Cary Alliance Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Cary Alliance Church
What does it truly mean to be a praying church? In this message, Pastor Tom concludes our Vision & Values series by exploring Colossians 4:2–4 and showing why prayer is more than a practice—it's the primary work of God's people. Discover what it means to be devoted, watchful, and thankful in prayer, how prayer fuels worship, discipleship, fellowship, outreach, and missions, and why God calls His church to pray together. Learn how a praying church depends on God to open doors, faithfully walks through them, and reflects Christ to the world through a life of continual, corporate prayer.
What happens when a church moves beyond talking about its mission and begins praying for it? In this unique message, Don invites Cary Alliance to put its vision into practice through corporate prayer. Rather than another sermon, the church pauses to seek God together—praying over worship, discipleship, fellowship, outreach, and missions. Don reminds us that the church is more than a collection of individuals; it is the body of Christ, called to love one another, serve its community, and proclaim the gospel to the nations. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by Cary Alliance's mission to "Love Jesus and Reach People," this service challenges believers to align their hearts with God's purposes, depend on Him in prayer, and become a people whose lives reflect Jesus. Discover why prayer isn't just part of the mission—it is the foundation that empowers everything the church is called to do.
What does it really mean to become like a child? In this week's message, Pastor Cameron explores Jesus' powerful words in Matthew 19, where He welcomes children and declares that the kingdom of heaven belongs to "such as these." Discover why Jesus values humility over status, dependence over self-sufficiency, and acceptance over ambition. Pastor Cameron challenges parents, grandparents, and every believer to examine how we view children, whether they truly feel welcomed in our lives and churches, and how our own pursuit of status can hinder authentic discipleship. Through practical encouragement and biblical insight, this message reminds us that children are shaped most by the example of faithful adults—and that the path to discipling them begins with becoming childlike ourselves, trusting God completely and finding our identity in Christ rather than the world.
What does true worship really look like? In this message, Pastor Tom explores Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well, revealing that worship is far more than a place, a style, or a Sunday service. God is seeking worshipers who worship in "spirit and truth"—people whose entire lives are centered on Christ. Discover how worship transforms from ritual into a daily response of love, service, and obedience, and why authentic worship points others to the reality of God's presence. This message will challenge you to move beyond consuming worship and become the kind of worshiper the Father seeks.
What does it mean for Jesus Christ to be the center of everything? In this message, Pastor Tom explores Isaiah’s vision of God’s glory in the throne room of heaven and reveals how all of Scripture, creation, redemption, and eternity point to the exaltation of Christ. As we consider Cary Alliance Church’s value of being Christ-focused, we are challenged to ask: Is Jesus truly the unrivaled ruler of our hearts, the focus of our loyalty, and the purpose of our lives? Discover how Christ-centered living transforms discipleship, worship, and our mission to reach the world.
What compels someone to dedicate their life to sharing the gospel? In this message, Pastor Tom explores the Apostle Paul’s radical transformation—from persecutor of the church to passionate ambassador for Christ—and reveals the one motivation that can sustain a life of faithful witness: the overwhelming love of Christ. Discover why fear, guilt, and duty ultimately fall short, and how encountering the depth of Jesus’ love empowers believers to love Jesus by reaching people with the hope of the gospel.
In this continuation of our vision series, Matt Swecker explores why missions is at the very heart of God’s plan—from God’s promise to Abraham, to the Great Commission, to the vision of every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping Christ in Revelation. Discover how God’s passion for the nations shapes the mission of the Church today, why the delay in Christ’s return is connected to the spread of the gospel, and how every believer can participate through praying, giving, going, and building relationships across cultures. Be challenged to align your heart with God’s heart for the world.
What do you do when obedience leads straight into a storm? In this powerful message from Matthew 14, Pastor Danny explores the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter stepping out of the boat. Discover how God often works through seasons of delay, uncertainty, and struggle to reveal His glory more clearly. Learn why faith is not about trying harder, but about keeping your eyes fixed on Christ in the midst of life's waves. If you're facing challenges, wondering where God is, or seeking courage to follow His call, this message offers hope, perspective, and encouragement.
Pastor Tom challenges listeners to rethink discipleship—not as a program, but as a life-on-life journey of following Jesus together. Drawing from Peter’s call to follow Christ, he explores how discipleship begins with trust, is shaped by God’s Word, transformed by the Holy Spirit, and lived out in committed community. Through a personal story and biblical teaching, Pastor Tom invites believers to examine the gap between what they say they believe and how they actually live, calling the church to make disciples through authentic relationships that transform homes, friendships, and communities for the glory of Christ.
Exploring Simon Peter’s journey with Jesus, Pastor Tom shows that true discipleship is relational, transformational, and rooted in trust, God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, commitment, and community. As Cary Alliance Church reflects on its vision, this message challenges believers to move beyond programs and priorities that distract, and embrace a life fully reoriented around following Jesus and helping others do the same.
Pastor Tom shares Cary Alliance Church’s refreshed vision: “Loving Jesus. Reaching People.” Rooted in Jesus’ greatest commandment, this message challenges believers to move beyond empty religion into wholehearted love for God and authentic love for neighbors. Exploring Mark 12 and the Good Samaritan, Pastor Tom calls the church to bridge the gap between what we believe and how we live. In a rapidly changing culture, what does it mean to faithfully make disciples, serve others, and shine Christ’s light? This message is an invitation to deeper devotion, real community impact, and gospel-centered transformation.
In this powerful joint message, Pastor Tom and Pastor Adrian unpack two stories from 2 Kings 4 that reveal “the God who remembers.” From a desperate widow facing loss to a woman praying silently for a child, both encounters show that God sees, hears, and provides beyond expectation. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and heartfelt encouragement, they remind us that no one is forgotten by God. Whether you feel overlooked, weary, or waiting on unanswered prayer, this message points to the Lord who still works miracles, restores hope, and surprises His people with grace.
As Pastor Tom closes the book of James, he explores a powerful truth: Christians were never meant to walk alone. In a culture of isolation, James calls believers into authentic community—enduring suffering together, speaking life to one another, restoring those who wander, and growing into Christ through truth and love. This message challenges the “me and Jesus” mindset and paints a compelling vision of the church as a life-giving family marked by humility, prayer, encouragement, and grace. What does it mean to truly belong to the community of Christ? Join us as we discover James’ final and urgent call to the church.
Two believers. Same diagnosis. Same prayers. Different outcomes. Why? In this powerful message from James 5, Pastor Tom wrestles with one of faith’s hardest questions: what does it really mean to pray in faith when healing isn’t guaranteed? Discover the biblical call to seek prayer, community, confession, and trust in God’s will. Explore the difference between physical healing and ultimate wholeness—and why every prayer is answered, even when the outcome isn’t what we expect. If you’ve ever wondered where God is in suffering, this conversation meets you there—with honesty, hope, and deeper trust.
What if the gap between what you know and what you live is shaping everything? Pastor Tom explores how truly believing in God’s sovereignty transforms our speech, our prayers, and our praise. Walking through James 5, he challenges us to trade control for trust—speaking with integrity, turning to God in suffering, and rejoicing in every season. When faith moves from head to heart, it changes how we talk, how we respond, and how we live. This message calls us to a deeper, lived trust in a God who is fully in control—and fully good.
