Citadel Square: Recent Episodes
Citadel Square Baptist Church: Charleston, SC
This week, we'll see how Paul returns to the theme of his calling as a minister of the new covenant. He shows us how the new covenant, rooted in the mercy of God, shapes his convictions and unites the preaching of Christ with the very first words of God.
we will see a fascinating comparison between the Old Covenant ministry of Moses and the New Covenant ministry of Paul. We will also explore how the coming of Christ and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit brings hope, freedom, boldness, and transformation to our lives. As we behold the glory of the Lord, we will be conformed into His image!
Is Paul really qualified to minister to the Corinthians? Where are his credentials? These are the questions that arise in this next section of 2 Corinthians. The transformed lives of Corinthian Christians serve as Paul's letters of recommendation. But neither Paul nor any Christian is sufficient within themselves to minister without God, for we are made sufficient by God. It is His Spirit that gives life and propels the new covenant ministry of followers of Jesus.
While Paul awaits the coming of Titus with news of the Corinthian response to Paul's painful letter, we get another glimpse into his heart. Gospel opportunities are at odds with his worried heart. Yet Paul finds great joy in the knowledge that God's triumphant purposes are never foiled as the aroma of the gospel message spreads in surprising ways.
As we continue to see Paul pour out his heart for the Corinthians, Paul shares his intent behind why he wrote such a painful letter. Through his instruction, we see how a church should deal with opposition to the apostle's instruction and guard itself against the schemes of Satan to deceive and divide.
Paul hasn't done what he said he would do—promising to visit the Corinthian church. This has given an occasion for people in the church to claim Paul's unfaithful and unreliable. Paul addresses both his reputation and the reliability of the promises God makes to us in Christ, proving that though plans change, God is always reliable.
As Paul continues to share his experience walking with God we learn something about his weakness. Suffering and difficulty not only reveal something about God and his mercy but us and our strength. Paul shows the Corinthian church another aspect of God's preserving power when we face suffering, and how we can come to the aid of those who suffer for the cause of Christ in our day.
Suffering. No one asks for it, and no one likes it. In the opening verses of 2 Corinthians, Paul shows us that when we suffer and experience the hardships that come with life as a Christian, we can be sure to experience two significant realities. First, God comforts and cares for us, and second, God has a purpose for our pain.
"The end of the matter has been heard." With these words, Solomon closes his meditation on life under the sun. His counsel, spanning both Old and New Testament realities, provides the blueprint for building a life of strength, wisdom, and dignity as we look to our future. In short, "...build your house on the rock."
Through Solomon's searching, examining, and evaluation, we have learned what it means to live well. In the final chapter of this book, Solomon turns his eye to what it means to die well. How do we live with the end in mind? Our Creator strengthens and guides our final years through knowledge before we see Him face to face.
In one of the most personal moments of Jesus's post-resurrection appearances, we consider the restoration of Peter. Peter, a man humbled and embarrassed, finds hope, a future, and comfort in a conversation with Jesus who knows all of Peter's story and chooses to restore him for a life of useful ministry
The bad news of the gospel message exposes us for who we really are. We spend much of our energy committed to presenting a righteous and upright facade before others and God. While we try to avoid, and manipulate that truth, the gospel of God's grace meets us in the mess of confession and repentance.
Solomon considers the demand for wisdom during our lives under the sun, he recognizes we respond two ways. Returning again to expose our desire for control, the ambiguities and variables of life will either freeze us or free us.
In light of an uncertain and complex world, Solomon recognizes the need for poise and discretion. Favoritism in the workplace, foolishness, and the temptation to be reckless with our words all demand nuance and wisdom to navigate. It's the discipline of self-control that will allow us to speak with dignity and grace, and find our way in difficult times.
Solomon turns from the certainty of death to examine the uncertainty of life. Our plans don't always work the way we expect, and often we're surprised that life isn't fair. Through the example of an unknown savior, Solomon invites us to listen to the gentle voice of wisdom to guide our path.
In the next section of this book, Solomon pushes his introspection further in an attempt to discern what will come after man's death. Like his previous search for what is good, Solomon confronts our inevitable end with an exhortation to seize the day.
In the final meditation in Solomon's search for what is good "under the sun," we discover that frustrations often come because we don't recognize our limitations. In light of our humanness, Solomon repeats his counsel to find joy in our work and rest in the inscrutable plans of God.
