Collective Church: Recent Episodes
Collective Church
Weekly sermons from Collective Church. We are a church that is devoted to "Knowing HIM and Making HIM Known."
In the opening message of the Kingdom Parents: Raising Disciples, Not Just Good Kids series, we explore what it means to make God the priority in our parenting. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6:1–9, we are reminded that the goal isn’t simply to raise successful children by the world’s standards, but to raise children who love God, depend on Him, know His Word, and live for His Kingdom. Kingdom parenting begins with loving God ourselves and intentionally leading our families to know and follow Him in every part of everyday life.
Our first Sunday in our new building was a powerful reminder that this building is more than a place—it is a house dedicated to the presence of God. In this message, we look at Isaiah 56:7, Matthew 21:13, Acts 1:14, and Acts 2:42 to discover what it means to be a church devoted to prayer and committed to becoming a house of prayer for all peoples. As we step into this new season, our prayer is that these walls would be filled with worship, unity, and prayers that move the heart of God.
In this message from Psalm 103:1–5, Pastor PJ Noland reminds us that worship is a choice before it is a feeling. When we intentionally remember all that God has done—how He forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, and satisfies us—gratitude grows and our hearts are renewed. This message challenges us to bless the Lord in every season by remembering His goodness and choosing to worship Him with all that is within us.
In this message, Equipping Pastor Shane Harrington walks through Psalm 32, showing how God transforms the burden of hidden sin into the joy of forgiven living. Discover how honest confession leads to restored fellowship with God, the security of His grace, and the freedom Christ died to give us.
In this message, Pastor PJ Noland of Collective Church unpacks the timeless truth of Psalm 23, revealing how Jesus, our Good Shepherd, faithfully provides for every need. Discover how the Shepherd meets our spiritual, directional, emotional, physical, and eternal needs, giving us confidence to walk through every season knowing we belong to Him.
Where does a Kingdom Man make his greatest impact? In this sermon from Psalm 128:1–6, we learn that a Kingdom Man lives under God's authority and seeks His Kingdom above all else. Pastor explores how godly influence begins with a man's personal walk with God and extends into his work, family, church, and community. Through practical biblical teaching, this message highlights the blessings and responsibilities that come from fearing the Lord and walking in His ways. Discover how pursuing God's righteousness can create a lasting impact for His glory in every area of life.
In this special interview-style sermon, Pastor PJ sits down with Pastor Greg Kirksey to discuss the vision, purpose, and impact of Rock Creek Church's Immerse Institute. Through an engaging conversation, they explore how the Institute is equipping believers for deeper spiritual growth, biblical understanding, and practical ministry. Pastor Greg shares insights from his experience, highlights the importance of discipleship and leadership development, and offers encouragement for anyone seeking to grow in their faith and calling.
Listen in as Pastor PJ Noland examines the life of King David, who “served the purpose of God in his own generation,” and consider what it means to live a life of lasting significance. This message, What Would Your Eulogy Say About You?, challenges us to remember the brevity of life, embrace God’s purpose above our own, and intentionally invest in others while we have the opportunity. When our lives are over, will we be remembered for serving ourselves or serving the purposes of God?
In our final sermon of the Back to Life: The Story of Lazarus Series, titled “Take Off the Grave Clothes,” Elder Joe Dunn explores Jesus’ command to “unbind him and let him go” and what it means for our lives today. While only Jesus has the power to give new life and true transformation, He also uses a loving community to help us identify and remove the “grave clothes” that still bind us. This message is a reminder that we need both the life-giving power of Jesus and the support of others as we walk in freedom.
Join Student Pastor Connor Alliston as we look at Lazarus stepping out of the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes—a powerful picture of how we can be made alive in Christ while still carrying things that keep us bound. This message challenges us to identify what’s restricting our walk, our work, and our witness, and invites us to let Jesus free us fully into the life He’s called us to live. What old grave clothes might still be clinging to you?
Join Lead Pastor, PJ Noland, as he looks at the moment when Lazarus walked out of the tomb, still wrapped in grave clothes, and what it reveals about our own spiritual journey. Salvation brings us from death to life instantly, but sanctification is the ongoing process of God transforming us into the image of Christ—positionally, progressively, and ultimately perfectly in eternity. Through Scripture, we’re reminded that God not only calls us out of the grave, but faithfully continues the work of making us new.
In week five of the “Brought Back to Life” series, Justin Harrell explores how real transformation often begins by confronting the hidden places in our lives we would rather keep covered. Through the story of Lazarus, this message reminds us that Jesus is not afraid of the mess, the smell, or the shame of our past, but instead calls us into freedom, healing, and new life. God’s transforming work requires surrender, repentance, and death to our old self so we can fully live in the new identity Christ has given us.
In this Back to Life – The Story of Lazarus sermon series, we explore Jesus’ call in John 11:43, “Lazarus, come out,” as a powerful reminder that God’s love calls us out of death, doubt, and shame into new life. While many believe in God’s love for others, this message challenges listeners to personally receive His agape love—unconditional, sacrificial, and not based on our worthiness. Ultimately, nothing can separate us from this love, which doesn’t just meet us where we are but transforms us into who we were created to be.
In this episode, we step into John 11:17 and explore what it means to be “in the tomb”—those dark, hidden, and often painful places in our lives where hope feels buried. Whether it’s grief, disappointment, unanswered questions, or lingering shame, these tombs can leave us feeling stuck and overwhelmed, yet they are not beyond the reach of Jesus.
Through Scripture and reflection, we see that God doesn’t waste these places. Instead, He uses them to transform us—strengthening our faith and teaching us deeper dependence on Him—and to reveal His nature as a faithful Deliverer. What feels like an ending or a place of death may actually be where God is preparing to show His power, reminding us that even in the tomb, He is still at work.
In this episode, Equipping Pastor Shane Harrington explores the tension between faith and waiting through John 11:1–7, where Jesus intentionally delays going to Lazarus. Though it seems confusing, His delay reveals a deeper truth: God’s love isn’t measured by His speed, and what feels like silence or disappointment is often the setup for a greater revelation of His glory.
As we walk through Martha’s grief and Jesus’ response, we’re reminded that waiting is not wasted—it’s transformative. When God doesn’t move on our timeline, He’s still working beneath the surface, strengthening our faith and preparing us to see Him more clearly than ever before.
Pastor PJ jumps into a new sermon series Brought Back to Life. This episode explores the powerful story of Lazarus and what it reveals about our own lives and spiritual condition. Through John 11, we see that just like Lazarus, we are all in need of healing, hope, and the life-giving voice of Jesus. From the reality of our brokenness to the invitation of love and redemption, this message calls us to recognize our need and respond in faith. Join us as we discover how Jesus still calls us out of our tombs and into new life.
This sermon centers on the life-changing message of the cross: while it may seem foolish to some, it is the very power of God for salvation. Through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we see God’s love in action—offering rescue to the lost, reconciliation to those separated from Him, and restoration through faith. The cross reminds us that no one is beyond God’s grace and that salvation is available to all who believe. Ultimately, it calls each person to respond by trusting in Christ and embracing the new life He offers.
In the sermon,The Table Before the Cross, with Equipping Pastor Shane Harrington, we see that communion is an intentional invitation from Jesus to remember His sacrifice, not just sit in proximity to Him—because you can be at the table and still miss the Savior without a surrendered heart. Through the bread and the cup, Jesus reveals Himself as our substitute and the source of a new covenant, calling us to respond with honesty, surrender, and a life that boldly proclaims His death and resurrection.
In this message, Because of Your Generous Giving, we see how God uses the obedience and sacrifice of His people to fuel life change, build community, and advance the Gospel. Rooted in 2 Corinthians 8–9, this sermon reminds us that giving is not transactional but transformational—an act of worship marked by generosity, intentionality, spiritual alignment, joy, and trust in God’s provision. Because of your giving, lives are being impacted, needs are being met, and the mission of Jesus is moving forward.
