Life Church | Salisbury NC Sermons: Recent Episodes
Life Church Salisbury
Welcome to the weekly audio podcast for Life Church, an independent, contemporary, missional-engaged congregation located in Salisbury, NC. The episodes in this podcast include the messages and sermon series from our Sunday worship services. For more information about Life Church, please visit us online at lifechurchnc.com
Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 5:22-24.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Genesis 1:@6-27; 2:18-25.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 5:15-21.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 5:3-14.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 4:25-5:2.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 4:17-24.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 4:7-16.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 4:1-6.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 3:14-21.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 3:7-13.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 3:1-6.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
Follow us online:
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 2:19-22.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 2:11-18.
Life group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/ephesians.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 2:1-10.
Life group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/ephesians.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 1:15-23.
Life group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/ephesians.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.
This week we are in Ephesians 1:3-14.
Life group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/ephesians.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.This week we are in Ephesians 1:3-14.
Life group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/ephesians.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
Follow us online:
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Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter. Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.This week we are in Ephesians 1:1-2.
Life group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/ephesians.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Christ is risen indeed. We gathered together to celebrate the person and work of God as revealed in God's Word from John 20:1-18.
For life group discussion questions, visit: lifechurchnc.com/lamentations.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Lamentations reflects poetically on the exile of Judah, the sacking of Jerusalem, and (most critically) the destruction of the temple. Exile presented a theological crisis for the people of God: What of God’s promises to Israel? What of God’s blessing upon the people - including land, security, a king on David’s throne, and the promise of his presence among them? Without ever presenting easy answers to these difficult questions, and with barely a note of hope, Lamentations wrestles with how Jerusalem and her people could have been brought into such a desolate estate. During our Good Friday Service we concluded our time in Lamentations looking at Lamentations 5:1-22.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Lamentations reflects poetically on the exile of Judah, the sacking of Jerusalem, and (most critically) the destruction of the temple. Exile presented a theological crisis for the people of God: What of God’s promises to Israel? What of God’s blessing upon the people - including land, security, a king on David’s throne, and the promise of his presence among them? Without ever presenting easy answers to these difficult questions, and with barely a note of hope, Lamentations wrestles with how Jerusalem and her people could have been brought into such a desolate estate. Today we are in Lamentations 4:1-22.
Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did…Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:6, 12
“It takes the quiet of a suburban home for the birth of the thesis [that we should desire] a God who refuses to judge…In a sun-scorched land, soaked in the blood of the innocent, [such an idea] will invariably die.” - Miroslav Volf
For life group discussion questions, visit: lifechurchnc.com/lamentations.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Lamentations reflects poetically on the exile of Judah, the sacking of Jerusalem, and (most critically) the destruction of the temple. Exile presented a theological crisis for the people of God: What of God’s promises to Israel? What of God’s blessing upon the people - including land, security, a king on David’s throne, and the promise of his presence among them? Without ever presenting easy answers to these difficult questions, and with barely a note of hope, Lamentations wrestles with how Jerusalem and her people could have been brought into such a desolate estate. Today we are in Lamentations 3:1-66.
“Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them, but they start talking to you, they bring back the problems of yesterday, etc. Somebody is talking. Who is talking? Your self is talking to you.” D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
“Now this man’s treatment was this; instead of allowing this self to talk to him, he starts talking to himself. ‘Why are you cast down, O my soul?’ he asks. His soul had been depressing him, crushing him. So he stands up and says: ‘Self, listen for a moment, I will speak to you…’” D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
“God has no pleasure in the destruction or calamity of persons or people. He had rather they should turn and continue in peace. He is well-pleased if they forsake their evil ways, that he may not have occasion to execute his wrath upon them. He is a God that delights in mercy, and judgment is his strange work.” Jonathan Edwards
“How unspeakably wonderful to know that all our concerns are held in hands that bled for us.” John Newton
For life group discussion questions, visit: lifechurchnc.com/lamentations.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Lamentations reflects poetically on the exile of Judah, the sacking of Jerusalem, and (most critically) the destruction of the temple. Exile presented a theological crisis for the people of God: What of God’s promises to Israel? What of God’s blessing upon the people - including land, security, a king on David’s throne, and the promise of his presence among them? Without ever presenting easy answers to these difficult questions, and with barely a note of hope, Lamentations wrestles with how Jerusalem and her people could have been brought into such a desolate estate. Today we are in Lamentations 2:1-22.
The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Exodus 34:6-7
Three ways we lament sin:
- Lamenting personal sin
- Lamenting corporate sin
- Lamenting worldly sin
But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. Romans 2:5
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. John 3:36
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
For life group discussion questions, visit: lifechurchnc.com/lamentations.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Lamentations reflects poetically on the exile of Judah, the sacking of Jerusalem, and (most critically) the destruction of the temple. Exile presented a theological crisis for the people of God: What of God’s promises to Israel? What of God’s blessing upon the people - including land, security, a king on David’s throne, and the promise of his presence among them? Without ever presenting easy answers to these difficult questions, and with barely a note of hope, Lamentations wrestles with how Jerusalem and her people could have been brought into such a desolate estate. Today we are in Lamentations 1:1-22.
It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
THREE LESSONS
- Sin is the real problem
- Suffering is real
- Remember the long arc of God’s story
For life group discussion questions, visit: lifechurchnc.com/lamentations.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Lamentations reflects poetically on the exile of Judah, the sacking of Jerusalem, and (most critically) the destruction of the temple. Exile presented a theological crisis for the people of God: What of God’s promises to Israel? What of God’s blessing upon the people - including land, security, a king on David’s throne, and the promise of his presence among them? Without ever presenting easy answers to these difficult questions, and with barely a note of hope, Lamentations wrestles with how Jerusalem and her people could have been brought into such a desolate estate. To begin our series, we will understand the historical context from 2 Kings 25:1-30.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. Hebrews 12:6
“It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” John 9:3
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” - C.S. Lewis
For life group discussion questions, visit: lifechurchnc.com/lamentations.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we conclude our study of Hebrews looking to Hebrews 13:20-25.
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Lent begins with Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday begins with confession of sin. In confessing our sin, we realize how deeply and desperately we nee a Savior. Jesus is our Savior who set his face to Jerusalem, enduring the punishment and death our sin rightfully deserves. We gathered this Ash Wednesday in sorrow and celebration as we began the Lenten season around Luke 9:51-62.
“The aim of Ash Wednesday… is threefold: to meditate on our mortality, sinfulness, and need for a savior; to renew our commitment to daily repentance in the Lenten season and in all of life; and to remember with confidence and gratitude that Christ defeated death and sin.” - The Worship Sourcebook
lifechurchnc.com/lent
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 13:7-16.
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
Follow us online:
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 13:7-19.
"The most dangerous person of all is the one who does not emphasize the right things." - D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
Follow us online:
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 13:1-6.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
Follow us online:
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 12:18-29.
1. The New Covenant Place is a City
“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” Hebrews 11:16
“…behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb...” Revelation 14:1
“…the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:2
2. The New Covenant Place is a Gathering
3. The New Covenant Place is a Reunion
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” Revelation 21:3
4. The New Covenant Place is Unshakeable
“…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” Revelation 21:1
“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:3-5
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 12:3-17.
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” C.S. Lewis
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 12:1-2.
- Endurance is a race we are all called to run.
- Endurance is sustained by remembering those who have gone before us.
- Endurance requires intentional self-denial.
- Endurance is field by a gaze that is fixed on Jesus.
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The final Sunday of 2025, Pastor James preached a standalone sermon from Matthew 25:1-13.
The bridegroom reveals that trying to predict Jesus’ return is a waste of time.
The wise bridesmaids reveal that those who stay ready and endure will share in eternal joy.
The foolish bridesmaids reveal that careless faith and false confidence lead to rejection.
False Affections vs. Gracious Affections:
- What do I love most about God?
- How do I respond when following Jesus becomes hard?
- Am I willing to let God change everything, or only certain things?
- Is my faith shaping the direction of my life over time?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Christian faith is all about doctrine. But belief is not an end in and of itself. Belief is meant to deepen our communion with God and stir us to worship. From this ancient creed, we learn much about who the God we worship really is. We learn about “the God we love.” May we know him deeply, and in turn worship him truly. Through the Advent season, we will study God's Word through the Nicene Creed.
“Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.” Ezekiel 37:4-5
“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:25-26
1. The Holy Spirit brings new birth
“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:25-26
2. The Holy Spirit gives new fruit
“As [the Holy Spirit] stirs me to think ever more on Christ, he makes me more and more Godlike: less self-obsessed and more Christ-obsessed.” - Michael Reeves
3. The Holy Spirit gives new sight
“…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…” Ephesians 1:17-18
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Christian faith is all about doctrine. But belief is not an end in and of itself. Belief is meant to deepen our communion with God and stir us to worship. From this ancient creed, we learn much about who the God we worship really is. We learn about “the God we love.” May we know him deeply, and in turn worship him truly. Through the Advent season, we will study God's Word through the Nicene Creed.
“You were always present, angry and merciful at once, strewing the pangs of bitterness over all my lawless pleasures to lead me on to look for others unallied with pain.” - Augustine
“Your goad was thrusting at my heart, giving me no peace until the eye of my soul could discern you without mistake.” - Augustine
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21
And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
…who for us and for our salvation
came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary,
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered and was buried;
and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures,
and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead;
whose kingdom shall have no end.
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” - Augustine
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Christian faith is all about doctrine. But belief is not an end in and of itself. Belief is meant to deepen our communion with God and stir us to worship. From this ancient creed, we learn much about who the God we worship really is. We learn about “the God we love.” May we know him deeply, and in turn worship him truly. Through the Advent season, we will study God's Word through the Nicene Creed.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God,
begotten of his Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,
begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made…
“The only begotten of the Father makes the Father known. Could we hope for better access to the Father? Who has had more time with the Father? Who has seen more of his work and character, seen him in more situations of judgment, merriment, or forgiveness? Who could have a more intimate view? Who could more accurately relate these truths? Who could more fully identify with the emotional depth of the Father’s love? In the Son we have a perfect revelation of the Father.” - James Hamilton, Jr.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Christian faith is all about doctrine. But belief is not an end in and of itself. Belief is meant to deepen our communion with God and stir us to worship. From this ancient creed, we learn much about who the God we worship really is. We learn about “the God we love.” May we know him deeply, and in turn worship him truly. Through the Advent season, we will study God's Word through the Nicene Creed.In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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This Sunday we paused our current series in Hebrews for a standalone sermon from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:20-22
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know – this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men…” Acts 2:22-23
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Today, we are joined by Michael White, lead pastor of Freedom Church (a fellow church in The Pillar Network). This standalone sermon is based on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
1. The problem of pain (v16)
…he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 2 Corinthians 4:14
The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5
2. The purpose of pain (v17)
God has cast me into the mire, and I have become like dust and ashes. I cry to you for help and you do not answer me; I stand, and you only look at me. You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand you persecute me. Job 30:19–21
I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father. John 15:15
…he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” John 14:21
“If, however, you are privileged enough to be taken by one of the high-ups into the magnificent electrical signal-box that lies athwart platforms 7 and 8, you will see on the longest wall a diagram of the entire track layout for five miles on either side of the station, with little glow-worm lights moving or stationary on the different tracks to show the signalmen at a glance exactly where every engine and train is. At once you will be able to look at the whole situation through the eyes of the men who control it: you will see from the diagram why it was that this train had to be signalled to a halt, and that one diverted from its normal running line, and that one parked temporarily in a siding. The why and the wherefore of all these movements becomes plain, once you can see the overall position.” - J.I. Packer
Every millisecond of your pain — from fallen nature or fallen man — every millisecond of your misery in the path of obedience is producing a peculiar glory you will get because of that suffering. - John Piper
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4
“…to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it.” - C.S. Lewis
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. 2 Corinthians 3:18
3. The prescription for pain (v18)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above… Colossians 3:1
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/standalonesermons2025
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 11:39-40.
What the people of old have received
How the people of old have received it
What the people of old did not receive
What all God’s people shall one day receive
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 11:32-38.
God works through flawed people
“Not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong… so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:26–29
God works through courageous people
God works through suffering people
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 11:23-31.
Faith fears God (V. 23, 27)
“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied…” Proverbs 19:23
Faith chooses Christ (V. 25-26)
“If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” - CS Lewis
Faith Takes Risks (V. 28-31)
“You had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.” Hebrews 10:34
“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 / Psalm 118:6
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” 1 Corinthians 5:17
“Worthy is the lamb who was slain.” Revelation 5:12
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 11:8-22.