Step into a powerful vision of heaven and rediscover Jesus in everyday life. Pastor Cameron connects Revelation’s throne-room worship with the road to Emmaus, showing how Christ reveals Himself in ordinary moments. Through communion, we’re invited to see His presence, receive His redemption, and live as His body together. If you’ve ever felt like God is distant, this message reframes everything: He’s nearer than you think, active in the mundane, and worthy of all praise. Slow down, open your eyes, and encounter the risen Jesus again.
When faith feels costly and life feels unfair, where do you find hope? Pastor Tom unpacks James 5, revealing a powerful truth: Jesus is coming back—and that changes everything. Like believers under oppression, we’re called to patient endurance, steadfast faith, and trust in God’s compassion. Through suffering, God shapes us, not abandons us. The promise of Christ’s return brings justice, reward, and restoration. So don’t give up—live ready, stand firm, and keep going. In the waiting, God is faithful, and glory is closer than you think.
God used earth-shaking moments—torn veils, earthquakes, and an empty tomb—to demand our attention. This isn’t quiet news; it’s life-altering truth. Jesus’ death opened the way to God, His resurrection defeated sin and death, and His victory guarantees new life for all who believe. But distractions, doubt, and routine can cause us to miss it. The invitation is clear: move beyond religion and encounter the risen Jesus personally. This Easter message calls you to stop, listen, and respond to the hope that changes everything.
As Jesus enters Jerusalem in Matthew 21, crowds celebrate Him as the long-awaited King—shouting “Hosanna!” and longing for deliverance. But Pastor Tom reveals a deeper truth: Jesus isn’t just a political rescuer—He’s the sovereign King over nations, creation, and every power. And He doesn’t come on our terms. He overturns injustice, welcomes the outsider, heals the broken, and calls for wholehearted surrender. This Palm Sunday message challenges us to move beyond surface praise and truly receive Jesus—not just as King of history, but as King of our hearts.
A sobering look at Epistle of James 5: Pastor Tom unpacks a warning to the wealthy who hoard, exploit, and live in self-indulgence—revealing God’s heart for justice and the reality of coming judgment. But for believers, there’s hope: endure suffering, live with patience, and trust in God’s compassion. This message challenges us to examine our relationship with money, practice generosity, and live with eternity in view. In the “last days,” will we store up wealth—or treasure in Christ?
We make plans for tomorrow—careers, families, success—but how often do we truly consider God’s will in those plans? In this message from James 4:13–17, Pastor Danny challenges the illusion that we control our future. Our lives are brief, like a mist, and boasting in our plans without acknowledging God’s sovereignty is both foolish and dangerous. Instead, we’re called to live with humility, holding our plans loosely and seeking God’s direction in every part of life. When we center our ambitions on Christ rather than ourselves, even our limited time becomes an opportunity to pursue what truly matters—God’s will and His kingdom.
In a world that craves justice and quick judgments, James reminds us that only God is the true Judge. In this message, Pastor Tom unpacks James 4:10–12, showing how a judgmental spirit flows from pride and places us in God’s position. While Scripture calls believers to take sin seriously, it also calls us to humility, mercy, and restoration. Instead of condemning others, we’re invited to examine our own hearts, love our brothers and sisters well, and trust God with ultimate judgment. Because the one true Judge—the one who knows every heart—has chosen mercy through Jesus Christ.
Indecision isn’t solved by clever one-liners—it’s transformed by a vision of the glory of Jesus Christ. In this message from James 4, Pastor Tom calls us to “decide already.” Confronting our double-minded hearts, divided between God and the world, he shows how conflict, pride, and compromise flow from misaligned loyalties. The answer isn’t trying harder—it’s seeing Christ more clearly and submitting fully to Him. “Resist the devil, draw near to God,” James says, and He will draw near to you. This is a call to wholehearted devotion, daily repentance, and decisive alignment under the gracious, glorious lordship of Jesus.
What happens when we fail? In this powerful message from James 4, Pastor Tom reminds us that beneath our conflicts and compromises lies a divided heart—but right in the middle of conviction comes hope: “He gives more grace.” Exploring both saving grace and the daily grace we need to live, Tom calls us to reject pride and draw near to God in humility. When we stumble, we don’t run from the throne—we run to the throne of grace. No sin outpaces God’s mercy. Come discover the freedom of humility and the inexhaustible generosity of our gracious King.
How does faith grow over a lifetime? In this reflective and deeply personal message, Matt traces his journey from newly arrived pastor to stepping into the unknown a decade later. Exploring Scripture and story, he shows that faith begins with knowing God through His Word—and grows as we trust Him at the edges of what we know. Through examples like Abraham, David, and Peter, and through memories from church life, Matt challenges us to move beyond shoreline faith. Where is God calling you to step further out, trusting the One who has always proven faithful?
What kingdom are you building? In this powerful and challenging message, Seby invites us into life and ministry in West Africa, where farming, faith, and the gospel are deeply intertwined. Through stories of walking alongside the poor, sharing Christ in villages, and seeing lives transformed, we’re confronted with a hard but hopeful question: are we building our own kingdoms—or God’s? Drawing from Haggai and real-life testimony, this message calls us to stewardship, mission, and obedience, asking each of us to consider what God has placed in our hands and who He is calling us to reach.
What does faith look like when life doesn’t make sense? In this message from Hebrews 11–12, Pastor Tom reflects on walking with people through suffering and explores the testimonies of Abel and Enoch—two people of faith who pleased God yet experienced radically different outcomes. Through their stories, we’re reminded that faith is trusting God when we cannot see or understand, resting in His promises rather than our own efforts. This message encourages perseverance through suffering, resistance to temptation, and unshakable hope in the resurrection, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
What does it really mean to be a friend of God? In this message from James 4, Pastor Tom explores the Bible’s deep, relational vision of friendship with the living God—one marked by loyalty, love, and intimacy. Drawing on the powerful imagery of friendship and marriage, he challenges us to see how divided loyalties and worldly desires lead to spiritual adultery and distance from God. With clarity and pastoral urgency, this message calls us to repentance, humility, and renewed devotion, reminding us of the beautiful promise at the heart of it all: He gives more grace.
This week, Pastor Tony casts a bold, hope-filled vision for the church’s shared calling: up, in, and out. Rooted in deep relationship with God, committed community, and courageous mission, he reminds us that reaching the world will take all of us. Drawing from Acts 19, he unpacks how Spirit-filled discipleship leads to gospel saturation, transformed lives, and even transformed communities. With stories of faith, perseverance, and holy courage, Pastor Tony challenges believers to step into their unique role—together—trusting God to do the extraordinary as we say yes to His mission.
This week, Pastor Tom leads us into James 4, confronting a hidden threat to our faith and our unity—not the world outside us, but the desires within us. As we wait in the “in-between time,” crying Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus, James exposes how unchecked desires fuel conflict, hinder prayer, and fracture the church. Pastor Tom unpacks how godly wisdom calls us to humility, repentance, and renewed longing for Christ alone. Discover how surrendering our desires to God leads to healing, peace, and a harvest of righteousness as we wait for Jesus’ return.
In a world marked by rising anxiety, Pastor Tom turns to Philippians 4 to show how personal peace is possible. Drawing from his own journey, he unpacks how the peace of Christ flows from Jesus’ nearness, is practiced through prayer, petition, and thanksgiving, and is protected by renewing our minds with what is true, pure, and praiseworthy. This message offers a hopeful, practical path for breaking cycles of worry and cultivating a deep, guarding peace that transcends understanding. Discover how the God of peace meets us right where we are.
