Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church-PCA: Recent Episodes
Out of fear of the people, Saul disobeys God's plain command to him God rejects him as king. And he chooses a man to be king who will be after God's heart, and will put God first. David is sent by his father with provisions for his brothers who are serving in Saul's army. The Philistines are seeking to dominate and subjugate Israel. The giant Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, challenges Israel to single combat where the winner takes all. None of the Israelites are willing to face him, until David, who trusts God, offers to fight him. God and David see what others do not.
Many years pass and Samuel is now old. Who will lead Israel next-- Samuel has one solution and the people of Israel another. Events turn again in an unexpected way. The motives of Israel are exposed in their request for a king.
After the Lord struck down 70 people for looking into the ark, Israel mourns for twenty years and leaves the ark separated from the tabernacle. Samuel, as God's prophet, sees that Israel is ready to called back into a proper relationship. He seized the moment and preaches a piercing message about what it takes to be right with God.
Israel had used the ark by bringing it to the front lines of the battle only to discover that God was both unwilling to be used and willing to do the unthinkable by allowing the ark to be captured by the Philistines. The Philistines who thought the God of Israel was a minor deity, experienced the defeat of their national god in his temple. This led to two surprising developments as God displays his glory in Philistia and restores his glory in Israel as well.
This story at one level makes a mockery of Dagon, the chief god of the Philistines. A deeper look at will reveal God working through Israel's failures. There are lessons about God and how we respond to setbacks and failures to be found here.
Israel and the Philistines are both pressed for living space. This has led to war, but the Philistines have been dominating Israel from the time of Samson. When Israel experienced a fresh defeat on the battlefield, they decided to bring God's Box -The ark of the Covenant- to the front lines. It proved disastrous. As remote for our times as this story is, it has much to say to us about what it means to follow Christ.
Samuel does not yet know the Lord in a personal way. Now God calls to him and appears to him in a vision transforming him into a prophet. This is the next step in God working to bring light and hope to his people. His word brings hope to us in the darkness as well.
Two families are contrasted in this text. The family of Eli serves as a warning while Samuel's growth into a great man is the rising hope for God's people.
First and Second Samuel tell the story of how God provided a king for his people. While we think of them as two books, they are in fact a single book. Viewed this way, we can see that Hannah's prayer at the beginning and David's at the end -II Samuel 22 and 23- are book ends that help us to read and understand the message of Samuel. Hannah's prayer is filled with life giving truth for us.
First and Second Samuel tell the story of how God provided a king for his people. Three men dominate the story - Samuel, Saul, and David, but the book begins not with a man but a woman in deep distress. God wants to speak to us in our deepest distress.
Many people have thought and even felt that Mark's gospel shouldn't end at verse 8 of Chapter 16. It does not come across as positive as the other gospels. It bothered enough of those who copied the gospel to supply an ending that they thought was somehow lost. In most modern translations the other endings are printed in a different typeface and with explanatory notes. We will consider what Mark is saying by ending as he has chosen.
This text is both the climax of the passion narrative as well as visual theology. With great economy of words, Mark connects these events with its roots in the Old Testament and rounds off his presentation of Jesus whose identity cannot be known apart from the cross.
Jesus having been rejected by the spiritual leadership of Israel is handed over to the Roman governor Pilate with the intent to maneuver him to have Jesus crucified. There is more than meets the eye in these events. Mark writes intending that we his readers respond to these events.
As they leave the temple for the last time Jesus makes a prediction about its destruction. His answer is sweeping and points beyond the temple to his own second coming. Come see why we need this teaching to live faithfully in our uncertain times.
Jesus comes to the temple three times before he is betrayed. In the first trip he looks around and then goes home. We will look closely at the second visit where he acts and speaks in unexpected ways.
Jesus again predicts the destruction of the temple on his last visit there before he dies. In response to the questions of his disciples he speaks about the future and what we are to do in light of it.
A wealthy and sincere man approaches Jesus, desiring to know that he will receive eternal life. With great love Jesus presses in on him to expose what matters most to him.
