St. Andrew's Church: Recent Episodes
St Andrew's Church
Sermons from St. Andrew's Church, one church in multiple locations. Based in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina with additional locations in Charleston and North Charleston.
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:
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Sermon Outline
- Confidence with the Father
- Listening to the Father
- Giving Thanks to the Father
- Seeking the Father
- Knowing the Father
Sermon Questions
- What do we learn and need to unlearn about prayer from Jesus story about the widow and the judge?
- Describe the time that you knew that you could come to your Heavenly Father?
- Do you pray boldly or are you hesitant to approach the Father and reluctant to make requests?
- Do you take time in your devotions to be quiet and listen for the Father?
- When you hit rough patches in your life what is your conversation with the Father like?
Questions?
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email John Burley (
).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:
.
Sermon Notes
Growing in faith means growing in prayer. Scripture gives ample teaching on what mature prayer looks like. From Psalm 25, we learn:
- Prayer is Lifting Up Our Souls to God
- V. 1: "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul"
- This requires trust that God is real and he cares about us
- Prayer is bringing the real me (my soul - my life) into the presence of a real God who really cares
- We Can Ask God for Guidance
- V. 4-5: "Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me"
- Before listing off our requests, which are based on how we view a situation, we might seek first God's perspective
- Asking for God's guidance requires humility (we don't know everything) and patience
- We Can Ask God for Mercy
- V. 6: "Remember your mercy, O Lord"
- Confession is a personal practice of prayer that brings freedom, not condemnation
- We Can Ask God for His Presence
- V. 16: "Turn to me and be gracious to me"
- When the troubles of our hearts are "enlarged" what we need most is God's presence
- In Christ and by the Spirit, God is always with us, even if we don't feel it
- Prayer's Reward is the Friendship of God
- V. 14: "The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him"
- The highest reward of personal prayer to God is not answered prayers (though God does answer prayers!), but a deeper friendship with the Lord
Sermon Application
Discussion Questions:
- Do you like to pray? Why or why not?
- What is the last thing you requested of God in prayer?
- Read Isa 55:8-9. Why is this verse important when we seek God's guidance?
- Can you still ask for God's mercy if you can't think of specific sins to confess?
- Give of an example of the Lord "turning to you" in a time of distress? What happened? What did it feel like?
- Would you describe your relationship with the Lord as a friendship?
Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (
).
- The Land of Provision is not the Land of Promise
- From slavery to salvation
- From redemption to relationship
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:
Sermon Outline
- What makes us discontent?
- Who makes us content?
- How do we grow in contentment?
Sermon Questions
- How do you define contentment?
- Are you generally content?
- What breeds discontentment in your life?
- What made Paul able to say that he has learned to be content in all circumstances?
- How do we learn contentment?
- What role does gratitude and thanksgiving play in Paul's life of contentment?
- Is your life marked by gratitude?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in producing contentment in your life?
Resources Consulted
The Bible Speaks Today: Matthew,
Michael Green
New International Commentary on the New Testament: Matthew,
R.T. France
The Bible Speaks Today:
J.A. Motyer
New International Commentary on the New Testament:
Gordon Fee
Questions?
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (
).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:
.
Sermon Notes
It's helpful for every Christian to have a simple and succinct way to explain the gospel. John 3:16 is a popular "pocket version" of the gospel. In it we learn about:
- The Love of God
- It is revealed by action
- It is directed toward the sinful world
- It gives the costly gift of Jesus, the eternally beloved Son
- Our Response
- Whoever - it's open to everyone!
- Believes into - The Christian faith involves not only content (there is something to believe), but also trust (someone to rely upon)
- Two Possible Outcomes
- Perishing - the opposite of abundant life, the default position of everyone (see John 3:18 "whoever does not believe is condemned already")
- Eternal life - continues after death, but accessible now as the presence and power of Jesus in daily life
Sermon Application
Discussion Questions:
- What are some differences between God's love and a worldly version of love?
- Why is "whoever" a gospel word?
- How can the gospel be a force for true diversity, equality and inclusion in the world?
- What does believing "into" Jesus look like in your daily life?
- Why is perishing the "default" outcome for human beings?
- Besides John 3:16, do you have a favorite way to explain the gospel (such as another bible verse or simple illustration)?
Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (
).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Acts 2:1-11; John 14:8-17
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Acts 1:15–26; John 17:11–19
- "Today, if ye hear His voice"
- Human wisdom
- Judas
- Leaving the hill, attaining the city
- How was it decided that Judas should be replaced?
- Why were those disciples who were later martyred (like James: Acts 12:2) not replaced?
- What are the qualifications for apostleship that Peter underscores? What does this suggest about the priorities of the early church?
- Why is it inappropriate for Christians to draw lots today? In this context, how are the lots symbolic (see Numbers 25:55–56, 33:54, 34:13, 36:2–3, etc.)? How are they provisional (compare John 16:13; Acts 2, 13:2–3)?
- Why is it significant that Judas "acquired a field" (Acts 1:18)? What does that tell us about Judas?
- The disciples call Jesus "Lord, knower of hearts" (kyrie kardiagnōsta). How does it sit with you that Jesus Christ knows your heart?
- How is the Holy Spirit challenging or warning you today?
- What promises of God has this scripture driven home to you?
- Would your life look different if human wisdom was all you had? Would anything be missing? What?
- John R.W. Stott, The Message of Acts (IVP)
- Craig S. Keener, Acts: An Exegetical Commentary (Baker)
- Augustine, Confessions7.21.27 (see "Chapter 21")
- CS Lewis, "Transposition," in The Weight of Glory
- GK Chesteron, "The Priest of Spring," in A Miscellany of Men
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (sfornecker@standrews.church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We encourage you to spend time examining the following passage(s) of Scripture that shaped this sermon:
.
Sermon Outline
- An Urgent Message
- An Accessible Message
- Your Response
Discussion Questions
- Steve said that in our lives we have opportune moments, Kairos moments. These moments can be both good and bad but both can propel us toward God and toward a deeper trust in God. Can you think of a Kairos moment in your life that led you closer to God?
- What does it mean to say that there is an urgency in the message of the Kingdom of God? Why is there an urgency?
- What did you think about the image of the carousel?
- What difference does it make to your response to the Kairos moment in your life if you know that along with the moment at hand, God has also given you grace to respond?
- In what way is the message of the Kingdom accessible?
- Does it make a difference to recall that before you consider moving toward God, God has first moved toward you?
- In what way(s) has God moved toward you?
- What does this first step toward you (us) by God say about God?
- What is repentance?
- What is belief?
- Who should you tell about this good news?
Resources Cited/Consulted
- BST: The Message of Mark, Donald English
- NINCT: The Gospel of Mark, William Lane
Questions?
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (
).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We encourage you to spend time examining the following passage(s) of Scripture that shaped this sermon:
.
Sermon Outline
- How does faith come?
- Vacillation and insensitivity - where are you?
- Whose Work is it?
Discussion Questions
- Is the commission given to the disciples (and to every Christian through Scripture) a suggestion or a command? Why is the distinction important?
- Can you summarize "the gospel" in a few sentences?
- Steve identified two poles Christians typically vacillate between when it comes to sharing the faith. What are they? With which do you resonate?
- Why are you hesitant or afraid to share your faith verbally with others? What do you fear will happen?
- Does it make a difference for you to know that you are not responsible for anyone's conversion to faith? If yes, why? If no, why?
- If conversion is God's part, what is your part?
- Steve identified three kinds/categories of people. What are they?
- Steve suggested adopting an outlook of moving everyone you meet - Christian or not - one step closer to Jesus. What do you think about that? What would it look like for you to do that?
Resources Cited/Consulted
- BST: The Message of Mark, Donald English
- NINCT: The Gospel of Mark, William Lane
Questions?
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Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Corinthians 1.26-31; Matthew 4.18-22
- God chooses and uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
- The major qualification for accomplishing great things for the Lord is spending time with Him (Acts 4:13).
- And the requirement for this work is our availability. Leaving behind those things that will hinder our effectiveness in the Lord’s service.
- If Christ can accomplish His purpose through the lives of the apostles and other people, could we imagine what He has in store for us?
- How could God use you (personally)? God has placed you in your school (especially young people), your job, family and neighborhood to do something special for the Lord. He is calling you at this very moment, all you have to do is say, yes Lord! Will you make yourself available to Him today?
- Jesus has a plan, a work to do, a purpose to achieve in history and beyond. He invites us to join Him. Are we available?
- What are the obstacles that are holding us back?
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu (AKowbeidu@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Psalm 98:1-9, Acts 4:5-14, Luke 8:22-25.
Jesus was raised on the "first day of the week" (Sunday). It turned out to be the first day of a whole new world. A new creation with new possibilities and new power. From Acts 3-4, we see the power of the Risen Christ in two ways:
- The Transformation of Peter
- The Healing of the Lame Beggar
- What kind of transformation does the power of the Resurrection make possible? How is this different from other kinds of personal transformation or improvements that a person might seek after?
