Edgewater Christian Fellowship: Recent Episodes
Edgewater Christian Fellowship
Our hope is that you experience God in praise, prayer, preaching & community - that He transforms our world through you.
Romans 1 presents the Christian life as a wholehearted love for God that overflows into love for people. Paul begins with thanksgiving and prayer, reminding believers to intentionally encourage others by recognizing their faith instead of criticizing their faults. In a culture marked by isolation and distraction, these practices build genuine community and strengthen those who are faithfully following Christ, knowing that spiritual fruit often brings spiritual opposition. Paul also calls believers to live with generous, persistent love that gives more than it takes. Faithful friendships are marked by sacrifice, loyalty, and a refusal to give up on people, while the church’s greatest obligation remains proclaiming Jesus above every competing priority. Thanksgiving, prayer, generosity, perseverance, and gospel witness work together to form a community that reflects Christ’s love and advances His kingdom.
Romans 1:2-7 presents Jesus as the central focus of all Scripture and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Old Testament is revealed as a unified story that points to Christ through prophecy, symbolic figures, and God’s redemptive plan. Jesus alone fulfills what Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, the priesthood, the sacrificial system, and Israel itself could not. As both fully God and fully man, His divine identity is ultimately confirmed by His resurrection, which validates God’s promises, affirms the authority of Scripture, and gives believers confident hope. Paul concludes that the gospel produces the “obedience of faith,” a transformed life that flows from genuine trust in Christ rather than fear, legalism, or outward rule-keeping. True faith reshapes the heart so that obedience becomes the natural fruit of love for God. The result is a people increasingly conformed to Christ, marked by peace, joy, sacrificial love, and the assurance that they are fully accepted by God’s grace.
Romans begins as Scripture’s clearest presentation of the gospel and reminds us that what we believe about God matters deeply because bad theology produces fear, legalism, and distorted views of God’s character. Rather than teaching that God rewards self-reliance or that every hardship is punishment for sin, Romans points us to a gracious Father who calls helpless sinners to trust Him. Sound doctrine replaces shame with assurance and transforms religion from a performance into a relationship. Paul’s own life proves the gospel’s power. Once a persecutor of the church, he became a devoted servant of Christ, showing that no one is beyond God’s redeeming grace. At the heart of Romans is the good news that Jesus, fully God and fully man, died and rose again to defeat sin and death, offering forgiveness, adoption into God’s family, and new life through faith alone. As Romans unfolds, it reshapes our understanding of God and calls believers to live with joy, confidence, and wholehearted service.
Psalm 145 declares that God is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works. That truth is easy to affirm in stories of victory but much harder in seasons of suffering. Yet Scripture calls believers to yield like clay in the Potter’s hands, trusting that the same God who rules over creation also lovingly shapes every circumstance. Jesus modeled this perfect surrender in Gethsemane, praying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” God’s righteousness cannot be accepted only when it is comfortable. The same righteous God who saves, justifies, forgives, and restores also works through trials for His purposes. His righteousness is always joined with His kindness, meeting weakness with grace and sustaining His people through every hardship. Like Paul, believers can endure with hope, confident that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness and that He remains faithful in both the mountains and the valleys.
Ecclesiastes 12 confronts the reality of aging, mortality, and the urgency of turning toward God while there is still time. Solomon uses vivid pictures of the body’s decline to remind us that strength, ability, and earthly comforts are temporary. Rather than causing despair, this truth becomes an invitation to repentance, wisdom, and a life centered on God now.Solomon teaches that true wisdom comes through trustworthy instruction, correction, and lived experience. Life is not just something to study but a gift to enjoy through love, gratitude, relationships, and obedience. The final call is simple: fear God, love Him fully, love others deeply, and allow Christ to transform a self-focused life into one marked by generosity, patience, and enduring love.
The cross is the center of history and the invitation to every disciple. Jesus calls His followers not only to receive His sacrifice but to take up their own cross and follow Him. At Calvary He refused relief, willingly endured the full weight of sin out of love, and fulfilled centuries of prophecy, proving that God’s plan of redemption was unfolding exactly as promised. When He cried from Psalm 22, He revealed that the Good Shepherd was laying down His life for His sheep.The torn veil declared that through Christ, everyone now has direct access to God. His resurrection transformed despair into hope, highlighted by the angel’s gracious words, “and Peter,” reminding us that failure is never the final word. Forgiven people become sent people, called to proclaim the gospel to the world. As we remember Christ through communion, we celebrate that our sin has been removed, our relationship with God restored, and our lives commissioned to bear witness to His saving grace.
Solomon teaches that while life is often unpredictable and unfair, we are not called to sit still in fear but to live wisely and faithfully. He encourages generous giving, consistent habits, calculated risks, and trusting God with outcomes we cannot control, knowing that faithful choices often bear fruit over time.He also warns against letting anger, bitterness, and vexation take root, comparing them to a poison that slowly shapes the heart. Instead, believers are called to cultivate joy, gratitude, spiritual disciplines, and a heavenly perspective, choosing daily to bless others, reject resentment, and walk in wisdom despite life’s uncertainties.
Ecclesiastes 10 warns that even small acts of foolishness can have devastating consequences, while wisdom quietly protects every area of life. Solomon encourages us to guard our words, sharpen our skills, stay humble, lead responsibly, and handle problems with patience rather than panic. By inviting God’s wisdom into our daily decisions, we can avoid unnecessary regret and live with greater faithfulness and purpose.
Ecclesiastes 9:1–17 frames life “under the sun” as a repeated meditation on meaning, mortality, and posture toward the ordinary. Ecclesiastes uses steady iterations—like a song reworked over time—to press a dark but honest diagnosis: life without appeal beyond the present age looks empty, arbitrary, and often cruel. Nihilism shows up in several forms—existential loneliness, moral relativism, epistemic skepticism, and cultural breakdown—and the text treats each as a current that shapes modern thought and practice. Solomon observes that death levels distinctions: the righteous and wicked share the same end, and social honors mean nothing at the grave. Solomon pushes the logic of meaninglessness to a blunt conclusion and then counsels a counterintuitive response. The text counsels feasting, enjoyment of one’s spouse, diligent work, and celebration—not as naïve hedonism but as prudent embrace of the gifts available in a limited life. Solomon argues for taking pleasure in ordinary provisions and relationships because time and chance make outcomes unpredictable; fortunes turn by luck as often as by wisdom. The narrative’s brief portrait of a wise man who risks and gives himself to save a small city—and is forgotten and despised afterward—becomes the book’s single declaration of greatness. Solomon elevates self‑giving wisdom over reputation, wealth, and achievement. The story of a nameless rescuer reframes true greatness as sacrificial service for the insignificant rather than accumulation of prestige. The Old Testament portrait points forward to the supreme example of kenotic wisdom: the incarnate King who humbled himself for the salvation of those who could not save themselves. For those anchored in that redemption, meaning and hope outrun luck and the leveling power of death, and present joys become signs of a fuller promise to come.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-17 teaches that wisdom is not God giving us paint-by-numbers answers for every decision, but shaping us into people who can navigate life’s complexities with godly judgment. Solomon shows that wisdom helps us deal with power, timing, authority, and the consequences of our choices. Rather than turning us into robots, biblical wisdom provides guardrails that help us make faithful decisions in situations where there is no simple chapter-and-verse answer. Solomon also confronts the realities of injustice, mystery, and tension. Wicked people often seem to prosper while good people suffer, yet wisdom calls us to fear God and trust that His justice will come in His perfect time. Life is filled with unanswered questions and unsatisfying answers, requiring us to walk by faith rather than sight. The wise person learns to hold both sorrow and joy together, lamenting the brokenness of the world while still enjoying God’s gifts, knowing that faithfulness means trusting God even when life does not make sense.
Ecclesiastes 7:14–29 confronts the strange unpredictability of life and calls believers to reject simplistic thinking. Solomon urges people to embrace both prosperity and adversity because God uses each in ways we often cannot see. Good days are gifts to enjoy, while difficult seasons develop grit, wisdom, and dependence on God. The chapter dismantles the false idea of “karma” or earned righteousness, reminding us that life does not always reward the righteous or punish the wicked in predictable ways. Instead of exhausting ourselves trying to earn favor with God through performance or nitpicking religion, the Gospel points us to the righteousness of Jesus Christ freely given by grace. True wisdom learns to trust God through both blessing and hardship. Solomon also turns the mirror toward the human heart. Rather than constantly judging others, wisdom begins with humility: “Is it I?” People are messy, sinful, and capable of scheming, including ourselves. Relationships, marriage, success, pleasure, and even God’s good gifts can become traps when distorted by selfish desire. Solomon’s own life became a warning of what happens when good gifts are twisted into idols. Yet the answer is not despair but surrender. Through the mirror of Scripture, God exposes our crookedness and begins making us upright again. The call of Ecclesiastes is to stop trying to control life, trust God in its mystery, pursue holiness over shallow happiness, and allow Christ to transform us “from one degree of glory to another.”