What if the presence that calms every fear is closer than you think? In this Advent message, Pastor Cameron explores Isaiah 63 and the powerful truth that God’s presence brings salvation. From the Garden of Eden to the tabernacle, and ultimately to Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us—Scripture tells one story: God longs to dwell with His people. Today, His presence lives in us through the Holy Spirit, shaping us individually, uniting us as the church, and pointing the world toward restoration. Discover how God’s presence means hope now—and fullness to come.
This week in our Advent series, Pastor Tom reflects on the greatest message the world needs to hear: God loves you. In a culture marked by loneliness and counterfeit definitions of love, he points us to the truth of John 3:16—that the eternal, holy Creator is also deeply personal and full of delight for His people. God defines love, demonstrates it through Jesus, and gives it sacrificially at the cross. No matter your past or present, Christ came to save, not condemn. Join us as we rediscover the real, life-giving love that only God can give.
This week in our Advent series, Pastor Tom explores joy—not as fleeting happiness, but as a deep, abiding gift found only in Christ. From the shepherds’ desperate circumstances to Paul’s prison cell, Scripture shows that true joy is independent of comfort, success, or ease. Drawing from Philippians, Pastor Tom unpacks how Jesus gives joy in hardship, strained relationships, inner battles, worry, and discontentment. Christmas joy flows from Emmanuel—God with us—a well that never runs dry. Join us as we discover why Jesus Himself is the good news of great joy for all people.
This week in our Advent series, Pastor Danny tackles a surprising question: If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why does life—and even Scripture—seem so chaotic? From hectic holidays to global conflict, the world offers only temporary fixes. But in John 14, Jesus promises a different kind of peace—one the world cannot give. Pastor Danny unpacks the peace with God that leads to the peace of God, a peace that steadies us even in life’s storms. Join us as we rediscover why the Savior born in Bethlehem brings the only true and lasting peace.
In this week's message, Pastor Tom invites us into the Advent season of hope—the hope promised in Eden, carried through the prophets, and fulfilled in Jesus, our long-awaited Messiah. In a world that can feel like “always winter and never Christmas,” he reminds us that Christ is God’s answer to everything broken. Jesus is our righteousness, redemption, and the guarantee of glory yet to come. As we wait for His return, we do so with patient endurance, growing in Christlikeness, and ready to share the reason for our hope. Join us as we celebrate Emmanuel—God with us, our true and certain hope.
This week, Pastor Tom builds on our study in Colossians 4 by reminding us that prayer and witness are not burdens—they’re everyday victories for followers of Jesus. After exploring watchful prayer, he now calls us to winsome engagement with the world around us. God is constantly creating “God moments,” and our role is to live wisely, speak graciously, and seize those opportunities with love. Through Spirit-led conversations—full of grace and seasoned with salt—we point people to Jesus one relationship at a time. Join us as we learn how prayerful attentiveness leads to everyday gospel impact.
This week, Superintendent Thomas George reminds us that our true identity isn’t found in the world’s labels but in Christ alone. From 2 Corinthians 5:17, he calls us to embrace the truth that we are new creations—made by God, for God, and for His glory. The world’s identity markers divide and disappoint, but God’s identity unites, restores, and gives purpose. As beloved children, citizens of heaven, and ambassadors of the King, we’re called to live every day—at home, at work, and in conflict—fully aligned with who Jesus declares us to be. Join us as we rediscover who we are in Him.
Pastor Dave invites us into the book of Habakkuk, exploring what it means to have "faithful doubt"—trusting God even when the world feels upside down. From Tolkien’s "Lord of the Rings" to the prophet’s ancient cries of “How long, Lord?”, Pastor Dave reminds us that honest questions can grow seasoned faith. Like a cast iron pan refined by heat and oil, our faith is strengthened through life’s trials and worshipful trust. Join us as we learn how to sing, wait, and believe—because God is still good, still sovereign, and still at work in times like these.
This week Pastor Tom reminds us that worship, missions, outreach, and prayer are not separate pursuits—they are one calling. Drawing from Colossians 4:2–6, he challenges us to be devoted, watchful, and thankful in prayer, because prayer fuels every act of mission and worship. Just as Paul asked for open doors and clear witness, we too are called to pray that God will open hearts—both near and far—and make us faithful to speak the gospel boldly. Join us as we rediscover the power of prayer to transform lives, renew the church, and advance God’s kingdom.
This week Pastor Tom brings our series in James 3 to a powerful close with a message on peace as the soil where godliness grows. In a world fractured by conflict—from homes to churches—James calls believers to become true peacemakers. Pastor Tom reminds us that peace isn’t passive—it’s cultivated through humility, mercy, and Spirit-led wisdom. Drawing from Acts 15, he shows how the early church modeled peace through grace-filled leadership and unity in truth. Discover how you can help create environments—at home, at work, and in church—where righteousness can take root and flourish.
This week, Pastor Tom concludes our journey through James 3 with a look at the final two facets of godly wisdom—impartial and sincere. True wisdom, he reminds us, reflects the character of Jesus: stable, genuine, and without masks. It doesn’t play favorites or pretend to be something it’s not. Through the examples of Jesus and Peter, Pastor Tom shows how wisdom calls us to self-examination, transparency, humility, and heart-centered discipleship. Real transformation happens not through outward performance but through Christ shaping our hearts to love sincerely and live without hypocrisy.
This week on the podcast, Pastor Danny dives into James 3 and explores a powerful pair in godly wisdom: mercy and good fruit. Drawing from Ephesians 2, he reminds us that God—rich in mercy—made us alive in Christ and created us for good works. True mercy isn’t just sympathy; it’s compassion that moves to action, reflecting God’s own heart. As Pastor Danny shares, mercy flows from love, bears fruit through the Spirit, and transforms how we treat one another—even those who wrong us. Join us as we learn to stay rooted in Christ, the true source of mercy and fruitfulness.
This week on the podcast, Pastor Tom invites us to gaze at the beauty of godly wisdom—like an eight-faceted jewel reflecting the light of Christ. Building on last week’s focus on purity, we explore three new facets: peace-loving, considerate, and submissive. True wisdom isn’t loud or self-assertive; it’s peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield—rooted in the character of Jesus Himself. As Pastor Tom unpacks James 3:13–18, we’ll see how real wisdom restores shalom—peace with God and one another—and transforms our relationships with humility, grace, and Christlike gentleness. Join us and grow in the beauty of heavenly wisdom.
This week on the podcast, Pastor Tom continues our journey through James 3, building on Pastor Danny’s message about the contrast between heavenly wisdom and earthly wisdom. While false wisdom is insidious and ever-present, Pastor Tom reminds us that the best way to recognize what’s counterfeit is to study the real thing. God’s wisdom is “first pure”—rooted in integrity, wholehearted devotion, and a reflection of His holiness. Purity is not perfection, but a lifelong pursuit empowered by Christ. Join us as we discover how true wisdom shapes our hearts, our choices, and our witness in a world full of counterfeits.
This week, Pastor Danny Brymer takes us deep into James 3, challenging us to recognize the difference between counterfeit, worldly wisdom and the true wisdom that comes from God. In a world full of loud opinions and self-promotion, James reminds us that real wisdom is shown in meekness, purity, peace, mercy, and sincerity. Pastor Danny unpacks how worldly wisdom breeds pride and chaos, while heavenly wisdom reflects the meekness of Christ—power under control. Join us as we learn how to live wisely, repent of worldly ways, and pursue the lasting prosperity of God’s wisdom.