Jesus is leading the disciples to Jerusalem where he will suffer and die. They continue to show that they are both blind to Jesus' agenda and motivated by selfishness in following him. Once again Mark is highlighting the nature and demands of discipleship for us.
A wealthy and sincere man approaches Jesus, desiring to know that he will receive eternal life. With great love Jesus presses in on him to expose what matters most to him.
The Pharisees are looking to trap Jesus by asking him about divorce. They suspect his views differ from their own and are seeking an advantage against him. Jesus challenges the way that they have distorted scripture and takes them back to God's original intention for marriage. Jesus is in this section of Mark addressing three primary arenas of life for disciples- marriage, children, and possessions.
This text begins with the second of three predictions that Jesus makes about his impending death. He seeks to be alone with his disciples to teach them about the deep connection between his suffering and what it means for them -and us- to follow him.
As Jesus and the three disciples descend from the mountain they are surrounded by crowds, a desperate father, an evil spirit, and a failure by his disciples. This encounter says much to us about faith, unbelief, and the power of Jesus.
Three of the gospels record the event of Christ's transfiguration. There is something other worldly about what takes place. What does it mean-- Why is it important-- What does it mean for Christ followers today--
Paul closes his letter with a statement that he has run his race and finished the course laid out for him. What can be learned from Paul about doing this that we can apply to our own lives--
As we come to the close of Paul's last letter, we reflect on some of the lessons to be learned from his life.
Paul commands Timothy to preach the Word to the church in Ephesus. How can we get the most benefit from this divinely ordained arrangement-- Further, this command implies preaching has authority. Authority is problematic in America today.
The preaching of scripture to the congregation of a local church is God's enduring plan. Paul lays out some of the essential reasons why nothing can replace preaching if we are to be faithful to Christ, grow in Christ likeness and live as his disciples.
The empty tomb is one of the best attested historical facts from the ancient world. Matthew offers two reports to explain it. The narrative reveals to us the four possible responses we might have to the empty tomb.
This Palm Sunday we come to the question underlying the responses of Jesus' disciples to him as he approaches the cross.
If Timothy is to continue in what he has learned he must consume the Scriptures. Because the Scriptures are life transforming food, we too must eat this book. We will consider how to do this.
We return to this text and look at the role that life examples have for spiritual growth and maturity. This sermon has large implications both for parenting and for the entire congregation.
Timothy is the person that Paul is passing the torch of gospel ministry to as his death approaches. Paul urges Timothy to continue in his life purpose. There are two motivations given here to do that. We will explore the foundational one in this sermon.
Paul continues to give Timothy advice about how to respond to those who would harm God's church. He begins with a long list of the traits of people that are growing in the lives of people both inside and outside of the church. This is what Jesus said would happen, even though it is distressing- we should not be surprised. This is one of the indications that we live in the last days.
Everyone has both a physical diet and a spiritual one. Sometimes is it said, -You are what you eat.- This is true for both diets. This part of the letter underscores that the health of a church and each of us depends on a steady diet of the Word of Truth, the pattern of sound words where Christ and his gospel is proclaimed in public worship.
Paul writing from death row challenges his co-worker to endurance in following Christ and transmitting the gospel to the next generations. His words are both encouraging and sobering.
This is Paul's last letter written shortly before his execution. The theme of the letter is Guarding the Gospel, which is Paul's great burden as his ministry comes to an end. This book speaks to us at many levels as individuals, as a church, and especially in the handoff of the church to its next pastor.
Peter and the disciples, with partial sight, correctly confess that Jesus is the Christ. But they are partially blind, as they do not understand his mission. A Messiah who suffers and dies is a contradiction to Peter. Surprisingly, to follow Jesus is countercultural as we must be crucified too.
Peter relates to Mark how it is that his eyes were opened to see Jesus' identity. This portion of Mark brings us to the middle and the highpoint of understanding for the disciples.
This account is one of only three that does not appear in any of the other gospels. Why is it special-- What does it mean for us-- We will explore these questions and see its import for our lives.
Jesus heads into Gentile country and enters a house secretly. There is a woman who wants him to free her daughter from the power of Satan. From their conversation, we learn what it is about her faith that impresses Jesus.
