Lessons of Liberty: Recent Episodes
Liberty Baptist Church
Lessons of Liberty is a feed of sermons preached in the Sunday morning pulpit of Liberty Baptist Church of Eden Prairie, MN where we believe that the lessons of Scripture provide Liberty for the captive soul. Primary speakers include Pastors Rory Martin and Nate Wagner as well as occasional guest speakers and our sent missionary and pastor Seth Grotzke. Usually updated weekly by Wednesday.
Fear is informed by what we know and can be addressed by who or what we trust. We all fear various things and to different degrees. When the disciples faced a perilous storm in Luke 8, their faith was tested like never before. Pastor Nate explains how the reality of Jesus's presence dispels our fear while His power strengthens our faith.
What kind of soil and what kind of sower are you? Pastor Seth explains from Jesus's parable in Luke 8 why the proclaimer and the listener can and must hold tightly to the Word of God.
What are we to do when our sin is an overwhelming burden? Pastor Rory explains God's forgiveness through Christ from Luke 7:36-50. He encourages us to avoid a self-righteous denial of our sin but rather to trust God's forgiveness through Christ.
Where can we turn when doubts arise? Pastor Nate tells the story of John the Baptist from Luke 7:18-35 to point us to the only One who can answer our doubts and strengthen our faith, Christ! NOTE: Due to technical difficulties the audio quality on this video struggles. We apologize for the inconvenience.
What does it take to impress Jesus with your faith? Pastor Nate points us to the example of the centurion in Luke 7:1-17 who saw himself as unworthy of Jesus's attention and compassion, but believed in His power to heal and save.
The Christian life is much more than a list of rules or ethical living. When you read Jesus's Sermon on the Mount in Luke 6, the life of a disciple comes into better view. Pastor Nate helps us understand what that looks like in light of the coming Kingdom and the rich blessings God has in store for the faithful.
Genuine change can be difficult to realize, but it's possible through Jesus. Pastor Nate explains from Luke 6:1-19 how Jesus's lordship is our only hope for lasting change.
How do we fight self-righteousness in our lives? Pastor Nate explains from Luke 5:27-39 how Jesus's interactions with Levi the tax collector and the Pharisees teaches us to avoid self-righteousness and pursue repentance from sin.
Jesus is holy. But how does His holiness affect us in our everyday lives? Pastor Rory explains from Luke 5:12-26 how Jesus's holiness impacts our justification and forgiveness, our transformation, and our witness to the world around us.
We are regularly tempted to make ourselves lord; to doubt God and take control of our own lives. So who is the Lord of your life? Pastor Rory explains how Jesus's call on Peter's life in Luke 5:1-11 reveals the right that Jesus has to be Lord over all of our lives and the motivation to submit ourselves to the One who gave Himself for us.
[NOTE: Technical issues resulted in poor audio quality] Many Christians fail to speak about Jesus even though He is incredible in His power to save and transform lives. Pastor Rory explains from Luke 4:31-44 how Jesus's ministry in Capernaum shows how amazing Jesus is in the work that He does.
The reality of Christ's return and the Day of the Lord is not a doctrine that exists in a vacuum; it matters to our daily lives. Dr. Sam De, one of our global partners, explains from 2 Peter 3:10-18 that the Day of the Lord should change our conduct, increase our witness, and steady our faith.
[NOTE: Technical issues resulted in poor audio quality] What does Christian ministry look like? Pastor Nate explains from Luke 4:14-30 that Jesus's ministry provides a template, not just for pastors, but for all believers who should follow His example in ministry.
Temptation is something we all experience. Trying to discern and respond rightly to Satan's lies can be overwhelming and devastating if we aren't combating them with truth and reliance on the Spirit. Hear Pastor Nate explain from Luke chapter 4 how Christ's example provides us our only hope for victory.
What can we learn from a list of names in a genealogy? Pastor Nate explains how the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:23-38 further strengthens our hope in Christ by reminding us of how Jesus overcomes sin, blesses the nations, and rules as king.
How should we respond in a world that produces fear and doubt? Pastor Nate explains from Luke 3:15-22 how the baptism of Jesus calms our fears and energizes our faith so that we might hope in Him regardless of our circumstances.