“The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’” Acts 7:2-3
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power… Hebrews 1:3
For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30-31
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you… 1 Peter 1:3-4
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 11:1-7.
What does faith do?
- Believes with assurance (v. 1,3)
- Faith commends us as righteous (v. 4)
“And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” - Genesis 15:6
“You have come… to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” - Hebrews 12:22, 24
What does faith do?
- Believes with assurance (v. 1,3)
- Faith commends us as righteous (v. 4)
- Pleases God (v. 5-6)
“Whether our acts are immoral, like stealing and lying and adultery, or whether our acts are moral like church attendance and community service, both may be abominable in God’s eyes if the heart is not right… The inner beauty of hoping in God, of trusting him for help and guidance, makes the eternal act beautiful. And if this faith is not here motivating the act the act is not pleasing to the Lord, it is sin.” - John Piper
What does faith do?
- Believes with assurance (v. 1,3)
- Faith commends us as righteous (v. 4)
- Pleases God (v. 5-6)
- Condemns the world (v. 7)
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 10:32-39.
Six Ways We Can Endure
- Keep your eyes on the supremacy of Christ.
- Deny yourself worldly pleasures that diminish your appetite for Jesus.
- Fuel your faith with joy in God.
- Feed your faith with God’s Word and prayer.
- Stop comparing yourself to others.
- Rehearse your future reward.
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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This week we pause our series in Hebrews to celebrate seven baptisms across two services. We opened God's Word to Acts 2:37-41 to learn about the right response to the person and work of Christ.
“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
For Life Group discussion questions visit: lifechurchnc.com/sermons
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 10:26-31.
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
“The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked; his wrath towards you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire…you are ten thousand times so abominable in his eyes, as the most hateful and venomous serpent is in ours.” - Jonathan Edwards
“Edwards gave his people a whiff of the sulphurs of Hell that they might deeply inhale the fragrances of grace.” Kent Hughes
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 10:19-25.
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 10:1-18.
1. A New System
2. A New Status
You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 1 John 3:5
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11
3. A New Desire
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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New Testament churches are to be led by a team of biblically-qualified spiritual shepherds. The Bible calls these shepherds pastors, overseers, and elders at various points. (See, for example, Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28.) At Life Church we seek to order ourselves according to this biblical pattern, and thus we are led by a group of shepherds - a team that includes staff pastors as well as our lay elders. These elders have been found to demonstrate the biblical qualifications outlined for elders in passages such as 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
As we ordained three new elders in our gathering this Sunday, we remembered the high cost Christ Jesus paid to obtain this Bride by His blood from Acts 20:17-38.
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Whereas the mission and direction of a company, philanthropic organization, or corporation might change over time, the mission of Christ’s church is unwavering and unchanging. We exist to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ. That is the true, God-given, and unwavering mission of every church, everywhere, for all time. We pause our series in Hebrews to spend the next three weeks revisiting the what and how of our mission: Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who Treasure Christ, Grow Together, and Live On Mission.
Together, we will Live On Mission from John 13:1-17.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Whereas the mission and direction of a company, philanthropic organization, or corporation might change over time, the mission of Christ’s church is unwavering and unchanging. We exist to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ. That is the true, God-given, and unwavering mission of every church, everywhere, for all time. We pause our series in Hebrews to spend the next three weeks revisiting the what and how of our mission: Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who Treasure Christ, Grow Together, and Live On Mission.
Together, we will Grow Together from Romans 15:1-7.
“Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” John 17:11
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you…” John 17:20-21
“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one…” John 17:22
“...that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” John 17:23
“Ideally the church itself is not made up of natural ‘friends.’ It is made up of natural enemies. What binds us together is not common education, common race, common income levels, common politics, common nationality, common accents, common jobs, or anything of the sort. Christians come together, not because they form a natural collocation, but because they have been saved by Jesus Christ and owe him a common allegiance. In the light of this common allegiance, in light of the fact that they have all been loved by Jesus himself, they commit themselves to doing what he says—and he commands them to love one another. In this light, they are a band of natural enemies who love one another for Jesus’ sake.” - D.A. Carson
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Whereas the mission and direction of a company, philanthropic organization, or corporation might change over time, the mission of Christ’s church is unwavering and unchanging. We exist to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ. That is the true, God-given, and unwavering mission of every church, everywhere, for all time. We pause our series in Hebrews to spend the next three weeks revisiting the what and how of our mission: Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who Treasure Christ, Grow Together, and Live On Mission.
Together, we will Treasure Christ from Philippians 2:5-11.
“The very word ‘cross’ should be far removed not only from the person of a Roman citizen, but from his thoughts, his eyes and his ears…indeed the mere mention of [the cross], that is unworthy of a Roman citizen and a free man.” - Cicero
“Here's something else that's true. In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And an outstanding reason for choosing some sort of God or spiritual-type thing to worship — be it J.C. or Allah, be it Yahweh or the Wiccan mother-goddess or the Four Noble Truths or some infrangible set of ethical principles — is that pretty much anything else you worship will eat you alive.” - David Foster Wallace
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 9:15-28.
Behold Jesus, who shed his own blood so that we might receive a better purity, a better representative, a better sacrifice, and a better hope under the new covenant.
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 9:1-14.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 8:1-13.
BETTER PROMISES:
- True change (8:10)
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. - Ezekiel 36:26–28
BETTER PROMISES:
- True relationship (8:11)
Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. - Matthew 11:11
BETTER PROMISES:
- True grace (8:12)
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. - Psalm 103:10–12
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 7:20-28.
...and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:21-22
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 7:11-19.
The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:4
“God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do.” Romans 8:3
Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith... Galatians 3:23-26
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:33-34
“The whole apparatus of worship… was calculated rather to keep men at a distance from God than to bring them near.” The result was a longing for something better—a priesthood that could truly accomplish what the old could only symbolize.” - F.F. Bruce
1. The Gospel replaces the old with something better
Hebrews 10: 19-25
2. The Gospel offers a better hope to draw near to God
3. The Gospel is rooted in God’s eternal plan
Hebrews 10: 9-18
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 7:1-10.
The temptations to drift:
- Pleasure
- Indifference
- Moralism
“…lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1–2
Preventing drift according to Hebrews:
- Look to Christ
- Take care of your heart
- Love the church
“For to us a child is born… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” Isaiah 9:6–7
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 6:13-20.
“By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore…” Genesis 22:16–17
“…a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’ ” Hebrews 7:19–21
Implications of Christ as our sure and steadfast anchor:
- We can find rest amidst trial
- We can confidently invest in a church body
- We can find a joy and contentment that is unshakable
- We can wait for the promise of heaven with patience
- We can always draw near to God
“We are in this world as a ship at sea, liable to be tossed up and down, and in danger of being cast away. Our souls are the vessels. The comforts, expectations, graces, and happiness of our souls are the precious cargo with which these vessels are loaded. Heaven is the harbor to which we sail. The temptations, persecutions, and afflictions that we encounter are the winds and waves that threaten our shipwreck. We have need of an anchor to keep us sure and steady, or we are in continual danger. Gospel hope is our anchor; as in our day of battle it is our helmet, so in our stormy passage through this world it is our anchor.” - Matthew Henry
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 6:4-12.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28
I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy… Jude 24
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them… Hebrews 7:25
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth…” Isaiah 55:10-11
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 5:11-6:3.
“Make it your work with diligence to apply the word as you are hearing it…Cast not all upon the minister, as those who will go no further than they are carried as by force…You have work to do as well as the preacher, and should all the time be as busy as he…you must open your mouths, and digest it, for another cannot digest it for you…therefore be all the while at work, and abhor an idle heart in hearing, as well as an idle minister.” - Richard Baxter
“Hear therefore as if it were your last. Think when you hear the calls of God and the offers of grace, I know not but this may be my last: how would I hear if I were sure to die tomorrow?” - Richard Baxter
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 5:1-10.
A High Priest:
- Was a mediator between God and man
- Was weak with sin
- Was called by God
If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him? 1 Samuel 2:25
Our Great High Priest:
- Is called by God, forever
- Was weak, without sin
- Is a perfect mediator between God and man
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. 1 Timothy 2:5
Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9–10
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 4:14-16.
“A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is . . . A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people, in one sense know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in . . . Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means — the only complete realist.” - C.S. Lewis
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith.” Ephesians 2:4-8
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 4:12-13.
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 50:10-11
“God knows instantly and effortlessly all matter and all matters, all mind and every mind, all spirit and all spirits, all being and every being, all creaturehood and all creatures, every plurality and all pluralities, all law and every law, all relations, all causes, all thoughts, all mysteries, all enigmas, all feeling, all desires, every unuttered secret, all thrones and dominions, all personalities, all things visible and invisible in heaven and in earth, motion, space, time, life, death, good, evil, heaven, and hell.” - A.W. Tozer
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 4:1-11.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 3:7-19.
Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” Exodus 17:2-4
And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?”And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Numbers 14:2–4
Portrait of the hard at heart:
- They had heard His voice
They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Zechariah 7:11-12
Portrait of the hard at heart:
- They had heard His voice
- They were witnesses of God’s works
Examine your heart (V. 12)
“I beg you to try and understand the fact that your soul is the one thing worth living for… Keep the interests of your soul in mind, morning, noon and night. Get up each day desiring that your soul may prosper; lie down each evening asking yourself whether it has progressed.” - JC Ryle
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23–24
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:11–12
Exhort one another (V. 13)
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 3:1-6.
“Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” Numbers 12:2a
“Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Numbers 12:6-8
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14-15
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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On the very first Resurrection Sunday, two heartbroken disciples walked away from Jerusalem and into the arms of the risen Christ. As they traveled the dusty road to Emmaus, Jesus met them, opened the Scriptures to them, and revealed a promise that still stands: that through life and death, God brings his people into joy forever.
“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul… More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter than honey are drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7a, 10-11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11
For life group discussion questions, visit: lifechurchnc.com/sermons
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 2:10-18.
-
Why did Christ need to suffer?
-
Why did Christ need to take on flesh?
“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:54b-55
- Why did Christ need to be made like us?
Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. Hebrews 8:1–2
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:3–6
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 2:5-9.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:1,9
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:3-4
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet… Psalm 8:5-6
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 2:1-4.
This sermon recording begins five minutes into the message, to read a full transcript of the sermon, click here.
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 1:5-14.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25
Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrews
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 1:1-4.
“The radiance in the substance of God is so mighty that it hurts our eyes until it shines on us in Christ.”
“Make up your mind that to behold the glory of God by beholding the glory of Christ is the greatest privilege which is given to believers in this life…Let us regard it as our duty to meditate frequently on his glory. It is the neglect of meditation that keeps so many Christians in a feeble state…A constant view of the glory of Christ will revive our souls and cause our spiritual lives to flourish and thrive. Our souls will be revived by the transforming power with which beholding Christ is always accompanied.”
Life Group discussion questions available: lifechurchnc.com/sermons
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Periodically we pause our usual rhythm of preaching through whole books of the Bible for standalone sermons. This weekend, Nathan Murray, teaches on Ephesians 4:1-6.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over eight weeks, we will consider the substance of the Lord’s Prayer - prayerfully seeking to infuse that substance into our own prayers. We will seek to mold our prayers by our Lord’s model prayer, communing with our Father God as Jesus himself did. This week, we conclude our series looking at 'Kingdom, power, and glory...' from 1 Chronicles 29:10-13.
The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. Psalm 93:1-2
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us… Ephesians 3:20
I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. Isaiah 42:8
For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. Isaiah 48:11
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14
For your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Psalm 25:11
For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me… Psalm 31:3
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake! Psalm 79:9
…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name;
your kingdom come;
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.
For sermon media, and Life Group Discussion guide, visit: lifechurchnc.com/pray
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over eight weeks, we will consider the substance of the Lord’s Prayer - prayerfully seeking to infuse that substance into our own prayers. We will seek to mold our prayers by our Lord’s model prayer, communing with our Father God as Jesus himself did. This week, we explore 'Lead us not into temptation...' from Matthew 6:13.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:13-14
Temptation throughout Scripture
- Internal Enticement
- External Enticement
- Temptation as trial
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3
Why should we pray “Lead us not into temptation”?
- Because of our weakness
- Because of the difficulty of temptations and trials
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39
“When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
Why should we pray for God to “Deliver us from evil”?
- Because of Satan’s cunning lies
- Because of God’s power over Satan
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 2:15
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...” Revelation 12:10–11
PRAYER PROMPTS
- Pray that God would spare you from trial and temptation.