Eight days after Jesus is born, the Law of Moses prescribed that a child be circumcised. Mary and Joseph go the temple and there they encounter two old people who have been waiting in hope for God to act. They show us what it is to hope as we live between the first and second comings of Christ Jesus.
Luke chronicles the very private visit of Mary to Elizabeth. Here we see the wonderful concern of God for Mary who is an unwed mother in a time and place where this was unacceptable. Also, we can learn how to find true and lasting joy.
We see the coming of God the Son in the person of Jesus brings a troubling dilemma into Joseph's life. Here we encounter both the tenderness of God and his plan to redeem us as he works out his purposes in Joseph's life and our own as well.
The angel Gabriel is sent to two godly Israelites with the news of God opening a new chapter of activity. Their stories which introduce the backstory of the Incarnation of the Son of God enable us to see how we can enter into the Advent season.
The Pharisees confront Jesus about the failure of his disciples to wash their hands before eating as the traditions of the elders require. This is not about hygiene but something fundamental in relating to the holy transcendent God of scripture. This leads to Jesus challenging their understanding of the source of human impurity and the way that their traditions obscure the intent of the law of God.
Mark narrates two miracles here. The first the feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. It has special significance for the church and its ministry. The other is the second miracle on the sea. In both of them Jesus reveals his identity.
Jesus returns to home as one with a national reputation only to be greeted with cynicism and unbelief. Mark has two important warnings for us as he follows that account with another one of his sandwiched stories.
Two desperate people approach Jesus seeking healing. They face hopeless situations. Jesus acts in surprising ways as he responds to them and asks more of them than they expected.
Jesus commanded the disciples to take him to the other side of the sea after teaching. They land on the shore of an area the fishermen would have never visited, and immediately have an encounter with a man who places them completely out of their comfort zones.
Jesus falls asleep in the stern of a fishing boat after a long day of ministry. A dangerous storm develops and the disciples panic. Jesus discloses more of himself to them intending to awaken faith in them.
Jesus' primary method of teaching was parables. The parable of the Sower is the most important of the parables of Jesus and holds the key to understanding all the rest. This text is both a warning and an encouragement to those who listen to Jesus.
One of Mark's story telling methods is to interrupt one narrative and insert another set of events. Here Mark does this and we need to see that the separate parts help us understand each other. The parts add up to mean something more when we consider them as a whole.
Here we see Jesus create a new community around himself. We see that being a disciple is more than mastery of content. This passage is a mirror to evaluate our own progress as a disciple.
This is the last three of five scenes in which Jesus scandalizes the spiritual leadership in Israel. The conflict with them will intensify with the Pharisees joining forces with others to put Jesus to death. Contrasts between what it means to follow Jesus and the soul crushing burden of the Pharisee's distortion of the Old Testament.
This is the first two of five scenes in which Jesus scandalizes the spiritual leadership in Israel. Here his authority is displayed in the forgiveness of sins and the forgiveness of sinners.
Mark in a series of scenes shows us what happens in one day of the life and ministry of Jesus. His authority shines through every moment.
Mark shows us in a series of scenes Jesus' early ministry in Galilee. We see his authority and identity revealed as he teaches, heals, delivers people from demons and calls disciples.
Mark mirrors the opening words of the Bible, to convey that God in the person of Jesus is finishing the story of what he had started when he created the world and called Israel to be his people. Here we see how we can enter into God's new beginning.
We find both encouragement and challenge as Acts closes with Paul in chains but the message of the transcendent Kingdom of God marching forward. The spread of the gospel is unstoppable.
Luke closes the story of Acts by encouraging Christians about how they should meet hardship and affliction as they live for Christ in a hostile world. We also see some of how we are to negotiate the challenge of living in a pluralistic society that at times brings religious or governmental opposition.-Outline--I. Look for God's Invisible Hand-II. Expect Gods Comforting Presence-III. Follow Paul as a Model of a Life Well Lived in Hardship and Adversity
Compelled by the Holy Spirit, Paul urgently journeys to Jerusalem. Along the way he strengthens the churches. In this speech, the only one in Acts that is addressed to Christians, he gives us timeless teaching about church leadership and how the gospel works to carry forward a church.