In this message from the series Because of You, PJ Noland, pastor of Collective Church, teaches on Because of Your Sacrificial Serving from John 13:1–5. Reflecting on Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, the sermon highlights that true serving is not just about actions but about cultivating the humble attitude of Christ. Drawing from passages like Philippians 2:1–8 and Mark 10:45, PJ reminds listeners that serving is central to the identity of every follower of Jesus. The message celebrates how sacrificial serving within the church helps immerse people in discipleship and reflects the heart of Christ to the world.
In this episode, PJ Noland, pastor of Collective Church, is joined by Justin Harrell and church member Bill Veuleman to reflect on how God has worked through the church in a new sermon series titled "Because of You." They discuss how a shared passion for people has helped connect hearts to the Gospel and build a culture of discipleship and community. Rooted in passages like 1 Thessalonians 3:7–9, Luke 19:10, and Psalm 147:3, the conversation highlights the joy and encouragement that comes from seeing lives changed through faith. The episode celebrates how God continues to seek the lost, heal the brokenhearted, and work through ordinary people to accomplish His mission.
In this episode of Kingdom Marriage: Four Kingdom Commitments for Building a Stronger Marriage, we explore The Commitment of Purity through Genesis 2:24–25 and 3:7–10. Discover how God’s design for oneness—once marked by openness and no shame—was fractured by sin, secrecy, and hiding, and how purity restores intimacy in marriage. We unpack what it means to live as people chosen and called to be holy in a contaminated world, resisting worldliness while walking as children of light. Join us as we learn that secrecy is the enemy of intimacy—and that true kingdom marriages are built on confession, truth, and wholehearted devotion to God.
In this message from Kingdom Marriage: Four Kingdom Commitments for Building a Stronger Marriage series, Justin Harrell, the Men's Discipleship Pastor, Explores The Commitment of Partnership. Inspired by Ephesians 5:25, this episode challenges couples to reflect on whether they love with expectations—or with the same grace Jesus shows us when we bring nothing to the table. It unpacks how true kingdom marriage mirrors Christ’s covenant love: steadfast, unbreakable, and anchored in reverence for Him. With wisdom on mutual submission, healthy margin, and the refining prayer of Psalm 139:23, this conversation calls couples to love not out of obligation—but because He first loved us.
In this message from the Kingdom Marriage: Four Kingdom Commitments for Building a Stronger Marriage series, we explore The Commitment of Pursuit rooted in Genesis 2:24. A Kingdom Marriage is a husband and wife functioning together under God’s rule, where the husband lovingly pursues his wife while both pursue God above all else. Drawing from Ephesians 5, 1 Peter 3, and Proverbs, this sermon unpacks the biblical meaning of “dabaq”—to cling with affection and devotion—and challenges couples to express love intentionally through words and actions. Singles are also called to shift their focus from finding the right person to becoming the right person by prioritizing God first. Discover how pursuing God wholeheartedly strengthens every pursuit in love and marriage.
In this episode of Kingdom Marriage, we begin a powerful series on the Four Kingdom Commitments by exploring The Commitment of Priority. Grounded in Matthew 22:37, this message unpacks what it means to place God first and your spouse second, establishing order, peace, and clarity in marriage under God’s authority. You’ll learn how protecting biblical priorities—leaving, cleaving, and loving sacrificially—builds a stronger, Christ-centered marriage. This sermon challenges couples and singles alike to seek God first while preparing for a healthy, God-honoring union.
In this episode of Seek First the Kingdom, we tackle a battle every believer faces: worry. Drawing from Matthew 6:25–34, Jesus’ three clear commands—do not worry—invite us to trust the Father who knows our needs and cares for every detail of our lives. We explore the meaning of worry as something that pulls us apart and discover how Jesus calls us to win the war with worry by repositioning our priorities, refocusing our faith, and learning to relax in God’s provision. As we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, we’re reminded that tomorrow is in His hands—and today is enough.
In this message from the Seek First the Kingdom series, Student Pastor Connor Alliston unpacks Jesus’ words from Matthew 6:30, “Why do you have so little faith?”, exploring how oligopistos faith is often shaped by circumstances, fear, and misplaced limits on God. Through Scripture, we see that true biblical faith is not wishful thinking or blind optimism, but confident obedience to God’s Word despite uncertain outcomes. This sermon invites listeners to seek first the Kingdom and discover how God grows our faith through communion with Him, renewed perspective, and enduring trials.
In this message from the Seek First The Kingdom series, “Who’s Your Master?”, we explore Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19–24 and the heart behind Matthew 6:33. Jesus makes it clear: it’s not wrong to have possessions—but it is dangerous when possessions have us. This sermon examines how money and material things can subtly enslave our hearts, minds, and wills, pulling our devotion away from God. By unpacking Jesus’ teaching on treasure, vision, and masters, we’re reminded that wealth itself isn’t evil—but it makes a terrible master. True freedom is found when we seek first God’s Kingdom and allow Him alone to be Lord.
As a new year begins, we often chase change through effort and resolutions, only to find ourselves unchanged and discouraged. In this message from Seek First The Kingdom, we explore Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 6:33 to focus on the one thing that truly leads to an abundant life—actively seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness above all else. Discover how misplaced priorities, worry, and divided devotion distract us, and how fixing our eyes on Jesus realigns everything else.
Listen in as our Equipping Pastor, Shane Harrington, teaches that at Christmas, God made Himself known through Jesus—fully God in the flesh—because, on our own, humanity could never truly see or understand Him. Drawing from John 1:14–18, this message reveals Jesus as the perfect and complete revelation of the Father, showing us God’s heart through grace, truth, compassion, and sacrifice. The sermon calls us to keep Jesus at the center of our lives by knowing Him, trusting Him, worshiping Him, and reflecting His light so others can know God.
In this message from the Presence-Centered Christmas series, Pastor PJ Noland explores the breathtaking truth of John 1:14–18 that in Jesus, God came near—full of grace and truth. Christmas is the celebration of Emmanuel, “God with us,” revealing that His presence is our greatest need and His deepest desire.
This sermon centers on the gift of salvation by grace alone. From Christ’s fullness, we receive “grace upon grace”—not earned by works, but freely given through faith. Through God’s grace, we are born again as children of God, our eyes are opened to see His glory, and we are invited into a daily, personal knowledge of Him.
Grace Upon Grace reminds us that Christmas is not about striving, but receiving. Jesus came to save us by His grace, reveal the Father, and draw us into a life-transforming relationship with Him—one marked by His presence, His glory, and unending grace.
In this message from the Presence-Centered Christmas series, Justin Harrell unpacks the powerful truth of John 1:14—that God did not remain distant, but came near in the person of Jesus. From Genesis to the manger, Scripture reveals God’s heart to dwell among His people, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, Emmanuel, “God with us.”
This sermon explores the marks of a Christ-centered Christmas: worship and awe, hope that overcomes darkness, Spirit-filled joy, trust in God’s perfect timing, true peace, humility, and the call to reconciliation. We’re reminded that Christmas is not about pressure or performance, but about presence—God with us and God transforming us.
Finally, this message connects the manger to the cross, revealing Christmas as an Easter story in seed form. Jesus came not only to be born, but to die, rise again, and bring us into new life. A timely invitation to examine our hearts, embrace God’s nearness, and celebrate the Savior who dwelt among us.