John spoke for God to Israel to prepare the way for Jesus to come. What was his message? Pastor Rory explains from Luke 3:1-14 that John's message, that all men are sinners deserving destruction and that they must repent and believe to be saved, is still relevant today.
God's grace is often misunderstood and or underestimated. By looking at the early life of Jesus, you will see how God's grace sets Him apart in a significant way that also relates to us. Hear Pastor Rory explain from Luke 2:39-52 how God's grace impacts our lives for His glory and our growth.
Our world longs for lasting joy and satisfaction, but the arrival of Jesus provides the only answer. Consider the life of Simeon and Anna and how they were able to rejoice in life and death. Pastor Nate explains from Luke 2 that our happiness can only be found in Christ alone.
The unfolding events of the birth of Christ demonstrate one of the greatest acts of God's faithfulness the world has ever seen. Hear Pastor Nate explain how the miraculous incarnation of Jesus should in turn stimulate the greatest sense of joy the world can ever know.
We like to trust in what we see, but God shows Zechariah how trusting in the unseen, namely His sovereign plan, will bring lasting joy. Hear pastor Nate explain three reasons why God can be trusted and your joy can be full.
The praise of God should mark the life of every believer. Yet, we may struggle to find occasion to praise God because we fail to trust Him and regularly depend upon His grace. Hear pastor Nate explain from Mary's Magnificat why grace should motivate our faith to joyful praise.
Sometimes fear feels so strong that it might take over our lives. How should we respond to overwhelming fear? Pastor Nate explains from Luke 1:26-38 that looking to God's sovereignty can transform our fears into the kind of obedient faith that Mary modeled when Gabriel announced Jesus's birth.
How should we respond when we start doubt God and His work? Pastor Rory explains from Luke 1:1-25 and the story of Zechariah that only the promises of God can crush the doubt that challenge our faith in Christ.
Pentecost is the birthday of the church, God's chosen means of working in the world today. We must understand the purpose of the church and what it accomplishes in our lives. Pastor Rory explains from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 how the church contributes to our complete sanctification.
Doubts and fears arise when hope falters in the face of unbelief. Pastor Rory shows us from Hebrews 11:32-40 how God's grace provides the means and confidence to keep believing and hoping in God. Despite the failures of the Judges named in Hebrews 11, God helped their unbelief when it mattered most.
Why is Judges in the Bible? The stories range from the amazing to the absurd, from the encouraging to the sordid, and as we read them, we ask ourselves why these stories. Pastor Rory sets Judges in the context of Scripture and explains what it contributes to the story as a whole in this Biblical theology of Judges.
When all seems lost and failure overwhelms you, remember God's purposes are still being accomplished. Consider how the concluding chapter of Judges points to this hopeful end as Pastor Rory emphasizes the faithful goodness of God.
Judges 19-20 is a difficult passage to read and ponder. Why did God include such a passage, retelling these events from Israel's history? Pastor Rory explains that Judges 19-20 reminds us of the shocking horror of sin, while also reminding us of the shocking awe of grace in the gospel that can save from such destruction.
When God is forgotten or rejected, man simply does what is right in his own eyes. The results of such a choice will always prove devastating. The book of Judges concludes with some stark warnings for all of us. Hear from Pastor Nate as he reveals the lessons from Micah and a false priest in Judges 17 & 18, and the warning signs that are meant to call us back into a humble state of submission to God.
The end of Samson's life is a mirror of our own. Pastor Rory preaches from Judges 16 to offer Samson as a warning to our own unfaithfulness and to extol the goodness of God even when we are unfaithful.
The importance of the resurrection of Jesus cannot be overstated. Without it, there is no hope. Without it, there is no everlasting life. Without it, Jesus is not who he said he was. Pastor Rory explains from 1 Corinthians 15 how the resurrection event impacts our lives on a daily basis.
What's the point of Palm Sunday? Pastor Rory explains from Psalm 118 that Palm Sunday gives us confidence that God will keep His promises. God's lovingkindness is everlasting, and He proves it by working for and defending us and His Word.
Samson had such a promising start with a miraculous appearance of God to his parents and promise that he would deliver Israel. But his life didn't live up to its promising start. Pastor Nate explains from Judges 14-15 how Samson's selfish unfaithfulness still didn't derail the faithfulness of God to His people.
What happens when we do what is right in our own eyes? Learn from the story of Jephthah as Pastor Rory explains from Judges 10-12 that God's wisdom must guide our choices and way of life.
