Sermons – Wichita Falls Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
Jeremy Mollenkopf
Solomon wrestles with how God makes everything beautiful in its time in light of the fact that injustice often seems to reign in and around every corner. Yet though injustice seems to reign under the sun, God promised to make all things right. And so he will. Jeremy Mollenkopf explains.
"Blessed are the meek," declares God the Son, "for they will inherit the Earth." Meek? Rhymes with "weak." Is that really an attribute we want to have? God in his word to us, his image bearers, says, "Absolutely!" Keith Pond opens up what it means to be meek, citing the examples of Moses and Jesus himself, and then delves into Psalm 37 to help us understand how we are to live this out in our daily lives.
Solomon wants us to know that the ever-rolling stream of time will drown you if you fight to control it, but if you will entrust your times in God’s hands the journey will be beautiful. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up this well-known passage to the saints.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus exhorts his disciples and the crowds that were listening that "Blessed"--happy--"are those who mourn..." Why? "...for they will be comforted." Implication? Mourning is a good thing. But who wants to mourn? And why would we mourn? Aren't we supposed to "rejoice always?" (1 Thessalonians 5:16) Keith Pond helps us grasp the beauty of and need for mourning in this broken world, how God works in the grief we bear, promising one day to heal the brokenness bringing comfort to his children.
Your wisdom and work will be meaningless, if you don’t joyfully receive them from God. This is what Solomon learned through his own inspections. This is what he testifies to us. Will we heed his wisdom, or will find the meaningless of the things of this world through our own painful experiences? Pastor Mollenkopf provides great Gospel hope through Solomon's agonies in Ecclesiastes.
Solomon searched for life’s meaning in wisdom and wealth, but true life and fulfillment therein only come from the fact that Jesus searches for and saves us. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up this beautiful truth.
Solomon’s opening dilemma and what sets the stage for the rest of the book is that it appears that under the sun all our toil has no lasting profit since everything is endlessly cyclical. This idea of the cyclical nature of all things finds life in eastern religions, but stands counter to what we find in God's word. Though we may feel weary and that all we do is tedious and in vain, under the Son of God all of our labor is gain. It has purpose and bears great fruit. Jesus' death and resurrection end the endless and pointless cycle and gives meaning and value to all that we do. Pastor Mollenkopf walks us through the opening chapter of Ecclesiastes.
We begin our series on Ecclesiastes with an overview. Pastor Mollenkopf notes that living our lives without reference to God brings futility, but joyfully embracing God’s gifts and fearing Him brings fullness of life. If we ignore the difficulties of this life and the peculiarities of the book of Ecclesiastes itself, we miss the goodness and grace of the God who walks beside his children during the joys and darknesses we all face.
When Jesus cried from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?," his words echoed from a psalm of David, Psalm 22. A cry of despair, but also hope knowing that “He has done it." Pastor Mollenkopf opens up this rich passage on the Sunday we commemorate Jesus' resurrection.
Pastor Mollenkopf examines David’s final psalm, Psalm 145. The shepherd king pens a masterful song of praise to God. Using each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet he calls on all generations to praise God, the God who cares, rules, and reigns.
Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount by telling his disciples that those who are poor in spirit are blessed. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? What even does it mean to be blessed? Jesus then goes on to tell them that for those folks, "theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." Okay, but what does that mean. Keith Pond explains what the Beatitudes are and how this opening Beatitude is significant for believers today.
Life has many burdens, sorrows, and trials. Yet, David in Psalm 55 reminds us to cast all your burdens on God because He will sustain you.
Even believers have times where we wrestle and wonder, “Why does evil seem to prosper and doing good get punished?” “Should I bother doing what is right?” “Is there even good in the world?” In Psalm 73 Asaph tells of walking through this dark path, but in the end, he comes out with light and hope as he remembers who God is and what He will do. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up this rich psalm in this morning's worship.
Heaven will be an eternally enjoyable place, but due to misunderstanding, many, even many Christians, are not that excited about it. Sadly, many bound for Hell think it will be a far more interesting place. As we see what God has revealed to us about Heaven, we should be guarded us from such deceptions, filled with hope, and motivated to love our neighbor with an even greater fervor. Pastor Mollenkopf walks the saints through some rich Scripture to explain.
Numbers does not end with Israel entering the Promised Land. As Pastor Mollenkopf concludes his sermons Series through Numbers, he highlights Israel's final preparations, and highlights the need for us as believers to be ready to enter the "Promised Land," our final destination in glory with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Moses lists the various places where God led Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land to give Israel confidence and courage to face their future. As Moses’ anchors them in God’s protection and provision of them in the past, he also calls them to enter the land with the purpose of removing the nations and idolatry that is there. He concludes, by telling them of God’s promised gift to come. Pastor Mollenkopf explains the great hope the church can have in this Old Testament narrative.
As the second generation prepares to enter the Promised Land, an apparent threat of rebellion rises in Israel. Moses addresses the seemingly agitating tribes and secures from the a commitment to the nation and to God. How then does this apply to us today? Pastor Mollenkopf unpacks the responsibility of every believer to commit themselves to Christ's church, to a local church, to both minister the gifts we've been given, but also to receive the gifts, exhortations and admonitions that come from within a committed body of believers.
This morning, Keith Pond introduces a sermon series that will be scattered throughout the year as he has opportunity to preach. Francis Schaeffer asked a question that became the title of one of his books: in light of the truth of the Gospel, "How Should We Then Live?" Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, begins with great encouragement and exhortation to his disciples regarding what living such a life should look like. Before we delve into the Beatitudes, the background to the Sermon on the Mount. The disciples and the crowds that followed him heard the same message from John the Baptist and Jesus: "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." What does that mean for us as saints 2000 years later?
God sends Israel to go to war against Midian to get vengeance for their tempting Israel to sin in Numbers 25. This war not only serves God's purpose for vengeance but also prepares Israel for the many battles they are about to face as they enter the Promised Land. The war is not so much against Midian, though, but against any and all rebels (including our own sin) against God.
It's not uncommon to hear somebody say, "I swear it's true," or they will add some other point of emphasis. They want you to know what they are saying is the truth. But what does God say about making an oath? Should you vow? As Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, they must be aware of the serious nature of keeping their oaths and promises. And we must come to terms with what Jesus' says about oaths and vows in Matthew 5. Pastor Mollenkopf covers this important ground today.
Reading through the Bible can be tough when you get to Numbers. What's the point of all of the sacrifices and feasts? We may find that we get bogged down in the repetition. God doesn't want us to get bogged down. He desires that his people would remember and rejoice. He wants them to consider the glory of what's to come. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up these challenging chapters in Numbers.
While Israel’s unfaithful thoughts and actions led them to wandering in the wilderness for almost 40 years, God’s faithfulness kept them alive and preserved a second generation to receive the blessings of his promises. With the faithless generation having passed away, God now has Israel recount their numbers and prepare anew to enter the Promised Land. These passages show time and again God’s faithfulness and the faith he desires of us in response to Him.
Many in the nation of Israel die in a Balaam-induced temptation to the men of Israel. Sexual temptation leads to sexual sin which leads to spiritual adultery and idolatry, and only by God’s mercy in stirring up Phinehas is Israel delivered. The cost of their sin? 24,000 in Israel die. Pastor Mollenkopf highlights the holiness of God, the wretched and adulterous nature of all sin, and God's righteous provision for his people in this morning's sermon.
Paul exhorts the saints to set their minds on things above, next things. What's the big deal? How extraordinary will eternal life be? God gives his people tantalizing snippets of the wonder of the life to come both in the Old Testament and in the New. Such knowledge ought not make the saint complacent and idle in this life but should fire our engines to be the men and women God created and redeemed us to be in this life as we anticipate the life to come. Keith Pond explains.
Jesus’ incarnation is celebrated worldwide, but why did he come? What were the reasons for God coming in the flesh? Hebrews 2:10-18 opens up the importance of Jesus’ incarnation, and Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
God gave Mary an incredible blessing in being the one to bear the Messiah and Savior, Jesus. History has borne out how man will take one of two extremes regarding Jesus' mother; to venerate Mary beyond what God's word allows or to ignore her altogether. Pastor Mollenkopf highlights the biblical blessedness of Mary but also highlights that Jesus tells us that though Mary is blessed, we can be even more blessed if we do his will.