Ecclesiastes 7 shifts Solomon’s focus from chasing pleasure and success to pursuing wisdom and character under God. A good name is shown to be more valuable than wealth because reputation outlives achievement when life ends. Remembering death cuts through the world’s obsession with image and temporary success, redirecting attention toward what truly lasts. Solomon also presents sorrow and mourning not as enemies, but as tools God often uses to refine people, expose sin, and produce lasting change, while laughter remains a gift that cannot accomplish the same deep work. The chapter also highlights the value of honest rebuke, faithfulness, and perseverance. True community requires loving correction that heals rather than flatters, and integrity is measured more by consistency than charisma. Solomon describes humanity as both dignified image-bearers and deeply crooked through sin, unable to fully straighten themselves apart from God. The answer is not pretending to be perfect, but desiring transformation and depending on God’s renewing work so that authenticity and holiness grow together.
Ecclesiastes 5:8–6:12 - exposes the emptiness of trusting in government, money, possessions, or achievement to give lasting meaning. Solomon shows that wealth and success often increase anxiety rather than peace, and a life spent chasing more can still leave the soul unsatisfied. Even under God’s sovereignty, human choices still matter, and people remain responsible for how they live and what they pursue. Instead of building life around endless striving, Solomon points toward a quieter rhythm of flourishing: enjoy meals with others, work faithfully, accept your limits, and practice gratitude. True joy is found not in prestige or accumulation, but in receiving everyday life as a gift from God, marked by contentment, meaningful work, shared community, and thankfulness toward the Giver of every good thing.
Ecclesiastes peels back the illusion of a full life without God, testing the usual suspects like money, power, pleasure, and even religion. In chapter 5, the spotlight turns to worship, where Solomon calls for reverence over routine. Entering God’s presence isn’t a casual stroll but sacred ground that invites humility, honesty, and awe. True worship isn’t performance for others but a heart posture that recognizes who God is, echoed in the lives of figures like David, Isaiah, and Paul, who approached God with brokenness and deep reverence. Listening and speaking become the twin gates of worship. Ears are meant to be tuned for God’s voice, not dulled by distraction or empty ritual, while mouths must resist careless words and transactional vows. Scripture presses for integrity where life and worship align, not a split existence. At the center stands the fear of the Lord, a steady compass that brings clarity, shapes character, and softens the heart. When that reverence takes root, even our words begin to change, shifting from sparks that burn to embers that warm and give life.
Ecclesiastes 4 sketches a sobering picture of life under the sun, touching on oppression, envy, work, and isolation. Solomon observes that injustice can become so severe that it makes existence itself feel unbearable, a reality still echoed in modern forms of exploitation and suffering. The response begins in the heart by confronting bitterness, then moves outward through action and advocacy against wrong. He also exposes three distorted approaches to work: envy-driven striving that robs joy, laziness that erodes life, and relentless ambition that gains success at the cost of relationships. Each path, in its own way, leads to emptiness. In contrast, Solomon highlights the strength found in companionship, where people support, protect, and sustain one another through life’s hardships. True presence—simply showing up and carrying burdens together—becomes a powerful antidote to isolation. He also elevates wisdom above status or age, noting that experience alone does not guarantee insight. Wisdom grows through learning, receiving counsel, and humbly seeking God’s guidance. Regularly asking for wisdom reshapes daily decisions, keeping a person grounded, relationally connected, and aligned with what truly matters.
Ecclesiastes 3:16–22 shifts from confidence in God’s ordered seasons to an honest wrestling with injustice and mortality. Solomon observes a world where wrongdoing often prospers and righteousness goes unrewarded, exposing the fragile gap between expectation and reality. Human behavior can slip into something beastlike when power overrides compassion, and the deepest wounds often come from those closest. This tension crescendos in the question of death itself—whether life ends in silence or if something of the human soul endures beyond the grave. From there, the sermon explores competing views of what comes next, showing how beliefs about eternity shape how people live now. While some perspectives lead to despair or detached living, biblical hope anchors itself in God’s justice and the promise of resurrection. Solomon models a response of preaching truth to his own heart: though doubt is real, God will ultimately make things right. Through Christ, the promise of resurrection and final judgment transforms fear into courage, freeing people from bitterness and grounding them in hope, culminating in remembrance of that redemption through communion.
Ecclesiastes 3 presents life as a rhythm of seasons we don’t control, where joy and sorrow arrive like tides and never stay forever. Solomon urges preparation instead of resistance, reminding us that each season is temporary and that wise living means building a life ready for both storms and sunshine, often with the help of others. The passage then lifts our eyes to God’s timing, where even broken moments can be woven into something beautiful over time. Rather than overanalyzing life, we’re invited to enjoy simple gifts, serve others, and find meaning in everyday work. In the end, God is the master craftsman, shaping the mixed ingredients of life into something lasting, pursuing people with redemption and forming a story that stretches beyond the moment.
The resurrection of Jesus is the turning point of the story—death is only half the sentence. The cross pays for sin, but the empty tomb declares victory, revealing Jesus as alive, reigning, and making all things right. This reality reshapes the human condition: death loses its final word, evil won’t ultimately win, and the bold transformation of the first disciples points to the resurrection’s power. Because Jesus is risen, forgiveness is real, the Holy Spirit empowers true change, and believers are brought into a new family with shared purpose. The mission continues now bringing healing, reconciliation, and hope while we await Christ’s return. The call is simple and immediate: turn to Jesus, trust his rule, and step into a life marked by forgiveness, Spirit-filled power, community, and lasting joy.
The message opens with a call to daily prayer leading into Easter, connecting humble, united prayer with God’s promise to bring healing. A story of a man leaving a high-paying but soul-draining job highlights a common struggle: many feel stuck in work that empties them. Ecclesiastes reminds us that work is both a gift and a burden, often marked by stress, dissatisfaction, and the fleeting nature of achievement.Yet there’s a better way. When seen as a gift from God, work can carry meaning and even joy. Jesus’ call in Gospel of Mark 8 reframes life—deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him—so work shapes character rather than identity. The takeaway: pursue excellence under God, honor rest, and let both hardship and effort form a life centered on Christ instead of endless striving.
Jude 20–25 lays out a steady path for worn-down believers built around three directions: inward, outward, and upward. Inwardly, it calls believers to take responsibility for their faith by building on a solid foundation through prayer in the Spirit, staying rooted in God’s love, and holding onto hope in Christ’s coming mercy. That kind of hope lifts the heart out of present discouragement and anchors it in future restoration.Outwardly, faith shows up as action—offering patient mercy to those who doubt and stepping in urgently to help those drifting toward danger. Upwardly, the passage reminds believers that God is the one who keeps, strengthens, and ultimately presents them blameless with joy. Together, this creates a simple rhythm: stay grounded in God, reach out to others with compassion, and trust fully in His power to finish what He started.
Solomon’s experiment in Ecclesiastes 2 explores whether meaning can be found in life lived “under the sun,” apart from God. He pursues every human avenue of fulfillment: pleasure, wine, massive projects, wealth, sexual relationships, reputation, and legacy. With immense resources he essentially tries to build a secular Eden where nothing is off limits. Yet each pursuit ends the same way. Pleasure fades, achievements lose their shine, possessions multiply without satisfaction, and death ultimately levels every person. The verdict of the experiment is stark: life without God becomes empty and exhausting, a constant chase for something that never delivers lasting meaning.The deeper issue is misplacing meaning in things that cannot carry its weight. When people look to pleasure, relationships, status, or circumstances to provide identity and purpose, disappointment and resentment follow. Solomon’s insight exposes a pattern that still shapes modern culture, where endless consumption and stimulation attempt to numb deeper questions of purpose. The answer is not rejecting enjoyment but rediscovering a joyful God who gives life as a gift, cultivating gratitude, and learning to receive daily blessings from Him rather than striving endlessly for the next thing. True satisfaction comes not from chasing more, but from living in relationship with the God who gives meaning to everything.
Ecclesiastes looks at life “under the sun” and notices how repetitive it feels. Generations come and go, work never really stays finished, and even our greatest accomplishments eventually fade. The more Solomon observes and understands the world, the more he realizes that chasing achievement, pleasure, or novelty cannot restore the simple joy people long for. Yet scripture reframes this monotony. The ordinary rhythms of life become the place where faithfulness is formed. Instead of chasing constant newness, God invites us to live with steady obedience and childlike wonder. Through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, even the repetitive moments of life can carry eternal meaning.