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me…” Matthew 26:39a
- Pray that God would give you joy if trial should come your way.
“…nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39b
“But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:13
- Pray that God would deliver you from evil, for the sake of your testimony and for the sake of the Gospel.
“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me…” Psalm 59:1
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:12
For sermon media, and Life Group Discussion guide, visit: lifechurchnc.com/pray
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over eight weeks, we will consider the substance of the Lord’s Prayer - prayerfully seeking to infuse that substance into our own prayers. We will seek to mold our prayers by our Lord’s model prayer, communing with our Father God as Jesus himself did. This week, we explore 'Forgive us our debts...' from Matthew 6:12.
And you, who were dead in your trespasses…God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14
Prayer Prompt 1
- What have I done for which I need to seek forgiveness?
- What have I left undone for which I need to seek forgiveness?
“A man can as well go to hell for not forgiving as for not believing.” Thomas Watson
“Unless you have forgiven others, you read your own death-warrant when you repeat the Lord’s Prayer.” Charles Spurgeon
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Prayer Prompts 2
- Whose sin against you do you need to forgive?
- What debt against you have you “forgiven” but not forgotten?
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against thy holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare thou those who confess their faults, restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen. - Book of Common Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name;
your kingdom come;
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.
For sermon media, and Life Group Discussion guide, visit: lifechurchnc.com/pray
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over eight weeks, we will consider the substance of the Lord’s Prayer - prayerfully seeking to infuse that substance into our own prayers. We will seek to mold our prayers by our Lord’s model prayer, communing with our Father God as Jesus himself did. This week, we explore 'Give us this day our daily bread...' from Matthew 6:11.
By teaching us to pray for daily bread, Jesus invites us to come to God with what others might consider “small” requests.
By teaching us to pray for our daily bread, Jesus wants to instill in us a mutual concern for other people.
By teaching us to pray for our daily bread, Jesus wants to foster in us a daily dependence upon the Father.
“Everything is needful that [God] sends; nothing is needful that he withholds.” John Newton
By teaching us to trust God for daily bread, Jesus wants us to learn to trust God for eternal life.
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” John 6:53-55
PRAYER PROMPTS
Come to God with what others might consider “small” requests.
“Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (Matt 6:31-32)
Come to God with real concern for other people.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God… (Col 1:9-10)
Come to God in daily dependence upon him.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Come to God trusting him for eternal life.
"I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name;
your kingdom come;
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.
For sermon media, and Life Group Discussion guide, visit: lifechurchnc.com/pray
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over eight weeks, we will consider the substance of the Lord’s Prayer - prayerfully seeking to infuse that substance into our own prayers. We will seek to mold our prayers by our Lord’s model prayer, communing with our Father God as Jesus himself did. This week, we explore 'Your will be done...' from Matthew 6:10b.
THREE IDEAS:
- God’s Will
- On Earth
- In Heaven
What we are not talking about:
- God’s Will of Direction
- God’s Will of Decree
God’s Will of Decree:
“My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” Isaiah 46:10
“for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” Acts 4:27-28
What we are talking about:
- God’s Will of Desire
God’s Will of Desire:
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification… 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:15
“The difference between earth and heaven is not that God is sovereign over heaven but not over earth. The difference is that every command is fulfilled with cheerful and full obedience in heaven, where that is not the case here on earth.” - Kevin DeYoung
“To experience the glory of God’s will for us means absolute trust. It means the will to do His will, and it means joy.” - Elisabeth Elliot
How To Do God’s Will On Earth:
- Pray for God’s Will
- Know God’s will
- Practice God’s will
And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God, The Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:22-27
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Matthew 26:39, 42
PRAYER PROMPTS
- Pray that you would know God’s will revealed in His Word.
(Psalm 119:105)
- Pray that you would, by God’s Spirit, practice God’s will in your family, church, and community.
(1 John 2:16-17)
- Pray that God’s will would extend all throughout the earth - that the nations would hear His gospel.
(Matthew 24:14)
For sermon media, and Life Group Discussion guide, visit: lifechurchnc.com/pray
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over eight weeks, we will consider the substance of the Lord’s Prayer - prayerfully seeking to infuse that substance into our own prayers. We will seek to mold our prayers by our Lord’s model prayer, communing with our Father God as Jesus himself did. This week, we explore 'Your kingdom come' from Matthew 6:10a.
“What a man is on his knees before God, that he is, and nothing more.” - Robert Murray McCheyne
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
Matthew 6:9-13
I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of the LORD. In the fire of his jealousy, all the earth shall be consumed; for a full and sudden end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth. Zephaniah 1:17-18
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15
When we pray, “Your kingdom come”, we are submitting ourselves to the priorities of our heavenly King.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…” - Matthew 6:33a
When we pray, “Your kingdom come”, we are devoting ourselves to the proclamation of the King’s message - the gospel.
“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how…” Mark 4:26-27
When we pray, “Your kingdom come”, we are anticipating the glorious return of our King.
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11
PRAYERS PROMPTS
- Pray that your priorities would be more fully aligned with the kingdom of God.
- But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness… (Matt 6:33a)
- Pray that you would be faithful and courageous in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, the savior of sinners.
- How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Rom 10:14-15)
- Pray that you, your loved ones, and your church family would persevere in the faith until our Lord returns.
- Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)
For sermon media, and Life Group Discussion guide, visit: lifechurchnc.com/pray
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over eight weeks, we will consider the substance of the Lord’s Prayer - prayerfully seeking to infuse that substance into our own prayers. We will seek to mold our prayers by our Lord’s model prayer, communing with our Father God as Jesus himself did. This week, we explore 'Hallowed be your name...' from Matthew 6:9b.
“Were we left to ourselves, any praying we did would both start and end with ourselves, for our natural self-centeredness knows no bounds.” - J.I. Packer
“The holiness of God is the infinite distance between his deity and our humanity.” - - Philip Ryken
Before we can hallow God’s name,
something must be done about our sin.
hallow: verb; to make or reveal as holy
Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. Psalm 24:3-4
God’s name in heaven is hallowed
by our holy lives on earth.
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” John 27:27-28a
“Hallowed be your name”
is the only prayer we will pray forever.
“When some of the other petitions shall be useless and out of date, as we shall not need to pray in heaven, ‘Give us our daily bread,’ because there shall be no hunger; nor, ‘Forgive us our trespasses,’ because there shall be no sin; nor, ‘Lead us not into temptation,’ because the old serpent is not there to tempt; yet the hallowing of God’s name will be of great use and request in heaven; we shall be ever singing hallelujahs, which is nothing else but the hallowing of God’s name.” - Thomas Watson
PRAYER PROMPTS
God: Hallow your name in my actions.“For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.” Leviticus 11:44
God: Hallow your name in my words.Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29
God: Hallow your name in my thoughts.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
God: Hallow your name in my emotions.As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct… 1 Peter 1:14-15
God: Hallow your name in my affections.As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:1-2
For sermon media, and Life Group Discussion guide, visit: lifechurchnc.com/pray
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Over eight weeks, we will consider the substance of the Lord’s Prayer - prayerfully seeking to infuse that substance into our own prayers. We will seek to mold our prayers by our Lord’s model prayer, communing with our Father God as Jesus himself did. This week, we see the opening lines 'Our Father in heaven...' from Matthew 6:9a.
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat…” Luke 22:31
“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail…” Luke 22:32
To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 17:5
“The vitality of prayer lies largely in the vision of God that prompts it. Drab thoughts of God make prayer dull.” - J.I. Packer
PRAYER PROMPTS
God is our Father.
- He loves you as fully and unfailingly as he loves Christ.
- What he says about Christ – “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt 17:5) – he says about you through your faith in Christ.
God is in heaven.
- He is all-powerful, all-knowing, unchanging, eternal, infinite, and transcendent.
- Heavenly beings are right to cry out over him, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isa 6:1).
God is our Father.
- As his son or daughter, you have immediate and unconditional access to God. You can come to him at any time, in any way, for any reason.
- Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16).
God is in heaven.
- God is utterly self-sufficient. Everything comes from him and depends upon him. He lacks nothing and needs nothing.
- “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Rom 11:36).
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name;
your kingdom come;
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.
For sermon media, and Life Group Discussion guide, visit: lifechurchnc.com/pray
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We will spend this Advent season studying the book of Malachi. Through Malachi, the Lord reproves and pursues his people - calling them to remember his covenant, seek him genuinely, and prepare for his coming. This week we look to Malachi 4:4-6.
In light of God’s victory and God’s mercy:
- What is one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment in God?
- In what spiritual discipline do you hope to see the most progress this year?
- What is one thing you could do to deepen your prayer life this year?
- What is one thing you could do to sweeten your family life this year?
- What is the one thing you could give yourself to this year – that will matter most in ten years? In eternity?
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We will spend this Advent season studying the book of Malachi. Through Malachi, the Lord reproves and pursues his people - calling them to remember his covenant, seek him genuinely, and prepare for his coming. This week we look to Malachi 3:13-4:3.
ACT 1
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (2 Cor. 10:5)
ACT 2
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;” (Exodus 19:5)
ACT 3
“But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16:29-31)
"There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, “Thy will be done”, and those to whom God says, in the end, “Thy will be done.” All that are in hell choose it." - C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We will spend this Advent season studying the book of Malachi. Through Malachi, the Lord reproves and pursues his people - calling them to remember his covenant, seek him genuinely, and prepare for his coming. This week we look to Malachi 3:6-12.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
We should give proportionally.
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper… 1 Corinthians 16:2
We should give sacrificially.
…for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 2 Corinthians 8:2
We should give cheerfully.
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
We should give locally.
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Galatians 6:6
We should give generously.
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share… 1 Timothy 6:18
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We will spend this Advent season studying the book of Malachi. Through Malachi, the Lord reproves and pursues his people - calling them to remember his covenant, seek him genuinely, and prepare for his coming. This week we look to Malachi 2:17-3:5.
Due to an audio issue on Sunday morning, the recording quality is poor on this particular sermon.
Three questions:
- Oh God, where is your justice?
- Oh God, why do we need refining?
- Oh God, will you answer our cries for justice?
‘What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you." Matthew 11:9-10
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Romans 12:19
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Three implications of God's judgment:
- Forgiveness is possible
- Justice is Necessary
- Peace is Attainable
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We will spend this Advent season studying the book of Malachi. Through Malachi, the Lord reproves and pursues his people - calling them to remember his covenant, seek him genuinely, and prepare for his coming. This week we look to Malachi 2:10-16.
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Mark 10:9
How to “Guard Yourselves and Be Not Faithless”:
- We must regard marriage as the holy and sacred institution that it is.
- We must prefer obedience to self-fulfillment.
- We must walk in humility.
- We must nurture our children toward a holy and high view of marriage.
- We must remember the gospel.
The LORD said to me in the days of King Josiah: “Have you seen what she did, that faithless one, Israel, how she went up on every high hill and under every green tree, and there played the whore? And I thought, ‘After she has done all this she will return to me,’ but she did not return, and her treacherous sister Judah saw it. Jeremiah 3:6-7
“She saw that for all the adulteries of that faithless one, Israel, I had sent her away with a decree of divorce. Yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but she too went and played the whore. Because she took her whoredom lightly, she polluted the land, committing adultery with stone and tree. Yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah did not return to me with her whole heart, but in pretense, declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 3:8-10
“Return, faithless Israel, declares the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the LORD. I will not be angry forever.” Jeremiah 3:13
The saying is trustworthy, for: “If we have died with him we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We will spend this Advent season studying the book of Malachi. Through Malachi, the Lord reproves and pursues his people - calling them to remember his covenant, seek him genuinely, and prepare for his coming. This week we look to Malachi 1:6-2:9.
“You shall not offer anything that has a blemish, for it will not be acceptable for you. And when anyone offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or from the flock, to be accepted it must be perfect; there shall be no blemish in it.” Leviticus 22:20-21
“Animals blind or disabled or mutilated or having a discharge or an itch or scabs you shall not offer to the LORD or give them to the LORD as a food offering on the altar.” Leviticus 22:22
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads and myriads and thousands and thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” Revelation 5:11-12
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:13-14
As you approach gathered worship:
- Prepare for gathered worship
- Focus on others rather than yourself
- Fix your eyes on Jesus
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:15-16
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, and drives away our fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole and calms the troubled breast;
'tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary, rest.
O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend, my Prophet, Priest, and King,
my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise I bring.
How weak the effort of my heart, how cold my warmest thought;
but when I see you as you are, I'll praise you as I ought.
