Ashland Grace Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Grace Church
"Truths to Calm an Anxious Soul"
Psalm 46
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God is strong
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God is near
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God is helper
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God is good
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God is sovereign
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God is exalted
"A Grateful Heart"
Psalm 16
We are anxious and weary.
Psalm 16 tells us that we can be hopeful and confident.
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Prayer for God's PROTECTION (vv. 1-4)
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Praise for God's PROVISION (vv. 5-8)
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Confidence in God's PRESERVATION (vv. 9-11)
"When Your Soul Finds What It Needs"
Psalm 90
- I need God to anchor me. (vv. 1-2)
...a "dwelling place" for my soul!
- I need God to teach me. (vv. 3-13)
...to make sense of my short, painful life!
- I need God to satisfy me. (vv. 14-15)
...I need to know I am loved!
- I need God to show me. (v. 16)
...something to capture my imagination!
- I need God to favor me. (v.17)
...I need my life to matter!
"Attitude Check"
Psalm 73
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The premise stated: God is good to the faithful. (v. 1)
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The premise questioned: Why do the godless live the “good life”?
(vv. 2-14)
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The premise put in perspective: Worship God! (vv. 15 – 22).
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The premise re-affirmed: Nothing compares to knowing God. (vv.
23-28)
So What?
"The Blessed Life"
Psalm 1:1-6
What does true blessing look like?
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True happiness comes through refusing sin
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True happiness comes through delighting in God’s Word
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True happiness comes through being a blessing to others
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True happiness comes through being rooted in God
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True happiness comes through standing on the last day
What The Next Generation Needs Most
Deuteronomy 6
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You must possess love for the Lord yourself
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You must pass on love for the Lord to your kids
What do you tell your kids about?
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The Lord's deliverance (v.21)
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The Lord's power (v.22)
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The Lord's plans (v.23)
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The Lord's goodness (v.24)
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The Lord's commands (v.25)
"To Him Who Is Able": God, the Gospel, and Grace Church
Revelation 5:1-14
Remember the old, old story...
Applications specific to our church:
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SEEK the Lord in prayer
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SURROUND ourselves with community
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SERVE others through involvement in the church
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SHARE what we have been given through financial generosity
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SPREAD the gospel in our community and our world
"The Resurrection of Christ and Our Uncertain Future"
John 21:18-25
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Jesus has a plan for you
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Jesus’s plan for you is different than for others
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Jesus’s plan is for the glory of God
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Jesus’s plan is far more wonderful than you know
So what do we do? Follow Jesus today, wherever he leads.
“The Resurrection of Christ and Our Past Failures”
John 21:1-19
When Jesus changes your life:
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You trust his word
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You run toward him, not away
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You love him
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You serve his people
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You glorify him in life and death
To love Jesus means:
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You take him at his word
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You run toward him, not away
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You trust his grace for past failures
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You love and serve his people
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You glorify him in life and death
“The Resurrection of Christ and Our Confident Faith”
John 20:30-31
Is Scripture enough for us to believe?
What does it mean to believe?
What must we believe about Jesus?
The Resurrection of Christ and Our Troubling Doubts
John 20:24-31
Do not condemn doubt
Do not celebrate doubt
Words to those who are doubting:
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Gather with God's people
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Trust in God's timing
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Rest in God's grace
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Respond to God's instruction
“I Thirst”
John 19:28-30
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Jesus thirsted physically
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Jesus thirsted purposefully
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Jesus thirsted spiritually
"A Tale Of Two Gardens"
John 20:1-23
One Life Changing Truth: The Tomb is Empty!
Two Proper Responses: Trust and Tell
Three Great Promises: Peace, Presence, and Power
The Crucified King
John 19:1-42
Four lessons from the cross of Christ:
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Jesus is far greater than you knew
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God's plan is far better than you hoped
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Your sin is far worse than you thought
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God's love is far greater than you imagined
“THE LONGEST, DARKEST NIGHT”
John 18:1-40
--BETRAYAL FROM JUDAS (vv. 1-12)
--ACCUSATIONS FROM ANNAS (vv. 13-14, 19-24)
--DENIALS BY PETER (vv. 15-18, 25-27)
--TRIAL BY CAIAPHAS (vv. 24)
--QUESTIONS FROM PILATE (vv. 28-40)
Critical questions for unsettled souls…
- Who is in control?
Job 42:2 1Peter 5:6-7
- What is truth?
John 14:6; 8:31-32
"Take Heart!"
John 16:16-33
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Resurrection joy is not the absence of worldly sorrow
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Resurrection joy means treasuring the resurrected Christ
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Resurrection joy comes through Christ-exalting prayer
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Resurrection joy leads to peace in Christ's victory
"Hatred and Glory"
John 15:18-16:15
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A friend of Jesus will be hated by the world (15:18-25, 16:1-4)
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A friend of Jesus will not fall away (16:1-4)
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A friend of Jesus is given the Holy Spirit (15:26-27, 16:4-15)
A. The Spirit convicts (16:8-11)
B. The Spirit declares truth (16:12-13)
C. The Spirit glorifies Christ (16:14-15)
“Intentional Intimacy”
John 15:1-17
…Good relationships require intentionality.
1. “You are a branch” (vv. 1-8)
Call: Stay Connected! “Abide in me…”
Result: Fruit!
2. “You are loved” (vv. 9-11)
Call: Stick Close! “Keep my commandments…”
Result: Joy!
3. “You are my friend” (vv. 12-17)
Call: Communicate! “All I have heard from the Father…ask the Father…”
Result: Intimacy!