Directed by the Holy Spirit Barnabas and Saul go to Cyprus and then Turkey. They proclaim the gospel and experience both opposition and success. We can learn from their experiences how to make Christ known and how to respond to opposition.
Luke, in a series of episodes, takes us to the church in Syrian Antioch. He draws our attention to its attributes that make it a church to study and imitate.
The Church experiences persecution once again with the death of James and the impending death of Peter. The church prays earnestly for his rescue but when he knocks on the door no one believes the servant girl that he is free. Outline--I. Peter-II. Herod-III. Jesus-IV. The one thing certain in an uncertain world
God initiates the movements of the gospel to the Gentiles. His fingerprints are all over the summons of Peter by Cornelius and the willingness of Peter to go. The conversion of Cornelius and his household is rightly called the Gentile Pentecost. -Outline--I Listen to the story-II Living the story
Two of the most consequential conversion stories in the book of Acts are Saul and Cornelius. In between these stories Luke focuses on two parallel healings. These stories are an introduction and a bridge to the advancement of the Gospel to the Gentiles. There is much to learn.
Luke recounts the conversion of Saul, who will be the dominate person in the story in the second half of Acts. Only Saul's encounter on the road can explain Paul the apostle who goes from being the persecutor to the persecuted. Outline--I. Saul is transformed.-II. People react to Saul's transformation.
After Stephen's death, an intense persecution comes to the church in Jerusalem. This turn of events furthers God's purposes and speaks to us at many levels.-Outline--I. The Great Persecution-II. Simon the pretender-III. The Eunuch a sincere seeker-IV. Implications
The third attack on the church comes from within. This threat goes deeper than grumbling and has much to teach the church about how to face the challenge of having people from differing ethnicities and culture in a congregation. Outline--I. A case of apparent discrimination-II. A threat to unity-III. A creative solution-IV. A surprising breakthrough
We get our second look into the life of the early church in this text and see a unified and generous community. But Satan attacks and seeks to cripple the church in its infancy.
The healing of the lame man greatly annoys the religious leaders of Israel. This is the first of several expressions of opposition that face the church. We are instructed how we should respond when we are threatened. Outline--I. The story-II. The speech-III. The sequel
The miracle of the healing of the man crippled from birth reveals God's plan to restore the entire world to its original pristine state. This is the beginning of the section C3 through 6 where we see Satanic opposition arise to the advancement of the church. Outline--I. The joy in the healing-II. The joy that comes through Jesus-III. The way to this joy
What would happen if a local church firmly gripped the gospel and understood its implications- Luke shows us the blessings that we are meant to experience in our shared life.
Christmas is a time of traditions. They can help us celebrate the Advent of Jesus but they can also undermine a deeper appreciation for what God is doing. When we get past the traditions that surround this text we find a surprising message.
Matthew relates the disruptive birth of Jesus in Joseph's life. As the story unfolds, we see both the identity and the destiny of Mary's child. Outline--I The Birth of the Child-II The Child's Identity-III The Child's Destiny-IV What difference does it make-
Matthew's genealogy is an invitation to join God's family. Surprisingly, it speaks to our deepest longings. This passage gives us two of the reasons we have to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus. Outline--I- Jesus is the King we long for-II- Jesus is the King we need
Jesus pours out the promised Holy Spirit. This once for all epochal event is filled with implications for our lives including a down payment on God's plan to restore the world to its original wholeness, intimacy with God, and the uniting humanity without the imposition of a uniform culture on others.
Jesus is creating a new community where we can experience his presence and leadership. For those unable to attend in person please select the button to the right to watch the live stream of the service.
Jesus responds to the question the disciples have about his kingdom. Jesus corrects them and gives them and us a promise for the task he assigns to his church and everyone who is a Christ follower.