- Describe the difference between viewing a situation in light of the old creation vs. the new creation? Why is it difficult to see things according to the new creation?
- God's power takes many forms. Can you think of a time when God's power was at work in a situation but it looked different than you imagined?
- Read 2 Cor 12:7-10. How is Paul's experience of Jesus' power similar and different to the power the lame beggar experienced?
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Ephesians 2.14-18; John 20.19-23; Mark 16.8; Luke 24.11; Isaiah 41:10, 53.5
- The Gospels do not explain the resurrection; the resurrection explains the Gospel.
- Look at what Jesus did.
- Look at what Jesus says.
- Look at what Jesus gives.
- When has the risen Jesus Christ come to you when you least expected?
- How has the Lord been with you when you experience fear or challenges?
- Into what current situation is Jesus speaking peace?
- How often do you ask God for a fresh filling of the resource that He gives, the Holy Spirit?
- Where are you stepping out to go where the Lord is sending you?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email John Burley (JBurley@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
- Crying out to God vs. Crying out as a result of God
- God sends and we respond
- God's Holy Spirit causes us to cry Abba Father
Guest Preacher: The Very Rev'd Dr. Christopher Hancock
Chris Hancock spans the world of academia, pastoral ministry and diplomacy as a theologian, advisor, mentor and specialist on Asia. He taught theology, Anglicanism and spirituality at Virginia in his 30s, having previously taught at Cambridge University. Since then he has been Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, a Cathedral Dean, and for the last fifteen years Director of research institutions in Oxford and London.
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 19:28-48
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible StudyQuestions?
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: John 12:20-33, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 90.Sermon NotesWhat is a human life for? What is its purpose? Jesus defines the glory and purpose of his own life through his self sacrificial death. He indicates that his followers should do likewise. Jesus compares it with a seed. If planted, a seed becomes glorious. What it was meant to be. If held back, it remains alone. It bears no fruit. To live a truly glorious life - a purposeful life - we must plant the "seed packets" of our lives.Sermon Application1. Read Matthew 25:14 – 30. Compare Jesus's teaching in that parable with his words from John 12 about planting seeds. 2. When you tear open the "seed packet" of your life, what kinds of seeds do you find inside? What might it look like to plant those in this current season of your life? 3. Why is the work of planting often painful? What makes it costly? 4. In what way can death be a motivation and source of strength? Read Psalm 90:12. How can death also be a source of wisdom?
Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).Audio & VideoYou can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast on iTunes and Spotify.
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Ephesians 2.1-10.Sermon Outline1. What is grace? 2. What has sin made me? 3. How does grace remake me?
Discussion Questions* How would you define grace? * How does the Christian doctrine of sin explain our (humankind's) current condition? * In what ways does it matter to understand sin as a condition instead of a behavior? * Steve said that grace unmakes you before it remakes you, what does that mean? * What does it mean for grace to remake you? * How has grace remade you?
Resources Cited/Consulted BST: The Message of Ephesians, John Stott * NINCT: The Letter to the Ephesians, Lynn Cohick * God's Way of Reconciliation: An Exposition of Ephesians 2, David Martyn Lloyd-Jones * Gospel In Life Video Study: Grace Changes Everything, Timothy Keller * Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, Thomas Brooks * Les Miserables,* Victor Hugo
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 7:7–25; John 2:13–22Sermon Outline* God is not at fault * Sin is not your friend * Hope is not within
Sermon Questions1. What is the popular picture of the Christian life — fight or freedom? 2. Look at Romans 7:1–6. Why might Paul have been accused of antinomianism? How did he tackle that objection in 7:7–25? 3. What do Romans 7:15 and 7:22 indicate about the "wretched man" whose viewpoint Paul is expressing? 4. The sermon suggested that Paul was not describing abject moral failure, but the recognition of perfection not attained. Where can you find this in the text? (See 7:18, 21, 23.) 5. What are we to learn from the contrast between the "interior" focus of Romans 7:7–25 and the "exterior" focus of Romans 8:1–4? 6. What do you expect from the Christian life? Does this match your current experience?
Resources Consulted ( recommended for further study)Will Timmins, Romans 7 and Christian Identity: A Study of the 'I' in Its Literary Context (SNTSM)Will Timmins, "What's Really Going on in Romans 7"JI Packer, "The 'Wretched Man' Revisited: Another Look at Romans 7:14–25"Eckhard J. Schnabel, New Testament TheologyJohn RW Stott, The Message of RomansDouglas Moo, Romans (NICNT)Thomas Schreiner, Romans (BECNT)H.C.G. Moule, Romans (1879/1890)Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (sfornecker@standrews.church).
We are sent by Christ with:
- The Peace of God
- The Perspective of the Kingdom
- The Power of Christ
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:
.
Sermon Notes
Romans 8 is one of the high points of the New Testament. Its words provide reassurance and comfort in the uncertainties and troubles of life. Paul declares gospel truths through several rhetorical questions. Here are three to consider:
- “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31 ESV) - the truth that God is for us should not be taken for granted. It was made possible through the work of justification.
- “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32 ESV) - God's greatest act of generosity, the life of his only son Jesus, gives us assurance that he will generously provide all that we need.
- “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Rom. 8:35 ESV) - there is no circumstance or power in the universe that can separate us from the love of God. This gives us the ability to speak truth to our fears and worries.
Sermon Application
- Can God be "for you" and still discipline, correct, or rebuke you (hint: consult Hebrews 12:3-11)?
- Can you recall some stories of God's faithful provision in your life?
- What can we hold onto when we're waiting on God's provision? How can we reassure ourselves that he is, in fact, generous even when we feel in need (or in want).
- What enables us to "win a most glorious victory" in the midst of a struggle? Is this just wishful thinking or have you found this to be true in your life?
- Have you explored other religions, spiritualities, or life philosophies? What did they offer that appealed to you? How is it different from what Christianity offers?
- Describe one place in your life where you need to speak truth to fear? What are three things Randy mentioned that are resources to combat fear and worry in our lives?
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 5.6-17; John 3.16-21.
- What is the purpose of Lent?
- How does Paul describe our condition apart from Christ?
- How does Paul describe our condition in Christ?
- What is my response?
- How can Lent be observed in a spiritually healthy manner?
- Why is it important to consider our natural condition?
- How does Paul's description of human life apart from Christ sit with you? Why?
- What do you think of the comment that God's anger toward our sin is actually and expression of his love for us?
- If you are in Christ, what change(s) has He wrought in your life?
- What do you make of Paul's description of our life in Christ?
- What is your response to these passages?
- BST: The Message of John: Bruce Milne
- TNTC: John: Colin Kruse
- BST: The Message of Romans: John R.W. Stott
- TNTC: Romans: David Garland
- Men Made New: John R.W. Stott
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Mark 9:2-10, 2 Pet 1:16-21.
Sermon Notes
- What does it mean to connect to the presence and power of Jesus? What gets in the way of that connection? From the story of the Transfiguration, we make three observations:
- No free soloing – we need others to connect to the presence and power of Jesus
- No containers – Jesus will not fit into any of our preconceived notions
- No rivals – Jesus alone is the beloved Son of God: he is unrivaled and unequaled
For further exploration about the uniqueness of Jesus and the exclusive claims he makes, consider reading:
- Timothy Keller, The Reason for God, chapter 1: "There Can't Be Just One True Religion"
- Rebecca McLaughlin, Confronting Christianity, chapter 3: "How Can You Say There's Only One True Faith?"
Sermon Application
- What does connecting to the presence and power of Jesus look like for you?
- Do you feel connected to Jesus more by yourself or with others?
- Do you recognize any "containers" that you use for Jesus – either presently or in the past?
- Is accepting that Jesus is the only way to God (note Randy's point that he has no rivals) an essential part of believing in the Christian gospel? Is the good news of Christianity negated if it is merely one of multiple paths to God?
Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Timothy 1.1-2
Outline
- When?
- Who?
- Where?
- Why?
- What?
Sermon Questions
- What is the point of preaching through a book of the Bible?
- Ephesus (the location of the church Timothy pastored) was a significant city in the ancient world. They withstood false teaching but in the process, it cost them something. What did it cost them (Revelation 2.1-7)? What insight can you gain from this?
- How can you (we) confront false teachings in the church in a healthy manner?
- What do you think are the major false teachings plaguing the church today?
- How can you distinguish between genuine faith and counterfeit faith?
- What role does the Bible play?
- What do you do when your beliefs and desires are contrary to what the Bible teaches?
- How do you handle the tension that can arise between what the Bible teaches and what our culture approves?
Resources
1 & 2 Timothy, Gordon Fee
The Pastoral Epistles, Donald Guthrie
1 - 2 Timothy and Titus, R. Kent Hughes and Bryan Chapell
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2.