What kind of relationship do you want with Jesus?
…Ask Him! Ephesians 3:14-21
"My Peace I Give To You"
John 14:15-31
Those who love Jesus:
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Obey Jesus
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Receive the Holy Spirit
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Receive supernatural peace
"Let not your hearts be troubled
"John 14:1-14
Words of comfort to a troubled Christian:
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Jesus will bring you home
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Jesus is the only way to the Father
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Jesus hears you when you pray
"A New Commandment"
John 13:21-38
When night is darkest...
... love shines brightest
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A superior model for love
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A specific people to love
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A compelling witness through love
"He loved them to the end
"John 13:1-20
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We need complete forgiveness
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We need daily confession
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We need humble service
Loved to the end
The Reason Jesus Came
John 12:27-50
Why did Jesus come?
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To glorify God
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To defeat the devil
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To save sinners
Why was Jesus rejected?
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Sinful darkness
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Hardened hearts
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Selfish glory
What did Jesus say?
"How Jesus taught us to pray"
Matthew 6:5-13
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Pray in humility (vv.5-7)
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Pray in trust (vv.6-8)
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Pray in reverence (vv.9-10)
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Pray in dependence (vv.11-13)
"The Gospel in a Genealogy"
Ruth 4:18-22; Matthew 1:1-17
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God's providential grace
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God's merciful grace
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God's welcoming grace
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God's promised grace-giver
“The Redeemer”
Ruth 4:1-17
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The cost of redemption
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The motive of redemption
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The reward of redemption
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The hope of redemption
"Righteous Love"
Ruth 3:1-18
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Naomi's hopeful plan
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Ruth's faithful obedience
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Boaz's righteous answer
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God's covenantal love
"Unexpected Blessings"
Ruth 2:1-23
It just so happened...
The extravagant kindness of Boaz
God our refuge
"Behind a frowning providence"
Ruth 1:1-22
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The compounding grief of Naomi
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The astounding loyalty of Ruth
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The confounding providence of God
PLOTS IN MOTION
John 11:45-12:11
Cultural flash points…
WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON JESUS?
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A problem to be eliminated.
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A point of interest to follow.
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The promised Savior to believe in.
CRUCIAL CONSIDERATIONS…
- The danger of self-deception.
Hebrews 4:12-13
- Our plans and God’s plans.
Acts 2:22-23; 4:24, 27-28
- Jesus sees your heart.
Mark 14:6 Hebrews 13:16 1Corinthians 15:58
“Lazarus, come out!”
John 11:28-44
A Savior who weeps over death
A Savior who defeats death
"The Resurrection and the Life"
John 11:17-27
Clinging to faith
The resurrection and the life
Do you believe this?
"The Shepherd, the Son, and the Scripture"
John 10:22-42
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The Shepherd who keeps his sheep
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The Son who became man
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The Scripture that can't be broken
"The Good Shepherd"
John 10:1-21
The Good Shepherd knows his sheep
The Good Shepherd gathers his sheep
The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep
Do you know what you believe?
Join us for our Wednesday Night Adult Elective as Pastor Josh Wilson begins a new elective series titled "Foundations," where we will examine what Christians believe and the essentials of our Christian faith.
"Was Blind, But Now I See"
John 9:1-41
What do you see?
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Seeing God's Purposes
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Seeing Man's Response
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Seeing God's Son
"Set Free"
John 8:31-47
By abiding in the Word...
true believers are set free from sin...
because they are children of God.
“SHEDDING LIGHT ON YOUR SITUATION”
John 8:12-30
Festival highlights…
1. Are you aware of the darkness?
Isaiah 59:9-10 Romans 1:21 Ephesians 4:18-19 Proverbs 4:19
2. Have you seen the Light?
John 1:4-5 Matthew 4:13-16
--“I don’t like the light!”
John 3:19-20
--“I can’t see!”
John 1:9-10 2Corinthians 4:3-6
3. Where are you going?
…It all depends on who you are following.
John 8:12 Proverbs 4:18
"Is this too good to be true?"
John 7:53-8:11
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We can trust the Bible
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We can trust Jesus
Jesus does not condemn our sin
Jesus does not condone our sin
Jesus covers our sin
"No one ever spoke like this man!"
John 7:25-52
They were confused about his home (vv.25-29)
They were confused about his destination (vv.33-36)
They were confused about his identity (vv.40-46)
They were confused about his authority (vv.45-52)
But you can be clear: Jesus offers living water (vv.37-39)
"Making a Right Judgment"
John 7:1-24
Are you making the right judgment about Jesus?
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Consider not just the crown he deserves, but the cross he doesn't
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Consider not just his teaching ability, but the truth he teaches
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Consider not just what he does, but what he commands
SIFTING THE JESUS FOLLOWERS
John 6:60-71
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Jesus makes offensive statements.
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The majority turn away from Jesus.
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“Do you want to go away as well?” –Jesus
Life-defining question:
Who do you believe has the “words of life”??
"Called and Kept"
John 6:22-59
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Sight that is not sight
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Bread that is not bread
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Work that is not work
"Walking on Water"
John 6:16-21
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The Background from John
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The Storm for the Disciples
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The Comfort from Christ
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The Lesson for Us
NEEDY PEOPLE
John 6:1-15
…Have you noticed the need?
1. THE DIVINE DINNER
--The overwhelming need. (vv. 1-5)
--The inadequate resources. (vv. 6-9)
--The satisfying meal. (vv. 10-13)
2. CAN YOU RELATE TO NEEDY PEOPLE?
--The hungry crowd. (vv. 14-15)
Philippians 4:19
--Philip and the disciples.