The pride of life is destructive to ourselves and our relationships. Pastor Nate explains how we see the destructiveness of pride and its awful consequences in the story of Abimelech from Judges 8:28-9:57
Dr. Jeff Newman speaks at Bible Conference 2024 about the importance of communication to healthy relationships. Through the power of the Spirit we can speak words that reflect the wisdom of God and foster strong relationships.
Dr. Jeff Newman speaks at Bible Conference 2024 about how conflicts threaten relationships. The source of conflicts are the things that we want that conflict with the things that others want. But when we can draw near to God and seek His glory, we can set aside conflict as we all desire the same thing.
Dr. Jeff Newman speaks at Bible Conference 2024 on how trials of life often strain our relationships. We need to see how God's purpose in trials matches His purpose for relationships, and how the goal of glorifying God can forge our relationships through trials rather than having them destroyed.
Dr. Jeff Newman speaks at Bible Conference 2024 on the importance of seeing the goal of our relationships in relation to the glory of God instead of living for ourselves.
Dr. Jeff Newman speaks at Bible Conference 2024 on the foundation of edifying relationships being the gospel which saves us and transforms us. Edifying relationships are for our spiritual growth and maturity, and we will only find success in our relationships when we yield to that purpose.
Gideon's "battle" against Midian wasn't much of a battle for him; instead, it was God's strength that won the victory. Pastor Rory explains from Judges 6:36-7:25 how Gideon's story reminds us that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.
It's easy to forget that God is the One Who makes us what we are. We are all tempted to forget that it is God's power that saves us and to start thinking that we are bit more important than we really are. Pastor Rory explains from Judges 8:1-27 how Gideon's story provides us a humbling reminder of who really deserves the glory.
How does the presence of God with us change us? Pastor Nate explains from Judges 6:1-35 and the beginning of Gideon's story how God's presence works to transform us from doubters to at least more boldness.
God demonstrates His power in Judges 4 despite evil's oppression, despite man's might, and despite the passive obedience of his people. Pastor Rory explains from the story of Barak and Sisera how our faith can rest in the power of God to save and sanctify regardless of how grim and hopeless life may seem.
God truly works in mysterious ways. The story of Ehud is no exception. Pastor Rory explains from Judges 3 how God's will is often accomplished by the most unexpected people in the most unexpected ways. He does not work according to human convention but in ways that require faith.
The short account of Othniel is unique in the book of Judges with no drama, no character, development, etc. Pastor Nate explains from Judges 3:7-11 that this important narrative defines Israel's destructive cycle more clearly and makes the hope of deliverance more powerful.
Why is it so important that we recognize Jesus as the God-Man? Pastor Rory explains how Isaiah 9:6-7 emphasizes that Jesus is the God-Man, and how the Scriptures make this truth a necessity for our salvation.
The world attempts to disregard God as the source of peace by questioning His goodness and offering fake alternatives. Pastor Rory explains from Isaiah 5:5 and Psalm 4 that Jesus is the means by which God brings His genuine lasting peace into the world.
Christianity is often construed as restrictive or confining. But what God provided through the incarnation is nothing short of ultimate freedom for all who would accept His Messiah. Pastor Rory explains how Isaiah 9:4 and Psalm 102 underscore the reality that God is with us now accomplishing our continued deliverance by conforming us into the image of His Son through His Spirit.
If God promised that His Messiah would bring joy, but the Old Testament says that joy comes from God, that means that Jesus is God. Pastor Rory explains how Isaiah 9:3 and Psalm 16 describe the joy that God and His Messiah give. Do you know joy?
We all prove that we are guilty of sin and rebellion, and that means we deserve the lake of fire. Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 20:7-15 that through the cross of Jesus sinners can be declared righteous and welcomed into fellowship with God away from the lake of fire. Will you believe today?
The reality of a future resurrection changes everything. Hear Pastor Rory explain from Revelation 20 how the good news of the resurrection confronts your fears and powerfully impacts your life for today.
How does the second coming impact the way we live? Pastor Nate explains the second coming from Revelation 19:11-21 and helps us see the life-changing reality that it ought to be.
How should we respond when the world and things of the world try to steal our worship from God. Pastor Nate explains from Revelation 19:1-6 that the character of God and His great deeds demand our worship and place it where it belongs.