- It is important to regularly remind ourselves of the gospel
- Reconcile/reconciliation are important gospel words
- The Need for Reconciliation – a broken relationship between God and human beings
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The Work of Reconciliation – we are at fault but God took on the work of reconciliation
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What does it mean to “be reconciled to God” (v. 20)?
- What is the difference between trying and trusting in the work of reconciliation?
- What is an ambassador of reconciliation?
- How can Christians participate in the ministry of reconciliation? How does this affect us?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Guest Preacher: The Very Rev'd Dr. Christopher Hancock.
A long time friend of St. Andrew's and a former Dean of Bradford Cathedral, Vicar of Holy Trinity Cambridge, and professor of theology in the UK, the US, China, and India, Chris currently directs Oxford House - an international agency providing a consultancy service to government agencies, corporations and NGOs in the area of religion, social transformation and contemporary geo-politics. In 2017, Chris was our Scholar-in-Residence at the Ridley Institute.
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: John 5.16-24, 36-40.
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:
.
Sermon Notes
- Christians who are filled with the Spirit overflow
- In Ephesians 5:17, Paul commands that Christians "Be Filled with the Holy Spirit." He goes on to describe three results ("overflows") of that filling – worship, thanksgiving, and practicing submission in relationships
- Definition - "Submission is a voluntary act of coming under another person in order to lift them up in love"
- Paul's description from Phil 2 - “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3–4 ESV)
- Jesus is the supreme example of practicing submission – on the Cross he voluntarily made himself less and came under unworthy sinners in order to lift us up into God's love and salvation
- Jesus remains king even though he practices submission. If we are in positions of authority, we can still practice submission without compromising our position (as a boss, parent, etc.)
- If we lack authority in a relationship and are expected to submit (to a boss, parent, etc.), we can still choose to do so out of reverence for Christ (5:21) which is a much stronger motivation
- Practicing submission requires wisdom and godly discernment. It does not mean submitting to harmful behavior from another person
- Practicing submission cannot happen in our own strength – it is the result of first being filled by the Holy Spirit!
Sermon Application
- What is the command in Ephesians 5:17-21? What are the results?
- Can you think of a person who treats you with submission and service?
- Why must we be filled with the Holy Spirit before trying to practice submission in our relationships?
- Can you think of some examples where submission is not an appropriate way to treat another person?
- Describe how a person in a position of authority can still demonstrate submission toward someone below them?
- For the Christian, why is the motivation of serving Christ greater than the motivation of pleasing the boss or bettering one's reputation?
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Luke 3.1-3, 15-22
Questions?
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Psalm 116; 1 Peter 1:3-9
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Tim Winkler (TWinkler@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Acts 2:37–47; Mark 12.41–44. Sermon Outline * A Church alive in the Spirit + lives at the intersection of proclamation and demonstration + doesn't "hand a bit out," but puts it all in + shatters the shame of its members + keeps its praise on target
Sermon Questions 1. If these four elements were points on a compass—apostolic teaching (N), fellowship (E), humble service (W), and praise (S)—how would you map your spiritual position today? Would you be off in a particular quadrant? Do some elements feel fainter than others? 2. What is the difference between "handing a bit out" and "putting it all in"? 3. Have you ever experienced healing? Do you believe God heals today? 4. What makes genuine friendship—koinonia, or fellowship—possible? 5. What does it mean to you to belong the body of Christ?
Resources Consulted Craig Keener, Miracles Today: The Supernatural Work of God in the Modern World Luke Timothy Johnson, The Literary Function of Possessions in Luke ActsC. Kavin Rowe, World Upside Down: Reading Acts in the Graeco-Roman Age Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (sfornecker@StAndrews.Church). Audio & Video You can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast on iTunes and Spotify.
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Genesis 50:15-21, Romans 8:18-30.
Does everything happen for a reason? Whose reason? Can we trust it?
In a life filled with uncertainty, the Bible gives robust answers instead of vague sentiments. Scripture both tells us and shows us the glorious promise of God's Providence. What is God's providence?
- His "purposeful sovereignty"- John Piper, Providence (Crossway, 2020)
- His working all things together for good - Romans 8:28
- His taking what was meant for evil and using it for blessing - Gen 50:20
Heidelberg Catechism 1563
"God's providence is His almighty and ever present power, whereby, as with His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things, come not by chance but by His fatherly hand."
Lillias Trotter - “Take the very hardest thing in your life - the place of difficulty, outward or inward, and expect God to triumph gloriously in that very spot. Just there He can bring your soul into blossom.”
The mystery and tension: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:22–23 ESV)
- Do you think everything happens for a reason? Is this a helpful statement? Why or why not?
- Job said this: “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10 NIV11). What do you think of his question in light of this sermon?
- Describe the tension between God's Providence and human choice. Where is that mystery put on display in Scripture?
- In what ways has God's Providence given you comfort and peace?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Colossians 1.9-14; Luke 11.14-22
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The Story of God is on the Move
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The Story of God is to be Told
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The Story of God has the Power to Transform
Sermon Outline
In this sermon we will be focusing on the seed that fell on stone (rocky) soil.
- There are four types of soils (human hearts) in this parable.
- Seed (the gospel) was broadcast on all four soils.
- There was the unresponsive heart--the wayside soil. There was the superficial heart-- the rocky soil. There was the worldly heart-- the soil of thorns. And then the receptive heart-- the good soil.
- The seed that fell on the rocky soil did not deepen its roots and lacked moisture.
Sermon Questions
- Are you truly converted?
- Are you rooted in God's Word?
- How deep are your roots?
- How is your heart?
- What are the rocks in your life that are causing the seed (God's Word) not to take root and bear fruit?
- Does your soil (heart) lack moisture?
Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu (AKowbeidu@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Genesis 12.1-3; Matthew 16.24-26
Sermon Outline
- God's intention is to bless the world.
- God's means of blessing the world.
- Your part in God's blessing of the world.
Sermon Questions
- What is God doing in the world today?
- Why are we (St. Andrew's) involved in our community (and the world)?
- Why do you think God called Abraham to leave his home and his people?
- Why, and in what ways, does following Jesus require a leaving/a separation/a sacrifice?
- What do you make of the assertion that for the most part, Christians in America hold beliefs and live their lives with no or little observable differences than non-Christians? Is that a problem? Why? Why not? What obstacles can this cause in evangelism?
- In what ways does Abraham prefigure Jesus?
- What pattern did (does) Abraham set for us?
- What encouragement did you find today? What challenges?
- How can you be a blessing to someone else today?
Resources Consulted
Ruth Haley Barton, Restoring the Soul of Your Leadership
Kent Hughes, Beginning and Blessing
Andrew Steinmann, Genesis (Tyndale Old Testament Series)
Questions?
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
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Battles are Won in Prayer
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Battles are Fought in Community
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Both under the Banner of Christ Jesus
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Act 2:42-47.
Sermon Notes
Church is a community of people living out their love for Christ and for one another. From the description of the early church in the book of Acts, we see four characteristics:
- Joyful Devotion
- The Apostles Teaching
- Sharing Life Together
- Expectant Prayer
Practical Ways to Connect with a Local Church:
- Regular Sunday Worship
- Being Part Of A Life Group
- A Way To Serve Others
- Ongoing Training Or Continuing Education
Sermon Application
- Describe your church experiences in the past. In what way does your church experience overlap with the four characteristics that Randy mentions? Where does your experience differ?
- Can you think of additional characteristics that should define a church?
- How is a church different from other social communities?
- What keeps some Christians from commitment to a local church?
Check out Life Groups, onboarding (Alpha, Discovering St. Andrew’s), training and equipping opportunities (Ridley, Men’s and Women’s Ministry, Holy City Fellows) by following the links on this page under Connect, Ministries, and Grow. Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:1 Corinthians 1.20-31; Mark 3.13-19
Sermon Outline
When Jesus calls a disciple He calls him/her first to be with Him and secondly to be sent on mission.
- The Benefit of Christian Community
- The Consequences of the Lack of Christian Community
- Loneliness
- Developing a warped self-perspective
- Falling into all sorts of sin.
Sermon Questions
- Jesus calls us to follow Him. What does it mean to follow Jesus?
- Why does Jesus call us to Himself first?
- Is there anyone in your life who can challenge your perspective or opinions?
- Why do we find it hard to enter into relationships? Small groups?
- What is the benefit(s) of belonging to a small group (Life Group)?
- What do you say to your friends to have a "just me and Jesus" attitude?
Questions?
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Rev 3:14-22.
- Lukewarm faith is a common spiritual danger
- How do we know if we have become lukewarm?
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How do we move out of lukewarm faith?
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Can you think of other causes for spiritual lukewarmness?
- Does genuine faith always manifest itself in good works?
- Give examples of good works.
- Where do you see the grace of God in this passage?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:
Sermon Outline
The One God of Israel
- What knowing Him means
- Why knowing Him matters
- How knowing Him happens
Application Questions
- Outline the different ways of reading of Deuteronomy 6:4 discussed in the first part of the sermon. Why do the first two of the three fall short?