John 15:5; 1Corinthians 3:5-7
--The boy with his lunch.
1Peter 4:10
"Authority"
John 5:19-47
Who is Jesus?
To worship Jesus means:
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You know God (v.23)
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You know life (vv.24-29)
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You know Scripture (vv.39-40)
Who will you believe?
“Do You Want To Be Healed?”
John 5:1-18
- Call to healing
“Do you want to be healed?” (v.6)
- Compassion to act
“Get up, take your bed, and walk” (v.8)
- Command to holiness
“Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you” (v.14)
- Claim to deity
“My Father is working until now, and I am working” (v.17)
"True Faith"
John 4:43-54
True faith does not depend on seeing the signs, but trusting the Savior.
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True faith turns to Christ
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True faith trusts Christ
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True faith obeys Christ
"The Missionary Motive"
John 4:27-42
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A Shared Testimony
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A Deeper Hunger
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A Ready Harvest
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A Personal Encounter
“RELIGIOUS QUESTIONS”
John 4:16-26
…”Why can’t we rid ourselves of religion?”
1. DID YOU KNOW, THERE IS A GOD WHO KNOWS? (vv. 16-18)
Psalm 139:1-4; 51:3-4 Hebrews 4:13
2. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE DONE? (vv. 20-24)
--Religious myths:
"Sincerity is all that matters.”
“Your worship style doesn’t matter.”
--“True worshipers…must worship in spirit and truth.”--Jesus
3. DID YOU KNOW, THE ANSWER IS CHRIST? (vv. 25-26)
John 3:16; 14:6; 20:31
--Christianity is both inclusive and exclusive.
"Living Water"
John 4:1-18
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Jesus seeks the lost
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Jesus surpasses all others
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Jesus satisfies the thirsty
"The Paradox of Joy"John 3:22-36What do you do when the temptation to compare and compete arises?
Remember:
- You are not the source (v.27)
- You are not the Savior (v.28)
- You are not the star (v.29)
- You are not the Son (v.30)
The paradox of joy: when Jesus gets more glory, we get more joy!
"The Gospel"
John 3:16-21
The gospel in summary:
Perish
Love
Believe
Live
The gospel in our lives:
Live loved
Live free
Live in the light
Live to God's glory
"Born Again"
John 3:1-15
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You must be born again
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By the Spirit
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Through looking to Christ
SCRATCHING THE SURFACE
John 2:13-25
…A fear of missing out.
- HIS PASSION FOR WORSHIP. (vv. 13-17)
…What is the zeal that consumes you?
- HIS PROVEN AUTHORITY. (vv. 18-22)
…Are you humbly asking the hard questions?
- HIS PERCEPTION OF THE HEART. (vv. 23-25)
…What kind of “believer” are you?
James 2:9 2Corinthians 13:5 John 20:30-31
“Wedding, Wine, and Wonder”
John 2:1-12
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A Serious Problem
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A Sign of Salvation
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A Simple Response
“Behold, the Lamb of God!”
John 1:19-34
Two introductions:
1. John: Not the Christ
2. Jesus: The Lamb of God
Two takeaways:
1. Look to Jesus!
2. Point to Jesus!
…Do you want to see God?
- The shock of the Incarnation.
“And the Word became flesh…” (v. 14)
- The shock of the reveal.
“We have seen his glory…full of grace and truth.” (vv. 14,16-17)
- The shock of the proposal.
“…he has made him know.” (v. 18)
"In the Beginning"
John 1:1-13
The Word is:
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God (vv.1-2)
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Creator (v.3)
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Life (v.4)
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Light (vv.4-9)
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Savior (vv.9-13)
“Christ was Raised”
1 Corinthians 15:1-20
- The resurrection really happened
The resurrection wasreal history (vv.3-4)
The resurrection was God’s promise (v.4)
The resurrection was widely seen(vv.5-8)
The resurrection was life changing (vv.9-10)
- The resurrection really matters
Because Christ is alive, we have a firm foundation (v.14)
Because Christ is alive, we have knowledge of God (v.15)
Because Christ is alive, we have forgiveness of sins (v.17)
Because Christ is alive, we have eternal hope (v.19)
“God of the Nations”
Genesis 10:1-32
“The Generations of the Sons of Noah…”
1. An account of Israel’s history
2. An account of our history
3. An allusion to God’s plan for history
"Christmas Past, Present, and Future"
Luke 2:15-38
1. Past: Come and see Christ! (vv.12-20)
2. Present: Treasure Christ! (v.19)
3. Future: Long for Christ's return! (vv.25-38)
"A Baby Born in Bethlehem"
Luke 2:1-7
God is in control!
God is with us!
Three takeaways:
1. A comfort
2. A challenge
3. A cause for celebration
“What good is a genealogy?”
Genesis 5:1-32
1. Family matters
2. God sees and knows you
3. Death spreads to all men
4. Hope springs forth: Walk with God!
5. Trust in the promised Rescuer!
“A Tale of Two Sons”
Genesis 4:17-26
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Good Progress: Cultivating the Earth (vv.17-22)
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Evil Progress: Celebrating Sin (vv.23-24)
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Best Progress: Calling on the Lord (vv.25-26)
“From Bad to Worse”
Genesis 4:1-16
The story of Cain and Abel… (Genesis 4:1-16)
What the story of Cain and Abel teaches us:
1. Avoid walking in the way of Cain (Jude 11)
2. Prepare to be hated (1 John 3:11-15)
3. Live by faith (Hebrews 11:4)
4. Listen to a better word (Hebrews 12:24)
“Hardship and Hope”
Genesis 3:8-24
1. Hiding from God (vv.8-13)
2. Consequences of Sin (vv.14-19)
3. Glimpses of Grace (vv.15, 20-24)
“The Fall”
Genesis 3:1-7
"Did God really say?"