- John Newton
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We will spend this Advent season studying the book of Malachi. Through Malachi, the Lord reproves and pursues his people - calling them to remember his covenant, seek him genuinely, and prepare for his coming. This week we look to Malachi 1:1-5.
“Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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This Sunday, we are joined by Michael White, Pastor of Freedom Church - a Pillar Network Church, in Lincolnton, North Carolina. This standalone sermon is from 1 Corinthians 13:4.
Working Definition of love:
To love others we must suffer long with them and do them good.
- What is love?
“Love is primarily giving. It’s an action that leads to a feeling, not a feeling first.”- Tim Keller
- What is patience?
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:12-16
- What is kindness?
A. Kindness in our minds and hearts
B. Kindness in our motives
C. Kindness in mature confrontation
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:6
…do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 (CSB)
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Psalm 103:8
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We conclude our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 5:12-14.
Signs We Are Drifting from the True Grace of God
- A neglect of God’s Word
- A growing love for worldly things
- A lukewarm prayer life
- Accountability and community are forsaken
- Our sin goes unchecked/unchallenged
- We rely on external religious practice
“I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.” Richard Baxter
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/exiles
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 5:5-11.
Three Action Steps We Should Pursue as we Wait for the Return of Christ:
- Be humble.
- Be on guard.
- Be encouraged.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:3-6
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/exiles
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 5:1-4.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Acts 20:28
- The Elder’s Task (5:1-2a)
- The Elder’s Character (5:2b-3)
- The Elder’s Reward (5:4)
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/exiles
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 4:12-19.
Why - and how - should a Christian rejoice when suffering?
- Suffering now leads to glory to come.
- Suffering is an indication that we truly belong to Christ.
- Suffering now is better than enduring God’s judgment later.
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. Acts 5:41
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/exiles
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 4:7-11.
“The last days are upon us. Weigh Carefully the times. Look for Him who is above all time eternal and invisible.” Ignatius, 110 AD
“We have reached the time of the white horse of the Apocalypse. This world will not last any longer…than another hundred years.” Martin Luther, 1500
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his son whom appointed the heir of all things through whom also he created the world.” Hebrews 1:1-2
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-35
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
“This is the love that breaks the downward spiral of wounded sensibilities, hard feelings, nurtured bitterness, dissension, and vendetta. To cover sins is likely synonymous with forgiveness and the determination to shelter from exposure and condemnation those who have wronged us. – Carson
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12: 4-7
Peter’s Play Call
- Pray
- Love
- Forgiveness
- Hospitality
- Serve
- Speaking/Teaching
- Serving/Action
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/exiles
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 4:1-6.
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. - 1 Peter 2:11
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. - Romans 6:6-7
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/exiles
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 3:18-22.
“[This] is as strange a text and as dark a saying as any in the New Testament, so that I am not yet sure what St. Peter intended.” - Martin Luther
- Peter prepares us to suffer well by reminding us that Christ also suffered.
- Peter prepares us to suffer well by reminding us that Christ is risen.
- Peter prepares us to suffer well by reminding us of Christ’s triumphal procession.
- Peter prepares us to suffer well by reminding us of our baptism.
- Peter prepares us to suffer well by reminding us of the heavenly realms.
“The waters of baptism, like the waters of the flood, demonstrate that destruction is at hand, but believers are rescued from these waters in that they are baptized with Christ, who has also emerged from the waters of death through his resurrection. Just as Noah was delivered through the stormy waters of the flood, believers have been saved through the stormy waters of baptism by virtue of Christ’s triumph over death.” - Tom SchreinerLife Group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/exiles
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 3:13-17.
Suffering in 1 Peter
- 1 Peter 2:19-20
- 1 Peter 3:9
- 1 Peter 4:13, 16, 19
- 1 Peter 5:9-10
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven…” Matthew 5:10-12a
Three Questions Christians Must Answer to Suffer Well:
- Who do I fear most?
- What is my true hope?
- How then shall I speak?
Whose approval matters most to me?
“Hope is a heartfelt, joyful conviction that our short-term future is governed by an all-caring God, and our long-term future, beyond death, will be happy beyond imagination in the presence of the all-satisfying glory of God.” - John Piper
Do I live in such a way that the world might be compelled to ask me about my hope?
Do I really care for and love the people with whom I disagree?
Communion Reflection Questions:
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
Examine yourself: What sinful thought, word, or deed do you need now to confess to the Lord?
What have you done, or left undone, that you need now to confess to Him?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 3:8-12.
- Call to Action #1 (V. 8-9)
A - Reason for the Action #1( V. 9) - Call to Action #2 (V. 10-11)
B - Reason for the Action #2 (V. 12) - 1 Peter 2:23
- 1 Peter 2:21
- 1 Peter 1:9
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? Hebrews 12:1-2
How would we respond?
- For Christians: Run from evil and turn to Christ
- Non-Christians: Run from evil and turn to Christ
- All who feel discouraged: trust in the goodness of God
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Psalm 34:1-10Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/exiles
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 3:7.
Be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. 1 Peter 3:12
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way…so that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7
“So concerned is God that Christian husbands live in an understanding and loving way with their wives, that he ‘interrupts’ his relationship with them when they are not doing so. No Christian husband should presume to think that any spiritual good will be accomplished by his life without an effective ministry of prayer. And no husband may expect an effective prayer life unless he lives with his wife ‘in an understanding way, bestowing honor’ on her.” - Wayne Grudem
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/exiles
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 3:1-6.
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
Three Exhortations:
- Let us hold fast to God’s beautiful design for womanhood.
- Let us hold fast to the wisdom of God’s Word.
- Let us hold fast to hope in Jesus.
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/exiles
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 2:18-25.
Three Questions:
- When should we suffer under authority?
- How should we suffer under authority?
- Why should we suffer under authority?
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— Galatians 3:13
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5Three Words of Application:
- The way you suffer under authority is a testimony to the world about Christ
- Pray for wisdom
- Seek wisdom
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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How should Christians seek to be faithful and generous with our money? What does money tell us about the proper order of our affections as followers of Jesus? We continue for the second week to look at 1 Timothy 6.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28
Two Dangers of Being Rich in this Present Age:
- Pride
- False security
Two Duties of the Rich in this Present Age:
- We must generously embrace the responsibility of wealth.
- We must learn and hold fast to that which is truly life.
“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required…” Luke 12:48b
“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” C.S. Lewis
Three Words of Application:
- Pray for a generous heart.
- Consider what your lifestyle reveals.
- Plan to give sacrificially.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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How should Christians seek to be faithful and generous with our money? What does money tell us about the proper order of our affections as followers of Jesus? We pause our series in 1 Peter to look at 1 Timothy for the next two weeks.
1 Timothy 6:2-10
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:8a
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return.” Job 1:21a
“The deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” Matthew 13:22
Three Words of Application:
- Consider your heart.
- Consider the gospel.
- Consider eternity.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Scripture is filled with calls to remember because humans are so quick to forget. In ancient Israel, the people of God would build Ebenezer (rocks stacked as a memorial) as physical, visible reminders that, ’Till now the Lord has helped us (1 Samuel 7:12).’ So we too look back over the past ten years seeing reminders of the Lord’s help, faithfulness, presence, and provision and echo the Psalmist:
“I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!” Psalm 145:1-10
Psalm 145
*“The psalm offers praise from A to Z to God described from A to Z.” - John Goldingay
“The entire alphabet, the source of all words, is marshaled in praise of God.” - Adele BerlinAnd one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Isaiah 6:3*
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 2:13-17.
We can resist evil and do good by:
- Respecting government itself as an institution ordained by and overseen by God.
- Honoring and submitting to our government leaders - no matter who they are.
- Loving other Christians more than we love government, politics, or our political leaders.
- Fearing the Lord more than we fear any political outcome or possibility.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1
“We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 2:11-12.
Two Journeys of holiness for every Christian:
- Inward Holiness
- Outward Holiness
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions... Galatians 5:19-20
"Give up everything, however precious, which comes between you and heaven." - J.C. Ryle
*In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,*looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 2:9-10.
Three Questions:
- What is my identity?
- How did I get this identity?
- Why did I get this identity?
“And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’, and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’” Hosea 2:23b
Communion Reflection Questions:
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
Examine yourself: What sinful thought, word, or deed do you need now to confess to the Lord? What have you done, or left undone, that you need now to confess to Him?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 2:4-8.
Jesus is a living stone.
Thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation…” Isaiah 28:16
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”...He was speaking about the temple of his body. John 2:19, 21
Jesus is the cornerstone.
Three Exhortations:
- May Jesus Christ be precious to us, just as he is precious to God.
- May we grow together into the holy temple Christ has made us to be.
- May we be faithful knowing that nothing can thwart God’s plan.
"We all serve God inevitably, but it makes a great difference whether you serve like Judas or serve like John.” - C.S. Lewis
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 1:22-2:3.
- The Word of God endures forever.
- The Word of God brings new birth.
- The Word of God moves believers toward maturity.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 1:13-21.
- Hope fully in grace (1:13).
- Be holy as God is holy (1:14-16).
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 3:18
- Fear rightly in your time of exile (1:17-21).
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. - 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
Examine yourself:
- What sinful thought, word, or deed do you need to confess to the Lord?
- What have you done, or left undone, that you need now confess to Him?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 1:10-12.
“Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” - Matthew 13:16-17
None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. - Romans 3:10-12
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. - 1 John 1:8
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9
Four Amazing Things About Our Salvation:
- Christ predicted it
- The prophets longed to understand it
- The angles still long to look into it
- The Holy Spirit brings it to us
He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. - Isaiah 53:5-6
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We continue our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 1:3-9.
We Should Praise God:
- Because he has given us new birth
- Because of the eternal inheritance he keeps in heaven for us
- Because he guards us through faith until Jesus returns
- Because he has given us a joy that transcends trials
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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The Apostle Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter while persecution against Christians was simmering in and around ancient Rome. He wanted his readers to be prepared for hard things to come, and he sought to prepare them by reminding them of their identity as the chosen people of God, living as exiles in a world of suffering.
We begin our series in 1 Peter looking at 1 Peter 1:1-2.
Outline of 1 Peter
- Introduction (1:1-2)
- Part 1: God’s People, Chosen for Glory (1:3-2:10)
- Part 2: Living as Exiles in a Fallen World (2:11-4:10)
- Part 3: Following Jesus from Suffering to Glory (4:11-5:11)
- Closing (5:12-14)
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James, concludes our series by looking at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
- Christian hope allows room for grief (v. 13)
- Christian hope is grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus (v. 14)
- Christian hope transcended life and death (v. 15)
- Christian hope is focused on Christ’s presence (vv. 16-17)
- Do you believe this?
- Does your life reflect this?
- Do you long for this?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James, continues our series by looking at 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
I am writing these things to you so that…you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14-15
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ...shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercisingoversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you. 1 Peter 5:1-2
The Elders are responsible for the spiritual development and oversight of the local church before God. Elders serve as pastors, or under-shepherds, of Christ.
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17
“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45
Deacons are chosen from the congregation and are to function as servants to the church, assisting the Elders in caring for church members and church ministries.
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Titus 1:9
“A pastor needs two voices, one for gathering the sheep and the other for driving away wolves and thieves.” - John Calvin
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrew 13:17Life Group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James, continues our series by looking at Matthew 28:16-20, and Matthew 26:26-29.
Matthew 28:16-20
God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:9-11
There are two ordinances instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ for the local church to celebrate regularly – baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This event signifies a believer’s death to sin and resurrection to new life as a result of faith in and obedience toward the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 26:26-29
The Lord’s Supper is an event designed to remember the Lord’s sacrificial death for his people, to confess and cleanse sin from the local congregation, and to anticipate the Lord’s return.
Communion Reflection Questions:
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
Examine yourself: What sinful thought, word, or deed do you need to confess to the Lord? What have you done, or left undone, that you need now confess to Him?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James, continues our series looking at Ephesians 2:19-22.
Life Group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James, continues our series looking at Ephesians 1:3-14.
“[Union with Christ is] the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation.” - John MurrayLife Group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. One of our elders, Randy Meeks, continues our series looking at Romans 5:12-21.
“Sin is any lack of conformity to the moral law of God. Original sin is the state of all human beings at birth, and includes their sin nature, which is the root of all actual sins that violate God’s law.” - Gregg R. Allison
Four Divine Truths:
- Consequences of Adam's Sin (vv. 12-14)
- Contrasts Between Adam and Christ (vv. 15-17)
- Comparison Between Adam and Christ (vv. 18-19)
- Competition Between Law and Grace (vv. 20-21)
Life Group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. One of our elders, Randy Meeks, continues our series looking at Romans 5:12-21.