- What does Deuteronomy 6:4 tell us about the meaning of idolatry?
- What other "moribund binaries" on offer in culture does Christianity cut across?
- What "dividing wall" in your life needs to have the Gospel applied to it? Consider this question both with respect to your worldview and with respect to your relationships.
Select Resources Consulted
- Christ Watkins, Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture
- Walter Moberly, Old Testament Theology: Reading the Hebrew Bible as Christian Scripture
- Martin Luther, Large Catechism
- Richard Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of Revelation
- If you know the Father it is because of the Son and the Holy Spirit
- If you know the Son it's because of the Holy Spirit and the Father
- If you know the Holy Spirit it's because of the Father and the Son.
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:
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Sermon Notes
Awareness of the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit cultivates gratitude, worship, and spiritual hunger. The Bible tells us a lot about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. To keep in step with the Spirit, one needs to be aware of the Spirit's work. There are many areas where the Holy Spirit works in the life of a Christian. This sermon focuses on how we discern the presence of the Spirit through our emotions.Three emotional indicators of the Holy Spirit's work:
- a positive emotion (joy, relief, peace, love) in response to apprehending spiritual truth, especially the truth of the Gospel
- a negative emotion (guilt, remorse, grief) in response to awareness of your own sin or suffering in the world
- an emotion that runs contrary to your worldly circumstances (supernatural peace when facing illness)
Sermon Application
- Why is it important to become aware of the Holy Spirit's work?
- Give some examples of the Spirit's "undercover" work.
- Do you believe emotions are a reliable indicator of the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?
- How can you tell the difference between godly remorse over sin vs. feelings of accusation and condemnation?
- Do you think lacking peace about a decision can be an indication of the Holy Spirit? How so?
Questions?
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Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: John 20:19-31.
Thomas was not present when the resurrected Jesus appeared to the other disciples. He stridently refused to believe unless he had empirical proof and personal experience. One week later Jesus showed up again and offered him the proof and experience he demanded. With his eyes opened, Thomas rightly declared about Jesus "my Lord and my God!" In response Jesus offers an important word for future disciples, who unlike Thomas, would not receive the same kind of empirical proof and personal experience. He said "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29). Those of us who follow Jesus now, but have not seen him with our physical eyes, walk with an incredible blessing! We are not at a disadvantage. Specifically we have been given the Holy Spirit and the testimony of Holy Scripture.
- Have you ever felt spiritually "left out?" How did you work through that?
- Is it difficult for you to believe in the historical bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ? If you do believe this, why? If you struggle to believe this, what holds you back?
- Why do you think Thomas declared Jesus to be God?
- Do you believe you are at a disadvantage in the life of faith? How so?
- In what way are the Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture tangible manifestations of the blessing that Jesus pronounces and John 20:29?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: John 14:1-7; Acts 4:12
Sermon Outline
- Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
- Jesus is the way to the Father because He is the true revelation of the Father. He is the way to the Father because he alone has the power of eternal life.
Sermon Questions
- Have you come to the Father?
- Will you come to the Father?
- Do you believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation?
- Do you live your life in uncertainty?
- Have you experienced life in Christ?
- Are you trying to find God without Christ?
Select Resources Consulted
- In the beginning was the Word and the word was with God and the Word was God- John: An expositional commentary by RC Sproul
- Christ-Centered exposition. Exalting Jesus in John by Matt Carter and Josh Wredberg
- Expositional thoughts on John volume 3 by JC Ryle
- Jesus Among Other Gods by Ravi Zachariah
- Jesus on Trial - A lawyer affims the truth of the gospel by David Limbaugh
Questions
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu (AKowbeidu@StAndrews.Church).
Bible StudyDon’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Corinthians 15:1–11; Mark 16:1–8.
Sermon Outline* What Do You Most Fear? * For What Do You Most Hope?
Sermon Questions1. How would you contrast human anger with divine anger? 2. Why, according to the sermon, does Mark end his gospel the fear of the women (Mark 16:8)? 3. What are the four elements of the gospel message that Paul received from the Jerusalem disciples, and Paul handed on to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15:3–4)? 4. If you died tonight and (hey-presto!) suddenly found yourself standing before God: what would you say to him? 5. Our readings suggest that the comfort of restoration to God’s favor only makes sense against the background of divine wrath. Which element do you mute or play down in your own life: God’s justice, or His love? According to the Bible, can you have one without the other?
Select Resources Consulted Christopher Ash and Steve Midgley, The Heart of Anger: How the Bible Transforms Anger in Our Understanding and Experience (Wheaton: Crossway, 2021). * Simon Gathercole, The Gospel and the Gospels: Christian Proclamation and Early Jesus Books (Eerdman’s, 2022) * Richard Hays, The Moral Vision of the New Testament: A Contemporary Introduction to New Testament Ethics (HarperCollins, 1996) * Peter Bolt, “The Philosopher in the Hands of an Angry God,” in Peter Bolt and Mark Thompson (eds.), The Gospel to the Nations: Perspectives on Paul’s Mission* (IVP, 2000), 327–43.
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (SFornecker@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Ephesians 3.14-19; Matthew 6.25-35
Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Luke 24:13-35.
What is the process by which Jesus reveals himself to a disciple? In the story of the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus, Jesus engages them in three ways:
- In their pain – “counselor Jesus”
- With the Scriptures – “teacher Jesus”
- At a table – “host Jesus”
- What “activates” Jesus’ compassion?
- What is a Christ-center hermeneutic?
- Where do you most consistently meet Jesus (pain, Scripture, community)?
- Have you had an experience of pain, struggle, or difficultly that provided the opportunity for Jesus to show up?
- What is your practice for engaging Scripture?
- What does offering Jesus an “invitation” look like?
- Why is community important for meeting with Jesus?
Check out these resources about engaging Scripture through a Christ-centered lens:
Ridley: Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament
Ridley: The Story of Scripture
Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament – Christopher Wright
Jesus on Every Page – David Murray
You can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew’s Sermon Podcast.
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Sermon NotesSermon ApplicationQuestions?
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Ephesians 2.19-22; Matthew 16.13-19Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 ; Mark 16:1-8
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Habakkuk 2:18–20; Luke 19:28–40.Sermon Outline* A Great Reversal + Who is freed + Whose is freed * A Radical Rethink + A reason for a radical rethink + A model for a radical rethink - Initiative - Humility - Praise * A Real Response + Habakkuk 2:20
Sermon Questions1. What is the main theme of Luke's gospel being explored in this message? 2. What circumstances in life make it most difficult for you to remember that Jesus is on the throne? 3. What is the difference between an "n" shaped dynamic and a "u" shaped dynamic? 4. Of the three acts/attitude of the heart discussed in point 2 — initiative, humility, praise — in which cases are your spiritual muscles strongest (or weakest)? 5. Reflect on Jesus' challenge to the Pharisees who opposed Him. Is there some area of life where you may be trusting in a great iron eyrie — even a religious or spiritual version of one — rather than in Jesus?
Select Resources Consulted David Prior, The Message of Joel, Micah & Habakkuk (The Bible Speaks Today) * C. Kavin Rowe, Early Narrative Christology: The Lord in the Gospel of Luke * Christopher J.H. Wright, The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative*
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (SFornecker@StAndrews.Church).
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 4:1-11Sermon Outline* It was when Jesus was hungry that the devil tempted Him to satisfy His appetites by unlawful means. * The appetites of the body, the appetites of the mind, and the appetites of the soul. * Jesus triumphed over the tempter by responding with Holy Scripture.
Sermon Questions1. Have we discovered the real source of satisfaction to the appetites of our body, mind and soul? 2. What have we learned about not yielding to temptation from Jesus's responses? 3. What do we notice about ourselves and about our own responses to temptation? 4. What temptation are we currently wrestling with in our christian walk? 5. What weaknesses or flaws in our life are the result of not being God's Word-Centered? 6. How much time do we spend in God's Word and prayer?
Resources Cited/Consulted* Expository thoughts on Matthew by JC Ryle * Holman New Testament Commentary on Matthew by Stuart K. Weber * A Hunger for God (Desiring God through fasting and prayer) by John Piper * The crisis of temptation part 2 by John MacAthur
You can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast.Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu (AKowbeidu@StAndrews.Church).
Our guest preacher Rev. Bryan Ayer.
- Restored Blindness Restoration
- Leads to Proclamation
- Recognition of Blindness
Guest PreacherOur guest preacher today is The Rt. Rev'd Andrew Williams, Bishop of New England.Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Matthew 11:25-30.You can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast.Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Office@StAndrews.Church.
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 8.1-11; John 16.7-15
Sermon Outline* The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit * The saturating work of the Holy Spirit
Sermon Questions1. What is the issue at stake in the sermon? 2. The sermon contends that the Christian faith is both knowledge and experience. Do you agree? Disagree? Why? 3. What might the consequence be if we hold knowledge over experience or experience over knowledge? What does it look like to hold both? 4. The sermon discussed a dual work of the Holy Spirit, briefly explain this dual work. 5. What challenged you in the sermon? Why was it challenging? 6. What good news is there in these passages/this sermon for you? 7. Who do you know that needs to hear this good news?