Self-help culture teaches people to make themselves the center of everything, but Ecclesiastes exposes the emptiness of that idea. Life cannot be fully controlled, predicted, or made safe, and trying to do so only leads to frustration.Ecclesiastes stands alongside Proverbs and Job. Proverbs shows how life usually works, Job shows undeserved suffering, and Ecclesiastes shows that even having everything—wealth, wisdom, pleasure, and power—still leaves a person empty. The author repeats the word hevel (meaning vapor or futility) to show that life without God feels temporary and meaningless.When life is viewed only “under the sun,” everything fades, and nothing lasts. But that emptiness points to something deeper: our longing for meaning is evidence that we were made for more than this world.The final hope is found in God’s promise to restore all things. Communion reminds believers that this broken world is not the end, but a preview of the greater reality still to come.
Prayer is the believer’s primary weapon and constant lifeline, not a last resort but a first response. It reveals real faith in moments of pressure and should become second nature through ongoing conversation with God and specific requests. Scripture shows that bold, persistent prayer aligns us with God’s provision and brings peace, while praying for others strengthens and carries the whole church.Prayer also sharpens spiritual awareness, helping believers see clearly, hear God’s direction, and recognize His movement. It requires humility and dependence, reminding us that true power does not come from human effort but from reliance on God. Prayer is both the starting point and sustaining force of the Christian life, positioning us to participate in what only God can accomplish.
The sword of the Spirit shows that the Word and the Spirit work as one. The Spirit authored Scripture and uses it to guide, correct, and protect us, so any impression from God will align with the Bible. To wield that sword well, the Word must live inside us through memorization and steady dwelling, so truth rises naturally when trials come. Scripture can be misused, as Satan did with Jesus, but Jesus countered lies with rightly applied truth. Science can explain mechanics but cannot answer questions of meaning, purpose, or moral truth—those are illuminated by the Spirit through the Word. Spiritual opposition is often a sign that light is advancing, and the sword becomes powerful in the hands of a believer whose life is shaped by Scripture and the Spirit.
I grew up treating the Bible like a flawless magic book. College shattered that view when I learned about editing, genres, and cultural shaping, and for a time I couldn’t read Scripture at all. Healing came when I learned to see the Bible as God intends it: an incarnational work, breathed out by God through real people in real moments. Those human textures aren’t flaws. They’re how God tells the rescue story until it lands. Read rightly, all of Scripture leads to Jesus and forms us for worship, clarity, and participation in His kingdom.
Ephesians 6 teaches that the helmet of salvation protects the mind, where fear, temptation, and lies begin. Salvation isn’t just a past decision but a daily reality that reshapes how we think and live. Scripture, the Spirit, and the practices of faith help believers replace false thoughts with truth. When we guard our minds, old habits lose their grip and new, Christ-centered lives take shape.
Life has a way of knocking us off balance. Stress, worry, and pressure don’t just affect us emotionally and mentally, they shake us spiritually. God gives us two steady “bookends” to keep us upright: His peace and His rest.
We must be sober and ready, clothed in the armor of God. And today, we heard about the shoes—“the readiness given by the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:14-18). Peace—what peace? Romans 5 says we were enemies of God, now reconciled through Jesus. That peace is not a mood; it’s a new status that births a new spirit. Ephesians 2:14 says this peace can spread horizontally, breaking tribal walls. Without it, we elevate our tribe, banish “those people,” and never own our own need. With it, we become peacemakers. Richard Morgan, an atheist moderating Dawkins’ website, printed months of vicious comments aimed at Pastor David Robertson—and David’s steady, non-anxious kindness. That witness won him. Peacemaking is not soft; it’s a weapon. Shoes mean movement. What moves the church forward is not shepherding schemes, TV glitz, small-group fads, social niceness, or celebrity cool. The world is drowning in image and hunger for the real. Jesus is the real. The gospel of peace is the power. That’s why we fight for simplicity here: pray, praise, preach, the table, fellowship (Acts 2:42). We won’t boast in buildings or methods (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). I’m convinced: I can be full of myself, or full of the Spirit. And I want the church Jesus builds (Matthew 16:18), planted firmly in the shoes of the gospel of peace.
We must be sober and ready, clothed in the armor of God. And today, we heard about the shoes—“the readiness given by the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:14-18). Peace—what peace? Romans 5 says we were enemies of God, now reconciled through Jesus. That peace is not a mood; it’s a new status that births a new spirit. Ephesians 2:14 says this peace can spread horizontally, breaking tribal walls. Without it, we elevate our tribe, banish “those people,” and never own our own need. With it, we become peacemakers. Richard Morgan, an atheist moderating Dawkins’ website, printed months of vicious comments aimed at Pastor David Robertson—and David’s steady, non-anxious kindness. That witness won him. Peacemaking is not soft; it’s a weapon. Shoes mean movement. What moves the church forward is not shepherding schemes, TV glitz, small-group fads, social niceness, or celebrity cool. The world is drowning in image and hunger for the real. Jesus is the real. The gospel of peace is the power. That’s why we fight for simplicity here: pray, praise, preach, the table, fellowship (Acts 2:42). We won’t boast in buildings or methods (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). I’m convinced: I can be full of myself, or full of the Spirit. And I want the church Jesus builds (Matthew 16:18), planted firmly in the shoes of the gospel of peace.
You don’t gear up once the battle starts. You put it on now, or you bleed. So what is the gear? How do we prepare for battle and not find we walked piece by piece through what it means to stand. The belt of truth keeps a life together. In the ancient world you’d “gird up your loins” so you wouldn’t trip—truth does that for the soul. Lies aren’t neutral; they rewire reality. Believe a lie about your spouse and it will change your home. Believe a lie marketed for profit (think OxyContin) and communities pay. In a world of influencers, spin, and weaponized narratives, we need a wise information diet. I won’t deep-dive fads. I want to be useful where I can actually act. I avoid demagogic voices, follow the money, and ask whether this input helps me love my neighbor and remember the spiritual battle. Community matters too. The Asch experiments showed that one honest voice can help another person tell the truth. Wear the belt of truth; be that voice. Then the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness means a life examined and approved by a higher authority. Every human heart aches for that. If my “rightness” rests on my performance, I ride a roller coaster. If it rests on people’s approval, they own me. God gives a better way: imputed righteousness. Jesus aced the wilderness, the trials, the cross—and He credits His record to us. That breastplate protects the heart so we don’t start starved for approval; we start full. Martin Luther prayed, “Jesus, I am your punishment and you are my reward.” When the enemy condemns, we answer with 1 John 3:20 and Colossians 3:3—my life is hidden with Christ in God. I don’t preach, parent, or work to get approval; I move from approval. That shift reframes everything: obedience flows from love, difficulty becomes formation, and we carry a humble swagger—Jesus for me, in me, and through me, in spite of me.
God’s armor may not always feel comfortable, but it is necessary. It’s not a buffet. It’s irreducibly complex. Miss one piece and you’re vulnerable—like an old VW bus with 12,000 parts and no brake fluid. One small omission can become a big disaster. We tend to trust our strengths too much. Blind spots are real. David, Peter, Abraham, Moses—giants with gaps. The armor is “of God.” That means the source and the standard are God, not me. I traced the cultural shift in authority: ancient (Scripture), modern (science), postmodern (self). We live in the age of “I feel,” where feelings often sit in the driver’s seat. But Ephesians assumes an ancient posture: God speaks; Scripture is authority; I submit my emotions, not the other way around. With God’s armor, we CAN withstand. Not easily, but truly (1 Corinthians 10:13; Romans 6). We celebrate forgiveness—and we should—but we should also celebrate that we are no longer slaves to sin. New covenant hearts want God. We get deceived when we trade deep joy for cheap thrills. Cheap is available. Deep takes patience and wisdom. Porn promises intensity and leaves people empty, ashamed, and alone. Shallow “community” at the bar gives the feeling of companionship without the truth that transforms us. Buying kids off with stuff substitutes for the hard and beautiful work of forming souls. When tempted, pause and ask, “What do I most want in ten years?” Pray. Phone a friend. Choose the long game. Then there’s “the evil day.” Not Revelation horses. The personal season when the waves don’t stop. Some in Scripture fell on their evil day; others stood—Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach/Meshach/Abednego, Paul, and Jesus. We come to the Table to be strengthened, so when that day comes, we can stand.