In this message from Joe Dunn we explore what biblical accountability truly is—and what it is not. This is our final message in our series Family Matters—The Church: God’s Family that Lasts. Rather than judgment, pride, or legalism, accountability within God’s family is rooted in love, humility, and a desire to see one another restored. Scripture reminds us that all believers are accountable to God and called to support, encourage, and gently restore one another. Ultimately, the goal of biblical accountability is freedom from sin and a stronger, healthier family of faith.
In this sermon, Unity in the Family of God, we explore Jesus’ prayer for His followers to be one and Paul’s call for believers to live in harmony as members of God’s household. Drawing from John 17 and Romans 15, we discover why unity is essential for the church’s witness and spiritual strength. Listeners will be encouraged to pray for unity, pursue peace, and practice love in tangible ways that reflect Christ to the world. Together, we learn how a united church can do far more for the Kingdom than a divided one.
In this message from Family Matters: The Church – God’s Family That Lasts, we explore how God lovingly leads His family through Jesus Christ, the true head of the Church. Rooted in Ephesians 5:23, the sermon unpacks the three primary channels of Christ’s leadership: the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the leaders God calls to shepherd His people. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of biblical leadership—pastors, elders, and overseers—and how godly character and Spirit-led guidance shape a healthy church family. Ultimately, this episode reminds us that while every church must be led, every church family must also joyfully cooperate with that leadership for God’s glory.
In Family Matters: Serving in the Family, Equipping Pastor Shane Harrington explores what it truly means to serve in the family through the lens of Galatians 5:13–15. Freedom in Christ isn’t a license for selfishness—it’s an invitation to love through service. Shane unpacks three powerful truths about freedom, love, and unity in God’s family, reminding us that love builds while selfishness destroys. Discover how to live out your freedom by serving others, building relationships, and living on mission together.
In Family Matters: The Family of God, Pastor PJ Noland shares how the Church is more than a gathering—it’s a family we’re called to belong to, not just believe in. Through fellowship, growth, and shared purpose, we reflect God’s design for His household. When each of us brings our best to the table, the Church becomes a living picture of God’s love and unity in action.
Many Christians have heard — and maybe even said — the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” But what if that’s not actually true? In this message, Pastor PJ Noland unpacks 1 Corinthians 10:12–13 to reveal that God often allows us to face more than we can bear on our own — not to break us, but to draw us closer to Him. Discover how God’s faithfulness provides strength, escape, and purpose even in life’s overwhelming moments, teaching us to depend on His power rather than our own.
In this message, Student Pastor, Connor Alliston continues the series “Lies: Common Clichés Christians Believe” by addressing the phrase “God Gained Another Angel.” Together, we’ll explore why this comforting but unbiblical idea has taken root and what Scripture actually teaches about angels and eternity. Discover the real hope believers have—not in becoming angels, but in the promise of being transformed into the likeness of Christ.
In this message, Pastor PJ Noland reminds us that generosity isn’t about what’s in our wallets—it’s about what’s in our minds and hearts. Using 2 Corinthians 8:1–2, he challenges the “I can’t afford to give” mindset and calls us to trust that God can do more with our 90% and His blessing than we can with 100% on our own. When we give, we reflect the very heart of God—because love gives.
In this message, Pastor PJ Noland reminds us that forgiveness isn’t about forgetting, excusing, or being a doormat—it’s about freedom. Holding on to bitterness only poisons the heart, but choosing to forgive reflects the heart of God.
“I choose forgiveness because my great God has chosen to forgive me.”
Listen to “I Could Never Forgive That Person” now on the Collective Church Podcast.
In this episode, we continue our Movement Ready Church series, focusing on two common myths that hinder churches from fully living out their mission with Jesus—the Equipping Myth and the Empowerment Myth. Looking at Matthew 28, Ephesians 4, and 1 Corinthians 12, we’re reminded that the church isn’t just called to fill roles or offer teaching—it’s called to equip and empower people to use their God-given gifts for Kingdom impact. We’ll unpack why training requires more than just teaching, and how true empowerment comes not from filling spots, but from activating the Spirit’s potential in each believer.
In this episode, Pastor PJ Noland shares his heart in response to recent events and points us to God’s Word for guidance. He unpacks what it means to live faithfully as Christians in an ever-changing world, reminding us of our calling and hope in Christ.
In part 3 of A MOVEMENT READY CHURCH titled, Expanding Our Impact Beyond Programming, we explore what it truly means to be a movement-ready church rooted in the Great Commission. Drawing from Matthew 28:19–20 and Acts 1:8, we unpack three essential elements—Spiritual Renewal, Disciple-Making Conviction, and Organizational Clarity—that shift ministry from programs to people. We’ll also confront the Execution Myth, the belief that church impact is defined by internal ministry alone, and discover how true transformation happens when believers carry the mission into their circles of influence. Tune in as we challenge assumptions, rethink our roles, and embrace the call to live on mission every day.
In this episode of Movement Ready Church: Activating A Disciple-Making Movement, we tackle two of the five fatal myths that stall disciple-making: the Engagement Myth and the Expertise Myth. These myths falsely equate activity with transformation and excellent execution with excellent ministry. Rooted in Matthew 28:19-20, we’re reminded that Jesus calls us to more than busyness—He calls us to intentional disciple-making. Discover how changing the scoreboard and redefining your role can shift your church from movement-resistant to movement-ready. Let’s break assumptions and build a church that truly knows God and makes Him known.
In this foundational episode of a four part message series, we explore the essential elements that make a church movement ready by diving into key moments from Matthew 28 and Acts 1–2. Drawing from Jesus’ ministry and the birth of the early Church, we unpack the vital need for spiritual renewal, disciple-making conviction, and organizational clarity. Discover how these three components sustain, shape, and spread a movement—and what happens when even one is missing. This is a call to realignment, empowerment, and Gospel-centered purpose for today’s church.
In this message from our series Built Different: Living a Life That Lasts, we look at Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24–27. Storms come to every life—but only those built on the solid foundation of Christ can stand firm. Discover what it means to not only hear God’s Word but to obey it, and learn how faith that weathers the storm is the faith that truly lasts.
In this message, Men’s Discipleship Pastor Justin Harrell unpacks Jesus’ teaching of the wise man and the foolish man, showing the difference between a life built on the rock of Christ versus the shifting sands of self and culture. Through five key tests—foundation, stability, fruit, obedience, and ambition—he challenges us to examine what our lives are truly anchored to. A faith built on Jesus leads to peace in the storms, wisdom in daily living, and a God-driven ambition that endures, while a life built on sand crumbles when pressure comes.
In today's podcast, Pastor PJ Noland shares with us a message that explores what it truly means to “build on the rock” by not only hearing God’s Word but living it out in every area of life. Obedience to God’s Word is the foundation for a faith that lasts and transforms from the inside out.
Join us as we explore Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7 about the difference between merely hearing and truly obeying. Pastor Shane Harrington challenges us to consider what foundation we’re building on—obedience to God’s Word or surface-level listening. Storms will come, and when they do, our foundation is revealed—not by how much we’ve heard, but by what we’ve done with it.
This week’s message, The Source of Life, reminds us that God is El Shaddai—our all-sufficient, almighty source—through every season. Looking at Joseph’s journey from the pit, to prison, to the palace, we see how abiding in God brings strength, purpose, and life not only to us but through us to others. No matter where you are, if you dwell with God, He will be your El Shaddai.
In this episode of Meant For Good – The Story of Joseph, the focus is on grace and mercy as seen in Genesis 42–45. Joseph, once betrayed by his brothers, now stands in a position to save them, embodying forgiveness and God’s providence. Through Joseph’s story, we see a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus—one righteous man sent ahead to save many. Listeners are challenged to see themselves in the brothers and to receive the grace freely given by Christ, who responds to our betrayal with mercy, provision, and love.