In Revelation 7, John gives us a glimpse of the throne room of God—multitudes from every nation, clothed in white, waving palm branches, crying out, “Salvation belongs to our God and to the Lamb!” This vision reminds us that God is always on His throne, even in suffering. Those who endure in faith are cleansed by the blood of Jesus, welcomed into His presence, and led by the Lamb to living waters where every tear is wiped away. This is the promise for all who call on Christ—salvation, restoration, and eternal joy in His presence. Even so, come Lord Jesus!
This week Pastor Tom reminds us that the Christian life is lived in the midst of a real spiritual battle. Drawing from James and Ephesians, he shows how the demonic seeks to deceive, destroy, and divide—but Christ has already won the victory. In Him, believers are seated above every power and authority. Our calling is simple but vital: stand firm, put on the armor of God, and pray. When we daily clothe ourselves in Christ—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word—we live as visible witnesses of His triumph. Victory is certain. Our task is to stand.
Have you ever noticed how the same tongue that praises God can also tear down people made in His image? In this week’s message from James 3:9–12, Pastor Cameron challenges us to confront the hypocrisy of blessing and cursing with the same mouth. What we say reveals the true condition of our hearts—and habits of listening, empathy, and love can shape us to reflect Christ more faithfully. Join us as we consider what our words reveal about our allegiance and how a heart devoted to Jesus transforms the way we speak.
Sticks and stones may break bones—but words can leave even deeper scars. In this week’s message from James 3, Pastor Tom unpacks the incredible power of the tongue: small but capable of steering lives, igniting destruction, and revealing what’s truly in our hearts. From playground bullies to broken marriages, careless words can set off wildfires of pain. But there is hope—God alone can tame what we cannot. Join us as we explore the dangers of the tongue, the grace of Christ, and how the Spirit transforms our speech into life-giving words.
This week, Pastor Tom unpacks the power of our words from James 3 and Proverbs 18: “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Like the mighty Bismarck battleship taken down by a single torpedo, small things can have enormous impact. Our words can wound or heal, tear down or build up. What’s behind them? The heart. And only Christ can transform it. Join us as we explore how God reshapes hearts—and tongues—for His glory.
In this week’s message from James 3, Pastor Tom challenges us to match our words with our actions. Using vivid examples, he warns of the dangers and power of the tongue—capable of both praising God and harming others. Teachers, in particular, bear a heavier judgment, as words shape lives and eternal destinies. We’re reminded that all of us “stumble in many ways” and must speak with humility, sincerity, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. The call is clear: live out what you believe, guard your speech, and let your words reflect the life of Christ within you.
In this message, Pastor Tom challenges us to “keep the main thing the main thing”—Jesus Christ. Wrapping up a mini-series in James 2, he explores the nature of saving faith—faith that’s alive, transformative, and evidenced by action. Drawing from Abraham, Rahab, and Jesus’ words in John 15, Pastor Tom reminds us that true faith is not merely belief but a vibrant relationship with Christ that bears fruit. Are we connected to the Vine, or are we living with a faith as dry as dust? Discover how faith and deeds work together to glorify God in everyday life.
You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
James 2:20-26 (NIV)
In today’s episode, Pastor Danny explores the timeless truth that we all crave what others possess—and reveals something far greater than any earthly desire: the hope and joy of knowing Jesus. Using the story of Paul, Silas, and the Philippian jailer, he shows how faith in Christ brings freedom, transforms suffering into purpose, and draws others by the “song” of our lives. Whether you’re searching for more or simply wish you had what Christians seem to radiate, this message invites you to discover the greatest treasure—Jesus Christ—whose story never disappoints.
Is your faith real? In this week’s message, Pastor Tom dives into James 2:12–26, exploring how saving faith is proven through action. Using the powerful example of Abraham’s testing, we see that genuine faith matures through trials and is demonstrated by obedience. Pastor Tom clarifies the often-misunderstood tension between James and Paul, showing that works don’t earn salvation—but they do vindicate the reality of faith. True faith stands firm under pressure, reveals God's refining work, and grows stronger through testing. Discover how trials expose idols and lead to a deeper, more complete trust in Jesus Christ.
In this powerful message, Pastor Tom dives into James 2:20–24 to explore what it truly means to have saving faith. More than just belief or words, saving faith is a growing, living trust in God—a faith that acts, endures, and rests fully in God's promises. Using Abraham’s journey as a guide, Pastor Tom challenges us to examine whether we simply believe in God or genuinely trust Him with our lives. Are we building our lives on Christ? Do our actions reflect that trust? This week’s message will stir your heart to deepen your walk with Jesus
In this message, Pastor Cameron explores the deep significance of communion, showing how the Lord’s Table speaks to our lives on three levels—individual, communal, and global. Through Scripture and reflection, we’re reminded of the forgiveness, peace, and love we receive in Christ, and how we’re called to live those out in community. Communion also points us forward in faith and hope to a coming kingdom where God’s love will fill all things. Join us as we remember, reflect, and anticipate the fullness of God’s promise through this sacred practice.
Pastor Tom explores James 2:12–19, highlighting the crucial difference between dead faith and saving faith. True faith isn’t just belief—it’s revealed through action and transformation. Even demons believe in God and shudder, but that belief doesn’t save them. Saving faith produces a changed life, rooted in a relationship with Jesus and expressed through love and obedience. Pastor Tom challenges us to examine our lives: Is our faith alive and visible? Be encouraged—Jesus is our advocate, and through Him, we’re being transformed by grace.
In this message, Pastor Tom unpacks James 2:14–17, exploring the nature of saving faith. He reminds us that true faith is not mere words or religious talk—it is active, alive, and expressed through mercy, repentance, and love. Drawing from Scripture and real-life illustrations, Pastor Tom challenges us to examine whether our faith is genuine or just “fancy talk.” As we continue in James, this sermon lays the foundation for understanding how faith and works are inseparably linked—not for earning salvation, but as evidence of a heart transformed by God’s mercy.
In this message, Matt Fisher encourages us to explore the deep tension between God’s justice and mercy through the lens of Jonah chapter 4. Why was Jonah so angry at God’s compassion for Nineveh? And how do we reconcile a God who punishes evil yet forgives the repentant? Through powerful biblical examples—from Jonah to Job, Peter, and Habakkuk—we wrestle with what it means to follow a God who is both just and merciful. Matt challenges us to examine our own hearts and how we live in light of the cross, where ultimate justice and mercy meet.
In this inspiring message, Pastor Roger Kamstra, serving in Toulouse, France, unpacks Hebrews 10 with powerful clarity. He reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus is not a once-a-year celebration, but a daily reality that transforms how we live. Because Jesus is greater than anything—angels, priests, covenants—we now have bold access to God's presence. Pastor Roger challenges us to draw near to God with full assurance, hold fast to hope, and spur one another toward love and good deeds. This is a call to live out our faith fully, in community, with confidence in Christ’s finished work.
In this week’s message, Pastor Tom unpacks James 2:12–13, reminding us of the certainty of coming judgment—and the triumphant power of mercy. Drawing from both the Great White Throne and the Judgment Seat of Christ, he explores what it means to live in view of eternity. We’re called not only to receive God's mercy through Christ but to do mercy—actively showing compassion to others. Judgment is real, but mercy triumphs. Pastor Tom invites us to live faithfully under the law that gives freedom, reflecting Christ's love in action.
