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The Word became flesh...and that became very evident to John as he experienced Jesus on the earth. John encourages us to experience His "grace upon grace" for ourselves!

Sermons Archive RSS John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ”

16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

1 Timothy 3:16a And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh,

John 20:30-31 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell (tabernacle) with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

Luke 24:39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Discuss the Chalcedonian Creed.
What was John's experience of The Word made Flesh?
How did Jesus reveal/model grace?
How do we experience Him in our lives?

“In the present case I think the meaning is “grace in the place of grace, constant, fresh abundant supplies of new grace, to take the place of old grace, and therefore unfailing, abundant grace, continually filling up and supplying our need.”

— J C Ryle

“The light which men got from Moses and the law was at best only starlight compared to noon-day sun.”

— JC Ryle

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Sermons Archive RSS 1 John 3:1A Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

Romans 8:12-17 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Romans 8:31-39 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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John speaks mysterious, startling words: "The Word Became Flesh"....this sermon asks "Why?"

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Timothy 3:16a And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh…

1 John 4:2-3 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

John 20:27-29 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Genesis 4:1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the LORD.”

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why did John use the word "Flesh"?
Why did the Word Become Flesh?
How does the Bible's history of Adam's race and God's promises answer this question?
How does Jesus fulfill all we need in a Deliverer?

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Some believe in Jesus and some do not. Why do people not believe...even reject, while others believe? Why do some reject for a time (sometimes a long time) and then believe? What happens, what makes the difference?

Sermons Archive RSS John 3:1-10 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”

10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

1 John 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.

1 John 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

1 John 5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith.

1 John 5:18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

2 Corinthians 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

1 Corinthians 7:3 Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why did the world not know its Creator when He came into it?
Why did His "own" not receive Him?
Why do people not receive Him today?
Why do some receive and believe?
Why do some reject for a long time and then receive? What is the difference?
What is God's role?
What does it mean to be "born of God"?
What practical implications does all this have for us?

“The new birth is always sheer miracle. All human initiative is ruled out. People are born “of God”

— Leon Morris

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What does it mean that Jesus is the Light of the world?

Sermons Archive RSS John 1:1-13 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

“This verse is a masterpiece of planned ambiguity” D A Carson

Genesis 1:1-4 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.

“The Light which both springs from Life and issues in life.”

John 1:5 The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]. (Amplified Version)

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Matthew 5:14-15 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does it mean that Jesus is the Light of the World?
In John's writings:
- What is the darkness,
- and what is the conflict with Light and Darkness ?
- How does this work out in people's lives? What is our part?

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Sermons Archive RSS John 15:16 NKJV You did not choose Me, but I chose you
Acts 17:24-27 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth . . . he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else . . . he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” Paul continues, “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."

Isaiah 55:6 NKJV Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

Psalms 14:2 NKJV The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

Romans 3:10-11 NKJV As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.

Genesis 28:16 NKJV “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”

Psalms 63:1-4 NKJV O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:10 NKJV "I will visit you"

John 3:16-17 NKJV For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Psalms 27:4 NKJV One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.

Psalms 105:3 NKJV Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!

Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Romans 3:23 NKJV "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

Luke 5:31-32 NKJV Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

I Timothy 1:15 NKJV "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."

II Corinthians 5:21 NKJV For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

I Peter 3:18 NKJV For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God,

Romans 4:25 NKJV who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

John 20:21 NKJV So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

Revelation 3:20 NKJV Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does Zacchaeus's story teach us about faith, repentance, and transformation?
What does the story say about how we can experience salvation?
What are some examples of how we might "seek and save the lost" in our own lives?
What are some examples of how God's grace has impacted our own lives?
How does this story challenge our understanding of social status and worth?

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“The Word was Life” is a remarkable statement, which tells us so much about the Person of Jesus and the Life He brings to us!

Sermons Archive RSS John 1:3 All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even on thing came into being that has come into being. (Berean Literal Bible)

Colossians 1:15-17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

Hebrews 1:2-3 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Proverbs 8:30-31 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men.

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Philippians 3:21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he isa new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Ephesians 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Romans 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:22-23 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What reflections do you have on the statement “In Him was Life”?
What does this reveal about Jesus as the Word/Life in:
- Creation
- ReCreation
- Restoration
- How should Jesus, as the Life, impact our daily walk with God?

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John begins his book with an amazing sentence which tells so much truth and which is essential to understand the rest of the book.

Sermons Archive RSS “John intends that the whole of his gospel shall be read in light of this verse. The deeds and words of Jesus are the deeds and words of God; if this be not true the book is blasphemous.” Barrett

Psalm 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.

“In the OT God’s Word is His powerful self-expression in creation, revelation, salvation…so personification of “Word” makes it suitable for John to apply it as a title of God’s ultimate self disclosure, the Person of His Own Son” D A Carson

John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

Romans 9:5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

Philippians 2:5-6 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

1 Timothy 3:16a And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh,

“In the beginning the Word already existed, and the Word was in fellowship with God, and the Word was God by nature.” translation by Murray Harris

John 10:30 I and My Father are one.”

John 14:7-9 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

“…whose true sphere was not time but eternity.” M. Harris

“In every heart in heaven, love dwells and reigns. The heart of God is the original seat or subject of love. Divine love is in Him, not as in a subject that receives it from another, but as in its original seat, where it is of itself. Love is in God, as light is in the sun, which does not shine by a reflected light, as the moon and planets do, but by its own light, and as the great fountain of light. And from God, love flows out toward all the inhabitants of heaven. It flows out, in the first place, necessarily and infinitely, toward His only-begotten Son; being poured forth, without mixture, as to an object that is infinite, and so fully adequate to all the fullness of a love that is infinite. And this infinite love is infinitely exercised toward Him. Not only does the fountain send forth streams to this object, but the very fountain itself wholly and altogether goes out toward Him. And the Son of God is not only the infinite object of love, but He is also an infinite subject of it. He is not only the beloved of the Father, but He infinitely loves Him. The infinite essential love of God, is, as it were, an infinite and eternal, mutual, holy, energy between the Father and the Son: a pure and holy act, whereby the Deity becomes, as it were, one infinite and unchangeable emotion of love proceeding from both the Father and the Son. This divine love has its seat in the Deity, as it is exercised within the Deity, or in God toward Himself.” Jonathan Edwards

John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

John 12:41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:1a Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,

Philippians 1:20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What did you learn, in exegesis, about: Was, Word, With, With God and Is God?
In Meditation what did you learn about: the Trinity, Union and Communion, A Long Term Relationship, Jesus' Pre Existent Glory?
How does Paul model a proper response to all of this?

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The Resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of something absolutely glorious; the Restoration of the whole Universe!!!

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Corinthians 15

15:1-11 Lots of Eyewitnesses…Go Talk to Them

15:12-19 No Resurrection of the Dead At All, for Anyone….Seriously

15:20-28 The 1st Domino Drops

15:29-34 I Know It’s True, I Risk My Life Daily

15:35-49 HOW are the Dead Raised?…. WHAT KIND of Body Will They Have??

Corruption/ Perishable 1. Incorruption/ Imperishable
Dishonor 2. Glory
Weakness 3. Power
Natural Body 4. Spiritual Body

15:50-57 The Grand, Grand, Grandest Final

15:58 In the Mean Time

2 Corinthians 5:4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Philippians 3:18-19 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why was Paul so convinced of the resurrection of Christ?
How does he try to convince others?
How are resurrected bodies/persons described?
Why is it impossible for "flesh and blood" to inherit the Kingdom of God?
Describe the Grand, Grand Finale? Will you be there?

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Yes I commit sins, mostly, kind of, small ones...do I really need the Son of God to be put to death for them? Are they that bad? This sermon explores why the Cross should alarm us concerning our sins and show us our need for it.

Sermons Archive RSS Romans 1:18-32 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

“As long as God is God, He cannot behold with indifference that His creation is destroyed and His Holy will trodden underfoot. Therefore, He meets sin with His mighty and annihilating reaction.”

Psalm 97:2b Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

“Sin is a very serious matter, and is taken seriously by God, though men often make light of it. It is not only a transgression of the law of God, but an attack on the great Lawgiver Himself, a revolt against God. It is an infringement on the inviolable righteousness of God, which is the very foundation of His throne. (Ps. 97:2) and an affront to the spotless holiness of God, which requires of us that we be holy in all manner of living (1 Peter 1:16). In view of this it is but natural that God should visit sin with punishment. In a word of fundamental significance He says: “I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.” Ex. 20:5. The Bible abundantly testifies to the fact that God punishes sin both in this life and in the life to come.”

— Berkhof Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why should the cross shock and alarm us?
Why for the average person it doesn't, in fact seems like overkill?
Why is sin more than individual infractions...how is it rebellion against God?
What is God's justice and why is this attribute important to grasp?
What effect should it have on us when we see the Cross as an expression of God's Holy Justice?

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Jesus, the Son of God, was executed on a cross...was that necessary? Why didn't God just forgive us? How do Justice and Grace relate? This sermon will address these questions and show the glory of God in how He acted in our salvation.

Sermons Archive RSS Proverbs 17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

Revelation 13:8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

1 John 3:5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.

1 Peter 1:18-19 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Let us wonder: Grace and Justice
Join and point to mercy’s store;
When through grace in Christ our trust is,
Justice smiles and asks no more:
He who washed us with His blood
Has secured our way to God.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Was the cross necessary: discuss the "Problem" that begins to answer this question.
Define Propitiation.
Who offers the Propitiation and why is this so different from how humans propitiate?
The Propitiation is a Person: Who is He and why is this important?
What are the implications for us that we have a Propitiation and that God is Propitiated?

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The Cross is the Ultimate revelation of the Justice of God and of the Love of God all at once. We should never doubt God's love for us because of the cross. And when we are tempted to doubt one look at the cross should drive away all such doubts!

Sermons Archive RSS Romans 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

1 John 4:7-11 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

John 10:11-18 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

John 10:30 I and My Father are one.

Romans 8:31-32 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How does the Cross show the Justice of God?
Did Jesus "win over" the Father...is that what is happening?
Was Jesus made to go to the cross (Is this "child abuse" as cynics say)?
How is it just (in this case) to have a substitute for someone else?
How is the Cross the manifestation of the love of the Father...of the Son?
How should this impact my life...does it...how can I get it to more?

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Name things you appreciate about each other. (Minimum 3)
What was the high point of your week, what was the low point?
What can I work to improve on, or better help you with?
What can I pray for you about?
Pray together
Warm embrace

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Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

1 Peter 3:1-7 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Proverbs 21:9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Proverbs 21:19 Better to dwell in the wilderness,
Than with a contentious and angry woman.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What is submission?
How can a husband submit to Christ's leadership?
How can a husband imitate Christ in his headship?
How can a wife practically show respect to her husband?

“The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam. Not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be beloved by him”

— Matthew Henry

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Sermons Archive RSS Matthew 6:24-34 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 7:7-11“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

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This new year let's "Trust God" come what may...this sermon encourages us on how to trust God more and how to strengthen out faith

Sermons Archive RSS Psalm 62 Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be greatly moved.

3 How long will you attack a man?
You shall be slain, all of you,
Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his high position;
They delight in lies;
They bless with their mouth,
But they curse inwardly. Selah

5 My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah

9 Surely men of low degree are a vapor,
Men of high degree are a lie;
If they are weighed on the scales,
They are altogether lighter than vapor.
10 Do not trust in oppression,
Nor vainly hope in robbery;
If riches increase,
Do not set your heart on them.

11 God has spoken once,
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God.
12 Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;
For You render to each one according to his work.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Psalm 37:3-5 Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Matthew 8:26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

Luke 8:25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

John 6:39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.