So much competes for our attention between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That fact is seen in that most folks see the Christmas season beginning on “Black Friday.” In times past, Advent, the Sundays preceding Christmas, prepared the hearts of saints in the Church to be prepared for the celebration of the Son of God made flesh. This morning, Keith Pond opens up the first verses of Hebrews to turn our hearts to the majesty of the Son of God.
Numbers 22 has no direct mention of Israel, Moses, the Levites, or the priests, but God is still watching out and caring for His people. God knows the forces against us, and in His love He protects, guides, and cares for us (even we don’t know He is doing a single thing about them!). All of this goes down with a foreign people, a foreign prophet, and a peculiar donkey. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
After the faithless generation failed and did not enter the Promised Land, the second generation of Israelites to come out of Egypt, by God’s grace, faithfully (most of the time) responds to the challenges God gives them. Pastor Mollenkopf shares and applies these thirty-five hundred year old lessons to the saints today.
The faithless generation's 40 years of punishment draws to an end, and God returns the next generation to Kadesh where the first rebellion occurred. How will they fair? How can they handle the loss of leaders (Miriam and Aaron)? While their actions are up and down, we see God’s faithful love for His people even while upholding his glory and his justice. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up Numbers 20 to the saints.
Where are you going? God desires us to be on a straight vector to eternal life with him. One of the ways God exhorts us occurs when we come face to face with death. Solomon exhorts us to that end in the Old Testament (Ecclesiastes 7:2-3, 12:1). Jesus, with the death of Lazarus, confronts Lazarus sister, Martha, with the same truth: the end of life must make us stop and consider what road we are traveling. Keith Pond explains.
In order to cleanse Israel from the uncleanness that came from the death of so many in their rejection of Aaron, God provides a red heifer sacrifice. The author of Hebrews, 2000 years later, sees this as a clear connection to Christ:"For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (Hebrews 9:13-14)Pastor Mollenkopf highlights the glory of the gospel of Christ within the heart of Numbers.
Following God’s authentication of Aaron as the priest by having his staff produce almonds, the Israelites fear that no one can approach God. God reminds them that he set up the priests and Levites so that they might draw near to him through them. How does that apply to us in an era where the priesthood has past? Pastor Mollenkopf explains from Numbers 17 & 18.
A breathtaking examination of the Gospel in what most people would consider a very strange location, the book of Numbers. In what appears to be a trio of obscure stories, we are given pictures of who Jesus is and what He came to do. As Jesus said in John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me…” Pastor Mollenkopf delivers these challenges truths to the saints this morning.
Though American’s think freedom, joy, and life are found in being the rebel, Numbers 16 shows the tragedy and destruction that comes from rejecting God’s authorities. Pastor Mollenkopf opens this sobering reality in God’s word.
Numbers 15 seems like an out of place chapter, but over and over God reiterates His love for Israel and His faithfulness to His promises. Israel must respond with complete obedience and by keeping God first. Pastor Mollenkopf explains the beauty in this chapter and the lavish love of God’s grace for his people.
In the midst of Israel’s unbelief and rebellion, we are given snapshots of faithful living in the examples of Moses, Joshua, and Caleb. Pastor Mollenkopf highlights from Numbers 13 and 14 what it looks like to fully follow God.
Israel is on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, and tragically they are derailed by their unbelief. God wants to bless them, but they (and we) must trust His word to receive them. Within the passage, we hear God lament the disbelief of his chosen ones. Such despising God’s love and commands has serious consequences. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
Moses’ siblings, Miriam and Aaron, envy Moses’ recognition as God’s spokesman ad complain against him. Numbers 12 lays out for us the destructive nature of envy but also the solutions for it. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
Israel began their journey toward the Promised Land well, but after only three days their complaining began. As we march to the Promised Land there is much that is sorrowful, much that is difficult, but we can trust God in the good times and the bad.
After almost a year in the wilderness at the base of Mount Sinai, God lifts His cloud from over the tabernacle, and Israel marches out enroute to the Promised Land. Their journey starts well because they go out following God’s desires for them and in His strength. Pastor Mollenkopf highlights the applications for the Church of the Lord in the 21st Century.
This is the last section in Numbers before Israel begins to move toward the Promised Land. In this passage, God gives two final sets of instructions, which will make sure that no matter what the future might hold, they can rest assured they are in God’s good hands.
Vaulting off of his message from last week on the dual-citizenship of every believer, Keith Pond looks at the great responsibility offered to us as citizens of the United States: the opportunity to vote. What is the most important thing to consider when we cast our vote? Ought we weigh the issues or the candidate more heavily? Is there ever a time not to vote? How do I get ready for this? And at the end of the day, after we vote, what ought to be my heart attitude? Keith touches on each of these issues to provide us biblical guidance as we hurtle into the political season.
It's not uncommon for an American couple working in a foreign country to have a child, and through no effort on the part of the child, he or she has dual citizenship, a citizen of America and a citizen of the nation in which the child was born.Every Christian has a dual-citizenship. Hebrews 11:13-16 and the entirety of 1 Peter make plain to us that we are sojourners on this Earth, that God has prepared for us a far greater homeland in which we will one day experience unmeasured delight in the presence of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. At the same time, here and now, we are indeed citizens of a city, state, and country, and God's word makes plain to us that we have responsibilities as citizens in the place we call home.Keith Pond begins a two-part series on what it means to be a Christian and a citizen of the United States, today looking more closely at that dual citizenship and next week examining how that plays out in an election season.
This morning, our missionary to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in northern Utah, Josh Longoria, exhorts the saints to "consider Jesus" from Hebrews 12. Not only did our Savior obtain salvation for all those who would believe in his name, but he is the very one who will perfect our faith. Will we "fix our eyes on Jesus" or will we get distracted in this life under the sun and never complete the Race?
Josh Longoria gives an update and answers questions about the ministry opportunities taking place in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in northern Utah.
Numbers 7 and 8 provide the essentials needed for Israel to worship God. What is needed for us today? Do we need anything? The world seems to think we can come as we are, but is that really true? In today’s message, Jeremy Mollenkopf notes who the worshipers are, who is the Main Audience in worship, and who God has ordained to lead the worship. All of this culminates in the application to our worship today.
At the conclusion of God giving Israel the law and their instructions on entering the Promised Land, he reiterates his desire to bless them. Sin has brought a curse upon us and this world, but God has been working his plan since the fall into sin to redeem the world and bring blessing to us. A gift. Will we take what he is offering us?
Nazirites. A peculiar group mentioned in the Old Testament and hinted at in the New Testament. Long hair. No alcohol. And don't touch a dead body. To our 21st century sensibilities, this seems odd. But God had purpose and a plan for his people who wanted to pursue him more deeply, with greater conviction. What about today? What can the present-day church learn from God's commands to the Nazirites as we seek to walk with our God and Savior today? Pastor Mollenkopf opens God's word to us in Numbers 6.
Man's sin has placed an insurmountable obstacle between himself and God. Nothing man can do will allow him to scale the obstacle or bring it down that he might find his way to God. Rather than man doing the work, God had to do the work. The provision of Christ is the only thing that will carry man to God through the atonement through Jesus' blood. No where is that more evident today than regarding man's inclination toward sexual immorality. Pastor Mollenkopf brings these truths to light in this weighty passage from Numbers 5.
God instructs Israel what to do when they sin. How can they approach him when sin stains their soul. God guides them on how they are to cleanse their guilt through confession, restitution, and atonement. Pastor Mollenkopf guides us through this important text
From the second chapter in the Bible where God warns of suffering for disobedience to the second to the last chapter of the Bible where suffering is no more, the reality of suffering is a constant in God's word.It is a reality in this life. Our lives. Mine. Yours.This morning, Keith Pond opens up what God's word says about the truth of suffering to all men and women, but more than that, he highlights how God tells us in his word that in our suffering God has certain purpose, and he is ever present with us.
A major aspect of God’s requirements for Israel to dwell with Him was maintaining a clean (vs. unclean) status. Why was this important to God? Have those requirements vanished since Christ has come? What should we even think of such a system? This sermon begins a look at several passages that deal with purity within the camp and drawing near to a holy God.
The American way of religion is like a buffet; we think that WE can pick and choose how we worship God. God, on the other hand, notes that his creatures must worship him in a manner that is acceptable to him. God set apart the Levites to guard and serve the priests and the tabernacle, to guard his holy presence and to guard the holiness of who He is.Today, Jesus alone enables us to come into God’s presence (1 Pet 3:18), the Church now being his Temple (1 Cor 3:16-17). We, the Church, must see the importance of guarding and serving God’s holy presence.
