.
Text: Revelation 20:1-6 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 23, 2020
There's no doubt that evil is present in our world. As those who follow Christ, we also can have confidence that Jesus will return to end the tyranny of evil. Though we don't see it now, victory is coming.
Text: Revelation 19:11-21 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 16, 2020
Seduction, debauchery, and drunkenness aren't ways we normally think of the culture we live in; however, Revelation wakes us up to see things as they really are. God also calls His people to be in the world but not of the world.
Text: Revelation 17-18 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 2, 2020
Pride should not be the posture of the Christian in the current conversations on race. Scripture not only tells us to walk in humility, but it also gives us some reasons to be humbled.
Text: Ephesians 2:11-16 Series: Justice and Mercy Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 26, 2020
The word justice is thrown around by so many people with such impassioned cries that we can often forget to define it. Yet, if Christians are called to do justice, then we must let the Bible inform how we do justice and for whom we do it.
Text: Micah 6:6-8 Series: Justice and Mercy Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 19, 2020
As we continue our justice and mercy series, we must not pass too quickly past who God is as well as how the church should work through difficult topics. May we pursue justice and mercy like Jesus.
Text: Exodus 34:5-7 Series: Justice and Mercy Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 12, 2020
Today starts a new series helping us process how Christians should engage in the conversations around justice and how we should do mercy in our world. As with all aspects of life, God's character must shape our understanding and God's Word needs to be our guide.
Text: Genesis 4 Series: Justice and Mercy Speaking: Guest preacher James Westbrook of Realm Church
Suffering can blind us to the bigger picture reality of what's going on in the world. Yet Jesus' death and resurrection reframe our suffering in the most significant ways. In this way, Jesus is our only hope.
A cry arises from deep in our souls for justice. But what do we actually want, and who can provide it? We find out the answer today in Revelation 14.
Text: Revelation 14:14-20 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie
With so many voices trying to influence us, many desire to know who to follow. In these evil times, Revelation has much to teach us about following Jesus.
Text: Revelation 14: 1-13 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie
There is a cosmic struggle between the counterfeit god and the God who truly deserves our worship. But because God himself has written the names of his believers in his book of life, we can endure with faith and wisdom.
Text: Revelation 13 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux
To help us better understand God's rescue plan, John gives us a sign of God's rescuing love as he describes the truest fairy tale of them all. the cosmic battle that ensues teaches us about evil, God, and our part to play in this warfare.
Text: Revelation 12 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie
In the doom and gloom of Revelation, we can misunderstand - or miss all together - the heart of God. But in today's sermon, a vision comes into focus that can leave us awestruck with who God is and what He is like. May we savor this truth as we see God's plan to rescue the world.
Text: Revelation 10-11 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Rusty McKie
The hubbub of life may cause us to think that we're just floating from one mind-numbing task to the next; however, we live our lies in a cosmic war. In this war, our souls are on the line as we must choose who we will worship. Revelation is here to wake us up to reality.
Text: Revelation 8-9 Series: It's The End of The World as We Know It... Speaking: Rusty McKie May 17, 2020
When overwhelmed by sin and suffering in our world, we may find it difficult to see what God is doing, but Revelation provides a direct answer. We see in the midst of 7 seals of judgement, the eternal love of God. And in God's love, we find our hope for life.
Text: Revelation 7 Series: It's The End of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Rusty McKie May 10, 2020
The evil that runs rampant in our world disturbs us and raises questions like: What is God doing in the midst of all this sin and suffering? The book of Revelation does not avoid such difficult questions. Instead, Revelation gives significant time and attention to help us understand our loving just and judging God.
Text: Revelation 6:1-17; 8:1 Series: It's the End of the World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 3, 2020
How will such a book as Lamentation end? Today, as we see what we are left with, the experience can be truly transformative. Let's learn how lamenting people are blessed as well as how they become a blessing.
Text: Lamentations 5 Series: The Language of Lament Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 26, 2020
Life is hard right now with the Coronavirus and tornadoes. And yet, God has a track record of doing His most creative work in the midst of the chaos of evil. Lamentations 4 will challenge us to learn from God's past faithfulness and to turn to Him now more than ever.
Text: Lamentations 4 Series: The Language of Lament Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 20, 2020
Knowing someone understands your pain produces comfort, but trusting someone else took your punishment leads to eternal pleasure.But how do we choose to trust God in the midst of searing suffering? The Poet in Lamentations will teach us on this strange Easter Sunday.
Text: Lamentations 3 Series: The Language of Lament Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 12, 2020
Asking for help is humbling but necessary for a life of flourishing. we will not make it on our own. Lady Zion helps us today to see our great need to turn to God for help in times of deepest distress.
Text: Lamentations 2 Series: The Language of Lament Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 5, 2020
Suffering is hard; God's silence is harder. The temptation is to go silent ourselves and not talk to God. However, the most healing practice we can employ is lament. Today, we learn how to complain in a way that moves us toward a better relationship with God.
Text: Lamentations 1 Series: The Language of Lament Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 29, 2020
Some might wonder why do a sermon series on Lamentations when we seem to be sitting in so much anger and sadness. Wouldn't it be better to focus on the positive? While we are called to be sorrowful and yet always rejoicing, By contrast, Lamentations teaches us we have lost the language of lament. And so, we get stuck in our sadness and anger. Today, we start a 6 week series to begin to open God's gift of lament.
Text: Lamentations Series: The Language of Lament Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 22, 2020
Text: Revelation 5 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 15, 2020
One of the gifts of Revelation is it reveals unseen things to us that helps us navigate the seen-things of our lives. And nothing is more helpful than to get a glimpse into the very throne room of God. Join us this week as we go there with John and behold our God who deserves all our praise.
Text: Revelation 4 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 8, 2020
There are too many distractions in our fast-paced lives. The shiny and spectacular attract our focus far too often, blinding us to the state of our souls. But like every faithful and true friend, Jesus comes along side us opening our eyes to see the way back to life with Him.
Text: Revelation 3:14-22 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 1, 2020
Life can be chaotic and overwhelming, but with Christ we have a solid foundation to stand on. Today's sermon shows us how we can be stable in Jesus even in the instability of life.
Text: Revelation 3:7-13 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 23, 2020
The Letter to the Church of Sardis is a reminder that Jesus our Perfect Shepherd cannot be deceived but is gracious and truthful in the ways in which He deals with us so that we have hearts and mind set to eternity.
Text: Revelation 3:1-6 Series: It’s The End Of The World As We Know It… Speaking: Pastor in training Nick Pacurari February 16, 2020
Truth is who Jesus is and what his gospel is all about. Jesus encourages his church to love truth and the intimacy it brings with him.
Text: Revelation 2:12-17 Series: It’s The End Of The World As We Know It… Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux February 2, 2020
Life is filled with pressure to conform to the ideas and beliefs of others, yet Jesus calls His church to endure in patient love in the face of hostility.
Text: Revelation 2:8-11 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 26, 2020
Jesus doesn't leave His church alone, but He is among her to help her endure in difficult circumstances. Today, we start the first of seven letters to the church in Asia Minor.
Text: Revelation 2:1-7 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 19, 2020
What we think about Jesus largely shapes how we live our lives. Thankfully, John's vision of Jesus gives us a lot to think about. This vision ultimately shows us that although Jesus is not safe, He is good.
Text: Revelation 1:12-20 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 12, 2020
Famous last words enthrall us because we believe that in them we will find some hidden wisdom for life since nothing cuts through the noise like the finality of death. Revelation is the final words of the Bible. And in light of the end of all things, we discover some incredible wisdom for life.
Text: Revelation 1:1-11 Series: It's The End Of The World As We Know It... Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 5, 2020
As we wrap up the Gospel of John, Jesus calls each of us to follow Him in the only way we can—by stewarding and living the only life we have to live.
Text: John 21:15-25 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 29, 2019
Meals are a special place where we enjoy good food and the company of others. Something incredible happens when we make ourselves available to one another during meals. It should not surprise us then to find that one of the first things Jesus does after His resurrection is share a meal with His followers.
Text: John 21:1-14 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 15, 2019
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything! We live with tension: harsh realities of suffering and hardship and the future promise that Jesus will put things right once and for all. And the resurrection gives us hope in the midst of that tension.