In one of the strangest passages in all Ecclesiastes, Solomon shows both the vanity of striving for wisdom, and the vanity of striving for righteousness. This search ends in a bewildering realization that Solomon cannot discern the deep motivations of the human heart.
Solomon begins a new line of questions answering the question, "What is good for man?" In the shifting sands of life's unpredictable circumstances, how do we define what is good? Solomon helps us to see the thread of God's kindness to us in a variety of life's inevitable events proving that we can indeed "rejoice always."
Solomon turns from our spiritual life to examine the quest for wealth and financial freedom. Bad investments, shady business deals, and covetous hearts all threaten the quest for finding hope in our wealth. Rather than seeking stability and security in our pursuit of wealth, Solomon counsels us to work hard, spend money, be content and enjoy the gift of wealth that God has given.
"Life under the sun" means that we're often trying to make sense of the connection between our spiritual and physical lives. The first mention of our religious life in this book teaches us that how we pray and what we promise to do for God are two essential spiritual rhythms. These practices are properly informed only when we embrace a humble posture before God.
Solomon turns his attention to the world of work. The drive to succeed, the rat race, the necessarily commitment it takes to accomplish our vocational dreams turn into an oppressive hunger that only demands more. Solomon shows us that working with and for others protects us, comforts us, and allows us to keep our work in perspective.
There's a time for everything. This phrase permeates the wisdom of Ecclesiastes chapter 3. Whether it's edification or erosion, life is characterized by seasons. It's precisely the awareness of these reliable seasons that help us live wisely, and help us set our hearts on God, the unchanging one who inhabits eternity.
As the prototypical human, Solomon experiences and evaluates the pursuits that we believe give our lives meaning. Solomon discovers that they fall far short in the face of the inevitable. He then gives us our first glimpse into finding and experiencing consistent joy during our time on earth.
The book of Ecclesiastes opens with a description of life on earth that seems far from hopeful. Solomon shows us that life under the sun comes with a "vanity" that is inescapable. This news, however, is precisely the thing we need to hear to discover hope elsewhere. In our first message in this series, we explore the bad news that leads us to the good news of unquenchable hope and joy.
Pastor AJ Rankin shares about the relentless advance of God's purpose from Philippians 1:12-18.
Addison Hamrick preaches from Malachi 3:13-4:6. Is obedience to God worth it? Is God just? Why do people who are disobedient seem to prosper? These are questions that God's people had during the time of the prophet Malachi.
Christians are those who have experienced the wonderful gift of justification. However, this does not mean we are removed from the brokenness of this world. We often still wrestle with sin and suffering that can easily lead us to doubt God’s goodness. In this passage, Paul reminds us of the hope we have in God who loved us and saved us even at our worst, and therefore will save us in the end so that we might share in His glory and rejoice in Him forever. Jonathan Suggs preaches on The Fruit of Justification from Romans 5:1-11.
As we complete our meditation on the incarnation, we look to the words and life of the Apostle Paul. A one-time persecutor of the church, a murderer, and most importantly a man whose life was turned upside down by an encounter with Jesus. Paul shows us the wonder of Christmas through his experience and invites us to lay hold of the truth that Jesus came for me.
The Christmas season reminds us of the distance Jesus has descended to be near to us, indeed, God with us. But Jesus's descent also comes with a declaration, a command to believe. Jesus shows us the danger of denying the words that accompany His incarnation.
In observing the incarnation, we turn our attention to Paul's letter to the Philippians. Paul's ethical commands for this church flow from the miracle of Christmas. In a few short verses, Paul shows us what a feat of humility the incarnation was. The descent of the Son of God from trinitarian glory, to experiencing the torture of crucifixion is the model for all those who would follow after Christ.
The Christmas story is filled with rich stories of characters who have a unique perspective on the incarnation. Angels, Kings, virgins, and shepherds all lend their experiences to create the tapestry of the story of the Son of God. But what does Christmas look like through God's eyes? Why did he send Jesus? What do the scriptures say happened when God became a man? This week we look at the heart of God displayed and explained in a conversation between Jesus and a man named Nicodemus.
Following Jesus requires surrender. It's within this reality that we see Luke's account of the transfiguration of Jesus. Luke gives us a unique focus as he connects the transfiguration to stories from the Old Testament, showing that Jesus is the "Chosen One"—the one to whom all of Scripture points. Listening to Him during the trials of our life is one of the greatest ways we can respond.