I opened with a simple equation: we keep adding up lights, carols, sweaters, and “holiday spirit,” but we forget the other side of Christmas—the result. Luke 2 puts it plainly: “Fear not… good news… great joy… for all people.” That’s the outcome. The cause—the other side of the equation—is a person: “Unto you is born… a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” When we give our attention to the result but ignore the source, we end up with short bursts of cheer and long shadows of fear. So I asked us to look squarely at our fears—financial, relational, health, and the biggest of all, death—and to let the angel’s words do their work. We live on a steady diet of bad news, and our souls weren’t built to carry the world’s pain. The problem isn’t just smartphones; it’s what we feed on. English-speaking media often monetizes anxiety, turning ordinary worries into catastrophic identities. The result is the “worried well”—exhausted, medicated, self-diagnosed, and still empty. But the gospel gives a different diet: Fear not. Good news. Great joy. For all people. Why? Because Jesus is a Savior. Not a coach. Not a content creator. A Savior. Self-salvation never answers the question “what is enough?” Our hearts are wired to demand more (the old “covenant of works”), and even our best moments come up short. Oskar Schindler saved over a thousand lives and still felt the ache: “I could have saved one more.” That ache is exactly why we need Jesus. He saves us from sin and the sentence of death; He delivers what our discipline can’t. And when death loses its power, fear loses its grip. John Harper on the Titanic shows that—he gave away his life jacket because he had a better Life already secured. Joy, then, isn’t pretend happiness or a grin glued on hard days. Joy is a byproduct of being with Jesus and seeing His kingdom break in—sick healed, captives freed, good news landing on the “wrong” people. Walk with Him, practice gratitude, keep reading Luke, and joy will surprise you. And this gift is for all people. Scripture is full of flawed names—murderers, liars, runners, doubters—turned into sons and daughters. No one is “too bad” for Jesus; the only people He can’t help are the ones who don’t think they need saving. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
This sermon, rooted in Ephesians 6:12, explores the true nature of conflict in our lives. While it often seems that our struggles are with other people—family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers—the Apostle Paul reminds us that our real battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness. The message traces this theme from Genesis, showing how evil works through deception and human participation, leading to sin and brokenness. The sermon challenges us to recognize the deeper spiritual reality behind human conflict and calls us to respond not with curses or retaliation, but with blessing, following the example of Jesus. By choosing to bless rather than curse, we break the cycle of evil and become agents of God’s light in a dark world.
Today’s sermon focused on Ephesians 6:10-11, where Paul exhorts believers to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” The message began with the stark reality of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that Christians are not passive spectators but active participants in God’s kingdom. Using vivid analogies—like the hard-working farmer, the IKEA furniture builder, and the mountaineer—the sermon highlighted the necessity of partnering with God, not just relying on His sovereignty as an excuse for inaction. The armor of God is not for show; it’s essential equipment for standing firm against the devil’s schemes, which are subtle, persistent, and often disguised as good. The sermon closed with a call to vigilance, self-examination, and a reminder that compromise is a slow drift, not a sudden fall. Communion was presented as a time to reorient ourselves to God’s truth and grace.
Today’s sermon explored the biblical view of work, challenging the common divide between “sacred” and “secular” vocations. Drawing from Ephesians 6:4-10 and various biblical examples, we saw that God’s Spirit fills people in all kinds of jobs—gardeners, politicians, construction workers—not just pastors or missionaries. The message emphasized that our daily work is a mission field, and how we work matters deeply to God. We are called to work sincerely, not just for eye service or to please people, but as if we are serving Jesus Himself. Both employees and employers are to model Christlike character: employees with integrity and diligence, employers with humility and fairness. Ultimately, our work is an act of worship, and we will give an account to our true Master, Jesus.
Today’s sermon focused on Ephesians 6:4 and the calling of parents to raise their children in a way that honors God. Using personal stories and humor, we explored the reality that children need parents—not just friends or providers, but guides who lovingly set boundaries, train, and instruct. We discussed the dangers of provoking children to anger through unreasonable demands, inconsistency, or conditional love, and contrasted that with the biblical call to “bring them up” through clear, consistent, and just discipline and instruction. The goal is not simply good behavior, but to point our children to the awe and majesty of Jesus Christ, modeling a life of faith, prayer, and joy.
This sermon explores the biblical command for children to obey and honor their parents, as found in Ephesians 6:1-3. Drawing from personal stories and cultural observations, the message contrasts the honor-based culture of India with the evolving cultural norms in America, highlighting how obedience and honor are foundational for healthy families and societies. The sermon delves into the difference between obedience and honor, sharing the pastor’s own struggles and journey with a difficult father, and how God’s grace can redeem even the most broken relationships. Ultimately, the message emphasizes that learning obedience and honor leads to a well-lived life, and that these virtues are essential not just for children, but for all believers navigating authority and relationships.
Today’s sermon continued our series on marriage, using the metaphor of a garden to explore how to keep a marriage fruitful and alive. Just as a garden needs fertilizer to keep producing, marriages need intentional investment to stay healthy and vibrant. Drawing from Ephesians 5:25-33, we looked at seven “fertilizers” for marriage: creativity, appreciation, physical touch, knowledge, friendship, calmness, and the gospel covenant. Through personal stories, practical advice, and biblical insight, we were challenged to actively nurture our marriages, not letting them grow stale or depleted. The ultimate foundation is the gospel itself—a covenant of grace, selflessness, and security that shapes how we love and serve our spouse.
Life is full of moments that leave us feeling stuck, broken, or overwhelmed by the impossible. Whether it’s a health crisis, a fractured relationship, financial stress, or the weight of our own failures, we all encounter situations that seem beyond hope. Yet, in the midst of these impossibilities, Jesus stands as the one who not only sees our pain but has the power to heal and restore in ways we can’t imagine. The story in Luke 5 of the paralyzed man and his friends reminds us that Jesus is not just a remarkable teacher or miracle worker—He is utterly unique, the only one with authority to forgive sins and transform lives from the inside out. When the paralyzed man’s friends couldn’t get through the crowd, they tore open the roof to bring him to Jesus. Their determination is a picture of the kind of faith that refuses to let obstacles keep us from the only one who can truly help. But notice that Jesus doesn’t start by healing the man’s legs; He begins with the heart, declaring, “Your sins are forgiven.” This reveals a profound truth: our deepest need isn’t just for our circumstances to change, but for our hearts to be made whole. Sin is not just a list of bad choices—it’s a condition that affects every part of us, separating us from God and distorting our motives, thoughts, and actions. No amount of good works or self-improvement can bridge the gap between us and a holy God. The standard isn’t just being better than others; it’s perfection, and none of us can reach it on our own. That’s why Jesus came—not to give us a list of steps to climb up to God, but to come down to us, to take our place, and to offer forgiveness and new life as a gift.
In this sermon, we explored the metaphor of marriage as a garden, focusing on the "weeds" that can choke out the health and fruitfulness of our relationships. Drawing from Ephesians 5:25-33, we examined both humorous and serious examples of marital "weeds"—habits, attitudes, and priorities that undermine intimacy and unity. We discussed the importance of giving marriage its own space, maintaining proper priorities (God, spouse, then children), and the dangers of boredom, hidden agendas, and selfishness. Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, we were challenged to examine our own hearts, seek God’s guidance, and intentionally invest in our marriages with honesty, humility, and selfless love.
In this sermon, we continued our journey through Ephesians 5, focusing on the metaphor of marriage as a garden, specifically the role of "water"—the nurturing influence wives bring to the relationship. We explored how words and attitudes can either nourish or poison the marriage, using the story of David and Michal from 2 Samuel 6 as a cautionary tale about how even well-intentioned correction can go terribly wrong if delivered without grace. The message highlighted the unique power wives have to build up or tear down their husbands through their words, and the deep insecurities men often carry as a result of the fall. Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, we were challenged to use our words to bless, not curse, and to focus on moving forward together rather than digging up the past. The call was to be intentional in nurturing our marriages, choosing grace, encouragement, and a forward-looking perspective.
Today’s message focused on the metaphor of marriage as a garden, specifically on the importance of “watering” it with our words, as described in Ephesians 5:25-29. We explored what it means for husbands to “wash” their wives with the water of the word—not just through Bible study, but through the daily spoken words that affirm, cleanse, and sanctify. Drawing from Genesis and the Song of Solomon, we saw how words have the power to shape reality, heal wounds from the curse, and create a world of grace in marriage. The sermon challenged husbands to use their words to affirm and accentuate their wives, rather than focusing on faults, and to be intentional in building up rather than tearing down. For those who are single or whose spouse is absent, the message pointed to the ultimate Shepherd King—Jesus—who speaks love and affirmation over us, making us secure in His love.
In this sermon, we continued our marriage series using the metaphor of a garden to explore the unique design and roles of husbands and wives. Drawing from Ephesians 5:22-24, we examined how men and women are created differently—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and how these differences are not flaws but intentional aspects of God’s design. The sermon addressed the cultural push to erase gender distinctions and emphasized that true partnership in marriage comes from embracing our God-given roles, not from competing or conforming to societal trends. We discussed the biblical concepts of headship and submission, clarifying that these are not about superiority or inferiority, but about order, responsibility, and mutual sanctification. The call was for men to lead with Christlike servant leadership and for women to support and challenge their husbands toward godliness, all within the context of grace, humility, and dependence on Jesus.
Today’s sermon explored the foundational truths of marriage through the lens of Ephesians 5:31 and the Genesis creation account. Using the metaphor of marriage as a garden, we examined how agape love—selfless, sacrificial love—is only possible through the Holy Spirit, not by human effort. The “soil” of marriage, as described in Genesis, is not perfect but good, and it is in this soil that God calls us to subdue sin and grow in sanctification. The sermon highlighted how the fall introduced shame, blame, and conflict into marriage, transforming it from a place of vulnerability and safety into a battleground for sanctification. Ultimately, marriage is not about achieving happiness or perfection, but about God using our spouse to shape us into the likeness of Christ, with prayer and humility as essential tools for this journey.