The book of Acts was written two thousand years ago. This raises a whole host of questions about the book. Should we trust it- Can we apply it in the 21st century to the church- How can we figure out what is of enduring importance- -Note there are some gaps in the sermon due synching issues with the livestream.--Outline--I- Acts is a book we can trust-II- Acts is a book for the 21st Century-III- Acts is a book for discerning readers
Sowing and reaping are the unchanging laws of agriculture. They are also the fixed laws of the moral and spiritual fabric of the universe.-Outline--I. Sowing the Word v.6-II. Sowing to the Spirit v.8-III. Sowing good actions v.9-10-IV. Sowing the gospel of grace-Jesus - Matthew 13-1-23 and John 12-23-26
Pride undermines the life of love. The Gospel alone can cure us of our conceit and self-deception making it possible for us to live out three vital expressions of love.
Just how does believing the gospel result in a life of love- What does this mean for daily living- Paul speaks directly to this and shows us how it is that we can love like Jesus loves.
Session 4 of Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church's Fall Retreat. The topic was Maintaining a Culture of Reconciliation.
Third Session of Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church's Fall 2021 Retreat on the subject of Maintaining a Culture of Reconciliation.
Session 1 of the Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church Fall 2021 Retreat. -Note- Session 2 was not recorded-
Many people outside the church think that Christianity is merely moralism. In theologically liberal churches it is a liberal moralism and in conservative churches it is a traditional moralism. Paul explodes that idea and shows us the difference it makes in how we live as well as how we raise children. Outline--I. What is the burden of moralism--II. What is at state--III. What does moralism produce in people-
Paul makes a strong appeal to rely only on the promise of God in the gospel as he compares Hagar and Sarah and their children. He sets before us great news as he tells us that the Gospel is for those who feel like failures.--Outline--An appeal which to us is strange-I. Two Sons-II. Two Mothers-III. Two Religions-Many Applications
Paul's appeal to the Galatians turns to their personal relationship with him as apostle and pastor. We glean from this part of the letter many of the characteristics that all churches should imitate.
Paul diagnoses the deep problem behind the desire in the church to embrace the Jewish lifestyle of keeping kosher and observing the sacred days of the Jewish calendar. Here he speaks about a return to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world. This is the root of all non-gospel-based religion. Outline--I. They are undoing their conversion-II. They are turning back-III. The importance of this for us-IV. Only Jesus can free us
In an increasingly divided world is there any hope for us to get along- The gospel addresses all the divisions that exist between people and calls the church to live differently than the world. Outline--I. Adoption requires someone who comes at the right time.-II. How does our adoption overcome divisions--III. This means the Gospel has many social implications.
The highpoint of both Paul's argument against legalism in this book and the highest privilege of being a Christian is our adoption by God the Father. When we grasp this and its implications our lives are immensely richer. Outline--Introduction - two ways to relate to God-I- The privileges of Adoption into God's family-II- Four implications of our being sons of God-III- Three levels of meaning for us-IV- Five applications
How are God's promises related to law in our lives- This sermon looks at the Law and once again Paul gives a surprising answer that has far ranging implications.-Outline--Introduction-I. The Parable of the Two Sons-II. Imprisons all the World v.22 and Romans 7-7-15-III. Two pictures- A. The Law as Jailer or Prison Guard v.23- B. The Law as Guardian v.24-III. Implications
How are God's promises related to law in our lives- Paul gives a surprising answer that has far ranging implications.-Outline--Recap- Law and Promise have different purposes.-Why do we so easily confuse Law and Promise--I. Look at Galatians 3 - the promises made to Abraham.-II. Look at Genesis 15.-III. Look again at Galatians 3.-IV. Four applications for our lives.
What place should the law have in the life of a Christian- This is one of the most practical and important questions for us to grapple with. We will begin to do so in this sermon. Outline--I. What is my relationship to the law--II. What is the purpose of the law--III. What are the practical implications of this in daily living-
We can live by and rely on Christ alone through faith alone or we can live in a way that we might think would produce blessing but results in curse.-Outline--I. What is practical righteousness--II. What is at stake- v.5-6-III. What does it mean to have faith- v. 9-Generic faith vs saving faith-IV. What does relying on observing the law to gain God's blessing, acceptance and love result in- v. 10, 12-V. How can we escape the curse and enjoy the blessing- v.13
We begin our life in Christ by faith. But how do we grow to be like him- We consider what Paul means when he contrasts begun by the Spirit and being perfected by the flesh.