In the final message in our church series, we look at a moment in David's life that demonstrates a key element in our relationship with God: Worship. Apart from feelings, experiences, or spiritual encounters, worship happens when we give because of God's greatness.
This Sunday, we hosted guest speaker, Ed Welch, counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation. Listen as he preaches from Psalm 130.
Have you ever considered what God is doing in your spiritual life? What's the goal? How do we progress as Christians? What tools does God use to help us grow into maturity? These questions come into focus when we consider that our edification and growth happens as God gifts and empowers his church toward the end of spiritual maturity.
We will take a look at Ephesians 5:22-32 where Paul, using the metaphor of a Christian marriage, reveals a ‘profound mystery’. We, the church, are The Bride of Christ. The unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal love of Christ for his bride is indeed profound. It elicits a response of joyful submission and radical obedience from his church.
The church is a group of people who profess and give evidence that they have been saved by God's grace; who are committed to God's people and God's mission; and who exist and gather for God's glory. God's plan is not only to save individuals but to establish His people, the church. But why does God do it in this way and how is it it built?
As we consider the future eternity of the Kingdom of God in the new heavens and new earth John closes the book of Revelation with an epilogue. These final verses provide commentary from an angel, John and Jesus himself. Each witness encourages us to consider how we look at the testimony of this book and how we ought to live today in light of God's sure word about the future.
John completes his description of the capital city of the new heavens and earth by showing us the brilliance of the new Jerusalem. Radiant and pure, it's the home of all those who are written in the Lambs book of life. In the last chronological verse in the Bible we see where we will spend all eternity in the presence of God.
The judgment upon Satan, the False Prophet, and the Anti-Christ has fallen and now the works done on the earth are exposed before the great white throne of God. We see the lake of fire and the new creation contrasted as the final destiny of all people. This passage proclaims the inevitable truth that we will all spend eternity somewhere based on our response to the Lamb.
The promised Kingdom of God through the rule and reign of Jesus Christ has arrived. This much-debated chapter shows us Christ visibly ruling and reigning from Jerusalem for 1000 years and fulfills various Old Testament passages that see Jerusalem's king as the ruler of all nations.
Heaven is opened and the Christian's greatest hope has arrived. Jesus Christ, revealed in resplendent glory and surrounded by the armies of heaven, arrives to judge the anti-christ and false prophet and make war with all those who have stubbornly refused to repent of their sins.
With the return of Christ imminent, and Babylon in ruins - Heaven breaks into song and announces that the long awaited marriage between God and His people has come. The longing in the heart of every Christian to finally see Jesus is at hand and John is overwhelmed with joy.
After looking at the religious aspects of the Anti-Christ's kingdom, John describes the commercial, political, and economic aspects of this world power next. The destruction promised to the Babylon of the Old Testament is ultimately fulfilled as Babylon of the last days is brought down. For the Christian this chapter exposes the danger of finding our fulfillment and hope in political power or economic success.
On the heels of the bowl judgments of God, an angel shows John an historical panorama of the theme of false religion and political power. From the earliest parts of the Bible, the world kingdoms have one thing in common, the hatred of God, His Christ and His people. The unification of false religion and politics, Babylon, is the final Kingdom of the Beast who goes to war with the Lamb and meets it's end.
John recounts the final earthly expression of the wrath of God in the bowl judgments. These judgments occur faster and with more severity than anything before and answer several questions. What is the end of idolatry? Why doesn't pain cause people to repent? Why is Christ's second coming described as a thief? The Kingdom of the Beast finds its final decimation as Christ prepares to return.
Pastor AJ Rankin shares key elements regarding wisdom as he preaches from Proverbs 1:1-7.
John pens the shortest chapter in Revelation thus far as heaven prepares for the final bowl judgments to be poured out on the earth. In a vision that takes us back to the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, God's character is vindicated through the song of Moses.
In two vivid yet simple images, John describes the reaping of the earth. The reaping of the grain harvest, is followed by the reaping of the grape harvest - both images of the final chapters of Revelation. The bowl judgments and the last battle of Armageddon are about to commence, and the hour of God's judgment is at hand.