When we gather together, we do so to honor God, to seek His kingdom first, and to trust that He is present with us—Emmanuel, God with us. Life is full of unexpected events, and how we respond to them reveals the true state of our hearts. Easy days rarely show our character; it’s the curveballs, the tragedies, and the moments of loss that expose what’s really inside us. Whether it’s a personal crisis, a national tragedy, or simply the daily grind, these moments test us and shape us for eternity.Reflecting on the story of David in 1 Samuel 30, we see a powerful example of how to respond when everything falls apart. David and his men returned to find their city burned and their families taken. The initial responses were deeply human: some wept until they had no strength left, others looked for someone to blame. These are natural reactions, but they don’t bring healing or restoration. Pain is unavoidable, but misery is optional; it’s all about how we steward our pain.David, however, chose a different path. Instead of looking inward in despair or outward in blame, he looked upward—he strengthened himself in the Lord. This was a hinge moment in his life, a turning point that prepared him to become king. He prayed, sought godly counsel, praised God, remembered God’s past faithfulness, and sometimes simply waited in trust. These practices are not just ancient history; they are the blueprint for how we can respond to our own trials.We are called to cast our cares on Jesus, to surround ourselves with people who point us back to Him, to praise even when it’s hard, to remember God’s faithfulness, and to wait on Him when we have no words left. Communion reminds us that evil does not win—what looked like the darkest day in history became Good Friday because God turned evil to good. We live in hope, knowing that one day all evil will be destroyed and we will dwell with God forever. Until then, we don’t waste our days in fear or bitterness, but we find our strength, rest, and victory in Jesus.
This morning, we explored the profound and often misunderstood concept of the “fear of the Lord.” While Scripture repeatedly tells us not to fear in the sense of dread or terror, it also calls us to a different kind of fear—a deep reverence and awe for God’s majesty, power, and holiness. This isn’t a fear that drives us away, but one that draws us near, bowing in humility before the One who holds oceans in His hand, spans the universe, and breathes out stars. At the same time, this God is the approachable Jesus, our comforter and friend, who walked among us and gave Himself for us. Holding both truths together—God’s infinite greatness and His intimate nearness—transforms how we live. Understanding the fear of the Lord changes everything. It leads to radical obedience, as seen in Noah’s willingness to build the ark without all the details, simply trusting the One who asked. It frees us from the need to control outcomes, reminding us that our job is obedience and God’s job is results. This reverence also helps us accept correction, knowing that when God calls us to change, it’s the voice of the all-knowing Creator, not just human opinion. It strengthens our faith in God’s promises, because the One making those promises is the same One who created the stars and numbers the hairs on our heads. And it deepens our value for prayer, because we’re not just speaking into the air—we’re talking to the all-powerful, all-loving God who delights to hear and answer.
Suffering is a reality for every believer, and it’s one of the most difficult things to reconcile with the goodness and love of our Heavenly Father. Yet, throughout Scripture and in our own lives, we see that God does not spare even His most faithful servants from pain. The story of Paul’s conversion is a powerful reminder that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence or lack of love, but rather, it is often a necessary part of our spiritual journey. Jesus Himself promised that in this world we would have tribulation, and the cross stands as the ultimate proof of God’s love for us—not our circumstances. When we face suffering, it’s not because God is indifferent or cruel. The cross of Christ demonstrates that He entered into our pain, suffered alongside us, and gave His very best for our sake. If we ever doubt His love, we need only look to Calvary. The paradox is that God allows suffering because we need it. It is the bedrock of our spiritual life, the means by which we are strengthened, grown, redirected, and given the opportunity to glorify God. Suffering exposes our weakness and brings us to our knees, where we discover that true strength comes from Christ alone. Like Paul, we learn that God’s grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Spiritual growth rarely happens in comfort; it is forged in the fires of adversity. Through suffering, we learn to access the spiritual provisions God has given us—peace, endurance, character, and hope. Sometimes, suffering is God’s way of waking us up, redirecting our lives, and shaking us out of spiritual complacency. He disciplines those He loves, not to harm us, but to move us toward His best for us. Looking back, we often see how God used painful seasons to bring about blessings we could never have imagined. Perhaps the greatest privilege suffering affords is the opportunity to glorify God. It is easy to praise Him in times of abundance, but it is in the valley, when we stand in His strength and declare His goodness, that He is most glorified. Our response to suffering becomes a testimony to the world and a source of encouragement to others. United in our suffering and in the grace of Christ, we remember that He is with us, and through Him, we can endure and bring glory to His name.
Today’s sermon introduced a new series on marriage, using Ephesians 5:22-32 as the foundational text. Drawing from personal experience and the metaphors of Song of Solomon, I compared marriage to a garden—something beautiful, fruitful, and refreshing, but only if it is diligently tended. The heart of the message focused on the biblical command for husbands to love their wives with “agape” love, a love that is unchanging, selfless, and not based on reciprocation. I challenged the common idea that love is simply a choice, arguing instead that true agape love is impossible to muster on our own strength; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not a product of human willpower. The only way to cultivate this kind of love in marriage is to be filled with the Spirit, allowing God to produce His love in and through us. The sermon closed with a call to prayer and reflection, inviting both married and unmarried listeners to seek Christ and pray for the Spirit’s work in their relationships.
In this sermon, we explored what it means to walk wisely as followers of Jesus, drawing from Ephesians 5:15-21. Using the analogy of dietary supplements, I pointed out that while physical supplements may help our bodies, the essential “supplement” for our souls is the Holy Spirit. We discussed how the “evil days” described by Paul are not just about the world’s problems, but about how life can rob us of expectancy, hope, and purpose—leaving us sleepwalking through our days. The solution is to redeem our time, be filled with the Spirit, and let that filling overflow into praise, thankfulness, and submission to one another. True wisdom is found not in busyness or self-focus, but in living awake to God’s presence, empowered by the Spirit, and oriented toward others.
The sermon explores how to find internal stability and peace in the midst of life’s turbulence, using the Apostle Paul as an example. Despite facing immense hardship, Paul writes to the Philippians about a peace that “surpasses all understanding.” The message centers on three practices Paul outlines in Philippians 4:1-7: rejoicing in the Lord, letting your reasonableness be known, and bringing everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Each practice is unpacked, showing how they anchor us in our identity as chosen and loved by God, keep our perspective rooted in our eternal inheritance, and invite us to trust God with even our deepest anxieties. The sermon challenges us to bring the reality of the cross into every situation, trusting that God can work good even from our worst days, and to live as a community marked by this peace.
Today’s sermon explored Paul’s call in Ephesians 5:8-14 to “walk as children of light.” Using vivid comparisons between darkness and light, the message unpacked what it means to move from a life defined by fear, selfishness, and chaos to one marked by purpose, fruitfulness, and the radiance of Christ. The sermon challenged the idea that Christians are merely passive reflectors of Christ’s light, instead affirming that, in Christ, we become light ourselves. It also addressed the tension between striving to please God and the mystery of His will, encouraging a life of intentional, Spirit-empowered action rather than paralyzing over-analysis. Finally, the sermon called for an “awake” life—one that expects God’s abundance daily and is alert to opportunities for good works, both big and small.
In this sermon on Ephesians 5:1-7, we explored what it means to "walk in love" as followers of Jesus. The passage calls us to imitate God, not just in public or on Sundays, but in the everyday realities of marriage, parenting, and work—where our true character is revealed. We discussed how being a child of God means having His DNA, and that our lives should reflect Christ’s love in both our actions and our words. The sermon challenged cultural ideas about love and sexuality, emphasizing that true love is selfless, disciplined, and rooted in God’s design. We also examined the dangers of sexual immorality and careless speech, and the consequences these have on our lives and our inheritance in God’s kingdom. Ultimately, we were reminded that God’s wrath is not the opposite of His love, but rather His passionate response to anything that harms what He loves. Our call is to walk in love, following the example of Christ who gave Himself up for us.
In this sermon on Ephesians 4:25-32, we explored what it means to live out the radical transformation that comes from following Jesus. Using the metaphor of changing our wardrobe, we considered how putting off the "old self" and putting on the "new self" is not just about stopping bad behaviors, but about becoming something new—people who reflect the character of God. Paul’s instructions are practical: don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t gossip, don’t let anger fester. But the heart of the message is that the gospel is not about mere behavior modification; it’s about a deep, inner change that leads us to truthfulness, generosity, grace-filled speech, and forgiveness. We also looked at the danger of unresolved anger and how it can open the door to spiritual harm, and we ended with an invitation to seek freedom and healing in community.