This week’s message is brought to us by Joe Dunn, Collective Church Elder. We explore how God exalted Joseph from a prison to a palace. Through Joseph’s story, we’re reminded that humility always comes before honor and that God uses seasons of waiting to prepare us for greater purpose. Discover how God’s timing, gifts, and glory all play a role in lifting us up for His plan. Join us as we learn to trust God in the process and walk in His purpose for our lives.
In this episode of Meant For Good: The Story of Joseph, we explore how Joseph serves as a powerful “type” of Christ—foreshadowing Jesus through his life, character, and calling. From being a cherished son to holding future authority, Joseph’s story in Genesis 37 reflects the redemptive work of Jesus in profound ways. Discover how Scripture points us to the Savior through parallels in love, name, innocence, and destiny. Join us as we see how what was meant for evil, God meant for good—to bring salvation to many.
In this week’s message from Equipping Pastor Shane Harrington, Joseph's story reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes—even in seasons that feel stagnant or forgotten. Drawing from Genesis 40 and 41, the message highlights how faithfulness is not defined by circumstances, and how God uses our waiting to prepare us for purpose. Joseph’s journey from prison to influence in Pharaoh’s court shows that obedience and trust in the quiet places lead to open doors in due time. The challenge: Stay faithful in the waiting—your Egypt moment is coming.
In this powerful sermon, Faith in the Fire: When Purpose Meets Temptation, Justin Harrell takes us on a journey through Genesis 39 and beyond to explore how God’s presence remains steadfast—even in the pit, not just the palace. Through Joseph’s story, we see that temptation isn’t just a trial; it’s a test of devotion, identity, and purpose. With practical insights and deep spiritual truths, this message challenges us to fear God more than failure, flee sin instead of flirting with it, and trust that even suffering has a purpose. If you’re facing fire, this episode will remind you: God is in it with you.
In this episode of Meant For Good - The Story of Joseph, we explore the complex family dynamics that led to Joseph being rejected and sold by his brothers. Delving into Jacob’s flawed parenting and Joseph's youthful pride, we uncover key lessons on how deception, bitterness, and setbacks shape our journeys and the power of God's redemptive plan for healing dysfunctional families.
Hear from Pastor PJ Noland and other members of our church family as they share what first drew them to Collective Church—and what’s kept them rooted here.
From meaningful relationships to life-changing encounters with Jesus, these stories reflect the heart of who we are as a church.
Listen to the video, be encouraged, and maybe even see a piece of your own story in theirs.
“HE WILL BE THE SURE FOUNDATION FOR YOUR TIMES, A RICH STORE OF SALVATION AND WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE; THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE KEY TO THIS TREASURE.”
ISAIAH 33:6 NIV
YouTube Link https://youtu.be/7ILfbzW1htU
In this episode, we explore how God’s providence is powerfully displayed in the life of Joseph—from betrayal to exaltation. Though others may intend harm, God works through every circumstance to bring about good, shaping character and fulfilling His purposes. When life leaves us with more questions than answers, we’re reminded that God is not absent—He is actively working for us, not just around us.
In this final sermon of the series, Noah: Found Favor, we explore how God's faithfulness endures even when life is hard, silent, or unexpected—just as He remembered Noah in the flood. Discover how God's character, not our circumstances or perfection, is the unshakable foundation of His promises.
This message explores the sobering reality of God’s wrath through the story of the flood. God's wrath is not impulsive anger but His righteous judgment against sin.
Before the flood, God showed great patience—giving 120 years for people to repent and sending Noah as a preacher of righteousness. But when that patience was ignored, judgment came.
Three key truths:
- God’s wrath is part of His perfect character — He is both loving and just.
- God’s wrath reveals His justice — He responds rightly to sin.
- God’s wrath follows ignored patience — God waits, but not forever.
The flood reminds us: judgment is real, but so is grace. Just as Noah found refuge in the ark, we find our salvation in Christ. God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish — but urging us to repent before it’s too late.
In this powerful episode, we journey into the heart of a mother’s unwavering faith and courage through the story of Jochebed—the mother of Moses. At a time when fear reigned and the future of her newborn son seemed doomed, Jochebed acted with bold trust in God. Her quiet defiance of Pharaoh’s decree and her wise, faith-filled decisions not only saved her child but also played a crucial role in God’s redemptive plan for Israel.
Through Scripture and reflection, we uncover the timeless truth: when faith overcomes fear, God does what only He can do. Whether you’re a parent, a leader, or simply walking through uncertain times, this episode will inspire you to trust God's purpose—even when the waters seem deep.
Tune in and be encouraged by the legacy of a mother whose faith changed history.
Why was Noah chosen to build the ark? In this episode, we unpack how God's grace—not Noah's perfection—was the starting point of his story. Through Noah’s obedience, righteousness, and faithful walk with God, we see that grace changes lives, gives greater purpose, and always involves faith. Discover how the same grace that saved Noah invites us into God's redemptive plan today.
In this episode, we explore the story of Noah through the lens of God's holiness as revealed in Genesis 6:1-13. Why would a good and loving God choose to wipe out nearly all of humanity? By examining what God saw, what He felt, and who He is, we uncover the seriousness of sin and the unshakable purity of a holy God—and why Noah's obedience mattered then, and still speaks to us today.
Jesus was a phenomenal story teller. He knew just how to speak to the hearts of people through his stories, and today PJ walks us through three of Jesus's stories to illustrate how Jesus sees us so clearly and lovingly to this day.
Jesus's fellowship with the lost was driven by his understanding of their condition, their past, and their potential for redemption.
Listen in to hear Jesus's stories about the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son.
One of the primary things God created us for is for a community of Godly friendships that point us to Jesus Christ. Rich, Godly, satisfying, meaningful friendships. PJ uses the story of Barnabus & Paul from Acts 9 to illustrate how we could be just one biblical community away from changing the course of our destiny. Then PJ pulls from David's story three friends that helped David become who God wanted him to be. Listen in to learn about these friends and take an inventory of your community? Are you rich in Godly friendships?
"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." Proverbs 13:20.
We have a special message today where Owen Githanga with Compassion International joins PJ to discuss being rich in good deeds. One good deed transformed Owen's life, and introduced Owen to Jesus Christ. In a previous message in this series PJ gave us the good news and bad news that we are rich. Now using Paul's words in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 we are learning how to identify distractions and leverage our riches for the honor and glory of Christ Jesus.
Key Thought: We are not saved by good deeds, but for good deeds.
My Good Deeds....
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Should Point to God
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Will Glorify God Through His Church
Listen in to hear the message, Owen's story, and learn about Collective's new partnership with Compassion International.
Listen in as Pastor PJ Noland shares the truths of being a rich giver. Rich givers embody the principle that it is "more blessed to give than to receive," demonstrating generosity through bountiful, intentional, spiritual, joyful, and trusting giving. Biblical teachings emphasize that honoring God with wealth leads to abundant blessings, as seen in the example of the Macedonian churches that gave beyond their means in times of trial. Ultimately, obedient giving is not just a transaction but a transformation that enriches both the giver and the community.
In part 2 of our current sermon series, Shane Harrington shares the Deceitfulness of Riches and explores the dual nature of wealth, revealing its deceptive allure. Biblical teachings emphasize that wealth can distract from spiritual growth, as illustrated in Matthew 13:22, where life's worries and the lure of money choke out God's message. Ultimately, true fulfillment and peace come from a relationship with God rather than material wealth, as money cannot address life’s deeper issues or provide lasting security.
Pastor PJ Noland encourages believers to focus on spiritual richness and stewardship rather than seeking satisfaction solely through material wealth.
Good News: You are rich. Wealth is a gift from God, meant to be enjoyed and used wisely (Ecclesiastes 5:19).
Bad News: You are rich. Wealth can make it harder to depend on God and can distract from important spiritual priorities (Luke 18:24-25).