When tempted, trust God’s Word!
"Is God really good?"
When tempted, trust God’s character!
"Marriage, Mystery, and the Marvelous Plan of God"
Genesis 2:18-25
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Marriage is good
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Marriage is God’s design
a. Marriage means a new priority
b. Marriage means a lasting commitment
c. Marriage means an intimate union
- Marriage is for God’s glory
"Paradise"
Genesis 2:4-17
1. God gives life (vv.4-7)
2. God gives paradise (vv.8-14)
3. God gives work (v.15)
4. God gives instruction (v.16)
“Male and Female He Created Them”
Genesis 1:26-27
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Men and women are made in God's image
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Men and women are different by God's design
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God's design for men and women is good
“In His Image”
Genesis 1:26-30
Who am I, and do I matter?
You are an image bearer of God!
How should I treat others?
Treat others with respect, love, and dignity because they are image bearers of God!
What should I do with my life?
You are to live as God’s witness to the world!
GENESIS Pt. 2
“THE CHARACTER OF THE CREATOR”
Genesis 1:3-2:3
…What’s your view?
- THE CREATOR’S WORK.
…Your view is a “faith claim”.
Hebrews 11:3
- THE CREATOR’S HEART.
The glory of God.
Isaiah 43:7 Psalm 19:1 Revelation 4:11
The good God.
Psalm 107:1
The gracious God.
John 3:16
…What’s your response?
Romans 1:18-21
“In the beginning”
Genesis 1:1-2
1. God is (v.1)
2. God is the Creator (v.1)
3. God is the Creator who brings something out of nothing (vv.1-2)
GALATIANS pt. 18
“TO SUMMARIZE”
Galatians 6:11-18
When life comes into focus…
- SUCCESS: THE RIGHT METRICS. (vv. 12-14)
Galatians 2:16, 20
…What do you boast about?
Luke 12:19-21 Matthew 16:26
- IDENTITY: THE RIGHT FAMILY. (vv. 15-18)
…Are you a new creation?
2Corinthians 5:17 John 1:12-13
“Sowing and Reaping”
Galatians 6:6-10
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The need for good teaching (v.6)
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The need for personal holiness (vv.7-8)
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The need for doing good (vv.9-10)
“The Law of Christ”
Galatians 6:1-5
1. The church is called to restore gently (v.1)
2. The church is called to watch carefully (v.1)
3. The church is called to bear burdens (v.2)
Who can I help? ______________________________
4. The church is called to model humility (v.3)
5. The church is called to follow Christ (vv.4-5)
When you walk by the Spirit:
- You will bear fruit (vv. 22-23)
This fruit comes from the Spirit (v. 22)
This fruit comes as a whole (vv. 22-23)
This fruit comes to every Christian (v. 24)
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You will crucify your sinful desires (v. 24)
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You will keep in step with the Spirit (vv. 25-26)
“A DISCIPLE-MAKING CULTURE”
Galatians 4:12-20
“Go and make disciples…”
--Jesus
- YOU SEE HOW GOD USES WEAKNESS. (vv. 12-14)
2Corinthians 2:14; 12:9-10
- YOU SACRIFICIALLY SERVE WITH JOY. (v. 15)
Hebrews 12:2
- YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE. (v. 16)
Ephesians 4:12-15
- YOU CELEBRATE OTHERS, FOR THEIR GOOD. (vv. 17-18)
Philippians 2:3-5
- YOU SINCERELY SEEK TO BE CHRISTLIKE. (v. 19)
Galatians 2:20
- YOU DISCIPLE BEST IN PERSON. (v. 20)
Mark 3:14
“WHY GO BACK THERE?”
Galatians 4:8-11
“What’s the big deal?”
(v. 11)
- BEFORE YOU KNEW GOD… (v. 8)
Acts 14:11-15
…A slave to idols.
Romans 1:21-25 Ephesians 2:1-3
- NOW THAT YOU KNOW GOD… (v. 9)
John 17:3 Matthew 7:21-23
…Free to follow Christ.
John 8:31-34; 14:6
- WHY WOULD YOU RETURN TO SLAVERY? (vv. 9-10)
1Peter 1:17-19 Galatians 5:1
Galatians 3:15-29
“The Law and the Promise”
Four truths about the law (vv.15-22):
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The law did not cancel what came before (vv.15-18)
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The law was given because of sin (v.19)
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The law was temporary (vv.19-20)
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The law served a different function than the promise (vv.21-22)
One truth about the world (vv.23-24):
- The world is imprisoned under the law (v.23)
Three truths about the Christian (vv.25-29):
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You are sons of God (vv.25-27)
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You are one with each other (v.28)
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You are heirs according to promise (v.29)
Galatians 3:10-14
“Blessed by a Curse”
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Our works lead to the law’s cursing (vv.10-12)
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Christ’s curse leads to our blessing (v.13)
a. You are freed from the curse of the law
b. You are freed from the curse of judgment
c. You are freed from the curse of hopelessness
d. You are freed from the curse of sin
e. You are freed from the curse of shame
f. You are freed from the curse of death
- God’s blessing leads to Spirit-filled joy (v.14)
GALATIANS pt. 6
“WHEN CHRISTIANS LOSE THEIR HEAD”
Galatians 3:1-9
…Have you been bewitched? (v.1)
- HOW DID YOU BECOME A CHRISTIAN? (vv. 2, 6-8)
Galatians 2:16 Titus 3:4-7 Romans 8:11
- HOW DOES A CHRISTIAN GROW? (vv. 3-5)
Galatians 2:20; 5:16,22-23 Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13; 4:13
2Corinthians 12:9
- HOW ARE CHRISTIANS BLESSED? (v. 9)
…It’s God’s ____________…through _____________!