God demanded all Israel’s firstborn males be his since the first Passover, but God provided the Levites (or 5 shekels per person) as a redemption for each of the first born. Pastor Mollenkopf explains how an event 1500 years before Christ points to God's redemptive purposes for us and for his glory in Christ.
What does the ordering of the Israelite camp in the book of Numbers have to do with living a life for Christ in the twenty-first century? God desires for His people to live ordered lives, centered on Him, and following His will. Then. And now. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
The fourth book in the Bible, Numbers, begins with Israel on the cusp of entering the land Promised to Abraham centuries earlier. While Israel is close, they are not there yet. Likewise, Christians are close to Heaven but are not there yet. This book from over three millennia ago guides us in what we should do and how we should live as we wait for our time to enter into God's promised rest. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
A month ago, Keith Pond preached about the certainty that saints can have about their salvation (1 John 5:13). This week, he looks into the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20) to highlight that there are many who will hear the word, think that they have a relationship with Christ but hear the awful words when they meet the Savior, "Depart from me for I never knew you." What are the warnings Christ highlights in the Parable of the Sower? Keith Pond explains.
Pastor Mollenkopf concludes his series through Paul's letter to the Ephesians by looking at the apostle's final encouragements, encouragements found at the start of the letter, and encouragements that find their root in God: grace, peace, and love. Here today, 2000 years later, we find God's great encouragement to us.
Paul wraps up his discussion on spiritual conflict and the armor of God with the essential and overarching element of prayer. There are many good things for which to pray, but Paul focuses us on prayers for others both in our local church and for those who serve in gospel ministry. Pastor Mollenkopf walks us through Paul's teaching on this vital gift of grace with which God has blessed us.
Solomon exhorts his hearers that it is better to go to the house of mourning than the house of feasting for it is the end of all mankind and the living will take it to heart (Ecclesiastes 7:2). So what is it about the death of our fellow human being that causes us to pause and consider where we are and where we are going? Keith Pond steps off on Solomon's statement to consider the impact of death on the life of the believer.
God gives us spiritual armor not merely to be save, but also to go forward and conquer sin. We do this by implementing the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Will we use it? Jeremy Mollenkopf leads us into God's word.
Jesus’ resurrection changes everything about us from our past to our future, and every day in-between. Or at least it should. Pastor Mollenkopf opens the sweet truths of Colossians 3:1-4.
Am I saved? This is one of the most onerous questions that a Christian deals with day in and day out. We want and desire that full assurance that--like Pilgrim in "Pilgrim's Progress"--we are on the right track. Thankfully, God knows that in this life we will wrestle with our salvation because both our flesh and the demonic realm desire that we would stew in confusion. Keith Pond unfolds 1 John 5:11-13 to supply the saints with the assurance of their salvation and to shake the unbeliever or the false believer about where they stand.
Satan wants us to lose our head, to lose our confidence in Christ. Yet, we have a sure helmet in the hope of our salvation in Christ. Pastor Mollenkopf walks us through how our salvation is a great protection to us in the battles we face day-to-day.
God sends us into the spiritual battle, not alone, but with fellow believers holding our shields of faith together to overcome the attacks of the Devil. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up and explains this vital part of the armor that God provides us for this life.
Knowing and believing that God purchased our peace in Christ leads us to see God as our Father and friend rather than as an enemy. This prepares us for the spiritual attacks of Satan with which the evil one seeks to attack God and His goodness towards us. How do we have peace in the midst of spiritual battle? Pastor Mollenkopf lays it out for us.
In the fight against the sinful world, our flesh, and the devil, we must stand firm with the confidence of Christ’s righteousness. This emboldens us to fight against sin and to also live righteous lives ourselves. Pastor Mollenkopf explains the purpose behind the Breastplate of Righteousness.
Before the battle even began, the Roman soldier had to put on his belt. It was essential and foundational for all else that he would do. Likewise, the Christian must begin with the truth. It is essential and foundational for our whole Christian life. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
Where are you going? If you're going out for an evening stroll, you don't much care, but when eternity is in sight, we must be more intentional and focused. The most important thing in all of creation ought to be our focus. God makes plain that the thing of greatest preeminence to him is his glory. Since all of creation manifests God's glory, shouldn't that which was created in his image reflect his glory more than anything else? Keith Pond explains why God's glory and pursuing it is the greatest and most rewarding thing we can do in this life.
A spiritual battle rages each day, though we are often oblivious to it. The victory comes not in exorcising demons or in binding Satan, but by turning to God in strength realizing the victory Christ achieved for us. Pastor Mollenkopf guides us through this passage in Ephesians 6.
Though Paul is clear that our good works are not needed for salvation, our neighbors, our bosses, and our employees need our good works. Pastor Mollenkopf explains God's plan and purposes for our day-to-day work as followers of Christ.
The Bible is often maligned for endorsing slavery, but in reality, it is the most freeing book in the world. Jeremy Mollenkopf dives into what the Bible says about slavery, reads some difficult passages, and then seeks to understand them in their context both culturally and Biblically. How does that impact us in 2024
Paul tells parents in Ephesians 6:4 that one of their main callings from God is to instruct their children. Jeremy Mollenkopf looks at Deuteronomy 6 and other passages to see what this should look like for Christian parents.
No parent enjoys or relishes it, but every loving parent must discipline their children. But what does this look like? How do we do this? And why would we do this? We will look at how to RESCUE our children by the way we as parents remain obedient to God as we administer discipline to them.
How important is word of God in the life of the Christian? It is essential. It is as oil is to an engine. It is food to the body. Psalm 1 highlights that a blessed soul, delighted, satisfied, joy-filled soul finds his joy in the word of God. How can that be? Because God reveals himself to us in his word. And for the one who is indifferent to God's word, the implications are severe indeed. Keith Pond explains
We are familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth, but do we know it? Can we share it with others? We ask seven questions of Luke’s account to learn how to share the historical account of Jesus’ birth.
Mary responds to all that Gabriel, Elizabeth, and John (in the womb) have said and done about her child in one of the greatest songs of praise to God in all of Scripture. In it, she uses anthropomorphic language of God’s eyes, arm, and mind to describe the glories of God throughout Israel's history, in her life right now, and in his people going forward.
A virgin? With child? "You don't really believe that, do you?" Absolutely, we do. The God who spoke the world into existence with a word and no sweat would have no difficulty conceiving a child in a virgin's womb. Especially when his purpose is the redemption of humanity.Pastor Mollenkopf opens up the truths and magnitude involved in the announcement to Mary about her coming child and the amazing testimony of Elizabeth of the Christ Mary was carrying
God calls parents to reflect Him to the their children. This high calling is difficult but rewarding. Pastor Mollenkopf begins a look at how God’s word instructs parents to do just that. Next week he will break from Ephesians to look at the Christmas Message and in January will pick up with parents and their handling of discipline with their children
Being followers of Christ ought to change the way we relate to our parents. We should not only obey, but also honor them in the Lord. If we do this, God promises to bless us. Really?! How does this play out? Pastor Jeremy explains
One of the most difficult issues in life is dealing with divorce. Churches can take two wrong tacks with divorce. They can state that it is an act worthy of great condemnation or they can shrug it off as a non-issue. God's word takes exceptions with both extremes. Pastor Mollenkopf guides us through what God says and doesn't say about the topic of divorce and our dealing with it in our lives and the church today.
God ordains that in singleness and in marriage, he can be glorified and honored. Throughout time, Christians have thought that either the single or the married life was more holy, but in both can be them for God’s glory. We need to fathom the goodness of singleness, and the proper manner for pursuing marriage if that should be our desire.
Just as Jesus’ love is sacrificial, unconditional, and sanctifying so a husband's love for his wife should be too. A husband has the joy of reflecting Christ in nourishing and cherishing his bride. Pastor Jeremy fleshes out the great responsibility of husbands to love their wives.
Jesus calls all his disciples not not live a life of fretful worry, but rather that they live a life of firm faith fixed on God. In His well known words, Jesus highlights lessons from nature and from God’s character to remind us of our rock in the midst of life's storms.
God made men and women in His image, equal in worth but differing in roles. Sin has distorted and twisted the marriage relationship, but God’s salvation should restore husband and wife to both joyfully fulfill their roles, leading and submitting, loving and respecting, and showing how Christ and the church relate to each other. Pastor Mollenkopf guides us through God's good purpose and plan in Ephesians 5.
Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts, but one that now many are choosing to not pursue. God’s word reminds of what He intended for marriage and how rightly understood marriage will bless one’s life. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up Ephesians 5 for us this morning.
2 Corinthians 4:7 is a verse known by many Christians, but what is this treasure of which Paul speaks? And why does he describe this treasure as being in jars of clay? To be described as little more than a clay pot might sound insulting, but Keith Pond explains this morning why it is actually a good thing and a blessing to our souls.
Being filled with the Spirit is not some mystical, esoteric, uncontrollable experience. Rather, we are given three ways of living under the influence (and being filled by) the Spirit: singing to one another and to God, giving thanks, and submitting to one another. Really? That's it? Pastor Mollenkopf leads us through Paul's encouragement to the Ephesians.
The Ephesian culture was known for their drunken, wild “worship” of Bacchus. Paul wants them no longer to be controlled by alcohol which has led to the debauched living of their previous lives. Now, instead, they should be filled with the Holy Spirit.
God had given us great freedom to decide many options in life. Our role is to pursue God first, search his word, pray, and with godly counsel act. Pastor Mollenkopf provides some nuts-and-bolts application to God's word.
To honor God we must know what He wishes us to do. Sadly, Christians are often very confused by this topic, but God’s word shows us how to live so that we can know His will. Pastor Mollenkopf guides us into God's word.
Paul calls us to walk carefully, and then he gives three areas in which to do this. First, we are to walk wisely in regard to our time. We only have one life here on this earth, and we must be wise in the use of the time God gives us. Jeremy Mollenkopf walks us through this passage.
Apart from God's word, man has no way to understand his place in the cosmos. In God's word, man's significance is made clear. God declares that he has created us all--each one--in his image, and beyond that, and to his glory, God has created each one male or female. This morning, Keith Pond highlights the importance of this truth as an anchor point for the believer today and then examines seven questions that confront each Christian in the face of a hostile world.
Jesus saved us out of darkness and called us into His marvelous light. We should then live in that light and delight in that light. Our former activities in the darkness have no place in the lives of believers. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
Paul turns from the self-sacrificing love we are to have for one another and calls us to put off self-focused sexual sins and greed. The way to do this is not just will power though, but rather through gratitude for all God has given us (and not given us). Pastor Mollenkopf expounds on God's good purpose and plan for our lives
Doing what is right is not tied to some abstract moral code. Rather, it is learning to know and live like God. We do this not to become the children of God, but as children of God. This sweet reality is opened up by Pastor Mollenkopf.
Who am I?
If I am created by the living God, I cannot know or even begin to remotely fathom who I am unless he makes it plain to me. The world is ripping itself apart seeking to satisfy its every whim and desire in a desperate search be authentic to themselves. You-be-you is sending millions to Hell.
Into this, God speaks. He makes plain the extraordinary entity that is man in the first chapter of his word to us. This morning, Keith Pond makes plain the importance of the truth that we are created in the image of God.
In this life under the sun, everything upon which we might set our hope will fail us. Money. Friends. Spouse. Job. Health. We have no certainty that any of these will come through in our hour of desperate need. Only one Person provides sure and certain hope: our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, Dr. Ben Dunson guides us through Romans 5:1-5 to highlight the glories of the hope that we have in Christ, a hope that will not disappoint us. He shows us our sure foundation, the clear pathway, and the wondrous outcome of our hope.
Most folks would really love the other people in their lives to be forgiving, but when it comes to their own conduct, those same folks find it really hard to truly forgive another person. Then when we do consider forgiveness, most of us have some skewed ideas about what forgiving really means. Pastor Mollenkopf takes a deep dive this morning on what God's word says about his forgiveness for us and his expectation of our forgiveness toward others.
How is it that God's justice and that he has justified us in Christ Jesus serve as an anchor point to sustain us in this life? Our sin and the sin all around us become overwhelming at times; when will it be made right? In today's passage, we see that God cares. He cares about sin and he cares about injustice. As the penalty of sin was paid in full by the blood of Jesus Christ, God not only proved himself just in dealing with sin, he put us in a right standing before him through that same atonement. That work gives us hope for this life and the life to come. Keith Pond explains.
Paul continues his ethical instructions and dives into the ugly specifics of our anger: bitterness, clamor, and malice. He turns though to show the beauty of living like Christ with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and God has saved us and is re-creating us to speak like Him. When we do, we build up the church, the very entity that the Spirit works to build. Pastor Mollenkopf expounds on the importance of being purposed in our speech.
We often see our sinful anger as caused by others. Yet, we see from God’s word that the interrupting of our own desires leads us to anger. To overcome, we must recognize the roots of our anger, we must replace ourselves as ruler letting God be God, and we must repent of our pride. Pastor Jeremy Mollenkopf guides us through these waters.
God is perfectly holy and good, and yet, God is said to have anger. We see times of anger in the life of Jesus. Thus, there are times when anger is right, good, and appropriate. At other times, among God's fallen creatures, anger can bring disaster. This sermon examines, what anger is, how it can be good, and what makes it so destructive.
One of the first ways the new creations of God seek to live outh this new life is by putting off falsehood and speaking truth to one another. Pastor Mollenkopf walks us through the darkness of the vice of deceit, the beauty of the virtue of truth, and concludes looking at the three unexpected victims of falsehood.
God’s saving us should cause us to seek to end our old, sinful lifestyle and instead, live a new, godly lifestyle. This isn't a living-well/living-right philosophy as though Christianity was some therapeutic salve to apply to your life, but it's a love response to the love God has lavished on us in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Still, to be a Christian does demand a response. If the saint does not change, the question must be asked if redemption through the gospel really has come. Pastor Mollenkopf delves into these issues in todays passages from Ephesians.
Sin. How bad is it really? It's REALLY bad. For the soul apart from Christ, it's an issue of eternity in Hell or not. But even for the saint, the battle of sin still rages. Keith Pond explains the toxic nature of sin, but he doesn't leave it there. He examines the provision God has made for us that we might escape from the temptations of sin that beset us this side of glory.
Isaiah 40 marks a distinct break in this prophetic book. It moves from the consequences for Israel's disobedience to the overwhelming compassion of God to the people he has called, the people he has chosen. Today, Pastor Daniel Mollenkopf, brother to WFBC pastor Jeremy Mollenkopf, opens up from Isaiah 40 and 41 how God comforts the hearts of his people and calms their fears.
God gifted the church with leaders for them to train all of the members that they would be the ones to minister to the body. As we all speak the truth in love, God builds up His church. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
[Note: This sermon "Ascension Gifts" was to be preached last week. Due to illness, Pastor Mollenkopf preached from the Gospel of Luke. "Ascension Gifts" from Ephesians 4 was preached today, April 23rd]Unity does not mean uniformity. While Jesus has made all believers one in him, that does not mean we are all the same. Rather, he uniquely gifts us to bless and serve each other, and he did as a result of his ascension. How so? Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
Jesus has made every believer "one," but that does not mean we are all the same. Rather, he uniquely gifts us, and he did so as proven by and in the power of his ascension. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
The day of Jesus’ resurrection has him appearing not only to a few women, but also to two disciples (outside of the 11) on a road to Emmaus. Their conversation and time with Jesus leads to a continual transition for them of who this "stranger" is. They move from despair to delight for the Lord is risen indeed!
In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, the apostle notes that God has called us to Himself, and we get the immense privilege to live in light of Him in all aspects of our live. That begins with walking humbly, gently, and patiently. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
God knows that we will grow weary in this life under the sun. But in this amazing verse, he calls the saints to keep on keeping on. Not only does he exhort us to persevere, but he motivates us with the truth that there will be a reward in due time. What does all of this mean to the saint today? Keith Pond examines the power of this passage as he continues his series on Anchor Points.
Ephesians 1-3 have given many wonderful statements of what God did for us in Christ. Ephesians 4-6 will now give the implications of how that should work out in our life. We should delight in obeying God because of what He did for us in Christ. But how do we avoid the pitfalls on either side of the road, legalism and licentiousness? Pastor Mollenkopf guides our thinking.
God’s eternal glory will be made known in the church and in Christ. This glory should be the driving aim (chief end) of every person and especially so within the Church.