“Sin is any lack of conformity to the moral law of God. Original sin is the state of all human beings at birth, and includes their sin nature, which is the root of all actual sins that violate God’s law.” - Gregg R. Allison
Four Divine Truths:
- Consequences of Adam's Sin (vv. 12-14)
- Contrasts Between Adam and Christ (vv. 15-17)
- Comparison Between Adam and Christ (vv. 18-19)
- Competition Between Law and Grace (vv. 20-21)
Life Group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James continues our series looking at Genesis 1:26-28.
“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:6-7
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Romans 1:25
Life Group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James continues our series looking at Genesis 1:26-28.
“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:6-7
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Romans 1:25
Life Group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James continues our series looking at John 16:4-15.
"I needed God in a personal way – not as an object of my study, but as friend, guide, comforter. I needed an existential experience of the Holy One…I found the Scriptures to be helpful – even authoritatively helpful – as a guide. But without feeling God, the Bible gave me little solace…I found a longing to get closer to God, but found myself unable to do so through my normal means: exegesis, scripture reading, more exegesis. I believe that I had depersonalized God so much that when I really needed him I didn’t know how to relate." - Daniel Wallace
“The Spirit’s message to us is never, ‘Look at me; listen to me; come to me; get to know me,’ but always, ‘Look at him; and see his glory; listen to him, and hear his word; go to him, and have life; get to know him; and taste his gift of joy and peace.’” - J.I. Packer
Life Group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James continues our series looking at John 16:4-15.
"I needed God in a personal way – not as an object of my study, but as friend, guide, comforter. I needed an existential experience of the Holy One…I found the Scriptures to be helpful – even authoritatively helpful – as a guide. But without feeling God, the Bible gave me little solace…I found a longing to get closer to God, but found myself unable to do so through my normal means: exegesis, scripture reading, more exegesis. I believe that I had depersonalized God so much that when I really needed him I didn’t know how to relate." - Daniel Wallace
“The Spirit’s message to us is never, ‘Look at me; listen to me; come to me; get to know me,’ but always, ‘Look at him; and see his glory; listen to him, and hear his word; go to him, and have life; get to know him; and taste his gift of joy and peace.’” - J.I. Packer
Life Group discussion questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Celebrating Resurrection Sunday at Life Church as we open God's Word to Hebrews 2:14-18.
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/sermons
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Celebrating Resurrection Sunday at Life Church as we open God's Word to Hebrews 2:14-18.
Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/sermons
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James continues our series looking at Galatians 4:4-7.
“You sum up the whole of New Testament religion if you describe it as the knowledge of God as one’s holy Father. If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all.” - J.I. Packer
Article III
We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit who is good, righteous, and just. He is perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. He reigns with providential care over His universe and infallibly foreknows all that shall come to pass according to his sovereign will.
Article III
He saves all who come to Him through Jesus Christ from sin and death.
Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James continues our series looking at Galatians 4:4-7.
“You sum up the whole of New Testament religion if you describe it as the knowledge of God as one’s holy Father. If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all.” - J.I. Packer
Article III
We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit who is good, righteous, and just. He is perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. He reigns with providential care over His universe and infallibly foreknows all that shall come to pass according to his sovereign will.
Article III
He saves all who come to Him through Jesus Christ from sin and death.
Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor Matt continues our series looking at John 17:24.
What was God doing before the Creation of the world?
The Creator God is first a loving Father
The Triune God makes us in His Image
The Triune God is at work in salvation
A triune God means my relationship before God is not performance-driven.
A triune God shows us that different functions does not mean different value.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor Matt continues our series looking at John 17:24.
What was God doing before the Creation of the world?
The Creator God is first a loving Father
The Triune God makes us in His Image
The Triune God is at work in salvation
A triune God means my relationship before God is not performance-driven.
A triune God shows us that different functions does not mean different value.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James begins week one looking at 2 Peter 1:16-21.
“It will shine still brighter when night is about you. May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”
Communion Reflection Questions
- On what areas of my life have I failed to shine the light of Scripture?
- What voices, desires, feelings, or experiences am I paying attention to more carefully than Scripture?
*Due to poor audio quality with this recording, you can access a transcript of this Sunday's sermon on our website: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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A 12-week sermon series from the Bible as we preach through our proposed statement of faith. Pastor James begins week one looking at 2 Peter 1:16-21.
“It will shine still brighter when night is about you. May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”
Communion Reflection Questions
- On what areas of my life have I failed to shine the light of Scripture?
- What voices, desires, feelings, or experiences am I paying attention to more carefully than Scripture?
*Due to poor audio quality with this recording, you can access a transcript of this Sunday's sermon on our website: lifechurchnc.com/thiswebelieve
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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*Due to audio issues with this week's recording, the sermon transcript is available online here.
Pastor James concludes our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 15:40-16:8.
“Truly this man was the Son of God.” - Mark 15:39
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. - Mark 1:1
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. - Mark 8:31
He was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” - Mark 9:31
“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” - Mark 10:33-34
1. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of all Christian belief.
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile…If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. - 1 Corinthians 15:17, 19
[Jesus] was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. - Romans 4:25
2. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of all Christian obedience.
3. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of all Christian hope.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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*Due to audio issues with this week's recording, the sermon transcript is available online here.
Pastor James concludes our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 15:40-16:8.
“Truly this man was the Son of God.” - Mark 15:39
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. - Mark 1:1
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. - Mark 8:31
He was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” - Mark 9:31
“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” - Mark 10:33-34
1. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of all Christian belief.
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile…If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. - 1 Corinthians 15:17, 19
[Jesus] was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. - Romans 4:25
2. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of all Christian obedience.
3. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of all Christian hope.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We paused our sermon series in the gospel of Mark. Mark Etheridge, our Student Ministry Director shares God's Word with us from Nehemiah 8.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We paused our sermon series in the gospel of Mark. Mark Etheridge, our Student Ministry Director shares God's Word with us from Nehemiah 8.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 15:1-39.
The Death of Jesus from a Human Perspective: A Miscarriage of Justice in a Chaotic Atmosphere (Mark 15:1-15)
The Death of Jesus from a Divine Reality: God’s Plan in a Controlled Atmosphere (Acts 2:22-33)
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:9-11
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 15:1-39.
The Death of Jesus from a Human Perspective: A Miscarriage of Justice in a Chaotic Atmosphere (Mark 15:1-15)
The Death of Jesus from a Divine Reality: God’s Plan in a Controlled Atmosphere (Acts 2:22-33)
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:9-11
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 14:26-52.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 14:26-52.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 14:10-25.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 14:10-25.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in Mark looking at Mark 14:1-11.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in Mark looking at Mark 14:1-11.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We begin the new returning to our sermon series in the gospel of Mark: Behold the Servant King. Pastor preaches through Mark 13:1-37.
“The temple complex covered about thirty-five acres. The sanctuary stood one hundred and fifty feet high, as did the temple wall. The columns that held up the portico were so massive that three large men could barely encompass them by touching fingertip to fingertip. Josephus tells us that some of the stones that made up the temple were sixty feet long, eleven feet high, and eight feet deep, with each stone weighing more than a million pounds. Other historians of antiquity said Herod’s temple looked like a mountain of marble decorated with gold. The temple complex was architecturally stunning and must have looked strong enough to stand for a thousand years or more.”
“[Children and young people], swollen from starvation, roamed like phantoms through the market-places and collapsed wherever their doom overtook them.”
One hindrance to our spiritual readiness: Indifference to our own sin.
Three Ways to Grow Our Spiritual Readiness
- We must cultivate our affection for the Lord.
- We must sacrifice for Christ’s mission here on earth.
- We must boast increasingly in the gospel.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We begin the new returning to our sermon series in the gospel of Mark: Behold the Servant King. Pastor preaches through Mark 13:1-37.
“The temple complex covered about thirty-five acres. The sanctuary stood one hundred and fifty feet high, as did the temple wall. The columns that held up the portico were so massive that three large men could barely encompass them by touching fingertip to fingertip. Josephus tells us that some of the stones that made up the temple were sixty feet long, eleven feet high, and eight feet deep, with each stone weighing more than a million pounds. Other historians of antiquity said Herod’s temple looked like a mountain of marble decorated with gold. The temple complex was architecturally stunning and must have looked strong enough to stand for a thousand years or more.”
“[Children and young people], swollen from starvation, roamed like phantoms through the market-places and collapsed wherever their doom overtook them.”
One hindrance to our spiritual readiness: Indifference to our own sin.
Three Ways to Grow Our Spiritual Readiness
- We must cultivate our affection for the Lord.
- We must sacrifice for Christ’s mission here on earth.
- We must boast increasingly in the gospel.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt concludes our Advent and Christmas Series 'Unexpected Grace' looking at the life of Mary from Luke 1:36-56.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt concludes our Advent and Christmas Series 'Unexpected Grace' looking at the life of Mary from Luke 1:36-56.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our Advent sermon series looking at the wife of Uriah from 2 Samuel 11:1-27.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our Advent sermon series looking at the wife of Uriah from 2 Samuel 11:1-27.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our Advent sermon series looking at the story of Ruth.
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1
“It is as though God intended this genealogy to say, ‘Oh, Christ is the kind of person who is not ashamed of sinners—in fact he even puts them in his family tree.’” - Martin Luther
The heavens over your head shall be bronze, and the earth under you shall be iron. The LORD will make the rain of your land powder. From heaven dust shall come down on you until you are destroyed. Deuteronomy 28:23-24
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21b
“The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus mean that one day everything sad will come untrue.” - J. R. R. Tolkien
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our Advent sermon series looking at the story of Ruth.
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1
“It is as though God intended this genealogy to say, ‘Oh, Christ is the kind of person who is not ashamed of sinners—in fact he even puts them in his family tree.’” - Martin Luther
The heavens over your head shall be bronze, and the earth under you shall be iron. The LORD will make the rain of your land powder. From heaven dust shall come down on you until you are destroyed. Deuteronomy 28:23-24
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21b
“The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus mean that one day everything sad will come untrue.” - J. R. R. Tolkien
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our Advent sermon series, Unexpected Grace, looking at the story of Rahab from Joshua 2:1-24.
But to the two men who had spied out the land, Joshua said, “Go into the prostitute’s house and bring out from there the woman and all who belong to her, as you swore to her.” So the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab and her father and mother and brothers and all who belonged to her. And they brought all her relatives and put them outside the camp of Israel…Rahab the prostitute and her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. And she has lived in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. - Joshua 6:22-25
Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king…Jacob the Father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born who is called Christ. - Matthew 1:4-6, 16
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our Advent sermon series, Unexpected Grace, looking at the story of Rahab from Joshua 2:1-24.
But to the two men who had spied out the land, Joshua said, “Go into the prostitute’s house and bring out from there the woman and all who belong to her, as you swore to her.” So the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab and her father and mother and brothers and all who belonged to her. And they brought all her relatives and put them outside the camp of Israel…Rahab the prostitute and her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. And she has lived in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. - Joshua 6:22-25
Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king…Jacob the Father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born who is called Christ. - Matthew 1:4-6, 16
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Unexpected Grace - our Advent sermon series - will follow the women in the genealogy of Jesus. Pastor Matt begins this series by looking at Genesis 38:1-30.
- Abraham is the father of Isaac
- Isaac is the father of Esau and Jacob
- Jacob marries Leah and Rachel
- Judah is one of twelve sons of Jacob
Judah has three sons
- Er marries Tamar
- Onan
- Shelah
Tamar has rights
- Wife of the firstborn
- She has the right to be the mother of the heir of Judah
- Judah has failed to protect and provide for her
- Er marries Tamar
- Onan
- Shelah
Christ is the kind of person who is not ashamed of sinners, in fact he put them in his family tree. - Martin Luther
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Unexpected Grace - our Advent sermon series - will follow the women in the genealogy of Jesus. Pastor Matt begins this series by looking at Genesis 38:1-30.
- Abraham is the father of Isaac
- Isaac is the father of Esau and Jacob
- Jacob marries Leah and Rachel
- Judah is one of twelve sons of Jacob
Judah has three sons
- Er marries Tamar
- Onan
- Shelah
Tamar has rights
- Wife of the firstborn
- She has the right to be the mother of the heir of Judah
- Judah has failed to protect and provide for her
- Er marries Tamar
- Onan
- Shelah
Christ is the kind of person who is not ashamed of sinners, in fact he put them in his family tree. - Martin Luther
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Matt Evans continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 12:35-44.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Matt Evans continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 12:35-44.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 12:28-34.
