Trinity PCA Sermons: Recent Episodes
Trinity PCA Rochester
The Word Became Flesh
December 25, 2022 | Reverend Chris Harper
Scripture:John 1:14, 16, 17
Telling People About the Messiah Who Came Into This World
December 4, 2022 - Reverend Chris Harper
John 4:1-29
He Who Comes From Heaven is Above All
November 27, 2022 Reverend Chris Harper
John 3:22-36
Eternal Condemnation or Eternal Life - What Makes the Difference?
November 20, 2022 - Reverend Chris Harper
Scripture: John 3:16-21
Speaker: Rev. Mike Malone, Pastoral Associate at Independent Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN.
Reverend Malone's Bio: Mike Malone is a longtime friend and mentor of Pastor Chris Harper. Mike is originally from Niles, Michigan. Following graduation from high school, he began attending the University of Michigan. It was during his college years that he became aware of his sin and need of a Savior. Coming to faith in Christ was a revolutionizing experience. Following graduation from the University of Michigan, Mike attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. During his second year of seminary, he was introduced to his future wife, Barb Moore. Barb was born in Oklahoma City and grew up in St. Louis and Pittsburgh. Mike and Barb were married the week after seminary graduation. The Malones are the grateful and proud parents of three daughters. Mike and Barb have served churches in Virginia, Indiana, and Florida and currently serve in Memphis, TN.
Speaker: Rev. Mike Malone, Pastoral Associate at Independent Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN.
Reverend Malone's Bio: Mike Malone is a longtime friend and mentor of Pastor Chris Harper. Mike is originally from Niles, Michigan. Following graduation from high school, he began attending the University of Michigan. It was during his college years that he became aware of his sin and need of a Savior. Coming to faith in Christ was a revolutionizing experience. Following graduation from the University of Michigan, Mike attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. During his second year of seminary, he was introduced to his future wife, Barb Moore. Barb was born in Oklahoma City and grew up in St. Louis and Pittsburgh. Mike and Barb were married the week after seminary graduation. The Malones are the grateful and proud parents of three daughters. Mike and Barb have served churches in Virginia, Indiana, and Florida and currently serve in Memphis, TN.
Speaker: Rev. Mike Malone, Pastoral Associate at Independent Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN.
Reverend Malone's Bio: Mike Malone is a longtime friend and mentor of Pastor Chris Harper. Mike is originally from Niles, Michigan. Following graduation from high school, he began attending the University of Michigan. It was during his college years that he became aware of his sin and need of a Savior. Coming to faith in Christ was a revolutionizing experience. Following graduation from the University of Michigan, Mike attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. During his second year of seminary, he was introduced to his future wife, Barb Moore. Barb was born in Oklahoma City and grew up in St. Louis and Pittsburgh. Mike and Barb were married the week after seminary graduation. The Malones are the grateful and proud parents of three daughters. Mike and Barb have served churches in Virginia, Indiana, and Florida and currently serve in Memphis, TN.
Who You Are, Who You Were, and Why - Ephesians2:1-7October 2, 2022 - Reverend Mike Malone
We Have Seen His Glory - John 1:14-18
September 25, 2022 - Reverend Steve Johnson
I. The Glory We Have Seen (vv. 14-15)
II. The Grace We Have Received (vv. 16-17)
III. The God We Have Known (v. 18)
“Lost and Found: Three Parables of God’s Boundless Pursuit and Joyful Rescue of His Wayward Children” - Luke 15July 10, 2022 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. Context and The Critique of the Pharisees (Luke 15:1-2)
II. Jesus Response: Three Parables
A. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)
B. The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
C. The Parable of the Lost Son: Part 1, The Return of the Younger Brother (Luke 15:11-24)
D. The Parable of the Lost Son: Part 2, The Response of the Older Brother (Luke 15:25-32)
III. Our Response to God’s Grace
A. Self-check
B. Showing Mercy, Grace, and Forgiveness to Others
C. Seeking the Lost
“The Parable of the Ten Minas” — Luke 19:11-27July 3, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Why did Jesus tell this parable? (11)
II. What was the parable he told? (12-27)
III. So what?
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The King is generous (17, 19)
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The kingdom grows by its own power (16, 18)
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The King is coming back (12, 15-27)
(A) The reality
(B) The response
“The Parable of the Good Samaritan” - Luke 10:25-37June 26, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. The questions (25-29)
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Question 1 (25-28)
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Question 2 (29)
II. The story (30-37)
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Parable (30-35)
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Response (36-37)
III. The “so what?”
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Be a good neighbor (37b)
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We can’t be good neighbors (27-28; Mt 5:43-48; Gal 3:10; James 2:10)
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How we can be a good neighbor
“The Parable of the Great Banquet: Discipleship is Costly” Luke 14:1, 12-33June 19, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What the parable says & means
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Context (1-15)
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The invite (16-17)
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The rejections (18-20)
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The invite expanded (21-23)
(A) Expanded (21)
(B) Expanded more (22-23)
- Jesus’ warning (24)
II. What we must do in response
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Come to the banquet
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Participate in the Great Commission
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Count the cost (24-35)
(A) Complete devotion (26)
(B) Carry our cross (27)
(C) Cast off distractions (33)
“Some Questions About Biblical Repentance” Jonah 3:1-10April 24, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What does Biblical repentance look like? (5-9)
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Conviction of sin
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Humility
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Sorrow for sin
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Turning away from sin
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Turning back to the Lord
II. Does our repentance change God’s plans? (10; Jer 18:7-10; Mal 3:6)
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No – and we should be glad it doesn’t
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Yes – and we should be thankful it does
III. Why is repentance gracious? (1)
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Opportunity to turn away from what is not good for us
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Threats & discipline are in context of our relationship with the Lord
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Repentance shows our faith is real
“The Sign of Jonah” Matthew 12:38-42April 17, 2022 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. A Disingenuous Request (Matt. 12:38-39, cf. Matt. 16:1-4)
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The Request for a Sign
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Jesus’ Condemnation of the Request
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The Fundamental Reason Why People Do Not Believe
II. Jonah is like Jesus: The Sign of Jonah (Matt. 12:40, cf. Jonah 1:17-2:10, Luke 11:29-30, John 2:18-19)
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What is the Sign of Jonah?
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What Will You Do With This Sign?
III. Jonah is Not Like Jesus: Jesus is Greater (Matt. 12:41-42, cf. 12:6)
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A Prophet Greater than Jonah: The Example of the Ninevites
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A King Greater than Solomon: The Example of the Queen of Sheba
IV. A Genuine Request: The Example of Thomas (John 20:26-29)
“The Experience of, Example of, and Response to God’s Grace” Jonah 3:1-5April 10, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Experience of God’s grace (1-2)
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Prayer answered
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Status restored
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Calling restored
II. Example of God’s grace (3)
III. Response to God’s grace (3-5)
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Jonah (3-4)
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Ninevites (5)
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Us
(A) Unbelievers
(B) Believers
“The Irony Jonah Faced” Jonah 1:11-16March 27, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. The story (11-16)
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The question to Jonah (11)
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Jonah’s response (12)
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The sailors’ initial reaction (13)
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The sailors’ final response (14-16)
II. The questions
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About Jonah (12)
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About the sailors (14, 16)
III. So what?
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Who is in charge? (11, 13, 15)
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What is the greatest kind of love? (12, 15; Mt 12:41; Jn 15:13)
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Why must God’s people be humble?
“But the LORD Hurled a Great Wind Upon the Sea” Jonah 1:4-10March 20, 2022 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. The Extent and Effects of Sin (1:4-7)
II. The Exposure of and Repentance from Sin (1:8-10)
III. The Extent of God’s Patience, Mercy, and Power (v. 4, cf. Mark 4:35-41)
“A Bad Beginning” Jonah 1:1-3March 13, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. The command (1-2)
II. The response (3)
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What Jonah did
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Why Jonah did it
III. So what?
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Sovereignty of God
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Grace of God
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Obedience to God
“Loving and Walking in Truth” 3 JohnMarch 6, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What it does look like (1-8, 12-15)
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John (1-4, 10, 15)
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Gaius (5-8)
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Demetrius (12)
II. What it doesn’t look like (9-11)
III. So what?
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To love well we must know how well we’ve been loved
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Denial of selfishness
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Love-motivated hospitality
“Winning Our Full Reward through Truth, Love, and Watchfulness” 2 JohnFebruary 27, 2022 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. The Situation: Deceivers and Antichrists (v. 7)
II. The Instruction: Watchfulness
A. Watchfulness in Truth (vv. 1-4)
B. Watchfulness in Love (vv. 5-6)
C. Watchfulness in Hospitality (vv. 10-11)
D. Watchfulness with Presence (v. 12)
III. The Goal: Winning Our Full Reward (vv. 8-9)
“What We Know With Certainty” 1 John 5:13-21February 13, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. We know God hears our prayers (14-17)
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How we are to pray (14)
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What we are to pray (14)
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An example of praying (16-17)
II. We know that we must not continue in sin (18, 21)
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Why not?
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How not?