The next vision John records is of three angels. These angels proclaim three messages concerning the gospel , the false religious system of the day called Babylon, and the eternal destiny of those that follow her. Again, we are reminded of the need for endurance, obedience, and faith in Jesus that provide eternal security in an evil day.
In the midst of the horror of the tribulation, Satan's wrath, the power of the antichrist and his false prophet virtually unchecked, John pens Revelation 14. In a vision of ultimate triumph, we see the 144,000 sealed, protected and singing of God's redemption. The images of Revelation 14 give us the scope and goal of all true Christian discipleship. What God is doing in us now, God is doing in His people during the end days.
We welcomed guest speaker Trell Ross, Lead Planter of Pioneer Church, a fellow Pillar Network church. Listen as he preaches from Psalm 2 on Confidence in the Kingship.
Have you ever felt timid when it comes to sharing the gospel or living out your faith? The temptation of fear is something that Christians in every generation have faced. In this passage, Paul encourages Timothy by providing him with a foundation that will help him overcome the temptation of fear and step boldly into God's calling for his life.
As the Dragon has called and empowered the beast to receive his authority and power, we're introduced to another beast. This beast, the false prophet, completes the unholy trinity. The false prophet will preach the power of the Dragon and the Anti-Christ and force all on earth to take the mark of the beast.
Satan and his demons are cast from heaven and their influence is let loose upon the earth. As God intervenes to protect Israel in the wilderness, Satan gives his power and authority to the "beast" - the final world power of Daniel's visions. The world will follow and worship this final world leader setting up the final battle.
In a sweeping vision covering hundreds of years John observes the career of Satan. Satan's activity spans across generations as he seeks to accuse and devour God's people. It's only the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of Jesus that assures the ultimate victory over Satan's schemes. God will protect and preserve his covenant people in the end days and will finally purge the accuser from heaven's court.
As the seventh trumpet sounds, all of heaven erupts in praise at the fulfillment of Psalm 2. The Son of God is about to return to reign while the nations rage against the Lord and His anointed one, setting up the final confrontation between good and evil.
John's next vision shows us what is happening in Jerusalem during the first 3 and a half years of the tribulation. God raises up two witnesses, who look remarkably like Elijah and Moses to speak to the unbelieving nation of Israel. Sadly their message is ignored and they are martyred, but God raises them from the dead as a testimony to the world.
The mystery of God's purposes and plans in dealing with evil comes to an end. Every saint has asked the question - "Why does God allow this evil to continue?" The answer to that question comes in the sounding of the seventh trumpet, and ushers in the final consummation of God's kingdom. The bowl judgments are poured out, and the reclaiming of earth takes shape.
The next trumpet sounds, number 6, and the second woe commences. The earth dwellers experience a demonic army 2 million strong that ravages a third of the population. In startling severity, this passage demonstrates that spiritual change doesn't happen through receiving more information, but through the oft neglected practice of repentance.
Throughout God's word we are commanded to pursue a life of godliness. But what exactly does this look like? This Psalm is a great description of the characteristics and actions of the righteous. Prepare to be challenged and encouraged as we join with the Psalmist in praising God for his supernatural work within us.
For the first time in the book of Revelation we see demons. The evil angels of the abyss are unleashed upon mankind to torment and pursue them. Revelation 9 shows us what happens when God's hand of restraint is removed and demons are given freedom on the earth.
In the next phase of the Lamb bringing about the judgment of God we see the seventh seal opened. The seventh seal contains the seven trumpet judgments that commence the fulfillment of the martyrs prayers for justice poured out upon the earth, the trees, the seas and the skies. God responds to the prayers of the martyrs who have cried out for justice on the earth.
John's visions take him back to heaven where he sees a multitude too large to number coming out of the great tribulation. While God's wrath is poured out on the earth, God, rich in mercy, shelters, satisfies, and shepherds His people into His presence.
How important are the promises of God to you? In Revelation 7 we see the remarkable resurrection of a nation. Fulfilling several Old Testament prophesies the nation of Israel takes center stage in the last years of human history to reclaim their place as God's messengers of mercy in the day of wrath. God has been and ever will be faithful to every one of His promises.