Prayer. Probably the weakest discipline for most believers. But if we truly fathomed the power of the living God, and if we really grasped the depth and magnitude of his love for us, how could we not turn to him in prayer? Pastor Mollenkopf opens this up for us today.
When the Texas wind howls, you'd expect to see trees uprooted right and left. Sure, a few branches fall, but the trees hold fast. Why? Deep roots.The apostle Paul exhorts us to be rooted deeply, to have a sure foundation, too, but in what? Not the fleeting, unsatisfying things of this world. No, he encourages us to root deeply into God's love for us in Christ Jesus and to be built up in the saints. Pastor Mollenkopf shares from Paul's letter to the Ephesians.
Paul begins his second prayer in Ephesians by telling them that he bows his knee to God the Father that the God the Spirit may empower you to be like Christ, the Son of God.
God’s plan of reconciling us to Him in Christ has been planned for all eternity. This plan leads to us having boldness before God in Christ, and this makes all the difference in how we view our suffering. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up these truths from God's word.
What are some verses in God's word to which we can anchor our lives, verses with so much weight and depth to carry us when the darkness of life overwhelms us. Throughout the year, Keith Pond will bring us such verses and explain the glorious treasures in each verse. Today, he opens up the glories of our salvation in Romans 8:1.
Paul shares two purposes given to him by God for his life: first, to preach the gospel, illuminating all to the truth of Christ, and second, how that gives a purpose to the church in manifesting God’s wisdom. Pastor Mollenkopf notes how many of the songs and hymns sung in the church today highlight these very truths.
Paul opens up more about who he is by telling them that he is a minister of the gospel by God’s grace, and that he is the least of all the saints. How does Paul's identity as an apostle bear on us in the church today? Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
Paul begins to pray for them, but when he mentions his name, he pauses to explain his ministry to the Gentiles, given to him by God. This ministry led to him being a prisoner of Christ, a steward of the Gospel Truth, and an explainer of that truth to any who might have ears to hear. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up the word this morning.
Jesus has not only broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Gentile and Jew, but also He has also made us citizens in his kingdom, adopted us as his children, and made us part of his holy temple. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
The waiting is often the hardest part of any event. How much more is the difficulty when we hope for prophecy's fulfillment? As we await the return of Jesus Christ according to Scripture, so too the Jews had to await Messiah's first advent. Luke testifies about two extraordinary people, Simeon and Anna, who saw--and recognized--the Messiah when he was but an infant. Pastor Mollenkopf explains the importance of these two meetings to saints today.
How significant is Jesus' metaphor "I am the vine," spoken to his disciples the night before his execution? Profound then, and profound today. Keith Pond walks us through how all consuming "apart from me you can do nothing" truly is. He digs into what it means to abide and why we should even bother. Finally, he looks at four consequences that come from abiding (or not abiding) in the Vine today.
In 2:1-10 Paul showed how God’s grace reconciled us to Him. Now in verses 11 and following we are shown how that reconciliation is not only vertical but also horizontal. No place was the need for reconciliation more vivid than the schism that existed between Jew and Gentile, and no place was the effect of the Gospel more profound apart from salvation than the unity of Jew and Gentile in the church. Pastor Mollenkopf explains the importance of this truth in the church today.
In this concise and beautiful passage Paul tells us of God’s amazing grace that we know through faith. Paul doesn't leave it there. He notes that though we are not saved by works, we are saved for works, works that God would have us to do in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring greater glory to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving. Parents command it of their kids (or should), and God commands it of his image-bearers. Giving thanks to the God, who has given us all things and provided salvation through the sacrifice of his only begotten Son, should be as natural as breathing. But it's not.
This morning, Keith Pond opens up God's word to highlight how giving thanks provides us a barometer to the status of our relationship with God, and giving thanks brings sweet glory to God.
Pastor Mollenkopf highlights how Paul gives three actions (all stated in the past tense) of what God has done for us in Christ. God did this to reveal to the world the riches of His grace in kindness for all eternity.
"I am the bread of life" would seem to be a plain-vanilla, noncontroversial declaration by Jesus Christ. It turns out the Messiah was not looking to increase the size of his following but to purify it. Keith Pond highlights the divisive nature of Jesus Christ being the Bread of Life.
God's good timing that on Reformation Sunday, we would look at a passage that highlights the hopelessness of man apart from the finished work of Jesus Christ. Pastor Mollenkopf notes how Paul wants us to know the power of Christ for those who believe, and one area in which that power is clearly seen is in bringing us from death to life. To fully appreciate our great salvation, we must come to terms with the gravity of our prior condition: dead in our trespasses and sins.
Paul's third prayer request for the Ephesians is for their increased knowledge, and therein is the power of God. Pastor Mollenkopf highlights how the Ephesians had seen the power of God manifest to them detailed by Luke in Acts 19. This power of God in the saints' knowledge of Christ is in view in this morning's passage.
The author of Hebrews his readers to be on their guard that they are not led astray from a true faith like Israel was led astray in the wilderness. Saints exhorting one another to persevere is an integral part of God's plan in guiding believers into eternal life.
Paul prayed for God to give the Ephesians spiritual knowledge to know the hope of their calling and the riches of their inheritance in the saints. Pastor Mollenkopf guides the saints into the depth of their inheritance in Christ.
Paul transitions from praise of God to prayer to God. His prayer begins with thanks for God’s work in their life and then requests that God give them spiritual illumination to know God more. Specifically, Paul gives three areas in which he wants them to know God more: (1) the hope of their calling, (2) the riches of his glorious inheritance, and (3) the greatness of his power towards those who believe. This sermon stops with (1) the hope of their calling, and next week we will finish by looking at the last two requests.
Paul rejoices that God’s great promises to Israel have now been enjoyed by the Gentiles in Christ. Believers are both God’s treasured possession, and He also promises to give us treasured possessions. Pastor Mollenkopf explains the wonders of God's work in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.
God the Father planned that in Christ the curse of this world, sin, would be removed. Due to Jesus making the payment for sin by His blood, we now have God’s gracious gifts of forgiveness and knowledge of the mystery of His will. Jesus redemption, though, does not just fix individual guilt and sin, but rather it fixes the curse of sin that currently effects the entire universe.
God, before time, by his sovereign and gracious choice, chose to set his love on a people whom Jesus would redeem by His blood and the Spirit would seal. This often causes controversy, but Paul’s goal is not to delve into philosophical speculation. Rather, he talks of these truths to glorify God’s and His grace. Pastor Mollenkopf examines the truth of God's sovereignty and humanities requirement to choose.
Paul exuberantly expounds on God’s works for us in Christ, but what is the purpose of all of these works? Paul makes clear three times that this is all “for the praise of His glory.” How can this be true and God not be some megalomaniacal entity and us not some slavish creatures? Pastor Mollenkopf explains from God's word.
Today, Jeremy Mollenkopf begins an extensive look into Paul's letter to the Ephesians. He begins the series showing how Paul opens this magnificent letter with words that summarize the whole of the book. God has richly blessed us in Jesus, and now we should live in light of that wealth.
After the extraordinary repentance and forgiveness in Nineveh, we would expect great rejoicing on Jonah's part. We would expect him to return to Israel telling of the glories of what God did to the pagan city. We would expect such things, and we would be wrong. Jonah 4 is one of the most heartbreaking and dark responses to God's lavish grace in all of Scripture. And while it's a mirror into the darkness of our own hearts, it is also a spotlight on the glorious grace of God to his wayward children. Keith Pond explains.
When folks think of Jonah, they think of the big fish. And yes, the first two chapters of Jonah are packed with cinematic action. But the most extraordinary aspect of the book of Jonah takes place in chapter three when an entire city repents and turns to God. Keith Pond unpacks the glory of our salvation and the breathtaking grace of God from the third chapter of Jonah.
A big fish story of epic proportions. Keith Pond explains why Jonah's experience happened in space/time history, and how the lessons of the wayward prophet reach across the millennia to minister to us today.
An inescapable fact from God's word is that he is sovereign amidst disease, disaster, and even death, and through and amid those dark nights of the soul his good purposes and plans unfold. Because of our often myopic and self-centered view of things, we often miss that in these life-shaking events God has a multitude purposes and plans that we will never see. Keith Pond explains.
Keith Pond begins a five-week look at the book of Jonah opening up with two instances of treasonous rebellion, that of a pagan city, Nineveh, and that of a rebellious prophet, Jonah. But even in such darkness, God's oceanic grace shines through as he sends a prophet to the pagan city and a storm--yes, a storm--to shepherd the wayward prophet.