III. We know that we must be different than the world (19)
IV. We know that we are in Christ (20)
“The Meaning and Marks of Faith” 1 John 5:1-5January 23, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. If you want to know, you need to have faith (1, 5; Eph 2:1-5)
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Object (1, 5)
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Source (1; 4:10; Eph 2:1-5)
II. If you want to know, you need a working faith (1b-4)
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Love (1b-2)
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Obedience (2b-3)
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Victory (4)
“Perfect Love Driving Out Fear and Hate” 1 John 4:12-21January 16, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
“Love: Experienced and Practiced” 1 John 4:7-12January 9, 2022 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Requirement of love (7-8)
II. Demonstration of love (9-10)
III. Practice of love (11-12)
“Don’t Believe Everything You Hear” 1 John 4:1-6January 2, 2022 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. A Command and Warning: Don’t Believe Everyone, but Test for False Teachers (v. 1, cf. Proverbs 14:15)
II. A Speech Test: What Do They Confess? (vv. 2-3)
III. A Hearing Test: Who’s Listening? (vv. 4-6)
A. Who’s Listening to Them?
B. Who’s Listening to Us?
IV. A Gospel Promise: Why We Will Overcome False Teachers (v. 4, 1 John 5:4-5)
“Advent Week 4: Christ the Priest-King” Psalm 110December 19, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. Jesus Came to Be Our Sovereign King (Psalm 110:1-3, cf. Matthew 22:41-46)
II. Jesus Came to Be Our Everlasting High Priest (Psalm 110:4, cf. Genesis 14:18-20, Hebrews 7)
III. Jesus Will Come Again to Be the Judge of the World (Psalm 110:5-7, cf. Revelation 19:11-21)
“Advent Week 3 - Christ the Already and Future King” Psalm 72December 12, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
“Advent Week 2: Christ the Messiah” Psalm 69December 5, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. This Psalm is about David
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Prayer (1-4)
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Painful lament (5-18)
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Plea (19-29)
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Praise (30-36)
II. This Psalm is about Jesus
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69:4 → Jn 15:25
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69:9 → Jn 2:17; Rom 15:3
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69:29-21 → Mt 27:34; Lk 23:36; Jn 19:29
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69:13-18
III. So what?
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Legitimacy of lament
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Expect suffering and persecution
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Peace with God
“Advent Week 1: Christ the Hated and Victorious King” Psalm 2November 28, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. There is a King (4-9)
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Who he is (4-7)
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Where he reigns (8)
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How he reigns (9)
II. The King is hated (1-3)
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By whom? (1-2)
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Why? (3)
III. The King is always victorious (4-5, 9, 10-12)
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Absolute allegiance or else (4-5, 9, 10-12a)
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Abundant grace & blessing (12b, 2b, 8)
IV. So what?
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Hope for now
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Hope for the future
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Called to submit
“Help for a Condemning Heart” 1 John 3:19-24November 21, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Reality of a condemning heart (19-20)
II. Remedy for a condemning heart (19-21a; 2:1-2)
III. Response of a heart no longer condemned (21b-24)
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Confident communion with the Lord (21b, 24)
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Expectant prayer (22; 5:14-15)
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Faithful obedience (22b-23)
(A) Believe
(B) Love
“We Know We’re Saved Because We Love the Brothers” 1 John 3:11-18November 14, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. Love the Brothers as Jesus Commanded (v. 11, cf. John 13:34, 15:12)
II. A Negative Example: Do Not Hate Like Cain (vv. 12-13)
III. Love is Evidence of Salvation (vv. 14-15)
IV. A Positive Example: Love Like Jesus Loved Us (vv. 16-18)
“Whose Child Are You?” 1 John 3:4-10November 7, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What John said (4-10)
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Context
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Content
II. What John meant
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What he didn’t mean (cf. 1:8, 10, 2:1)
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What he did mean
III. What difference it makes to us
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Encouragement (5, 9; cf. 1:9, 2:1-2)
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Challenging warning (6, 9, 10b)
“A Global Outreach Perspective: God’s Mission, Method, and Calling” Matthew 28:16-20October 31, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. God’s mission
- What?
(A) Reaching (19)
(B) Equipping (20a)
- Who? (19)
II. God’s method
- Motivating his people
(A) Jesus’ power (18)
(B) Jesus’ presence (20b)
- Mobilizing his people (17)
III. God’s calling
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Everyone involved in some way
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Praying
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Sending
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Going
“What Does It Look Like To Be a Child of God?” 1 John 2:28-3:3October 24, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Be overwhelmed by the Father’s love (3:1)
II. Put off sin & put on righteousness (2:29, 3:3)
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Put off sin (3:3)
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Put on righteousness (2:29)
III. Do not look for our home here (3:1b; Jn 15:18-21)
IV. Wait with eager expectation for Jesus’ return (3:2, 2:28)
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We don’t know much (3:2)
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But we do know some (3:2)
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Confidence & no shame (2:28)
“Stand Fast - Abide!” 1 John 2:18-28October 17, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What we are to do (24, 27b, 28)
II. Not everyone will do it (18-19, 22-23, 26)
III. How we can (20-21, 24, 27)
IV. What happens when we do (25)
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Hope for the future
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Hope now (cf. John 15; Phil 1:6)
“Reassurance and Worldliness” 1 John 2:12-17October 10, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
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Six Words of Reassurance (1 John 2:12-14)
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To Children (vv. 12, 13c)
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To Fathers (vv. 13a, 14a)
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To Young Men (vv. 13b, 14b)
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A Word of Warning against Worldliness (1 John 2:15-17)
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The Meaning of the Command (v. 15a)
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Three Reasons to Heed the Warning (vv. 15b-17)
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Two Cures for Worldliness
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Abide in God’s Word (v. 14, v. 17, Romans 12:1-2)
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Rest Daily in the Love of the Father (v. 13)
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“Walking and Loving Like Jesus” 1 John 2:3-11October 3, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. How we can know (3, 5b, 6)
II. What that looks like (3-11)
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Generally – walking like Jesus walked (3-6)
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Specifically – loving like Jesus loved (7-11)
(A) It’s old (7; Jn 13:34, 15:12, 17; Col 3:1-17)
(B) It’s new (8)
(C) Negatively (9, 11)
(D) Positively (10)
III. How we can do it (7a; 4:10, 19; Col 3:12)
“The Picture of the Christian Life: Walking in the Light” 1 John 1:5-2:2September 26, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. The Problem
- We have a problem because we sin (5-6)
(A) Standard (5)
(B) Standard broken (6)
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We have a problem because we have a sinful nature (8; Rom 5:12-18)
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We have a problem because sin disrupts our relationship with God (6, 10)
(A) Walking in darkness disrupts fellowship (6)
(B) Denying we sin is in effect calling God a liar (10)
(1) How so? (Rom 3:9-18; Ps 14:3; 53:2-3; Eccl 7:20; Isa 53:6; 64:6)
(2) What is the effect?
II. The Solution
- Confess sin (9, 2:1-2)
(A) What that means
(B) What happens when we do (9)
(C) How it happens (2:1-2)
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Believe God’s promise (9a)
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Walk in the light (7; 2:1a)
(A) What that means
(B) What it leads to
“Why We Can Have Assurance” 1 John 1:1-4September 12, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
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We can have assurance because of the content of the gospel (1-3)
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Who?
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What is he?
(A) Divine
(B) Human
- What did he accomplish?
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We can have assurance because of the fruit of the gospel (3-4)
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Fellowship (3)
(A) With the Lord
(B) With one another
- Joy (4)
“The Lord’s Prayer: Deliver Us from Evil” Matt. 6:13, 26:36-46August 22, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
II. Watchfulness
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Where temptation isn’t coming from (James 1:12:13)
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Where temptation is coming from (James 1:14-15, 1 John 5:19)
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Why we need to be alert
III. Prayerfulness
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Pray that God would keep you from temptation
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Pray that God would strengthen you to withstand temptation
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Pray that God would restore you and sanctify you after you have sinned
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Pray that God would persevere you and fully deliver you from all evil
IV. Sleepiness and the Christ Who Wakes Us
“The Lord’s Prayer: Horizontal Forgiveness” Matthew 6:12, 14-15; 18:21-35August 15, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. We need to see our need of forgiveness
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Context of the parable (18:15-20, 21-22)
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Our place in the parable (23-26)
II. We need to see extent of God’s forgiveness to us (27-34)
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What the king could have done (34)
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What the king did do (27)
(A) Pitied him
(B) Forgave the debt
(C) Let him go
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What the servant should have done
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What the servant did do (28-30)
III. We need to forgive as we have been forgiven
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What does it look like? (27)
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How many times? (21-22)
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What if the other person is not sorry/repentant?
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How can we do it?
“The Lord’s Prayer: Vertical Forgiveness” Matthew 6:12August 8, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Why we need to ask for forgiveness
II. When we need to ask for forgiveness
III. What happens when we don’t (1 Jn 1:5-10, Ps 32, Ps 51)
IV. What happens when we do (1 Jn 1:5-10, Ps 32, Ps 51)
“The Lord’s Prayer: Give Us Our Daily Bread” Matthew 6:11August 1, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. We are acknowledging our fellowship – “Give us....our...”
II. We are acknowledging our utter dependance on the Lord – “Give us this day.....daily...”
III. We are acknowledging our physical & spiritual needs – “Give us...bread”
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Physical
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Spiritual (John 6)
IV. So what?
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We must realize our ultimate need is met only in Jesus
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We must be humble, generous stewards
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We must be diligent
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We must find godly contentment
“The Lord’s Prayer: Your Will Be Done” Matthew 6:5-10July 25, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. Pray that God’s Will Might Be Known
A. The Secret Will of God: “If the Lord Wills” (James 4:15, Eph. 1:3-11)
B. The Revealed Will of God: “Do this and live” (Ex. 20:1-17, Gal. 3:12, Matt. 22:34-40)
II. Remember That God’s Will was Done
A. Our Rebellious Wills (Rom. 8:7-8)
B. Christ’s Obedient Will (Heb. 10:5-7, Isa. 53:10, Luke 22:42)
III. Pray with Gospel Hope that God’s Will Might Be Done
A. Obeying God’s Will by the Spirit (Ps. 119:32-36, Phil. 2:13)
B. Submitting to God’s Will by the Spirit (Luke 22:42)
“The Lord’s Prayer: Let Your Kingdom Come” Matthew 6:5-10July 18, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. Review