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When you abide in Christ people are going to treat you different. So today we aren't necessarily talking about how to show love to those people who are hard to love or the ones that love us, but PJ is walking us through what it looks like to handle negative reactions when we are abiding in Christ.
Focus verses John 15:18-27
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PJ is back with us this week sharing the riches that come from abiding in God pulled straight from John 15. What does this life of significance look like? Living with God's word, love and joy through any and all seasons?
"God desires an unbroken, daily, personal relationship with us, but we must cooperate. His presence is our greatest need, and our presence is His greatest desire." -Bill Elliff
Part 2 of 4
Men's Discipleship Pastor, Justin Harrell brings us today's message about how to bear fruit. Listen in to hear some of his testimony and to learn ways to connect with God personally. Don't carry a check list around anymore. Turn to God and ask him to reveal the next steps forward in your walk with him. Learn how to lean on his power and allow him to prune your life, so that you can live a life full of purpose walking confidently in Christ's gift of salvation.
Part 1 of 4
A series on John 15. What does living a life that honors God look like? What characteristics would make up this life? Pastor PJ walks us through these questions and into an interview with Ben Crumpton. Ben gives his testimony and shares the work God has been doing in his life as he has gotten attached to the vine.
Student Pastor Connor Alliston joins us today to wrap up our H.E.A.R series and discusses what it means to Respond to God's word. Connor illustrates how responding obediently to God's word will impact your walk, life, and foundation.
Key Verses: Matthew 7:24-27
Key Thought: The only way you can begin to experience the fullness of what God has for you, is by obediently responding when you hear from Him.
In his sermon based on James 1:22-25, Pastor PJ Noland emphasizes the importance of actively applying God’s Word to experience true life change. He argues that merely reading or discussing the Bible isn't sufficient; we must become doers of the Word. Citing James, he illustrates how one who only hears the Word deceives themselves, comparing it to someone who forgets their reflection after looking in a mirror. To effectively apply Scripture, he suggests focusing on four key areas:
- Our thinking—transforming our mindset through Romans 12:1-2;
- Our feelings—embracing joy and love as described in John 15:11;
- Our living—making necessary changes in attitudes and actions according to James 1:22;
- Our praying—engaging in heartfelt prayers influenced by Scripture, as highlighted in James 5:16.
By incorporating these practices, we can truly embody the teachings of the Bible in our daily lives.
Listen in as Lead Pastor PJ Noland addresses why people, including yourself, may not read the Bible. Ephesians 6:11, 17 shows us that we have the power of the Bible to be a spiritual weapon against the evil one. He emphasizes the transformative power of God's Holy Spirit and Scriptures, which can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic life.
PJ walks us through the nature of the Bible; its uniqueness, its trustworthiness, the authority it holds, its power, and how sufficient it is for all our needs. God has gifted us His word through the Holy Bible. How can we worship Him this year through consistency? Ask yourself, how can I H.E.A.R God from His word consistently?
- Pick a Plan
- Pick a Place
- Practice a Process
H - Highlight
E - Explain
A - Apply
R - Respond
Note: Before reading & studying scripture pause to sincerely ask God to speak to you.
"Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things from your word." Psalms 119:18
Do you feel hurried or distracted? Take a moment with us to slow down and look to the Bible for 3 biblical reasons for celebrating Christmas.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
Poem:
"In the Stable with Mary" by Beth Moore, read by Peggy Cooper
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
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Luke 2:1-5
Joseph models immediate obedience in the face of big adversities. Are you willing to obey God's callings? Do you hesitate or delay?
Key Thought: Obedience to God does not equal the absence of adversity and adversity does not equal the absence of God.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
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Matthew 1:18-21
Brought to us by Shane Harrington. We take a deeper look into fear, and what it means to live in fear of the Lord vs fear of the world. Joseph modeled a devout fear of the Lord through his obedience.
Key Thought: Our devotion cannot be predicated on fear of the world, BUT fear of the Lord.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotion series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
Part 2 of 4
Matthew 1:18-21
Brought to us by Justin Harrell. He discusses Joseph's dedication to God's purpose and plan for his life. One simple, but courageous act of surrender and how it has impacted each of us today.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
Part 1 of 4
Matthew 13:54-56
A Christmas series on Joseph. This first sermon introduces Joseph and highlights some of his key characteristics & gifts. This sermon also introduces three questions to consider as we dive into our study of Joseph.
- What does it tell us about God that He chose Joseph to serve as Jesus' earthly father and raise Jesus as his own son?
- How have your father, stepfather, or other men in your life shaped you?
- How do others see Jesus (and Joseph) in you?
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
This Advent season, join us for a special devotional series to guide women through moments of reflection, prayer, and joy. We'll bring together scripture readings and practical applications as we dig deeper into the story of the birth of Christ.
Join us as we wrap up our time in Colossians. Connor Alliston shares with us how to have a life deeply connected to Christ, which includes a consistent, grateful prayer life. Prayer is not just a duty, but a privilege—a vital part of the Christian walk.
In Colossians 4:2, Paul encourages believers to "continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." Prayer should be persistent (steadfast), alert (watchful), and filled with gratitude. As we pray, we acknowledge that all we have is a gift from God, and our hearts should overflow with thankfulness.
Lastly, we are reminded of God's attentive care in times of distress, as seen in Exodus 2:23-25, where God hears the cries of the Israelites in slavery. He remembers His covenant and acts in their behalf. This gives believers confidence that God is always listening, ready to respond to our prayers with grace and action.
Prayer is a precious privilege. We are called to approach it with persistence, vigilance, and deep gratitude, knowing that every answer is a reflection of God's goodness and provision.
Today's sermon "Thankful in Peace, in Word, and in Name" focuses on Colossians 3 and the transformative power of gratitude in the life of a Christian. It emphasizes that biblical truth is meant to be lived, not just learned, and highlights three key catalysts that increase thankfulness in the believer's life.
- The Peace of Christ
- The Word of Christ
- The Name of Christ
Colossians 3:17 teaches that everything believers do—whether in word or deed—should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father. Acting in Christ's name means living with a sense of purpose and intentionality, reflecting His character and mission. This transforms everyday actions into acts of worship, filled with thankfulness.
The sermon also explores how believers are called to "put to death" sinful behaviors and "put off" negative traits while "putting on" virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, and love. These actions all foster an attitude of thankfulness.
Join Lead Pastor, PJ Noland, as he shares how we all can be "Thankful in Peace, in Word, and in Name."
In today’s episode, we dive deep into Colossians 2 and explore the powerful reminder that, no matter what is happening around us, we can always be thankful for the work God is doing in us.
Paul encourages believers to stay rooted in Christ, be established in their faith, and remember that God’s transformation within us is the true source of peace, joy, and gratitude—even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
In this episode, we discuss: The importance of being “rooted” in Christ and growing in gratitude, how God’s work inside us can bring peace regardless of external chaos, practical ways to cultivate thankfulness in every season of life
Let this episode encourage you to pause, reflect, and focus on the incredible work God is doing in your life.
Join us as we hear from Pastor PJ Noland and learn the "Ingredients for a Life Overflowing with Thankfulness." PJ shares how biblical community and the benefits of belonging to the Father can help us find a life overflowing with gratitude and thankfulness.
Larry Barker joins us this week to wrap up The Ghost series with The Gifts of The Holy Spirit. How to identify them and use them.
1 Corinthians 12: 12-21
87% of the body of Christ do not know what body part they are!
Effective Leadership
Personality: gifts & passions
Ability: training & experience
Maturity: obedience & intimacy
How to Become an Active Part of the Body:
Step 1 - Connect to a Family
Step 2 - Spiritual Gifts Test & Personality Profile
Step 3 - Serving Opportunities
Pastor PJ approaches the subject of speaking in tongues and what the Bible has to say about it.