This Easter we look at where the Christian faith began, with the first witness of the empty tomb. Every Christian can trace his or her story back to the very first encounter of the risen Christ and Mary Magdalene. When Mary's sorrow encounters the resurrection, her life is never the same.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians consistently points us to the joy that should be found in those who’ve been adopted into God’s family. This passage displays for us God's gifts of grace and peace and the joy these gifts produce in the life a believer. We also see the partnership we have with one another and the Spirit, as well as a challenge to grow in love, knowledge and obedience to God.
The final two verses of Jude serve as a beautiful exaltation of God. These verses conclude this short letter in the Bible that is written as both a warning and an encouragement to the saints focusing on how they should contend for their faith. So, why are the final two verses there? And how do they help us fight for what matters most?
The Lamb continues to bring the plans of God to fulfillment as He opens the fifth and sixth seals. While the first four seals demonstrated the removal of God's hand of restraint on a culture, the next seals opened introduce us to those who will experience this time of upheaval and how they respond.
The Lamb has been declared worthy to open the scroll and bring God's purposes and plans to fulfillment. Jesus describes the seal judgments as birth pains, growing more frequent and severe until Christ's return and final victory are realized.
As John continues to recount his trip to heaven, he introduces us to the drama and question of ultimate judgment. Who is worthy, and more than that, who has the authority to judge the world for sin? John recounts the person and work of Jesus that makes him worthy to open the scroll of judgment.
The rapture is a doctrine that is often misunderstood, yet in every context, the New Testament writers use this truth to comfort and encourage believers. This doctrine is given to strengthen and encourage the church to persevere in holiness as they wait for the blessed hope of Christ's return.
John is taken into heaven to observe and record what will happen "after these things." In the following section of Revelation, John will show us that the justice of God is preceded by a vision of the glory of God. God is worthy to judge by virtue of His right as creator.
In our last sermon on overcoming worry and anxiety, Paul directs the Philippian church to put his counsel on worry into practice. Paul's life and theology come together to demonstrate that walking with the God of peace means uniting our beliefs and our behavior.
Paul continues his counsel to the worrying heart by giving us principles and categories to guide our thinking. Prayer is God's means for us to receive His peace, but our thinking also plays an important role in defining what is worthy of our attention.
Paul continues his counsel on worry by giving us our first weapon to battle anxious hearts. God gives us prayer to channel our concerns and preoccupied hearts, and Paul reminds us of the greatest promise of security for fearful hearts.
As Paul closes his letter to the Philippians, he gives four exhortations that provide the antidote to facing our temptation to worry. Paul demonstrates that rejoicing in the Lord is the first step toward reorienting our hearts around the goodness and presence of God.
In the first message in Overcoming Worry and Anxiety, we look at Psalm 131. In three short verses David identifies the problem of pride that makes our spiritual lives so loud. David wrestles his pride into submission by giving us a picture of a child at peace, and gives us our first step toward defeating the tendency we all have to worry.
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Heron explains the tendency we all have to plan. We are forward-looking people by nature. We look forward to vacations, degrees, opportunities, and profits, but too often we leave God out of our plans. James 4:13-17 illustrates the dangers of neglecting God in our plans and directs us to a better way to set our eyes on the future.
In this sermon, Student Ministry Director, Addison Hamrick, preaches from Psalm 63. In this passage, we find David in the wilderness, fleeing for his life. While there, he writes this psalm of praise reflecting his deep love for God and his desire to be with God. For David, God is not a means to an end, but he is the end.
In this final sermon of Advent 2020, Pastor Steve Heron examines how God has designed the good news of Jesus birth to propagate through successive generations of Christians. The message of Jesus's incarnation, perfect life, death, burial and resurrection creates a people filled with joy and bound together in community centered on the truth.
Pastor Steve Heron continues "The Theology of Christmas" from John 1:14-18. In this passage, John completes the prologue to his gospel account with the most wondrous and inexplicable reality of the Christian Faith. God becomes man. Jesus enters into His creation revealing grace and truth, taking on flesh through the incarnation and making God known to us.
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Heron continues "The Theology of Christmas" from John 1:6-10. In this passage, John continues to unfold the incarnation of Jesus one step at a time. This week John looks to the forerunner to the Messiah, John the Baptist. John’s witness in the world was crucial to both fulfill Old Testament prophecy, and to clarify the promise of sonship to all who would put their faith in Jesus Christ.