Because our hearts are slippery, the good news of what Jesus has done for us is often lost in our daily living. This sermon explores one side of this as it looks at three key words that Paul uses in confronting Peter and us.-Outline--I. The gospel is a third way.-II. A conversation summarized-III. The conversation's key words -IV. Putting it all together
Outline--1. The meaning of this verse- - Who he is- - What he's like- - What he is for us-2. The wonder of this verse- - Consider moments in his life- - Consider moments in Bible history-3. The application of this verse- - See verse 7- -Remember your leaders--- - See verse 9- -Do not be led away--
Pastor Glen Knecht leads this devotional on putting to death the deeds of the body based on Romans 8-7-13.
Pastor Chuck Garriott looks at John the Baptist in a -Portrait of Humility- from John 3-22-26.
A fight breaks out at church. It was awkward and embarrassing. Here we begin to unpack why Paul confronts Peter publicly and what it means for us to live out the gospel.
In prayer we knock on heaven's door asking our Heavenly Father to act. This teaching explores what we should expect to happen when we pray Our Father who is in heaven. Some of the lavish promises Jesus makes about prayer will be looked at.
Paul takes Titus to Jerusalem to force the issue of the freedom we have through the gospel. Every generation of Christians must learn afresh the implications of this freedom and what threatens it.
Part 1- In prayer we knock on heaven's door asking our Heavenly Father to act. This teaching -and the next- explores what we are asking when we pray, -Our Father who is in heaven-, and what we should expect as a result.
Most of us are inclined to be people pleasers. Learn how you can tell if this is driving your way of relating to others and how to be free.
The prayer Jesus taught us reveals his priorities for our lives. We finish our consideration of what we are asking for when we pray this petition.
We desire deep and lasting change in our lives. Paul's life shows us both what is typical and normal, as well as what is atypical and abnormal in those who encounter Jesus.
The prayer Jesus taught us reveals his priorities for our lives. We consider this week and next what we are asking for when we pray this petition.
This letter shows that our spiritual problems are a result of not only failing to obey God, but also of relying on our obedience to make us fully acceptable to Christ. In this sermon we consider the obvious and subtle additions to the gospel that empty it of its power.
This little letter at first reading seems remote, but it has changed the world many times. It played a role in launching the First Great Awakening. Listen and find out why.
We are so privileged to call God our Father. This name for God has so many implications for how we pray that lead to freedom and joy for us.
Paul shows us how God views our giving and what we can expect of him.-Outline--I. God's View of our Giving.-II. God will provide all your needs.
If you struggle with prayer or feel guilty about your engagement in it, this message is for you.
Financially tough times bring out anxiety and discontentment. Paul both lives out contentment and shows us how we to can have this sweet, inward disposition.-Outline--Introduction-I Paul's Joy-II Paul's Learning-III Paul's Secret
Listen to understand the four things that we are asking for when we pray this short petition.
In our stressful lives and times, is it possible to experience joy regularly even daily- The Christian is commanded to be joyful. How can we find joy-
The Kingdom of God is mentioned 100 times in scripture. What is it- What are we asking for when we pray for it to arrive-
Conflict is a fact of life. Every important relationship experiences it. Conflict can be destructive or it can be healthy. Paul addresses an open conflict in this church and gives us insight as to how the gospel can move conflict to a healthy outcome.-Outline--I Cor. 1-10-12- 3 John 9,10- Titus 3-9-11- and James 4-1-2-I. Paul appeals to them for unity-II. Paul addresses them as individuals v.1-III. Paul appeals to them to agree in the Lord v.2-IV. Paul appeals to the Church v.3
Prayer is how we align our hearts and desires with God's will. We will explore how this happens especially when we suffer.
To be a Christian is to have experienced something that is aggressive. Paul says he pressing on because he has been pressed, he seeks to grasp Christ because Christ has grasped him. This pressing and grasping is the defining passion of the life of a Christian. Is it yours---Outline--I. Be realistic v.12-15-II. Live up to what you have attained v.16-III. Imitate those who live apostolic lives v.17-19-IV. Rely on the grace in Christ v.20-ff
A common problem with this prayer for some people is that seeking the will of God is scary. Who knows what He might do- Another is this - why pray if God knows what he is going to do already-
Christianity rises or falls on the resurrection of Jesus. We have evidence that Jesus rose bodily from the grave. The primary evidence is the eyewitness accounts. In this sermon we have John narrating Easter morning.