A. Structure
B. Why pray the Lord’s Prayer?
II. Your Kingdom Come
A. What it is
B. What it isn’t
III. Your Kingdom Come
IV. Your Kingdom Come
“Suffering for the Faith” 1 Peter 4:12-19July 11, 2021 — Reverend Brandon Haan
I. Expected Suffering
II. Benefits of Suffering
A. It purifies
B. It is a blessing
C. It points to an ultimate judgment
III. Reaction to Suffering
A. How we react tells us what we think/believe
B. Being ashamed
C. Rejoicing
IV. The God Who Suffers
“The Lord’s Prayer: What Are You Hallowing?” Matthew 6:5-9June 27, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What it means (6:9)
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What “hallow” means
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What “name” means
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What we are actually supposed to pray
II. When we must do it (6:9; Ps 63)
III. How we fail to do it
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We hallow other things
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We misuse & take God’s name in vain
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We fail to rest & worship on the Lord’s Day
IV. How we can do it (6:9; 6:5-8; 1 Cor 10:31)
“The Lord’s Prayer: The Importance of God as Our Father” Matthew 6:5-9June 20, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. We pray to our Father – the gospel
II. We pray to our Father in heaven - transcendence
III. We pray to our Father - connectedness
“Do You Have the Right Covering?” Psalm 32June 13, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Why we need forgiveness (1, 3-5)
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What sin is (1-2)
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What sin does (3-4)
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Why we need help (1-5)
II. How we get forgiveness (5-7, 10)
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Using the right standard (5)
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Going to the right source (5-6)
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Getting the ultimate declaration (5-6, 10-11; Rom 4:1-8)
III. Fruit of forgiveness (1-2, 8-11)
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Blessing/Happiness (1-2)
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Wise, trusting, counter-cultural obedience (8-10)
(A) Wisdom (8-9)
(B) Trust (10; Rom 8:32)
(C) Counter-cultural obedience (10)
- Worship (11)
“Heavenly Worship: Glorifying and Enjoying God Forever” Revelation 4-5June 6, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
“Let Us Fall Into the Hand of the Lord” 2 Samuel 24May 30, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Trust the sovereign will of the Lord (1; 1 Chron 21:1; James 1:13-15)
II. Do the right thing when you sin (2-14)
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What was David’s sin? (2-9)
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What happened to David’s heart? (10a)
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How did David respond? (10-14)
(A) Repentance
(B) Acceptance
III. Believe in the atonement of Jesus (15-25)
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An intercessor/mediator (17)
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An altar strategically placed (18)
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An atoning sacrifice made (22-25)
“When One Rules Justly Over Men” 2 Samuel 23May 23, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
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Prophetic Wisdom: The Just Ruler Brings God’s Blessings (vv. 1-4)
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The Example of David as a Just Ruler (vv. 5-7)
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An Example of Blessing in David’s Life: The Mighty Men (vv. 8-39)
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Everlasting Blessing: The Just Ruler of the New Creation (vv. 3b-4; cf. Jer. 23:5)
“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” 2 Samuel 22May 16, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What this is (1; Ps 18)
II. Why David wrote it (1-51)
III. So what?
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Praising God no matter the circumstances
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Importance of faithful obedience (21-25)
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Trusting God is at work
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Who this is ultimately about (Rom 15:9; Lk 1:46-55)
“Dealing With Giants” 2 Samuel 21:15-22May 9, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Dealing with giants in the past (15-22)
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Who they were
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How they were dealt with
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Why this is included in the Bible
II. Dealing with giants in the present
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Expectation of giants (Gen 3:15; 1 Pet 5:8; Jn 16:33)
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What are some of ours?
(A) Personal - individually
(B) Corporate – the Church
- What are we to do?
(A) Trust in the faithfulness & sovereignty of the Lord (Mt 16:18; Gen 3:15; Ps 2; Is 54:17; 1 Jn 3:8)
(B) Remember our motivation (17b; Jn 1:9)
(C) Arise & stand firm (1 Pet 5:8-9; Eph 6:10-20
- What are our weapons? (2 Tim 3:16-17; Eph 6:10-20; Rom 1:16)
“The Awfulness and Wonder of Atonement” 2 Samuel 21:1-14May 2, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Timelessness of God’s justice (1-2; Joshua 9)
II. Awfulness of atonement (3-9)
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Horror of sin (Ex 20:7)
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Cost of redemption (Dt 19:21; Numb 35:31; Gen 9:6; 10-14)
III. Wonder of God’s grace (1-2, 3-9, 10-14)
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Problem revealed (1-2)
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Grief observed (10-14)
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Cross foreshadowed
(A) Contrast between 2 covenant oaths (1, 7)
(B) Picture of ultimate covenant oath-keeper (2 Cor 5:21)
“Another Rebellion, Sparked by a False Gospel” 2 Samuel 19:41-20:26
April 25, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. Be Eager to Maintain the Unity of the Spirit (2 Sam. 19:41-20:2, cf. Eph. 4:3)
-
The Prideful Infighting (2 Sam. 19:41-43)
-
The Hopeless Lie (2 Sam. 20:1)
-
The Fickle Division (2 Sam. 20:2)
II. Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out (2 Sam. 20:3-22; cf. Num. 32:23)
-
Justice Later for Joab (2 Sam. 20:4-13, 1 Kings 2:5-6)
-
Justice Now for Sheba (2 Sam. 20:14-22)
-
Justice or Injustice for the Concubines? (2 Sam. 20:3)
III. Believe the Gospel: We Have an Inheritance in the Son of Jesse (2 Sam. 20:1, cf. Isaiah 11, Rom. 15:12, Heb. 11)
“Receiving Grace and Living in Grace” 2 Samuel 19:8-40April 18, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Picture of God’s grace received (9-23)
-
Dealing with Israel & Judah (9-14)
-
Dealing with Shimei (15-23)
II. Pictures of living in grace in response to God’s grace (15-40; Eph 4:32)
-
Dealing with Shimei (15-23; Acts 9)
-
Dealing with Mephibosheth & Ziba (24-30)
-
Dealing with Barzillai (31-39)
“A Royal Mess” 2 Samuel 18:1-19:8April 11, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. The importance of being on the right side (18:1-18)
II. The reality of grief (18:19-19:4)
III. The hope of God’s people (18:1-4; 19:5-8)
“I Shall Not Be Shaken” Psalm 16April 4, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Causes of being shaken
-
Running after other gods (4)
-
Discontentment (2, 5-7)
-
Fear of the certainty of death (10)
II. How not to be shaken
-
Set the Lord before you (8, 1-2, 5, 11b; 1 Jn 3:2-3)
-
Delight in God’s people (3)
-
Believe in the resurrection (9-11; Acts 2:22-33)
(A) Of Jesus
(B) Of those united to Jesus
“Life in the Kingdom” 2 Samuel 16-17March 28, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Humility & hope because of the gospel (16:5-14)
-
Humility (5-11)
-
Hope (12)
II. Courageous obedience in the midst of opposition (16:15-17:13; cf. 15:31)
III. Steadfast trust in the sovereignty of God (17:14-23; Gen 50:20)
“How Do We Endure Dark Days?” 2 Samuel 15March 21, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. The dark days David experienced (1-17)
-
Consequence of his own sin (12:10-12)
-
Scheming of Absalom (1-7a)
-
Treachery of Absalom (7-17)
II. How David endured the dark days (18-37)
-
Relied on faithful friends (18-23)
-
Trusted in Lord’s will (24-29)
-
Looked for Lord’s providence at work (30-37)
-
Foreshadowed the greater King who also would be rejected but victorious (Mt 26:30-50; Lk 22:39-53; Jn 18:1-5)
“A Slap on the Wrist for a Murderer: The Fallout of David’s Sin Continues” 2 Samuel 14March 14, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. The Backstory
II. The Fallout
-
Worldly Wisdom Replaces Godly Wisdom (2 Sam. 14:1-20)
-
Injustice for a Murderer (2 Sam. 14:21-24)
-
A Worldly Leader Begins to Rise (2 Sam. 14:25-27)
-
A Physically Close but Relationally Distant Relationship (2 Sam. 14:28-33)
III. The End of the Fallout
“Dark Days Ahead in the Kingdom” 2 Samuel 13March 7, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Credibility of the Bible (cf. 2 Sam 12:10-12)
II. Depravity of people (1-2, 12-13, 15-17, 20, 22-23)
III. Significance of listening (14, 16b, 20-21)
IV. Need for the gospel (21; 31, 36-39; cf. Mt 5)
“You Are the Man!” 2 Samuel 12February 28, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Origin of grace (1, 25)
II. Strategy of grace (1b-9)
III. Cost of grace (10-19; Eph 2:4-9)
-
Absolutely free (Eph 2:4-9)
-
Yet, infinitely costly (10-19)
IV. Hope of grace (20-25)
So what?
-
Repentance
-
Prayer that ends in worship & trust
“Why did God put 2 Samuel 11 in the Bible?” 2 Samuel 11February 21, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Surprise of David’s sin (1 Sam 13:14, 16:12-13; 2 Sam 7, 5:2, 9:1-3)
II. Extent of David’s sin (11:1-27)
-
Opportunity (1-2a)
-
Look & inquiry (2b-3)
-
Fall (4-5)
-
Cover up plan I (6-11)
-
Cover up plan II (12-13)
-
Cover up plan III (14-25)
-
Final cover up (26-27)
III. Importance of David’s sin (27; 1 Cor 10:13; James 1:14-15)
- “There but for the grace of God, go I”
(A) We are no better than David
(B) Picture of God’s grace
- Where was God?
(A) Why didn’t he stop the evil? (John 11:37)
(B) David left God out, but God was there (27)
“The Rejection of the Hesed of the Lord” 2 Samuel 10February 14, 2021 — Reverend Steve Johnson
I. The Love of the King (2 Sam. 10:1-2)
II. The Rejection of the Love of the King (2 Sam. 10:3-5)
III. The War Against the King (2 Sam. 10:6-17)
IV. The Victory of the King (2 Sam. 10:18-19, 1 Cor. 15:20-28)
”Two Kinds of Fear” Deut 6:1-5; Prov 1:7, 9:10; Jer 32:38-41; Ex 20:18-20; Gen 50:19-21; 2 Tim 1:7February 7, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Two kinds of fear (Ex 20:18-20; 2 Tim 1:7; Prov 1:7, 9:10)
-
Wrong fear
-
Right fear
II. What drives out sinful fear
-
Trusting God’s faithfulness to his covenant promises (Jer 32:38-41)
-
Trusting that God is at work (Gen 50:19-21; Rom 8:28)
III. What godly fear produces
-
Love (Jer 32:38-41; Deut 6:1-5)
-
Wisdom (Prov 1:7, 9:10)
-
Holiness (Ex 20:18-20; 2 Tim 1:7
“Getting Worked Up About the Gospel” Galatians 1:1-12January 31, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
Introduction → when was the last time you got really “worked up”?
I. What was Paul so worked up about? (6, 8-9, 11-12)
II. Why was Paul so worked up about it? (6b-7, 1-3)
III. What happens when what Paul was worked up about is worked out correctly? (4, 10, Gal 3:13; Rom 6:14)
-
Freedom from the penalty and power of sin (10, Gal 3:13, Rom 6:14)
-
Deliverance from “the present evil age” (4)
Conclusion → tragedy at Ole Miss & the stunning power of the gospel
“The Power and Result of the Hesed of the Lord” 2 Samuel 9January 24, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Power of the covenant
- For Mephibosheth
(A) Promise (1; 1 Sam 18-20)
(B) Problem (2-4, 13b)
(C) Provision (3, 5-13)
- For us
(A) Problem (Rom 5:6-11)
(B) Promise (Gen 3:15; 1 Sam 7)
(C) Provision (Rom 5:6-11)
II. Result of the Covenant
-
For Mephibosheth
-
For us
(A) Hesed toward the Lord
(B) Hesed toward others
(C) Not turning down the invitation to the King’s table
“God Said He Would Do It” 2 Samuel 8January 17, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What it says
-
Conflict & victory (1-6, 13-14)
-
Wealth secured (7-12)
-
Order established (15-18)
II. What it means
-
Not...