Text: John 20:11-31 Series: Advent Speaking: Guest Pastor Mike Meredith December 8, 2019
Christmas is all about celebrating the coming of Jesus. He is the King of Heaven who came to die as the Lamb of God. This good news of the gospel is what we celebrate each and every Christmas.
Text: John 19:16-37 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 1, 2019
We've all tasted betrayal, rejection and the misjudgment of others. In today's passage, we see that Jesus experienced these things too. And because He took our place in these experiences, our lives can be radically different.
Text: John 18:1-19:16 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 24, 2019
What does it mean to glorify God? We can be uncomfortable with this idea, yet Jesus’ mission was to bring him glory! That is our mission as well. Following the example of Jesus, we glorify God by making him known. Text: John 17 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux November 17, 2019 Title of Sermon: Glorifying the Father
We all want a good life, and God wants that for us too. But what does a good life look like, and how do we get it? As the disciples' dreams for life shatter, Jesus gives them a better dream. Thankfully, He still does the same for us.
Text: John 16:5-33 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 10, 2019
Our world can be a harsh place to live, but Jesus reminds us today that God is good even when things get bad! Jesus isn't hesitant to teach us about the reality of the world we live in, but He is also quick to remind us of the faithfulness of God. Text: John 15:18-16:4 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 3, 2019
We all long for deeper connections in this world. Jesus doesn't shy away from talking about this, but instead describes how this longing for deeper connection translates into our thriving.
Text: John 15 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 27, 2019
We all desire to know and be known by others. We want a place to belong where we can make a difference. The disciples found that place with Jesus, yet Jesus' regular references to leaving troubled them. Today, we'll see that we have more in common with the disciples than we realize.
Text: John 14 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 20, 2019
We want others to serve us, but Jesus shows us that service is the better way. This week we explore how Jesus serves His followers and how sacrificial service will change the world.
Text: John 13 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 13, 2019
We instinctually strive for significance through our personal performance, and this way of life leads to death. Today, Jesus offers us a way of death that leads to life.
Text: John 12 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 6, 2019
In Sojourn's last sermon in our Values Series, we find that the story of the Bible can be summed up as God sharing and redefining power for us as we learn to steward and share our power with others.
Text: Matthew 20:20-28 Series: Sojourn Values Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 29, 2019
We follow a God of compassion, which changes everything for us. God's mercy and comfort rearranges how we relate to ourselves, others and even our enemies.
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Series: Sojourn Values Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 22, 2019
Jesus changes our hearts when he saves us, and the Holy Spirit works in us to transform our lives to reflect his image. What does the transformed life look like, and how can we practically participate in that transformation?
Text: 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 Series: Sojourn Values Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux September 15, 2019
Everyone appreciates a humble person and is frustrated by the proud. But what does it mean to live in humility? These are the questions will consider as we look at Sojourn's second value.
Text: James 4:1-10 Series: Sojourn Values Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 8, 2019
In a world that questions the very validity of truth, we need to question our own skepticism and allow God to define truth for us. Thankfully, God does, and we can allow the truth of the gospel to shape our lives.
Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Series: Sojourn Values Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 1, 2019
In performing His greatest miracle to date, Jesus sets the stage for His arrest and death. In this scene Jesus tells us we all taste death, yet with Him, He shows us the way to find true life. Text: John 11 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 25, 2019
Jesus is good in ways we can't even comprehend, yet today Jesus shares some specific ways that He's good and that we can enjoy Him. This way that Jesus describes is crucial to a good life. Text: John 10 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 18, 2019
Our lives can be overwhelming at times with the routines of everyday life, conflict in relationships, unmet expectations, and flashes of chaos, pain, and loss. Our Good Shepherd isn’t caught off guard by any of this. He wants us to know that we are known by him fully and that we can know him as we abide in his flock. Text: Psalm 23 Series: Miscellaneous Speaking: Guest Preacher Chris Fowler August 11, 2019
For many, seeing is believing. However, in God's world, it's the reverse - believing is seeing. And in John 9, we learn what it take to be healed of spiritual blindness and to be transformed by the light of Christ.
Text: John 9 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 4, 2019
We are captivated by grand stories of Good versus Evil, but what if all our stories were borrowing from one True Story. Jesus tells us of this Story that God is unfolding in our world, and He offers us a way to experience what we've always longed for - freedom.
Text: John 8 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 28, 2019
The instability of life can drive us to look for a solid foundation just about anywhere. But Jesus will teach us where about our only true foundation for life.
Text: John 7 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 21, 2019 Title of Sermon: A Stable Identity
We want so much in life and are often not satisfied. Today's passage shows us a crowd that demanding more from Jesus. And the words of Jesus, might just shock us in how applicable they are for us today.
Text: John 6 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 14, 2019
We all think that we want healing but have we really thought about the implications. True healing requires humility, and Jesus is ready to give to those who are ready to receive.
Text: John 5 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 7, 2019
It can be difficult to believe that good news applies to us. However, in today's passage, we'll see that belief is exactly what we need.
Text: John 4 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 30, 2019
All the knowledge and effort in the world will not help us enter the Kingdom of God. We must be born again. And in today's passage, Jesus tells how.
Text: John 3 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 23, 2019
Jesus gives us true grace and gracious truth. Wine for the needy and whip for those who think they’re not. Text: John 2:1-25 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Justin Karl June 16, 2019
Jesus comes to this world already knowing everything about us. His purpose in coming is so that we can know him. Text: John 1:19-51 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux June 9, 2019
We all want a full life, and yet we can feel pretty hopeless as a result of all the darkness around us. Yet God does not leave us in our darkness! He sends His Light, and in Jesus we find lasting Hope.
Text: John 1:1-18 Series: John - Gospel of Hope Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 2, 2019
(Sorry for the fuzz, technical difficulties) We all want joy. This desire for a fulfilled life can be a great gift or challenge to us. Thankfully, God's Word has a lot to say about Joy and where we find it. In this last sermon in our emotions series, joy brings us to the conclusion we've all been waiting for.
Text: Psalm 16 Series: Emotions: Listening To Your Heart Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 26, 2019
Sadness is the cry of our hearts when we experience loss in life. We don't particularly want to feel sad, but we'll see today that sadness can be a great gift that opens our hearts to God and others.
Text: Psalm 42 Series: Emotions: Listening To Your Heart Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 19, 2019
Anger is a strong emotion. It can be so uncomfortable that we assume it’s bad. However, God created anger to be a gift to us as it helps us identify and declare what we value. With the Spirit’s help, we can be angry and not sin.
Text: Ephesians 4:25-27 and James 4:1-10 Series: Emotions: Listening To Your Heart Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 12, 2019
Fear is a constant in our lives. It’s also a subject that Scripture mentions often. With so much fear in our lives, we would be wise to listen to what Scripture has to say about it.
Text: Joshua 1:7-9 Series: Emotions: Listening To Your Heart Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 5, 2019
God’s Kingdom confronts the upside and backwards of this world!
Text: Mark 8:27-38 Series: Miscellaneous Speaking: Guest Preacher Michael Meredith April 28, 2019
Emotions are a gift from God, yet we can either prioritize them too much or not pay enough attention to them. As we start our series on emotions, we need to learn to submit them all to God.
Text: Ephesians 4:17-24 Series: Emotions: Listening To Your Heart Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 21, 2019
Exodus has been moving toward God dwelling with His people, and this week we see God's glorious presence on full display. Join us as we wrap up the story of the Exodus.
Text: Exodus 34-40 Series: Exodus Speaking: Guest Speaker Justin Pearson April 4, 2019
We all want a good life. The problem is we go about getting it the wrong way. Today in Exodus, despite Israel’s great sin, God displays great mercy. And we’re left with the ultimate question—Is God our promised land?
Text: Exodus 32-33 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 7, 2019
Much of our life is spent trying to find a perfect work and rest balance. And often, we hop between overworking and laziness a couple hundreds times a day. Thankfully, God has not only created us to honor Him in our work and rest, but He instructs us in how to do so.
Text: Exodus 28-31 and 39 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 31, 2019
The tabernacle sat in the center of Israel's camp, and Israel was to center their life around God's presence. His presence was their life. This is still true for us today.
Text: Exodus 25-27 and 35-38 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 24, 2019
God is the rightful King of the Universe. However, Satan and sin have highjacked God’s Kingdom with their tyrannical rule. The entire Bible is a story of God reclaiming His Kingdom so that He might reign as He should.