"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:1-2, 4 ESV
Two Critical Points the Bible Makes About Speaking in Tongues:
1. When someone Speaks in a tongue publicly, there should always be someone to interpret. Verses reference: 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 & 14:23
2. Speaking in tongue strengthens the person speaking, not the entire church. Verse reference: 1 Corinthians 14:4-5 & 14:19
Paul makes several points about speaking in tongues:
(1) It is a spiritual gift from God (1 Cor. 14:2)
(2) Even though it is a gift, it isn't a requirement of faith (1 Cor. 12:28-31)
(3) Paul emphasized a greater need for Speaking truth and teaching the Word (1 Cor. 14:4)
What does a seal communicate or symbolize? What does it mean for you and I to be, "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit," Eph. 1:13-14?
Key Thought: The Holy Spirit is an unbreakable seal that confirms that we belong to God.
The Benefits of the Holy Spirit's Sealing Power:
1. Security
2. Belonging
3. Authority
Kicking off a new series The Ghost, the kind of ghost you want to have around!
Key Thought: As disciples of Christ we have been sent an advantage; the Helper, God's Holy Spirit.
Working from John 16, PJ Noland walks us through three things God's Holy Spirit does as our helper.
In wrapping up our series on The Blessed Church, PJ Noland shares how evangelism is a charge given to all believers to live out daily.
Key thought: God desires to make Himself known.
We are all called to be sharers of the Gospel. Romans 10:15, 17 says, "As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!' So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
Did you know that 95% of all American Christians have never shared the Good News of Jesus with another person? How will they hear if we aren't telling them?
Listen in as we learn how to live differently to expand the Kingdom.
In today's episode of the Collective Church podcast, Student Pastor Shane Harrington explains the meaning of Blessed Worship. Listen in as he shares with us how we must get past the idea that worship is a single act of praise but is a lifestyle devoted to the Kingdom of God.
"A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders." Acts 2:43 NLT
In this episode of the Collective Church podcast, Pastor PJ Noland and Collective member Joe Dunn discuss The Blessed Sacrifice. Learn how your faithfulness to what you have now determines how you will be entrusted with more in the future. The faithful servants were given greater responsibilities and invited to share in their master's joy. (Matthew 25:20-23 ESV)
Key Thought: The Blessed Church is made up of many members who surrender time, talents, and treasures so that the body of Christ may be built up and God’s kingdom can advance.
Blessed Unity
John 17:20-21, Acts 2:42, 44, & 47
Key Point: Unity is vital to the health of the church.
On this episode of the Collective Church podcast, PJ Noland, Lead Pastor, discusses how, on the Day of Pentecost, the church was unified in their awe of who God was and was devoted to meeting the needs of those in the fellowship. Listen in and learn what you can do to be a unifier in the Church.
Do you ever wonder how the church at Ephesus went from being known by Paul as having a "love incorruptible" (Ephesians 6:23-24) to 30 years later being called out by John as having "abandoned the love you had at first" (Revelation 2:1-3)? Listen to PJ Noland as he shares with us how this happened and how we, as the church of today, can recover the love we had at first.
Listen in as Justin Harrell, Collective Church Elder, shares with us what happened soon after the day of Pentecost, when 3,000 souls were added to the church, and how the first church members devoted themselves to four specific practices: the apostles’ teachings, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Take a moment to remember what the early church looked like in scripture and compare it to what it looks like today.
In scripture, we read that the Lord refers to his church as a body and, at other times, as a family, house, or city. The Psalmist says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." (Psalm 127:1 ESV). This underscores the importance of God's presence in our church. As God continues to bless and build our church, we want to make sure that He is our foundation and that we do not labor in vain. So, what will it take for Collective church to remain vibrant, exciting, alive, and blessed?
God has gifted his church with power, and that power is available to us: the power of God's Holy Spirit. In Acts chapter 2, we're given a close-up look at the power of the Holy Spirit.
Key Thought: The blessed church needs the power of God's Holy Spirit.
Part 4
Our time in Psalm 1 comes to a close today. We'll recap the series thus far and take a look at what it looks like to be situated by the waters. What does that even mean? How does one become situated by the waters, and what does life look like when you are?
Key Passage: Psalm 1:1-6
Key Thought: The livelihood of a tree will always be dependent upon the source from which it draws life.
Part 3:
As we delve into part 3 of our series, we discover that the person God blesses is not only separated from the world but also saturated in the Word of God. As followers of Christ, how do we live separated from the world while still obeying Jesus' commands to be salt of the world? As we get into verses two and three, we find that the answer to the question above hinges upon us being saturated in the Word of God.
Key Thought: The deeper your roots, the wider your reach.
Key Passage: Psalm 1:1-3
Part 2
Last week, we laid the foundation for this series by discussing the people God blesses and the type of life they lead. Today, we're going deeper into the topic of living a life separated from the world. This doesn't mean we isolate ourselves and not share the good news, but there are steps we can take to keep ourselves in alignment with God's Word and his will for our lives.
Key Passage: Psalm 1:1
Key Thought: You can't expect to live a life that is blessed if you're walking with the wrong people.
Part 1
Psalm chapter one is a passage that very plainly helps us filter what may be wrong in our lives while simultaneously showing us the right things we need to pursue.
This week, we'll examine the two types of people described in Psalm 1: the faithful (the blessed) and the faithless (the perishing).
Key Passage: Psalm 1:1
Key Thought: God enjoys blessing your life, but you must be "blessable."
A pillar of our church was taken away from us last week. Matt Gipson has been promoted to heaven. We have been celebrating his gain, but we are still at a loss. We are truly in it together and want to begin to take the appropriate steps to grieve this loss and continue to minister to one another.
Larry Barker joins us in this time to minister to us on “How to Grieve with One Another.” Proverbs 17 says, “a brother is born for adversity,” and we are thankful our brother has come to minister to us in our adversity.
Encourage: to pour courage into one another
Thought processes to be cautious of:
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Horizontal Viewpoint vs Vertical Viewpoint
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A horizontal viewpoint is when we stop praying, looking up, and listening to God.
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Psalms 73:16-17
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Pessimistic Reasoning
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Assuming evil has won.
- Disappointment -> Discouragement -> Depression
- Lamentations 3:22-23
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Invest in Hopefulness
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Rationalistic Logic
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Psalms 9:7-11
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Relational Sabotage
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Proverbs 28: 26
Who and What to Lean on:
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Lean on Jesus
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Lean on Truth
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Lean on Family
This is a stand alone message preached by Justin Harrell. He walks us through how strongholds can create slaves of us and separate us from the freedoms God has provided to us through Jesus Christ.
Part 1 of 4
Key Scripture: Judges 13
Key Thought: Samson was an astonishingly strong man with a terribly weak will.
Three vows Samson had to live by as a Nazarite:
1. Don't get drunk
2. Don't touch anything dead
3. Don't cut your hair, let it grow long
Three submission holds the enemy uses to make strong people weak
1. Lust
2. Entitlement
3. Pride
Three thoughts to take captive and surrender to Christ
1. Lust: "I want it." (Judges 14:1-2)
2. Entitlement: "I deserve it." (Judges 14:8-9)
3. Pride: "I can handle it." (Judges 14:10)
Feast: Mishteh; a feast or party; a celebration or occasion for drinking.
What different paths have you walked down, are you walking down, and will you walk down in your life? God has a destiny for your life and uses each of these paths for His purpose. Our stories are all tightly tethered together to a much larger story, God's Story. This sermon dives into what your Destiny is as a Christ follower, and what your role is in living out that Destiny.
Interview style sermon with Peggy Cooper. Peggy and PJ discuss what it means to be BLESSED and to live a BLESSED life as a Woman in Christ.