“God is never satisfied with anything less than the devotion of our whole life for the whole duration of our lives.” - Sinclair Ferguson
Loving God with our whole being includes:
- Obedience to His Word (Deut 6:2)
- Teaching His Word to others (Deut 6:7-9)
- Displaying Him in my life and home (Deut 6:8-9)
- Remembering how He has provided for me (Deut 6:12)
- Not putting anything before Him that pulls my attention and affection from Him (Deut 6:14)
Loving your neighbor as yourself includes:
- Care for the poor, the immigrant, and the refugee (Lev19:9-10, 33-34)
- Dealing honesty with others (Lev 19:11-12)
- Not oppressing or robbing others (Lev 19:13)
- Honoring God in my business dealings (Lev19:13, 35-36)
- Care for the deaf and the blind (Lev 19:14)
- Showing proper justice for all (Lev 19:15)
- Not speaking improperly of others (Lev 19:16-18)
- Honoring God in sexuality (Lev 19:20-22)
- Not trafficking others (Lev19:23)
- Honoring the elderly (Lev 19:32)
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 12:28-34.
“God is never satisfied with anything less than the devotion of our whole life for the whole duration of our lives.” - Sinclair Ferguson
Loving God with our whole being includes:
- Obedience to His Word (Deut 6:2)
- Teaching His Word to others (Deut 6:7-9)
- Displaying Him in my life and home (Deut 6:8-9)
- Remembering how He has provided for me (Deut 6:12)
- Not putting anything before Him that pulls my attention and affection from Him (Deut 6:14)
Loving your neighbor as yourself includes:
- Care for the poor, the immigrant, and the refugee (Lev19:9-10, 33-34)
- Dealing honesty with others (Lev 19:11-12)
- Not oppressing or robbing others (Lev 19:13)
- Honoring God in my business dealings (Lev19:13, 35-36)
- Care for the deaf and the blind (Lev 19:14)
- Showing proper justice for all (Lev 19:15)
- Not speaking improperly of others (Lev 19:16-18)
- Honoring God in sexuality (Lev 19:20-22)
- Not trafficking others (Lev19:23)
- Honoring the elderly (Lev 19:32)
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 12:18-27.
“He who does not prepare for death is more than an ordinary fool. He is a madman.” - Charles Spurgeon
“The best moment of a Christian’s life is his last one, because it is the one that is nearest heaven.” - Charles Spurgeon
“Death is the funeral of all our sorrows.” - Thomas Watson
“Death is but a passage out of a prison into a palace.” - John Bunyan
“Death is not now the death of me, but death will be the death of my misery, the death of my sins; it will be the death of my corruptions. But death will be my birthday in regard of happiness.” - Richard Sibbes
“Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. Why shouldest thou be afraid to die, who hopest to live by dying?” - William Gurnall
“Has this world been so kind to you that you would leave it with regret? If we really believe that home is elsewhere and that this life is a ‘wandering to find home,’ why should we not look forward to the arrival?” - C.S. Lewis
"We may positively state that nobody has made any progress in the school of Christ, unless he cheerfully looks forward towards the day of his death, and towards the day of the final resurrection.” - John Calvin
Mark 12:18-27
“If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.” Deuteronomy 25:5-6
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him…” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 12:18-27.
“He who does not prepare for death is more than an ordinary fool. He is a madman.” - Charles Spurgeon
“The best moment of a Christian’s life is his last one, because it is the one that is nearest heaven.” - Charles Spurgeon
“Death is the funeral of all our sorrows.” - Thomas Watson
“Death is but a passage out of a prison into a palace.” - John Bunyan
“Death is not now the death of me, but death will be the death of my misery, the death of my sins; it will be the death of my corruptions. But death will be my birthday in regard of happiness.” - Richard Sibbes
“Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. Why shouldest thou be afraid to die, who hopest to live by dying?” - William Gurnall
“Has this world been so kind to you that you would leave it with regret? If we really believe that home is elsewhere and that this life is a ‘wandering to find home,’ why should we not look forward to the arrival?” - C.S. Lewis
"We may positively state that nobody has made any progress in the school of Christ, unless he cheerfully looks forward towards the day of his death, and towards the day of the final resurrection.” - John Calvin
Mark 12:18-27
“If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.” Deuteronomy 25:5-6
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him…” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 12:13-17.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1
I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior… 1 Timothy 2:1-3
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 12:13-17.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1
I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior… 1 Timothy 2:1-3
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 11:27-12:12.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 11:27-12:12.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 11:12-25.
Old Testament Passages on Fig Trees and God’s Judgment:
- Isaiah 34:1-4
- Jeremiah 29:15-19
- Hosea 2:10-12
- Joel 1:1-12
- Micah 7:1-7
And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant - these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Isaiah 56:6-7
Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the LORD. Jeremiah 7:11
Communion Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas of my life that I need to repent because I am bearing leaves but no fruit?
- Am I going through the motions, busy with religious work, but my heart is hardened or indifferent to God?
- Where do I need to repent of my desire to be more focused on doing things for God than resting in and moving in obedience to God?
- Who do I exclude from hearing God’s Word in the name of religion?
- How do I need to pray for myself and others in light of the reality that Jesus is both Savior and Judge?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 11:12-25.
Old Testament Passages on Fig Trees and God’s Judgment:
- Isaiah 34:1-4
- Jeremiah 29:15-19
- Hosea 2:10-12
- Joel 1:1-12
- Micah 7:1-7
And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant - these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Isaiah 56:6-7
Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the LORD. Jeremiah 7:11
Communion Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas of my life that I need to repent because I am bearing leaves but no fruit?
- Am I going through the motions, busy with religious work, but my heart is hardened or indifferent to God?
- Where do I need to repent of my desire to be more focused on doing things for God than resting in and moving in obedience to God?
- Who do I exclude from hearing God’s Word in the name of religion?
- How do I need to pray for myself and others in light of the reality that Jesus is both Savior and Judge?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 11:1-11.
“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and log him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” Mark 10:33-34
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9
“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 3:1
“But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.” Malachi 3:2-3
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 11:1-11.
“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and log him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” Mark 10:33-34
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9
“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 3:1
“But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.” Malachi 3:2-3
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 10:32-52.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 10:32-52.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in Mark's gospel, looking at Mark 10:17-31.
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Galatians 6:6
Why is the love of money so dangerous?
- Money provides a feeding ground for many sinful attitudes and heart postures.
- Money moves us away from contentment, not toward contentment.
- Money makes us comfortable in this world, which is not our home.
- Money perpetuates the lie that we are self-reliant and independent.
We should examine the relationship between what we spend and what we treasure.
We should invest our treasure in things that last eternally.
We must fix our eyes on our True and Better Rich Young Ruler.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in Mark's gospel, looking at Mark 10:17-31.
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Galatians 6:6
Why is the love of money so dangerous?
- Money provides a feeding ground for many sinful attitudes and heart postures.
- Money moves us away from contentment, not toward contentment.
- Money makes us comfortable in this world, which is not our home.
- Money perpetuates the lie that we are self-reliant and independent.
We should examine the relationship between what we spend and what we treasure.
We should invest our treasure in things that last eternally.
We must fix our eyes on our True and Better Rich Young Ruler.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 10:13-16.
“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? - Mark 10:18
The kingdom of God is for the weak, the helpless, and the unimportant.
Unless you receive the kingdom of God on that basis, you will never enter it.
And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hands on him. - Mark 7:32Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. - Psalm 51:4-5
- Is it difficult for you to respect those whose standards aren’t as high as yours?
- Do you feel that you’re better than most people?
- Do you get angry when difficulties and suffering come into your life?
- Are you painfully preoccupied with a particular habitual sin?
- Do you frequently experience anxiety that something’s about to go wrong?
- Do you steer clear of intimate relationships or small-group discussions?
- Do you seldom think of the cross?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 10:13-16.
“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? - Mark 10:18
The kingdom of God is for the weak, the helpless, and the unimportant.
Unless you receive the kingdom of God on that basis, you will never enter it.
And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hands on him. - Mark 7:32Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. - Psalm 51:4-5
- Is it difficult for you to respect those whose standards aren’t as high as yours?
- Do you feel that you’re better than most people?
- Do you get angry when difficulties and suffering come into your life?
- Are you painfully preoccupied with a particular habitual sin?
- Do you frequently experience anxiety that something’s about to go wrong?
- Do you steer clear of intimate relationships or small-group discussions?
- Do you seldom think of the cross?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark looking at Mark 10:1-12.
When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, and she departs out of his house… - Deuteronomy 24:1
They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” - Matthew 19:7-9
FIVE WORDS OF APPLICATION
- May we regard marriage as the holy and sacred institution that it is.
- May we prefer obedience to self-fulfillment.
- May we walk in humility.
- May we nurture our children toward a high and holy view of marriage.
- May we remember the gospel.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark looking at Mark 10:1-12.
When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, and she departs out of his house… - Deuteronomy 24:1
They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” - Matthew 19:7-9
FIVE WORDS OF APPLICATION
- May we regard marriage as the holy and sacred institution that it is.
- May we prefer obedience to self-fulfillment.
- May we walk in humility.
- May we nurture our children toward a high and holy view of marriage.
- May we remember the gospel.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 9:33-50.
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Mark 9:33-50
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. - Mark 8:31
He was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” - Mark 9:31
“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” - Mark 10:33-34
But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. - Mark 9:32
Signs of Subtle Pride (from Jonathan Edwards)
- Fault-finding
- A harsh spirit
- Superficiality
- Defensiveness
- Presumption before God
- Desperation for attention
- Neglecting others
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark looking at Mark 9:14-32.
Faith, a radical dependence on God, must be lived out in a broken world (Mark 9.14-19).
It is not the amount of our faith that is key, it is the object of our faith (Mark 9.20-27).
Moments of failure in our walk with God are opportunities to drive us to a deeper dependence in Christ (Mark 9.28-32).
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food,the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. - Habakkuk 3.17-19
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 9:2-13.
"Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment." Psalm 104:1-2
"The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt." Psalm 93:1a
"Out of the north comes golden splendor; God is clothed with awesome majesty." Job 37:22
"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain." 2 Peter 1:16-18
"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it." Mark 8:35
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
“...whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”John 4:14
COMMUNION REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
In what area of your life do you most need to keep your eyes fixed firmly on Jesus? What might you do to fix your eyes more firmly on Jesus?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We return to our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark. Pastor James picks up in Mark 8:22-9:1.
"And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive…’” - Mark 4:11-12
“Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?” - Mark 8:16-17
“Give up yourself, and you will find your real self. Lose your life and you will save it. Submit to death, the death of your ambitions and favorite wishes every day and the death of your whole body in the end: Submit with every fiber of your being, and you will find eternal life. - C.S. Lewis
“Keep back nothing. Nothing that you have not given away will be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.” - C.S. Lewis
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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This morning we had the joy of ordaining new elders. Pastor James teaches through Titus 1:5-9 as we learn about the requirements for family life, character, and doctrine of elders.
"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight…" - 1 Peter 5:1-2
- Elders Must Be Above Reproach in Family Life
- Elders Must Be Above Reproach in Character
- Elders Must Be Above Reproach in Doctrine
“A pastor needs two voices, one for gathering the sheep and the other for driving away wolves and thieves.” - John Calvin
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." - Hebrews 13:17
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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One of our elders, Randy Meeks, concludes our sermon series on the 10 Commandments series looking at Exodus 20:17.
“ . . .desire isn’t evil because it’s strong. Desire becomes evil when it’s fixed on the wrong things.” - James Leithart
Coveting: The person with an inordinate, excessive desire to possess what belongs to someone else. The unhealthy, ungodly lust, or selfish motive to gain something God has not given.
“Covetousness hides in the heart. The Ten Words progress from “Don’t do it” to “Don’t say it” to “Don’t even think about it.” - Jen Wilkin, Ten Words To Live By
Contentment: The mental acceptance and internal satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, and conditions allotted by God without a demand for change in the external circumstances.
“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”- 1 Timothy 6:6-10
LEARNING CONTENTMENT INCLUDES:
- The commitment to keep God and Christ Jesus first in my life.
- Believing it is a skill to be developed and exercised.
- My trusting God’s will, direction, and timing for everything.
- Acknowledging God is more than enough.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series on the Ten Commandments looking at Exodus 20:16.