In this message, Pastor Tom unpacks Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant, revealing the staggering contrast between the incalculable debt we owe God and the much smaller—but still real—offenses we hold against others. Through this powerful teaching, Pastor Tom challenges us to embrace true forgiveness, not out of obligation, but as a natural response to the mercy we've received. As we prepare our hearts for communion, we're reminded that mercy triumphs over judgment, and that a forgiven heart must become a forgiving heart. A convicting and grace-filled call to live out gospel-shaped relationships.
In his message from James 2, Pastor Danny confronts the sin of favoritism in the church and calls us to radical, Christ-like love. Using vivid illustrations and real-life examples, he challenges us to treat everyone—regardless of status, race, gender, or background—with equal dignity as image-bearers of God. Favoritism, he argues, is not just a social issue but a spiritual one that breaks the royal law of loving our neighbor as ourselves. If Jesus walked into our church today, would we recognize Him in the poor, the outsider, or the overlooked?
In this week's message, Pastor Tom continues through James 2, challenging us to reject worldly favoritism and embrace God's standards of honor and value. Highlighting how faith and love—not wealth or status—are what matter to God, he urges believers to evaluate others through a kingdom lens. We’re reminded that honoring those who dishonor God distorts our witness, while honoring the lowly reflects God's heart. With stories, Scripture, and conviction, Pastor Tom calls us to love the overlooked, uphold justice, and reflect Christ’s values in a world obsessed with appearances.
In this powerful sermon, Pastor Tom unpacks James 1:26–2:13, revealing how favoritism is fundamentally incompatible with genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Using James’ vivid illustration of the rich and poor in the synagogue, Pastor Tom challenges us to examine our hearts, reject outward appearances, and embrace the gospel’s call to humility and compassion. Drawing on Scripture from Acts to Deuteronomy, he shows that God’s nature is to uplift the vulnerable and calls us to do the same. Faith that honors Christ is faith that refuses to play favorites.
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:45-47
In this powerful Palm Sunday message, Pastor Tom takes us beyond the shouts of “Hosanna” to explore the deeper meaning of Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Tracing the journey from Luke 9 to Luke 19, we see a Messiah who sets his face toward the cross, redefining kingship through humility and sacrifice. Jesus is not the king they expected—He’s the King who came to die, to bring peace with God, and to receive glory. Discover how His kingdom is for the humble, the lost, and the overlooked—and how we’re all invited to cry out His name.
In this message, Pastor Cameron dives into James 1:26-27, warning believers not to deceive themselves into thinking they are devoted when they might not be. True devotion, James teaches, is shown by controlling the tongue, caring for the vulnerable like widows and orphans, and remaining unpolluted by the world’s standards. Pastor Cameron emphasizes that devotion isn’t about empty religious rituals but living out the gospel. He challenges us to align our hearts with God’s truth, make choices that reflect His love, and build habits of repentance and service, ensuring our devotion is rooted in action, not appearances.
In this sermon, Pastor Danny explores James 1:19-25 and the balance between hearing and doing God's word. He emphasizes that both are equally important, as hearing leads to understanding and doing is the manifestation of faith in action. Pastor Danny challenges the church to not simply accumulate knowledge but to live it out through humility, obedience, and service. He highlights the dangers of intellectualism without application and stresses that God's Word, like a mirror, reflects both our flaws and our potential. Ultimately, we are called not just to know the truth, but to act on it and bear fruit for God's glory.
In this powerful message, Pastor Tom delves into the profound meaning of the "word of truth" as presented in the book of James. He explores how the gospel, the life of Jesus, and the scriptures are interconnected, revealing the perfect law of love. Pastor Tom emphasizes that the word of truth is not just to be heard but actively lived out. He highlights the sufficiency, power, and reliability of God's Word, encouraging believers to build their lives on it, love it, meditate on it, and share it with others. Ultimately, the Word of God is foundational for salvation and spiritual growth.
In this message from Pastor Tom, we dive into James 1:13-21, focusing on the theme of spiritual rebirth. Pastor Tom highlights how God, through the word of truth, gives us new life, transforming us from death to life, offering cleansing, and making us new creations. He emphasizes that this new birth is rooted in God’s loving choice and is a promise of future redemption for all of creation. As believers, we are called to live as a praise and promise of God's work, sharing this message of hope and restoration with others.
In this message, Pastor Cameron explores the importance of understanding God's true nature, especially during times of trials and suffering. Drawing from James 1:16-17, he emphasizes that God is not the source of evil or temptation but the giver of all good gifts. Misconceptions about God can deeply impact our ability to persevere, but knowing that God is good, unchanging, and always works for our good can help us stand firm. Pastor Cameron encourages us to seek God continually, recognize His goodness in our lives, and live in light of the hope to come.
In this powerful message, Pastor Tom explores the distinction between trials and temptation, explaining how both can test our faith. Using James 1:13-15, he emphasizes that temptation comes from within, fueled by our own desires, not from God. Pastor Tom offers practical tools for overcoming temptation, including confession, avoiding temptation, and memorizing Scripture. He reminds us that while we all face temptation, it’s crucial to resist and choose the path of life, which leads to spiritual maturity and the crown of life, rather than the path of sin and death. Choose faith, choose life.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (NIV)
In this message from James 1:9-11, Pastor Tom addresses how our relationship with money—whether in humble or wealthy circumstances—can be a spiritual trial. He explores the transient nature of wealth and the importance of finding identity and joy in Christ, not material possessions. James challenges both the poor and the rich to recognize their spiritual position in Christ, calling them to rejoice in their identity as heirs to God's kingdom. The message encourages believers to let go of the world's values, embrace humility, and place their trust fully in God for true peace and eternal security.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:5-8
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
James 1:1 (New International Version)
In this powerful sermon, Pastor Cameron takes us back to the very beginning—before creation—when the Triune God of love existed in perfect fellowship. He unpacks how Jesus came to restore us to this perfect life shared between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through His presence, fellowship, and work to set things right, Jesus makes it possible for us to live out the love of God here and now. Discover how faith, hope, and love work together to shape our lives, with love being the ultimate force that remains. Tune in to learn how we can participate in the eternal life of the Trinity!
In this week's message, Pastor Tom reflects on the incredible faith of Mary. Despite her young age and seemingly ordinary life, Mary’s response to God’s impossible call—"I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me according to your word"—is a powerful reminder of what it means to trust in God's promises. In the face of overwhelming challenges and uncertainty, Mary’s humility and faith show us how to embrace God’s plan for our lives, no matter the cost. Tune in for a deeper look at how Mary’s example can transform our perspective this Christmas season.
and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Matthew 1:16-25 (NIV)
In this week's message, Pastor Danny explores why Matthew begins his Gospel with a genealogy, showing how Jesus fulfills God's promises through the line of David. He traces the ups and downs of Israel's kings, from David’s victories to their ultimate failure, and highlights how each king’s reign points to a future King—Jesus. Despite their flaws, these stories reveal a profound message of hope: Jesus, the righteous King, fulfills God’s promises and offers us grace, healing, and restoration. Tune in to discover how this Christmas season reminds us that no matter our past, there is always hope in Christ.
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud, Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.