Key Thought: Mother's Day is very difficult for a lot of people.
B-blesses others
L-leads in love
E-exceptional in life
S-safe and secure
S-satisfied
E-eternally focused
D-divinely driven
Part 3
We read last week that Job's friends came to comfort and be with him. They offered him some advice and correction, but their correction was off base. Today, we see that God sends another imperfect messenger to Job, and this time, Job receives some correction that he needs to hear amid his overwhelming circumstances.
Part 2
As we continue reading the Book of Job, we see dialogue between Job and his friends. Based on this dialogue, we draw some key observations on things to keep in mind when we are wrestling with the overwhelming.
*You can follow along on this sermon with the sermon notes below.
Three Things to Remember When Wrestling With the Overwhelming:
1. Be Quick to Listen and Slow to Speak
"Caring and sensitive friends know when to come, how to stay quiet, and what to say, if anything at all." Charles Swindoll
"When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him….Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words." Job 2:11, 13 NLT
"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak…" James 1:19 NLT
2. Good Theology Misapplied is Bad Theology.
"My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same." Job 4:8 NLT
Overwhelming circumstances are…
• Always the result of Iiving in a broken world.
"For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us." Romans 8:22-23 NLT
• Sometimes the result of someone else’s sin.
"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard." Romans 3:23 NLT
Two of Job’s calamities were caused by evil men: Sabaens (1:15) and Chaldeans (1:17).
• Sometimes the result of your own sin; which when continually repeated lead to God’s loving discipline.
"Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." Galatians 6:7-9 NLT
"For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness." Hebrews 12:10 NLT
"But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin." Job 5:17 NLT
• Sometimes Acts of God
Lightening and fire (1:16)
Tornado (1:19)
• Always Spiritual Warfare
"When you believe in Jesus Christ, you step into a world of testing you never knew before." Charles Swindoll
"Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil." Ephesians 6:11 NLT
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 NLT
"Satan may be like a lion. But he is a lion on a leash." John Piper
3. Great Setbacks May Be Setups for Great Comebacks.
"When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!" Job 42:10 NLT
Part 1
This week, we set the groundwork for this series in the Book of Job. We look at an overview of the book and make some key observations of it as a whole.
This series is a closer look at the events that took place in the final weeks of Jesus's life, as he obediently and faithfully marched surrendered to giving his life on the cross for our sins. The goal of this series is to create a greater understanding and appreciation for how these final moments of Jesus's life apply to us today in 2024.
Scripture: Luke 22:47-51 & John 18:10
This series is a closer look at the events that took place in the final weeks of Jesus's life, as he obediently and faithfully marched surrendered to giving his life on the cross for our sins. The goal of this series is to create a greater understanding and appreciation for how these final moments of Jesus's life apply to us today in 2024.
This series is a closer look at the events that took place in the final week of Jesus's life, as he obediently and faithfully marched surrendered to giving his life on the cross for our sins. The goal of this series is to create a greater understanding and appreciation for how these final moments of Jesus's life apply to us today in 2024.
Life has a way of throwing us curveballs and oftentimes causes us to rethink how we're saving, spending, or investing the money and possessions that God has entrusted to us. To experience financial peace, you must surrender your finances and possessions to the Prince of Peace.
This sermon consists of interviewing three families about their experiences of seeing God work through them surrendering their finances to Him.
Life has a way of throwing us curveballs, and oftentimes, those curveballs cause us to rethink how we're saving, spending, or investing the money and possessions that God has entrusted to us. To experience financial peace, you must surrender money and possessions to the Prince of Peace.
Inspired by Isaiah 9:6, we'll spend five weeks in this Christmas series titled "He Shall Be Called."
Inspired by Isaiah 9:6, we'll spend 5 weeks in this Christmas series titled "He Shall Be Called."
Throughout this series, we'll take a biblical perspective on how to learn to love the people that "suck the life out of you." We all have some of those people in our lives, be we also need to consider that we may be that person in someone else's life. We'll learn about a few different types of "relational vampires" such as hypocrites, complainers, people pleasers, and needy people.
Throughout this series, we'll take a biblical perspective on how to learn to love the people that "suck the life out of you." We all have some of those people in our lives, but we also need to consider that we may be that person in someone else's life. We'll learn about a few different types of "relational vampires" such as hypocrites, complainers, people pleasers, and needy people.
Throughout this series, we'll take a biblical perspective on how to learn to love the people that "suck the life out of you." We all have some of those people in our lives, but we also need to consider that we may be that person in someone else's life. We'll learn about a few different types of "relational vampires" such as hypocrites, complainers, people pleasers, and needy people.
Throughout this series, we'll take a biblical perspective on how to learn to love the people that "suck the life out of you." We all have some of those people in our lives, but we also need to consider that we may be that person in someone else's life. We'll learn about a few different types of "relational vampires" such as hypocrites, complainers, people pleasers, and needy people.
The biblical significance of anointing with oil and three truths about God's love for you that are revealed by His anointing,
What does it mean to have the Lord as your "good" shepherd and what makes the Good Shepherd so good?
Often times when we're in life's "valleys" we experience fear. As we read through Psalms 23 we see David say, "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid." (NLT)
A healthy fear, or appropriate concern, of something, is ok as long as we do not give way to that fear. Today we identify three kinds of God-honoring fear and two important things to remember about giving way to fear.
The Lord, as our Shepherd, does not lose His sheep. He leads us on the right path. We continue our series through Psalm 23 and examine where God leads us and what He leads us through.
A 3-week series in the book of Song of Solomon. This book is seasoned with biblical wisdom on love, sex, dating, and marriage. Over the next few weeks, we are aiming to answer the following questions:
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If one is not married, but desires a spouse, how does he/she do this in a way that honors God?
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If one is married, how should they "date"/pursue their spouse in every season of the relationship?
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If one is single but desires to find that special someone, what are the characteristics to look for in the person you pursue?
A 3-week series in the book of Song of Solomon. This book is seasoned with biblical wisdom on love, sex, dating, and marriage. Over the next few weeks, we are aiming to answer the following questions:
- If one is not married, but desires a spouse, how does he/she do this in a way that honors God?
- If one is married, how should they "date"/pursue their spouse in every season of the relationship?
-If one is single but desires to find that special someone, what are the characteristics to look for in the person you pursue?
Examining the response of the Prodigal Son's older brother upon his return home and asking ourselves if our hearts align with God's heart. Are we burdened and/or rejoicing over the same things as our Father?
Part five of a seven-week series on how God has saved us and called us to use our time, talents, and treasures for His kingdom. How do we steward these things with God's kingdom in mind? What would our daily life or living look like? We'll answer these questions throughout this series. We'll talk about stewarding our treasures for parts four, five, and six of this series.
Part four of a seven-week series on how God has saved us and called us to use our time, talents, and treasures for His kingdom. How do we steward these things with God's kingdom in mind? What would our daily life or living look like? We'll answer these questions throughout this series. For the next few weeks we'll be talking about how to steward our treasures and today we'll talk about how to steward our home.
Key Thought:
"The Gospel isn't only about changing where you'll live for eternity it's about changing how you live for today." - Shane Pruitt
STEWARDS: Using Our Time, Talents, and Treasures For God's Kingdom | Decluttering Your Mind
Part one of a seven-week series on how God has saved us and called us to use our time, talents, and treasures for His kingdom. Today we'll lay the foundation for the next 6 weeks of this series.
Today's message is a stand-alone sermon. Our church has reached a milestone this year and is preparing to begin two services next Sunday. As we transition and grow we want to make sure we stay focused and keep God in his rightful place at the top. This morning our key passage is Revelation 2:1-5. We're examining the church at Ephesus. They received a sound report card and checked all the boxes, but they didn't love God or each other as they did at first. Let's see what we can learn from them and discover some applicable steps that we can take if we find ourselves in that same position.
