Citadel Square Sermons: Recent Episodes
Citadel Square
Luke begins his gospel account with a story of lifelong unanswered prayer. We look at the life of Zechariah, a priest with a barren wife who has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve in the temple. He hears an answer he doesn't expect. The angel Gabriel shares that his son will fulfill the hopes of the Jews, proving that God has not forgotten Zechariah and God has not forgotten his people.
These opening verses show us the purpose behind Luke's work and invite us to consider the story that has been passed down through the generations of church history. Luke seeks to strengthen the convictions of a man named Theophilus and in turn invites us to consider the question: "Where do I go when I doubt?"
In this stand-alone message, we will be looking at Exodus 33:1-17. The Israelites are at Mt. Sinai and have just built a golden calf to worship. Following the people’s idol worship and intercession from Moses on their behalf, God tells the Israelites to leave Sinai for Canaan. But there is bad news, God is not going to go to the land with them. Moses intercedes again for God’s chosen people as he knows if God is not with them, there is no sense in entering the Promised Land. This begs the question of us today: Would I want God’s provision without His presence?
Self-examination is often a rigged proposition. Mental introspection rarely validates and affirms that we are who we hope to be. In the final chapter of the book, Paul encourages us to "test ourselves" and discover the genuine nature of our faith. In a world that relies on feelings, Paul says when our faith rests on the truth of the crucifixion, we find great confidence.
Paul has done miracles among them. Paul has refused to take money from them. Paul has gladly suffered and served them. All of these things Paul has done for their good, hopeful that when he arrives, he finds spiritual strength and godliness - which begs the question, how would you respond to an apostle?
No one likes to be weak, insufficient, or unable. Our culture prizes strength and accomplishment. How do these values translate to our spiritual lives? Paul shows that his weakness is the reason for boasting precisely because it demonstrates God's power to work through the weak. More than this, it's only weakness that invites God's grace to strengthen and sustain us.
Proving that "success" looks far different than we might expect for an apostle's ministry, Paul "boasts" of his credentials. Remarkably sarcastic, Paul gives examples of what it costs him to be an apostle, which demonstrates, ultimately, that a true gospel ministry is for the weak, not the strong.
Paul's sincere motivations result in principled sacrifice on the Corinthian's behalf. Fearing that they're falling for the same temptation Eve did, Paul recounts the sacrifices he's made for them. It's his sacrifice and love that prove his motivations are pure. Paul fights to eliminate all opportunity for criticism and all opportunity for comparison with the false apostles who masquerade as God's workmen.
How does Paul deal with criticism while confident in his calling as an apostle? Showing that he understands our desire for recognition and validation, Paul refuses to compare himself to others. Trusting in the certainty of his calling and God-given influence, Paul roots his confident boasting in what God alone has graciously done through him.
We're at war. No matter if we want to admit it, we want to avoid it, or we understand what's at stake, every Christian is in the midst of a spiritual battle. Facing the critics of his ministry in Corinth, Paul shifts his tone from spiritual father to spiritual soldier and shows us that the war we fight is with divine weapons on the battleground of our minds.
In one of the greatest promise passages of the New Testament, Paul shows that God will meet us in our willing cheerful generosity. His promises guarantee to supply all our needs, to provide for his people, and to increase the glory of God. With all of these promises, why wouldn't you give?
There's nothing that causes us to question motives like when money gets involved. Ulterior motives, questionable financial practices, and under-the-table dealings can compromise the character of those who handle financial matters. Paul shows us how he protects his ministry and his integrity regarding money.
Continuing to reflect on the grace of Jesus in relationship to our giving, Paul begins with something we often forget. Giving is good for you. In a world dedicated to personal individual accumulation, Paul upends our self-focus by taking us back to God's provision of manna for Israel in the wilderness. In short, everyone always has enough for everyone.
Paul begins the next major section of his letter by discussing how giving works in the church. What should our priorities be? What motivates righteous giving? How should we think about stewarding what God has put into our hands? With broad sweeping strokes and the example of other churches to emulate, Paul roots giving in the grace of the gospel.
How do we repent well? What should the result of godly repentance produce in us? Returning to the beginning of the letter, Paul shares his concerns over the outcome of the severe letter he wrote. This time, however, he is relieved at the news of their obedience. Paul demonstrates a model of hope-filled faith that a certain God is at work in the lives of the Corinthians.
The testimony of Paul's life has shown us his heart. With a flurry of rhetorical questions, Paul illustrates how little the church has in common with false teachers. Rather than take their departure from right doctrine personally, Paul encourages them. Exhorting spiritual purity as a result of their position, Paul urges the Corinthians to pursue lives of holiness and reverence.
In this passage, Paul is going to untangle some beliefs that the Corinthians have about Christian ministry and show them the unfiltered truth about what it looks like to follow Christ and do the work of reconciliation. We will see that the work of reconciliation is costly on many levels yet entirely worth it.
With an eye on judgment day, Paul returns to the pressing nature of his ministry to the Corinthians. With his heart laid bare to his motives, Paul shows the sweeping impact of the gospel. The reality of forgiven sins and the love of Christ has changed how he sees himself, how he sees others, and how he guides his ministry mission: Reconciling people to God.