Text: Exodus 23:20-24:18 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 17, 2019
When reading the Law in the Old Testament, we often feel bored, confused and ultimately wonder what this has to do with our life. However, today’s text in Exodus teaches us that there is much to learn from God’s Law.
Text: Exodus 20:22-23:19 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 10, 2019
When we think about the Ten Commandments, all kinds of thoughts come to mind. But, do we think about God describing how we have a relationship with Him? The Ten Commandments were revolutionary for Israel, and they can be fore us as well.
Text: Exodus 20 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 3, 2019
We live in a time where people think little of God’s presence in their day to day life. Yet God’s active presence in the lives of His people is the most important thing about them. And God is the one who wants and makes a relationship with Him possible.
Text: Exodus 19 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 24, 2019
Life can be truly difficult and complex. We can lose heart and start to complain—a lot! But God is great, even when we grumble against Him. And His greatness provides a different way for us to live.
Text: Exodus 15:22-18:27 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 17, 2019
God uses his power to bring salvation to his people, and judgment to those who oppose him. There is none like him. His strength and power bring him glory and deserve our praise. Text: Exodus 13:17-15:21 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux February 10, 2019
Some struggle to believe they are forgiven. Others struggle to see how bad their sin is. But the truth of the Scriptures is that at our worst, God gave His best. Remembering and reenacting this truth is essential for the Christian life.
Text: Exodus 12:1-13:16 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 3, 2019
God does not play around with evil. In today's passage, we learn a lot about God as He makes Himself known through both judgment and mercy through the plagues carried out on Egypt.
Text: Exodus 7:7-11:10 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 27, 2019
Life is discouraging. And if we’re not careful, we can fall into a dark place of cynicism and unbelief. However, God can meet us and rescue us from the darkest of places.
Text: Exodus 5:1-7:7 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 20, 2019
Although we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to look good and be acceptable, God helps us in our time of need. In fact, every time God calls us to go, He goes with us—helping, leading and guiding us every step of the way.
Text: Exodus 3-4 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 13, 2019
Although the Israelites received God’s promise of blessing in order to be a blessing to the Nations, Exodus starts with Israel enslaved in Egypt. This first story in Exodus helps us understand that God is present even when we don’t feel Him.
Text: Exodus 1-2 Series: Exodus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 6, 2019
It's healthy to reflect on the previous year and reset for the next. It's no different as a church. Today we have the opportunity to envision how to thrive in 2019.
Text: Hebrews 3:12-13 Series: Miscellaneous Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 30, 2018
We tryout all sorts of ideas and activities to experience deliverance from the difficulties of our lives, yet there's only One Person who can truly deliver us. And learning how to wait on Jesus for His deliverance is a critical lesson to learn.
Text: Luke 3:7-18 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 16, 2018
Christmas is a time when many of us wait for fulfillment. Yet life is hard and fulfillment is often disappointing. But God is not man, and we can wait expectantly for him, because he can be counted on to completely fulfill his promises.
Text: Luke 3:1-6 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux December 9, 2018
Christmas is the happiest season of all, unless you're miserable. For many, this Advent is filled with joy and sorrow, and the good news of the Christmas story is that it allows spaces for both. It's a story, not just for the joyful but also for those waiting for the light to come.
Text: Luke 21:25-36 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 2, 2018
Some stories are so captivating that you get wrapped up in them as if you were living in them. The beauty of the book of Acts is that's actually true. Acts is not ancient history; Acts is our story. And we are still living it today.
Text: Acts 28:11-31 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 25, 2018
When it rains, it pours. Life disorients us, and we lose our course. But the truth in today's passage that Jesus is Lord of the storm can be a Northstar for our souls that helps us endure difficulties.
Text: Acts 27:1-28:16 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 18, 2018
It's a scary place out there, and it's easy to lose hope. But the truth of the gospel is that we have a hope in Jesus that nothing can take away. Today we hear some great news from Acts in the midst of a bad news world.
Text: Acts 25:1-26:32 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 11, 2018
Lies are at the core of rebellion against God. Lies bring pain and disappointment, but we see in today’s passage that truth brings freedom.
Text: Acts 23:12-24:7 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux November 4, 2018
The Principle: The Pathway to Spiritual Life is Death The Picture: The Father's Compassion on Display
Text: John 12:20-33 Series: Guest Speaker Speaking: Pastor Chuck Ryor October 28, 2018
We all have bad days filled with failure, anxiety and struggles. What hope is there for us when we are overwhelmed by life? In today's passage, the answer we find is refreshing and just what we need to hear.
Text: Acts 22:22-23:11 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 21, 2018
Through faith, the church is unified because through faith we are all in Christ. But now we have a responsibility to maintain that unity, and it's hard work.
Text: Acts 21:17-22:21 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 14, 2018
Jesus changes everything, although sometimes we experience discomfort with that arrangement. But the truth of life is that we only find it when we lose it. Jesus changes our lives as he changes our life plans, our faith and our determination.
Text: Acts 21:1-16 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 7, 2018
Faithfulness to the gospel means that we need to learn to say goodbye. Gospel-goodbyes are hard.
Text: Acts 20:28-32 Series: Acts Continued Speaking: Pastor Jeremy Lucarelli September 30, 2018
The Christian life is hard, and we need encouragement. Encouragement is a profound ministry that we can offer each other that God will use to strengthen us for the road ahead.
Text: Acts 20:1-16 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 23, 2018
What we love drives our life, and we are so prone to love and live for anything but Jesus. This is what the Scriptures call idolatry. And Jesus is the great idol crusher who disrupts our lives with His love to give us a love that lasts.
Text: Acts 19:11-41 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 16, 2018
What if I told you, you are unqualified to make an impact for God’s Kingdom? And that that is the very thing that makes you most qualified for God to use you!
Text: Acts 18:24-19:10 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Michael Meredith September 9, 2018
Life is really hard, and we all react differently to it. Today in Acts 18, we get a glimpse into how Paul responded to the difficulties of life, and we find God inviting us into a better way.
Text: Acts 18:1-23 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 2, 2018
We all want a good life, and often our ideas about a good life are far from Biblical. The Scriptures teach us that we are blessed and to be a blessing, and these Biblical ideas might play out in practical ways that surprise us.
Text: Genesis 12:1-3 and Galatians 3:7-9 Series: How to be Human Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 26, 2018
Life is too short to be eaten up by guilt and bitterness. This week, Jesus takes some time to speak to one of our biggest heart issues that we often don't even realize is at play. And in doing so, Jesus will show a true key to living a happy life.
Text: Matthew 18:21-35 Series: How to be Human Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 19, 2018
Church life is hard and messy, sometimes it can frustrate and disappoint, yet it is also a life-giving and refreshing joy that God calls us to pursue through peace.
Text: Philippians 4:8-11 Speaking: Pastor Dave Harvey August 12, 2018 Title of Sermon: When The Church Disappoints
Work and rest are wonderful gifts but terrible saviors. They cannot satisfy us at the end of the day. But God wants to reclaim these gifts for us through Jesus so that we can learn how to delight in both.
Text: Genesis 2:1-3 Series: How to be Human Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 5, 2018
There are many reasons why we lean toward solitude without community or community without solitude. But today, we'll see why it's essential as humans that we live into a solitude and a community where Jesus is our central foundation.
Text: Mark 1:32-38 Series: How to be Human Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 29, 2018
There is a deep desire in every person to know who they are and what they were made to do. In our first sermon of Sojourn's new series "How to be Human", God's Word answers both of those questions.
Text: Genesis 1-3 Series: How to be Human Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 22, 2018
Jesus makes us new people, and as those new creations, we have new instincts. We get a glimpse into how those instincts operate in the life of Paul in Acts 17. His example is both challenging and encouraging to us.
Text: Acts 17:16-34 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 15, 2018
We may not have temples on the corner or statues we bow before, but we all worship something. And we do crazy things for the gods we worship. Acts 17 helps us process our misplaced worship and consider how to worship and serve Jesus.
Text: Acts 17:1-15 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 8, 2018
Sometimes life doesn't go the way we want, and the disruptions can feel like distractions from the life we should be living. Today, Acts gives us a wonderful snapshot of King Jesus ruling and reigning over the chaos in the city of Philippi.
Text: Acts 16:19-40 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 1, 2018
Life with Jesus is an epic journey that has unexpected highs and lows. Today, we go on a similar journey with the Apostle Paul and friends. As we see Jesus' faithfulness to them, we will gain courage as we see His faithfulness to us as well.