In this sermon, we explored Paul’s use of exaggerated contrast in Ephesians 4:17-24 to highlight the difference between the old life without Christ and the new life in Him. Using vivid examples from both Scripture and everyday life, we saw how futile thinking, darkened understanding, and a hardened heart lead to spiritual emptiness and disconnection from God. The sermon emphasized that the world’s attempts to fill the void—through pleasure, achievement, or self-justification—are ultimately futile because we are created for communion with God. The only hope is to “put on” the new self, which comes through learning Christ, embracing His truth, and daily choosing to live out our new identity. The message closed with practical encouragement to feed our spirits with God’s truth, reject the junk of the old life, and walk in the freedom and transformation Jesus offers.
SUMMARY: In this sermon, we explored Ephesians 4:12-16 and the central theme of maturity within the church. We began by asking why unity, diversity, and theology matter, and discovered that the answer is maturity—growing up together as the body of Christ. Maturity is not just about personal growth but about being equipped, building up others, and engaging in the real “game” of faith outside the church walls. We discussed the importance of being knowledgeable about Jesus, developing stability in our faith, and ensuring that every member is both connected and contributing. The ultimate goal is a church where each person finds their place, serves with purpose, and grows together into the fullness of Christ.
In this sermon on Ephesians 4:7-11, we explored the theme of unity and diversity within the body of Christ. While the church is one body, we are not all the same part—God has given each believer unique gifts to serve and build up the church. We discussed the importance of embracing the gifts God has given us, rather than wishing for different ones or doubting we have any at all. The passage also points to Jesus as our victorious King, who has defeated the powers of darkness and now distributes gifts to His people. We looked at the specific roles mentioned in Ephesians—apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers—unpacking what each means and how they function in the church today. The call is to discover, develop, and use our gifts, not by waiting for perfection, but by stepping out, trying, and learning as we go.
The second half of Ephesians builds on what God has done for us through the work of Jesus Christ and lays out the right response to His grace and goodness. We are instructed to “walk worthy” in light of all we have been given.
Paul Prays. It is brilliant. Our hope is this prayer provokes us to follow his example and pray.
In chapter three, Paul the author, pauses to give a snapshot of his life and current conditions to his readers. In this text we get a window into the mind and heart of one of the most influential leaders in world history and an example of a sold out believer for Jesus.
In chapter three, Paul the author, pauses to give a snapshot of his life and current conditions to his readers. In this text we get a window into the mind and heart of one of the most influential leaders in world history and an example of a sold out believer for Jesus.
Jesus came to build the Church, a community united around Him andHis work on our behalf. The text of Ephesians 2:11-22 reminds us of our statebefore Jesus and now the manifold blessings of being part of the Household ofGod through the Cross.
Ephesians 2:10 declares that we are God’s workmanship—His “poiema,”. And God has works for each of us to walk out before we join Him in eternity. These works are good, planned by God, and they are life giving activities we can miss out on.
After the lights go out in Ephesians 2:1-3, exposing the three bigproblems in the universe, we find two glorious words – but God. In verse four thelights are back on and we see God’s ways and God’s work to rescue the brokenworld.
Ephesians One was a brilliant overview of God’s plan, salvation andour eventual destiny with Jesus Christ. Chapter Two is a reminder of the miry claywe have all been rescued from. While dark, it is vital for the believer to never losesight of our own desperate rescue or church becomes an exclusive club insteadof a hospital to meet the Great Physician.
Paul declares to this church that they are doing great and so now heprays for more. They are ready for all that God has to give to them theologicallyand practically. Paul concludes by pointing to Jesus as the example of how allthese graces from God the Father are lived out.
Christ died for our sins and was raised on the third day; Paul wouldsay this declaration is the most important thing you could ever do. Moreimportant than anything you have or anything you could be. Today, let'sexamine what Jesus has done and praise Him for conquering the grave.
A brilliantly simple section of Scripture that tells us the Gospel savesand seals us with the Holy Spirit when we hear and believe. However, this samesection of Scripture has been complicated by 2000 years of theology; weattempt to bring clarity and comfort from these words.
Everyone asks at some time, if God created everything who created God? Theseare fundamental questions that often get asked by children when they areyoung. Dr. Ross explains using the space time continuum to demonstrate thatGod, the triune Creator, must transcend the created universe.
Some people have “miracle” testimonies and it can make the rest ofus feel like we don’t have a testimony. Paul corrects this by theologically tellingus what happens when anyone believes in Jesus Christ.
We have a lens that interprets all that we hear and read. Scripture hasa lens over it from 400 years of theological battles and 200 years of Americanculture. These two can distort what Scripture actually says. In this text we look atthe Bible’s Greatest Hit and if we hear this song Scripture sounds amazing.
Ephesians is brilliant. It is the revelation or uncovering of the masterplan of Jesus to unite heaven and earth, Jews and Gentiles, for a lasting missionof good works. The themes of Ephesians of adoption, heirs with Jesus, Spirit,resurrection power and so many more enlighten the believer’s faith and equipthem for every good work.
Paul spends a third of this epistle not on prophecy but on people. Thereason: there is nothing harder or more important than people. All of us needbiblical guidance on dealing with the community that surrounds us. In thissection Paul gives us our marching orders as saints.
After discussing two difficult subjects of hell and the Antichrist, Pauloffers a practical guide to staying strong in the face of intense persecution.
Navy Seal, Chad Williams shared his journey to Christ through his time in themilitary. He parallels Naaman’s deliverance from leprosy to his journey toChrist.
Matthew 3-4 tells us the story of Jesus getting baptized then Jesus being led bythe Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. The main point of thesestories is to remind believers that we are at war. There is a real enemy; if thereis a real enemy, it helps to be mindful of the typical weapons of the enemy aswell as practical methods of fighting back against the evil in the world.
2 Thessalonians charges out of the gate by discussing two of thescariest subjects in Scripture: hell and the antichrist. Both of these frighteningsubjects carry a message of hope for the church experiencing a sampling of helland antichrist-like figures.
In a book about hope, why would the first subject be God’s judgmentin sending people to hell? In this text we learn about evidence of God’s righteousjudgments that will bring hope to every believer.
The thriving model church at Thessalonica has lost hope and theApostle Paul pens his second letter to both theologically and practically reignitethe hope they had in King Jesus.
It’s not difficult to find conflict in this world. But the greatest conflict in the world today is the battle for our minds. The good news is God can reframe our mind for spiritual success.
1 Thessalonians concludes with a to do list of 15 commands for the believer and then states that God is faithful and He will do it. Seems like a contradiction but it is actually the key to growing in our faith.
The end of 1 Thessalonians is the practical boots on the ground portion of this brilliant letter. It gives the church both its marching orders and the plan to construct a community that lives into its given righteousness.
The end of 1 Thessalonians is the practical boots on the ground portion of this brilliant letter. It gives the church both its marching orders and the plan to construct a community that lives into its given righteousness.
In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holidays we can forget thesupernaturally wondrousness of the birth of King Jesus. Re-read the Bible’s presentation and allow God to rekindle wonder.
The church at Thessalonica was freaked out about the end of days. Paul assures them of the return of Christ and then prepares them to live in the reality of His return.
The church at Thessalonica was freaked out about the end of days. They were uninformed about both the return of Jesus and what happens at death. In this short section Paul brilliantly clarifies these questions to encourage the church.
The church at Thessalonica is first encouraged about the good job they are doing demonstrating brotherly love. Next, they are encouraged to keep going by: living quietly, minding their own business, work with their hands, walk properly, and being dependent on no one.
The church at Thessalonica is told to not do sex like the people who don’t know God. Paul had previously instructed them to control their bodies in holiness and honor. We attempt to unearth the weapons that they would have used to exercise body control.
Ancient Greeks and Romans had a drastically different view of what was allowed sexually. The good news is the Gospel has redefined sex for the entire world and in its sunrise has protected the most vulnerable in a society.
Paul has to leave the new church quickly and has concerns about tough things he had said to them. Did they accept them? Reject? Were they mad at him? He sends Timothy and gets a refreshing answer to his relational doubt.
The church at Thessalonica is a model of church success. This leads to the big question: why? At the end of Chapter 2 we get the answer. It is God’s Word, Suffering, War, and the Win.
Spiritually mature Christians adjust their attitude and mindset onward; they have a forward looking mindset. We are to follow Paul’s and other mature Christian's example of making spiritual things a priority in their lives by developing an upward perspective.
Paul leaves Thessalonica after only 3 weeks and into that vacuum of leadership comes accusations leveled against him. He uses chapter 2 to defend how he ministers and gives us a brilliant path to follow.
Everyone needs examples. The Thessalonian believers were able to look at Paul, Silas and Timothy and then through difficulty, repentance, patience and God’s word they became the models for the entire region.
The oldest written document of the New Testament is 1 Thessalonians. It gives us the oldest foundational principles of the church. 1 Thessalonians begins by turning the clock back to remember how the gospel saves and changes pagans.