Matthew 1:1-17 (NIV
In this Thanksgiving-themed message, Pastor Tom reflects on the final chapters of Ephesians, focusing on how our identity in Christ shapes how we live. He emphasizes the importance of thankfulness for both our relationships with fellow believers and with God. Drawing from Paul’s closing blessings, Pastor Tom highlights peace, love, faith, and grace as essential gifts that unite us in Christ. He challenges us to respond to God’s love with undying affection, walking in His ways and sharing that love with others. A powerful reminder of how our eternal blessings can transform everyday life, especially as we gather with loved ones this season.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:14-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17
In this week’s episode, Pastor Cameron dives deep into what it means to disciple our kids in today’s world. Drawing from Ephesians 6, he explores how parents can obey God’s call to teach and train their children in the Lord without exasperating them. From balancing love and discipline to recognizing children as valued members of God's family, Pastor Cameron offers practical advice for nurturing kids spiritually. Tune in for encouragement, real-life wisdom, and simple ways to make faith a daily conversation in your home. Parenting may be tough, but you’re not alone—let’s walk through it together.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
Ephesians 6:5-9
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
Join Pastor Tom as he unpacks the profound lessons from Jesus's parable of the Prodigal Son. Discover how this timeless story reveals the depth of God's compassion, forgiveness, and extravagant grace. Pastor Tom dives into the cultural significance of the father’s actions and contrasts them with the older brother's response, illustrating the call to embody kindness, compassion, and sacrificial love in our own lives. Whether you feel distant from God or weighed down by guilt, this message will inspire you to embrace the transformative power of divine grace and live out a life of abundant love.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV)
Join Pastor Tom as explores how our personal lifestyle reflects our faith, emphasizing that a rule-based Christian life leads to dissatisfaction. Instead, Pastor Tom invites us to find true fulfillment in living according to God’s design, embracing transformation through Christ. He highlights the dangers of futile thinking and the importance of renewing our minds to walk in alignment with God’s will. Join us for a message on moving from a rule-driven life to one of deep, transformative satisfaction in Christ.
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:11-16
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
Ephesians 4:7-11
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV)
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:15 (NIV)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (New International Version)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:4-10 (New Internationsl Version)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2:1-5 (New International Version)
In this message, Pastor Tom takes us through Ephesians chapter one and explores the incomparably great power of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that this power is not just something we know in our minds, but something we can experience in our daily lives. Pastor Tom highlights three specific manifestations of this power: the resurrection power that defeats sin and death, the exaltation of Jesus Christ above all powers and authorities, and the power we have in spiritual warfare. He encourages us to cultivate an awareness and passion for the power of Christ, to count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, and to ask and believe in the power of Christ at work in us. This message reminds us that the resurrection power of Jesus Christ is available to us every day, giving us victory over death, strength for living, and the ability to overcome any spiritual battle.
This week, Pastor Tom focuses on three key aspects: the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of what is to come, the Spirit's role as a seal and deposit, and the Spirit's ministry of wisdom and revelation. Pastor Tom also highlights the importance of hope, understanding our identity as God's glorious inheritance, and tapping into the power of Christ within us. Overall, the sermon encourages us to align our lives with these spiritual realities and experience the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their day-to-day lives.
"With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."
Ephesians 1:8b-10
Psalm 63 (New International Version)
A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.1 You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.
9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.
11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God will glory in him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.
“I have loved you,” says the Lord.
“But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’
“Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob,but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”
Malachi 1:2-3
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”
Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel.
Zechariah 3:1-3
This is what the Lord Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.’” Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.
Haggai 1:2-6
“I will sweep away everything
from the face of the earth,”
declares the Lord.
“I will sweep away both man and beast;
I will sweep away the birds in the sky
and the fish in the sea—
and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.”[a]“When I destroy all mankind
on the face of the earth,”
declares the Lord,
“I will stretch out my hand against Judah
and against all who live in Jerusalem.
Zephaniah 1:2-4
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Pastor Cameron's sermon focuses on the book of Nahum and its themes of God's justice. He address' its prophecy against the Assyrian Empire, which represents a warning against those who seek power and control through evil means. Pastor Cameron highlights that the church's role is to embody faith, hope, and love, mirroring Jesus's life and work. He explains that God's justice will ultimately defeat evil, even the last enemy, death.
Pastor Tom's sermon revolves around the book of Micah, exploring the profound themes presented in this ancient text. He explores the central message of the book revolving around three aspects of God's character: The Lord Judges Justly, The Lord Shows Mercy, and The Lord Maintains Covenant Love. Throughout the sermon, there is an underlying message that despite the chaotic and challenging times, individuals can trust in the character of God. By reflecting on God's justice, mercy, and covenant love, people can find hope and direction in their lives, mirroring Micah's unwavering faith amidst adversity.
In this sermon, Pastor Roger highlights God's compassion as the central theme of the book of Jonah. He emphasized the transformation of Jonah from selfishness and disobedience to being a willing instrument of God's message. Despite Jonah's initial reluctance and anger, he eventually obeyed and proclaimed God's message to the people of Nineveh, who responded with repentance and humility. Pastor Roger points out that we, too, should embrace God's compassion and not withhold it from those we deem undeserving. He challenges us to view others as God does and strive for personal transformation in the likeness of Jesus.
The vision of Obadiah.
This is what the Sovereign Lord says about Edom—
We have heard a message from the Lord:
An envoy was sent to the nations to say,
“Rise, let us go against her for battle”—“See, I will make you small among the nations;
you will be utterly despised.
The pride of your heart has deceived you,
you who live in the clefts of the rocks[a]
and make your home on the heights,
you who say to yourself,
‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’
Though you soar like the eagle
and make your nest among the stars,
from there I will bring you down,”
declares the Lord.
Obadiah 1:1-4
Seek the Lord and live,
or he will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like a fire;
it will devour them,
and Bethel will have no one to quench it.There are those who turn justice into bitterness
and cast righteousness to the ground.He who made the Pleiades and Orion,
who turns midnight into dawn
and darkens day into night,
who calls for the waters of the sea
and pours them out over the face of the land—
the Lord is his name.
With a blinding flash he destroys the stronghold
and brings the fortified city to ruin.There are those who hate the one who upholds justice in court
and detest the one who tells the truth.You levy a straw tax on the poor
and impose a tax on their grain.
Therefore, though you have built stone mansions,
you will not live in them;
though you have planted lush vineyards,
you will not drink their wine.
For I know how many are your offenses
and how great your sins.There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes
and deprive the poor of justice in the courts.
Amos 5:6-12
For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Joel 2:13
In this sermon, Pastor Tom reflects on the unfaithfulness of Israel and God's unwavering love for His people. Drawing from the book of Hosea, he illustrates how Israel's unfaithfulness is seen in their failure to acknowledge God, their idolatry, trust in human means, violation of the covenant, and ritualism. Pastor Tom emphasizes that these issues are not unique to ancient Israel but can also be observed in modern life. Pastor Tom also discusses God's judgment upon Israel, which includes exile and the loss of blessings. However, God's redeeming love can turn curses into blessings, scattered people into a reunited nation, and the unloved into His beloved.
In this introductory sermon to the a 13-week study of the Minor Prophets, Pastor Tom discusses the historical context, tracing the biblical narrative from Adam to the post-exilic period highlighting the recurring themes, including the people's sinfulness, the impending Day of the Lord, God's character (compassion, justice, and sovereignty), and the message of hope. Pastor Tom emphasizes the need for repentance, turning to God in challenging times, and understanding God's love and righteous anger. He encourages the audience to read the Minor Prophets, pray for understanding, and be prepared to learn about God and themselves.