1Corinthians 15:10 Hebrews 11:6
Galatians 2:15-21
“By Faith”
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You are justified by faith, not works (vv.15-16)
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You are freed from the law (vv.17-19)
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You are given new life (vv.20-21)
GALATIANS Pt. 4
“FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM”
Galatians 2:11-14
Eating at the wrong lunch table…
- THE POWER OF PEOPLE’S OPINIONS. (vv. 12-13)
…Do you fear God more than man?
Galatians 1:10 1Corinthians 4:1-5
- THE POWER OF PRACTICING WHAT YOU PREACH. (v. 14)
Galatians 2:16
…Does your lifestyle truly liberate you?
- THE POWER OF A PUBLIC CONFRONTATION. (v. 11)
Galatians 5:1
…Do you care enough to confront?
Galatians 2:1-10
“Preserved for You”
Why we must get the gospel right:
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Salvation is at stake (vv.1-3)
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Freedom is at stake (vv.4-5)
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Unity is at stake (vv.6-10)
2 Timothy 1:1-5; 3:14-15
"The blessing of a Godly mother"
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Godly mothers demonstrate a sincere faith (2 Timothy 1:5)
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Godly mothers pass on the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:14)
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Godly mothers set a compelling example (2 Timothy 3:14)
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Godly mothers model what the church should be like (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
GALATIANS 1:11-24
"A LIFE TRANSFORMED BY GRACE"
1. What Paul was saved from: His former way of living (vv.13-14)
A. Paul was defined by Judaism
B. Paul was a defender of Judaism
C. Paul was devoted to Judaism
2. What Paul was saved by: The sovereign grace of God (vv.15-16)
A. God chose Paul according to His sovereign purposes
B. God called Paul by His grace
C. God captivated Paul with His Son
3. What Paul was saved to: Preaching the Gospel for the glory of God (vv.16-24)
A. You are saved to proclaim the Gospel
B. You are saved to be a witness to God’s grace
C. You are saved to the glory of God
GALATIANS 1:1-10 | APRIL 24, 2022
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God’s gospel must be proclaimed (vv.1-2)
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God’s gospel must do its work (vv.3-5)
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God’s gospel must be carefully guarded (vv.6-9)
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God’s gospel must change our motives (v.10)
"I am the way, the truth, and the life"
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Jesus is the only way to God
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Jesus can be trusted in all he says
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Jesus gives eternal life to all who believe
“THE FINAL WORD”
John 19:28-30
“It is ____________________!”
THE WORK OF SALVATION IS DONE!
John 3:14-17
- Stop trying to add to Jesus’ payment.
Colossians 2:13-14 Hebrews 10:11-12, 14
- Rest in the assurance of God’s grace.
Hebrews 9:11-12, 24-28 Ephesians 2:8-9
"The High Priestly Prayer"
John 17
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Pray for God's glory to be exalted (vv.1-5)
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Pray for God's purposes to be fulfilled (vv.6-19)
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Pray for God's people to be one (vv.20-26)
"Take heart!"
John 16:33
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Jesus prepares us for sorrowful trials
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Jesus gives us unshakeable joy
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Jesus gives us strengthening peace
Something He Said... Part 2
"Ask and Abide"
John 14-16
1. Ask!
2. Ask in Christ's name!
3. Ask expectantly!
“SOMETHING HE SAID…” Pt. 1
“The Helper is coming!”
John 14:16-18, 25-26; 15:26; 16:7, 12-13
1. COMFORT YOU WITH HIS PRESENCE.
John 14:16-17; 16:7
2. EMPOWER YOU TO LOVE.
John 13:33-35 Romans 5:5
3. GUIDE YOU INTO TRUTH.
John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13
4. REMIND YOU OF WHAT HE SAID.
John 14:26
Knowing God Part 9:
“Worship is the Fuel for Missions”
Matthew 28:16-20
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Missions is fueled by worship (vv.16-17)
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Missions is rooted in the power and presence of Christ (vv.18, 20)
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Missions is a call to disciple (vv.19-20)
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Missions is a call to go (v.19)
Recommended Resources:
· Let the Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper
· “Divine Sovereignty: The Fuel of Death-Defying Missions” by David Platt (sermon from Together for the Gospel 2012); https://t4g.org/resources/david-platt/divine-sovereignty-the-fuel-of-death-defying-missions-2/
· To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson by Courtney Anderson
"Corporate Worship"
What is corporate worship?
- Worship is corporate2. Worship is God-centered3. Worship is Biblical
What about corporate worship at Grace?
- We prioritize singable truth2. We prioritize gospel unity3. We prioritize spirit and truth4. We prioritize undistracting excellence5. We prioritize timeless relevance6. We prioritize understandable discipleship
KNOWING GOD Pt. 7
“WORSHIP AS A LIFESTYLE”
Romans 12:1-2
“Whatever you do…”
1Corinthians 10:31
1. A RATIONALRESPONSE TO KNOWING GOD.
Ephesians 2:4-5 Romans 1:21-22; 6:23
2. A LIVINGSACRIFICE THAT PLEASES GOD
Romans 6:12-13 1Corinthians 6:19-20 Galatians 2:20
3. A PROVEN LIFESTYLE THAT ENJOYSGOD.
Ephesians 4:17-20 1Thessalonians 4:3-5 Psalm 16:11
KNOWING GOD Pt. 6
“GLORIFYING GOD”
…What are you here for?