Josiah’s 31 years where he righteously reigned give way to less than 23 years in which Judah collapses. Their sin is too great, and God brings the judgment that He had promised: destruction and exile. Yet, there is a flicker of hope at the end of the book, for the son of David still lives and is honored in the King’s palace. Jeremy Mollenkopf concludes his year and a half journey through First and Second Kings with this important message.
Josiah’s life and reign is guided, directed, and ruled by the word of God. He so faithfully adheres to it and leads reform because of it that the author says no king was like him before or after. Yet, though he was such a great spiritual leader, it was not enough to remove God’s wrath for the nation’s sins.
Josiah begins to reign at age 8 and his whole reign is known for spiritual reformation. He pursued what mattered to God, and when he heard God’s word, he wept. Knowing the sin of his nation, he humbles himself before God which in turn leads God in delaying His judgment upon Judah. Who knows that great things God will do through a repentant soul? Pastor Mollenkopf explains
Where is God when his people act with contempt for his laws and his place in their lives? Pastor Mollenkopf examines the tragic life and reign of Manasseh, King of Judah
One of the most compelling metaphors that Jesus uses to describe himself is that of the Good Shepherd. Keith Pond examines that imagery in this mornings message from John 10.
Saint, are you in or are you out? In John 10:10, Jesus explains that he alone is the door into the sheepfold, the only entry into the Church and into eternal life. But thieves will jump the wall with intention to steal, kill and destroy. How's a saint to know where they stand? And what blessings are to be found in the sheepfold anyway? Keith Pond explains.
Hezekiah (at age 39) cries out to God when Isaiah tells him that he will soon die. God graciously extends his life. Yet, rather than praising God, he then uses this reprieve to boast and flaunt his wealth to the Babylonians. When God sends Isaiah back to him, Hezekiah selfishly does not care for “it won’t happen in my lifetime." What are we to make of this turn of events? Pastor Mollenkopf examines this fickle response.
Senacherib has spoken through the Rabshakeh and God has spoken through Isaiah. Both have plans for Jerusalem, whose word shall stand? Shall we heed the trumpet call of the word or the clear word of God. Pastor Jeremy explains.
Hezekiah lives faithfully for God, but then Assyria still comes. What does trusting God mean if we still suffer trials? How do we respond to those challenging our trust in God? Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
2 Kings 17:7 gives the foundational issue leading to Israel’s defeat and exile: they did not fear the LORD. Today, Pastor Mollenkopf examines verses 24-41 which, eleven times, mentions "fearing the Lord." So what is it? Should Christians fear the Lord today? What blessings flow from having a proper fear of the Lord?
Continuing his expositions of the "I am" declarations of Jesus Christ, Keith Pond begins by taking us into the ever-present darkness of the world, caused so by the work of Satan and the wretched condition of our own flesh. But God did not leave us there. Into this darkness the light of Christ has dawned. What did he mean by that? Upon that solid footing, the message concludes by examining what it means to walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8-21).
The long forestalled punishment of God upon Israel now occurs. The author leaves no question as to why God’s judgment came though. He clearly lays out the reason, the punishment, and the fairness of it.
In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 that Jesus was crucified in accordance with the Scriptures and that he was raised in accordance with the Scriptures. Pastor Mollenkopf looks that three passages from the Old Testament that point us to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope that we find in the historic foundation of that truth. He is risen!
Though Ahaz had all the blessings to be a great king, he drastically turned from and rebelled against God. He had a great family history, and he had great prophetic words through Isaiah. However, he tragically chose to follow Israel and the other nations.
In today's passage, we encounter two kings from Judah and five from Israel. Yet, in general, though we are talking about kings of nations, we find it boring. This raises the question, if kings don’t even lead meaningful lives (under the sun), then how do we? Is there meaning and purpose to life?
Amaziah begins as a faithful king, submitting to God’s word even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Yet, after a miraculous victory, he tragically turns to idolatry, and he refuses to hear from God’s word anymore. His kingdom then spirals out of control, and He is humiliated after attempting to conquer Israel. We then read of Israel expanding its borders, and all seems to be going great. Yet, God’s compassion on them was not His commendation. During this time the prophet Amos rebukes them, and this will be their last hope before they plummet from horrible kings to exile.
2 Kings 13 tells us very little about two Israelite kings, but rather what dominates is discussions of how they relate to God and His prophet. What truly matters in life is our relation to God.
Russia in the Ukraine. Iran getting itchy for nuclear weapons. North Korea testing ballistic missiles. China leering at Taiwan. We are living in a time of international turmoil, and many Christians don't know what to make of it.
This morning Keith Pond looks at what Jesus told his disciples about the difficulties and travails that would come before he returned to the Earth. Jesus also offered great comfort and assurance to his disciples even in the midst of painful seasons.
Jehoash begins his reign well due to the godly influence of the priest, Jehoiada. Jehoash even begins to show some maturity perhaps even exceeding Jehoiada's. Tragically though, at Jehoiada’s death, Jehoash listens to ungodly counsel and pursues other gods. His one great achievement, the restoration of the temple, ends up being emptied due to his sin.
God anoints Jehu to be king, and he follows God’s will in removing Ahab’s descendants and Queen Jezebel. Yet, while most of what Jehu does pleases God, there are times when his zeal seems more focused on himself than on God. Most tragically, though he removed Baal worship, he kept worshipping the bulls that Jeroboam set up.
God promised in 1 Kings 19 that he would punish the house of Israel through Elisha, Hazael, and Jehu. We have not heard anything in 10 chapters about this, but now all three are on the scene. God provides opportunities for Israel and Judah to see his mercy and repent, but they continue to worship Baal. A major theme is that though God will judge (and in a sense, he delights in this), he prefers to offer and give mercy. Will Israel--will we--repent and know that mercy? Or will they and we force him to show us his righteous judgment?
This morning, Keith Pond begins a series of sermons that will air sporadically throughout the year on who Jesus Christ declared himself to be focusing particularly on his "I am" statements in John's Gospel. Today, Keith focuses on the power and implications behind Jesus statement, "I am the life."
In Israel’s rebellion, God brings judgment upon them. Yet, even when they reach their nadir, they refuse to repent but instead, curse God. The King thinks his words will have more power than God’s words, and when God does not act in the King’s timing, the King rages in anger.
In these two stories, Pastor Mollenkopf explains how God cares for the "smallest" or "least" of people, while at the same time holding sovereign and gracious control over the largest and most powerful of nations.
Who knew that a pagan general being cleansed of leprosy could yield such glories for the living God? Well, God knew. Pastor Mollenkopf examines four more powerful contrasts in this narrative of God using Elisha to heal Naaman, the Syrian general, and the consequences of Gehazi's greedy heart.
The story of the healing of Naaman is very rich, so rich that we will spend two weeks on it. Each week we will see some crucial contrasts in the story.
God provides for his prophets (and people) through mistaken errors and faithful believers. They do not always get their daily bread in the way they might have thought, but God provides.
A Savior? A baby is a Savior? Do I really need a Savior? And how does that work? God tells us that all of this is good news of great joy. Keith Pond closes out our Christmas series with this testimony to God's goodness and holiness displayed in the birth and death of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus, the word made flesh, showed us the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth. We can enjoy the peace, hope, joy, and salvation of Christ(mas), because Jesus concealed his glory for a time so that he might bring us to glory.
Jesus came to give joy, but we don’t always experience that each moment in this life. When he returns, he will give us joy eternally. So what do I do in the here and now? Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
During the month of December, Jeremy Mollenkopf and Keith Pond will be looking at the words that we have come to associate with Christmas. This morning, Pastor Jeremy looks at "Peace." Due to our sin, peace was lost with God, with humans, and with the world. Jesus came to bring peace and restore it in each of these areas.
This passage tells of two stories that mirror stories of Elijah’s actions in 1 Kings 17:8-24. We see that God has blessed Elisha as he did Elijah, and thus, we see God’s power working through him. We look at people and we see their beauty. We see their wealth. Does God see such things? Will he treat me different if I am rich or poor? Pastor Mollenkopf brings clarity to God's word.
We see two kings both seeking success but neither seeking it from God. Tragically, both serve as negative examples of how far we can fall when we define success outside of God and pursue it outside of His will.