Text: Acts 15:36-16:18 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 24, 2018
Fatherhood is a privilege, and fatherhood is difficult. Most fathers hope to be a great dad, but the work is overwhelming. Today we will learn from a familiar story some key lessons about fatherhood.
Text: Luke 15:11-32 Series: Miscellaneous Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 16, 2018 Title of Sermon: Happy Father's Day
Today in Acts we see that there is nothing we can add to the gospel. Salvation is by grace and grace alone, and this brings joy, unity and freedom.
Text: Acts 15 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux June 10, 2018
We can feel distant from the ancient church in the 1st Century; however, our lives are more similar than we realize. And the news that was good to them is still good for us today.
Text: Acts 14 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Jeremy Lucarelli June 3, 2018
Life is hard, and often we don't know how to respond. Today in Acts we see exactly what we should be doing when chaos comes and we find the God who controls it all.
Text: Acts 12:1-25 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 20, 2018
The marks of a healthy church are clearly described for us in Scripture. However, most of the time our issue is not a lack of knowing who we should be and how we should live, but actually stepping into the life God has called us to live.
Text: Acts 11:19-30 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 6, 2018
The propensity to discriminate exists. Today, we'll see how the Spirit of God changes one man's racism, showing us that the grace of God is for every race. Text: Acts 10:34-45 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Jeremy Lucarelli April 28, 2018
We struggle at times to remember that Jesus is present and active in our world. Today, Acts reminds us that we can look forward with anticipation to Jesus restoring life in and through us because He is powerful and good.
Text: Acts 9:32-43 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 22, 2018
Jesus drastically interrupts our lives and changes them forever. And now, we are called to live by faith in Him. Today we see three portraits of faith from the story of Saul's conversion to Christianity.
Text: Acts 9:1-31 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 15, 2018
The Spirit is alive and active in His leadership in our lives. The real question is if we are willing to follow His guidance. Today, we see the wonderful example of Phillip doing just that.
Text: Acts 8:26-40 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 8, 2018
We live our lives weighed down by many fears and anxieties. Thankfully Jesus tells us we don't have to be afraid, and He has the power to save us from our greatest fears.
Text: Revelation 1:12-18 Series: Easter Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 1, 2018
The way God operates in our lives is not always the way we expect Him to do so. Today in Acts, we see the church spreading the gospel into Samaria because of growing persecution.
Text: Acts 8:1-25 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 25, 2018
As Christians, it is our destiny to be conformed to the image of Jesus. Today we see in Acts what it means to ultimately imitate Jesus with our life, and we get a glimpse of the good life in the process.
Text: Acts 6:8-7:60 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 18, 2018
Growth is great! It's one of God's desires for us in the Christian life. Yet growth also brings specific challenges. In Acts, we get to learn from how the early church handled the challenges of growth.
Text: Acts 6:1-7 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 11, 2018
Life with Jesus is filled with highs and lows. In Acts 5, we see opposition and joy intertwined and learn that our response to suffering is greatly revealing!
Text: Acts 5:12-42 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Michael Meredith March 4, 2018 Title of Sermon: The Gospel and The Hostile
Maintaining Unity in the Spirit can be a very challenging task; however, we learn from today's sermon some things we should (and should not) be doing.
Text: Acts 4:32-5:11 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 25, 2018
Too often we're afraid, and our fear causes us not to take risks. Today in Acts, we get a glimpse of how the Spirit of God can empower us to boldness for the things we care about the most.
Text: Acts 4:1-31 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 18, 2018
We trust people based on their actions, and it's no different with God. Thankfully, God has given us plenty of opportunities to trust His faithfulness through Jesus. So, we can confidently trust His message about Jesus too.
Text: Acts 3:1-26 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 28, 2018 Title of Sermon: The Miracle and the Message
The work of the Holy Spirit is central in the book of Acts. In many cases, there are amazing and miraculous stories. Listen in to hear about the constant work of the Spirit in the early church and in us!
Text: Acts 2:42-47 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Michael Meredith February 4, 2018 Title of Sermon: First Days of the Spirit-filled Church
We all have certain things in life that we hope for as well as disappointments when promises aren't fulfilled. The good news seen today in Peter's Pentecost sermon is that God always fulfills His promises.
Text: Acts 2:14-41 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 28, 2018
(Sorry, recording issues the week) We all want to know that we're loved apart from what we do. When we know that, we're actually more energized to love others apart from what we get in return. The coming of the Spirit impresses upon us that we are loved so that we can love.
Text: Acts 2:1-13 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 21, 2018
When Jesus ascended into heaven, His life and ministry didn't end. As we see in this first sermon in Acts, Jesus continues through His Spirit and church.
Text: Acts 1:1-11 Series: Acts: Jesus Continued Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 7, 2018
The end of the year brings about reflection and anticipation. As we've been walking through Philippians 2 this Advent Season, we find many encouragements for the year to come.
Text: Philippians 2:3-11 Series: Miscellaneous Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 31, 2017
Jesus is the true reason for the season of Christmas. We will see Christmas through a different set of lenses as we look further into the life of Jesus!
Text: Philippians 2:6 Series: Advent Speaking: Michael Meredith December 10, 2017
Christmas time is great for some and painful for others. But wherever we are at personally, the season of Advent is a beautiful reminder of what our God is like. And what we learn is surprising!
Text: Philippians 2:3-4 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 3, 2017
When it comes to the mission of God, the need is urgent and of the utmost importance. As Jesus' church, we all have a part to play. The question is what part will we play?
Text: Romans 10:13-15 Series: Generous Mission Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 26, 2017
It makes sense that God calls us to generously plant our resources for the sake of His Kingdom Mission, but the reason He gives us is counterintuitive to how we live our lives.
Text: John 12:23-25 Series: Generous Mission Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 19, 2017
Mission costs money. But giving is not just important for pushing mission forward; it's essential for the health and for the joy of our souls.
Text: Matthew 6:19-21 Series: Generous Mission Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 12, 2017
Should our missionary efforts focus on meeting people's spiritual needs or physical needs? In today's sermon, we saw how God calls us to a Generous Hospitality to offers both.
Text: Luke 14:12-14 Series: Generous Mission Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 5, 2017
The church is busy, and we feel bad about knowing there's something we should be doing that we're not - telling people who don't know Jesus about Jesus. But the reason we struggle with evangelism might surprise us and even free us to a new way to live as missionaries.
Text: Matthew 28:18-20 Series: Generous Mission Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 29, 2017
Our choices matter. We make decisions everyday, some big and some small. But all our decisions have implications. The book of Leviticus ends showing us how significant our decision to follow God truly is.
Text: Leviticus 26:1-2 Series: Leviticus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 22, 2017
We often think of Leviticus as a harsh book of heavy-handed law; however, today we see God commanding His people to celebrate. And that celebration tells us a lot about ourselves and God.
Text: Leviticus 23:1-2 Series: Leviticus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie October 15, 2017
God is so great that He deserves our best, and He even communicates that in the book of Leviticus. The problem is we so often bring our worst to Him. God's response is life-changing!
Text: Leviticus 22:31-33 Series: Leviticus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 17, 2017
If you’ve ever kept your distance from God because of sin, if you’ve been wounded or sinned against to the point where you feel unlovable or unloved by God, if you’ve ever struggled to believe that God loves you - warts and all, then perhaps The Day of Atonement will shed new light on you in your darkness as it opens up the door to the light of the gospel quite unlike anything else.
Text: Leviticus 16:29-30 Series: Leviticus Speaking: Pastor Alex Baxley September 24, 2017
Sometimes we scratch our head when reading the book of Leviticus (sometimes we don't read it at all) because it presents us with some strange laws. Today's sermon begins to explain how we benefit from Leviticus and understand what these ancient practices mean for us today.
Text: Leviticus 11:44-45 Series: Leviticus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 17, 2017
We all know something is wrong with the world (and with us). If we listen to the stories we tell, we also know we love the idea of a mediator who saves us. God knows our need too; so, He called priests to help His people to enter His holy presence.
Text: Leviticus 9:23-24 Series: Leviticus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 10, 2017
Everyone of us knows that something is deeply wrong with the world—and if we're honest within us too. The wrong must be made right. We try and try, but ultimately we need a powerful, loving God to heal our disease.