1. WE WERE MADE TO GLORIFYGOD.
Isaiah 43:6-7 Romans 3:23-24; 11:36 1Corinthians 10:31 Revelation 4:10-11
-“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever”
--Westminster Shorter Catechism
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
2. WE ARE COMMANDED TO ENJOYGOD.
Psalm 16:11; 37:4; 90:14-15 Philippians 4:4
-Picking our pleasures.
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”
--John Piper
-Pursuing our purpose.
“To know Him and to make Him known”
Recommended reading “Desiring God” by John Piper
"The Gracious God"
Isaiah 55
1. Come freely, because the Lord is gracious! (vv.1-5)
2. Come now, because the Lord is gracious! (vv.6-9)
3. Come confidently, because the Lord is gracious! (vv.10-13)
Three questions:
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Do you treasure God's grace in your life?
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Do you proclaim God's grace to others?
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Do you celebrate God's grace with the church?
KNOWING GOD Pt. 4
“THE HOLY GOD”
“You thought I was just like you…”
Psalm 50:21
- THE GOD WHO IS NOT LIKE US.
Isaiah 6:1-5; 40:12-25
--The Sovereign Ruler
Daniel 4:25 Psalm 115:3
--The Righteous Judge
Habakkuk 1:13 Romans 3:19,23 Genesis 18:35
>Do you fear him?
Revelation 14:6-7
- THE MOST HIGH GOD WHO…
--Sees and cares!
Isaiah 40:26-31
--Comes near to the humble.
Isaiah 6:6-7; 57:15
>Does he dwell in you?
Isaiah 66:1-2
KNOWING GOD Pt. 3
“THE CREATOR GOD”
…Is your God too small?
1. THE GOD WHO MADE EVERYTHING.
Genesis 1:1, 26-27 John 1:1-3 Acts 17:22-28
2. WHEN YOU KNOW THE CREATOR GOD…
…Science makes sense.
Hebrews 11:3 Colossians 1:16-17
…Humanity has meaning.
1Corinthians 8:6
…Worship becomes personal.
Psalm 19:1 2Corinthians 4:6; 5:17 Revelation 4:11
STATE OF THE CHURCH
January 16, 2022
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you…”
--1Peter 5:2
1. IS THE LORD AMONG US?
Exodus 17:1-7 Matthew 28:20 Hebrews 13:5
2. IS JESUS BUILDING HIS CHURCH?
Matthew 16:18 Ephesians 2:4-5 Acts 18:9-10
3. IS GOD WORKING IN US?
Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13 Romans 8:28-29
“Who Is God?”
1. God can be known
2. God is worth knowing
3. God is Trinity
4. Knowing God fuels our worship and mission
Recommended Resources:
- “Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith” by Michael Reeves
- Knowing Faith Podcast Episode #3: “Is God Three or One?" https://www.trainingthechurch.com/episode-show-notes
- The Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed
...Something to look forward to
- The second coming of Christ
-- The rapture
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
-- The return
Acts 1:11 Zechariah 14:3-4
Revelation 19:11-16 Isaiah 9:6-7
- The believer’s “Blessed Hope”
Titus 2:11-14
-- We will be with him!
John 14:1-3
-- We will be like him!
I John 3:1-2 Revelation 22:20
Hebrews 10:23-25
HOPE HAS COME pt.3
“THE ARRIVAL”
1. HE IS HERE!
Luke 2:1-7
God with us.
Matthew 1:22-23 John 1:1,14
God in us.
2Corinthians 6:16 John 1:11-12 Colossians 1:28 Revelation 3:20
2. THERE IS NO REASON TO FEAR.
Luke 2:8-11
Fear of _____________.
Isaiah 41:10 Hebrews 13:5-6
Fear of death.
Hebrews 2:14-15 Psalm 23:4
Fear of judgment.
Matthew 10:28 John 3:16 Revelation 21:3 Psalm 23:6
"The Promise"
Hebrews 10:23
Jesus Christ is the hope of the ages
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God is faithful
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Because God's faithfulness never wavers, neither should our hope
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Our confession must lead to hope
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Hope leads to holding fast
HOPE HAS COME Pt. 1
“THE NEED”
…What do you need for Christmas?
1. THE DAY WE NEEDED CHRISTMAS.
Genesis 3:1-19; 2:17 Hebrews 9:27
--The rebellion…
--The consequences…
2. THE FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHRISTMAS.
--“Her offspring” Genesis 3:15
--The first sacrificeGenesis 3:21
3. THE “ONEMAN” WHO BRINGS HOPE.
Romans 5:6,8,12,17; 6:23
EPHESIANS Pt. 12
“A CALL TO PRAYER!”
Ephesians 6:18-24
…Do you need God?
“PRAYING AT ALLTIMES…”
1Thessalonians 5:17 Philippians 4:6 Romans 8:26-27 Acts 2:42
“…WITH ALLPERSEVERANCE…”
Luke 18:1 Psalm 116:1-2
“…FOR ALL THE SAINTS.”
Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21; 6:19-20
Ephesians 6:10-18
"Standing in the Gospel"
1. Rest in God's Strength (v.10)
2. Trust in God's Victory (vv.11-12)
3. Put on God's Armor (vv.13-18)
EPHESIANS Pt. 10
“THE FAMILY/WORK LIFE”
Ephesians 6:1-9
1. CHILDREN: DO YOU HONOR YOUR PARENTS? (vv.1-3)
Proverbs 4:3-5,10 Romans 1:29-30
2. PARENTS: ARE YOU MAKING DISCIPLES? (vs. 4)
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
3. EMPLOYEES: WHO DO YOU WORK FOR? (vv. 6-8)
4. EMPLOYERS: ARE YOU A SERVANT-LEADER? (vs. 9)
Mark 10:42-45
EPHESIANS Pt. 9
“SHOWCASING MARRIAGE”
Ephesians 5:21-33
1. MARRIAGE IS A CALL TO SERVE. (vv. 21, 32)
2. MARRIAGE HAS GOD-GIVEN ROLES. (vv. 22-33)
Wives: Committed to his success.
Committed to the Lord.
Husbands: Committed to her flourishing.
Committed to the marriage.
3. MARRIAGE IS A REFINING RELATIONSHIP.
Proverbs 27:17
4. MARRIAGE IS DEPENDENT ON THE SPIRIT.
Romans 5:5 James 1:2-4 Ephesians 5:15-18
Recommended reading:
“The Meaning of Marriage” by Tim Keller with Kathy Keller
“The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman
Ephesians 5:3-21
“Walking Wisely in the Light”
Josh Wilson | Ashland Grace Church | October 24, 2021
1. Walk in Light! (vv.3-14)
A. What is sexual immorality? (vv.3-4)
B. Why should we avoid sexual immorality? (vv.5-6)
C. How do we avoid sexual immorality? (vv.7-14)
2. Walk in Wisdom! (vv.15-21)
A. Be self-controlled! (v.18)
B. Sing! (v.19)
C. Give thanks! (v.20)
D. Submit! (v.21)
Recommended Resources for Further Reading:
· “Pure in Heart: Sexual Sin and the Promises of God” by J. Garrett Kell (Crossway; 2021)
· “The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims” by Rebecca McLaughlin (The Gospel Coalition; 2021)
1. PUT OFF THE OLD SELF (4:17-19)
2. PUT ON THE NEW SELF (4:20-32)
Is your life marked by:
A. New Words? (v.25)
B. New Impulses? (vv.26-27)
C. New Motivations? (v.28)
D. New Attitudes? (v.29)
E. New Desires? (vv.30-32)
Walk in Love! (5:1-2)
1. THE CHURCH IS CALLED TO MAINTAIN UNITY (4:1-6)
A. Our unity is because of our shared calling (v.1)
B. Our unity is maintained by our conduct (vv.2-3)
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Be humble
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Be gentle
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Be patient
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Be loving
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Be eager
EPHESIANS Pt. 5
“THE GLORY OF THE CHURCH”
Ephesians 3:1-21
“What do you think of the church?”
1. “BEFORE WE PRAY…LET’S PRAISE!” (vv. 1-13)
--The gospelis for everyone.
John 6:37; 14:6
--The church is God’s showpiece.
2. “LET’S PRAY…FOR POWER!” (vv. 14-21)
--Know you are loved.
Romans 8:37 Psalm 90:14-15
--Strengthened by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16
EPHESIANS Pt. 4
“HOPE FOR OUR HOSTILITIES”
Ephesians 2:11-22
…Have you noticed?
1. BORN WITHOUT HOPE. (vv. 11-12)
2. HOW HOSTILITY IS RESOLVED. (vv. 13-18)
“But now in Christ…”
…We have peace.
Colossians 1:20-22
…We are made one.
Galatians 3:26-28
…We meet at the cross.
Ephesians 4:31-32
3. HOPE FOR THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD. (vv. 19-22)
Ephesians 4:1-3 Romans 12:18 Revelation 5:9; 7:9-10
"But God!" | Ephesians 2:1-10
1. You were dead in your sins (vv.1-3)
A. You follow the world (v.2)
B. You follow the devil (v.2)
C. You follow your desires (v.3)
2. You are united with Christ (vv.4-7)
A. You are made alive with Christ (v.5)
B. You are raised with Christ (v.6)
C. You are seated with Christ (v.6)
3. You are saved by God's grace (vv.8-10)
EPHESIANS Pt. 2
“I’M PRAYING FOR YOU!”
Ephesians 1:15-23
“How can I help?”
PAUL PRAYED THAT THE SAINTS WOULD…
(vv. 15-16)
1. KNOW GOD BETTER. (v. 17)
Psalm 46, 121
2. HAVE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. (v. 18)
Romans 8:23-24,28 Revelation 21:4 2Corinthians 4:17-18
3. UNDERSTAND THEIR VALUE TO GOD. (v. 18)
1Peter 1:18-19; 5:7 Matthew 6:26
4. KNOW THEIR POWER TO THRIVE. (vv. 19-23)
Philippians 4:13 2Peter 1:3 Isaiah 40:28-31
EPHESIANS Pt. 1
“COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS”
Ephesians 1:1-14
Belonging…
(vv. 1-3)
1. WE HAVE A FATHER. (vv. 3-6)
2. WE HAVE FORGIVENESS. (vv. 7-10)
3. WE HAVE A FUTURE. (vv. 11-14)
Our Response:
--Believe!
--Praise!
This is a word for ministry veterans. Those who have served long enough to know discouragement, weariness, rejection, pain and failure. How do you serve with joy for a lifetime?