"On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness." - Deuteronomy 17:6
"The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst." - Deuteronomy 17:7
"The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst." - Deuteronomy 19:18-19
"There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." - Proverbs 6:16-19
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” - Acts 1:8
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series on the Ten Commandments by looking at Exodus 20:15.
Why do we steal?
- We want more = greed
- We are competitive = jealousy
- We don’t trust God
- We deny the providence of God
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” - Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
“What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.” - Matthew 15.18-20
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12.1-2
Communion Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life do I see greed, areas that I need to confess that I place more value on than God?
- Are there areas of my life I need to repent of due to jealousy over what God has given someone else?
- What area of my life do I need to trust God in providing what I need, not what I want, but what I need?
- As I think about what I value, what do I need to let God continue to transform in my heart to show me the finite value of worldly goods and the infinite value of God’s glory?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series on the Ten Commandments looking at Exodus 20:14.
Exodus 20:14 & Matthew 5:27-30
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt.” - Hosea 2:14-15
“Sexual faithfulness in marriage and sexual purity outside of marriage aren’t mere demands of law. Sexual faithfulness preaches the gospel. When a husband and wife are faithful to one another, sexually and otherwise, they become a created symbol of the covenant God who keeps his vows to Israel and the new Israel. By keeping the Seventh Word, we dramatize the good news of Jesus, the Bridegroom of the church, who gives himself in utter fidelity to and for his Bride.” - Peter Leithart
“Male and female were made to be combined together in pairs, not simply on a sexual level, but totally combined. The monstrosity of sexual intercourse outside marriage is that those who indulge in it are trying to isolate one kind of union (the sexual) from all the other kinds of union which were intended to go along with it and make up the total union.” - C.S. Lewis
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” - Lamentations 3:22-24
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth…Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming." - Colossians 3:1-2, 5-6
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!
O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared." - Psalm 130:1-4
"You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series on The Ten Commandments looking at Exodus 20:13.
“When we study the sixth commandment carefully and come to understand its full implications, we find that no commandment is more blatantly or brutally violated.” - Philip Ryken
1) The Sixth Commandment and Israel
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” - Genesis 9:6
2) The Sixth Commandment and Our Culture
3) The Sixth Commandment and Our Hearts
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” - Matthew 5:21-22
“Be angry and do not sin…” - Ephesians 4:26a
4) The Sixth Commandment and Jesus
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Our student ministry director, Emory McNeely continues our sermon series on the 10 Commandments, looking at Exodus 20:12.
Why is the fifth commandment important?
What does the fifth commandment ask of us?
“And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” - Exodus 14:18
“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Among those who are near Me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” - Leviticus 10:3
Four Things to Say to Honor Your Parents
- Yes
- Thank you
- I'm sorry
- Hello
MAP
The fifth commandment shows us how to follow God.
MUZZLE
The fifth commandment keeps us from doing evil by giving us authorities to teach and guide us.
MIRROR
The fifth commandment reflects our failure to be holy as God is holy.
Reflection Questions:How can you reconcile with your parents to honor Christ? How do you need to step up as a faithful parent?
How can you rest in the finished work of the Son of God who has accomplished all things on your behalf?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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We paused our sermon series on the Ten Commandments to celebrate six baptisms this past Sunday. Pastor James preached a sermon on Acts 2:36-41.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5
1) We need to walk in daily, ongoing repentance.
2) We need to be baptized.
3) We need to praise God for the grace that softens hearts and saves even hardened sinners.
“Tell me, how many souls were there who had crucified the Lord, who brought along bloodstained hands, who had sacrilegious ears, whose tongues were compared with a sword? Christ had not prayed for them in vain. He did not say in vain, ‘Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.’ From their number a very great many believed. There you have thousands of souls, and today so many thousand souls. The Holy Spirit came on them, through whom love is poured out in our hearts.” - Augustine
4) We need to give our lives to making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series on The Ten Commandments looking at Exodus 20:8-11
"On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight." - Acts 20:7
"Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb." - John 20:1
“Christ took the Sabbath into the grave with him and brought the Lord’s Day out of the grave with him on the resurrection mourn.” - B.B. Warfield
"One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord." - Romans 14:5-6a
"Let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath." - Colossians 2:15
We can remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy by setting aside one day every week for corporate worship.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25
We can remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy by cultivating trust in God’s provision through the discipline of rest.
“...the blasphemous anxiety to do God’s work for him.’ - Eugene Peterson
We can remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy by intentionally resting in the finished work of Christ.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series on the 10 Commandments looking at Exodus 20:7.
"Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.”" - Exodus 33:18-19
"The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and fourth generation.”" Exodus 34:5-7
We profane the name of the Lord when we invoke God’s name to baptize our own ideas and agendas.
We profane the name of the Lord when we invoke God’s name with insincere faith.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
We profane the name of the Lord when we pursue the renown of our own name at the expense of the renown of God’s name.
“Pray then like this, ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…’” Matthew 6:9
"Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." - Revelation 15:3-4
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series on the Ten Commandments looking at Exodus 20:4-6.
Ezekiel 18:20
2 Kings 10:28-31
Colossians 1:15
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James begins our new sermon series on the 10 Commandments looking at Exodus 20:1-3.
“In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship.” - David Foster Wallace“After the Law has humbled, terrified, and completely crushed you, so that you are on the brink of despair, then see to it that you know how to use the Law correctly; for its function and use is not only to disclose sin and the wrath of God but also to drive us to Christ.” - Martin Luther“Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:9-11
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our series in the gospel of Mark, looking at Mark 8:1-21.
The Hungry Crowd Is Satisfied (8:1-10)
"And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened." - Mark 6:51-52
The Arrogant Pharisees Are Rejected (8:11-13).
The Unbelieving Disciples Are Challenged (8:14-21).
- In what ways, or in what areas of my life, do I fail to trust in Jesus’ sufficiency?
- In what ways, or in what areas of my life, do I trust in my own strength and sufficiency?
- In what ways, or in what areas of my life, do I fail to submit to Jesus’ authority?
- In what ways, or in what areas of my life, do I fail to trust in Jesus’ sovereign power over me, and over all things?
COMMUNION REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- In what ways, or in what areas of my life, do I sense my own hard-heartedness?
- Do I fail to trust in Jesus’ sufficiency? Do I trust too much in my own strength? Do I fail to submit to Jesus’ authority? Do I fail to trust in Jesus’ sovereign power and control?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark, looking at Mark 7:31-37.
"The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing." - Isaiah 35:1-2a
"Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”" - Isaiah 35:4
"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy." - Isaiah 35:5-6a
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 7:24-30.
God’s grace is for the nations and that is rooted throughout Scripture.
"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
- Genesis 12.2-3
"On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
Glorious things of you are spoken,
O city of God. SelahAmong those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say." - Psalm 87.1-4
A right understanding of Christ begins with a right understanding of where we stand in relation to Christ.
While we should be more than satisfied with receiving crumbs from God, in His grace He is not satisfied with giving us crumbs.
"After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just…And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” - for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” - Revelation 19.1-2a, 5-9
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark looking at Mark 7:1-23.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” - Exodus 20:8
"And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.”" - Zechariah 3:4
"Hear now, O Joshua the high priest…behold, I will bring my servant the Branch…I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day." - Zechariah 3:8-9
Reflect & Repent
What skin-deep, external measures of obedience do you look to in order to make you feel clean?
What heart-level defilement and sin do you need to bring to Jesus for true cleansing today?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark looking at Mark 6:45-56.
SIX TRUTHS TO REST IN DURING LIFE'S STORMS.
- There are times we are in a storm because we are obedient to Christ (v45).
- There are times we are exhausted and we cannot see Christ but He sees us (v48).
- Our greatest need in the midst of storms is to behold the glory of Christ (v48-50).
- In the midst of the storms rest in knowing His purposes are sure (v45-53).
- In the midst of storms know that Christ is sufficient (v51).
- Remind yourself daily of points 1-5 again, again, and again when the storm waters rise.
Exodus 33:18-23
1 Kings 19:9-13
Romans 5:6-11
Romans 8:31-39
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark looking at Mark 6:30-44.
"And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”" - Mark 14:22-24
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James teaches from Ephesians 2:4-7 on Resurrection Sunday.
“The new [Narnia] was a deeper country: every rock and flower and blade of grass looked as if it meant more. I can’t describe it any better than that; if you ever get there you will know what I mean. It was the Unicorn who summed up what everyone was feeling. He stamped his right forehoof on the ground and neighed, and then cried: ‘I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now. The reason why we loved the old Narnia is that it sometimes looked a little like this…Come further up, come further in!’” - C.S. Lewis
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark, looking at Mark 6:14-29.
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
- 2 Timothy 3:12
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’ - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” - James 4:13-15
How do I walk in obedience to God in the midst of everyday life in a broken world?
- I have a deep trust in Christ (Philippians 1:19).
- My greatest fear in life is that I don’t want to shame Christ (Philippians 1:20)
- I can trust in Christ because in Him I have a very certain future (Philippians 1:22-26).
How do I pray in light of our time together today?
- I pray that while God has me in this world, I am not of this world (John 17:15-16).
- I pray that I don’t go to work, but that I go to work with God.
- I pray that I move with integrity and honor God in my work ethic.
- I pray for wisdom in how to use the resources that God has given me for His glory.
- I pray open handed with my life, and the lives of my loved ones.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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This week, pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking at Mark 6:1-13.
"When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff."
- Luke 4:28-29
“Let us observe, in the last place, what was the doctrine which our Lord’s apostles preached. We read that ‘they went out and preached that men should repent. The necessity of repentance may seem at first sight a very simple and elementary truth. And yet volumes might be written to show the fullness of the doctrine, and the suitableness of it to every age and time, and to every rank and class of mankind. It is inseparably connected with right views of God, of human nature, of sin, of Christ, of holiness, and of heaven. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. All need to be brought to a sense of their sins, - to a sorrow for them; to a willingness to give them up; and to a hunger and thirst after pardon. All, in a word, need to be born again and to flee to Christ. This is repentance unto life. Have we ourselves repented? This, after all, is the question that concerns us most. It is well to know what the apostles taught. It is well to be familiar with the whole system of Christian doctrine. But it is far better to know repentance by experience and to feel it inwardly in our own hearts. May we never rest till we know and feel that we have repented! There are no impenitent people in the kingdom of heaven.” - J.C. Ryle
“All who enter in there have felt, mourned over, forsaken, and sought pardon for sin. This must be our experience, if we hope to be saved.” - J.C. Ryle
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our series in the Gospel of Mark looking at Mark 5:21-43.
Three Scenes:
- Jesus, with Jairus, responds to desperate faith (5:21-24a)
- Jesus, with a bleeding woman, responds to deficient faith (5:24b-34)
- Jesus, with a little girl, responds to defeated faith (5:35-43)
“How can you live with the terrifying thought that the hurricane has become human, that fire has become flesh, that life itself became life and walked in our midst? Christianity either means that, or it means nothing. It is either the most devastating disclosure of the deepest reality of the world, or it is a sham, a nonsense, a bit of deceitful playacting. Most of us, unable to cope with saying either of those things, condemn ourselves to live in the shallow world in between.” - N.T. Wright
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Mark Etheridge continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark looking at Mark 5:1-20.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark, looking at Mark 4:35-41.
“At first there was the fear that this terrible storm and awesome terrain might claim your life. But then you found a refuge and gained the hope that you would be safe. But not everything in the feeling called fear vanished from your heart. Only the life-threatening part. There remained the trembling, the awe, the wonder, the feeling that you would never want to tangle with such a storm or be the adversary of such power…The fear of God is what is left of the storm when you have a safe place to watch right in the middle of it…Oh, the thrill of being here in the center of the awful power of God, yet protected by God himself!” - John Piper
Communion Reflection Questions:
Am I more likely to lose sight of the terrifying holiness and righteousness of God? Or to lose sight of the boundless, endless mercy and grace of God?
Am I likely to rejoice in Jesus without trembling before him? Or to tremble before him without rejoicing in him?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark, looking at Mark 4:21-34.
Christ has come to reveal His Kingdom and gather His people from the nations.
Be faithful in making Christ known (Mark 4:21-25).
Be persistent and rest in God's Sovereignty (Mark 4:26-29).
Be zealous for the Glory of God's Name among the nations (Mark 4:30-34).