In Psalm 119, the Psalmist uses 176 verses on a single subject: the beauty and benefits of God’s word. The Psalmist’s goal is the same as our goal for Edgewater; to be a Church who approaches scripture seeking its greatest benefit.
Pastor Douglas Mukisa from New Song Fellowship shared his journey to salvation in Christ and the call of Christ to the slums of Kenya.
Daniel lives a life of difficulty from being ripped from his home as youth, to being thrown to the lions as an old man. It would be natural to ask, “Is this worth it?” Daniel’s book concludes with God telling him this is the end and it is brilliant.
Amos is a prophet who uses his voice for the poor, used, and overlooked. He demonstrates that God cares about justice and gives us the hope of a coming King and Edenic Kingdom that will ultimately remedy the human problem.
A crisis drives Isaiah to the temple and a divine surprise. Isaiah 6 is an incredible portrait of God’s glory and human sin.
Biblical Grit, which is defined in scripture as Christian steadfastness and endurance. This type of Christian grit is full of hope because it has at its core a faith that rests in God's promises, and is empowered by grace.
As we watch our society shift and change it can be easy to want to disengage and run. But is there a better way? Jeremiah the prophet battles this mentality when God gives him the remedy and the recipe for exiles to thrive in Babylon.
What is the Old Testament about? The repetition of sin and failure can get monotonous and confusing. What is the goal? What is the solution? How can a people be changed? Zephaniah gives us the heart of the message of the Old Testament.
Grudges, retaliation, revenge and bitterness are themes in human history. Obadiah’s short prophetic message is a warning to all of us to rid ourselves of the radioactivity of retaliation.
One of the themes in the prophets is their call of exhortation to God’s people. The call can be to get back to Torah observance, or justice or it in case of Haggai to stop procrastinating. We get to learn from how God shepherds His people during periods of “we will do it later” and gain wisdom for our own tendencies.
Scripture is an epic narrative full of characters, rules, history and miracles. It can be difficult to understand how it applies to our lives and what it means for us to live as those who believe and follow God. Micah helps by giving the most succinct summary of what God wants.
Restore: to bring back to or put back into a former or original state. There might not be a greater truth than God’s ability to restore. It goes further than forgiveness by renewing what was lost or broken. Joel 2 does a prophetic dive into the miraculous work of restoration.
Hosea the prophet’s life and marriage to Gomer the prostitute is both moving and mysterious. There is no happily ever after. Instead we are left to consider how we treat God and if we will be a faithful covenant partner to Him.
The less stable the outside environment the more important it is to have internal stabilization. Paul gives us in this text three practices that, if put into action, can act as internal stabilizers that will help us weather any storm, turbulence, and difficulty.
Nahum is the sequel to Jonah. The Ninevites have repented of their repentance and have become a national bully. God’s longsuffering runs out and in its place is God’s wrath. Nahum forces us to wrestle with how to respond to God’s anger.
Everyone knows the story of Jonah and the whale. However, most of our mental pictures are from Veggie Tales and distort the incredible message of this prophet. Jonah isn’t about Nineveh, whales or dying plants; it is a mirror for the reader's heart.
Ezekiel is one of the most colorful prophets. His actions, words, and visions are both mysterious and marvelous. Chapter one set the tone for the entire book. It is a shock to Ezekiel and a comfort for every person that feels exiled.
When life gets dark can Christians ask why? We looked at three of God’s prophetic voices - Habakkuk, Job and Jeremiah - to learn how to wrestle well in the dark night of the soul.
Daniel’s life is exemplary. He demonstrates how to live in the worst biblical city. He not only endures the attacks but his life changes the city of Babylon. We get wisdom on how to endure our own attacks that come at our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Zechariah is a prophetic voice that is spot-on about Jesus. The center of his proclamations orbit around a vision of Joshua the High Priest in filthy garments. It would be shocking to his original audience as the High Priest was the best the nation could offer. Zechariah witnesses an event that is the heart of Christianity and the only way for human flourishing.
The final chapter of Colossians is personal and practical. Paul names his own Kingdom Team. It begins with Jesus as captain and then includes Jews, Gentiles, males, females, superstars, doctors, felons, and one quitter. The big idea is there’s room for anyone on Team Jesus.
Colossians 3 is all about getting the Kingdom into our lives while pushing out the corrupt culture. The longest practical application is not to marriage or parenting but to our jobs as bosses or bondservants. How we work is one of the greatest ways we demonstrate that our lives are lived for a different kingdom and our priorities are set by a better King.
Colossians 3 is all about getting the Kingdom into our lives while pushing out the corrupt culture. Paul has what appears to be minimal help for parents but it is actually the condensed core of how to Kingdom parent.
Colossians 3 is all about heaven in and culture out, beginning with our minds and moving to marriage. We, believers, want marriages that are not based on culture’s roller coaster of concepts about marriage; we want Scripture’s timeless truths about how God designed men and women to partner in this wonderful ride called marriage.
Colossians 3 is all about heaven in and culture out, beginning with our minds and moving to marriage. We, believers, want marriages that are not based on culture's roller coaster of concepts about marriage; we want Scripture's timeless truths about how God designed men and women to partner in this wonderful ride called marriage.
Colossians 3 contrasts the old way of living with its vices and sins and a Kingdom way. It commands the believer to put off that way of living and gives a detailed portrait. Next, we are reminded of who we are in Christ and then given the Kingdom style that matches “the who” we have become.
Believers are called to be morticians. We are to put to death that which destroys to give place and opportunity for virtue to grow. Colossians three uses the metaphor of death and life as well as clothing to walk us into a flourishing, virtuous life.
Chapter 2 leaves us dead to the kingdom of darkness. Too often, believers stay in this state, missing out on the feasts of kingdom life. Chapter 3 resurrects us and points us to life by seeking the Kingdom, setting our minds above, knowing true life, and holding our hope of glory.
The warning and guarding section of Colossians concludes with three religious traps: legalism, mysticism, and asceticism. Each trap is concluded with a truth to prevent a Christian from these three pitfalls.
Pastors have two primary jobs: guarding and gardening. They are to heap on the fertilizer of God’s Word and guard against bad doctrine. In this section of Colossians, Pastor Paul fertilizes the seed of the Gospel by describing the truths of all who are in Christ.
Pastors have two primary jobs: guarding and gardening. They are to heap on the fertilizer of God’s Word and guard against bad doctrine. In this chapter of Colossians, Pastor Paul guards by naming the dangerous doctrines that are invading the church.
Colossians began with God the Father, focused on Jesus the King and now introduces ministry in the church. While Paul uses himself as the example, all who name Christ as King belong to the priesthood of believers, and what is true of Paul is also true of us.
For two millennia, people have questioned: Who is Jesus? Was He a prophet, teacher, sage, or the Son of God? Colossians dives deep into the nature and personhood of Jesus Christ and unabashedly declares His divinity.
In a culture of shortcuts and life hacks, Scripture confronts us with a time tested slow path to maturity that offers no shortcuts but promises transformation. Colossians begins with two of the basics of our faith: Thanks and Prayer.
In a culture of shortcuts and life hacks, Scripture confronts us with a time tested slow path to maturity that offers no shortcuts but promises transformation. Colossians begins with two of the basics of our faith: Thanks and Prayer.
A City that was once prospering is in a slow decline because of a decision made by the far-off city of Rome. Into this desperation comes cults, spiritualism, syncretism, and the Good News. The letter to Colossae is a brilliant path through a culture in chaos.
We all have broken pieces in us that cause us to strive to fill the “glory vacuum” in our souls. Doing so is where so much of the conflict in our lives comes from. Paul encourages us to follow after Jesus and see that the way to the top is to become the least.
After Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom, He then demonstrates He is both the King and the example of a citizen of the Kingdom. Chapter eight presents portraits to instruct and inspire us to follow the example of King Jesus.
Jesus concludes His masterful sermon with a blue collar analogy. Two builders with similar blueprints, materials, methods and effort have drastically different endings because of their choice in foundation. Jesus’ conclusion is simple. The two builders are listeners and the all-important foundation is what they do with Jesus’ words.
Jesus finishes the Sermon on the Mount with some twos: two paths: two types of leaders, two trees, two types of followers, and two builders. Each of them targets a tendency in the Christian walk and the church community. Jesus warns that there will be church people attempting to enter the Kingdom who He tells to depart from Him in, perhaps, His scariest warning.
Jesus begins the greatest sermon with the Beatitudes or blessings. Jesus ends with the bewares. We need both or we will simply be plump snacks for the wolves. Jesus has warned us that life has two paths and now He is warning us about bad leaders.
Jesus is concluding His sermon by summarizing and applying His message. He makes it clear that the Golden Rule, verse 12, takes care of all the Old Testament Law and Prophets. It is the right and Godly way of life. Next, Jesus warns if we want to live according to this rule it will be unpopular and hard.