John 10:28-29 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How is "trusting" God more than mere "belief" in God?
What are examples of "entrustment"?
How can someone strengthen their faith?
What lifestyle changes should I make to trust God better this year?

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When we see the familiar scene of baby Jesus in a manger, this sermon reminds us that there is profound mystery and glory about this baby...We are tempted to ask with the hymn writer: "What Child is This?"

Sermons Archive RSS Download Handout Isaiah 6:1-10 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!”

4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.

5 So I said:

“Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said:

“Behold, this has touched your lips;
Your iniquity is taken away,
And your sin purged.”

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:

“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”

Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

9 And He said, “Go, and tell this people:

‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;
Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’

10 “Make the heart of this people dull,
And their ears heavy,
And shut their eyes;
Lest they see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart,
And return and be healed.”

John 8:56-58 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

“…it conveys the idea of something that shines forth or emanates light, capturing the essence of glory and splendor.”

John 10:30 I and My Father are one.”

John 10:38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”

John 14:9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

“Without Him, electrons would not continue to circle nuclei, gravity would cease to work, the planets would not stay in their orbit…the universe owes its continuing coherence to Christ”

John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

John 17:24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

John 12:41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How is Christ's pre-existent glory seen in these headings:
- He is Creator
- He is God
- He is Preserver
- He is Majestic?
- What is the shocker...the "curve ball"?

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The Bible says "The Word became Flesh". What a mystery and glorious wonder. This sermon will attempt to unpack something of this great mystery and encourage us to "wonder" at Who Jesus is!!

Download Handout Sermons Archive RSS Luke 1:26-38 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Revelations 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

John 20:28-29 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Philippians 2:6 who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

Romans 9:5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

1 Timothy 3:16a And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh,

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does "Incarnation" mean?
How does the Bible teach:
- Jesus is God
- Jesus is Man?
- Describe as best you can 1 Person and 2 Natures?
- What is the wonder of all of this?

1689 Confession: Ch. 8 Par. 2

The Son of God, the second person in the Holy Trinity, being very and eternal God, the brightness of the Father's glory, of one substance and equal with Him who made the world, who upholds and governs all things He has made, did, when the fullness of time was complete, take upon Him man's nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities of it, yet without sin; being conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit coming down upon her: and the power of the Most High overshadowing her; and so was made of a woman of the tribe of Judah, of the seed of Abraham and David according to the Scriptures; so that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion; which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and man.

The Chalcedonian Creed (AD. 451)

“Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable soul and body; consubstantial with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin;”

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God has done a great thing in sending His Son. The Son has done a great thing in taking on flesh. This sermon explores why we need this wonderful Son of God Incarnate!

Sermons Archive RSS Luke 2:1-20 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Hebrews 9:12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

The New Testament writers speak as if Christ’s achievement in rising from the dead was the first event of its kind in the whole history of the universe. He is the ‘first fruits,’ the pioneer of life,’ He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so. (C S Lewis; Miracles, ch. 16)

Hebrews 2:14-15 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

“It’s a serious thing,” Lewis says, “to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship.”

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Sermons Archive RSS 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith | Chamber 24, Paragraphs 1 & 3

1 God, the supreme Lord and King of the whole world, has ordained civil authorities to be under him and over the people, for his own glory and the public good. For this purpose he has armed them with the power of the sword, to defend and encourage those who do good and to punish evildoers (Romans 13:1-4)

3 Because civil authorities are established by God for the purposes stated, we should submit in the Lord to them in everything lawful that they require. We should submit not only for fear of punishment but also for the sake of conscience. We ought to make requests and prayers for kings and everyone in authority, so that under their rule we may live a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty. (Romans 13:5-7; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Romans 13:1-7 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, and avenger to executewrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Hebrews 10:19-25 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

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A proper Theology of God will be a great help on Election Day and other troublesome days in life.

Sermons Archive RSS Psalm 115:3 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.

Matthew 10:29-30 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs on your head are numbered.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quite and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Jeremiah 29:7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What is God’s Sovereignty?
Why should God be trusted?
Why is it so wrong to not trust God?
How does understanding who God is give us peace, joy and free us to serve Him and others?

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Demonic forces active and working in our world is a very frightening reality. And they attack Christians. But Paul is confident that we can overcome them with the Power and Equipment (Armor) God supplies. Be a confident Christian and fight with confidence.

Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 6:10-20 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Colossians 2:8-19 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. 18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

Acts 9:22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

Romans 4:20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,

2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

3833 panoplía (from 3956 /pás, "every" and 3696 /hóplon, "weapon") – properly, a complete set of defensive and offensive armor (weapons), i.e. everything needed to wage successful warfare; (figuratively) the full resources the Lord gives to the believer so they can successfully wage spiritual warfare. In this way they do not fight for victory – but from His victory!

πανοπλία, πανοπλίας, ἡ (from πάνοπλος wholly armed, in full armor; and this from πᾶς and ὅπλον), full armor, complete armor (i. e. a shield, sword, lance, helmet, greaves, and breastplate, (cf. Polybius 6, 28, 2ff)): Luke 11:22; Θεοῦ, which God supplies (Winer's Grammar, 189 (178)), Ephesians 6:11, 13, where the spiritual helps needed for overcoming the temptations of the devil are so called.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What are the Fearful Realities?
Why are they so fearful?
Why does knowing this explain much that we see in the world?
What are the Confident Realities?
What is our:
- Power?
- Equipment?
- Why is Paul confident of our victory in spiritual warfare?

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John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

1 John 4:13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

Luke 4:13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

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We all have a job to do Monday morning, some task...but do we see that task as a "sacred calling"? That is what Paul called 1st century slaves to...how does this translate for us today? This message will examine the biblical call to "Vocation".

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.

2 Corinthians 5:9-11 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

Luke 10:7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What did the blessing of “tap water” teach?
How did the passage “Elevate or Promote Slaves”?
How did it “Demote Masters”?
Why is everyone accountable, even if they are the President of the Company?
What are some of the practical suggestions of how this passage should be lived out?

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Husband and Wife are “One”. And so is Christ and His church. Both are glorious unions and we can learn from understanding them.

Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 5:22 - 6:4 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Ephesians 6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” 4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

Acts 9:4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

John 17:20-24 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Titus 2:4-5 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does Paul NOT mean… and what DOES he mean when he tells men that loving their wives is also loving themselves?
What does it mean that the husband and wife are one?
What are the implications for us that Christ and His Body, the Church, are one?
What are some practical examples of how a husband can love his wife as his own body?

“Based on comparative literature, it is somewhat unexpected that Paul urges husbands to love their wives and not rule over them. In Jewish literature husbands are rarely exhorted to love their wives, and the verb “agapao” is never used in Greco-Roman household codes in relation to the duties of husbands.”

— Merkle, Exegetical Guide: Ephesians

“Husband and wife, then, are regarded as one person, a single entity... it is in fact to love himself, for him to be wholeheartedly loving and tenderly caring for his wife.”

— O'Brien, Ephesians Commentary

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Husbands have a wonderful example of how to love their wives in Jesus' love for the church...it's as if God pointed to Him and said "That's how you should do it!"

Sermons Archive RSS Ezekiel 16:1-22 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations, 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God to Jerusalem: “Your birth and your nativity are from the land of Canaan; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. 4 As for your nativity, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed in water to cleanse you; you were not rubbed with salt nor wrapped in swaddling cloths. 5 No eye pitied you, to do any of these things for you, to have compassion on you; but you were thrown out into the open field, when you yourself were loathed on the day you were born.

6 “And when I passed by you and saw you struggling in your own blood, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ Yes, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ 7 I made you thrive like a plant in the field; and you grew, matured, and became very beautiful. Your breasts were formed, your hair grew, but you were naked and bare.

8 “When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love; so I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine,” says the Lord God.

9 “Then I washed you in water; yes, I thoroughly washed off your blood, and I anointed you with oil. 10 I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of badger skin; I clothed you with fine linen and covered you with silk. 11 I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your wrists, and a chain on your neck. 12 And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. 13 Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate pastry of fine flour, honey, and oil. You were exceedingly beautiful, and succeeded to royalty. 14 Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendor which I had bestowed on you,” says the Lord God.

15 “But you trusted in your own beauty, played the harlot because of your fame, and poured out your harlotry on everyone passing by who would have it. 16 You took some of your garments and adorned multicolored high places for yourself, and played the harlot on them. Such things should not happen, nor be. 17 You have also taken your beautiful jewelry from My gold and My silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself male images and played the harlot with them. 18 You took your embroidered garments and covered them, and you set My oil and My incense before them. 19 Also My food which I gave you—the pastry of fine flour, oil, and honey which I fed you—you set it before them as sweet incense; and so it was,” says the Lord God.

20 “Moreover you took your sons and your daughters, whom you bore to Me, and these you sacrificed to them to be devoured. Were your acts of harlotry a small matter, 21 that you have slain My children and offered them up to them by causing them to pass through the fire? 22 And in all your abominations and acts of harlotry you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, struggling in your blood.

Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Romans 14:10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Colossians 1:21-22 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—

Colossians 1:28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How did Jesus show love for His church?
Why is this love called "grace"?
How does He "sanctify" and "glorify" His Church?
What should husbands do with all of this?

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What is the practical outworking of the structure God has set in place for marriage?

Proverbs 27:15-16 A continual dripping on a very rainy day
And a contentious woman are alike;
16Whoever restrains her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.

Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.

Proverbs 21:9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Proverbs 21:19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.

Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What Submission is NOT
Limits of Submission
What Submission IS
The Heart Attitude of Submission
What this Submission is NOT
What this Submission IS

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Christ and His Church...a Husband and His Wife...why did God direct Paul to make this correspondence? How do we recapture the wonder of it all!!!

Sermons Archive RSS Proverbs 29:18 KJV Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:18 NKJV Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Mark 10:6-8 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Revelation 19:5-9 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!” 6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”

Revelation 21:2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Genesis 2:23-24 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

1 Corinthians 7:32-33 But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. 33 But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife.

1 Corinthians 7:39-40 A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment—and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Discussion Questions: Why does God's Word describe a human marriage and the relationship between Christ and His church so similarly?
How does the Bible describe marriage as a "Union" Relationship?
What is the significance of the 2 becoming 1?
How about "masculinity" and "femininity" complementing one another as they become One?
What relationship is the best for all: single and married?

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Submission is a bad word today... but Jesus was the perfect role model of submission and we are to follow. What does "mutual submission one to another" look like?

Sermons Archive RSS Philippians 2:1-18 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Genesis 3:4-5 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Luke 2:51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”

Luke 22:42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

2 Corinthians 10:1-2 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ - who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why is “submission” a bad word today?
How is “radical autonomy” seen in our generation?
What is “submission”?
Why is Jesus the ultimate model of submission?
How can we practice and nurture “mutual submission”?

“Radical Autonomy - the idea that a person should be allowed to define his or her own reality free from outside influences like the law, moral systems, or community standards.”

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An important result of being "Filled with the Spirit" is vibrant, grateful singing... that's why Christianity is the "Singing Religion"!

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Peter 2:1-10 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

“Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no
means be put to shame.”

7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,

“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”

8 and

“A stone of stumbling
A rock of offense.”

They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession,

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Philippians 4:18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

Psalms 122:1 A Song of Ascents. of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.”

Psalms 132:7 Let us go into His tabernacle; Let us worship at His footstool.

Psalms 133:1 A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

Romans 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why do we all say the Benediction?
What is the “Priesthood of All believers”?
Why is Christianity a singing religion?
Explain how Spirit filled believers;
- Edify one another
- Glorify God
- What were some of the exhortations for us as we fulfill our calling as New Covenant Priests?