What are we supposed to do when life proves difficult and we want to give up? Dr. Preston Mayes explains from 1 Peter 1:13-21 that the gospel of Jesus gives us hope no matter how bad things get. We can keep hope in Christ.
The fall of Babylon is not merely about the city's demise, but it's also about the victory of God in judgment upon the world's system. Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 18 how God's judgment diminishes the lures of the world.
The world is trying to lure us to join it in grasping goods and giving-up God, but the demise of Babylon inspires us to holiness. Pastor Rory explains how the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18 reminds followers of Jesus to be set apart from the world.
With all the fear and doubt swirling around today, consider Revelation 17 and Pastor Rory calling you to rest in the purposes and promises that God is actively and sovereignly accomplishing.
What in the world is going on in Revelation 17? Pastor Rory explains what can be explained in the chapter as we gain assurance that God's purposes are good, and we can find satisfaction in Him.
What is the proper response to God's wrath? Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 16 how the revelation and resolution of God's wrath should move us to repentance from sin rather than anger at God.
How should the reality of God's just judgment impact our worship? Pastor Nate explains from Revelation 15 that the justice of God stimulates joyful worship. Although justice might seem scary, when justice is meted out in perfect fairness, it produces joy in all who see it.
God does not give up on humanity. But there is coming a day when His holy wrath will be poured out in complete justice and righteousness. Hear Pastor Nate explain from Revelation 14:6-20 how the triumphant Lamb conquers evil opposition while still extending mercy to those who will believe.
Knowing that Jesus triumphs over evil should change the way you live. Pastor Nate looks at three ways Jesus demonstrates His victory in Revelation 14 and how this impacts us today.
The Triunity of the one true God is essential to His character and thus essential to Christianity. On Trinity Sunday 2023, Pastor Rory explained from John 14:16-31 how we can join the fellowship of the Trinity and how that changes our lives.
How does the church survive in a world that operates with an individualist mindset? Pastor Rory explains from Ephesians 4 how church growth begins by embracing Christ’s call for unity and discipleship. Consider your part in the building up of the church by focusing on the gospel and the spiritual growth of each other.
Satan's counterfeits attempt to imitate God's work in the world and promises that God makes to people. Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 13:1-18 that the only way to escape Satan's deception is to persevere in wisdom and faith.
We often spend our ministry looking for satisfaction in large crowds, big buildings, and fancy programs. Guest preacher Edward Mwanisa from CABU in Zambia explains from 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5 that we should find our ministry fulfillment in the mission of the church, making disciples.
Satan is all about creating counterfeits in our world. He does this to confuse us and draw us away from the truth. Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 13:1-18 how the truths about God counteract the lies of Satan and establish our perseverance in faith and wisdom.
It’s difficult to see how God is working behind the pages of history to accomplish His good plan while we experience times of suffering. Revelation 12 forces us to slow down and take note of God’s kindness even when life is painful and confusing. Pastor Rory helps explain how we can deepen our faith in God regardless of what affliction we may experience.
The afflictions of life are often overwhelming, and they lead us to question if God cares. Pastor Rory explains that comfort we find in Revelation 12 and the allegory of the Woman, the Dragon, and the Child. God see and He cares about the affliction of His people.
Have you stopped to consider how fear and faithlessness end up denying God the worship He deserves? The reason we fail to worship God as we ought is due in large part to our deficient view of Him. Pastor Rory demonstrates from Revelation 11:15-19 how God's attributes should change the way we live and think.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely a historical reality. Pastor Nate explains from 1 Peter 1:3-9 that the hope of the resurrection must and will change our lives. It changes our attitude and our worship by grounding them in hope!
Sometimes it feels counterintuitive to live a life of faith when everything is falling apart. And yet, the fact that Jesus is King should change that mindset. Pastor Rory explains from Luke 19 how God brings peace and praise into our lives when we trust His wise and good plan.
How should we look at life and the world when it seems that God is losing? Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 11:1-14 that we should not lose hope, but trust in God to flip the script. He does this in His work in the world and in our lives.
Nothing will delay or prevent God's perfect plan. His redemptive purposes will come to fruition as He administrates justice and extends mercy. Hear Pastor Nate explain how God accomplishes all of this through His sovereign saving will.