Text: Leviticus 1:1-2 Series: Leviticus Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie September 3, 2017
God is a good God who cares about our delight. We certainly see that in the gift of sex. In this last of six sermons in the Song of Songs, we learn of the delight that sex ultimately directs us to enjoy.
Text: Song of Songs 4:9-11 Series: Song of Songs Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 27, 2017
Sex and romantic love is a powerful force in our lives. We long for them yet find they can ruin us. In all the celebration of love in the Song, we see there's a caution as well in this third of six sermons in the Song of Songs.
Text: Song of Songs 2:7 and 5:8 Series: Song of Songs Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie August 6, 2017
Sex is an amazing gift from God, but just because it's a gift doesn't mean there's no work involved. In this second of six sermons in Song of Songs, we see that sex is a wonderful gift we must learn to cultivate and steward.
Text: Song of Songs 7:11-13 Series: Song of Songs Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 30, 2017
The mass amounts of songs written about the heartache and fallout of love tell us that we need wisdom in our sex lives. Praise God that He doesn't leave us in the dark. In this first of six sermons in Song of Songs, we see the sex is a wonderful gift from God.
Text: Song of Songs 8:5-7 Series: Song of Songs Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 23, 2017
Text: John 2:1-11 Speaking: Pastor Pul Gilbert July 16, 2017 Title of Sermon: The Life At the Party
Friendship is hard but worth the hard work. But how do we work at building lasting and loving friendships? Thankfully, the book of Proverbs has a lot to teach us about developing God-honoring friendships.
Text: Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 27:6; 28:23; 27:14; 11:13; 27:9; 27:17 Series: Friendship Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 9, 2017 Title of Sermon: The Development of Friendship
We've all felt the sting of friendship, and may have given up on it all together. Thankfully Jesus shows us through His own disappointments how we can endure failed friendships.
Text: Matthew 26:36-46 Series: Friendship Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie July 2, 2017
We all know the kinds of friends we want, and yet we struggle to be those kinds of friends to others. How do we display the faithfulness needed despite our faithlessness? Thank God for Jesus' example and empowerment.
Text: John 15:13-16a Series: Friendship Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 25, 2017
Friendship. We all want, and yet we all struggle with it. With so many factors influencing our friendships, we must go back to God's Word to learn what true friendship is all about.
Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-5 Series: Friendship Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 18, 2017
The Apostle Paul gets a reputation for being a pioneering loner who single-handled spread the gospel throughout the entire ancient world, yet that's not true. Paul labored with many friends throughout his life, and he models for us how we too should live.
Text: Colossians 4:7-18 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie June 4, 2017
Prayer and Evangelism are two things we find Paul urging and encouraging the Colossian Christians towards as he ends his letter. Today, we see how the gospel frees us from guilt and from fear when it comes to stepping into these two expected and essential Christian disciplines.
Text: Colossians 4:2-6 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Alex Baxley June 4, 2017
Colossians has shown us that through Jesus we are to put off our old ways and put on the new way of Christ. In this passage we see that this new way with Jesus changes the fabric of our family relationships.
Text: Colossians 3:18-4:1 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Marc Loizeaux May 28, 2017
The book of Colossians has shown us many beautiful things about Jesus and the salvation He brings. Today, we get to see how that changes the way we look to each other and the world.
Text: Colossians 3:12-17 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 21, 2017
Colossians shows us that if Jesus is our life, then Christians have a war to fight. In this urgent section of Scripture, we see what we’re to war against and how to engage in this warfare.
Text: Colossians 3:5-11 Series: Colossians Speaking: Jeremy Lucarelli May 14, 2017
If Jesus is our life, then every part of His life matters to us. In this eighth and final sermon, we look at the importance of the return of Jesus to our daily lives and eternal destiny.
Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 Series: Jesus is our Life Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie May 7, 2017
If Jesus is our life, then every part of His life matters to us. In this seventh of eight sermons, we look at the importance of the intercession of Jesus to our daily lives and eternal destiny.
Text: Hebrews 7:23-25 Series: Jesus is our Life Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 30, 2017
If Jesus is our life, then every part of His life matters to us. In this sixth of eight sermons, we look at the importance of the ascension of Jesus for how we live in relationship to one another.
Text: Ephesians 1:20-22 Series: Jesus is our Life Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 23, 2017
If Jesus is our life, then every part of His life matters to us. In this fifth of eight sermons, we look at the importance of the resurrection of Jesus for our life and joy in both the future and present.
Text: John 11:25-26 Series: Jesus is our Life Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 16, 2017
If Jesus is our life, then every part of His life matters to us. In this fourth of eight sermons, we look at the importance of the cross of Jesus for our salvation and relational security with God and others.
Text: 1 John 4:9-11 Series: Jesus is our Life Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie
If Jesus is our life, then every part of His life matters to us. In this third of eight sermons, we look at the importance of the Sinlessness of Jesus for our salvation and for every day of our lives.
Text: Romans 5:18-19 Series: Jesus is our Life Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie April 2, 2017
If Jesus is our life, then every part of His life matters to us. In this second of eight sermons, we look at the importance of the Temptation of Christ for our relationship with God and our every day lives.
Text: Hebrews 4:14-16 Series: Jesus is Our Life Speaking: Jeremy Lucarelli March 26, 2017
If Jesus is our life, then every part of His life matters to us. In this first of eight sermons, we look at the importance of the Incarnation for eternity and for every day of our lives.
Text: Luke 1:35 Series: Jesus is our Life Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 19, 2017
Colossians tells us that Jesus is the central figure in all creation, and if that's true then He should be central figure in our lives. In this beautiful section of Scripture, we see how the supremacy of Jesus changes our daily lives.
Text: Colossians 3:1-4 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 12, 2017
In a world of opinions and ideas about how we should live, it becomes difficult to cling to Christ. Yet, clinging to Him is what we were made for. In this week's sermon, Paul shares with the Colossians (and with us) his chief concern: Continue to walk in Christ!
Text: Colossians 2:6-23 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie March 05, 2017
We look everywhere for something that will change our lives for the better, and yet all we need is to look to Jesus. As we reorient our entire lives around the Lord of all creation, we will find that our lives are made new in Him.
Text: Colossians 1:24-2:5 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 26, 2017
We live in a time when we don't like the idea of anyone having authority over us, yet the liberating reality of the gospel is that Jesus is Lord and He is good. Colossians helps us see the reality of who Jesus is and the wonderful implications for our lives.
Text: Colossians 1:15-23 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 19, 2017
Paul's prayer for the Colossians is that they be filled with the knowledge of God's will, so that they can live a life that pleases God. This life is possible for the believer because of the Gospel - we are in God's kingdom and so we have his Holy Spirit to teach and strengthen us.
Text: Colossians 1:9-14 Series: Colossians Speaker: Pastor Marc Loizeaux February 12, 2017
In the church, we can throw the word "gospel" around without fully knowing what it means. Yet the Scriptures are clear that the gospel of Jesus Christ is at the center of our new life in Christ. Listen to our first sermon in our new series in Colossians as we seek to center our lives around the gospel.
Text: Colossians 1:1-8 Series: Colossians Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie February 5, 2017
Gathering with the church Sunday to Sunday can seem so insignificant at times, yet God commands us to not neglect the practice. What is it about gathering that is so essential to our worship and Christianity? Thankful God's Word tells us.
Text: Hebrews 10:24-25 Series: Disciplined Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 29, 2017
We live in a dizzying world of distractions and disappointments, and we often don't realize we live in the middle of a devastating war. The battle fatigue leads us to anything and everything but prayer, yet prayer is the profound answer to our need.
Text: Ephesians 6:10-20 Series: Disciplined Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 22, 2017
We struggle to saturate our lives in God's Word for so many reasons, but the reality is we starve ourselves when we do. God's Word is good satisfying food, and nothing will fill us like being disciplined in the Word.
Text: Acts 17:1-12 Series: Disciplined Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie Title of Sermon: Studying the Word
We begin every new year with high hopes of new disciplines leading us into new life, until February hits! Why do we start so well with discipline only to crash to burn? Today we consider how our longing for God's Word can sustain our discipline in His Word.
Text: 2 Timothy 4:13 Series: Disciplined Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie January 8, 2017
We all want something for Christmas, and what we want probably goes deeper than we think. Thankfully, Jesus fills our every longing and meets our every need. One day, He will make all things new.