“Strictly speaking, the words ‘Islamic religious music’ present a contradiction in terms. The practice of orthodox Sunni and Shi’a Islam does not involve any activity recognized within Muslim cultures as ‘music’. The melodious recitation of the Holy Qur’an and the call to prayer are central to Islam, but generic terms for music have never been applied to them.”

— Quote 1

“Hindu worship is primarily an individual act rather than a communal one, as it involves making personal offerings to the deity.”

— Quote 2

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What does it mean to be "Filled with the Holy Spirit" and how can I obey this command?

Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 5:1-21 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:
”Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Luke 1:15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

Luke 1:41-42 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”

Luke 1:67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

Luke 3:22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

Luke 4:1-2 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.

Luke 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Acts 2:4,13 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

Acts 4:8,31 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Acts 6:3,5 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 11:24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Acts 13:9-10 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?

Acts 13:51-52 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:16-26 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does it mean that “sanctification is be displacement and replacement”?
What is the Filling of the Holy Spirit? What does that mean and what does it look like?
How can I obey this commandment to be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
What does Present, Passive Imperative mean and how does this help answer the other questions above?

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How do you know God's will in areas where the Bible does not specifically speak: Smartphone use, social media, and other modern realities? God has given us guidance in His Word!

Sermons Archive RSS Circumspectly- attentive to all circumstances of a case or the probable consequences of an action; prudent, careful.

Ephesians 5:10 “Test and prove what pleases the Lord.” Berean Standard Bible

Ephesians 5:10 “discerning what is well-pleasing to the Lord.” Berean Literal Bible

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [c]instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 5:12-14 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

When did we get "the mind of Christ"?
How do we continue the process of renewing the mind?
Where does the Holy Spirit, proving and approving, the Word, wisdom all fit into this process?
How do we know God's will in things the Bible does not address?

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What does it mean to "Walk as a Child of Light"? What does it mean that we are light and were once darkness. Bold and amazing words from the Word of God!!

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Ephesians 5:1-14 There fore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 There He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”

John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

John 12:46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believe in Me should not abide in darkness.

John 12:36a While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.

John 12:35 The Jesus said to the, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let you light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Peter 4:3-4 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles - when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

In this test:
- What were we?
- What are we?
- What does it mean “to walk as children of light”?
- What is the negative command and what is the positive?
- How does light expose the things of darkness?
- Who gives light to all men?

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Can a Christian be saved and defiantly practice sin? They better beware that they may not be saved, just deceived.

Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Romans 2:5-6 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds.”

Revelation 6:15-17 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sites on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Romans 11:20-22 Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why does God’s wrath seem out of character? Why is it not?
What are the dangers this passage warns us about?
How can we avoid being deceived?
Who rescues us from God’s wrath?

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Covetousness, Contentment, Thanksgiving... it is always a struggle to maintain our hearts, especially in such a consumer culture. But God speaks to us even today... clearly about this sin He calls "Idolatry" and gives us guidance to a life of grateful contentment.

Sermons Archive RSS Colossians 1:28 Him we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1 Timothy 4:3-5 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Luke 3:10-11 So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” 11 He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What is "Covetousness"?
What does it do to a person?
Why is it called "Idolatry" in the Bible?
How are these things "Antidotes" for this disease:
- Contentment
- Thankfulness
- Generosity

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Christians are called "Saints"... What does that imply and what should "Not even be named" among them?

Sermons Archive RSS Matthew 5:27-28 You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

1 Corinthians 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I ak;

1 Corinthians 7:9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

1 Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.

1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

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We are called to "Walk in Love" and given Jesus as an example as One who "loved" us and "gave Himself for us". How do we follow that model?

Sermons Archive RSS Romans 13:9b and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

1 Corinthians 13:2b but have not love, I am nothing.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Hebrews 1:2-3 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 10:17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.

Sermon Discussion Questions

How does Jesus model for us how to "walk in love"?
What does it mean that He "gave Himself for us"?
In what specific ways should we love as He did and sacrificially give ourselves for others?
How can we do this (think "do not be drunk" and "fire foam")?

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Ephesians tells us to imitate God... wow that's quite a command!! Specifically to walk in Love as His beloved children. What does that look like?

Sermons Archive RSS 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Romans 13:10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Acts 14:15-17 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”

Nehemiah 9:17b But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them.

Matthew 5:43-45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

2 Corinthians 5:19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why is Love so important a part of holiness?
Describe God's love and how we can imitate Him in that love?
Do people show up on your radar? Why or why not?
How can we grow to be more like God in love?

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How do we "forgive as God in Christ forgave us" as the Bible commands? What are the dangers of not forgiving and the blessings of forgiving?

Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 4:30 (Legacy) Instead, be kind to one another, tender-hearted, graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has graciously forgiven you.

Nehemiah 9:17 They refused to obey, And they were not mindful of Your wonders That You did among them. But they hardened their necks, And in their rebellion They appointed a leader To return to their bondage. But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them.

Acts 7:59-60 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Romans 12:19-21 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

“There must be a constant and increasing appreciation that though sin still remains it does not have the mastery. There is a total difference between surviving sin and reigning sin, the regenerate in conflict with sin and the unregenerate complacent to sin. It is one thing for sin to live in us: it is another for us to live in sin. It is one thing for the enemy to occupy the capital; it is another for his defeated hosts to harass the garrisons of the kingdom. It is of paramount concern for the Christian and for the interests of his sanctification that he should know that sin does not have the dominion over him, that the forces of redeeming, regenerative, and sanctifying grace have been brought to bear upon him in that which-is central in his moral and spiritual being, that he is the habitation of God through the Spirit, and that Christ has been formed in him the hope of glory. This is equivalent to saying that he must reckon himself to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ his Lord. ”

— John Murray Sermon Discussion Questions:

Describe how extensive Christians are to forgive others.
What are the dangers of withholding forgiveness?
What are the blessings of extending forgiveness?
What were the practical applications given in the sermon concerning forgiveness?

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God has huge plans for His people and is preparing them for those plans... we are His special project. We will be the holy ones who will live in and reign over the New Heavens and the New Earth... an creation itself can't wait!

Sermons Archive RSS Revelation 21:1-8 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Revelation 22:1-5 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

Romans 3:23-24 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Colossians 1:14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How can Redemption be both present and future?
Who and what will be redeemed in the future? When?
How am I one of God’s special projects?
What should I believe and do about this amazing fact?

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God commands us in Ephesians to Not Grieve the Holy Spirit. What does this mean, what are the dangerous consequences and how can we avoid this sin?

Sermons Archive RSS Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

“Grieve Him and He will withdraw Himself. I mean by that, He will withdraw the manifestations of Himself. If you grieve the Spirit, you will not have a sense of God’s love to you, you will not have the joy of salvation, you will have no assurance, you will not have certainty, you will not have peace, you will not be able to say, The Spirit bears witness with my spirit that I am a child of God.” MLJ

Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

“But then let me add to that. If you grieve the Spirit and He withdraws His gracious influences, it means that He leaves you to the supremacy of the flesh; that is to say, you will be left with all the power of the flesh within you, and the devil making use of it to attack you. He will assault you, he will insinuate vile, foul, ugly thoughts and desires into your mind and heart. You will feel that you are living in hell and that hell is within you. And it is all because the Spirit, in order to teach you a lesson, is no longer, as it were, striving against the flesh. You have grieved Him. So if you are being subjected to most terrible temptations, examine yourself; it may be that you are being delivered over to Satan, to correct you and to bring you to your senses, and to lead you not to grieve the Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God. “ - Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What are the resources we have to live holy lives?
What does it mean to:
- Live in the Spirit,
- Walk in the Spirit,
- Be Led by the Spirit,
- Mortify by the Spirit?
- Why is it so Terrible to Grieve the Spirit?
- What is the Danger of Grieving the Spirit?

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Who is the Holy Spirit? Is He a Person? Do I have the Holy Spirit? What does He do in the Church and the Individual Christian? These questions will be addressed in this message.

Sermons Archive RSS John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

John 16:14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

Genesis 1:2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Galatians 3:13-14 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

John 7:37-39 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Acts 2:16-18 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.

Acts 2:33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

John 3:6-8 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Galatians 5:24-25 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

1 John 4:13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Who is the Holy Spirit? Is He a Person...and how do you know this?
Who has the Holy Spirit?
What is the Vital Works of the Holy Spirit?

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There is a Wonder, an Awe, a Glory of the Lord's Table. This message will open up some of that Wonder.

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

18 Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

Revelation 19:6-9 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And to hear it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linin is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”

Acts 2:41-42 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Describe: The Wonder of:
- The Reality…
- The Covenant Sign…
- The Promise…
- The Proclamation… of The Lord’s Table.
- What is the Apostolic Order as given in Acts 2 and where are you in that order?

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Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 4:25 - 32 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Titus 3:1-7 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle showing all humility to all men. 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Hebrews 12:14-15 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.

Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,

Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:32-34 “Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.

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Sermons Archive RSS Romans 6:1-14 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Ephesians 4:17-24 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Psalm 12:3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
And the tongue that speaks proud things,

Proverbs 6:12 A worthless person, a wicked man,
Walks with a perverse mouth;

Proverbs 18:6-7 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,
And his tongue talks of justice.

Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

Proverbs 15:1-2 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Isaiah 63:10 But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit;
So He turned Himself against them as an enemy,
And He fought against them.

Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

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Well the titles asks the question and the message answers it!

Sermons Archive RSS Acts 20:32-35 So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves and example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does no obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Habakkuk 1:12-13 Are You not from everlasting, O Lord my God,
my Holy One?…
You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on wickedness.

1 Corinthians 4:12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we edure;

Colossians 3:22-24 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance;; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why should we strive to be holy?
What is holiness?
What are some false views of holiness?
How can holiness be described as “getting your hands dirty”?
What should I aspire to be and do after hearing this message?

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Sermons Archive RSS Romans 12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in the proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed our of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,

1 Peter 1:22 (Legacy Bible) Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a love of the brothers without hypocrisy, fervently love one another from the heart.

2 Corinthians 6:3 (Legacy Bible) giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited.

2 Corinthians 6:6 (Legacy Bible) in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in un hypocritical love.

Matthew 15: 7-8 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.

Matthew 12:34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Luke 12:1-3 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,

1 Thessalonians 4:4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Revelation 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What are the two types of hypocrites?
Why should we love without hypocrisy?
Why does God hate hypocrisy?
What does hypocrisy reveal about our heart condition?
What watt is your life?
Can God be deceived?
Have you searched your heart for the “leaven” of hypocrisy?

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Today's society is sinking in depression, anxiety and hopelessness. But God has given us a great hope in His Son...and evidence for that hope "beyond a reasonable doubt"!!

Sermons Archive RSS Luke 24 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”

8 And they remembered His words. 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.

17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”

18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”

19 And He said to them, “What things?”

So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.”

25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.

30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.

32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.

36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

Romans 8:24-25 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

John 20:27-31 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why does our culture feel so hopeless?
What is "unseen" hope?
What evidence did God give us for Resurrection Hope?
Since it's "beyond unreasonable doubt" do you believe?

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Paul teaches sanctification from a specific foundation of "union with Christ" and then moves to practical application. This sermon follows Paul as he applies this foundation to the sin of anger.

Sermons Archive RSS Psalm 4 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

2 How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The Lord will hear when I call to Him.

4 Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the Lord.

6 There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
7 You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Ephesians 4:17-32 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Colossians 1:15 Who rescued us from the authority of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son of His love,

Colossians 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1,3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God… For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Judges 6:12 And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!”