Are you harden your heart or turning in repentance? Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 9:13-21 that when we see God working in our world and in our lives, we ought to be quick to turn from sin and turn to God. God is always working to help us hate sin.
Sometimes it’s difficult to reconcile the evil in our world with the existence of a good and loving God. Revelation 9 describes a dark and chaotic time that may cause one to question the presence of God. Listen to Pastor Rory explain how God still demonstrates His control and works His wise plan despite the existence of evil and the future chaos to come.
What should we believe about God when we feel the world He created is unregulated? Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 8 that the reality of God's work in the world is independent of our feelings. Both God's hearing prayer and executing His wrath prove that He is near to accomplish His purpose.
Dr. Williams presents the beautiful mystery of God’s triunity while setting out to show how the concept of Trinity is not a “part of God,” it is God. In so doing, erroneous beliefs are addressed, how to rightly think about the tensions of the Trinity is considered, and how God’s transcendence and immutability factor into all this is discussed.
Dr. Williams speaks to the sovereignty of God and how it relates to our salvation. It is easy to think of God as sovereign when we experience blessings, but what about when we face hardships? See how God defends and demonstrates His absolute sovereignty in Isaiah 45.
Dr. Williams demonstrates from Psalm 124 that God’s transcendence is key to understanding God’s worth. But how can we “ascend the mountain of the Lord or stand in His holy place?” Dr. Williams helps us see the connection between the imminent and the transcendence—how finite man can worship God in faith.
Dr. Williams answers the question, “If God is unchanging, what then is His relationship to time?” In this session, common misconceptions about eternity are refuted while the mystery of eternity is more fully embraced. Stand in awe of the eternality of God as it impacts all that you know about God and how you worship Him.
Dr. Williams continues to address the problems that arise from over-emphasizing God's imminence. In this session, we will see a variety of errors that occur when we fail to rightly think about God's "otherness." A return to “Classical Theism” begins by first understanding God’s immutability. How God relates to His creation, the Incarnation, the mutability of creation, and the decrees of God all evidence His unchanging attributes.
Dr. Brett Williams begins this year’s Bible conference with an exploration into God’s unfathomable “otherness”—His transcendence. So often we think and speak of God in oversimplified, man-related ways that result in a lessening of the mysterious transcendence of God and a flawed view of worship.
How should we process life when God doesn't answer prayer? Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 8:1-13 that God is near to His people when they pray and He hears even when they aren't answered as we wish.
God's sovereign care of his people culminates at the day of redemption. Hear from Pastor Nate as he concludes Revelation 7 with an examination of how God preserves and rewards his own.
What is the plight of God's people as the Tribulation starts and continues? Pastor Nate explains from Revelation 7:1-17 that God is committed to the sovereignly care for and protect His people. For this He deserves praise!
Pastor Rory continues his two-part sermon in Revelation 6, explaining the significance of God’s wrath and how it ought to instill a sobering fear while also a sense of rest.
What should we know about God's wrath? Pastor Rory explains the details of God's wrath outlined in Revelation 6:1-17. They offer a call to repentance from sin and compassion toward our fellow sinners.
Jesus's appearance in the throne room of God as the slaughtered Lamb deepens our trust in God and His promises. Pastor Rory explains how Revelation 5:1-14 puts a stop to our worrying and motivates our worship.
Have you considered the importance of light? The incarnation sheds new meaning on light's life-sustaining qualities. Pastor Rory explains from John 1 how Jesus takes on flesh to illumine God to humanity, leaving man an unavoidable decision.
When we look around at our world, we are tempted to worry and fear, even that God's plan might fail. Pastor Rory begins explaining how when we realize Jesus's worth in Revelation 5 we will stop worrying and start worshipping.
John's vision of the throne room of God should never cease to amaze you. Consider Revelation 4:6-11 in light of your current view of God and how you worship the eternal, sovereign God of the universe. Pastor Nate concludes this 2 part sermon with an explanation of how John's experience should change our perspective.
To see God's throne room would blow the minds of most people. The apostle John gives us a glimpse of God's throne room and reminds us who is enthroned and who gets the worship. Pastor Nate begins explaining the scene and its significance from Revelation 4:1-11.
Complacency is a relationship killer. When pride and self-confidence govern our hearts, we have little need for Christ. Santi Guarnazo, our intern from Spain, explains from Revelation 3 how critical a healthy relationship with Christ is to the church and what that looks like.