-
But...
III. What difference it makes for us
-
We must expect spiritual warfare (2 Tim 3:12; Jn 15:20; 16:33)
-
We must never lose hope (Jn 16:33; Rom 8:18, 35-39)
-
We must serve as Jesus’ ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20; 1 Peter 2:9; Rev 1:6)
“How Should We Respond to God’s Faithful Grace?” 2 Samuel 7:18-29January 10, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Marvel at God’s plan (18-24)
-
Grace for God’s people in the past (18, 23-24)
-
Grace for God’s people in the future (19)
-
Grace upon grace (20-21; Eph 2:8-9; Deut 7:6-8)
-
So what? → our theology must move us to...
(A) Humility (18)
(B) Doxology (20-22)
II. Pray God’s promises (25-29)
-
Prayer based on God’s Word (25, 27-28; Jn 16:23)
-
Prayer focused on God’s glory (26)
-
Prayer that is bold (28-29)
-
So what? → Don’t make prayer harder than it already is...
(A) Pray God’s Word
(B) Know God’s Word
“God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises” 2 Samuel 7:1-17January 3, 2021 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Upside-down plan of the human heart (1-5)
-
David & Nathan’s plan (1-3)
-
God’s response (4-5, 11b)
II. God’s plan of steadfast love and grace (6-16)
-
God’s presence with his people (6-11a)
-
God’s provision for his people (11b-16)
(A) Immediately in Solomon
(B) Ultimately in Jesus
- God’s faithfulness to his promises (9b-16)
III. Proper response of God’s people
-
Relying on God’s Word and not just human wisdom (4-5a, 17)
-
Never getting comfortable with God’s blessings (1-3)
-
Giving all glory to God for his faithfulness to his covenant promises (9-16)
“The Promise of Christ from the Old Testament IV” Isaiah 52:13-53:12December 27, 2020 — Mr. Steve Johnson
I. The Despised Servant: The Nature of His Rejection (Isaiah 53:1-3, 7-9)
II. The Atoning Servant: The Purpose of His Rejection (Isaiah 53:4-6)
III. The Exalted Servant: The Reward of His Rejection (Isaiah 52:13-15; 53:10-12)
“The Promise of Christ from the Old Testament III” Micah 5:1-6December 20, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Jesus is the overlooked King (2; Mt 2:1-6)
II. Jesus is the Shepherd King (4-5a; Jn 10:11-15; Ps 23)
III. Jesus is the global King (3b, 4b; Jn 10:16; Rev 7:9-10; Eph 2:14-21)
IV. Jesus is the future King (3; Ps 96:11-13; 1 Cor 15:24-26; Rom 8:31-39; Rev 22:20)
“The Promise of Christ From the Old Testament II” Isaiah 9:1-7
December 13, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. The Need (8:19-22; 9:2a; Jer 10)
-
Then
-
Now
II. The Provision
-
What (2, 6a)
-
Who (6b; Matt 4:12-16; Heb 4:15-16)
(A) God who understands us & our needs → Wonderful Counselor
(B) God who goes to battle for us → Mighty God
(C) God who adopts us into his family never to be lost → Everlasting Father
(D) God who will bring sovereign peace → Prince of Peace
III. The Way
-
Only by God’s doing (3-5, 7b)
-
Only by grace (6a; Eph 2:8-9)
-
Certainty in the darkness (7b)
“The Promise of Christ From the Old Testament” Genesis 3:1-21
December 6, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Curse
-
To the serpent (14-15)
-
To the woman (16)
-
To the man (17-19)
II. Promise
-
God pursues his people (8-9; Eph 2:1-4)
-
God makes a promise to his people (15)
-
God provides for his people (21)
“The Ark of the Covenant: Blessing & Danger of God’s Presence” 2 Samuel 6:1-15
November 22, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What it was (1-2; Exodus 25)
-
Description
-
Contents
-
Location
-
Purpose
II. What it revealed
- Picture of God
(A) Ruler - King
(B) Revealer - Prophet
(C) Reconciler - Priest
- Presence of God
(A) Blessing (1-2, 10b-15)
(B) Danger (3-10)
III. So what?
-
Warning to take God seriously (Jn 3:36)
-
True hope for those in Christ (Rom 3:24; 1 Jn 2:2)
“Two Davids, Two Jerusalems, and One Promise-Keeping God” 2 Samuel 5
November 15, 2020 — Mr. Steve Johnson
I. God’s Promise to David Fulfilled: The Shepherd-King Unites the Kingdom (2 Sam. 5:1-5)
II. God’s Promise to Abraham Fulfilled: The Shepherd-King Wins the City & Defeats His Enemies (2 Sam. 5:6-25)
III. God’s Promises to All His People Fulfilled: The New David in the New Jerusalem (Ezek. 34, John 10, Rev. 21)
“Treachery, Justice, and Why It Is Best to Trust and Wait on the Lord” 2 Samuel 4November 8, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. A story of treachery (1-8)
-
Who? (1-3)
-
What? (5-7)
-
Why? (8)
II. A response of justice (9-12)
III. So what?
-
Never use theology for your own personal gain (8)
-
Importance of the overlooked (1, 4)
-
Trusting & patiently waiting on the Lord (2 Samuel 1-4)
(A) Trusting in Jesus’ work & waiting for its consummation
(B) Trusting in the God of justice & waiting for his final judgment
“Chaos in the Kingdom” 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39
November 1, 2020 — Rev. Chris Harper
I. Stupidity of our sin (2:12-32; 3:1-5)
-
Example of Abner (2:12-32)
-
Example of David (3:1-5)
II. Seriousness of seeking the wrong glory (3:1-39)
-
Example of Abner (3:1-11)
-
Example of Joab (3:12-39)
III. Stability found only in the hope of God’s promises
-
Promise of the ultimate Peacekeeper (3:31-39; Rom 5:1)
-
Promise of the ultimate King (Rev 11:15-19)
(A) What that means for how we live now
(B) What that means for Tuesday
“God's Mission and Calling for Us” 2 Corinthians 4:5-6
October 25, 2020 — Reverend Owen Tarantino
“Life in the Kingdom” 2 Samuel 2:1-11October 18, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Dependence on God (1-4a)
II. Commitment to God (4b-7; Mt 11:28-30)
III. Opposition to God (8-11; Ps 2; Phil 2:5-11)
“Grace for the Quarrelsome, Humble Christian” James 4:1-12
October 11, 2020 — Mr. Steve Johnson
I. The Humility Proverb - Reapplied (James 4:6)
II. The Problem: Quarreling Christians (James 4:1-5)
III. The First Solution: The Grace of Humility toward God (James 4:6-10, cf. Heb. 9:14, Gal. 5:24)
IV. The Second Solution: The Grace of Humility toward Others (James 4:11-12, cf. 3:13-18)
“The Need for Lament” 2 Samuel 1:17-27October 4, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Importance of lament (17-18)
II. Cause of lament (19-21; 1 Sam 15)
III. Model of lament (19-27; Jn 11)
“Be Like David? Yes and Absolutely Not!” 2 Samuel 1:1-16September 27, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Be ready (1-10)
II. Be genuinely grieved (11-12)
III. Biblically fear the Lord (13-16)
IV. Be like David? – Yes and absolutely not!
“Grace for the Anxious, Humble Christian” 1 Peter 5:5-9September 20, 2020 — Mr. Steve Johnson
I. The Humility Proverb (1 Pet. 5:5)
II. Vertical and Horizontal Humility (1 Pet. 5:5-7, James 4:1-10)
III. Humility is Spiritual Warfare (1 Pet. 5:8, James 4:7)
IV. Mercy: The Exception to the Proverb We All Need (1 Pet. 3:18, Phil. 2:3-11)
“The Lord’s Supper: What It Is and What It Does (Part 2)" Matthew 26:17-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; 10:16-21; 12:12-13September 13, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What is the Lord’s Supper?
-
It is instituted by Jesus (Matt 26:26-28; 1 Cor 11:23; 10:21)
-
It is a sign and seal (Matt 26:26-28; 1 Cor 11:24-26; Rom 4:11)
-
It is to be observed in the Church (Matt 26:20; 1 Cor 11:17ff)
-
It is to be observed until Jesus returns (1 Cor 11:24-26)
II. What does the Lord Supper do?
-
Jesus promised benefits for true believers (1 Cor 11:24-25; 10:16)
-
It provides spiritual nourishment when taken by faith (Matt 26:26; 1 Cor 11:24-25)
-
It should produce gratitude in us (Matt 26:30; 1 Cor 10:21; Rom 2:4)
-
It reminds us of our communion with Jesus through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 10:16)
-
It reminds us of the unity we have with other Christians (1 Cor 10:16-17; 12:12-13)
“The Lord’s Supper: What It Is and What It Does" Matthew 26:17-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; 10:16-21; 12:12-13September 13, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What is the Lord’s Supper?