Text: Isaiah 11:6-9 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie December 18, 2016
Every year at Advent, we acknowledge the darkness in our lives while rejoicing over the coming of the light. Jesus, the Light of the world, has come and is coming again. No matter what we're facing we can take heart, because our redeemer is alive and active in His world.
Text: Isaiah 9:1-3 Series: Advent Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 27, 2016
In our final week of 2 Corinthians, we come back to the unmistakable truth that if you are in Christ, you are part of the family of God. Families don't give up on each other but to the best of their ability, they live at peace and strive to love one another.
Text: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie November 20, 2016
Jesus made the church a light to the world. We must learn to let our good deeds shine so that God can get all the credit, glory and fame. Thankfully, Peter gives us helpful instruction on how the church serves in the public square.
Text: 1 Peter 2:13-17 Series: Jesus for President Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie Title of Sermon: Public Servants
As our culture and government become more hostile toward Christianity, Christians need instruction from King Jesus on how to live. Thankfully, God does not leave us in the dark, but He tells us how to shine in the dark.
Text: Romans 13:1-8 Series: Jesus for President Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie Title of Sermon: Keep Christianity Strange
In our chaotic political climate, we so easily get caught up in our emotions, yet we rarely stop to listen to our deepest longings during election season. If we are willing, we will see that we all desire a King and a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Relationships are complex. We misunderstand one another and unintentionally hurt each other, and the relationship between a church and her leaders adds complexity. Thankfully, God gives us direction for how to relate to one another.
Text: 2 Corinthians 12:11-21 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie Title of Sermon: A Needy Church
October 2, 2016
We all want to be strong, competent and put together. But what if living that way brought death rather life? What if God's way to life is actually through weakness?
Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie
In our suffering, we want answers, yet answers may not really be what we need. What we need is an encounter with God. In today's passage, Job finally gets his audience with God, and we benefit from their conversation.
Text: Job 38:42:6 Series: Suffering Servant Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie Title of Sermon: The Visitation September 18, 2016
As difficult as suffering can be, sometimes seeing our own reaction in the midst of suffering can be just as hard. Today, Elihu shares with Job his reflections on the conversation thus far, and we find much better answers from him than Job's three friends.
Text: Job 32-37 Series: Suffering Servant Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie Title of Sermon: The Rebuke September 11, 2016
Suffering is an experience we should not endure alone. God gives us wise friends to comfort us in times of grief. But what happens when those friends hurt rather than help? And how are we to comfort those who hurt around us? Job teaches us that wise comfort is an art, not science.
Text: Job 2:11-31:40 Series: Suffering Servant Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie Title of Sermon: The Friends
Suffering is one of the most difficult experiences to endure. We need patience to trust in a God who is both in control and loving in the midst of our pain. Thank God for giving us the book of Job to help us process our suffering and the injustice in our world. Join us for the next 5 weeks as we work through this complex and beautiful book of the Bible.
Text: Job 1:1-2:10 Series: Suffering Servant Speaking: Pastor Rusty McKie Title of Sermon: The Accusation
God ministers to us though our suffering and uses our suffering to minster to others.
Passage: 2 Corithians 11:16-33 Speaker: Pastor Alex Baxley Series: Corinthian Consumers August 21, 2016
We talk a lot about truth, but there are lies and liars that we constantly encounter. Many of us are unaware of the false gospels we believe. God gives you grace when your devotion to Christ is under attack.
Text: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor-in-Training Mike Meredith
Our world is filled with boasting of greatness. Our lives are full of boasting. Truly, our only boast is in Christ! Paul teaches us this and shows that this is truth worth fighting for!
Text: 2 Corinthians 10:12-17 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor-in-Training Mike Meredith August 7, 2016
Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor-in-Training Jeremy Lucarelli July 24, 2016
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Marc Loizeaux July 10, 2016
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Alex Baxley July 17, 2016
Text: Philippians 4:4-7 Series: Joy - Philippians Speaker: Pastor Marc Loizeaux July 3, 2016
How often do we base happiness off our circumstances? We do everything we can to organize our lives toward the pursuit of happiness, and when we can't escape pain, we journey into the realm of fantasy. However, Jesus has given us an invitation to like-minded joy in Him. And this joy comes from an unexpected place.
Text: Philippians 2:1-11 Series: Joy Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie June 26, 2016
You may have heard that joy and happiness are two totally different things. Joy gets called sacred; happiness gets called worldly. But God tells us that they actually go hand in hand. In Philippians, we begin to see how in Jesus, we find both the joy and happiness we long for. Listen as Paul expresses his joy through prayer and partnership with the Philippians.
Text: Philippians 1:3-11 Series: Joy - Philippians Speaker: Pastor-in-Training Mike Meredith June 12, 2016
We live in a culture that is emotionally driven, and the church has been known to react to this by either fully embracing our chaotic emotions or ignoring them all together. But God's Word teaches us that although our emotions can be disordered, they none the less are a gift from God to help us in our relationship with Him and others. Our emotions drive us in many directions. Where are your emotions driving you?
Text: Corinthians 7:2-9 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie June 5, 2016
We all long deeply for friendship, to know and be known, yet we simultaneously are terrified of this level of closeness. We know how easy it is to be hurt relationally, and our natural tendency is to close our hearts off to one another. Yet through the life and death of Jesus, we have been given a better way to open our hearts to one another.
Text: Corinthians 7:2-9 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie May 29th, 2016
We often view reconciliation and separation as two experiences that could never co-exist, yet in the gospel we learn that reconciliation requires separation. While we can emphasize one over the other in our own lives, we need to learn with God's help how to live in the tension of both realities. And in Jesus, we find this to be possible.
Text: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie May 22, 2016
The gospel of what God has done through Christ to give us everlasting life with Him, satisfy every charge against us and every desire of our souls is what Paul has been preaching to the Corinthians, but they were in danger of becoming numb and apathetic to it. Just like they once looked at Jesus in human terms, the Corinthians were now looking at their lives as messengers of reconciliation in human terms, and it looked small and weak and utterly undesirable. And as they lived half-heartedly between the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God, it wasn't just their affections for and experience of God's costly grace that were being clammed up, but their message of reconciliation as well. And so here in 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Paul opens his life wide open to show us that a life of reconciliation is a life wholeheartedly worth living and displaying to the world.
Text: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Alex Baxley May 13th, 2016
The gospel reconciles to God and each other. This ministry of reconciliation has to be both theologically driven and practical for us to experience the fullness of our reconciliation through Jesus.
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie May 8th, 2016
Life is difficult and our suffering can feel down right crushing at times. We all are either heading into or heading out of a season of suffering. The real question in life is not if we suffer but when. Since suffering comes to us all, how do we suffer well? How do we honor God during seasons of pain? Thankfully, we get to learn from Paul who suffered well for Jesus and others.
Text: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie April 17th, 2016
April 10th, 2016
We can be tempted to think of our weakness as evidence that God isn’t at work in our circumstances. In 2 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul begins to apply the beautiful truths of the new covenant to our situation as sinners in a fallen world. He was us to see that our weakness is actually an essential element of God’s work in our lives and his display of his power and glory to the world.
Text: 2 Corinthians 4:1-12 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Joshua Hughes of Four Oaks Church
Text: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie April 3, 2016
Boldness can be a dangerous thing. In fact, when it comes to sinful people approaching a perfect God and being in the presence of perfect glory, boldness will get you killed! Yet Paul tells us he is that bold and that we can be, too. Listen as Paul tells us how the glory of the gospel gives us great boldness with God, and in turn, with each other and with the world.
Text: 2 Corinthians 3:7-16 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Alex Baxley March 20th, 2016
Have you ever struggled to understand how we are supposed to live as Christians in light of the Old Testament Law? If you have, you're not alone. Ever since the beginning of the church, this has been the source of many conflicts and misunderstandings. Thankfully, God's Word speaks to us on this issue of how we are to live now in light of His great love and grace toward us.
Text: Galations 5:13 and 6:2 Series: The Covenant Keeper Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie March 13, 2016
What's so new about the New Covenant God has made with us through Jesus. The difference is not just that God relates to us differently now; the difference is life-altering in how we relate to Him. Jesus has done for us what we could never do for ourselves, and He has changed everything. This New Covenant gives us new confidence to approach God.