Resources Cited/Consulted* Joy Unspeakable, David Martyn-Lloyd Jones * Back to The Upper Room, Charles Irish * Romans, Grant Osborne * The Message of Romans, John Stott * The Message of John, Bruce Milne * Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John, J. C. Ryle
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Ezekiel 39:25–29; 1 Corinthians 2:6–16; John 6:63.
Sermon Outline* Who and What the Holy Spirit IsThe person of the Holy Spirit
The translucence of the Holy Spirit
* What the Holy Spirit DoesIn creation
In redemption
* Encountering the Holy SpiritEnjoying "fellowship with Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor. 1:7)
Sermon Questions1. Who is God the Holy Spirit? 2. This sermon discussed the Spirit's work in two realms: in creation and in redemption. Briefly sketch the Spirit's role in both. 3. Why is the Holy Spirit sometimes called the "imageless" or the "nameless" person of the Holy Trinity? 4. Do you believe that God is intimately near to us? What is encouraging about this truth? What's unsettling? 5. This sermon contends that what St Paul calls "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" (2 Cor 13:14) is nothing other than the fellowship with Jesus that is brought about by the Spirit (compare 2 Cor 13:14 and 1 Cor. 1:7). What practical difference would it make to your life if there were no such person as the Holy Spirit? How would your faith look different? ... Would it look different at all?
Select Resources Consulted Biblical: Daniel Block, "The Prophet of the Spirit: The Use of Rûaḥ in the Book of Ezekiel," in By the River Chebar: Historical, Literary, and Theological Studies in the Book of Ezekiel (Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2013), 140–68; Gordon Fee, Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1996). * Patristic: Athanasius of Alexandria, Letters to Serapion; Basil the Great, On the Holy Spirit* * Reformation: T.F. Torrance, The School of Faith: Catechisms of the Reformed Church, xcv–cxxvi; The Trinitarian Faith: The Evangelical Theology of the Ancient Catholic Church, 191–51. * Living It Out: Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Joy Unspeakable: Power and Renewal in the Holy Spirit (Wheaton: Harold Shaw, 2000); Sam Storms, The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2012).
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (SFornecker@StAndrews.Church).
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 5.6-11; John 3.19-20.
Sermon Outline* The human condition * God's provision * The transformative consequence
Sermon Questions1. How does Paul describe the human condition apart from Christ? How does that sit with you? 2. Read John chapter 3. How what does Jesus say about the human condition apart from faith in Him? How does that sit with you? 3. John Stott spoke of a radical remedy for our condition, what is this radical remedy? Why is it radical? 4. What challenged you in the texts or in the sermon? Why was it challenging? 5. What good news is there in these passages/this sermon for you? 6. Who do you know that needs to hear this good news?
Resources Cited/Consulted* Romans (The IVP New Testament Commentary Series), Grant Osborne * The Message of Romans (The Bible Speaks Today Series), John Stott * Romans: Righteousness from Heaven (Preaching the Word), R. Kent Hughes
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
- Where Adam and Eve ate, Jesus overcame.
- Where Adam and Eve looked, Jesus overcame.
- Where Adam and Eve took, Jesus overcame.
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 2 Corinthians 11:19–31, Luke 8:4–15.
Sermon Outline* The generosity of God and the generously sown Word of God * The path and the devouring birds: consider Satan's hatred of the Word of God in the life of the Christian. * The rocky soil: consider the foundation of the fleshly Christian's "shallow" spirituality. * The bramble-patch: consider the hyper-driven lifestyle of the Christian who distracts herself to death. * The good soil: the character of the "good and honest" heart.
Sermon Questions1. Do you believe in a literal, personal being called Satan? Does Jesus? 2. What is Satan's chief method of attacking the Christian? Why might this surprise you? (Compare Luke 8.5 and 8.12.) 3. What do you think makes for a shallow and superficial Christian life? How would you point to evidence for your perspective in this text (Luke 8:4–15)? 4. Identify two or three core values of worldliness. Reflect on ways in which these "worldly" values erode Christian discipleship. 5. Why might otherwise keen Christians find themselves getting stuck at the margins of our common life at St Andrew's? Draw clear connections to Jesus' parable. 6. Read aloud Luke 8:15. Then read aloud Luke 9:23. How does Luke 9:23 help us to see what "bearing fruit with patience" means? 7. Can one be expected to die for something, for which he or she is not willing to live?
Select Resources Consulted Michael Wilcock, The Message of Luke (rev.) (The Bible Speaks Today) (IVP, 2020 [1979]). * Kenneth E. Bailey, Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes (IVP, 2008) * John B. Weaver, "The noble and good heart: Καλοκὰγαθία in Luke’s parable of the sower" in Gray et al, Scripture and Tradition (Brill, 2008), 151–72 * 2 and 4 Maccabees * Scott Hafemann, "The Sum of the Matter: Paul's Understanding of Perseverance," in Paul's Message and Ministry in Covenant Perspective (Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2015), 100–104. * Andrew Fellows, Smuggling Jesus Back into the Church: How the Church Became Worldly and What to Do about It* (IVP, 2023)
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (SFornecker@StAndrews.Church).
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Proverbs 17:14, 19:11, Col 3:12-17.
Sermon NotesOverlooking an offense is a practical and powerful tool in biblical peacemaking
- The precondition of overlooking is to be slow to anger. To cultivate a "slow-to-anger" response, consider these suggestions:express your anger in healthy and safe ways
remember your own faults (log and speck - Matt 7)
remember God's character – he is slow to anger - Overlooking is not always the right responseextreme offenses or injustices should not be overlooked – such as physical or verbal abuse
Sins which do damage to that person, to you, or to someone else should not be overlooked - Overlooking is not excusing a wrong
- Overlooking is an active response of choosing to forgive the offense without conversation or confrontation
- Overlooking is not keeping a record of wrongs to use it against a person later
- Overlooking means not telling other people about the offense
- Suggestions for practicing overlookingbe practical – it takes a lot of time and emotional energy to prolong a conflict
Stop the internal debate – overlooking means you do not have to figure out who was right and who was wrong, you can simply apply grace
discipline your emotions – hurt feelings, anger, and annoyance are real emotions. Don't deny them, but discipline them rather than letting them keep you from walking in obedience
remember God's mercy – he does not bring up all of our wrongs but allows his grace to cover over a multitude of our sins
Sermon Application* Why is undisciplined anger a barrier for overlooking an offense? * What are some additional practices for safely dealing with anger? * Is it easy for you to recognize your own faults? What might help you better see your own shortcomings? * When is overlooking not the right response? * Is overlooking excusing a wrong? * Describe some of the practical benefits of overlooking? * Describe a conflict you had when overlooking would have been the best response.
For more on the topic of Biblical peacemaking, check out The Peacemaker by Ken Sande.
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
- Matthew's Gospel shows us a new law resulting in Salt and Light
- Distinctly different Daniel
- Distinctly different Paul
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 9.30-33, Mark 12.1-12.
Sermon Outline
Notice God’s kindness
Notice God’s patience
Notice the continued hardness of the human heart even in the face of God’s mercy
Notice that it is possible to remain unrepentant even though your conscience is pricked
Sermon Questions
Have you been denied something you thought you were due? How did you respond to that denial?
Why do you think that the chief priests, scribes, and elders were offended by this parable?
What criticism was Jesus leveling against the chief priests, scribes, and elders?
What does Jesus reveal about human nature in this parable?
How do you respond to this parable?
What is there for you to learn from this parable?
What mercies have you received from God? What have you done to make you worthy to receive these mercies?
Do you find yourself, from time to time, spiritually indifferent? What causes your indifference?
Do you ever find yourself frustrated with the slowness with which God seems to act? What if His slowness is a demonstration of His patience? Has God been patient with you?
Have you ever thought that it would have been easier to believe if you had lived to see Jesus’ miracles and to hear Him teach? Why then did many of those who did see and hear still not believe?
What good news is there in this parable for you?
Who do you know that needs to hear this good news?
Resources Cited/Consulted
Gran Torino, directed by Clint Eastwood
Mark (Crossway Classic Commentary), J.C. Ryle
The Gospel of Mark (New International Greek Testament Commentary), R.T. France
Mark (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries), Alan Cole
In the Heavenlies, Harry Ironsides
Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Corinthians 1:18 – 31, Matthew 16:21 – 23.Sermon Notes
Wisdom is “recognizing reality and responding rightly.”Paul presents two perspectives on the “word of the cross” (the message about Jesus’ death on a cross and what it means).Worldly wisdom perspective – the message of the cross is folly, a wrong view of ultimate reality
Godly wisdom perspective – the message of the cross is wisdom, a right view of ultimate reality
The Conflict – God destroys worldly wisdom because it fails in its most essential task of recognizing reality and responding rightly (and thereby deceives people).