-
It is instituted by Jesus (Matt 26:26-28; 1 Cor 11:23; 10:21)
-
It is a sign and seal (Matt 26:26-28; 1 Cor 11:24-26; Rom 4:11)
-
It is to be observed in the Church (Matt 26:20; 1 Cor 11:17ff)
-
It is to be observed until Jesus returns (1 Cor 11:24-26)
II. What does the Lord Supper do?
-
Jesus promised benefits for true believers (1 Cor 11:24-25; 10:16)
-
It provides spiritual nourishment when taken by faith (Matt 26:26; 1 Cor 11:24-25)
-
It should produce gratitude in us (Matt 26:30; 1 Cor 10:21; Rom 2:4)
-
It reminds us of our communion with Jesus through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 10:16)
-
It reminds us of the unity we have with other Christians (1 Cor 10:16-17; 12:12-13)
“Out of the Depths” Psalm 130August 30, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Why was he in the depths? (1-4)
-
What it wasn’t
-
What it was
II. What did he do to get out?
-
Cried out to God (1-3)
-
Reminded himself what is true (4-7)
-
Shared it with others (7-8)
III. So what?
-
Follow the model of the psalmist
-
Fear the Lord (4b)
-
Fellowship with others (7-8)
“The Blessed Man” Psalm 1
August 23, 2020 — Mr. Steve Johnson
I. The Blessed Man is... (vv. 1-6)
II. ... Not You (vv. 1-2)
III. Until You Take Refuge in The Blessed Man (Ps. 2, Gal. 3)
“Jesus: The Ultimate King, Priest, and Lord” Psalm 110August 16, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Jesus is the ultimate King – we must do what he says (1-3)
II. Jesus is the ultimate Priest – we must find our acceptance only in him (4)
III. Jesus is the ultimate Lord – we must offer ourselves freely to him (3, 5-7)
“The Rot of Envy” Psalm 73August 9, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What envy is
-
Wanting (2-12)
-
Resenting (13-14)
II. What envy does
-
Makes us bitter and beast-like (21-22)
-
Robs our joy (13-14, 16)
-
Consumes us (2)
III. How we can deal with our envy
-
Confess it (3, 21-22)
-
Go into the sanctuary (17)
-
Remember how things end (17b-20, 27)
-
Believe that God is enough (23-28)
“Spiritual Dryness” Psalm 42-43August 2, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What is spiritual dryness (1-11, 43:2)
-
What it is
-
Honesty about it
II. How it comes
-
Disconnection from God’s people (4-6)
-
Difficult circumstances (3, 9-10, 43:1)
-
Difficulty eating and sleeping (3)
III. How to deal with it
- Talk to God (1-4, 9, 43:1-2)
(A) Pour out your soul (4)
(B) Confess belief (1-2, 9, 43:2)
- Talk to yourself (5, 11, 43:5)
(A) Remember who God is (2, 9, 43:1-2, 4)
(B) Remember God’s grace (8, 43:3)
(C) Use the means of grace (43:3-4)
“The Mystery and Hope of Psalm 22 and the Cross” Psalm 22July 26, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Mystery of this Psalm
-
Mystery (1-31)
-
Mystery revealed (1; Mt 27:46; Acts 2:30-31; Lk 24:27)
II. Hope of this Psalm
-
For the sinner (1)
-
For those suffering (1-21)
-
For the mission of the gospel (22-31)
“The Power of the Word of God” Psalm 19
June 28, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Why God’s Word is necessary (1-6; Rom 1:18-20; 10:14-17)
-
Importance of creation (1-6; Rom 1:18-20)
-
Inadequacy of creation (Rom 10:14-17)
II. Why we must listen to and obey God’s Word (7-9; 2 Tim 3:16-17)
-
Because of what it is (7-9)
-
Because of what it tells us
(A) Our need for a Redeemer (12-13)
(B) The provision of a Redeemer (1, 7-9, 14)
III. What happens when we listen to and obey God’s Word (7-8, 10-11)
So what?
-
Are you reading it?
-
Are you submitting to it?
“The Sovereign and Redemptive Reign of the King” - Psalm 2June 21, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. The world hates the King (1-3)
II. The King’s sovereign and redemptive plan is not stopped (4-9)
-
The King is sovereign (4-6)
-
The plan is sovereign and redemptive (7-9)
(A) Sovereign (9)
(B) Redemptive (7-8; 2b; )
III. There is a call to embrace the King (10-12)
-
The call (10-12a)
-
There is no in-between (12)
-
Not just for the world
“What Are You Going to Do with Revelation? Part 3” Revelation 22:16-21June 14, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Call to come to Jesus (16, 17b-19)
-
Warning (18-19; Deut 4)
-
Welcome (16, 17b)
(A) Who he is (16; Isa 11; Num 24)
(B) What he does (17b; Isa 55)
(C) What we must do (17b)
II. Call to Jesus to come quickly (17a, 20-21)
-
The longing is appropriate (17a, 20)
-
The longing is helpful (21)
“We Will Not Fear Though the Earth Gives Way” Psalm 46
June 7, 2020 — Mr. Steve Johnson
“What Are You Going to Do with Revelation? Part 2” Revelation 22:10-16May 31, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Remember who you are (14-15; 7:13-14)
II. Live like who you are (11-13; Eph 2:8-10; Gal 2:16, 3:10-14; Rom 5)
“What Are You Going to Do with Revelation? Part 1” Revelation 22:6-9May 24, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. Hear & obey God’s Word (6-7) 1. Reason (6)
(A) It is true (2 Tim 3:16a; 1 John 1:1-4; Luke 1:1-4)
(B) It is trustworthy (2 Tim 3:16b-17; Ps 19:7-11) 2. Result (7; 1:3)
II. Worship rightly (8-9)
-
How not to do it (8-9a)
-
How to do it (9b)
III. Be motivated properly (all of Rev!; 22:4, 7)
“The Meaning and Purpose of Life” Revelation 21:22-27May 10, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. What will it be like? (22-23, 25, 27a)
-
To be in the immediate presence of the Lord means...
-
Uniqueness of Christianity
II. What will we be doing? (24, 26; Isa 60)
III. Who will be there? (8, 27)
-
Who won’t get in? (8, 27a)
-
Who will get in? (27b; 1 Cor 6:9-11)
Sermon Video: https://youtu.be/_DAYY5Q6nzs
“The New Jerusalem and Bride of the Lamb” Revelation 21:9-21 May 3, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper I. The city is safe (10-12, 15-17) 1. Measured (15-17) 2. Guarded (12; cf. 25-27) 3. Filled (10-11; cf. 3) II. The city is beautiful (11, 16, 18-21) 1. In its shape (11, 16) 2. In its shine (11, 18-21) III. The city is you (9-10, 12-14, 19-20) 1. The holy city is the Bride of the Lamb (9-10) 2. 12 tribes & 12 apostles (12-14) 3. 12 stones (19-20; Ex 28, 39) So what? 1. Courage & strength to live like who you are 2. Overwhelming peace because of the unified and faithful plan of God
“Move out! - The King’s Parameters” Matthew 28:16-20 April 26, 2020 — Mr. Michael Johnson
Sermon Video: https://www.periscope.tv/tpcrochester/1MnxnQEypjVJO
“All Things Being Made New” Revelation 21:1-8
April 19, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper
I. By whom? (2, 5-7)
-
God the faithful (7)
-
God the trustworthy & true (5)
-
God the sovereign (6)
II. How? (1-4)
-
By renewing (1)
-
By intimate communion (2-3)
-
By establishing biblical diversity (3)
-
By removing all sadness & death (4)
III. For whom? (7-8)
-
Who it is not for (8)
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Who it is for (7)
“No Fear of The Two Deaths” Revelation 20:6,14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:12-22, 50-57 I. Christians have no fear of the 2nd death 1. What is the 2nd death? (14) 2. Why is there no fear for Christians? (6; 1 Cor 15:12-22, 50-57) II. Christians have no fear of the 1st death 1. What is the 1st death? (21:4, 8; Phil 1:21-23) 2. Why is there no fear for Christians? (11-15; Heb 9:27) III. Christians have hope for the end of death itself (14; 1 Cor 15:54-55; 2 Cor 4:16-18)
“Hope and Warning” Revelation 20 April 5, 2020 — Reverend Chris Harper I. Hope and encouragement for those in Christ 1. Because Christ is reigning now through his Church (1-6; 12:1-6) (A) Power on earth (1-3) (B) Power in heaven (4-6) 2. Because Satan will be defeated in the future (3b, 7-10) 3. Because there is no fear of judgment forevermore (6, 11-15) II. Final warning for those outside of Christ (11-15) 1. This is the last warning 2. Is your name written in the book of life? Visit www.trinityrochester.org/resources to access the full video sermon, past sermons, and additional resources.