Hebrews 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this may become defiled;

James 1:19-20 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Psalm 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your hear on your bed, and be still.

Psalm 4:4 Be angry, but do not sin; and what you resolve in your heart to do, calmly reconsider while resting upon your beds. LXX

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What is the foundation for holiness: discuss Union with Christ, Old Man/New Man, and how this works our practically in sanctification.
What is “righteous” anger?
When does it become “unrighteous” anger?
How do we overcome it by applying the foundational principles of holiness?

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Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

Romans 2:2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

Zechariah 8:16-17 ‘These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; 17 Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; And do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate,’ Says the Lord.”

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

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In Ephesians Paul abruptly introduces the "old man" and the "new man". What is the background to such terminology? This sermon looks at his fuller teaching on this important subject in Romans 6 and examines how vital this is to understanding sanctification.

Sermons Archive RSS Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How did we die with Jesus?
What does it mean that we died to sin?
How did we rise with Jesus?
What does it mean that we now live in "newness of life" to God?
What does this have to do with the old man/new man reality?
Why does this not seem real to many?
How does this change how we view and approach sanctification?

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We are called to have our minds renewed: how does this work, what can hinder this important process, and what can be its glorious result?

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Corinthians 1:18 - 31 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding
of the prudent.”

20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom,; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption - 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for
those who love Him.”

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Galatians 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

2 Corinthians 5:15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How did we get a “New Mind”?
How is our mind renewed?
What can stop this process?
What keeps it going: what is the role of the Holy Spirit, prayer, being taught?

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How do we approach sanctification: like Pharisees or like Paul? How does the inauguration of a "New Humanity" highly motivate the pursuit of holiness; that is the topic this week.

Sermons Archive RSS Romans 6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“The contrast of “old man” and “new man” alludes to one of Paul’s most fundamental theological conceptions: the contrast between a realm in opposition to God, rooted in Adam’s sin and characterized by sin and death, and the new realm, rooted in Christ’s death and resurrection and characterized by righteousness and life. In our text Paul want to remind us that we have been transferred into this new realm and that because of this transfer we are both empowered and required to live in a new way. The need to work out in daily life the reality of out transfer into the new realm, or “new man”, reflects Paul’s typical “already-not yet” tension. While “already” detached from the “old man” and attached to the “new man”, we yet live in a time when the old has not been finally defeated and destroyed. The old realm continues to exist and to exercise its influence over us who still live in unredeemed bodies.”

— Douglas Moo

1Corinthains 6:15-17 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 16Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” 17But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

Sermon Discussion Questions

What is the "old man" and the "new man"?
How do we put off the old and put on the new?
How is being part of the "new" supposed to motivate our efforts toward holiness and sanctification?
What practical changes should we make in our lifestyle?

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God calls us to walk worthy of our calling. That involves some steps and the first one is to put off the “old man” or the old humanity.

Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 4:1-24 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Spiritual Gifts7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”

9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

The New Man17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Revelation 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.

Revelation 16:10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.

Romans 1:21-22 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Professing to be wise, they became fools,

Philippians 3:18-19 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

1 Peter 4:3-5 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Luke 12:51-53 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Fill in the details of these headings given the sermon:
- Who You Are
- Who You Were
- Stop Being Who You Were
- Be Who You Are

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The Body of Christ is a powerful, dynamic, living body made up of many functioning members. What is your role? What part do you play? What are your gifts? How do you discover your gifts and role?

Sermons Archive RSS Synergy - the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

1 Timothy 4:12-15 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress ay be evident to all.

2 Timothy 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How is the Body of Christ described in Scripture?
What is the purpose/goal of Christ’s Body on earth?
What are the Dynamics of the Body?
What are the Gifts?
How can I identify my role/gifts?
How can this Synergism be short-circuited?

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Christ as Head of the Church invites us to experience Himself through His Body the Church. This sermon explores how that works in and through our lives.

Sermons Archive RSS Colossians 2 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Not Legalism but Christ11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— 21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

Sermon Discussion Questions

How do we experience Christ through the Church?
How does this work: through teaching, loving service, and each other.
How can this become "disconnected"?

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What is the "goal" of the church supposed to be and how can we get there? What is my individual part? These are questions the Scriptures answer for us all!

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

Hebrews 5:12-14 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are full of age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

“… may be the result of Paul’s desire to contrast human maturity with immaturity, since in the next verse he will say that once all believers have arrived at the goal of maturity, they will no longer be “infants”. - Theilman

Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

“When the goal is ultimately reached, and the body of Christ has grown up to match the Head Himself, then will be seen that full-grown Man which is Christ together with His members. That spectacle will not fully appear until the Day when they are glorified together with Him; but the expectation of that Day will act as a powerful incentive to spiritual development in the present time.” - FF Bruce

Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 24 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ’, and will deceive many… For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

“The new humanity on earth, it is here emphasized, must grow up to adult maturity in order to resist all the adverse forces that threaten its health and effectiveness.” - FF Bruce

“But the prolonged, intensive, faithful exposition of God’s Word delivers us from immaturity… If as God’s people we were together exposed to the same sanctifying truth on a regular and intensive basis, our minds and our thinking, our wills and desires, would be recalibrated to the mind and will of God” - Sinclair Ferguson

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why is the goal of maturity in Christ so important?
How does the church achieve this goal?
What is the individuals part and what is the whole body aspect to this goal?
What can you do to help the body reach this goal?

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Unity is great but Oneness is better! God calls us to Oneness.

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Corinthians 12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Unity and Diversity in One Body12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

Colossians 3:3-4 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is out life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

John 13:12-17 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why is Oneness such an important part of God’s redemptive plan?
How is oneness seen in:
- the Trinity?
- Union with Christ?
- Marriage?
- How is it to be seen in the Church?
- What practical ways can we all do our part?

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What has Jesus been focusing on since His ascension?

Sermons Archive RSS Acts 1:21-22 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

2 Corinthians 12:11-12 I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

Acts 19:11-12 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What has Jesus been focusing on since His ascension?
What are the "gifts" (or gifted persons) Paul mentions and why these ones?
What should you say to someone who claims they are an apostle today?
What are the pastors and teachers of the church supposed to be doing?
What will be the result? Especially in terms of unity and maturity of the church?
Why is the church so important?

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Sermons Archive RSS Psalm 63 O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.

3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
4 Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with [a]marrow and [b]fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

6 When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
7 Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
8 My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.

9 But those who seek my life, to destroy it,
Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
10 They shall [c]fall by the sword;
They shall be [d]a portion for jackals.

11 But the king shall rejoice in God;
Everyone who swears by Him shall glory;
But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

2 Corinthians 8:2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Psalm 33:1-3 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!
For praise from the upright is beautiful.
2 Praise the Lord with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Jeremiah 32:41 Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will [a]assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul.’

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.

19 The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Philippians 3:7-11 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Luke 10:20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Philippians 4:3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Psalm 35:9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord;
It shall rejoice in His salvation.

Romans 5:11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

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Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more Sermons Archive RSS Proverbs 19:1-9 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge,
And he sins who hastens with his feet.

3 The foolishness of a man twists his way,
And his heart frets against the Lord.

4 Wealth makes many friends,
But the poor is separated from his friend.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who speaks lies will not escape.

6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility,
And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.
7 All the brothers of the poor hate him;
How much more do his friends go far from him!
He may pursue them with words, yet they [a]abandon him.

8 He who gets [b]wisdom loves his own soul;
He who keeps understanding will find good.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who speaks lies shall perish.

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CS Lewis wrote: "Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise"...yes you certainly might say that and much more!!!

Sermons Archive RSS Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being [a]a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is [b]conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name [c]Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and [d]did not know her till she had brought forth her[e] firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Philippians 2:1-11 Therefore if there is any [a]consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it [b]robbery to be equal with God, 7 but [c]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Galatians 2:20b “…I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Revelation 13:8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

John 1:10-11 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.

“Christianity is the story of how the rightful King has landed, you might say in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.” C S Lewis, Mere Christianity

John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Galatians 2:20b “…I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How do you "anticipate" a big, scary event?
How did this inform what this sermon was about?
What did Jesus "take on" (6 things were talked about)?
What did He leave behind?
What impact should this have on us...including "wanted side effects"?

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A baby in a hay rack, angels filling the skies, a very young virgin who's baby is called The Son of the Most High God, wise men looking for a Messiah/King...what is going on here and what is behind all of this?

Sermons Archive RSS Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

Culpability- 1. the degree of one's blameworthiness in the commission of a crime, 2. the responsibility for wrongdoing.

Matthew 26:45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. NIV

Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;

Acts 4:27-28 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What was described under the headings:
- Gave?
- Sent?
- Made?
- Spared Not?
- What does this say about God?
- In what practical ways should we respond?

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There is rich and deep meaning in the Church being described as the Body of Christ… implications for now and for the consummation of time! It is both a privilege and a responsibility to be a part of it.

Sermons Archive RSS Matthew 12:32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

Ephesians 1:21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Luke 20:34-36 Jesus answered and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

Galatians 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Hebrews 6:5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come.

Colossians 2:19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

Ephesians 4:9 (NIV) What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?
Ephesians 4:9 (NLT) Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world.
Ephesians 4:9 (ESV) In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Explain the 2 Ages and the Overlapping of the Ages.
What is God’s big plan and how is it being worked out through:
- The Resurrection
- The Ascension
- The Church
- Why is this a privilege and responsibility for Christians?

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Today there is much loss of hope, much despair and even depression at the world scene. God reveals in His Word a wonderful account of a better world coming...and it's True?? Listen and have hope!!

Sermons Archive RSS Rev. 7:9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

1 Cor. 14:24-25 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What is the Beautiful story the Bible reveals? How do we know it is true?
What is the Body of Christ and how is this to be understood with Union with Christ?
Why is the local expression of the Body of Christ so important for:
- 1. Believers
- 1. The Watching World (human and angelic)?

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The church’s unity is vitally important: because of what it is based on (who we are) and what it points to… a restored heavens and earth dwelling in harmony.

Sermons Archive RSS Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

2 Corinthians 10:1 Now, I Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ - who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does “the Unity You ARE” mean?
What does Keeping this Unity mean?
How does the Bible tell us to keep this Unity?

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We live in an age of “Identity”… individual identity, identity politics… and surprisingly the Bible has something to say about this. And what it talks about is a magnificent identity compared to the paltry identities offered today.

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

2 Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, ¹² that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

Galatians 3:26-28 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What is our Calling?
What does the Bible mean when it uses the word “Walk” in this text?
What does it mean to Walk Worthy? Give some specifics.
Why should we Think & Pray this in?

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What is God’s Magnum Opus (great work, greatest achievement)? This message looks at one of the central themes of the book of Ephesians.

Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 3:20 - 4:16
Romans 12:2

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What is God’s Magnum Opus?
What is not meant when the Bible refers to the church?
What is meant by the church in Ephesians?
What application was made under the headings:
- Know
- Thank
- Live

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The title to this sermon expresses the magnitude of this topic and the glory that this can be our experience!

Sermons Archive RSS John 1:16-17 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Eph. 3:19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. NLT

Eph. 3:19 that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself]. Amplified Bible

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What stood out for you as God's Grace in the 1st three chapters of Ephesians was reviewed.
How was our experience of the fullness of God described?
Why does this seem out of reach and unimaginable?
How did the Holy Spirit anticipate that feeling and inspire Paul to address it?
What are we left to do in light of this passage?
What is in it for God to do?

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How do you know something that surpasses knowledge… like the love of Christ? You pray to God for enablement as Paul does in Ephesians 3. And the answer can be overwhelmingly glorious!

Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 3
John 14:23
Revelation 3:20
John 14:21
John 17:24

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why do we need God’s help to grasp the love of Christ?
What are some of the examples of the love of Jesus that were given in the sermon?
How do we know something that surpasses knowledge?

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What does it mean to be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ? How to live a life of loving pursuit of Christ? These are opened up in this sermon.

Sermons Archive RSS 1 John 4:7-8
1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 13
James 2:8
1 Peter 1:22
1 John 4:9
1 John 4:10
1 John 4:11
1 John 4:19

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to be "rooted" and "grounded"?
What does it mean to be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ?
How was the priority of love explained by Jesus' teaching and life/death?
How do we live a "Life of Loving Pursuit of Christ"?

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Is Christ real to you? A Person you walk with and love? Paul prays powerfully that the Ephesians would experience Him in ways that make us want to pray this prayer for ourselves.

Sermons Archive RSS Colossians. 4:12
Philippians 4:19
Colossians 1:26-27
2 Corinthians 4:16
Galatians 2:20
Romans 8:9-10
Revelation 3:20
Romans 13:14
Colossians 2:6-7

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why should we study the apostle's prayer?
Why does he pray that we should be strengthened?
Why does he pray that Christians should have Christ "dwell in their hearts"?
Why is this prayer "experiential"?
What should our takeaway be from this part of the prayer?

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Does your faith overcome your circumstances/ emotions...or do they overcome your faith? Which one wins?

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“As His [Jesus] place in the presence of God is unchallengeable, so is ours, because we are ‘in Him’”

— FF Bruce Ephesians 3:1-13
Hebrews 10:32-11:1
Isaiah 6:5
Judges 13:22
Luke 5:8
Romans 5:2
John 6:37
John 6:39
John 17:2
John 17:24

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does it mean that we have "boldness and access" with God?
How does faith and union in Christ make this a reality?
Does your Faith overcome your circumstances and emotions or do they overcome your faith?
Are you a slave to feelings or a conqueror through faith?

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As God unfolds His plan for the ages to His Apostles we are told that He has a unique audience in mind and a unique instrument He is using to show forth His glory.

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A chained prison teaches us how to rejoice and not be overcome by our circumstances by opening up the Master Plan of God for the universe and the "Unsearchable Riches of Christ"...there is much here to learn.

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Are "joy", "hope", "gratitude", "love for God" dominate in your life? Do you live, as Paul did a life in awe of God's grace to you? Or are you over busy, distracted and entertaining yourself to death? Is anxiety, exhaustion, anger and such more dominant? How can you change things...this message addresses how.

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Is there someplace where you can go and meet with God in a personal, real way? A place where He has chosen to come and meet with is in a special way. Yes, there is!! Listen to this message!!!

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One of the greatest privileges any person can enjoy is to be included in the family of God. This message will explore the wonder of such a privilege.

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Around 30:50, the live stream audio started to be corrupted with a feedback loop. We apologize in advance.

Sermons Archive RSS John 1:1-18
John 1:14
John 1:17
Genesis 1:1
Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 33:6
Psalm 107:20
Genesis: 15:1
John 1:2
John 17:5
John 17:3
1 John 1:3
1 John 2:1
Colossians 2:9
1 Corinthians 8:6
Colossians 1:16-17
Proverbs 8:35-36

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There will ultimately be one nation, one superpower, one Kingdom… the Kingdom of God. It is a great privilege to be in this Kingdom and it should form the identity for the Christian. And it should fill us with awe, humility, and gratitude that we have been made citizens of this great Kingdom.

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A big part of Christian transformation (sanctification) is renewing our minds. In this passage God challenges us to think differently, more comprehensively about what Christ accomplished on the cross and about our identity as "us"...the new man (humanity).

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The world finds it illusive and painful to unite together… especially when we insist on making individual identity the main thing. How can all this diversity unite? Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has done it and is doing it, and this gives us a glorious hope!

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Maintaining Biblical truth as God has revealed it sometimes is like walking a razors edge. Grace and Good Works have caused much confusion when we lose that edge and end up with very Unbiblical "truth" ...which is no truth at all.

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What does the Bible mean by the powerful message “Not of works”… this message examines salvation as By Grace, Through Faith, and Not of Works.

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If God treats His enemies so mercifully, why are Christians so angry so much of the time?"

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We expect a certain response to mean, hateful acts directed to us...but God does the unexpected and it is both confusing and glorious.

Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 1:15-2:10

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How does Paul highlight God's grace by showing men's condition?
Why is God's response so unusual given how we respond to others?
What practical ways should we respond to God's love, kindness, mercy and grace?

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How can One (Jesus) who "fills all in all" have something (literally some ones) that He considers His "Fullness"? How does the Church fill Him who fills all in all...the wonder and amazement of this is covered in this sermon.

Sermons Archive RSS Acts 19
Revelation 11:15
Matthew 28:18-20

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What, practically, does it mean that Jesus is Lord over everything?
What is the significance that this Lordship is "aimed" at the good of the Church?
What does it mean that the Church is the "Fullness of Him who fills all in all"?
What are the implications for you and your relationship with the church?

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Salvation is by grace, and act of love...but it is also an exceedingly glorious act of God's power. We are saved by power...His great, glorious power.

Sermons Archive RSS Romans 1:16
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
Colossians 1:13

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why does Paul use 4 different words for "Power"?
How has God exercised His glorious power (name all 4)?
Why does Paul want us to know all this?
How is this power operative in our lives?

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Sermons Archive RSSRomans 12:3-10

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Sermons Archive RSSPsalms 86
1 Peter 1:7
Ezekiel 36:27
Galatians 5:22-23
1 Peter 1:3-4
Matthew 13:49-50
Leviticus 19: 2
Romans 12:1
1 Peter 1:14-16
Matthew 7:16-20
John 3:19-21
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to be holy?
How Is God Holy?
Where do we get our holiness from?
What work did Jesus accomplish in our holiness?
Why should we be holy?
Do you dare to be holy?

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Sermons Archive RSSRomans 1:18-32

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

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Jesus really rose from the dead...honestly, it truly happened. And the implications are so far-reaching!!

Sermons Archive RSSLuke 24:1-49
Romans 4:24-25
1 John 2:1-2
Romans 8:34
Ephesians 1:10
Ephesians 1:19-21
Ephesians 2:4-6

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What is the proof of the resurrection?
What are the implications of the resurrection for:
- believers
- the church as a whole
- the creation
- all people?
- How should we respond and live with this glorious reality?

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Paul prayed regularly for the Ephesians: What did he pray and why? Exploring those questions will teach us a lot about how to pray for others and for ourselves.

Sermons Archive RSSGalatians 5:5
Romans 5:2
Titus 3:7
Hebrews 5:12-14

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What did Paul pray for the Holy Spirit to do, especially to the "eyes of their hearts"?
What were the 3 specific requests?
Why should we pray this for ourselves, and others, and what should we expect the answer to look like?

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The Christian has been sealed with the Holy Spirit and He is a downpayment/guarantee...these are rich realities which are meant to give us great comfort and hope.

Sermons Archive RSSRomans 8:12-27
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
2 Timothy 2:19
Revelation 7:2-4
2 Corinthians 1:22
2 Corinthians 5:5

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does it mean that Christians are "Sealed" with the Holy Spirit?
How does "ownership" fit in with this? Protection?
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit is a "downpayment/guarantee"?
How does all of this get worked out in a Christian’s life?

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The Apostles talked often of our Inheritance. Why? What did they mean and why is this so important for Christians today to grasp and anticipate?

Sermons Archive RSS1 Peter 1:1-9 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

A Heavenly Inheritance3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Revelation 21:1-8 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

Daniel 4:34b-35 For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?"

Psalm 115:3 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.

Romans 8:16-18 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Matthew 25:34Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 19:29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

1 Corinthians 3:21-23 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come--all are yours. And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Deuteronomy 10:9 Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is his inheritance, just as the Lord your God promised him.

Colossians 3:1-4 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Galatians 3:29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 4:7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Titus 3:7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Acts 20:32 So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Hebrews 9:15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What about the Grasshopper?
What is an Inheritance?
What is our inheritance?
How sure and secure is this inheritance?
How should we heirs now live?
What if I feel and am too unworthy?

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Our world is in a sad state of hopelessness and despair as it contemplates the future. God's plan is amazing and beautiful. Let's live it and share it.

Sermons Archive RSSEphesians 1:1-14
Romans 11:33-34
1 Corinthians 15:24-26
Psalm 2:6-8
Psalm 110:1

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What is the meaning of "mystery" as Paul uses the word here?
What is the Huge Plan?
How does this Plan answer most of life's hardest questions?
Describe the great privileges we have because:
- 1. The Plan was revealed to us?
- 2. The Plan was revealed in us?
- Why is this "all of Grace"?

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Sermons Archive RSSJohn 1:1-3
Colossians 1:15-18
John 15:11-13

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The loss of blood is a serious matter. When it is a beloved child it is really so. God lavished His grace upon us through a rescue mission in which His Son’s blood was poured out. Precious blood!

Sermons Archive RSS1 Peter 1
Matthew 3:17
Matthew 17:5
Matthew 20:28
1 Peter 1:18-19
Romans 3:23-24
Colossians 1:14
Romans 8:31-32
1 Corinthians 6:20

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What is behind the use of the word "Beloved"?
What does Redemption mean?
What was the price paid for or Redemption?
What does it mean that Grace was "Lavished"?
What are the practical implications for us of the "Precious Blood".

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In order to grasp something very difficult, we usually need explanations, illustration and even demonstrations; God created all things, directed history and sent His Son to demonstrate something very difficult to grasp: Just how rich in this amazing thing called "Grace"!

Sermons Archive RSSEphesians 1:1-14
Romans 5:6-8
Luke 1:28
Revelation 22:17
Ezekiel 33:11

Sermon Discussion Questions

How was the bigness, or vastness of God's grace illustrated in the sermon?
Why is grace so hard to extend to others?
How was God's grace demonstrated?
How have we been "graced"?
What is the tragedy of refusing grace?

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One of the greatest privileges a human can ever be blessed with is the topic of this message: The wonderful doctrine of our "Adoption”.

Sermons Archive RSS1 John 3:1-3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Psalm 103:13 As a Father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

Prov. 14:26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.

Luke 6:29-32 And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.

For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

1 Cor. 3:21-23 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come--all are yours. And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

2 Cor. 6:17-7:1 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty." Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

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God's primary desire is to make you holy...not happy. But through that He gives you something more wonderful than "happiness"...a deep joy in the "beauty of Holiness"

Sermons Archive RSSHebrews 12:14-16
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Romans 8:14
Romans 8:13
Romans 13:14
1 Peter 1:13-16
Psalm 29:2
2 Chronicles 20:21
Matthew 5:6

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What are some of the false views of holiness?
What does it mean that the Christian is "already holy"?
What are examples of what true holiness "looks like"?
How do we grow in holiness?
What is the "Beauty of Holiness" and why is it important that we understand holiness in this way?

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One of God’s purposes in choosing a people by grace, is that they would be “holy and blameless”. What does that mean? What is holiness? Those are the topics discussed in this message.

Sermons Archive RSSExodus 19:7-25
Exodus 20:1-21
1 John 1:5
Job 34:10
Habakkuk 1:13a
Isaiah 6:5
Hebrews 12:14
1 Peter 1:13-16
Hebrews 12:1-2
Romans 8:29

“...it includes such ideas as “absolute unapproachability” and “absolute overpoweringness” or “aweful majesty”. It awakens in man a sense of absolute nothingness, a “creature-consciousness” or “creature feeling”, leading to absolute self-abasement.”