This sermon concludes an eight-month journey through John 13-17, focusing on John 17:25-26. Pastor Tom stresses that Jesus desires believers to be with Him eternally, highlighting the certainty of this future based on God's sovereign will and Jesus' redemptive work. He emphasizes that this future with Christ will be glorious and transformational, motivating holy living and faithful service. The world's need for knowledge of God is discussed, and it's clarified that eternal life comes only through a personal relationship with Jesus. Believers are encouraged to proclaim the Word and demonstrate Christ's love and unity as part of their witness. Pastor Tom underscores the hope and certainty of a future with Christ, motivating believers to live faithfully and share Christ's message with the world.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23
Pastor Danny explores the concept of sanctification through God's Word and the Holy Spirit, highlighting the need for believers to actively engage and apply biblical truths. The assurance of God's protection and the doctrine of perseverance of the saints are emphasized, assuring that those truly belonging to Jesus will be safeguarded to the end. The idea of believers being in the world but not of the world is discussed, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the world to fulfill the mission of bringing glory to God.
The sermon highlights Jesus' role in revealing the Father's nature and attributes, showing how the disciples recognized His divine origin. Pastor Roger encourages audible encouragement and prayer among us as a congregation, drawing attention to the power of positive affirmation. Overall, Pastor Roger underscores the importance of Jesus' prayer in John 17, emphasizing themes of revelation, obedience, and intercession, while encouraging believers to manifest God's attributes to the world.
In this prayerful reflection, Pastor Tom highlights the centrality of God's glory in our lives and in the life of Jesus. He emphasizes that our prayers should be focused on magnifying and manifesting the perfections of God's character, aligning ourselves with the eternal dynamic of bringing glory to God. The prayer of consecration exemplified by Jesus, both on the cross and in the Garden of Gethsemane, encourages us to continually commit ourselves to the Father's will. Ultimately, our prayers should lead us to live a cruciform life, shaped by the example of Christ, and to anticipate the future glorification when we'll stand in the presence of God without shame, fully reflecting Jesus' character.
In this sermon Pastor Tom highlights the sufficiency of God's love, which is independent and self-existent. God loves us out of pure grace and does not need anything from us. This passage emphasizes that God's love is initiating, sending, and sacrificing. Jesus reveals the Father to us and welcomes us into His presence through prayer. The measure of God's love is that He loves us as He loves Jesus. Pastor Tom encourages us that even when we fail, God's love is still available to us.
In this sermon, Pastor Roger emphasizes that true rest comes from trusting in God's completed work rather than relying on our own efforts. He highlights three reasons from Hebrews chapter 4 why the Israelites missed entering God's rest: disobedience, hardened hearts, and not resting from their labor. Pastor Roger encourages us to trust in God, resist hardening their hearts, and cease from their own labor, finding rest in Jesus.
In this message, Pastor Danny emphasizes that joy comes from God and is an essential part of the Christian life. He refutes the idea that joy is inferior to other qualities and emphasizes that God created us to experience joy. Pastor Danny suggests that if someone lacks joy, they should examine their relationship with God, repent of any unrepentant sin, and seek His presence. He also acknowledges that tragedy and depression can impact joy, but ultimately, the joy of the Lord is available to all who are in Christ.
Pastor Tom delivers a powerful message about the righteousness and judgment of Jesus Christ. He explains that by accepting Jesus' righteousness, individuals can be holy before God, solely through His work and not their own. Contrasting the courtroom of the world, which leads to condemnation, with the courtroom of the cross, which provides salvation, Pastor Tom emphasizes the inevitability of judgment. He highlights Jesus' role as the judge in the Gospel of John, cautioning against rejecting Him as it means rejecting God. While Jesus came to save, judgment is a reality that cannot be ignored. Pastor Tom urges us to embrace Jesus with desperation, recognizing Him as the way out and emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting hearts and encourages believers to share the message of salvation with love, compassion, and reliance on the Spirit's guidance.
In this message, Pastor Cameron urges Christians to adapt their witness to the current time and culture. This includes cultivating right beliefs about God through studying Scripture and confessing the ancient creeds. He also emphasizes the importance of demonstrating love through caring for the poor and oppressed. By aligning our beliefs and actions with the Holy Spirit's guidance, Christians can effectively testify about Jesus and point others to Him in today's world.
Jesus prepares his disciples for the hatred and persecution they will face because of their association with Him. He reminds them of His sacrificial love and reassures them of His continued presence through the Holy Spirit. Jesus explains that the world hates Him and those who follow Him because His character and teachings expose the world's moral bankruptcy. He highlights the distinction between His followers and the world, as He has chosen them out of the world. Despite the challenges they will face, Jesus urges them to remain steadfast, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower them. The passage calls believers to be prepared for persecution, to examine their reasons for suffering, and to respond in a Christ-like manner. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining distinctiveness from the world while engaging with it, rejoicing in persecution, and testifying to the truth of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. The passage encourages believers to align their lives with the pattern of Jesus Christ and to find their identity and allegiance in him.
Pastor Danny focuses on a conversation between Jesus and Peter, where Peter asks what is there for them after leaving everything to follow Jesus. Jesus emphasizes the cost of following Him but also promises blessings and rewards in this life and eternal life in the age to come. The passage concludes with the reminder to find sufficiency and identity in Christ rather than fixating on sacrifices or losses.
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:12-17
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:1-12
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 14:9-14 (NIV)
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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.
John 14:27-31 (NIV)
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“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.
Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
“All this I have spoken while still with you.But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:15-26 (NIV)
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Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
1 Corinthians 10:14-17 (NIV)
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They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
John 20:13 (NIV)
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:17-31 (NIV)
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You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
John 14:4-9 (NIV)
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When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.
“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:31-35 (NIV)
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When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.
“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”
Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!
John 13:31-38 (NIV)
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“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’
“I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”
After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”
Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
John 13:18-30 (NIV)
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Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:1-3 (NIV)
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“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. …
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 10:1-13, 28 (NIV)
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I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:3-11 (NIV)
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And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44 (ESV)
And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
Mark 13:1-2
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“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV)
They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
Genesis 11:1, 3-4 (NIV)
The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Genesis 22:15-18 (NIV)
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He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
John 13:6-11 (NIV)
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The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)
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It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:1-5 (NIV)
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It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
John 13:1 (NIV)
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All the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.
So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.
Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
Nehemiah 8:1-12 (NIV)
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And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
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This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV)
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Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised!