I. Wedding feast (6-10) 1. What is the context? 2. Who are the participants? (7-8; John 1:29; Eph 5:32; Rev 21:9ff) 3. What are they doing? (9) 4. What is this a picture of? II. Funeral feast (11-21) 1. The Warrior (11-16) (A) How he is described (11-16) (B) What he is called (11-16; John 1:1ff) 2. The war (17-21) (A) Defeat is fast (19-21) (B) Defeat is definitive (17-18, 3) III. So what? 1. Which feast are you going to? 2. God’s people should sing hallelujah (1-8) 3. Injustice will be made right (1-2)
The Fall of Babylon and the Hope of God's People Revelation 18 Reverend Chris Harper I. Life is fragile (1-3, 10) II. The end is coming (9-19, 21-24; Jer 51) 1. It is a certainty (1-3) 2. It will be a time of great loss (9-19, 21-24; Jer 51) 3. It will be sudden (10b, 19b) 4. It will be forever (21) So…..(4) III. There is still hope (20; 19:1; 2 Pet 3:11-13)
Indispensable 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 March 15, 2020 Mr. Stephen Johnson I. The World's Perspective: Dispensable II. God's Perspective: Indispensable III. How Jesus Transforms Our Perspectives
How Should We Then Live?, Revelation 17 Reverend Chris Harper, March 8, 2020 I. Who are the prostitute and beast? (1-15, 18) 1. Prostitute (1-6, 15, 18) (A) How described? (B) Who is she? 2. Beast (3b, 7-14) (A) How described? (B) What is it? II. What happens to the prostitute and beast? (14, 16-17) 1. To the prostitute (16) 2. To the beast (8, 12b, 14, 17) III. How should we then live? 1. As exiles (Jer 29:1-9) 2. With humble confidence (14, 17) (A) Because of who we are (14) (B) Because of who God is (17; 1 Thess 5:23-24)
Cup of Wrath vs. Cup of Blessing, Revelation 16 March 1, 2020 Reverend Chris Harper I. The character of God which necessitates & controls judgment (1-7) 1. God’s character necessitates it 2. God’s power controls it (15:5-16:1, 5, 7) II. The recipients of the world requiring judgment (2-16) 1. Idolaters & the immoral (2-9) 2. The dragon and 2 beasts (10-16) III. The people of God who find hope in judgment 1. Two different cups (19; 14:10, 1 Cor 10-11) 2. The end of evil and the effects of the Fall (16-21) 3. God’s discipline is not God’s judgment (15; Heb 12:3-11)
Responding to the Gospel - Baptism, Acts 16:25-40 February 23, 2020, Reverend Chris Harper I. The story (16-29) 1. The girl – demon-possessed & taken advantage of (16-18) 2. The response of the town (19-22) 3. In jail but not without hope (23-25) 4. A severe earthquake and trembling fear (26-29) II. The response (30-34) 1. A most important question and a simple yet profound answer (30-32) 2. The jailer believed (33-34) 3. The jailer and his household were baptized (33b) 4. The jailer began serving (33-34) III. So what? 1. Baptism does not save you – Jesus does (31; Acts 4:12; Rom 10:9) 2. Household baptisms were normal in NT and church history 3. How are you doing at “improving your baptism”? (WLC 167; 2 Pet 1:5-10; Tit 2:11-12) 4. Reminder to covenant children (Rom 10:9)
Another Great and Amazing Sign in Heaven, Revelation 15 February 9, 2020, Reverend Chris Harper I. Sovereign judgment (1, 5-8) 1. When? 2. What? II. Song of jubilee (2-4) 1. By whom? (2; 4:6) 2. About what? (3-4; Ex 15) (A) God’s faithfulness (3a; Ex 15) (B) God’s sovereignty (3) (C) God’s justice & truth (3b) (D) God’s holiness (4a) (E) God’s great plan (4b) III. So what? 1. For unbelievers – God wins, so… 2. For Christians – God wins, so…
There Is No Need for Judgment When Your Hope Is in Jesus Revelation 14:6-20, Reverend Chris Harper, February 2, 2020 I. Warning (6-11) 1. When? 2. What? (A) Indifference (6-7) (B) Immorality (8) (C) Idolatry (9-11) II. Judgment (14-20) 1. When? 2. What? (A) Judgment of the wicked (17-20) (B) Judgment of the righteous (14-16) III. Hope (12-13) 1. God’s grace is real (12b) 2 The end result is worth it (13) 3. Our endurance is needed (12)
Open Your Eyes and See Things from Heaven's Perspective Revelation 14:1-5 January 26, 2020 Reverend Chris Harper I. Identity of the Lamb (1; 5:1-10; Jn 1:29) II. Location of the Lamb (1) 1. Where he is 2. What he is doing III. Friends of the Lamb (1-5) 1. Who they are (A) Numbered (1; 7:1-12) (B) Secured (1b) (C) Redeemed (3b, 4b) 2. What they do (A) Commit whole-heartedly (4a) (B) Follow obediently (4b) (C) Live genuinely (5) (D) Sing robustly (2-3; 5:8-13)
The Counterfeit "trinity", Revelation 13:1-14:5 January 19, 2020, Reverend Chris Harper I. What is the beast of the sea? (1-10; Daniel 7) 1. How it is described 2. What it meant for 1st century Christians 3. What it means for 21st century Christians II. What is the beast of the land? (11-18) 1. How it is described 2. What it meant for 1st century Christians 3. What it means for 21st century Christians 4. What the mark of the beast means (16-18) III. Why do Christians have no reason to fear? 1. Limit of the counterfeit trinity (A) Counterfeit (B) Limited by God’s control (7) (C) Limited by God’s timing (5b) 2. Security of the 144,000 (14:1-5) 3. Call to endurance and faith of the saints (9-10; Ephesians 6)
Drama, Declaration, and Doxology, Revelation 12 January 12, 2020, Reverend Chris Harper I. Drama of redemptive history (1-17) 1. Act 1 (1-6) 2. Act 2 (7-17) II. Declaration of our freedom & protection (10-17) 1. Freedom (10-11) 2. Protection (13-17) III. Doxology of God’s people & danger for everyone else (12) 1. Doxology for God’s people (12a) 2. Danger for everyone else (12b)
The Church Suffering and Secure January 5, 2020, Reverend Chris Harper I. The Church suffering (3-10) 1. Who are the witnesses? (3) 2. What are they doing? (3-6) 3. How long are they doing it? (3) 4. What is the response? (7-10) II. The Church secure (1-2, 11-19) 1. God’s people are measured (1-2) 2. God’s people are rescued (11-14) 3. Christ is reigning (15-18) 4. The covenant of grace is fulfilled (19) III. So what? 1. Are you inside or outside of the temple? 2. Declare the truth & expect persecution 3. Find comfort & rest in your security
Feasting on Christ through Faith, John 6:22-36, December 29, 2019, Mr. Steve Johnson Jesus Exposes Sinful Hunger Jesus Satisfies Spiritual Hunger
Preparing for the Second Advent - The Great Commission Part IV Matthew 28:16-20, p. 835; Ephesians 4:11-16 December 22, 2019, Reverend Chris Harper I. Service of leaders (11-12) 1. By whom? (11) 2. For whom? (12a) 3. For what? (12b) II. Service of everyone (7, 12, 16; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12) 1. By whom? (7, 12, 16; Rom 12; 1 Cor 12) 2. With what? (7, 16; Rom 12; 1 Cor 12) 3. For whom? (12, 16) III. So what? 1. For leaders 2. For saints
Preparing for the Second Advent - The Great Commission Part III Ephesians 4:11-16 December 15, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper I. Picture of it (15-16; 1 Cor 12:12-20) 1. Depending on one another (16; 1 Cor 12:12-20) 2. Speaking truth in love to one another (15) II. Necessity of it (1 John 3:17, 4:7-9, 20-21) III. Motivation for it (15-16; 1 John 4:9-11, 19) IV. Practice of it 1. In word (15) 2. In deed (1 John 3:16-18) 3. In time 4. In absorption
Preparing for the Second Advent--The Great Commission II Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:11-16 Reverend Chris Harper, December 8, 2019 I. What does it mean? (4:12b-15) II. How do we do it? (Mt 28:18-20; Acts 2:42; Heb 10:23-25) III. Why do we do it? (14-15; Titus 2:11-14)
Preparing for the Second Advent - The Great Commission Matthew 28:16-20 December 1, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper Introduction · Shackleton - the willingness to follow someone with a focused, compelling plan · An unusual sermon series for Advent? · Purpose of Advent and the connection with the Great Commission I. Mission for every disciple (16-18a; Eph 4:11-12) II. Ministry for every disciple (19-20; Eph 4:11-16) 1. “Make disciples” (A) Reaching & equipping (19b-20a) (B) A picture (Eph 4:11-16) (1) Growing in knowledge and love for God (2) Growing in knowledge and love for others (3) Growing in ability and desire to serve in the Kingdom of God 2. “Of all nations” (19a; Acts 1:8) III. Motivation for every disciple 1. The command itself (19a) 2. The power and presence of Jesus (A) Power (18b) (B) Presence (20b)
Intermission, Revelation 10 November 24, 2019, Reverend Chris Harper I. Hold fast to what is true (1-7, 9-10) 1. What is true (A) God is with his people (1) (B) God is faithful to his covenant promises (1, 7) (C) God is sovereignly bringing his plan to completion (1- (D) God is building his church (7; Eph 3:1-6) 2. Hold fast (9-10) II. Proclaim what is true to the world (8-11; Matt 28:18-20)
The Warning & the Hope of the Trumpets, Revelation 8:6-9:21 November 10, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper I. Playing of the trumpets (8:6-9:21; Ex 7-11; Josh 6; Joel 2) 1. Trumpets 1-4 (8:6-12) 2. Interlude (8:13) 3. Trumpet 5 (9:1-12) 4. Trumpet 6 (9:13-19) 5. Result (9:20-21) II. Purpose of the trumpets 1. For unbelievers (A) Serious warning and call to repentance (B) Demonstration of God’s patient mercy 2. For believers (A) Encouragement because of God’s sovereignty (B) Hope because of God’s covenant of grace
Prayers, Trumpets, and God's Sovereign Grace Revelation 8 November 3, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper I. Power of prayer (8:1-5) II. Purpose of trumpets (8:6-9:21; cf. Rev 6 & 16; cf. Ex 7-11, Joshua 6) III. Promise of sovereign grace 1. God is in charge (8:2, 9:1, 4, 10) 2. God remembers his covenant promise of grace (8:13, 9:4b, cf 7:2-3; 9:14, cf. Gen 15) 3. Time yet to repent (9:20-21)
A Pause, a Multitude, and a Period of Silence Revelation 7:1-8:1 October 20, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper I. The Church on earth - militant (1-8) 1. Who? (4-8) 2. Whose? (1-3) II. The Church in heaven - triumphant (9-17) 1. Who? (9, 14) (A) Vast (9) (B) Diverse (9) (C) Tested (14) 2. What? (9b-10, 15b) 3. How? (13-17) (A) Clothed (9b, 13, 14b) (B) Sheltered (15) (C) Shepherded (17a) (D) Comforted (16, 17b) III. The Church in silence (8:1) IV. So what? 1. Assurance 2. Worship
The Lamb of War and Peace Revelation 6, p. 1031 October 13, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper I. What was and is (1-11) 1. On the earth (1-8) (A) White horse & rider (2) (B) Red horse & rider (3-4) (C) Black horse & rider (5-6) (D) Pale horse & rider (7-8) 2. In heaven (9-11) (A) Who? (9) (B) What are they doing? (10) (C) Where? (9a) (D) What is their condition? (11) II. What will be (12-17) III. What difference it makes 1. Serious warning for those not in relationship with Jesus (12-17) 2. Hope, peace, and encouragement for those in relationship with Jesus (A) The Lamb is in control (B) God’s people are safe (C) God’s people are robed and resting
Who is Worthy to Open the Scroll? Revelation 5:1-14 September 22, 2019 Rev. Chris Harper I. The plan & the problem (1-4) 1. The plan (1; 6:1ff) 2. The problem (2-4) II. The provision (5-7) 1. The Lion (5; Gen 49) 2. The Root (5; Isa 11) 3. The Lamb (6-7) III. The praise (8-14) 1. Of 4 living creatures & 24 elders (8-10) 2. Of myriads of angels (11-12) 3. Of every creature in the universe (13-14) So what? 1. There is only One who can open the scroll 2. We have a wounded Savior 3. Do we have tears like John?
The Throne That Moves Us to Worship and Hope Revelation 4:1-11 September 15, 2019 Rev. Chris Harper I. The sovereign throne of worship (3-11) 1. Description of the One on the throne (3) 2. Description of the placement of the throne (2-4) 3. Description of those around the throne (4-8a) 4. Description of what is happening around the throne (8-11) II. The sovereign throne of judgment (5-6) III. The sovereign throne of grace (1-2, 3b, 4b) So what? 1. Hope in the midst of suffering & trials 2. Hope in the midst of doubts 3. God-centered worship
Lukewarm Christianity Revelation 3:14-22 September 8, 2019, Rev. Chris Harper I. The problem (14-17) II. The remedy (18-20; 3:3a; Isa 55) III. The promise (21-22)
I Have Set Before You an Open Door Revelation 3:7-13 September 1, 2019 Rev. Chris Harper I. Reality of gospel proclamation (7-8a) II. Results of gospel proclamation (8b-10a) III. Resources for gospel proclamation (10-11) IV. Rewards of gospel proclamation (12-13) So what? (1) Every Christian is called to be ready (1 Peter 3:15) (2) Learn how to ask good question (3) Our theology is the antidote to our fear and uncertainty (4) What is really behind our lack of sharing the Christian faith?