Text: Jeremiah 31:31-37 Series: The Covenant Keeper Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie March 6, 2016
Whether we like it or not, we live our lives by law. We constantly work to do better and avoid the consequences of our failures. In a culture where we're constantly being graded, evaluated and judged, it's difficult for us to understand what this means for our relationship with God. This first sermon in our Covenant Keeper series helps us begin to wrap our minds around the Old Covenant and how God's people related to Him in the Old Testament.
Text: Exodus 24:1-8 Series: The Covenant Keeper Speaker: Pastor Marc Loizeaux February 28th, 2016
Everyone is trying to figure out how to feel secure in life. We pursue security through the commendations of others, confidence in ourselves, and competency in our abilities. But if we're really wise, we'll ask the questions: How much is enough? Once all the dust settles, the only sufficient answer is this: Jesus is enough.
Text: 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie February 21st, 2016
Many of us live our lives with a low grade sense of guilt. An inner voice constantly accuses us saying, "You're not good enough and you should do better!" We spend so much energy trying to perfect, yet God wants us to depend on Him. The wonderful message of the gospel is that we don't have to be perfect, because there's grace. God's grace is enough, and we can trust in Him.
Text: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie February 14th, 2016
We can't avoid relational conflict. Our relational goal should not be winning or perfection; our relational goal should be quickness to forgive and humility. In 2 Corinthians, we find Paul displaying humility and a quickness to forgive, and it's because he knew how quick God was to forgive him. Knowing God's forgiveness allows us to do the same.
Text: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie February 7th, 2016
January 31st, 2016
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:15-2:4 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Michael Meredith
We get so wrapped up in relational conflict and misunderstandings that we often lose sight of the big picture. The Apostle Paul helps us reclaim the big picture when we're feeling judged by others and helps us lovingly focus on reconciliation over winning. Our relational security is found in God's judgments, not others.
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie January 24th, 2015
Although we would like to escape the afflictions of our lives, we would miss out on a greater work if we did. The God of all comfort wants us to trust that he is also the God who raises the dead. In this hope, we live. God will raise us from our afflictions in His good timing, if we will trust Him.
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie January 17th, 2015
We're so preoccupied with being comfortable, and we think that means avoiding suffering. Yet, true comfort comes from the presence of God. He is the God of all comfort, who comforts us so that we can comfort others.
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie January 10th, 2016
We don't have to reflect long to notice our lives are hurried and often dissatisfying, despite our constant consumption. Something is wrong, and we need help! Thankfully God gave us 2nd Corinthians with people struggling with similar issues. This introductory sermon lays a foundation for Sojourn's new series: Corinthians Consumers.
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:1-2 Series: Corinthian Consumers Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie January 3rd, 2016
As Sojourn wraps up 2015 and looks toward 2016, how does God's Word tell us to live together in the year to come. While many answers are available, the simplest answers are often the best. Humility will enable us all to walk in a way that honors Jesus.
Text: Ephesians 4:1-3 Series: Miscellaneous Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie December 27th, 2015
Christmas is a season of joy, but it's also a season of hope. Trusting God and His promises creates a future hope that enlivens our current circumstances. Whatever is going on this Christmas season, you can have ultimate hope and joy in Jesus.
Text: Luke 1:57-80 Series: Advent 2015 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie December 20th, 2015
We live in a world where it isn't safe to trust a promise. More times than not, things that seem too good to be true will eventually let us down. But what about a promise that comes from outside of this world? In Luke 1, we come face to face with a promise from outside of this world that seems to good to be true. Mary received this promise from God with humility, and in turn was filled with joy! What does it look like for us, with Mary, to humbly trust God's promises for the sake of our joy?
Text: Luke 1:39-56 Series: Advent 2015 Speaker: Pastor Alex Baxley December 13th, 2015
What will it take for you to experience confidence in this Christmas season? Is it getting more stuff or more fulfilling relationships? Although that's what we hear from the messages of materialism and nostalgia, the only place to find lasting confidence this Christmas is in the promises of God. Mary found it, and we can too.
Text: Luke 1:26-38 Series: Advent 2015 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie December 6th, 2015
The season of Advent reminds us that although we're surrounded by darkness, light is coming. In our first Advent sermon, we hear what we need to hear each year - God's promises always come true.
Text: Luke 1:1-25 Series: Advent 2015 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie November 29th, 2015
We all wonder if we belong. The gospel not only tells us that God welcomes us but that the Spirit makes His home in us. Through Jesus, we are accepted and made acceptable.
Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Series: A Beautiful Church Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie November 22nd, 2015
Even though most of us don't give it a second thought, there's a spiritual war going on all around us. Not only does the Bible communicate this reality to us, but it communicates how the church should fight the good fight of faith.
Text: Ephesians 6:10-20 Series: A Beautiful Church Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie November 15th, 2015
Even though we don't deserve God's love, Jesus has set His affection on us and entered into an eternal relationship with us. It's not difficult to see our failings, but the Biblical message is the enduring faithfulness of Jesus.
Text: Ephesians 5:25-32 Series: A Beautiful Church Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie November 8th, 2015
Spiritual gifts can be a tough subject with varying views. We all have our own experiences that influence the way we think about them. But God is gracious enough to instruct us on them and their purpose so that we experience a fuller life together as His church.
Text: Romans 12:3-8 Series: A Beautiful Church Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie November 1st, 2015
Often we can wonder what's the point of life and can get so wrapped up in what's going on our small little world. Thankfully, God makes clear the global purpose that He has given to us by His grace and through Jesus.
Text: 1 Peter 2:9 Series: A Beautiful Church Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie October 25, 2015
God is a God of order, and we see that even in His church. Jesus the Chief Shepherd of the Flock of God decides who leads and who follows. Humility is necessary for everyone to play their part.
Text: 1 Peter 5:1-5 Series: A Beautiful Church Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie October 18, 2015
Every family has its own culture, and God tells us His family is a family of love. Love, however, must be defined by God. This passage in Romans describes the family love we should have for one another.
Text: Romans 12:9-13 Series: A Beautiful Church Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie October 11th, 2015
Life pulls us in so many directions, and it often feels like we might be pulled away from God's love. But Romans 8 ends with strong assurance that nothing in the universe can separate us from the steadfast love of Jesus.
Text: Romans 8:35-39 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie October 4th, 2015
Many of us believe that our opinion is the most important assessment of our own lives. Other times, it is the opposite: our verdict is defined by everyone else’s opinion, and we get busy and work really hard to impress those around us. However, the opinions of mankind (even ourselves) are powerlessly insignificant when compared to the true and final verdict from the Father. While this may seem daunting, we see in Romans 8 that this all-powerful verdict is also the most freeing.
Text: Romans 8:31-34 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie September 27th, 2015
Security comes when we let God be God. Romans 8:28-30 explains why we can have such security by taking us into eternity past to share the mysteries of God and His work.
Text: Romans 8:38-30 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie September 20th, 2015
In life, we often face struggles that seem insurmountable. Through the intense heart-ache, loneliness, doubt, and sorrow, we find ourselves without the strength or ability to express the deep pain we are feeling. Yet, through Christ, we have an Intercessor, the Holy Spirit, to utter groanings to the Lord on our behalf when we are utterly incapable. While we may be weakened, He is our sufficiency and meets us where we are in our frailty and struggle.
Text: Romans 8:26-27 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Dustin Crawford of True North Community Church in Atlanta September 14th, 2015
Creation groans as it looks forward to its redemption. And those who are adopted as God’s children groan, because the Spirit in them gives them a glimpse of the glory that is to come, that complete joy of living with God. Are you eagerly awaiting that future time with Christ? (Romans 8:23)
Text: Romans 8:22-23 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Marc Loizeaux August 30th, 2015
Waiting is one of the most frustrating experiences in many of our lives. In Romans 8, Paul takes the conversation about waiting to a cosmic scale. Check out this week's sermon to find out how you can have an otherworldly perspective in the midst of the difficulties of life. Find out how you can say with Paul, "The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Rom 8:18).
Text: Romans 8:18-21 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie August 23rd, 2015
What we so often lack in life is a robust vision of God. Our puny views of him cause us to misunderstanding ourselves and others. Thankfully, God has given us His Scripture and His Spirit to lead us into a deeper knowledge of Him and ourselves.