Sermon Application
Do you agree with Randy’s definition of wisdom? How else might wisdom be defined?
How is wisdom different than knowledge?
Do you see the “spiritual buffet” mindset at work in you or those you know and love? Is that a problem? Why or why not?
What view of reality does “the word of the cross” present? Is that your view of reality?
Why does God need to destroy worldly wisdom?
What is the right way to respond to the “word of the cross”?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 12.1-3; Matthew 13.10-17.
Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Our guest preacher today is Joanne Ellison, founder and lead teacher for Drawing Near to God Ministry.
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: I Chronicles 20:1-12 and Exodus 14:1-14
Sermon NotesI Chronicles 20:1-12 and Exodus 14:1-14 teach us that the battle belongs to the Lord and that He will fight for us.
Three ways we see these Scriptures come to life:
- In a battle, God is the Commander in Chief and His Presence goes with you. His instructions may not make sense.
- God will give you what you need as you look to Him as the True Conqueror, but fear, grumbling, and complaining interfere with our seeing and hearing this.
- God alone can do the impossible. It may not happen in way we would expect, but it will happen in a way that gives God glory
Sermon Application* In the heat of a battle/struggle, what are some of the ways you hear God’s voice and obey even when the way seems impossible or counterintuitive? * How can you avoid complaining or grumbling when fear gets the better of you during a battle/struggle? * What are some practical ways to take up your positions and stand firm amidst the battles of life?
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Joanne Ellison (Info@DrawingNearToGod.com).
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Matt 3:13-17, Isa 42:1-9.
Sermon NotesThe Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist reveals the identity of our Lord in three ways:
- He is the solution for sin
- He is God's anointed ruler
- He is the Beloved Son
Sermon Application* What are some ways that you can practice beholding Jesus? * What do you believe are the most important needs for a human being? What three needs did Randy identify? * What is the difference between an identity that is achieved and one that is received? * Where do you typically anchor your identity (confidence, sense of self, self-worth, etc.)?
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Revelation 12.6-17; Matthew 2:13-18.
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Isaiah 9:2-7
Sermon Notes1. By God's grace, both hope and peace are reborn again.
2. Christmas is a reminder that God never leaves us.
3. The greatest promise has been given to us. Despite times of deepest despair, a light will come to us this Christmas.
Sermon Application* As we anticipate the birth of hope in the birth of our Savior, are we ready to receive Him? * In our yearning for the Savior, for the hope and peace He brings, do you have space for Him? * Do you have room in your heart for Christ to come?
Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu (AKowbeidu@StAndrews.Church).
Guest PreacherOur guest preacher today was the Most Rev'd Dr. Laurent Mbanda. His Grace is the Archbishop of Rwanda.
Bible StudyDon’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 15:1-13.
If you have questions about this sermon please email the church office (Office@StAndrews.Church).
- Christ will come out in prayer
- Christ will come out in people
- Christ will come out in our speech
Sermon Series Our sermon series, The Letters of Peter, continues. Some of the themes and titles for this sermon series are based on the book Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 2 Pet 1:3-15, John 15:5-8.
Sermon Notes The Christian life is not meant to be a guessing game. We should be able to assess whether we are on the right path, living a life that is pleasing to God. Peter offers a list of moral qualities or virtues. If these are present in our lives and increasing then we can have confidence that God's power is at work in us and that our calling and election are confirmed. The Christian life does involve serious effort – but this is not opposed to grace. God's grace and power begins, sustains, and concludes the life of discipleship. But we cooperate with the Holy Spirit to cultivate virtue in our lives.
The virtues are moral excellence, knowledge of God, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
Peter's words, though challenging, are a gift of grace. They offer us a better vision of the good life, a way to feel encouraged that we are on the right path, and a gut check if we are not.
Sermon Application * Do you agree that God's free grace is not opposed to our serious effort? Why or why not? * Which virtue is the most present in your life right now? For which virtue do you need to seek God's help and then apply some effort? * Do you tend to be too hard on yourself or to let yourself off the hook? * Can you think of other places in the New Testament where other moral qualities, fruits, or virtues are listed? How are these similar or different than what Peter writes?
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Sermon Series Our sermon series, The Letters of Peter, continues. Some of the themes and titles for this sermon series are based on the book Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 2 Peter 1:1-4.
Sermon Notes 1. The apostle Peter wrote his second letter to the churches in Asia Minor to expose the error of the false teachers who had infiltrated the faith community. 2. He admonished the believers to hold fast and stand firm on the truth of the precious faith given to them by God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 3. The key to this is this letter is “remember”( 2 Peter 1:12,13,15). To be able to identify false teachers, we must be very clear about the truth they are seeking to undermine and distort.
Sermon Application * Do we have a clear understanding of biblical truth? * Can we recognize false teachers and false doctrine in our midst? * The gospel truth is about our deficiencies and God’s sufficiency. This truth is centered on Jesus Christ. Have we experienced God’s provision of Christ? * Do we know the the privilege of our faith?
You can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast.
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu (AKowbeidu@StAndrews.Church).
- Received by grace and walk by grace
- Rooted and built up
- Established and overflowing with thanksgiving
Sermon Series Our sermon series, The Letters of Peter, continues. Some of the themes and titles for this sermon series are based on the book Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Peter 3.13-18; Luke 24.13-32
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Sermon Series Our sermon series, The Letters of Peter, continues. Some of the themes and titles for this sermon series are based on the book Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Peter 3:13-17; Matthew 5:13-16.
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Sermon Series Our sermon series, The Letters of Peter, continues. Some of the themes and titles for this sermon series are based on the book Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Peter 2:11–3:12; Mark 10:42–45.
Sermon Notes In our culture, freedom is the right to determine ourselves. For Christianity, freedom is the power to give ourselves.
Sermon Application 1. Is news of a coming day of judgment "good news"? Why or why not? 2. How can Christians gratefully receive the gift of live with persecution, yet learn from suffering Christians more faithful instincts for interpreting passages of Scripture that seem difficult? 3. Why does our "flesh" — not our bodies (which are good) but our fallen human nature — experience the freedom of self-giving as an all-out assault on our personhood and dignity? 4. In what area of life do you feel that you are playing chicken with the world? Where ought you to be? 5. Twice, Peter promises (3:7, 12) that Christ hears the prayers of those who are in Him. Can you notice an inverse relationship between your acquisitions and the quality of your prayer life — a surplus of "stuff" and a lack of intimacy with Jesus? Take a look at your daily schedule, and find a chunk of time where you can sacrifice efficiency for time to pray.
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (sfornecker@StAndrews.Church).
Sermon Series Our sermon series, The Letters of Peter, continues. Some of the themes and titles for this sermon series are based on the book Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Peter 1:22-2:8.
Sermon Notes We are not meant to live the Christian life alone. As spiritual exiles, we need a strong connection to a community of faith. Peter calls us “living stones” that are being built into a “spiritual house.” God knows each one of us uniquely but he also “builds us together” into something greater than ourselves. Christian community is characterized by two particular things:
- Love for One Another
- Longing for God’s Word
Sermon Application * What are some distinctives of Christian love? Is it a feeling? Is it action? What does it mean to love from a pure heart? * What source of help do we have when we find it difficult to love others? * What is the basis of Christian community? How do we keep that thing central? * Is it more natural for you to approach Scripture intellectually or experientially? * What is your engagement with the community of faith like right now? Strong? Weak?
Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
- Scripture makes us wise for salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Scripture equips us to live the Christian life.
Sermon Series Our sermon series, The Letters of Peter, continues. Some of the themes and titles for this sermon series are based on the book Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Peter 1:13-21
Sermon Notes Living hope is a gift of God given to us through Jesus Christ. But to walk in this hope we must practice what is commanded by Scripture. Peter identifies three practices that cultivate a lifestyle of hope:
- Be Spiritually Alert
- Pursue Holiness
- Fear God
Sermon Application * What are your practices for maintaining spiritual alertness? * Discuss the tension between relevance and the holiness. * Can one maintain a lifestyle of holiness while still being thoroughly engaged in the world? * Do you agree that we should fear God? * Discuss the paradox between God as Father and Judge.
Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Sermon Series Today we start a new sermon series, The Letters of Peter. The titles in the sermon series are based on the book Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Peter 1:1 – 12; John 16:31 – 33
Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
- What we pray shapes our belief in God.
- How we pray grounds us in the moment.
- Why we pray forms our path forward.
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 2 Corinthians 3:4–9; Mark 7:31–37.
Sermon Notes 2 Corinthians reveals Paul encountering one of his “problem child” churches in a moment when they badly needed comfort. His encouragement to them—and simultaneously his corrective to the few among them who slandered his ministry and message—has been crystallized in the words of the late Anglican theologian, J.I. Packer: “Weakness is the way.”