Wake Up! Revelation 3:1-6 August 25, 2019, Rev. Chris Harper I. Problem (1-2, 4) II. Prescription (2a, 3) 1. Remember 2. Keep it 3. Repent III. Promises (4b-6) 1. Clothed in white 2. Name that lasts forever 3. Jesus will confess your name
Hold Fast to the Morning Star, Revelation 2:18-29 August 18, 2019, Rev. Chris Harper I. The place and people (18-19) 1. Place 2. People II. The problem (20-23; 1 Kings 16-22, 2 Kings 9) 1. Jezebel in the OT 2. Jezebel in Thyatira 3. Following and tolerating III. The solution (20a, 24-25) 1. Hold fast and be willing to pay the cost (24-25) 2. Don’t tolerate these things (20a) 3. Don’t over-react (24-25) IV. The promises (18, 26-29) 1. Ruling with authority (26-27; Ps 2) 2. Getting the Morning Star (28, 22:16)
The Danger and Remedy of Compromise Revelation 2:12-17 August 11, 2019 Rev. Chris Harper I. Life that Jesus commends (13) II. Problem that Jesus condemns (14-15) 1. Toleration of false teaching 2. Compromise of personal holiness III. Motivation that Jesus provides (12, 16-17) 1. Jesus will come (16; Heb 12:7-11) (A) “To you” (B) “Against them” 2. Hidden manna (17) 3. White stone with a new name (17)
Real Hope in the Midst of Suffering Revelation 2:8-11 August 4, 2019 Rev. Chris Harper I. Jesus tells them he knows (8-10a) 1. How he knows (8) 2. What he knows (9-10a) (A) Kinds of suffering (B) Agents of suffering II. Jesus tells them there is purpose to suffering (10; James 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:6-7; Rom 5:3-5; Gen 50:19-20; 2 Cor 4:7-18) III. Jesus tells them there is an end to suffering (10b-11) 1. Hope for now (10b) 2. Hope for the future (10b-11) 3. Call to keep going (10b-11)
Abandoning Our First Love Revelation 2:1-7 July 21, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper I. What they were doing well (2, 3, 6) 1. Hardworking (2) 2. Patiently enduring (2-3) 3. Vigilant for truth (2, 6) II. What was wrong (4, 5b) 1. What it means (4) 2. How serious was it? (5b) III. How they should respond (5a) 1. Remember 2. Repent 3. Return IV. Why they should have hope (7)
The Glory and Grace of Jesus, Revelation 1:9-20 July 14, 2019, Reverend Chris Harper I. Problem (9, chs 2-3) 1. Trouble from outside (9) 2. Trouble from inside (chs 2-3) II. Solution (10-20) 1. Look (10-20) (A) How is he described? (10-16) (B) Where was he? (13) (C) What was he doing? (16-20) 2. Listen (17-18) (A) What did he say? (17b) (B) Why no fear? (17b-18) III. Response 1. Be overwhelmed by the glory of Jesus 2. Be encouraged by the grace of Jesus (9, 17) 3. Be filled with the Word of Jesus (11, 19, 2 Tim 3:16-17) 4. Be moved to celebrate the day of Jesus (10, Mark 2:27-28)
God Has Made Us Kings and Priests, Revelation 1:4-8 July 7, 2019, Reverend Chris Harper I. How? (4-5b) 1. Through the sovereign love of the Father (4a) 2. Through the supplying love of the Holy Spirit (4b) 3. Through the saving love of the Son (5) II. What? (6-8) 1. Living as a king (6) 2. Living as a priest (6) 3. Anticipating Christ’s return (7) 4. Under God’s sovereign authority (8) III. Why? (6b)
God is in Control of History and He Wins! Revelation 1:1-3 June 23, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper I. It comes from God for us (1, 2a, 3, 22:18-19) 1. From God (1-2a) 2. For us (1a, 3, 22:18-19) II. It is meant to be understood (1a, 3b III. It is about Jesus (1-2)
What Happens When We Die 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 June 16, 2019, Reverend Chris Harper I. Reason Paul is writing (13) 1. So they are informed 2. So they would not grieve without hope II. Basis of our hope (14) III. Description of what will happen (15-17; 1 Cor 15) 1. From Jesus himself (15a) 2. Jesus will arrive (16) (A) Literally (B) Loudly (C) With souls of those who have been with him (14b) 3. Bodies will be resurrected & changed (16b; 1 Cor 15) 4. All Christians will welcome Jesus (17) IV. So what? (13, 18; 1 Cor 15:58) 1. Be encouraged (13) 2. Encourage one another (18) 3. Be ready (cf. 5:1ff) 4. Get to work (1 Cor 15:58)
Sermon Notes: Jesus Crossing Boundaries Mark 7:24-30, June 2, 2019, Reverend John Gordy The Woman Comes To Jesus In Need Jesus Challenges Her Faith The Woman's Faith Brings Real Results
Sabbath Rest, Mark 2:23-3:6 May 26, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper Genesis 2:1-3 - Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the sev-enth day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. Exodus 16:22-26 - On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers each. And when all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, 23 he said to them, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.'" 24 So they laid it aside till the morning, as Moses commanded them, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it. 25 Moses said, "Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none." Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the so-journer who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Deuteronomy 5:12-15 - "'Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant, or your ox or your donkey or any of your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. 15 You shall re-member that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. Mark 2:23-3:6 - One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his dis-ciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees were saying to him, "Look, why are they do-ing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?" 25 And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: 26 how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?" 27 And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sab-bath." 3:1 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. 2 And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man with the withered hand, "Come here." 4 And he said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sab-bath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent. 5 And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart
The Benediction, Ephesians 6:21-24, p. 979 May 19, 2019, Reverend Chris Harper I. Peace (23a; 2:14-16; 4:1-3; 6:15) II. Grace (24a; 1:11-14; 2:1-9) III. Love (23-24; 2:4; 3:17-19; 4:1-3; 4:15-16; 5:1-2) ➤ So what? (1) From “Lucky” to Beloved (2) The purpose & power of a benediction
Gospel-Centered Work, Ephesians 6:5-9 May 5, 2019, Reverend Chris Harper I. Gospel-centered workers (5-8) 1. What? 2. How? 3. Why? II. Gospel-centered bosses (9) 1. What? 2. How? 3. Why?
"I AM" Is With Us, Mark 6:45-56 April 28, 2019 Reverend John Gordy · What Happens To The Disciples? (vv.45-48 · What Is Jesus Doing While All of This Is Taking Place? (vv.45-47) · How Does Jesus Respond To His Disciples Circumstances? (vv.48-52)
If Christ Has Not Been Raised... Acts 2:22-39, April 21, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper I. Reasons to believe the resurrection 1. Jesus’ life (22) 2. God’s power (23-24) 3. Witnesses (A) Scripture (25-31, 34-35) (B) Apostles (32b) 4. Arrival of the Holy Spirit (33; cf. 2:1-13) II. Results of the resurrection 1. For Jesus (33) (A) Exalted (33a) (B) Reception of the Holy Spirit (33b) 2. For us (A) Forgiveness of sins (38) (B) Pain of death defeated (24) III. Responses to the resurrection 1. Believe (36) (A) Who? (B) What? 2. Be cut (37) 3. Be changed (38-39)
Gospel-Centered Families, Ephesians 6:1-4 April 7, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper I. Gospel-centered children (1-3) 1. Who? (1) 2. What? (1-2a) (A) Obey (B) Honor 3. Why? (1b-3) (A) Because it is right (1b) (B) Because the Bible says so (2-3) (C) Because of the gospel (1b) II. Gospel-centered parents (4) 1. Who? (4a) 2. What? (4) (A) Don’t…. (4a) (B) Do…. (4b) 3. Why? (4b) (A) Heart of the parents (B) Heart of the children
Freedom To Do What?, Galatians 5:1-15 March 31, 2019, Reverend John Gordy What Are Christians Set Free From? (vv. 1-6) Why Has The Church's Thinking Changed? (vv. 7-12) Does This Mean The Law Is Not Important for Christians? (vv. 13-15)
Gospel-Centered Marriage, Ephesians 5:21-33 March 24, 2019, Reverend Chris Harper I. Picture of marriage (25b-27; 31-32) 1. Gospel re-enactment” (25-27, 32) 2. Covenant commitment (31) II. Plan for marriage (22-31) 1. What Paul is not saying 2. Wives (22-24) (A) What (22a, 24b, 33b) (B) Why (22b-24a) 3. Husbands (25-30) (A) What (25a, 26-27, 28a, 33a) (B) Why (25b, 28-30) 4. Anchored in creation not culture (31) III. Power for thriving in marriage & singleness (21, cf 18b)
Look Carefully How You Walk Ephesians 5:15-21 Reverend Chris Harper I. Growing in wisdom (15-17) (1) Understanding the Lord’s will (17) (2) How we use our time (16) II. Being filled with the Holy Spirit (18-21) (1) Singing (19) (A) Horizontally (19a) (B) Vertically (19b) (2) Giving thanks (20) (A) When? (B) For what? (C) To whom? (D) How? (3) Submitting (21)
Being and Doing Ephesians 5:1-14, March 10, 2019 Reverend Chris Harper I. Being – what is true of them/us (8-9, 14b; 5:1-2) II. Doing – how to live as a result (3-7, 8b-14) 1. Don’t walk in the dark (3-7) (A) Physically (3) (B) Verbally (4) (C) Participating (7, 11) (D) Consequences (5-6) 2. Walk in the light (8b-14) (A) Be discerning (8b-10) (B) Be different (11-14a)