— Berkof, p. 73

“If man reacts to God’s majestic-holiness with a feeling of utter insignificance and awe, his reaction to the ethical holiness reveals itself in a sense of impurity, a consciousness of sin. Otto says of the response to Him “it is ‘mere awe, mere need of shelter from the “tremendum”‘, it has here been elevated to the feeling that man in his “profaneness’ is not worthy to stand in the presence of the Holy One, and that his entire personal unworthiness might defile even holiness itself.”

— Berkof, p. 74 Sermon Discussion Questions:

What are God's 3 goals in choosing a people?
What does it mean that God is "Holy"?
What does holiness "look like"?
How do we do this?
How can people deceive themselves about holiness?

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We will look in detail at what it means that we are "chosen in Him" and how Jesus' teaching of Himself as the "Good Shepherd" brings deep richness to this concept.

Sermons Archive RSSEphesians 1:3-6
Ephesians 2:1-7
John 10:1-18

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How does a person come to believe in Christ?
What does it mean that a people were "given to Christ"?
What are some of the beautiful things that Jesus revealed when He described Himself as the Good Shepherd?
What did Jesus "take on" when He and the Father planned before the foundation of the world?
How should this impact my life?

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People get real comfortable when the Bible uses words like “election” and “predestination". But Paul begins the book of Ephesians not in controversy but in praise!!

Sermons Archive RSSRomans 9:1-24
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
1 Corinthians 9:22-23
Colossians 4:2-4
2 Timothy 1:9-10
John 6:37-40

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How do people view God today?
Why did Paul not have “problems” with the sovereignty of God and evangelism, prayer, or fairness?
What were God’s three options with a fallen world?
What if this is true for me?
What is my job?

“Men will allow God to be everywhere except on His own throne. They will allow Him to be in His workshop to fashion worlds and to make stars. They will allow Him to be in His positions as Giver to dispense His gifts and bestow His blessings. They will allow Him to sustain the earth and uphold its pillars, or light the lamps of heaven, or rule the waves of the ever-moving ocean. But when God ascends His throne, His creatures then gnash their teeth. And when we proclaim an enthroned God, and His right to do as He wills with His own, to dispose of His creatures as He thinks well, without consulting them in the matter - that is when men turn a deaf ear to us, for God on His throne is not the God they love. They love him anywhere better than they do when He sits with His scepter in His hand and His crown upon His head. But it is God upon the throne that we love to preach. It is God upon His throne whom we trust.”

— C. H. Spurgeon

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Paul's letter to the Ephesians is built on the foundation of that very special doctrine "Union with Christ" this message will examine that wonderful truth and its implication for us.

Sermons Archive RSSEphesians 1:1-14
1 Thessalonians 4:14
1 Thessalonians 4:16
1 Corinthians 15:22
John 15:5
John 14:23
John 17:20-23
1 Corinthians 1:9

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does "Union with Christ" mean?
How does it span from eternity past to eternity future?
What does each illustration of it in the Bible add to our overall understanding:
- Vine & Branches
- Cornerstone & Building
- Head & Body
- Adam & Christ
- God the Father & God the Son
- Husband & Wife
- What practically does it mean that we are in union with Christ?
- Are you in union with Christ right now?

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Why does the very Son of God become man? Why is such a mediator necessary?

Sermons Archive RSSJohn 1:1
John 1:14
John 1:18
Philippians 2:6-7
2 Corinthians 8:9
1 Timothy 3:16
1 Timothy 2:5
Galatians 2:20
Philippians 3:20-21

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does "incarnation" mean?
What did Jesus "give up"?
What does it mean to "take on" someone?
- Give examples> What does it mean that Jesus took on:
  - 1. our humanity and
  - 1. our debt.
  - Why did He have to take on our humanity?
  - Why did this cause the angels to sing?!!

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When Jesus came to earth He gave up the glory of heavenly existence for a time. This message examines what He gave up and what that says about Him and His trustworthiness.

Sermons Archive RSSLuke 1:26-38
Philippians 2:1-11
John 1:1
John 1:14
John 17:1-5
Hebrews 1:3
Matthew 1:21

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What was Jesus' life like before He came to earth?
Why did He give that up and come? What does that say about Him?
Why does the world consider such sacrifice foolish?
Why does God think the world's view is foolish?
What does this teach us about trusting Jesus?

“There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell.”

— C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves

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Sermons Archive RSSPsalm 73
2 Corinthians 4:8
Isaiah 55:8-9
Hebrews 12:15
Ecclesiastes 1:12-14
Matthew 5:10-12
Acts 5:40-41
Matthew 7:13-14

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Jesus came to earth through a plan made before earth was even created. The plan reveals something about God that would not be known otherwise...and it's marvelous!!

Sermons Archive RSS1 Peter 1:18-20
Revelation 13:8
Romans 11:32-33
Ephesians 1:5-6
Romans 8:30-32

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Explain how Jesus was "sent" by a "plan".
What does this plan tell us about the Father?
What was the hidden reservoir, and how did God reveal it to us?
What are the practical implications of all of this?

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A large stone, a royal seal, an armed guard are silly and pathetic in the face of Kingdom of God power and a "real" King!!

Sermons Archive RSSMatthew 27:57-66
Matthew 28:1-20

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why is Christianity Not a "leap of faith"?
What is it then...what type of faith?
What does Jesus' resurrection mean for us in terms of "Power" and "Hope"?

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The Crucifixion: the Son of God's torturous death...wrath, justice, and love...we will seek to enter this holy topic and leave with hearts filled with awe, wonder and praise.

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Who is Barabbas? Well, there is an historical answer to that question. But there is a more profound answer for the Christian: "I am".

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Two men deny Jesus...both show some type of remorse. One commits suicide and goes to hell...one is restored, and continues to labor as an apostle and is enjoying heaven. What is the difference? When is repentance real and not mere remorse?

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Sermons Archive RSS Romans 6:1-13
1 Corinthians 6:15-17
1 John 4:15

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Psalm 23 reminds us that in life or in death — in times of plenty or want — God is good and worthy of our trust. The psalm uses the metaphor of a shepherd’s care for his sheep to describe the wisdom, strength and kindness of our God. It gives voice to the sheep who are always eager to share what they know to be true, that staying close to the shepherd is always the safe place to be, for there can be nowhere He leads that does not, in the end, result in that which will be good for His flock.

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Jesus endures a false trial filled with lies… and remains mostly silent… why? This message explores the reason, the glory, and the lessons behind this fact.

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Jesus is in complete control of His arrest and could have ended it instantly and gloriously...but more gloriously He didn't end it for us!

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What is the Lord's Supper and why is it so significant, meaningful and an aid to faith and assurance in Christ?

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Gethsemane is one of the most moving and revealing events in Jesus' life. The sermon will attempt to explore its great marvels, mystery, and comforts for us.

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Gethsemane is one of the most moving and revealing events in Jesus' life. The sermon will attempt to explore its great marvels, mystery, and comforts for us.

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How are you related to Jesus? That is the most important issue we must resolve, having eternal implications.

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All of humanity will be divided by Jesus into Sheep and Goats: what are the criterion for each? and which one are you?

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Why did God create you and why are you on the Earth at this time, in the place you are? Big questions and Jesus answered them in a simple but profound story that has lots of implications and answers.

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Jesus lovingly prepared His people for the "delay" in His coming. He gave us directives as to how we can be always expectant, prepared and zealous.

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In this message we will see how Jesus depicts the events of the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming He does so with a view to helping us navigate times of upheaval and to keep our love for Him fervent.

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Jesus was asked about when is His 2nd coming and the end will come. His answer is filled with "pastoral" love and wisdom for His people throughout the whole Gospel Age...as applicable today as when He first spoke them.

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What happens when you greatly underestimate God? On the other hand, what happens when we get a deeper grasp of how Super Capable God is and of how present He is in the smallest areas of life. This sermon explores theses questions and the wonderful implications for us!

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Sermons Archive RSS Romans 12:1-2

James 2:14-17

1 John 2:15-17

1 John 4:7-11

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What does Paul strongly encourage Christians to do in response to God’s compassion?
What does it mean to “not conform to the world?”
Why is love the best way to serve God?
How can you love more in your daily life?

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What does it mean to persevere? What kind of suffering do you experience in your life? How can you persevere through those sufferings?

Sermons Archive RSS Romans 5: 1-11
Matthew 5: 11, 12
James 1: 2,3
John 16:33

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Sermons Archive RSS Romans 1:16-2:16

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Our culture is leaving behind some very valuable truths that God gave us to bless us...we need to find the "Tested, Dependable Paths".

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Jesus now questions the Pharisees and reveals some deep and amazing things about Himself as Son of David and Son of God.

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We Christians struggle with a "disconnect": We are thankful to God for treating us with love, grace, mercy, patience and forbearance...but when others sin against us or irritate us, we do the opposite. How can we repair and maintain the "disconnect" is what this message addresses.

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Sermons Archive RSS Hebrews 1

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The importance of the local church and especially it's leadership as outlined in the Bible will be explored in the message.

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Ever have a mean person in your life? How did you respond? We were the mean person once and God’s response reveals a lot about Him…enough to leave us in awe!

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Sermons Archive RSS Philippians 4:6-7
Luke 12:22-31

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Try as we may, humankind is powerless in defeating death...until a Man came along and defeated Death: a second Adam, the very Son of God!

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What is the overall message of the Bible and where do the individual people I hear about fit in? This question will be addressed in this sermon which will show the sweep of Redemptive History. But it will also show how God's glory and especially the glory of His grace is displayed in the history of the world.

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To love our neighbor as ourselves is no easy task… but by God’s love in and through us possible.

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There is one "thing" that you must do in order for you life to be considered a success and if you fail to do it you will be a failure. God said it...what is it? That is the topic of this message.

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When faced with the most important, eternal questions, Jesus turned to the Scriptures and the power of God, to follow Him is to respond the same way.

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"What does it mean that God is 'For Us' and how should this be truth "dominate our entire outlook on the future'"?

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Titus 2:11-14

11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

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A trap is laid for Jesus that could mean disaster. Instead it trapped the trappers into "marveling"at His answer!

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This sermon looks into God's open, generous repeated invitations to come into His Kingdom. And at the various responses Jesus outlined in the parable. What is your response? Are you ready to enter the wedding banquet?

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When power is transferred (think Presidential inauguration) there is both great privilege and great responsibility. The Kingdom of God is being transferred...do we appreciate our privilege and are we up for the responsibility?

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Jesus moves dramatically in zeal for God. As we watch Him we learn what it means to love God with all we have and to live a life of zeal for Him.

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A gentle King and Kingdom doesn't sound very threatening and yet it is the most powerful Kingdom the earth will ever know...especially if Christians don't join the world in misunderstanding the King and His Kingdom.

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Jesus shows us His amazing Mercy and Power to some poor, blind beggars, who can teach us a lot.

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Selfish Ambition vs. a Servant Heart....how different these 2 are and how one or the other motivates us. Listen to Jesus on this important matter

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How does persistent sin effect your relationship with God? Why must you confess your sins? How is it that Jesus can be your righteous defender before God?

Sermons Archive RSS 1 John 1:5-10
1 John 2:1-2

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The Savior, the Son of God, is being smuggled away while soldiers are hunting this newborn to kill it: How did Matthew and Joseph make sense of this bizarre scene...How do we? And why should this make us feel deeply loved by God?

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God's message to the world is loud and clear: Jesus is Lord and King. As quaint as that sounds in carols, it is glorious, revolutionary and can be a major threat to some. The Wise Men and Herod are examples of the various responses to Him and parallel same responses many today make.