Taking 2 Corinthians 3:5 as our window into Paul’s message, this sermon considers three diagnostic questions, to help us discern if Paul’s comforting message about the sufficiency of God has penetrated our hearts.
- Will it be said that I trusted God publicly?
- Will it be said that I obeyed Christ contagiously?
- Will it be said that I reflected the glory of my Savior?
Sermon Application 1. What does it mean to have a telos (end goal, purpose)? Why might it be controversial to say that human beings have such a thing? What does it imply about what it is to be human? 2. What thoughts or feelings are provoked in you as you spend time considering the distinction between resume virtues and eulogy virtues? 3. In what subtle ways might a person live out the opposite of Paul’s claim in 2 Corinthians 3:5? 4. Why did Moses wear the veil, and why does that matter to Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians? 5. Have these questions thrown light on an area of life where you are seeking to live in your own sufficiency? 6. [For private reflection] Picture yourself as the deaf man in Mark 7. Imagine the scene in detail as the crowd begs Jesus to lay his hands on him. If you identify in any way with the deaf man, who are you entrusting to bring you to Jesus?
Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (sfornecker@StAndrews.Church).
The Why's of Christian Community:
1) Christian Community Integrates
2) Christian Community Includes
3) Christian Community Immerses
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Tim 4.
Sermon Notes Spiritual training – "training for godliness" – is critical in the life of discipleship.
Three reasons why:
- To nourish yourself
- To protect yourself
- For the sake of others
Two Resources to Grow 1. Alpha - nine week course that explores the fundamentals of Christian faith in a relaxed setting - starts Sept 12! 2. Ridley - six core courses in the areas of Bible and Theology offered multiple times a year - starts Sept 27!
Sermon Application * How do you train yourself spiritually? * When is the last time you recognized teaching that seemed off? How did you recognize it? * How is Bible study for you? Encouraging, confusing, boring?
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: John 4:4-42
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Our guest preacher today is Joanne Ellison, founder of Drawing Near to God Ministry.
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 12:1-2; Isaiah 55:6-11; Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:2.
Sermon Notes We can either have a secular worldview and perspective, a Biblical worldview, or a mixture of both. There are three ways we can understand and develop a Godly perspective:
- Understanding what perspective is and the difference between secular perspective and kingdom perspective based on Scripture
- What kingdom lenses do for us as kingdom citizens (we are citizens of another world)
- How do we get kingdom perspective?
Sermon Application * What are some ways in which we find ourselves filtering our life issues through secular lenses? * What adjustments based on Scriptures in the sermon, are you willing to make in order to use Kingdom lens perspective?
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Joanne Ellison (info@drawingneartogod.com).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 8:12–17; Matthew 7:15–21.
Sermon Notes Personal holiness is often considered a mere ambition of the Christian life. But St. Paul speaks of holiness as a new life—one in which, to be sure, we continually grow, but not to which we listlessly aspire. The Christian life is a life to be lived.
This sermon considers holiness as:
- A duty to be done
- A death to be died
- A gift to be received
Sermon Application 1. Why do you think Paul speaks only of the human responsibility in negative term ("putting to death")? Where elsewhere in the New Testament, or in this section of Romans, do we learn of a corresponding positiveaction? And who does it? 2. What are some differences between "interior" and "outward" mortification? What challenges are unique to either kind? 3. From what "Gethsemane" is God inviting you to call on Him?
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (sfornecker@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Psalm 23, 2 Corinthians 1:3-11.
Sermon Notes Suffering is a universal human experience. When a person suffers, it is common to ask "why?" But a more helpful question for the follower of Jesus Christ is to ask "what is this suffering for?"
From Paul's witness in 2 Corinthians 1:3 – 11, we see three answers:
- In suffering, God reveals his merciful character
- In suffering, God comforts us so that we can comfort others
- In suffering, God turns us away from self-reliance to greater dependence upon him
Sermon Application How do we learn God's merciful character?
What were Randy's two points of guidance when trying to offer comfort to others?
Describe an experience of suffering that helped you rely more on God.
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: John 10:31-39; 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: James 4:8; Luke 15:11–32.
Sermon Application 1. How have figures throughout history read this parable as evidence that God does not require costly forgiveness for sin? 2. What is the significance of the placement of this parable next to the preceding two parables? 3. Sam quoted a study on Pelagius which says: “The Pelagians [his followers] simply could not imagine that God could be radically unlike the social elites of their day.” In what ways might the church today be vulnerable to the same error? 4. What is the difference between the son’s speech in Luke 15:18–19 and Luke 15:21? 5. With whose perspective may the Holy Spirit be leading you to identify—the younger son or the elder son? Is it challenging to see God relate the way He chooses to the “other brother”? Why?
Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (SFornecker@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 5:43-47
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Proverbs 3:5-7; 2 Chronicles 7:11-16
Sermon Notes * We are made to be dependent on God. * Dependence on God is an expression of our faith. * Dependence is confidence in God’s sovereignty.
Sermon Application 1. We must not wait for violence and total breakdown in our nation before returning to the Lord. Let us begin now. 2. The time has come to recover the valiant courage of our forefathers. Where do you stand as a Christian? 3. Christians can not be silent as God is removed from the public life of our country. How are we living out our faith in the public square/marketplace? 4. Let us today turn to the Lord. Let Him bring peace, healing and hope to our nation.
Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu (AKowbeidu@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-20
Sermon Notes * Jesus binds up broken hearts. * He liberates the captives. * He brings beauty from ashes.
Sermon Application 1. Are you a prisoner (captive) to fear, guilt, shame, bitterness and hatred? Jesus came to set you free. 2. Are you broken hearted due to painful things in your past? Jesus came to heal you and to set you free. 3. Jesus came to bring beauty out of the ashes of lost dreams, joy out of sorrow, peace out of adversity. Would you come to Him today? 4. Because Christ came to give us beauty for ashes, we can anticipate the future with hope. No matter how difficult our circumstances or challenging the season may be. 5. Today, if you are experiencing hardship, difficulty, or personal darkness, seek the light and beauty of Christ, for He longs to give you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, to call you by name, and to bring you out of darkness. He is there in the brokenness with you.
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu (AKowbeidu@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: John 16:7-11.
Sermon Notes The Holy Spirit is like a prosecuting attorney bringing a conviction against the world for how it is wrong about Jesus.
Sermon Application When did you come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit?
When sharing our faith, what is the difference between being a witness, a prosecuting attorney, and a judge?
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-27
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:6-11
Sermon Notes * The ascension is the final divine stamp of approval of Christ’s ministry. * It marks the completion of our Lord’s earthly ministry. * On the day of ascension, Jesus gave His disciples a promise of the Holy Spirit and a commission to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. * The source of the disciples’ joy is the assurance of Christ’s continuous presence with them.
Sermon Application 1. What is the source of our joy as Christians especially in turbulent times? 2. How is our witness of Christ in a culture that is hostile to the gospel? 3. Christianity is a gift and a task. Receiving the gift of God’s inner closeness and as a consequence- bearing witness to His Lordship. May we all begin to look for witnessing opportunities in our lives. 4. Ask God how you can have a part in His mission to the rest of the world.
Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu (AKowbeidu@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Timothy 3.14-16; Mark 16.19-20.
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
- God's Preservation Amidst Chaos (vs. 1-10)
- God's Provision of Compassion (vs. 12-22)
- God's Promise that He Hears us, Sees us, Knows us (vs. 23-25)
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Psalm 137, Jer 29:1-7.
Sermon Notes Imagine being forcibly removed from your home, your country, your culture. You are then exiled to live in a foreign land. How would you move forward? How would you carry on? This is the situation of God's people who were sent into exile in Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar. They are distraught. They are angry. They are grieving. And yet God has a plan... He does not want his people to simply waste away in this foreign land, but to be a blessing to their neighbors. A blessing?! To those who hate us? Who captured us? Who killed our family members? Surely not, God! But this is God's heart – for his people to seek the welfare of the place where they are living.
Sermon Application 1. Define shalom. Where do you see it in your life? 2. How might community, work, and family help contribute to shalom? 3. Why does God connect our shalom with the shalom of our community?
To learn more about Holy City Fellows, a training program for shalom-seeking leaders, visit our website.
Questions?
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
- Peace for Fear (The assurance of place)
- Breath for the Holy Spirit (The assurance of presence)
- Decommissioned for recommissioned (The assurance of purpose)
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Peter 2:11–17; John 16:16–22.
Sermon Application 1. What is the significance of Jesus' words on Beatrice's lips at this moment in Dante's Divine Comedy? 2. What promise of God is on display in this gospel reading? How is its trustworthiness on display? 3. What is Jesus claiming about himself in verse 21? How does this become the basis for the invitations and commands in other parts of John's Gospel (e.g., John 3:5)? 4. Revisit 1 Peter 2:12. How would you describe the connection between this command and Peter's earlier encouragement, 1 Peter 1:3?