Diotrephes' pride of wanting to be number one is a cancer to a church. So what is the alternative? John exhorts the saints to imitate the good. Keith Pond explains how we are to do that in a culture reticent to imitate anyone, and points to the person John points out as exemplifying what it means to live out the Truth in the church today.
John has rejoiced greatly in Gaius living a life anchored in the Truth, exemplified in his assistance to Gospel missionaries and in the testimony of those men to Gaius faithfulness to the Truth. But problems lurk within the church manifest in the pride and self-absorption of Diotrephes. How can today's church learn from Diotrephes' corrupt character, to prevent such cancer destroying our churches? Keith Pond explains
[This sermon was originally preached October 31st in continuation of Pastor Mollenkopf's series through First and Second Kings] One of the great Old Testament leaders and prophets, Elijah, is about to be taken away, but God has planned for his mission to continue. God’s work is not dependent on us, but He graciously calls us to serve Him.
Ahaziah tragically follows the “like father, like son” adage. Yet, his continuing in sin and seeking after other gods leads to God’s merciful judgment. But since Ahaziah won’t learn and repent from God’s warning of judgment, God's sword of justice falls.
When should the believer separate himself from the world? Should a believer ever separate from other Christians? When does tolerance become sin? These and other questions come to light in looking at the King of Judah's relationship with the King of Israel. Jehoshaphat and Ahab. A problematic relationship or one we should emulate? Pastor Mollenkopf wades into these applicable waters.
Life is full of challenging and difficult realities. One of them is the existence of suffering and evil. Where did it come from? Is there any hope to overcome it? Will it always be this way? God’s word does not exhaustively answer every question, but it gives us true knowledge to guide us in paths by which we can trust and follow Him.
Ahab should turn to God in his sorrow, but instead he continues to seek pleasure in this life, even if that means having to kill, steal, and destroy. Nothing escapes God, though, who holds Ahab to account. Shockingly, Ahab repents and we see God’s mercy in postponing judgment.
There is a battle against the enemy that Israel and we must undertake. For Israel this was against real flesh and blood enemies, but as Paul says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." We must heed the numerous calls in Scripture to see the warfare in which we are engaged and be prepared to resist the enticements of darkness and sin.
God calls us generally to him, but also specifically to the tasks and callings he gives us. Each call has a cost, but the ultimate reward will be much greater.
Many will rejoice, "Thank God it's Friday," but will they say "Thank God it's Monday" at the start of a new work week? Visiting Missionary Richey Goodrich provides us a solid foundation from God's word for understanding how our work is good, highlights the truth of the gospel, and ultimately brings glory to God.
When Elijah despaired and asked God to take his life, God cared for him physically. Yet, God then also renewed Elijah’s mind and revived his spirit. All three elements of our life must be considered when we deal with ourselves and others.
In this sin cursed world mourning is normal, but one day it will be removed. Sometimes our mourning is not temporary, but lasting and debilitating. What do we do? We should care for people the way God made us and that is caring for body, mind, and soul. We often focus on one or two of these to the exclusion of the others, and when we do we only harm ourselves. Thus, we must consider God’s instructions in all these areas. This sermon focuses on the first, and the following sermon will delve into renewing the mind and reviving the spirit.
For us to know, love, and obey God, we must know both the Old and the New Testament. All of it reveals God and His unfolding, redeeming plan for the world. How in the world does 1 Kings 19 play into that idea? Pastor Jeremy Mollenkopf explains.
Keith Pond continues his sermons series through the "Little Johns," delving into John's final epistle, a letter to the beloved Gaius. In eight short verses we see the expression of vital fellowship manifest itself in specific prayers for the saints in the church and in the provision for those who have committed their lives to Gospel ministry, two extraordinary activities every church and every saint within the church should be about.
Elijah’s “sight” moves from God to Jezebel and rather than continuing with confidence, he flees with fear. He thought Carmel would be the ushering in of God’s kingdom, but God had other plans. Elijah not only gets his eyes off of God, but he begins to think he is the only one faithful to God. In the midst of this God provides, rebukes, and reassures.
Some Jewish believers in Galatia have found hope in the gospel, but they say that all Christians (even Gentiles) must follow the Mosaic law to be pleasing to God. Paul makes clear that no other gospel is the gospel, and that they should be willing to hear no deviations from the gospel (even from Him, angels, or anyone).
This well known story calls us to be faithful to God knowing that He will be victorious. We may appear to be on “the wrong side of history,” but that is only momentarily. God will win and prove himself to be victorious over all. Let’s live in light of God’s eternal victory, today.
Ahab may have turned from God’s word, but God calls him back through the prophetElijah. Yet, while Elijah begins his ministry with a call of God’s judgment for Israel's sin, Elijah then goes to the wilderness and then to Sidon. Amidst it travels, God shows that he rules and reigns over all, not Baal, the god of Ahab and Jezebel. Thus, God alone can be trusted for provision and life.
Pastor Mollenkopf notes that looking at six kings of Israel may seem tedious and boring, but those kings highlight important truths to us. First, God’s promised judgment will come. Second, if we continue in the sins of those who've gone before us, we can expect the same negative repercussions. Third, we may appear to be living a life that is noteworthy, but in God’s eyes, if we are not living for Him, our greatest achievements are irrelevant. Finally, we see that sin never actually helps a person or nation, but rather degrades them more and more. True freedom only comes in submission to God and His will for us.
The narrative in Kings--the actual historic narrative--now returns from following Jeroboam in the north (Israel) to discussing the next three kings of Judah in the south. Tragically, the first two kings (Rehoboam and Abijam) follow the path of Jeroboam into sin, but while they rebel, God’s promises to David allow a lamp to continue to shine. Then God raises up Asa, a godly leader who brings restoration to the kingdom. Well, that is for most of his life. At the end of his life he stops trusting God and turns to His own schemes and plans.
The story took a slight deviation away from Jeroboam to tell of a prophet who, though faithful to rebuke Jeroboam for failing to obey God’s word, failed to obey God’s word himself. We now turn back to Jeroboam, and we tragically see that he still won’t obey. Yet, when life gets out of control--his child dying--Jeroboam tries to get God to heal his child. Yet, God is neither tricked nor mocked by the self-absorbed king, and the messenger Jeroboam sent is sent back with a message of God’s judgment.
Is obedience to God's word an Old Testament thing or does God expect his saints in Christ to obey as well? Pastor Mollenkopf vaults into this topic from a challenging passage from 1 Kings in today's message.
In John's second letter, immediately after exhorting the church to continue in the glorious graces of God-- life in the word, fellowship with one another, and obedience evidence by love--John warns the saints about the deceptions of darkness that threaten to neutralize and destroy churches then and now. He closes with a sweet exhortation to continue in rich fellowship--face-to-face, life-touching-life fellowship--that is to characterize Christ's church
Many are walking away from Christian churches today, and for the saint, that can wear you down and mire you in discouragement.
John realized that some would walk away, but rather than stew in lament, he rejoices in those who continue to walk in the truth given to us by the Father. That truth is exhibited by the saints in an overflowing love for the saints and a desire to follow hard after God in obedience. Keith Pond explains.
This message is part II of a series on John's shorter epistles, "The Little Johns," that began on February 7 and can be found here.
For a Christian to reach out in compassion to address the problems in our nation, Progressive America will often smack them down for bringing the truth of God's word to bear upon those issues. Conservative America will bash them for selling out to Marxist ideology. So what's a Christian to do? Keith Pond provides the saints biblical guidelines for understanding where the saint ought to stand and who is truly our enemy.
Last week we saw the sad division of the kingdom due to God’s sovereign control and Rehoboam’s foolish leadership. The question before us now is how will Jeroboam respond? Will he be the king to continue to lead Israel into peace, prosperity, and protection due to Yahweh? Tragically, we see his fear lead to him to lead the nation into idolatry. He feels he must grasp for power and control, but really he needs the grace that comes when he seeks God alone.
Sometimes in scrutinizing the details, we miss the big idea. Pastor Mollenkopf highlights Paul's big purpose in chapters twelve through fourteen of First Corinthians by weighing in on Paul's chief emphasis writ large throughout chapter fourteen: building up the church.
God’s promise to Jeroboam to be given 10 tribes of Israel comes to fruition through the folly of Rehoboam. Yet, though Rehoboam rips the kingdom apart, all goes according to God’s word and plan (12:15, 24). Christian’s can take comfort that no matter the leader or chaos, God’s plans will come to pass.