Authorities of this world will inevitably let us down, but Jesus is a trustworthy authority. Pastor Rory explains Revelation 3:7-13 how Jesus as the Key of David motivates a strong, secure, and sure trust in Him no matter the circumstances.
True sustainability is only possible through faith in Christ and belief in the Word of God. Hear Pastor Rory explain from Revelation 3:1-6 how we can hold fast to Christ because He is holding on to us.
When we tolerate sin in our lives, we leave ourselves open to having our faith destroyed. Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 2:18-29 how Jesus as the divine omniscient ruler should turn our gaze away from our flesh and fix it on Jesus the object of our faith.
Jesus is the source what is true, and this highlights our need to resist error and cling to truth. Pastor Nate explains from Revelation 2:12-17 how the church of Pergamum offers us both an example and a warning in this regard.
Jesus's everlasting life fuels lives without fear. But it is hard not to fear, especially with everything that is happening and everything that could happen in our world. Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 2:8-11 that what we believe about the living Christ is essential to eliminating fear.
We all know we should love God and Christ, but it's articulating just what that looks like can be hard. Pastor Rory explains from Revelation 2:1-7 how Jesus's love motivates ours and what our love should look like.
When John saw Jesus; He saw the one and only God-man. Pastor Rory explains how Jesus displayed His deity and His care to John and the church in Revelation 1:9-20.
In order to believe prophecy, we must first know the character of the God who prophesies. Pastor Rory explains that Revelation 1:1-8 introduces us to the infinite character of God who reveals the future.
How does Proverbs fit into the storyline of Scripture? Pastor Rory draws from our study in Proverbs 1-9 to emphasize how Proverbs encourages us to trust and submit to God's infinitely wise plan and purpose for the world.
Wisdom and Folly each vie for our attention and commitment; who will you follow? Pastor Nate explains the benefits of choosing wisdom and consequences of choosing folly in this sermon from Proverbs 9.
Your friendships say a lot about your character. They will either hinder you or help you in your walk of life. Pastor Rory explains from Proverbs 8 the benefits of befriending Wisdom instead of folly.
Responding rightly to wisdom will change our affections increasing our desire for more wisdom. Pastor Nate explains from Proverbs 8:1-11 how listening to wisdom will rightly order our affections to choose what is best and avoid the quagmire of a love for the world.
Wisdom as a companion helps us respond rightly to the circumstances of life. In this second sermon from Proverbs 6 Pastor Rory explains how wisdom helps us with meeting our potential and managing our passions.
The walk of life will be lonely and hopeless apart from Wisdom’s faithful companionship. Pastor Rory explains from Proverbs 6 how obtaining wisdom is not automatic. It requires a special kind of attitude that involves a high view of God and a right view of our sin.
Immorality leads to an inevitable and devastating end. Pastor Rory preaches from Proverbs 5 to emphasize how we avoid this end and the impact that the gospel has on changing our hearts in this important matter.
[AUDIO ONLY] To obtain wisdom is one thing, but to guard wisdom against your own pride and worldly allurements is another challenge altogether. Hear Pastor Nate explain from Proverbs 4:10-19 how godly wisdom must be protected if we are to successfully walk the right path while avoiding the path of destruction.
Parenting is hard work; it becomes even harder when your child rejects your instruction. Proverbs 4:1-9 provides encouragement to fathers to be faithful in their teaching and leadership, but also directives for the youth and their need to rightly respond. Hear Pastor Nate explain how wisdom must be our primary pursuit and why it's so necessary for life.
Wisdom blesses those who find it, and the greatest blessing is transformation. Pastor Rory explains from Proverbs 3:27-25 that when we find wisdom from God, it will make us magnanimous and content in our interactions with God and others.
What is the connection between knowing God’s word and trusting God? Pastor Rory explores the blessings of wisdom from Proverbs 3.
What if church isn't about you? Pastor Rory's Pentecost sermon explains from Hebrews 11:19-25 that part of being a Christian is to consider one another, specifically how to provoke each other to grow in love and good works. We do that only by being together and encouraging each other when we are.
Warnings provide an opportunity to do the right thing. At the end of Proverbs 1 there is an opportunity for life and hope to all who will listen and respond to the call of Wisdom. Hear from Pastor Rory as he explains the critical implications of this warning and the rightful response for us today.