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (SFornecker@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Peter 1.8-9; John 20.24-29
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
- What made ancient pagans scoff at the Christian gospel? In what ways can this help you understand the skepticism of our neighbors?
- What are the risks of saying that our painful memories can be transfigured? How can we take care to deepen, not cheapen, the comfort of this gospel scene?
- In which of those four relationships — with God, with neighbor, with creation, with ourselves — do you find the peace of God most conspicuously absent, or attenuated? What would repentance look like?
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Acts 10:34-43; Mark 16:1-8
You can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast.
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Audio & Video
Our guest preacher this morning is the Very Rev'd Dr. Christopher Hancock. Chris is a long-time friend of St. Andrew's. He spans the world of academia, pastoral ministry and diplomacy as a theologian, advisor, mentor and specialist on Asia. He taught theology, Anglicanism and spirituality at Virginia in his 30s, having previously taught at Cambridge University. Since then he has been Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, a Cathedral Dean, and for the last fifteen years Director of research institutions in Oxford and London. Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Psalm 139.1-18; Luke 19.28-40
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email us (Office@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 2 Cor 5:16-6:2, Isa 49:14-16, 53:4-6.
Sermon Notes The cross is a powerful symbol of hope and healing for many people. But it was not always so. In biblical times, the cross was a symbol of oppression and cruelty. What happened on the cross of Christ to change its meaning? Paul explains the beautiful mystery of the cross in one of the most important verses in the New Testament – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:21 ESV) This is the Great Exchange. On the cross, Jesus took what belongs to us – sin and judgment. And he gave to us what belongs to him – a righteous standing before God.
Understanding the true meaning of the cross, and placing our faith in it, has a powerful effect on us. The cross:
- Offers freedom
- Heals self-righteousness
- Changes our motivation from guilt to gratitude
Sermon Application 1. What does the cross mean to you? How is this similar or different from Paul's explanation? 2. If someone does not struggle with a guilty conscience, do they still need the cross? 3. Why is a legal foundation important for a personal relationship? 4. Which effect of the cross do you need the most right now?
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 2 Cor 5:16-21, Matt 16:13-17.
Sermon Notes To be converted involves a new way of seeing… everything! Specifically in our passage from 2 Corinthians 5:16 – 21, we note a new way of seeing:
- Jesus – as Savior andLord
- Ourselves – as a new creation
- Others – in need of reconciliation to God (and ourselves as God’s ambassadors)
Sermon Application 1. Why is seeing Jesus as Savior, by itself, not enough? 2. Is identity constructed or received? 3. Does someone need to be angry with God or a staunch atheist in order to be in need of reconciliation? 4. Which “vision correction” is most needed in your life right now?
Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
- God tells a better story
- God asks a better question
- God makes an eternal promise
- We engage in eternal praise
If you have questions about this sermon, contact Sam Fornecker (SFornecker@StAndrews.Church or 843.284.4321).
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Ephesians 4.11-16; Matthew 5.13-16
Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Revelation 7.9-12; Luke 4.16-30
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 2 Peter 1.3-11, Matthew 7.15-20
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Micah 7:18–20; Matthew 8:23–34.
Sermon Application 1. What is peripheral discipleship? And how would you characterize its opposite? 2. Put yourself in the disciples shoes, waking Jesus in Matthew 8:25. What is the expression on Jesus’ face? 3. The “lie” on which peripheral discipleship stands — that God is needy — are you conscious of believing it? 4. In what area of life are you most vulnerable to the enemy’s whispers, “Isn’t He lucky to have you?” 5. When has someone followed Jesus into the storm to “sorrow in kinship” with you?
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (SFornecker@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Jude 1-2; John 10:22-30
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 6:17-26
Sermon Outline
- The Problem (vs. 9-10)
- The Pitfall (vs. 5-6)
- The Promise (vs. 7-8)
Applications:
- Where do you turn with the pitfalls hit?
- Which faith do you gravitate towards? Men Driven or Christ Driven?
- What pitfalls do you see in your life?
- Who in your life has permission to point out pitfalls?
- When was the last time you allowed the Lord plant you next to streams of water?
- How have you seen a "sick and deceitful heart" play out in your life and in the world?
- When did you last focus on being the least, to experience the greatness of who Jesus is?
- What questions does this text stir inside of you?
- How is your life changed, matured, or was challenged because of this sermon?
- Who will you tell and what because of what you just heard?
- How would you explain this to a small child?
The outline and application questions are intended for your further reflection and action upon the weekend message. They are also designed to facilitate discussion and accountability within your Life Group community.
If you have questions about this sermon please email Phillip Wilson (PWilson@StAndrews.Church)
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: John 4.34-38
Questions?
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church)
- Sent with Inspiration, not Information
- Sent to be Faithful sheep not Fat sheep
- The Ikea Effect
This week we were joined by The Right Reverend Steve Wood, Bishop for the Diocese of the Carolinas and Rector of St. Andrew's Church. During his visit, we celebrated and witnessed the ordination of Bill Streuber to the order of Deacon. Take a listen to the words Steve shared with Bill and Mary on this joyous occasion.
Guest Preacher: Simon Guillebaud Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Revelation 3:14-22
Sermon Outline 1. A sobering summation v15-18 2. A shocking expulsion v16 3. A stunning invitation v20-21
Sermon Application 1. What do you think about God? 2. How much do you want of God? 3. How close to God do you want to be? 4. How would you describe the spiritual temperature of your pursuit of Jesus? 5. Laodicea and Charleston had some similarities, can you remember what they are? How awake are you to the challenges – indeed what are the challenges – that would stop you from being ‘hot’ and ‘zealous’ (same Greek word in the passage) for God? 6. The preacher talked about the ‘curse of comfort’. What did he mean by that? 7. Can you relate in any way to Eugene Peterson (famous for translating ‘The Message’ version of the Bible)’s comments on the flock he was pastoring? He wrote:
“I was living in classic suburbia, and not liking it very much. The people who gathered to worship God under my leadership were rootless and cultureless. They were marginally Christian. They didn’t read books. They didn’t discuss ideas. All spirit seemed to have leaked out of their lives and been replaced by a garage-sale clutter of clichés and stereotypes, securities and fashions. Dostoevsky’s sentence hit the target: the ‘people seem to be watered down… darting and rushing about before us every day, but in a sort of diluted state’. No hard ideas to push against. No fiery spirit to excite. Soggy suburbia... I had no idea that an entire society could be shaped by the images of advertising. I had lived, it seems, a sheltered life. The experiments of Pavlov accounted for the condition of these people far better than anything in the four Gospels. They were conditioned to respond to the stimulus of a sale price, quite apart from need, as effectively as Pavlov’s dogs were trained to salivate at the bells’ signal, quite apart from hunger. These were the people for whom I was praying and for whom I was writing, these spirits who had taken early retirement, whose minds had been checked at the door. Suburbia-lobotomised spirituality.”
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3; John 1:9-13
In our longing for something new we are called:
- to Praise
- to Proclaim the Promises
- to see God's Provision
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Psalm 90:1-4,12-17; Luke 2:22-38
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email John Burley (JBurley@StAndrews.Church)
Bible Study Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: John 1:1-18.
Sermon Outline Sometimes the message of Christmas is so familiar to us that we miss its earth-shattering message. The Gospels of Luke and Matthew tell the Christmas story from a human perspective. But John gives us a divine and eternal perspective – a perspective that may be less familiar to us. John shows us:
- Who the child is – God’s Incarnate Word of Love
- What he came to do – Bring about New Creation
- Why he was born – To Manifest the Glory of God
Sermon Application 1. What makes Christmas meaningful to you? 2. Does the familiarity of Christmas sometimes overshadow its message? 3. Was any part of John’s message new to you? 4. Give an example of a tangible act of love speaking louder than words of love? 5. Where in your life do you feel the need for God to do a new creative work? 6. Is it okay to seek glory?
Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church)
The outline and application questions are intended for your further reflection and action upon the weekend message. They are also designed to facilitate discussion and accountability within your Life Group.
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
- Hope that Angels proclaimed
- Hope the Shepherds marveled
- Hope that Mary treasured
- Hope that God offers
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Luke 1:46-56; 2 Corinthians 9:15
Sermon Outline 1. My soul magnifies the Lord...( The Magnificat). 2. The Magnificat is a proclamation and an announcement of what God has done in the person of His only begotten Son. God's love for fallen humanity. 3. The birth of God's long-awaited redeemer was introduced to a darkened, weary and exhausted world. 4. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable, inexpressible, indescribable gift that was given to the world in the person of Jesus Christ.
Sermon Application * Beloved, the hopes and fears of our lives are met in Christ. * Are you living in hopelessness and fear of what is to come? * Are you waiting for God to show up this Christmas in your life? * Thank God for His gift to this fallen and hurting world. * Have you received this gift (Jesus Christ)?
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu (AKowbeidu@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Isaiah 1:12-20; Matthew 15:1-20
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Ephesians 4:17-20; Luke 3:1-6
Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@StAndrews.Church).