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God and humankind can only be reconciled through a Mediator, a very special Mediator: one who is both God and Man. Or as Joseph was told: Jesus and Immanuel!!

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We sure struggle to understand Grace. How do we make sense of such unmerited, extravagant love to enemies and unloving and unlovable people. Yet Christ launches a Kingdom that is known for this love: both from God and to each other.

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We are encouraged...almost programmed...to make our life goal to be rich, or at least to believe that money will bring happiness, security and status. Jesus' view of these things shocked even His disciples...and He gives us lots to think hard about.

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Sometimes a wonderful scene unfolds and we are given a wonderful insight into the heart and character of God… we will look at such a scene in this message.

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What was Jesus', the very Son of God's view on marriage, divorce and singleness? How did He present His view (hint: What role does the Scriptures have in how He discussed these matters?)? It shouldn't surprise us that God's design is so beautiful!

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Why is it so hard to forgive? Why is it so important? How can we do it? In this message we examine Jesus’ teaching on this vital area.

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Jesus inaugurates a completely countercultural Kingdom....a Kingdom where humility, and not pride, is the dominant trait and a Kingdom that can only be received "as a little child" and not a demanding, arrogant adult.

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When you pray… are you unburdened, at peace, hopeful… or still anxious, mixed emotions, not real comforted? Jesus addresses us even today with the teaching of faith, prayer, and mixtures of belief and unbelief in our hearts.

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Jesus displays His overwhelming glory briefly and then His Father speaks… the reality of this event is so important for us to grasp.

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Galatians 3:14
1 Thessalonians 4:16
Mark 8:38
1 Corinthians 2:9
Titus 3:4-7
John 3:18
Ephesians 2:10
Philippians 2:12
1 John 3:22
Galatians 5:22 - 24
1 Thessalonians 5:23
2 Corinthians 5:10

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Are you prepared for heaven?
How do we seek a better homeland?
Has God prepared a work for you?
What things in your life can you remove to please God?
In what ways can you change your life to be prepared for heaven?

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Sermons Archive RSS John 13

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Jesus makes some very hard demands of His followers. Once we realize we are in a warzone they make sense. And so do His reasons for His demands. But best of all Jesus never asks more from us than He was willing to do...and did!!!...for us.

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The Bible's message is truly shocking: The Son of God becomes The Son of Man to give His life for the enemies of His Father who sent Him...and truly glorious.

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In the end Jesus Christ will reign...He will win...is this amazing truth a fleeting thought for you are a deep source of hope, boldness, endurance and even compassion?

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There is 1 fact that once a person acknowledges it to be true… changes everything… for the Good! This sermon examines that fact.

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This passage shows Jesus as a powerful and compassionate Shepherd...but it also shows Sheep who are slow on the uptake and just don't seem to "get it". This leads to the repeated admonition..."little faith". How can we move from that to "great faith" is the question we will explore.

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Most change involves adjustment, and can be hard. The change from Old Covenant to New with the coming of Jesus lead to many adjustments and refocusing of priorities. Within that is much for us to rethink about ourselves.

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As we watch Peter lose focus, take his eyes off Jesus and begin to sink… we immediately see ourselves. This message helps us stay focused and go from “little-faith” to “great-faith”.

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Christians have been deeply motivated and sustained by the hope of "Our Inheritance". But this doesn't seem to be the case today among many in the body of Christ. Besides the culture's pressure to focus only on the here and now, perhaps we simply don't know enough about our inheritance to be hopeful and persevering.

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Sermons Archive RSS Psalm 116
Luke 12:29
Acts 12

Questions for reflection:

How was Peter able to rest while imprisoned and facing death? Where did he find his peace of mind?

Why did the church pray even as they harbored doubts that God would rescue Peter? What is the lesson for us as we approach God in prayer?

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Sermons Archive RSS Genesis 1:1
Psalm 104:24
John 1:1-3
Deuteronomy 10:14
Psalm 24:1
Psalm 50:10
Colossians 1:16
Genesis 9:3
Psalm 65:9
Job 38:41
Exodus 14:22
Psalm 5:5
Psalm 11:4-6
Proverbs 15:9

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Matt. 13:53- 14:13: Jesus called us to be "All In"...to sell all for the pearl of great price. In this sermon both Jesus and John the Baptist model for us the "Cost of Being All In"

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What's most important to you? What is your purpose in life? What gives you happiness and meaning? If you achieve it all, how long will it last? Jesus told parables to help us know what to pursue. And how to be "all in" for something that will last eternally.

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In two simple, but profound Kingdom parables, Jesus give us much to be excited about in terms of what God is doing in our world. That is a well needed antidote to so much sadness and concern for the state of the world. We will also look at how we can do our part to advance His Kingdom.

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Jesus illustrated the gospel going out into the world as a sower sowing seed. He summarized all people into 4 “types of soil”. Only 1 type of soil finds salvation. What soil type are you?

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Two Kingdoms are flourishing and at war with each other on earth. The nature of them is seen in the controversy in Jesus’ life with the religious leaders of His day. It is seen today as well. There is something frightful and also glorious about these realities in the text opened up in this message.

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Words are powerful both for good and for harm. But the tongue is so hard to control. Jesus addresses this important issue and takes us deeper to the “heart” of the matter.

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How do you know Christianity is true? What answer would you give if someone asked you this question? Jesus was asked something similar to this and He pointed to "One Sign"...one overriding evidence to prove He was Messiah. We will examine that Sign and it's practical implications for our faith.

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Jesus said the 1st and greatest command is to love God. This sermon explores "Why We Love God"...it fills in the sentence "I love God, because...

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Any Bible reader will be thrown into concern and maybe fear when he or she reads about an unpardonable sin. In this message we will open up the meaning of that sin and will look at the destructive nature of sin.

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What if a discouraged private got a chance to look over the general’s shoulder and see a glorious battle plan for victory? Jesus gives us such a glimpse of the Kingdom of God and it’s power, in order to encourage and embolden us!

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Why is it so hard to love people who are unlovable and to love our enemies? It shouldn’t be so hard to extend grace given how much the God, who is Love, has extended grace to us.

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What happens when you expect one thing from someone and they do the unexpected? What if that Person is God? This sermon will explore how the greatest Man ever to live (every human being will say He is Lord one day), wields His power, lived His life, and inaugurated a Kingdom that is very unexpected.

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It’s amazing how we humans can mess up our religion. It’s really amazing how Jesus cleans up that mess! In this passage Jesus helps us “refocus” our faith.

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Sermons Archive RSS Matthew 21:1-11

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Many look out at the world today and think it has gone mad. Is it possible that this is part of God’s plan and He has reasons for allowing it to go this way? Isn’t that scary? Yes it is… and yes God has reasons to do what He is doing. We will explore those reasons through the Bible.

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God is "inscrutable"...we cannot fully comprehend Him. But when He makes HImself "known" the sight is glorious!

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What in the world is God doing? Or...What is God doing in the world? This was the question John the Baptist was wrestling with while sitting in prison. He finally sent some of his followers to ask if Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus' answer was instructive to John and to everyone...and it answers the biggest question of all: What is God doing in the world...what is the Big Plan?

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What is faith? Believing certain things about God? Yes, but much more. It is a conviction that the things about God are true and real and for me. But it's even more than that! It involves action...trusting...a vital connection with the person of Christ. Matthew illustrates Real Faith in Action with a series of people interacting with Jesus in an intensely packed section which we will examine in this sermon.

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We are pilgrims, just passing through this world on our way to the promised land. But many things turn our hearts and soon we start acting like this is our final home… this fallen passing world. This sermon will explore those dangers and how to keep our “Pilgrim Mindset”.

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Jesus warned of new wine in old wineskins. He is touching on the pattern of renewal, decay, renewal. How does the church make sure that it stays healthy and filled with new wine? This sermon explores the challenges facing the church with each passing generation and how we can be blessed by one another.

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Jesus' association with Matthew and His attendance at a party at Matthew's house with his "questionable" friends, leads to a powerful teaching moment about the true nature of the gospel!

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Sermons Archive RSS Ephesians 4:1-16

Walk in Unity

4 I, therefore, the prisoner [a]of the Lord, [b]beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in [c]you all.

Spiritual Gifts7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”

9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also [d]first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [e]edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Sermons Archive RSS Daniel 2:1-3 Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

1 Now in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was so troubled that his sleep left him. 2 Then the king gave the command to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. 3 And the king said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream.”

Daniel 2:10-11

10 The Chaldeans answered the king, and said, “There is not a man on earth who can tell the king’s matter; therefore no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean. 11 It is a difficult thing that the king requests, and there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”

Daniel 2:31-35

31 “You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. 32 This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Job 33:14-15 New King James Version

14 For God may speak in one way, or in another,
Yet man does not perceive it.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,
When deep sleep falls upon men,
While slumbering on their beds,

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Sermons Archive RSS Hebrews 11:1 - 12:2

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Sermons Archive RSS John 4:1-42A Samaritan Woman Meets Her Messiah

4 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria.

5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”

17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.”

Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”

19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”

21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.”

26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

The Whitened Harvest27 And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why are You talking with her?”

28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him.

31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”

32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”

33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?”

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

The Savior of the World39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of His own word.

42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed [a]the Christ, the Savior of the world.”

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Titus 1:10-3:11

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The world falsely believes that by getting things, buying things, experiencing things, pursuing pleasure...one will find happiness. But that strategy is so elusive and never pans out. God is so different (and counter-intuitive)...He finds great happiness in giving and giving and giving. He also encourages us to find happiness that way too!

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While we sing of Jesus as King, it is hard for those not familiar with a true monarchy to fully grasp the all encompasing and glorious reality that Jesus is King...and especially that He is King of all Kings!!

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Miracles are happening today in people's lives. We Invite you to listen to what God is doing in our little world today and rejoice in His miraculous power to save!

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I don't need no pie in the sky salvation: what I really need is _______...fill in the blank...a job, health, a sports car, a spouse,etc. Jesus offered to forgive the sins on a paralized man...is that really what he needed??? Yes...tune in!!

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As we sense our society going in some scary directions, how are we supposed to process this? Jesus' power and authority over 6,000 demons in one man has huge lessons for the believer facing evil today, and overcoming.

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What does it mean to be a true follower of Jesus? He alone has the right to answer that question. And He does in this passage. We are also challenged to ask a question: Who is this that even the wind and the waves obey Him?

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How is your faith? Strong? Up to any challenge? Weak, especially when you need it to be strong? This message looks at some faith responses to God. One of the challenges we face is not feeling “worthy”… an interesting theme in this text.

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During uncertainties, fears and anxieties we must be clear about and committed to believing the things God proclaims are "Certainties". Trusting in God and resting in His "Certainties"should fill us with peace and even joy.

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Learn more Sermons Archive RSS Daniel 1:1-8

Sermon Discussion Questions:

What are the two views of history shown in Daniel 1?
What are the steps of Babylonian domination?
Explain the call to be different?

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Many people are gripped with fears today. They have little coping mechanisms for the storms that have broken in our society recently. They are fragile. Jesus speaks of houses built on sand (and therefore fragile) and houses built on rock (which can weather the toughest storms). What are you building on? Who are you building on?

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Sermons Archive RSS 2 Corinthians 1:1-24

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As Jesus teaches His Kingdom members what life in the Kingdom is to be like, He talks consistently of God as our "Father". We will look more cloesly at this rich privilege which all Christians enjoy

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Money, investments, food, clothing, anxiety, purpose, ultimate meaning: all of these are in this text. Let us never wonder if Christianity is "relevant" again!!!