What is the opposite of wisdom? The proverbs explain that sin is antithetical wisdom, so when we are enticed by sin or sinners we enticed away from wisdom. Pastor Rory explains from Proverbs 1:8-19 that the antidote to enticing sin is listening to the right people, loving the right things, and living for the right purpose.
Where do we seek for wisdom? How are we to find it? Pastor Rory explains that the introductory sentence of Proverbs points us to God for wisdom. Wisdom comes to those hear and fear the Lord.
Ephesians has an important part in the storyline of the Bible. From the moment of humanity's creation through the fall and all the way to the restoration of all things, God is working to give us an identity that isn't based in our world or in ourselves, but in His transcendence and truth. Pastor Rory places Ephesians in the Biblical narrative and points us toward the importance of identity in Christ in this biblical theological sermon to wrap up Ephesians.
Easter is important because it sets the foundation for how we can all be changed. Pastor Rory explains how Jesus's sacrificial death and bodily resurrection ensure our justification and transformation from Isaiah 53.
The Triumphal Entry of Jesus is, in large part, a testimony of God's covenant faithfulness. Like the crowd that day, it's easy to get wrapped up in the exciting drama and details of that grand event. But let's not miss the bigger picture of Palm Sunday. Hear from Pastor Rory as he explains from Isaiah 62 how God's faithfulness sustains our trust.
In the final of this three part sermon on perseverance, Pastor speaks on the importance of prayer and boldness and teamwork from Ephesians 6:10-24 and the final series on specific texts in Ephesians.
One of the most significant helps that God has provided for us to stand firm is giving us His armor in our spiritual battle. Pastor explains the significance of the armor and how it helps us to persevere in this the second message from Ephesians 6:10-24.
In Ephesians 6:14, Paul commands the Ephesians to stand so they can walk worthy. Pastor Rory explains what this means and how we do it, in the first of the three part sermon from Ephesians 6:10-24.
Does Paul endorse slavery? Do the Scriptures endorse slavery? Who's really in charge? Pastor Rory answers these questions as he encourages us to follow the counter-cultural teaching of Scripture from Ephesians 6:5-9.
Family life is difficult. Pastor Rory explains that when the Spirit of God controls us, we are able to see the kind of transformation that allows us to walk worthy of our calling even in the midst of complicated family relationships whether in our homes or the church.
Dr. Doug Bookman explains the significance of Jesus's statements on the cross and the events that followed His death including Sunday's resurrection.
Dr. Doug Bookman explains from Scripture why he thinks that Pontius Pilate was not a weak compromiser, but a man of strong convictions who became a believer through the events of Good Friday. Pilate was not the reason Jesus went to the cross as much as it was Israel's rebellion and refusal to accept Jesus as the Christ.
Dr. Doug Bookman explains how Jesus's wisdom protected Him from being betrayed sooner than He wanted. Jesus orchestrated the events of the passion week to allow for the last supper and a time to prepare both His disciples and Himself for Friday and what followed.
Dr. Doug Bookman answers the question, "Given Sunday, why Friday?" In doing so he explains the significance of Palm Sunday and of the events of Monday and Tuesday and how they contributed to Christ's crucifixion on Friday.
Why is the passion week so important? What information is necessary to understand and interpret the passion week correctly? What events led up to the passion week? Dr. Doug Bookman answers these questions and others in the first session of our 2022 Bible Conference.
What is love? Our culture defines it in ways that are selfish and lustful, but the Word of God describes it as self-sacrificing. Pastor Rory discusses love from Ephesians 5:25-33 and how it demands commitment and integrity.
Love is more than an emotional response or feeling. The Apostle Paul makes this clear as he addresses the role of the husband in Ephesians 5:25-33. Hear Pastor Rory explain what the practical outworkings of our relationship in Christ look like within the home.
What are the truths that we need to know to keep ourselves from drifting back into our former way of life? Our missionary to Uruguay Paul Harmon explains these important truths from Hebrews 13:7-14
What does wisdom look like? Pastor Rory follows Paul's thought flow in Ephesians 5:15-21 to connect a wise walk with the control of the Holy Spirit which results in efficient, singing, thankful, and submissive Christians.