Text: Romans 8:16-17 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie August 16th, 2015
We have a tendency as Christians to know so much about soul-satisfying joy of the gospel, yet experience so little of that joy. As we see in Romans 8:14-15, God shows us that He has not just made us right with Him but has through His great love adopted us as His own sons. As we learn to step out of the courtroom and into the living room with our Father, we'll find that we truly experience the joy of the gospel.
Text: Romans 8:14-15 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Rusty McKie August 9th, 2015
If you don't get busy killing sin, sin will get busy killing you. In a church culture where we often flinch at the thought of cracking down on bad behavior, it's important to reflect on the message of Romans 8 and remind ourselves that sin has no place in life with the Spirit. Listen this week as Rusty dives into Romans 8:12-13 and helps us understand how to recognize and fight sin practically and effectively.
Text: Romans 8:12-13 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie August 2nd, 2015
How do we experience the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit? Our understanding of the Spirit is often simplistic or unclear. We know that the Spirit can reach into our lives in profound ways, but we don’t quite understand how it happens or what is required of us. As we continue through Romans 8, we take some time to focus on the person, the power, and the promise of the Spirit.
Text: Romans 8:9-11 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie July 26th, 2015
Jesus has taken condemnation upon himself by fulfilling the law. He lived the life we should have lived, and he did it perfectly. He then died the death we should have died, taking the penalty and condemnation we deserved. Therefore, we are no longer bound by the law thanks to His complete sacrifice. Yet, we are still called to righteousness. We are called to live according to the Spirit, and we do so not to fulfill the law but as a response to the new relationship and love we have found in Christ.
Text: Romans 8:5-8 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie July 19th, 2015
We like to think that we are autonomous beings completely in control of our life and our emotions. Yet, in reality, we encounter situations outside of our control and ability, and bad news wears us down until hope decays into bouts of cynicism. We find ourselves desperately in need of Good News — news of something that will overcome all the evil we will ever encounter. In Romans 8, we find exactly what we’re looking for.
Text: Romans 8:3-4 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie July 12th, 2015
Do you ever find yourself unable to shake off lingering guilt? It may stem from external criticism, but often this guilt originates from our own self-condemnation. At our core, many Christians still struggle to accept a major truth of the gospel: through Christ's ultimate sacrifice, we are justified in the eyes of the Lord, and there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We are set free from the burden of guilt at every level.
Text: Romans 8:1-2 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Rusty McKie July 5th, 2015
The word Prolegomena means "first words," and as such, it is a fitting title for our first sermon on the Scripture of Romans 8.
Romans 8 has been described as the most important chapter in the Bible, and this has never been more true for those of us steeped in cultural Christianity. It teaches us what the true Christian life is and how to live it out. It teaches us how to experience great joy in the reality of the gospel. Finally, it teaches us that the Spirit of God is the ultimate answer to your troubles. Listen as we delve into this great work of Scripture and recenter ourselves on the gospel-centered way of life.
Text: Romans 8 Series: Romans 8 Speaker: Rusty McKie June 28th, 2015
In this final sermon on the story of Ruth, we witness the culmination of extraordinary hope, grace, wisdom, and redemption as God works through the lives of broken, imperfect people to prepare the way for perfect His Son.
Text: Ruth 4 Series: Ruth Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie June 21st, 2015
During times of hardship, depression, and uncertainty, it can seem that the only way forward is to take initiative and make an attempt at change. In the third chapter of Ruth, we learn of a bold yet humble attempt at escaping brokenness that God uses to rescue and redeem.
Text: Ruth 3 Series: Ruth Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie June 14th, 2015
The God who is faithful to hold together the universe in its unfathomable immensity is also faithful to be present with us as a loving and caring Father. Even in the midst of pain, uncertainty, and hopelessness, He is trustworthy to hold us in His hands and be our strength. Because of our Lord's greatness and faithfulness to us as His children, we respond to Him with worship, waiting, trust, and hope.
Text: Psalm 33 Series: Miscellaneous Speaker: Pastor Chad Lewis of Sojourn Louisville June 7th, 2015
There are seasons of our lives when we are bitter, worn out, and need to lean on the faithfulness of a friend to point us to Christ, our true Kinsman-Redeemer. In other seasons, God calls us to be that faithful friend in the life of another. Lastly, there are times when we may be called to step in and take on the role of redeemer, representing Christ in the life of another. Continuing the story of Ruth, we see each of these roles exemplified and learn how to approach each season of life in a way that glorifies the Lord.
Text: Ruth 2 Series: Ruth Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie May 31st, 2015
During times of extended hardship, life can feel like a parched wasteland of loss, betrayal, and broken dreams. Hope and trust seem like a naive mistake. Yet, in our misery, we often forget that this season of our life is part of a greater story. As we continue through the book of Ruth, we see the beauty of love and commitment in the face of hopelessness and get our first glimpse into future of renewal as God uses the broken to build His kingdom.
Text: Ruth 1:6-22 Series: Ruth Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie May 24th, 2015
Ruth is a unique book that stands out among other books in the Old Testament. There are no miracles, and there is no divine intervention. Yet, His presence is evident, and He shows us that He is faithful to ordinary people in ordinary circumstances. Ruth helps us answer questions we may ask ourselves in the midst of suffering and discouragement: Where is God? Is my life redeemable? Am I too broken and unimpressive to be of any worth?
Text: Ruth 1:1-5 Series: Ruth Speaker: Pastor-in-training Alex Baxley May 17th, 2015
We all want more and better friendships, yet we regularly stunt and mangle our friendships with sinfulness, miscommunication, and selfishness. There is no pain as deep as relational pain, and fear of experiencing this intense pain often shapes how we approach our relationships. Proverbs offers us great wisdom in how to approach and cultivate meaningful friendships through love, respect, and selflessness.
Text: Proverbs 20:6 Series: Wisdom for Life Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie May 10th, 2015
Laziness on the surface is easy to spot and at times comically absurd. However, laziness not only involves blatant sluggishness; for many of us, we exhibit laziness through subtle shifts in our priorities. Proverbs is calling us to a radical transformation in the way that we think about work and rest to realize that it is not self-centered. It must be others-centered, and that requires us to know our true limits and priorities where God has placed us in the current season of life.
Text: Proverbs 26:13-16 & 6:6-11 Series: Wisdom for Life Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie May 3rd, 2015
Depending on your season of life, parenting can be a distant dream, a beautiful reality, or an overwhelming burden. Wherever you are today, the book of Proverbs has a lot to say to you about raising children in a healthy and Godly manner. In this sermon, we look at the facts put forward in this great book and learn that wise parents are both wise children and godly instructors.
Text: Proverbs 3:11-12 Series: Wisdom for Life Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie April 26th, 2015
We live in a completely sex-saturated culture. Because our lives are inundated by countless worldly influences in this realm, it is fundamentally important that the church discuss sexuality in an open and honest manner. Through the direct and unashamed wisdom of Scripture, we are able to build and maintain a foundation for our sexuality that is holy and healthy yet immensely enjoyable.
Text: Proverbs 5:15-23 Series: Wisdom for Life Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie April 12th, 2015
We all believe a gospel. We all take some message of good news and say, “I believe in this and I’m banking my life on this,” whether that gospel is true or false. We’re all looking and longing for life from somewhere. On this Easter Sunday, we’re look at God’s gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and find the one true place where we can experience real life and resurrection.
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Series: Easter Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie April 5th, 2015
While Scripture provides us with a rich understanding of marriage, many of us fall into the habit of listening to our culture rather than our Creator. In this sermon, Marc examines several proverbs that bring us back to the core of Biblical desires for marriage and expound on the true blessings of a holy union.
Text: Proverbs 5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:14; 31:10-12 Series: Wisdom for Life Speaker: Elder Candidate Marc Loizeaux March 22nd, 2015
Your words are immensely powerful. We often underestimate or abuse this power, dealing irreparable damage while ignoring the significance of how our words shape those around us. On the flip side, practicing wisdom in our speech can encourage, lift up, and bless in ways that nothing else can.
Text: Proverbs 18:21 Series: Wisdom for Life Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie March 15th, 2015
Learning to grow in wisdom and understand its precepts is essential for navigating the highs and lows encountered as we walk through life. Listen as Rusty opens our new series on Proverbs and delves into the timeless, divine, and practical wisdom offered in this ancient book.
Text: Proverbs 1-9 Series: Wisdom for Life Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie March 8th, 2015