As Paul continues to share the power of the resurrection and our future eternity in glory, he turns to consider the contrast between our earthly and heavenly homes. How should we live in light of our impending death? While we groan with the knowledge that this earth is not our home, God assures our hearts with precious promises. The certainty of our future eternity with God, the pledge of the Spirit, and our desire to be pleasing to him give us the strength to pursue a courageous life of faithful obedience.
This week, we’ll see how Paul is able to endure and not lose heart in the face of adversity. He testifies that God’s power is displayed in his weakness, knowing that he will be resurrected and that God will be glorified. In light of eternity, it is all worth it.
This week, we'll see how Paul returns to the theme of his calling as a minister of the new covenant. He shows us how the new covenant, rooted in the mercy of God, shapes his convictions and unites the preaching of Christ with the very first words of God.
We will see a fascinating comparison between the Old Covenant ministry of Moses and the New Covenant ministry of Paul. We will also explore how the coming of Christ and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit brings hope, freedom, boldness, and transformation to our lives. As we behold the glory of the Lord, we will be conformed into His image!
While Paul awaits the coming of Titus with news of the Corinthian response to Paul's painful letter, we get another glimpse into his heart. Gospel opportunities are at odds with his worried heart. Yet Paul finds great joy in the knowledge that God's triumphant purposes are never foiled as the aroma of the gospel message spreads in surprising ways.
While Paul awaits the coming of Titus with news of the Corinthian response to Paul's painful letter, we get another glimpse into his heart. Gospel opportunities are at odds with his worried heart. Yet Paul finds great joy in the knowledge that God's triumphant purposes are never foiled as the aroma of the gospel message spreads in surprising ways.
Paul hasn't done what he said he would do—promising to visit the Corinthian church. This has given an occasion for people in the church to claim Paul's unfaithful and unreliable. Paul addresses both his reputation and the reliability of the promises God makes to us in Christ, proving that though plans change, God is always reliable.
As Paul continues to share his experience walking with God we learn something about his weakness. Suffering and difficulty not only reveal something about God and his mercy but us and our strength. Paul shows the Corinthian church another aspect of God's preserving power when we face suffering, and how we can come to the aid of those who suffer for the cause of Christ in our day.
Suffering. No one asks for it, and no one likes it. In the opening verses of 2 Corinthians, Paul shows us that when we suffer and experience the hardships that come with life as a Christian, we can be sure to experience two significant realities. First, God comforts and cares for us, and second, God has a purpose for our pain.
"The end of the matter has been heard." With these words, Solomon closes his meditation on life under the sun. His counsel, spanning both Old and New Testament realities, provides the blueprint for building a life of strength, wisdom, and dignity as we look to our future. In short, "...build your house on the rock."
Through Solomon's searching, examining, and evaluation, we have learned what it means to live well. In the final chapter of this book, Solomon turns his eye to what it means to die well. How do we live with the end in mind? Our Creator strengthens and guides our final years through knowledge before
In the next section of this book, Solomon pushes his introspection further in an attempt to discern what will come after man's death. Like his previous search for what is good, Solomon confronts our inevitable end with an exhortation to seize the day.
In the final meditation in Solomon's search for what is good "under the sun," we discover that frustrations often come because we don't recognize our limitations. In light of our humanness, Solomon repeats his counsel to find joy in our work and rest in the inscrutable plans of God.
In one of the strangest passages in all Ecclesiastes, Solomon shows both the vanity of striving for wisdom, and the vanity of striving for righteousness. This search ends in a bewildering realization that Solomon cannot discern the deep motivations of the human heart.
Solomon begins a new line of questions answering the question, "What is good for man?" In the shifting sands of life's unpredictable circumstances, how do we define what is good? Solomon helps us to see the thread of God's kindness to us in a variety of life's inevitable events proving that we can indeed "rejoice always."
Solomon turns from our spiritual life to examine the quest for wealth and financial freedom. Bad investments, shady business deals, and covetous hearts all threaten the quest for finding hope in our wealth. Rather than seeking stability and security in our pursuit of wealth, Solomon counsels us to work hard, spend money, be content and enjoy the gift of wealth that God has given.
“Life under the sun” means that we're often trying to make sense of the connection between our spiritual and physical lives. The first mention of our religious life in this book teaches us that how we pray and what we promise to do for God are two essential spiritual rhythms. These practices are properly informed only when we embrace a humble posture before God.
Solomon turns his attention to the world of work. The drive to succeed, the rat race, the necessarily commitment it takes to accomplish our vocational dreams turns into an oppressive hunger that only demands more. Solomon shows us that working with and for others protects us, comforts us, and allows us to keep our work in perspective.
There's a time for everything. This phrase permeates the wisdom of Ecclesiastes chapter 3. Whether it's edification or erosion, life is characterized by seasons. It's precisely the awareness of these reliable seasons that help us live wisely, and help us set our hearts on God, the unchanging one who inhabits eternity.