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Mark 4:1-20
Four Heart Conditions:
- The Hardened Heart (v. 15)
- The Shallow Heart (vv. 16-17)
- The Strangled Heart (vv. 18-19)
- The Fruitful Heart (v. 20)
"For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10
“Sin will be truly hated, mourned over, resisted, and renounced. Christ will be truly loved, trusted in, followed…and obeyed. Holiness will show itself in all [our] conversation, in humility, spiritual-mindedness, patience, meekness, and charity. There will be something that can be seen. The true work of the Holy Ghost cannot be hid.” - J.C. Rye
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Emory McNeely continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark looking at Mark 3:7-35.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark looking at chapter 2:13-3:6.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our series in the Gospel of Mark looking to Mark 2:1-12.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our series in the Gospel of Mark, looking to Mark 1:29-45.
“In short, our Lord prayed always, and did not faint. Sinless as he was, he set an example of diligent communion with his Father. His Godhead did not render him independent of the use of all means as a man. His very perfection was a perfection kept up through the exercise of prayer.
“A praying Master, like Jesus, can have no prayerless servants. The Spirit of adoption will always make a man call upon God. To be prayerless is to be Christless, Godless, and in the high road of destruction.” - J.C. Ryle
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our sermon series in the gospel of Mark looking to Mark 1:14-28.
- The message of Jesus (1:14-15)
- The call of Jesus (1:16-20)
- The authority of Jesus (1:21-28)
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James begins our sermon series in the Gospel of Mark.
MARK 1:1-13
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." - John 1:1
Why is the coming of Jesus good news?
- The coming of Jesus is good news because of the identity of Jesus (1:1)
- The coming of Jesus is good news because of the promise of Jesus (1:2-8)
- The coming of Jesus is good news because of the obedience of Jesus (1:9-11)
- The coming of Jesus is good news because of the help of Jesus (1:12-13)
"Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our sermon series 'Encounters with Jesus through the Gospel of John,' looking at Jesus' encounter with Mary at His empty tomb.
"The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” - Acts 17:30-32
- The empty tomb radically changes our view of death (v8-10).
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." - Colossians 3:1-2
- The empty tomb radically changes our position before the father (v11-18).
"He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:11-13
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our Advent sermon series 'Encounters with Jesus through the Gospel of John' looking at Mary and Martha's encounter with Jesus at the tomb of their brother.
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another…" 2 Corinthians 3:18a
John 11:1-48
"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5b
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Derek Overcash preaches through John 4 as we continue our Advent sermon series - Encounters with Jesus through the Gospel of John.
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” - John 7:37-39“for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
broken cisterns that can hold no water.”
Jeremiah 2:13“So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him.” John 4:28-30“Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” John 4:31-38“Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word.They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:39-42
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James continues our Advent Series - Encounters with Jesus through the Gospel of John. Together we look to John 3:1-15.
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."" - John 8:12
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” - John 12:46
"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules." - Ezekiel 36:25-27
“A world of nice people, content in their own niceness, looking no further, turned away from God, would be just as desperately in need of salvation as a miserable world - and might even be more difficult to save… God became man to turn creatures into sons; not simply to produce better men of the old kind but to produce a new kind of man. It is not like teaching a horse to jump better and better but like turning a horse into a winged creature.” - C.S. Lewis
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
What might be the signs, however subtle, that I am just like Nicodemus? How am I pursuing a better life in place of a new life?
What signs can I see in myself of real, new, spiritual, born-again life?
What is one way that I can live a more fully God-centered life this Christmas?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor Matt continues our Advent series Encounters with Jesuslooking at John 2:1-12.
Christ came in the flesh to display the glory of God.
The glory of Christ on display for all the people (John 1:1-5)
John 20:30-31
John 1:14
Luke 2:10-11
The glory of Christ is displayed through the cleansing of souls (John 2:4-12)
Isaiah 25:6-8
Amos 9:13-15
Matthew 1:20-21
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Encounters with Jesu through the Gospel of John.
Pastor James preaches through John 1:43-51 looking at Jesus' encounter with Nathanael.
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James concludes our series on The Apostles' Creed.
1 Corinthians 15:12-13, 20-22, 51-55
Revelation 21:1-5, 22-27
“Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise…If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”- C.S. Lewis
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…" - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." - 1 John 2:15-17
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Mark Etheridge leads us through the next sermon in our series on The Apostles' Creed - 'I believe in the the forgiveness of sins.'
Because Jesus died for our sins, we are able to receive forgiveness from our sins.
1) True Belief Informs the Intellect - When we receive the forgiveness of our sins, our sin is canceled, and we are cleansed (1:5-7)
John 3:19-21 (ESV)
“It is his nature to reveal himself, as it is the property of light to shine; and the revelation is of perfect purity and unutterable majesty.”1 -John Stott
“There is no real fellowship with God that is not expressed in fellowship with other believers.”2 -Colin Kruse
2) True Belief Commands the Will - When we receive the forgiveness of our sins, we are positioned for obedience (1:8-10)
3 Ways You Shouldn’t Respond to Your Sin:
1. Deflect It
2. Minimize It
3. Just Saying “You’re Sorry” About It
3) True Belief Transforms the Affections - When we receive the forgiveness of our sins, the God who was once our Judge becomes our Father (2:1-2)
“Christ’s intercession is the continual application of his death to our salvation.”3 -John Calvin
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Pastor James Sharp leads us through the next sermon in our series on The Apostles' Creed - 'I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of saints.'
_
REVELATION 7:9-10
The holy catholic Church is…
- One church, not many churches
- Diverse
- Holy
- Spiritual and invisible
ACTS 2:42-47
The communion of saints is…
- Apostolic
- Faithful in observing the ordinances
- Characterized by a thick relational commitment
“Ideally the church itself is not made up of natural ‘friends.’ It is made up of natural enemies. What binds us together is not common education, common race, common income levels, common politics, common nationality, common accents, common jobs, or anything of the sort. Christians come together, not because they form a natural collocation, but because they have been saved by Jesus Christ and owe him a common allegiance. In the light of this common allegiance, in light of the fact that they have all been loved by Jesus himself, they commit themselves to doing what he says—and he commands them to love one another. In this light, they are a band of natural enemies who love one another for Jesus’ sake.” - D.A. Carson
“The creation of the world seems to have been especially for this end, that the eternal Son of God might obtain a spouse, towards whom he might fully exercise the infinite benevolence of his nature, and to whom he might, as it were, pour forth all that immense fountain of…love and grace that was in his heart, and that in this way God might be glorified.” - Jonathan Edwards
Communion Reflection Questions:
How have you failed to love Christ truly by failing to love Christ’s Bride truly?
Who have you failed to love, to serve, to submit to, to pray for, to prefer, in your local church?
How have you failed to love your local church as Jesus himself does?
Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NC
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Continuing our series on the Apostles' Creed, Pastor James takes us to Revelation 19-20 as we look to the return of Christ to judge the living and the dead.
Pastor James preaches from Acts 1:6-11 as we look at the next line of the Apostles' Creed - "He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty."
October 16, 2022.
Join us for this 15-week study of The Apostles' Creed as we seek to truly believe the essentials of the gospel.
Join us for this 15-week study of The Apostles' Creed as we seek to truly believe the essentials of the gospel.
Join us for this 15-week study of The Apostles' Creed as we seek to truly believe the essentials of the gospel.
Join us for this 15-week study of The Apostles' Creed as we seek to truly believe the essentials of the gospel.
Join us for this 15-week study of The Apostles' Creed as we seek to truly believe the essentials of the gospel.
Join us for this 15-week study of The Apostles' Creed as we seek to truly believe the essentials of the gospel.
Join us for this 15-week study of The Apostles' Creed as we seek to truly believe the essentials of the gospel.
Join us as we study Colossians 1:24-29 to explore how God has called us to a life of growth and maturity, while considering the mission God has given to Life Church.
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we hear from friend, Ian Kitchen, as he leads us to study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith! Join us as we pray for Ian, his family, and his ministry as he plants Risen Church in Cabarrus County.
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
*We apologize for the technical issues within this recording.
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
Join us as we study the book of James to see what it means to be a follower of Christ who exhibits a real faith!
It's Resurrection Sunday! Worship with us as we study Acts 13:36-41 to see why Jesus is worth believing and offering our whole lives to His purposes and will.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
Join us as we see how this Israelite generation, led by obedient Joshua, see God's faithful promise fulfilled as they finally experience the land promised to them years before.
As we begin a new year, we want to encourage you to find ways to "be rich toward God" through Luke 12:13-21.
The season of Advent, a time when we celebrate the first coming of Christ and longingly anticipate His coming again to make all things new.
Each Sunday until December 26th, we will get to see and celebrate the ways that Jesus is the fullness of true and complete Joy for which our hearts long.
The season of Advent, a time when we celebrate the first coming of Christ and longingly anticipate His coming again to make all things new.
Each Sunday until December 26th, we will get to see and celebrate the ways that Jesus is the fullness of true and complete Joy for which our hearts long.
The season of Advent, a time when we celebrate the first coming of Christ and longingly anticipate His coming again to make all things new.
Each Sunday until December 26th, we will get to see and celebrate the ways that Jesus is the fullness of true and complete Joy for which our hearts long.
The season of Advent, a time when we celebrate the first coming of Christ and longingly anticipate His coming again to make all things new.
Each Sunday until December 26th, we will get to see and celebrate the ways that Jesus is the fullness of true and complete Joy for which our hearts long.
The season of Advent, a time when we celebrate the first coming of Christ and longingly anticipate His coming again to make all things new.
Each Sunday until December 26th, we will get to see and celebrate the ways that Jesus is the fullness of true and complete Joy for which our hearts long.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Join us each week as we look to see the beauty of the local church and how God has called Life Church to accomplish our mission here in our community.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Tags: PsalmsPilgrim Songs
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
Whether it is a cute, cuddly kids’ story like Homeward Bound, or a grand, sweeping fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings, stories involving a journey always resonate with us.
In each of us is a sense that we are going somewhere. We know that wherever we are is not our final destination. Therefore we connect with a tale, whether epic or ordinary, of someone who is journeying home.
For this reason, the Psalms of Ascent speak to us. A small book of fifteen psalms within the book of Psalms, these were the hymns and prayers sung and prayed by ancient Israelites as they journeyed to worship God in his holy temple. Songs of both lament and praise, they convey the real and raw challenges and triumphs of the journey of life. Most importantly, they show us the way to walk as we journey through this life and toward our heavenly home.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
The book of Philippians can be summarized in the word “encouragement”. Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Philippi to live out lives that are obedient to God and that are uplifting to one another. Paul wrote this letter while in prison to the church to also tell them how he was doing.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time...
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to embrace the beauty of God’s complete, sovereign control of all time.
In this series, we'll look to Scripture as the unifying piece we need to move forward in 2020 as individuals, as families, and as a church.
In this series, we'll look to Scripture as the unifying piece we need to move forward in 2020 as individuals, as families, and as a church.
In this series, we'll look to Scripture as the unifying piece we need to move forward in 2020 as individuals, as families, and as a church.
How will I let God have my calendar as I let Him shape and lead my daily decisions in 2020?
Christmas is a season where we can be reminded that we can have Love in the silence because God hears our cries and is working for His glory even when we don’t see it or understand it.
Christmas is a season where we can be reminded that we can have Joy in the silence because God hears our cries and is working for His glory even when we don’t see it or understand it.
Christmas is a season where we can be reminded that we can have Peace in the silence because God hears our cries and is working for His glory even when we don’t see it or understand it.
Christmas is a season where we can be reminded that we can have Hope in the silence because God hears our cries and is working for His glory even when we don’t see it or understand it.
Our relationship with God in Christ is a call to allow Him to lead in all areas of our lives .
Our relationship with God in Christ is a call to allow Him to lead in all areas of our lives .
Our relationship with God in Christ is a call to allow Him to lead in all areas of our lives .
Our relationship with God in Christ is a call to allow Him to lead in all areas of our lives .
Our relationship with God in Christ is a call to allow Him to lead in all areas of our lives .
Our relationship with God in Christ is a call to allow Him to lead in all areas of our lives .
Our relationship with God in Christ is a call to allow Him to lead in all areas of our lives .
Our relationship with God in Christ is a call to allow Him to lead in all areas of our lives .
Our relationship with God in Christ is a call to allow Him to lead in all areas of our lives .
Our relationship with God in Christ is a call to allow Him to lead in all areas of our lives .
Good Teacher; Shepherd; Comforter; Revolutionary; Healer; King; Chain Breaker; Savior; Life-Giver
Good Teacher; Shepherd; Comforter; Revolutionary; Healer; King; Chain Breaker; Savior; Life-Giver