In this sermon by Pastor Steve Heron from John 1:1-5, John begins his account of the message of Jesus Christ’s incarnation. The Word existed with God before everything, the Word was instrumental in creating everything that is and the Word is in essence very God of very God. In five wonder-filled verses John shapes our theology of God, our theology of creation, and mankind's hope for true spiritual illumination.
In this sermon, Pastor AJ Rankin preaches from Matthew 6:19-24. In these verses, we see the lure of both greed and materialism stand in direct opposition to Jesus’ instruction to store treasures in heaven that will never fade. The Christian life is a generous life that prioritizes the use of money and material resources for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Lindenmeyer expounds on John 15:1-11. One of the most intriguing realities in the Bible is that we can be united with Christ. In John 15, Jesus gives us a fascinating invitation to abide in Him. This week we will take a look at what this means and the blessings that come with it. May we abide in Him and bear much fruit for His glory!
In this week's sermon, Pastor Steve Heron teaches on the letter to Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22 - the last of the seven letters. Because of their wealth and financial security, the Laodicean church has become lukewarm - self-deceived into thinking they have it all together. Jesus calls out their complacency and commands them to repent - just as we should do today.
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Heron preaches on John's letter to the church at Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Heron preaches on John's letter to the church at Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6.
This week, Pastor Steve Heron teaches on Revelation 2:18-29 and the letter to Thyatira. How should a church respond to allegations of intolerance? The church at Thyatira was facing compromise over economic pressures in the culture, and an unhealthy theological tolerance within the church. As the church at Pergamum faced a threat that mimicked the ancient false teaching of Balaam, the church at Thyatira faces a threat from another historic enemy of God’s people, Jezebel. Jesus promises judgment for her false teaching and all who follow her, but promises that those who conquer will rule with him in the Kingdom. Jesus shows us how we are to live in our day with a godly intolerance that honors Jesus and protects the purity, and integrity of the church.
In this sermon, Steve Heron preaches from John's letter to the church at Pergamum. This church is facing temptations from false teachers who would say that compromise is the path to peace between the church and the culture. Jesus challenges them to hold fast to pure doctrine. To the one who conquers, Jesus promises his provision and intimacy for those that would hold fast to his name.
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Heron examines John's second letter to the church at Smyrna who is experiencing the loss in virtually every area of life due to their faithfulness to the gospel of Christ. Though death threatens them with loss, Jesus comforts, encourages, and promises ultimate triumph to this church.
In this sermon, Pastor Steve Heron examines John's first letter to the most prominent church of the seven, Ephesus. What happens when you lose your first love? What characterizes a church that is in danger of losing it's place in the world, and how can repentance restore a church that has fallen away from their first love? John answers these questions and promises that spiritual life will follow from our loves being reordered.
In this message, Pastor Steve Heron asks the question what does Jesus look like now? What is he doing? While John is exiled to the island of Patmos, Jesus reveals himself to John in all His glory as the leader and head of His church. Though John is astonished at what he sees, he is commissioned to write specific messages to each of the 7 churches of his day. These messages form the counsel to churches who will face typical temptations in various seasons. As such they provide insight for a church to examine itself in light of Jesus's commands and character.
In this message by Pastor Steve Heron, we are reminded that the return of Jesus is closer today than ever before. John introduces his letter to encourage all those who know and follow Jesus. The humiliation at the cross that accomplished our salvation happened more than 2000 years ago, but His work accomplished on our behalf echoes into all eternity.
In this week's sermon, Steve Heron examines Paul's final words to the Galatians as he challenges the motives of the false teachers one last time before returning to his greatest point of pride and joy. Jesus has severed our relationship with the world and has become our greatest joy, purpose and hope.
How would you describe what it means to follow Christ? Are there laws or expectations that Jesus has for us? In the final chapter of Galatians, Pastor Steve Heron examines how Paul shows us that following Christ isn't characterized by rituals and disciplines but by love, care, and perseverance with one another.
In this message on Galatians 5:16-25, Steve Heron examines how Paul exhorts the Galatians to walk by the Spirit. It's the constant conflict between what we ought to do and what we want to do that characterizes our sanctification journey. Paul helps us see why the law is a threat not just to our right standing with God but our right walking with God.
In this message on Galatians 5:2-15, Pastor Steve Heron examines how small steps will take you to the wrong destination as surely as large steps will. Paul argues that what seems like a small compromise is really a complete abandonment of all that Jesus is for us. It's freedom that Jesus has won, and freedom that empowers us to love others in a way that the law will never allow.