The book of Ecclesiastes opens with a description of life on earth that seems far from hopeful. Solomon shows us that life under the sun comes with a "vanity" that is inescapable. This news, however, is precisely the thing we need to hear to discover hope elsewhere. In our first message in this series, we explore the bad news that leads us to the good news of unquenchable hope and joy.
The book of Ecclesiastes opens with a description of life on earth that seems far from hopeful. Solomon shows us that life under the sun comes with a "vanity" that is inescapable. This news, however, is precisely the thing we need to hear to discover hope elsewhere. In our first message in this series, we explore the bad news that leads us to the good news of unquenchable hope and joy.
For the first time in the book of Revelation we see demons. The evil angels of the abyss are unleashed upon mankind to torment and pursue them. Revelation 9 shows us what happens when God's hand of restraint is removed and demons are given freedom on the earth.
In the next phase of the Lamb bringing about the judgment of God, we see the seventh seal opened. The seventh seal contains the seven trumpet judgments that commence the fulfillment of the martyrs’ prayers for justice poured out upon the earth, the trees, the seas, and the skies. God responds to the prayers of the martyrs who have cried out for justice on the earth.
John's visions take him back to heaven, where he sees a multitude too large to number coming out of the great tribulation. While God's wrath is poured out on the earth, God, rich in mercy, shelters, satisfies and shepherds His people into His presence.
How important are the promises of God to you? In Revelation 7, we see the remarkable resurrection of a nation. Fulfilling several Old Testament prophesies, the nation of Israel takes center stage in the last years of human history to reclaim its place as God's messengers of mercy in the day of wrath. God has been and ever will be faithful to every one of His promises.
The Lamb continues to bring the plans of God to fulfillment as He opens the fifth and sixth seals. While the first four seals demonstrated the removal of God's hand of restraint on culture, the next seals opened and introduce us to those who will experience this time of upheaval and how they respond.
The Lamb has been declared worthy to open the scroll and bring God's purposes and plans to fulfillment. Jesus describes the seal judgments as birth pains, growing more frequent and severe until Christ's return and final victory are realized.
As John continues to recount his trip to heaven, he introduces us to the drama and question of ultimate judgment. Who is worthy, and more than that, who has the authority to judge the world for sin? John recounts the person and work of Jesus that makes him worthy to open the scroll of judgment.
The rapture is a doctrine that is often misunderstood, yet in every context the New Testament writers use this truth to comfort and encourage believers. This doctrine is given to strengthen and encourage the church to persevere in holiness as they wait for the blessed hope of Christ's return.
John is taken into heaven to observe and record what will happen "after these things" - In the following section of Revelation, John will show us that the justice of God is preceded by a vision of the glory of God. God is worthy to judge by virtue of His right as creator.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Steve Heron teaches on the letter to Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22 - the last of the seven letters. Because of their wealth and financial security, the Laodicean church has become lukewarm - self-deceived into thinking they have it all together. Jesus calls out their complacency and commands them to repent - just as we should do today.
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Heron preaches on John's letter to the church at Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13.
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Heron preaches on John's letter to the church at Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6.
This week, Pastor Steve Heron teaches on Revelation 2:18-29 and the letter to Thyatira. How should a church respond to allegations of intolerance? The church at Thyatira was facing compromise over economic pressures in the culture, and an unhealthy theological tolerance within the church. As the church at Pergamum faced a threat that mimicked the ancient false teaching of Balaam, the church at Thyatira faces a threat from another historic enemy of God’s people, Jezebel. Jesus promises judgment for her false teaching and all who follow her but promises that those who conquer will rule with him in the Kingdom. Jesus shows us how we are to live in our day with a godly intolerance that honors Jesus and protects the purity, and integrity of the church.
In this sermon, Steve Heron preaches from John's letter to the church at Pergamum. This church is facing temptations from false teachers who would say that compromise is the path to peace between the church and the culture. Jesus challenges them to hold fast to pure doctrine. To the one who conquers, Jesus promises his provision and intimacy for those that would hold fast to his name.
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Heron examines John's second letter to the church at Smyrna who is experiencing loss in virtually every area of life due to their faithfulness to the gospel of Christ. Though death threatens them with loss, Jesus comforts, encourages, and promises ultimate triumph to this church.
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Heron examines John's first letter to the most prominent church of the seven, Ephesus. What happens when you lose your first love? What characterizes a church that is in danger of losing it's place in the world, and how can repentance restore a church that has fallen away from their first love? John answers these questions and promises that spiritual life will follow from our loves being reordered.
In this message, Pastor Steve Heron asks the question what does Jesus look like now? What is he doing? While John is exiled to the island of Patmos, Jesus reveals himself to John in all His glory as the leader and head of His church. Though John is astonished at what he sees, he is commissioned to write specific messages to each of the 7 churches of his day. These messages form the counsel to churches who will face typical temptations in various seasons. As such, they provide insight for a church to examine itself in light of Jesus's commands and character.
In this message by Pastor Steve Heron, we are reminded that the return of Jesus is closer today than ever before. John introduces his letter to encourage all those who know and follow Jesus. The humiliation at the cross that accomplished our salvation happened more than 2000 years ago, but His work accomplished on our behalf echoes into all eternity.