Jesus tells his disciples to ask, seek, and knock; they will receive, find, and open doors. The statement is unconditional and extends to everyone. Does this mean we can demand that God give us whatever we want? Or find anything that our heart desires? Or force open every door we encounter? Context is king, and Jesus’ sermon interprets this statement.
Christians are often accused of being judgmental. A favorite retort is to quote Matthew 7:1, saying, “Don’t Judge me!” While there is a partial truth to this response, it must be understood in the context of all that Jesus says. In this section, we get a balanced way to stop condemning through judgment, restore instead, heal, and discern when to speak the truth.
Scripture is full of wisdom and practical tools you could call anxiety's enemies. Even more than being the antidote to anxiety, these seven tools help all of us live out the brilliant lives that Jesus has purchased for each of us.
Jesus’ sermon is pointing believers toward a way of living that prioritizes being rather than looking and the beatitudes over being comfortable.His perspective produces a kind of life that culminates in Matthew 6:25, “be anxious for nothing”. It is this quality of life that humans resonate with and ourcurrent culture wars against.
Jesus’ sermon is pointing believers toward a way of living that prioritizes being over looking and the beatitudes over being comfortable. His perspective produces a kind of life that culminates in Matthew 6:25, “be anxious for nothing”. It is this quality of life that humans resonate with and our current culture wars against.
Matthew 6 probes the motives of the human heart. Are its actions staged to be seen, or do they come from a genuine inner source? Jesus uses prayer, giving, and fasting to evaluate our spiritual life and then turns to money for our public life.
Prayer – what subject has more intrigue and difficulty? Jesus in Matthew 6 gives a model of prayer that a child understands and scholars can study. Before His model prayer, Jesus instructs us to not pray to impress people or think we need to work to get our Heavenly Father’s attention. Instead He knows what we need before we ask. Jesus’ model prayer is worship of God then our wishlist of bread, forgiveness and protection.
Jesus has taught there are six evils that interfere with the kingdom (anger, lust, divorce, lying, vengeance, and hatred). Now, Jesus goes inside the believer to demonstrate that good works like giving, praying, and fasting done for the wrong reasons are even more dangerous.
In Matthew 5, Jesus makes six statements clarifying the Kingdom. In this week's teaching, He makes the hardest of all requests; He tells His followers to love their neighbors and their enemies. He defines love as praying, greeting, and doing good like their heavenly Father.
There are many times in our lives—and we never know when they will strike—when suddenly the wind gets up and the sea becomes rough. But if we listen, through the roar of the waves and the wind, we may hear the voice that says, ‘It is I—don’t be afraid.’ And if we are ready then to take Jesus on board, we may find ourselves, sooner than we expected, at the harbor where we will be calm and secure once more.
Basic human nature responds to aggression by fight or flight. Neither of these responses build community or have positive results. Jesus gives a third way to respond to aggressive behavior that provides the environment to both reduce violence in the aggressor and gives the victim an opportunity to respond with dignity and strength.
Words in Scripture have power to create. Truthful words create reality and trust. Lies create ruin and broken relationships and are from the evil one himself. Jesus’ mandate for believers is to become the kind of people whose yes is yes, and no is no.
First, it was anger, then lust, and now Jesus talks about divorce. We probably wouldn't have divorced if we had dealt with anger and lust. Divorce, however, is a reality going back to the time of Moses, and churches must grapple with how to prevent divorce and care for those in its wake.
Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father. Humanity has taken these good gifts; instead of enjoying them, we have abused them. Sex is one such gift that we have turned into lust and Jesus says it turns the gift into a living hell. His solution is to cut off any avenue that opens our lives toward lust.
Jesus begins one of the longest sections in His sermon. He looks at the Law and gives us our Creator’s intention for that law. Jesus begins with murder and dissects it to display anger as the source of murder. Jesus then puts a priority in the kingdom that exceeds the checklist of the religious by teaching that it is not enough to be innocent of murder; we need to become reconcilers.
What is this book we call the Bible? The average person may view the Bible as “the good book”, professors see it as a myth, critics see it as a tool used to control the masses, and modern deconstructing Christians see it as a buffet to pick and choose. In the midst of all the modern opinions, the most important and fascinating view is how Jesus sees the Bible.
In the context of the Beatitudes, Jesus tells us what we are and what we should be doing. We are salt and light. We don’t try to be these two; we are these two, and because of who we are, our lives must be engaged in glory-giving works. Jesus warns there are two thieves who destroy our good works, and we must be vigilant to guard against them.
Jesus opens His first recorded sermon with an attention getter. He declares to all who would listen that the path to blessedness is a road less traveled. In stark contrast to the culture of the day that took health, wealth, and power as signs of God’s blessings, Jesus says it is the spiritual bankrupt, grieving, powerlessness door mats that have the keys to blessings and happiness.
If we want to rebuild, there will be a battle. It doesn’t matter if we are closing our personal gates to evil or helping a community recover their protection from it; the enemy of our faith will attempt to stop the good work. Nehemiah leads us through a Godly way of dealing with the attacks and persevering through the battle to continue building the wall.
In this passage, Jesus shows us that forgiveness is more than just a nice gesture. It is an essential part of being a follower of Christ. We have all been forgiven a debt we cannot pay, and we should show the same mercy to others. When we refuse to forgive, we are revealing that we have excluded ourselves from the community of sinners - Jesus says that is wickedness.
We are living in a time where faith, family and community have been eroded. In order for any town to be changed there needs to be miraculous reviving of these three values. Nehemiah has revived the faith of Jerusalem in chapters 1-2 and now he oversees a united community ready to rebuild.
Life is fullest when we take the right risks. We will watch Nehemiah put it all on the line for the vision God had refined through four months of prayer and fasting. We will also note that his prayer time was matched with his diligent planning. If we desire to attempt great things for God we have a brilliant template in Nehemiah Chapter Two.
We struggle making decisions. We struggle to know the wise right path. We struggleknowing what mission God has called us to partner with Him in this broken world. Nehemiahdemonstrates a profound yet practical way to guide us to our Right Calling.
The book of Nehemiah opens with a report about a desperate situation in the city of Jerusalem. The people are in great trouble and shame and the wall and gates of the city are gone. There is no hope, no plans, no future, and no good in their situation. God, beginning with this report, will do a great work in the city of Jerusalem.
The fuel for the Christian life is Scripture. We are to be people of the book. The Bible is to be read, studied, meditated upon, and memorized. Each of these provide a balanced diet to enduringly run the race that is set before us.
A way our enemy caricatures Christianity is to paint us as fun haters. By no means is this a new tactic but stretches back to the origins of our Faith. The answer is to take a 30,000 feet view of Scripture to see the constant desire God has to be generous and bless His people with joyful celebration.
Motives mold us and the practice of secrecy can refine our motives and prevent us from becoming modern Pharisees who only care about appearing whitewashed. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount refines the practices of giving, praying, and fasting toward secrecy to prevent the destructiveness of only outward conformity.
We all feel the increase in the pace of life. With that pace we have the ability to be informed or entertained 24/7. Today there are less margins for waiting and most of us would define cruel and unusual punishment as being bored. Jesus’ life and comments to Martha offer a new narrative about how to live.
Americans have a love hate relationship with rest. The protestant work ethic is weaved into the DNA of our country and while it is a good servant it can become a terrible master. The gift of Sabbath is a means of grace to tame our work to serve us instead of destroy us.
We realize our lives are perfectly designed for the results we are getting and so each New Year we make resolutions for different results. Edgewater’s duty is to teach a lifestyle or a Way that results in Christ being formed in us. Sunday we discussed the difficulty in our culture to forming practices as well as the goal for any spiritual activity for the believer.
Philippians concludes with a brilliant understanding of the place for riches. Paul says the goal isn’t to be rich or poor but to learn to be content. He goes on to say the money is trouble’s kryptonite and can bring about incredible fruit for the giver and for God’s Kingdom.
It can be argued that we are the most anxious and stressed generation in history. Philippians 4:1-9 is the divine cure for our problems. We must remember the good, choose to rejoice in hardship, pray with thanksgiving and train our brains to THJPLCEP.
Scripture would agree with the idea that life is a journey not a destination. Often we get robbed of joy on the journey because we are focused on a mirage of a destination. Paul gives us traveling instructions on how to enjoy the ride of life as we focus on the real destination for the follow of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is invited to dine with the “in crowd” of religious rulers. It is an attempt to set Him up, discredit Him and bring Him down. Instead Jesus uses the opportunity to teach us about wisdom, humility and the inclusivity of the Kingdom.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Paul, after two chapters, holds up Timothy and
Epaphroditus as examples of what he has been preaching. He uses these two as models, but he
also shows a massive secret to happy homes and churches. He honors them and plans a party
for them. Churches and homes should have their top bucket list items to honor faithful
kids/servants and plan feasts to have fun.