Being Imitators of God By Walking in Love Ephesians 4:25-5:2 I. What? – the principle (4:1, 17, 22, 24) 1. Walking worthy of the calling (1, 17, 5:2) 2. Which means…putting off & putting on (22, 24) II. How? – the specifics (25-32) 1. Put off falsehood…put on truth speaking (25) 2. Put off sinful anger…put on righteous anger (26-27) 3. Put off stealing…put on honest work (28) 4. Put off corrupting talk…put on speech that builds up (29-30) 5. Put off unforgiving hard-heartedness…put on tenderhearted forgiveness (31-32) III. Why? – the motivation (30, 5:1-2) 1. The work of the Trinity (30, 5:1-2) 2. The description of who we are (25, 30, 32, 5:1, 5:2)
I. Don’t live like who you used to be (17-19) 1. Wrong thinking (17b-18a) 2. Wrong living (18-19) 3. Wrong being (18b-19a) II. Do live like who you are now (22, 24) III. How you can do it (20-21, 23)
The Shepherd We Need Mark 6:30-44 Reverend John Gordy Jesus Gives the Disciples Rest Jesus Shows Mercy to the People Jesus Satisfies the People's Need
God's Roadmap For His Church Ephesians 4:1-16, Reverend Chris Harper I. Unity (1-6) 1. Pictured (1-3) (A) Manner (2) (B) Means (2-3) 2. Basis (4-6) II. Diversity (7-16) 1. Responsibility of leaders – equipping (11-14) (A) Different gifts (11) (B) To equip the saints (12a) (C) For the work of ministry (12-14) 2. Responsibility of every believer – serving (7, 15-16, 8-10) (A) Who is gifted? (7, 16; 2:10; 1 Cor 12) (B) How are they gifted? (7, 16; 1 Cor 12) (C) How needed are they? (16; 1 Cor 12) (D) How are they to use their gifts? (15-16) (E) What is their motivation? (15, 8-10)
I. What Paul wants – a passionate request (14-16) 1. What? 2. How? 3. Where? 4. When? II. Why Paul wants it – a confusing & encouraging desire (17-19) 1. Confusing 2. Encouraging A. Power to live (17, 19b) B. Power to understand & believe (18-19a) III. How we get what Paul prays (18, 20-21) 1. Humble, persistent, expectant prayer (14a, 20) 2. Wrestling with ourselves (18a) 3. Helping one another (18a) 4. Glorifying God (21)
The Mystery Revealed Pastor Chris Harper January 6, 2019 Ephesians 3:1-13 I. What the mystery is (2-7, 11b-12) II. What the mystery creates (6, 10, 12) III. How the mystery is made known (9-11) IV. What help the mystery brings us (1, 13)
The Offense and Hope of the Gospel--Mark 6:1-13 December 30, 2018 Reverend John Gordy The People Are Offended By Jesus Jesus Marvels At The People's Unbelief Jesus Sends Others Out With His Message
Hymns of Advent - Thou Who Was Rich Beyond All Splendor Philippians 2:1-11 I. What Jesus did 1. Became poor (6-8; 2 Cor 8:9; v1 2. Became man (6-7; v2) II. Why Jesus did it (4-5; 2 Cor 8:9; Eph 2:4; vv1-2-line 1) III. How we should respond 1. Worship (9-11; v3) 2. Love-filled humility (1-4)
Hymns of Advent - Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Luke 2:21-35 (pp. 857-858) I. Law-fulfilling Savior (21-24, 27; v1-line 1, v4-line1, v4-line4) 1. Circumcision (21; Gen 17:9-14) 2. Purification (22-24; Lev 12:1-4) 3. Dedication (22-23; Ex 13:1-16; Numb 18:14-16) II. Global Savior (31-32; Gal 3:27-29; v1-lines 3-4) III. Savior with consequences (33-35) 1. Soul-piercing (35) 2. No neutrality (34-35)
Hymns of Advent-Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Luke 2:13-14 I. For God’s glory (13-14a; v1-line 1) II. For peace on earth (14b; v1-line 2, vv2-3) III. For God’s people (14b; v1-lines 3-4)
Hymns of Advent-Good Christian Men, Rejoice Luke 2:1-12, December 2, 2018 Reverend Chris Harper I. Who the message came to first (8) II. How they responded (9) III. What the message was (10-11) 1. Fear not, for behold… 2. Behold what? (A) The Messiah has arrived (11, 1st verse) (B) The Messiah brings good news for God’s people (10-11, 2nd verse) (C) The Messiah is the Savior and Lord (11, 3rd verse)
Remember & Reconcile, Ephesians 2:11-22 November 25, 2018, Reverend Chris Harper I. What God is doing (19-22, 14) 1. 3 images (19-22) 2. Breaking down the wall (14) II. How God is doing it (11-18) 1. Through vertical reconciliation (16) (A) Who needs it? (16a) (B) How it’s accomplished (13b, 16b) 2. Through horizontal reconciliation (14-18) III. What that means for us 1. Remember (11-13) 2. Reconcile
A Faith That Overcomes Despair, Mark 5:21-43 Reverend John Gordy Jesus Is Our Source of Help Jesus' Compassion Does Not Discriminate Jesus Is Trustworthy When Circumstances Seem Impossible
Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude Ephesians 2:1-10 November 4, 2018 Reverend Chris Harper I. Guilt (1-3) 1. Status (1) 2. Practice (2-3a) 3. Nature (3b) II. Grace (4-9) 1. God’s motive (4-5) 2. God’s purpose (7) 3. God’s provision (5-9) III. Gratitude (10) 1. We are God’s workmanship (10a) 2. We are created to do good works (10b) 3. Good works are prepared for us to do (10c)
That You May Know...Hope., Ephesians 1:15-23 October 21, 2018 Reverend Chris Harper I. Position (18b) 1. Whose inheritance? 2. What is the inheritance? ◊ Do we live life in light of this hope? II. Power (19-21) 1. Whose power? (19) 2. What kind of power? (19-21) 3. What is the goal of the power? (19) ◊ Do we live life in light of this hope? III. Perspective (22-23) 1. Who is the “fullness” of Jesus? 2. What does that mean? ◊ Do we live life in light of this hope?
To the Praise of the Holy Spirit's Glorious Grace Ephesians 1:11-14 October 14, 2018 Reverend Chris Harper I. We are an inheritance (11-12) (1) Where is that in this text? (11a, 14) (2) How do we know it can’t be lost? (A) Anchored in his plan (11b) (B) Secured by his power (11c) (C) Designed for his praise (12) II. We have an inheritance (13-14) (1) What is it? (cf. 1:3-10) (2) How do we know it can’t be lost? (A) God has always been faithful to his people (12a, 13a) (B) We have been sealed (13b) (C) We have God’s earnest money (14) So what? (1) We have certainty that leads to hope that leads to peace (2 Cor 4:7-9, 16-18; Eph 1:18; WCF 18.2) (2) We must live to the praise of God’s glory and grace (Eph 1:6, 12, 14; 1 Pet 2:9-12)
To the Praise of the Son's Glorious Grace Ephesians 1:7-10, p. 976 October 7, 2018 Reverend Chris Harper I. The redemption of us (7-8) 1. What is it? (7a) 2. How is it achieved? (7a) 3. How is it earned? (7b-8) ● So what? II. The redemption of all things (9-10) 1. What does God make known to us? (9a) 2. What is God’s plan based on? (9b-10a) 3. What is the plan? (10; Rom 8:19-23) ● So what?
Comfort In The Midst of Life's Storms, Mark 4:35-41 September 23, 2018, Reverend John Gordy · Jesus Is Present In Our Troubles · Jesus Has The Power To Quiet Our Troubles · So Why Are We Still Afraid?
To the Praise of the Father's Glorious Grace, Ephesians 1:3-6 September 16, 2018, Reverend Chris Harper I. God has blessed us in Christ by blessing us with every spiritual blessing (3b-5a) 1. Which means? 2. Such as? (A) Chosen before foundation of the world (4a-5a; Eph 2:4) (B) Adopted (5a) II. God has blessed us in Christ by making us to be what we were designed to be (4b) 1. Blameless 2. Holy (cf. 1:1, Rom 5:17-21) 3. Definitively and progressively III. God has blessed us in Christ by lavishing his grace on us (5b-6) 1. Good pleasure of his will (5b; Eph 2:4) 2. His glorious grace (6) So what? 1. We live with profound, humble praise and gratitude 2. We live without being destroyed by shame and guilt 3. We live with a deep sense of security and assurance
The Indicative Leads to the Imperative, Ephesians 1:1-2 Reverend Chris Harper I. Who? (1) 1. Saints 2. Faithful II. Where? (1b) 1. In Ephesus 2. In Christ Jesus III. What? (2) 1. Grace 2. Peace
The Seven Deadly Sins - The Final Verdict Against Our Deadly Sins Exodus 17:1-7 August 26, 2018 Reverend Chris Harper I. The accusation (1-4, 7) II. The trial (5-6a) III. The judgment (6; 1 Cor 10:1-4) IV. So what? 1. Grace greater than our deadly sins 2. God with us in the “desert”
The Seven Deadly Sins-Lust, Genesis 39, p. 33 August 19, 2018, Reverend Chris Harper I. How lust begins (7; Prov 6:24-28) II. How lust develops (7, 10-18) 1. Contemplation leads to pursuit (7) 2. Pursuit leads to persistence (10-11) 3. Persistence leads to planning (11) 4. Planning leads to deception (13-18) III. How lust can be leaned against (8-12, 21-23) 1. Saying “no” & fleeing (8, 12) 2. Remembering God’s intention (9) 3. Being satisfied with the presence & steadfast love of our Father in heaven (21-23) 4. Being wise (Prov 7:6-9, 7:24-27)
The Seven Deadly Sins-Gluttony Joshua 7, pp. 182-83, August 12, 2018 Reverend Chris Harper Introduction · Definition of gluttony · Story of Achan I. Power of gluttony (cf. Joshua 6:15-18) II. Process of gluttony (7:21) 1. I saw (21a) 2. I coveted (21b) 3. I took (21c) III. Leaning against our gluttony 1. Watch what we gaze upon 2. Desire the more beautiful thing (cf. Heb 12:1-2; Ps. 90:14) 3. Repent (7:20-21) 4. Remember there is always hope (7:24-26; cf. Hosea 2:14-15)
The Seven Deadly Sins-Greed, Matthew 19:16-30 August 5, 2018, Reverend Chris Harper I. The story (19:16-30; cf. Mk 10:17-31) II. The heart of the problem (22-25) III. The solution (Matt 6:19-24; 19:29-30; 2 Cor 8:9) IV. The result 1. We will live prepared/willing to give up everything to follow Jesus 2. We will live radically generous lives 3. We will realize God doesn’t need anything from us (19:22-23) 4. We will understand God requires more of us than just believing Jesus is good and living a good life
Help For the Journey, Psalm 121, pp. 516-17 July 29, 2018, Reverend John Gordy Helper That Is Dependable Helper That Protects Helper That Is Enduring