Romans 9:5 (NIV)
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They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
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Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
John 14:12 (NIV)
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They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (NIV)
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Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, […]
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I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” Revelation 22:8-9 (NIV)
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‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
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Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” Genesis 50:24-25 (NIV) This is what the Lord Almighty says: “The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah as well.All their […]
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In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with […]
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Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 (NIV)
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Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you […]
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
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As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have […]
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1 (NIV) For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in […]
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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
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If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26 (NIV) A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV) May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone […]
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
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Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV)
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Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, […]
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I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful […]
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Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV) See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so […]
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“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same […]
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“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of […]
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I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one […]
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pray continually 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14 (NIV) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18 )NIV)
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My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generationthe praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel,which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children […]
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Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Psalm 119:23 (NIV) Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:27 (NIV) I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees. Psalm 119:48 (NIV) May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. Psalm 119:78 (NIV) I have more insight than all my teachers, for […]
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Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 2:9-11 (NIV
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He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed […]
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This passage follows the teaching of Jesus in the same pattern i.e. things we have heard from the law vs. his teaching, which reaches to the heart of the matter. This principle applies to 3 categories of our enemies and what it means to love them. Our goal is not to love our enemies for anything good in return. But it is with the realization that we need the same mercy from God as much as our enemies do. “You […]
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On the resurrection day, the ladies who followed Jesus rushed to the tomb to finish the burial that was done hastily on the day of the crucifixion. They were filled with sorrow and grief. But they were surprised with joy when the angel said to them Jesus has risen. Nothing can explain how the stone rolled away, nor how he was able to pass the Roman soldiers who were guarding the tomb, except that He was risen and He was […]
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Today we look at Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In the Book of Isaiah 50:7, the prophet described the suffering Messiah as setting his face like flint. It was an expression of Jesus’ unwavering determination to suffer and die for us. Join us as we learn about 3 characteristics of Jesus from this event. We can also be sure that this humble and suffering Messiah will be coming again as a victorious King to whom every knee will bow. As […]
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Gethsemane is about prayer. Why did Jesus pray? What did he pray? And how did God answer His prayer? We learned that God answered “No” to one prayer and “Yes” to another prayer from Jesus on the same night. Because of Jesus’ incredible love for us, he fully drank the cup of the wrath of God so that we would see the glory of God and be with Him in heaven one day. Jesus went out as usual to the […]
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In this passage, we read about His transfiguration. This event illustrates 2 points: Who is Jesus and Why did He come into the world? For a brief moment in time, His inner circle disciples witnessed the glory of God shine through Jesus’ humanity. Moses and Elijah were present as a picture that Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and the prophecy. He must suffer for the sin of the people. The Lord of glory would die for those he […]
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Today we look at a passage of scripture that talks about Jesus’ temptations. Were the temptations of Jesus easier than the ones we experience because he did not struggle with sin? What areas were Jesus tempted and how did he respond? How can we overcome temptations based on the examples given to us by Jesus? Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted […]
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Baptism is a symbol of repentance for sinners. So why did Jesus have to be baptized when he was sinless? He did so to identify with us sinners. His baptism was also the fulfillment of the prophecy that pointed to the crucifixion. Jesus set examples for us to follow in baptism, in prayer, and in being filled with the Holy Spirit. If he who was sinless recognized the need for such spiritual discipline, how much more do we need to […]
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This is the only passage in the scripture that focuses on Jesus’ childhood. When Jesus was 12 years old he went with his parents to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. Jesus said he must be in his Father’s House. Though this is a statement we hear often, at that time, it was a shocking statement for someone to claim that God was his father. Jesus knew firmly who he was and made a bold statement. He knew himself […]
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The birth of Jesus was the reality that God moved history for His plan and His purpose to be accomplished. Everything happened exactly as the prophets had foretold. Though it appeared in our human eyes that the powerful ones were the rulers of the Roman world, the one in control and the most powerful one of all, was the infant who was born. Jesus was born in poverty as a helpless babe so that in his poverty we might become […]
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Many of us consider ourselves Christians. But how confident are we in the Gospel? Do you have doubts here and there when you read the Bible? If so, you’ve come to the right place. The Gospel of Luke and John were written with this type of audience in mind. These things were written so that we may be certain of what we believe. Join us as we explore the Gospel in this 11-week series on “Ten Looks at Jesus”. Many […]
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Today we explored the third vision in the series of Face2Face i.e. the vision of Joshua the High Priest in the book of Zechariah. This passage was a courtroom scene where Satan accused Joshua the High Priest before the Lord. Joshua was helpless as Satan’s accusation was true. However, the focus in this passage was on the work of the Lord Jesus Christ who clothed him with righteousness and made him clean to stand before the Lord. Join us today […]
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The Lord’s prayer is a lesson we can learn about Christlikeness. Prayer is one of the most important aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry. He started his ministry with prayer and he often withdrew to lonely place to pray. Several times he stayed up all night to pray.Jesus did not just talk about prayer, He lived the life of prayer. The disciples also learned from Jesus how to talk to God the Father. We can learn from Jesus as he […]
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Christlikeness is the supreme priority for believing people. Join us today as we explore what the scripture has to say about this? How can we pray for Christlikeness? And how can we grow in Christlikeness. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. “ 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He […]
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Today we explored the experience of the Apostle John when he came face to face with Jesus on the Island of Patmos. What spiritual insights can we learn from his description of Jesus? What is your response to Jesus based on this description? I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On […]
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No human remains the same after coming face to face with God. In this 3-week series, we explore the experiences of 3 men in the Bible who saw the Lord. Today is the story of Isaiah the prophet. Join us as we learn how his encounter with the Lord revealed to Isaiah who he was and who God was. Plus, we discuss Isaiah’s response. In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on […]
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The birth of Jesus means the light has shined into the kingdom of darkness in which humans live. In today’s sermon, we explore 3 types of darkness that Jesus’ light has overcome. Which one do you live in? Have you experienced the fact that darkness has not overcome the light?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:1-14 (NIV)
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When Jesus was born, many sought him. From King Herod to the wise men, they were all religious, educated, wealthy, wise, and appeared to be seekers of the truth. But sadly, not everyone encountered the new messiah in their heart. What were the barriers? Which one do you compare yourself to? Have you met the savior and worshipped him?
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. “
Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)
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Everyone who came in touch with Jesus responded in worship. So did Mary when she responded with a song of praise with regards to Christ’s coming birth. In today’s sermon we learn from Mary how to worship and be a worshiper that God seeks.
And Mary said: “
My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Luke 1:46-55 (NIV)
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Grace is one of the most important words in Christian faith. Why is it so? and what does it mean to live by Grace? Join us today as we learn 3 essential truths about grace.
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15-28 (NIV)
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Jesus prays to the Father that He may sanctify us. But what does sanctification mean exactly? Who is responsible for this process? What aspect of our lives does it include?
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. “
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth”
John 17:17
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What are 3 important spiritual qualities every Christian should diligently pursue? Listen to this sermon as Paul gave the final exhortations to the church in Thessalonica.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonian 5:16-18 (NIV)
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How is the relationship between church and leaders and members ought to be like? How about among brothers and sisters in Christ? In this study, we learn Paul instructions to the church in Thessalonica how Christians relationship in the church should be like.
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 (NIV)
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Are you surprised by persecution Christians face around the world? What does Jesus teach about persecution? What are various types of persecutions and how are we to face persecution?
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” “
Matthew 5:10-11 (NIV)
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Are you ready for the second coming of Christ? Do you know how to prepare yourself so you are not taken by surprised? In this passage, Paul teaches the church in Thessalonica how to live a life that is ready for his second coming.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 NIV
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Is heaven a real place? Is it for us and how can we get there? In today’s sermon, we explore several passages in the scriptures that illustrate how heaven is real. That Jesus was at the center of Heaven and he returned there to intercede for us. We also explore how Jesus urges us to pray to our Father in heaven, commands us to store up treasure in heaven, and to rejoice that our name is written in heaven. Jesus prepared a place for us in heaven so we can go there after we die. Our view of heaven is mocked by the world but we can be sure it is real, reliable, and true. Jesus guarantees us that heaven is our home if we believe in him.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” “
John 14:1-6 (NIV)
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