Were the tongues at Pentecost (Acts 2) the same tongues Paul discussed to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 14)? Easy answers won't cut it. Pastor Mollenkopf digs into what for some can be a divisive issue but ought not be.
Following Solomon’s sin of clinging to his wives and not God, God told Solomon that he would tear the kingdom from him. Then we read of two adversaries (Literally “Satan(s)” in Hebrew) who arise, and finally we are told of the new hope/leader for Israel. What then does this all mean to the church in the twenty-first century? Pastor Mollenkopf explains.
This session wraps up a study of what it meant to prophesy in the church of the first century and what it means for us today.
Zephaniah warns Israel of the coming judgment of God, but also tells them of hope if they will seek the Lord.
As with all of the spiritual gifts, much confusion exists in the church regarding the gift of prophecy. What is it? Is it different today than it was during the time of the early Church? Different than the time of the Old Testament prophets? Only by wrestling in the truth of God's word can we make heads or tails out of this important topic.
Marriage. Is it about the husband finding himself? Is it about the wife finding fulfillment? Or is it something much, much bigger? Pastor Jeremy Mollenkopf walks the saints through the beauty of marriage as it reflects the glories of God's love for his people.
Love bears all things? Believes all things? Hopes all things? Pulling things out of context is ALWAYS a dangerous thing, so what do these exhortations mean for us in light of God's word? Pastor Mollenkopf leads the saints through the second half of 1 Corinthians 13 today.
Should pastors preach about sex? Absolutely. God gave us a wonderful gift in romance, sex, and marriage. Yet, we have taken this good gift of God and twisted it, even in our culture almost treating it as though it were God. Yet, we should not allow the distortions and perversions of our culture keep us from delighting in what God gave us. To delight in it we need to know realize five wonderful truths about physical intimacy between a husband and his wife.
Isn't 1 Corinthians 13 the chapter about marriage? Well, it's read a lot at weddings, and it does say a lot about love, but as Pastor Jeremy Mollenkopf points out in today's study of Spiritual Gifts, that extraordinary chapter goes way beyond the love between a husband and a wife. Let's listen in.
Western culture has rejected God's design for marriage and the relationship between a husband and his wife. Is Scripture out-dated? Did mean for his word to be adapted to new and varying cultural mores? Or is this thousands year old text still valid and pertinent for us today? Pastor Mollenkopf explains how God's word shall stand forever when it comes to understanding man, woman, and marriage.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul highlights two extremes in the church, the saint who feels he has no place and the saint who feels he owns the place. Where's the balance? Paul writes to provide it, and Pastor Mollenkopf helps us to understand it.
How much can be packed into one half of one verse? Plenty. Especially when it's the Gospel. And it's the morning we celebrate the Resurrection.
Pastor Jeremy Mollenkopf notes, "Though Solomon served and loved God for many years, his heart was turned from God by the many wives he loved. How could this happen? We talk of the ‘wisdom of Solomon,’ but where is the wisdom in this? This passage serves as a serious warning for us to consider our own lives and the need to vigilantly fight sin in our hearts and lives."
Pastor Mollenkopf leads the saints into God's word to see that while some offices have clearly come to an end, God has not ceased working in the world. So what spiritual gifts are in play in the church today? Today's study takes an in depth look at healing.
Solomon’s middle years include some concerning actions. Yet, in this passage, the author gushes over how perfect Solomon’s kingdom is. The author wants to show us that his world was filled with (1) peace, (2) wisdom and knowledge, (3) wealth, and (4) God. As we move to the NT, we see that all of this served as pictures to point to the greater King who would come and give us paradise not for a time but eternity.
Pastor Mollenkopf looks at what the Bible says regarding whether spiritual gifts continue for all time or did some of the gifts have a limited time. What can we know and what does it matter?
Pastor Jeremy Mollenkopf leads the saints to understand the broad diversity of gifts intended for the unity of the church. The gifts, being spiritual gifts, are given by the Holy Spirit as he intends for his purposes. None need feel slighted. None ought feel proud. They are a stewardship intended to glorify Christ and build up the church.
Jesus. We are almost at 1 Kings 11:9 which reads, “And the LORD was angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD the God of Israel.” When did that turning begin? Was everything just fine until the multiplication of wives and women in 11:1? When did that multiplication begin? Was it chronologically with where 11:1 stands in the book, or is it just then reported at that time? Was Solomon completely devoted to the Lord and then one day wake up and decide he now wants more wives and women? No, rather the author of 1 Kings has given various hints, suggestions, and indications before that point that, though Solomon mainly served God, some things were amiss. Now in this passage we read of Solomon not giving the Hiram desirable cities. Of him having people in the land who were supposed to be devoted to destruction. He can't (or won't) remove them, but Pharaoh is able to come in and conquer a town in Israel. The story is not all one-sided though, for Solomon faithfully served God in his worship. The passage serves as a warning to fight the temptation to little compromises now before it is too late.
Jeremy Mollenkopf provides a solid foundation for understanding why spiritual gifts are important to the church in the 21st century and highlights some of the challenges we will face as we navigate these waters.
Solomon wraps up the dedicatory prayer for the temple, and he now praises God for how he established them and the temple. This follows with sacrifices, and then God appears to Solomon a second time promising blessing for obedience and cursing for disobedience.
Do we persevere or does God persevere us? Tracy Pond covers the importance for saints to persevere in this race toward glory, but provides the sure hope that the power and impetus to persevere is going to come from God's sovereign and gracious hand. A great encouragement as the ladies prepared to return from the mountaintop to their day-to-day lives.
We often think of discipline in a negative light, but for those running a race, discipline is good, necessary, and vital to running that race well. Tracy Pond explains in this continuation of the fourth session of the WFBC 2021 Women's Retreat.
We often think of discipline in a negative light, but for those running a race, discipline is good, necessary, and vital to running that race well. Tracy Pond explains
How do I get up each morning ready to persevere in my Christian life? Tracy Pond explains in Session 3 of the 2021 WFBC Women's Retreat at the Riverbend Conference Center.
Tracy Pond continues unpacking the importance of "running the race" by understanding our motivation to persevere.
What does it require for us to finish the race of this life well? Tracy Pond opens up God's word to encourage and exhort women to persevere.
Should the Christian love the Bible? Is this really God's word to me? Missionary Richey Goodrich takes a compelling look at the relevance of Christ's words to us in understanding the glories of God's word to his creatures.
Keith Pond concludes this six-month look at the opening chapters of Genesis and recaps the magnitude of their implications for humanity in understanding who we are and where we are going in the 21st century.
The world changed when Noah stepped off of the ark, and God did not leave the man and his family without guidance. Not long after the greatest catastrophe the Earth has ever seen, man was soon following after the darkness of his heart.
Solomon continues his prayer at the dedication of the temple, and he now turns with 7 different requests. He calls out for God help in numerous circumstances ranging from issues of justice to deliverance from sin, including the whole nation to individual foreigners.Pleas for Justice (1 Kings 8:31 – 32)Pleas for Forgiveness & Restoration (1 Kings 8:33 – 40)Pleas for Foreigners (1 Kings 8:41 – 43)Pleas for Help In War and Exile (1 Kings 8:44 – 53)
Keith Pond begins a sermon series of the "Little Johns," the epistlettes of 2 & 3 John that will run throughout the year as I have opportunity to preach. It began as four messages, but with comprehending the weight of truth in our lives, it will take at least five. This week provides an introductory look 2 John and examines the importance of truth in the fullness of God's word and when comprehending reality.
Coming out of the Garden and moving away from the Fall of Man, we see the consequences of sin in the world, and despite all of that God's lavish grace is on display for all to see.
God desires to dwell with us, and the temple gives us pictures of what that looks like.
1 Kings 7 makes an unexpected departure from discussing the temple being built to Solomon spending more time on his own house. It then goes back to describing the temple and all that was made for it. The three big points I think the passage makes can be seen in the headings: (1) We can idolize beauty, yet beauty is not the problem in and of itself for God (2) skills people like Hiram (or Bezalel) to make beautiful things. (3) God does this because He desires beauty because ultimately it is for our joy and His glory.
The consequences of the God's glorious creation and man's treasonous rebellion are manifest in the world today.
The construction descriptions of the house of the Lord are not just giving us details about how it was built and with what materials. More than that, they give us pictures of what God is like, and how we should respond to Him.
What are the consequences of the Fall of Man in Genesis 3 upon us in 21st Century America?