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What if God was in your house waiting to have fellowship with you? What would you do when you heard? He is!!! and this should motivate our getting into "the secret place alone with God"...as Jesus expressed it.

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Jesus asks us to do some real hard things. Our first impression often is "I can't do that...don't have it in me." But Jesus and the rest of Scripture gives us hope that we can...if we have a real faith in the Living God.

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Jesus Kingdom is a Kingdom of love...radical love...even for enemies. This is hard to do, especially in such a hate filled time. But in this message we explore how this is possible for people who have experienced God's love for themselves in a radical way.

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The King of the Kingdom of God begins to teach with authority. His phrase "But I say to you..." dominates this passage and should dominate our lives as we seek first this Kingdom.

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Jesus' mission is to invade and retake the world...redeeming it and re-establishing His rule and Kingdom. He is doing that through some very unlikely people. He gives them the honorable titles of being both "Salt" and "Light" of the world. Then He warns them not to lose their saltiness or to hide their light.

Sermons Archive RSS Psalm 112

Matthew 5:1-16

Colossians 4:5-6

Psalm 112:6-8

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As the storm clouds of Christian persecution seem to be gathering in our society...Believers struggle with trepidation. Although that is understandable because no one wants to suffer persecution, Jesus' teaching seems jarring.... "Blessed are you...rejoice...leap for joy". This message will explore Jesus teaching and the reasons He gives for this teaching, as an encouragement to His followers.

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Jesus launches a radically new Kingdom and it's citizens are incredibly counter-cultural. They are to be different; more so than the world has ever seen. When they are poor in spirit, mourn, hunger and thirst, and are even insulted and persecuted they are "Blessed"...How? and Why???

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God makes a call to all of us, whether grand or small.

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Samuel 3:1-10

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Jesus launches a powerful and aggressive Kingdom...how does this speak the present malaise so many feel today?

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Satan claims to a "Giver" who offers a wonderful "Gift" to Jesus. Our Lord exposes his lies and now commands him to depart.

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This sermon is a challenge to all believers. A challenge to believe what we claim to (and do) believe in such a way that it has a real impact on out lives, attitude, outlook and even our emotions. It is a call to have our "Beliefs" move into "Trust"...and all that that entails, to the glory of our Father!

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If Satan couldn't get Jesus to sin by acting autonomously from His Father (the 1st temptation), he will now get Him to foolishly "trust" God by testing God's love and care. Many, sadly, follow Satan's devices today and are confused about the nature of real trust.

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Sermons Archive RSS Ezekial 11:14-21
Revelation 21:1-8
2 Corinthians 5:17

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In times of chaos and confusion, we must be diligent to not lose out: Love, Faith and Joy.

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Satan tempted and gained a victory over the first Adam...resulting in our (the human race) misery and bondage to sin and death. When the Last Adam appeared he tries to derail the plan of redemption as well...but this Adam foils his attempts with glorious power!!! He has the power (and willingness) to enable us to foil Satan's attempts as well.

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Who is Jesus Christ? Be careful how you answer this question because it is the most important answer you will ever give and your eternal happiness will depend on the answer. Thankfully Matthew has written a gospel to reveal the real answer to this question...and to show us, up close as an eyewitness, the glory of Jesus!

Sermons Archive RSS Matthew 3
2 Kings 1:8
1 Thessalonians 4:11
John 3:34
John 1:1
Colossians 1:19
Colossians 2:9
John 14:9
Hebrews 1:3
Psalm 104:31
John 10:17

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When talking about the 2nd coming of Christ there is always the tension of excitement and yet this long delay. This brings challenges. But Jesus (and consequently Paul and Peter) teaches a "theology of Delay" that has some valuable lessons for us now.

Sermons Archive RSS Matthew 24:36-25:30
1 Thessalonians 5:4-5

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It is very easy to get depressed as we look out on this world...pandemics, fights, meanness, pollution. But there are supposed to be some optimistic people, in all ages, who are eager and waiting for a fresh, new, transformed world...us!!!!

Sermons Archive RSS Romans 8:18-25 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of [a]corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Revelation 21:1-8 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, [a]John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said [b]to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

6 And He said to me, “It[c] is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes [d]shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Revelation 22:1-7 And he showed me a [a]pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the [b]holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

Isaiah 65:17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

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We all have unique relationships with our bodies....sometimes thats, good some times frustrating, sometimes painful. Part of the hope of the Christian is a transformed and glorified body...and rather than just a future dream it has a present impact on struggles we have now.

Sermons Archive RSS 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

2 Corinthians 5:2-4 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

Revelation 1:13-17 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.

Philippians 3:20-21 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Romans 8:19 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

Romans 8:23 23 Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all of our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”

— C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

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Have you ever been unjustly treated? Did the person "get away with it"? Do you still taste the bitterness and wrestle with anger? Do you get treated unfairly because you are a Christian? Judged unfairly? Well the apostles comforted the early Christians with the thought "Jesus is Coming Back" and He will bring justice and make all right...forever!!

Sermons Archive RSS Matthew 25:31-46 31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the [a]holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

44 “Then they also will answer [b]Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Acts 17:30-31 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Luke 12:2-3 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Matthew 12:36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 16:5 In mercy the throne will be established;
And One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David,
Judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness.”

Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

Isaiah 16:11 Therefore my heart shall resound like a harp for Moab,
And my inner being for Kir Heres.

Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’

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Have you ever had to wait for something your really, really want to happen. You have to force yourself to wait and be patient. For the folks in the New Testament that was their attitude toward the Second Coming of Christ!! In this sermon we hope to capture their excitement so we can "eagerly wait" with hope and excited anticipation. This helps believers through difficult times.

Sermons Archive RSS 2 Thessalonians 1
Revelation 1

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Colossians 3:3-5 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Acts 3:20-21 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since [c]the world began.

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

Romans 8:23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

Mark 8:38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Revelation 1:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

Revelation 6:16-17 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

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The fear of death can be haunting and crippling...the Bible calls it a "lifetime bondage". But it is a bondage Jesus came to deliver us from...and He Has!!! This message will focus on how to overcome the fear of death through Christ.

Sermons Archive RSS Hebrews 2:14-15 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

“First, then, WHERE SHALL WE LOOK TO BE DELIVERED FROM THE FEAR OF DEATH? The answer is, beloved, that you must look for that where you are bound to look for everything, namely, TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, for there is no true deliverance from the fear of death except by looking unto Him whose death is the death of death! ”

— Spurgeon

Acts 2:32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.

Acts 3:15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.

Acts 4:10, 20 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole…. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Acts 5:29-32 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Luke 24:36-43 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Hebrews 2:15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

“Remember, also, that death will not separate us from the love of Christ, nor from Christ Himself. He is with us now and He will be with us then. And after death we shall be with Him forever! He loves us today and He will love us tomorrow. He will love us all our lives. He will love us in death and He will love us throughout eternity! …If the pangs of death could separate the members of Christ’s mystical body from their head, it would be death, indeed. If that grievous sorrow could divide the heart of Jesus from the heart of His elect, then might we dread to die, but it is not so! If death makes any difference to us, the bonds that unite us to Christ shall become still firmer and the revelation of Christ shall become yet brighter and Jesus shall be nearer and dearer to us in our departure from earth than He ever was before! ”

— Spurgeon

“Remember, too, that death is attended by very special comforts…. “You do not need dying grace till dying moments come!”… There was truth in that observation! I may say to myself, “Do I feel, now, that I could die calmly or even triumphantly?” I may put the question if I like, but it is hardly a fair one, for I am not yet called to die! Yet my experience and observation of others lead me to believe that very remarkable grace is often given to believers in their last hours. I have seen the timid become stronger than the brave! I have seen the retiring become more bold than the courageous! And I have known some who seemed to be almost dumb, before, speak with matchless utterance! And some, whose faces have been lit up with supernatural joy, who before appeared to be amongst the doubting and the trembling ones of Christ’s family. There are choice revelations, special manifestations, nearer approaches to Christ, wider outlets of love from Him and greater inlets into the soul of the brightness of His presence in those times, than ever before! When the body is strong, it often seems like a thick wall that shuts out the light. But when disease comes and shakes the tenement, it makes great rifts in wall and roof, and through those rifts the light of God comes streaming in as it had never come in before! I never can doubt the truth of our holy faith, or the reality of religion after what I have witnessed at the deathbeds of the Lord’s people. ”

— Spurgeon

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Sermons Archive RSS Luke 21:17-19 You will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives. ( ESV )

Matthew 10:22 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Hebrews 12:2 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Romans 5:3-4 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

James 1:4: Christian Standard Bible And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

““I reckon fortitude’s the biggest thing a man can have- just to go on enduring when there’s no guts or heart left in you…The head man at the job was the Apostle Paul.””

— Mr. Standfast, by John Buchan

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

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You have a really great thing if you have a "Promise" from the True and Living God! And then you have more than one...you have many!!! All true, all sure, all will be fulfilled because of His greatness!

Sermons Archive RSS Galatians 3:29
Genesis 22:15-19
Genesis 14:22-23
Genesis 21:23
Titus 1:2
John 3:16
2 Corinthians 1:20

““All the promises.” Why, here is a grand granary full! Who can sort them all out? Promises of pardon to the seeking sinner, promises of justification to the believing child, promises of sanctification to him who is struggling against sin, promises of the supply of all kinds of spiritual food to the flock of Christ, promises of guidance, promises of preservation, promises of holy education, promises of peace and joy, promises of hope, promises of the sustenance of our love, promises for death, promises for judgment, promises for glory, promises that reach to all eternity.”

— C. Spurgeon

List of God's Promises

Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 12:9
Philippians 4:6-7
Philippians 4:13
Philippians 4:19
Isaiah 46:4
Isaiah 43:2

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Sermons Archive RSS Joshua 1:1-9
Luke 13:1-5
Ephesians 1:11
Job 2:10
1 Corinthians 11:30-31
Romans 8:31-32

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Christians today tend to focus their concerns on experiencing God here and now and someday dying and going to heaven. In the Bible those concerns were real but they had another dominant focus: an excited anticipation of the return of Jesus to rule, reign, judge and bring the consummation of the Kingdom. This "Blessed Hope" (as they called it) brought many practical implications to how they viewed and lived life. Many of these implications we need to recover and experience today.

Sermons Archive RSS Matthew 25
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Revelation 19:14
Matthew 25:31
Matthew 24:31
John 5:28-29
1 Corinthians 15:51-53
Matthew 25:6
Acts 28:15
Job 19:25-26

Sermon Discussion Questions:

How is the 2nd coming of Christ described in the passage?
What are the details given?
Why is it important for Christians to have this anticipation; what practical affects should it have on us?

There is no audio in this video until around 8 minutes in.

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There is a complex interplay between our bodies and our souls: we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". This interplay affects our struggles with worry and anxiety. We will explore what the Bible teaches about this and conclude our study of Warring Against Worry.

Sermons Archive RSS Psalm 139
1 Corinthians 6:19
1 Timothy 4:8
1 Timothy 5:23
2 Thessalonians 3:11-12
1 Timothy 2:2
Romans 12:2
Ephesians 4:23
Colossians 3:2
Colossians 3:10
Romans 8:16
Romans 8:26

Sermon Discussion Questions:

Why is this modern age so prone to make us anxious?
What can we do to live a more meditative, quiet life God calls us to?
Why is winning the battle of the mind so important?
What is the dynamic of us working in conjunction with the Holy Spirit?
What practically does it mean: The more you know God the more you with trust Him; the more you trust Him the more peace you will have?
How do we know God better?

Crossroads Christian Fellowship Media Archive: Recent Episodes

Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church