Scripture is clear that wise living is a distinguishing mark of the believer. The Apostle Paul makes this point by outlining in practical terms what this looks like for living in a world characterized by folly. Hear Pastor Nate explain from Ephesians 5:15-21 how wisdom must drive the choices we make today.
The impact of Christian holiness is significant. Not only does it disclose the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but it also shines the light of Christ. Pastor Rory explains how Paul emphasizes these realities in Ephesians 5:6-14.
Holiness is an important part of what it means to be a Christian. Pastor Rory explains from Ephesians 5:6-14 how holiness demands a careful examination of the culture's deception and the development of integrity that contrasts the world's immorality.
We might be tempted to think that God only worked powerfully in the days of the Bible, but Simeon's song assures us that God is working now! Pastor Rory explains in this sermon on Luke 2:25-35.
The song of the Angels resinate through the narrative of the incarnation, proclaiming the glory of God and the peace He provides in Christ. Hear Pastor Rory explain the content of this song and how it compels us to live for the glory of God.
Zechariah's song heightens our anticipation of the Messiah's coming by emphasizing His justice and His salvation. Pastor Rory explains how God's promises guarantee our deliverance from enemies and evil from Luke 1:67-79.
The songs of the Savior began centuries before His birth. Pastor Rory explains how Psalm 98 emphasizes the anticipatory worship that hopes in the salvation and judgment that the Messiah would bring when He came.
The imitation of God means living in sacrificial love and rejecting discontented immorality and worldliness. Pastor Nate explains how Paul ties these ideas together in Ephesians 5:1-5.
The apostle Paul takes the time to address the practical necessities of genuine Christian living while closing out his fourth chapter to the Ephesians. Hear Pastor Rory explain how grace and kindness ought to permeate our transformed lives.
Believers in Jesus will suffer, but we must not sin in our suffering. When we don't our lives won't add up in the world's eyes, but it will provide an opportunity to explain how Christ added to the conversation reconciles things. This thoughtful exposition of 1 Peter 3:8-18 by one of our supported workers explains how.
Dr. Bud Steadman explains how Jesus overcame various difficulties in His ministry to the Samaritan woman and challenges us to follow His example in our own ministry to unbelievers.
Gospel transformation is evidenced in a believer when the virtues of Christian living begin to work themselves out. At the end of Ephesian 4, the Apostle Paul practically outlines what transformed living should look like in the real world. Pastor Nate seeks to unpack these virtues that are consistent with genuine transformation.
Believers in Jesus aren't transformed because we have to be; we are transformed because the gospel has transforms us. Pastor Rory explains the foundation indicative of our transformation from Ephesians 4:17-24.
What does it mean to be a saint? In Paul's farewell to the Philippians, the Apostle provides insight into how a genuine believer is expected to live. Hear from Pastor Nate unpack the significance of this short, commonly overlooked text at the end of Paul's Epistle.
What is the purpose of a church, and what is church growth? Pastor Rory explains from Ephesians 4:11-16 that the biblical church growth is spiritual growth and that the purpose of the church is to build itself up in love.
The success of a church depends on the right kind of growth. In order for a church to succeed as God intends, it must function according to certain demands laid out in Scripture. Hear Pastor Nate explain from Ephesians 4:11-13 how the church can achieve unified growth as it's members mature in Christ.
Pastor Rory explains from Ephesians 4:7-11 that one of the ways that God unifies the church is through our diversity. He gifts each one of us differently in Christ in order to contribute what we can to the body, and Christ's victory guarantees that this diversity will create more unity.
What does it look like for the body of Christ to live in unity? Found in the opening paragraph of Ephesians chapter 4, the Apostle Paul begins to supply practical instruction for the church. Hear from Pastor Rory expound the components of unity necessary for looking like Jesus.
God is a glorious God, and He deserves our worship. This is accomplished through our dependence on Him and our growth in the church. Pastor Rory explains these realities from Ephesians 3:20-21.
The Christian life is not just experience. There are certainly realities that are objectively true that God has revealed for man to know. Pastor Rory closes out Ephesians 3:13-19 by explaining how these realities relate to obtaining the fullness of the triune God.
We can be filled with the fullness of the Triune God; in fact, this is the prayer of Paul who models how we ought to pray and what we ought to pursue. Hear Pastor Nate explain from Ephesians 3:13-19 how the fullness of God can become a reality.