We return to consider further what it means to express our dependence by means of prayer.
Who is Jesus and does it matter are the central questions that the gospels answer. On Palm Sunday we consider a day in the week that leads up to Jesus' death. Can you find yourself in this story--Outline--I. The Chief Priests and Rulers-II. The Disciples-III. Mary
Amazingly, God wants to communicate with us. He has chosen to reveal himself in many ways through the ages but his fullest and final communication has come in Jesus.
In this prayer Jesus teaches us to have a daily dependence on our Heavenly Father for all things. Our prayer lives are a barometer of how much dependent faith we actually have.
The human heart is hardwired to work for God's approval. When we depend on our performance or obedience for our standing with God, we miss the joy that God intends us to experience.-Outline--I. Self-Righteousness - a warning v.2-3-II. Self-Righteousness - how to recognize it v.4-6-III. Self-Righteousness - freedom from it v.7-11
If we are going to follow Jesus, we need to find people who are living examples of what it looks like. Paul shows us what to look for and what kind of people we should aspire to become.-Outline--I Paul- the submissive servant-II Timothy- the selfless servant-III Epaphroditus- the suffering servant
The church in Philippi is unable to fulfill its mission of giving life to their city. The primary reason is their lack of unity which is rooted in their disappointment and unmet expectations. Here is Paul's instruction about how we too can have the unity necessary to be people who shine for Christ.
Jesus calls us to forgive wholeheartedly -Matt. 18-35-. Many of us struggle to do this. If you're ruminating on an injury or offense, listen as we explore how to deepen in forgiveness and be free of bitterness.
Outline--We are commanded to have ---------------I. What does this look like--II. What will be the result--III. What are the practical implications-
Jesus teaches us that we need to forgive those who sin against us and cause us to suffer. For many people this is hard. Jesus knew it would be and he adds chilling words about our own forgiveness -Matt. 6-14-15-. We will unpack practically how to move from replaying injuries and entering into the freedom of forgiveness.
Outline--Introduction-I. It thrives when the church is striving for the gospel v. 27-30-II. It thrives when we are mindful of our shared experiences v. 1-2-III. It thrives when humility reigns v.3-4
Outline--Introduction-I. We can be joyful even when life is uncertain.-II. We can be joyful even in the certainty of our death.
Outline--I. We can find joy through gratitude.-II. We can find joy in community.-III. We can find joy in pursuing what really matters.
Sermon Outline---Main Point- WE are called to DWELL WITH OUR ETERNAL God.--Why this is important-- 1- Life is short and we are frail - 2- Judgment awaits all - 3- God came to dwell with us first
Outline--I. Every Christian has a God-appointed race to run in this life.-II. Running our Christian race involves several crucial virtues.-III. The great key to success in our Christian race is -looking to Jesus.-
Outline--I. Suffering - sometimes very terrible suffering - is an inevitable part of the life of faith.-II. Yet through their union with Christ, believers overwhelmingly conquer in and through their sufferings.-III. The ultimate cause of this glorious triumph is the invincible love of God, from which nothing can separate His children.
Outline--I. -Homelessness- is a terrible affliction.-II. Having God as our -Home- is a fruit of the Covenant-Gospel.-III. Having God as our -Home- gives us a noble identity.-IV. Having God as our -Home- provides us powerful security.-V. Having God as our -Home- is a wonderful comfort.
I. Jesus Sometimes Leads His Disciples Into a -Desolate Place.---II. Jesus Always Leads His Disciples Into a Desolate Place In Order to Bless Them.--III. No Place Is Ever Truly -Desolate- When Jesus Is There.
Outline--I. We see the tale of two kingdoms in the King's character.-II. We see the tale of two kingdoms in the King's coronation.-III. We see the tale of two kingdoms in the King's career.-IV. We see the tale of two kingdoms in the King's capstone.