In this message on Galatians 4:21-5:1, Pastor Steve Heron examines how Paul, using Hagar and Sarah as an illustration, proves the incompatibly of promise and law. It's the covenant of promise that secures our freedom, while the covenant of law binds us in slavery. Jesus comes to give us freedom that the system of law never could.
In this message on Galatians 4:8-20, Pastor Steve Heron examines Paul's exhortation to the Galatians to resist the weak and worthless doctrine being peddled by the false teachers. Paul bares his heart to reveal both a passion for the spiritual lives of Galatians and a tenacity for the truth of the gospel.
In the third and final message in the Undivided series, Pastor Steve looks at perhaps the most difficult of the three admonitions Micah gives: "Walking humbly with your God." When it comes to the challenge of living in a racially divided culture, why does a humble walk with God matter? How can we put this command in practice?
This week, Pastor Steve Heron continues the series "Undivided" in Micah 6:8. While God requires us to do justice as we have opportunity, he also balances what he expects in our relationships with others. Loving Kindness is the next phrase that Pastor Steve explores. How do we love and display the character of God to both sinners and sufferers?
Pastor Steve Heron starts a new series entitled "Undivided" from Micah 6:8. In this first of three messages we explore the heart of God behind our obedience. What does God expect of his people? How should we view the opportunities, influence, and positions where God has placed us? What would it mean to “Do Justice” and reflect the grace of God to others? Micah shows us the way.
In this message on Galatians 4:1-7, Pastor Steve Lindenmeyer explores how our understanding of God as our Father and us as his children will greatly shape our identity and free us up to live a life of joyful obedience.
In this message on Galatians 3:23-29, Pastor Steve Heron explains how the end of Paul's journey through the Old Testament results in some of the most beautiful truths of the NT church. Jesus has accomplished what no system of law could ever achieve - a New Testament diverse people of God characterized by freedom, love and unity.
In this week's sermon on Galatians 3:15-22, Steve Heron explores important questions for the Christian faith: What is the relationship between the law and the promise of God? Is the law good? Irrelevant? Does the law change God's promises? Supersede them? Then Pastor Heron explains how Paul looks at the purpose of the law in light of God's promises to Abraham.
Pastor Steve Heron continues the series "No Other Gospel" in Galatians 3:10–14. Paul looks to the Law and prophets to demonstrate that there are two fundamental ways of life, with two distinct outcomes.
Pastor Steve Heron continues walking through the book of Galatians in the series "No Other Gospel." Paul examines the Galatians' experience of conversion then moves to the Old Testament. Beginning with Abraham, Paul proves that justification by faith is not a new idea. Abraham's justification is rooted in grace, through faith in God's promise.
Pastor Steve Heron continues the series "No Other Gospel" this week on Galatians 2:17-21. Paul continues his explanation of justification. Paul shows us how to find hope by contrasting our relationship with law and our relationship with Jesus.
In this message on Galatians 2:11-16, Pastor Steve continues the series "No Other Gospel." Paul has defended his gospel message proving that his message is both independent from and identical to the Jerusalem apostles. Paul, no longer on the defensive, rebukes Peter for his lack of consistency in welcoming the Gentiles to the table.
For this message on Galatians 2:1-10, Pastor Steve Heron continues the series "No Other Gospel." Paul has established that the gospel he preaches was independent from the influence of the Jerusalem apostles. This week, Paul continues building his defense saying that while his gospel mission is different than the apostles in Jerusalem, his message is identical.
In this sermon on Galatians 1:11-24, Pastor Steve Heron examines how the gospel message can create dramatic stories of remarkable change. As Paul builds his case for the exclusivity of the gospel, he recounts his story of conversion and describes the change that came from meeting Jesus.
Pastor Steve Heron continues the series "No Other Gospel" from Galatians 1:6–10. Without a greeting and full of emotion, Paul launches into a critique of the churches in Galatia. These churches are facing temptations to defect from the true gospel, and Paul defines several problems that every Christian, every church, and every preacher will face in being faithful to the truth of the gospel.
Pastor Steve Heron kicks off a new series on the Book of Galatians, No Other Gospel. This week's message, from Galatians 1:1–5, is about how Paul begins his letter to the Galatians by grounding his authority and his message in the grace of God revealed in the work of Jesus Christ.