1. You are a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:15-27)
2. You are gifted to serve the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27-31)
3. You are called to love the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:31-13:13)
MAIN POINT: THE CALL TO SERVE IS A CALL TO CHRISTLIKE LOVE
- Christ serves us
- Christ strengthens us to serve
- Christ sends us to serve
BY FAITH Pt. 9
“DAVID’S STORY”
“A man after God’s own heart”
Acts 13:22; 1Samuel 13:14
1. A HEART FOR GOD.
Psalm 63:1-8; 27:8 Hebrews 11:6
2. A HEART FOR GOD’S GLORY.
1Samuel 17 1Corinthians 10:31
3. A HEART FOR GOD’S WAYS.
Psalm 119 John 14:6
4. A HEART CLEAN BEFORE GOD.
Psalm 51 1John 1:9
If you know the story of Samson, you are probably surprised to see that God points to him as an example of faith! How did his life please God?
BY FAITH Pt. 6
“GIDEON’S STORY”
…Adventures with Dad!
Hebrews 11:32-34
1. THE INTIMIDATING CALL ON YOUR LIFE. (Judges 6:1-16)
“Go…and save Israel!” (Judges 6:14)
Do what you can.
“Go in the strength that you have…” (Judges 6:14)
Courage comes from who commissionsyou and who is accompanying you.
“Do not I send you? I will be with you…” (Judges 6:14,16)
2. GOD SHINES BRIGHTEST IN OUR WEAKNESS. (Judges 6:33-35; 7:1-23)
Our strength comes from the Spirit.
“The Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon…” (Judges 6:34)
Zechariah 4:6; Philippians 4:13
God’s power is perfected in weakness.
“The people with you are too many…” (Judges 7:2)
2Corinthians 4:7; 12:9
We all have a certain fascination with the future. We wonder what our future holds and we realize there are many unknowns. The future is something everyone walks into…BY FAITH! So, how do you do it?
For anyone who feels far from God, too far gone or too much in your past…you need to hear RAHAB’S STORY!
Joseph's Story (Genesis 37-50)
Joseph's Faith (Hebrews 11:22)
Joseph died by faith, trusting in God's promises
Joseph lived by faith, trusting in God's promises
Your Faith:
Know God's character and promises
Embrace your homesickness
Seek justice and love mercy
Remember and remind
Most people are familiar with the story of Noah and the ark. The children love watching all the animals get onboard and the adults wonder, “What’s a cubit?” But Noah’s life of faith made a statement that had an impact on the whole world…and still does today!
When times are bad, the world is out of control or life is painful…people will sometimes tell you to “have faith”!
But don’t you ask the question, “Faith in what?” This Sunday we will begin a new series about FAITH! The kind of faith that can handle the world you live in.
“Being a mom is no easy task! This is a high calling and it’s not for the faint of heart. You have to be tough, you have to be tender. Join us as we honor the mothers who loved us!”
The Word Part 3: "Free to Follow God"
2 Timothy 3:10-17
1. Scripture is sufficient to guard against false teaching (vv.10-15)
2. Scripture is sufficient to know God (v.15)
3. Scripture is sufficient to follow God (vv.16-17)
4. Scripture is sufficient to worship God (4:1-5)
"God has Spoken"
Psalm 19
Scripture is sufficient to know God and follow God
God reveals Himself in His world (vv.1-6)
God reveals Himself in His Word (vv.7-14)
Everyone has questions about the future. What’s this world coming to? What does the future hold? The disciples were asking Jesus about their future. When Jesus predicts the future, he acts like it’s a sure thing! Interested in what he sees?
If you could ask Jesus one question…what would it be? Join us this week and listen in. Jesus is TAKING QUESTIONS.
What would happen if Jesus walked into our Sunday morning church service? This week we will watch Jesus walk into the temple in Jerusalem. You don’t want to miss what happened!
This Sunday we will begin a new series in the gospel of Mark that will follow Jesus on his ASCENT to the cross.
We will watch the crowds come to Jesus because they wanted something. And Jesus always invited them to come. We will be asking ourselves the question…”What do you want from Jesus?”
Love wants what is best for another person. There are countless ways to express love. But what is the best thing I can do for someone that I love?
People will sometimes wonder, ‘Can I be a Christian and not attend church?’ Relationships in the life of a church can be challenging. True Christians are born into the family of God. What kind of relational culture does God want his children to enjoy?
Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s good to have a day that reminds us of the need for love. But do we need more than love? When a young couple heads into marriage hoping to 'live on love'…will that be enough to sustain the relationship?
Valentine’s Day is coming! So, let’s talk about RELATIONSHIPS! We could all probably use some help relating these days.
If “we can’t live with them and can’t live without them”…then Lord, help us live with them!
History is valuable! It’s important that we look back and learn. But what happens when history looks forward? The forward facing God calls us to move forward with him into the future. But where is he going?
Everyone is trying to figure out how to move forward with life, ‘post 2020’. It feels like we are rebuilding from the rubble. Can God meet us as individuals, a church, a nation…and show us how to move FORWARD.
2020 has been a traumatizing ride for most of us. How do we regain our equilibrium and move forward into a new year? Or do we just want to hunker down and protect ourselves from further trauma?
2020 has been a traumatizing ride for most of us. How do we regain our equilibrium and move forward into a new year? Or do we just want to hunker down and protect ourselves from further trauma?
“Amidst the divisions and dissensions of a broken world the church is like a light shining into the dark and stormy night proclaiming hope to a world that desperately needs it. By this, we represent Christ to the world!”
God has a unique design for His church. It is multi-generational, multi-ethnic, and multi-gifted!