How to untangle depression and how to equip yourself with biblical strategies for when you are depressed.
Sermon Series Untangled: processing emotions for God's purposes - when you're anxious. Part 2
The holiday season can bring about some unwanted emotions for many. Some of us might feel lonely, anxious, hurt, sad, or hurried. Throughout his life, we see in scripture that Jesus expressed real-life emotions. Frustration, anger, agony, sorrow, and joy are just a few we find in scripture. Hebrews 4:15 tell us that "...we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses." So, what we want to do throughout this series is to practice taking our emotions before the Lord first. We want to learn to untangle our emotions from a biblical perspective and we will do that by examining the emotions of Jesus.
A three-week interview series where we’ll hear from different members of our church regarding some “uncomfortable” topics. The church is not called to be comfortable. We are called to be the hands of feet of Jesus and often times that requires us to get our hands and feet messy because people are messy. Life is messy. When we walk into these uncomfortable things we can be confident that God will provide
Featured this week: New Beginnings Pregnancy Center in Benton, AR
A three-week interview series where we’ll hear from different members of our church regarding some “uncomfortable” topics. The church is not called to be comfortable. We are called to be the hands of feet of Jesus and often times that requires us to get our hands and feet messy because people are messy. Life is messy. When we walk into these uncomfortable things we can be confident that God will provide.
We’re in our 3rd week of the Flesh and Blood series. A series on spiritual warfare and how we can apply the armor of God to stand firm in Him against our spiritual enemy, the devil. This morning this topic has brought us to the subject of Satan and his demons. Scriptures tell us about both and that they both exist.
Our key thought throughout this series has been, "What you see is not all there is." That thought continues to ring true as we wrap up the series talking about Angels. Scripture shows us evidence of God's army of angels. Some of them are seen and some work unseen on our behalf. We'll look throughout scripture, New and Old Testament, to answer a few questions about angels.
The Bible describes the spiritual battle that happens around us as "our struggle." We need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided this by giving us his Holy Spirit within us and his armor surrounding us. God's Holy Spirit is necessary and essential to living the life that God created you to live as a follower of Christ. Today we identify three things you may not have realized about the Holy Spirit and what the Holy Spirit gives us the power to do.
Today we're laying the ground work and talking about some basic fundamentals of spiritual warfare. We're involved in a spiritual battle right now. Whether we want to acknowledge it or not. What do we need to know about the battle? What are the spiritual forces of evil setting out to do? How do we wage war? We'll answer all these questions as we begin our sequel in the Flesh & Blood* sermon series.
*original series from October 2021
It's our final week in this series, and we look at a subject that Paul spent a lot of time writing about, guarding against the enemy. Ephesians tells us all about putting on the full armor of God so that we can stand firm when satan attacks. We can probably all admit that we fail to put on parts of that armor on a daily basis. Satan attacks us in our daily lives at times without us realizing it. One of the things we must know about our enemy is his strategies because, in order to guard the table against him, we must anticipate his forms of attack. So in this final week, we'll look at who scripture says satan is, and we will identify his strategies.
Scripture refers to the church as a family. Every family at times experiences conflict. Some are better at dealing with conflict than others, but no one actually enjoys it. If a church is acting like a family of God that we are called to be, then we will have ups and downs together, and at some point, that will include conflict. This week we're going to look at some frequent causes of conflict at "the table," common responses to conflict, and how we can handle it in a biblical way.
We're continuing our series with a guest speaker today. Montana Jones is bringing us a message on practicing accountability within the church family (aka "at the table"). This is a difficult subject to tackle and live out. If we're being honest, no one really likes the word accountability, but it has a purpose. It can seem painful in the moment, but later on, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. So how do we practice this in a way that yields fruit?
"The Table" is a word picture for the church. Throughout this series, we've been answering common questions that most people have about "the table." God made us for biblical community, and we see a great example of that community in Acts 2. As we read through verses 41-47, we see several things the early church did that we can apply today to help cultivate biblical community.
In week three of this series, we're looking at what it takes to develop more profound and biblical friendships. Have you ever found yourself in a place or season of life where you needed to make new friends? Maybe you long to deepen your existing friendships. With scripture as our basis, we look at three practical things we can do to make friends "at the table." We'll take things a step further and identify three characteristics to help determine the friends we should walk alongside.
Week 2 of the series, Take Your Place At The Table. God seated Jesus at the table and seats us with him. What hinders us from sitting with Jesus? We look at a few things that keep us from sitting with Jesus and three practical and biblical ways we can learn to sit with Jesus.
Week 1 of the series, Take Your Place at the Table. This is a series on deepening and developing the relationships and friendships in your life. Throughout this series, we'll hone in on this subject in the context of the local church.
Distinguishing characteristics of a citizen of heaven...
- Look around for good examples.
- Look out for imitators.
- Look and anticipate heaven.
- Look forward to transformation.
We close out our study in Galatians this week in chapter six with a guest speaker, Larry Barker.
The Bible teaches us that Holy Spirit is a person at work in our lives in order to grow spiritual fruit. This week we continue into Galatians 5 and look at Three Features of The Holy Spirit.
This week we continue through the second half of chapter 3 of Galatians. As we read through this passage we see an overall theme or message, "All People Across All Times Need Jesus."
"Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Not a bunch of rules to be followed."
- Dr. David Jeremiah
Paul's letter to the Galatians is proof that this problem that plagues Christians today is as ancient as the first-century Christians. God calls us to live under and according to biblical grace. In today's message, we'll define three terms that will help us understand the context of Paul's letter a bit more, biblical grace, legalism, and cheap grace.
In Galatians 1-2 we get to hear Paul's personal story. How he found freedom in Christ and his journey of becoming a "freedom fighter." We also see how people doubted his calling to preach the Gospel because of his past. Scripture tells us that Paul was moved by the direction of God. He was moved by "revelation" from God. He did not need assurance from anyone but God and he preached the gospel he received from God. He didn't change or add anything to it. The Gospel of Jesus Christ saves and redeems...it needs nothing else.
In Galatians 1-2 we get to hear some of Paul's personal story. How he found freedom in Christ and his journey of becoming a "freedom fighter." This week we outline his story from persecutor to preacher. One thing we want to take away from today's message is, "Like Paul, God saved you, by grace, through Jesus, for the sake of others and for His glory."
It's Senior Sunday at Collective today! We're honored to have the chance to not only recognize them today but also to serve the Lord alongside them. What a joy and privilege it is to be part of their stories and watch God work in their lives.
We draw our message from Psalm 139:16 today. It tells us that our lives are a story recorded in God's book. It is a story tightly tethered to a much larger Story. No matter what was in our past story, in our present story, or what's ahead in our future His heart for us is filled with goodness.
Part 3 of 4
Four Common Grave Clothes
1. Self Rejection
2. Fear
3. Guilt
4. Disappointment
Part 2 of the Messy Spirituality series:
Four Messy Questions About Spiritual Transformation...
1. Why does Jesus sometimes make us wait when we seem to need Him the most?
2. What tombs are you failing to face?
3. Why do you run from the stench of transformation?
4. Have you allowed God to lighten the load of your "grave-clothes"?
Everything we do, our serving, giving, day to day life, should be seasoned and bathed in prayer. As we work our way through the key passage in Matthew 6, we conclude this series in verse 13, "and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Where do you need protection from temptation today? Where do you need protection today from the evil one? Before we answer that question, we'll talk about temptation and the evil one and then how to pray against The Tempter, or the evil one.
Our God is a god of details. He cares about the details of our lives. He wants us to talk to him! That talk or communication is called prayer. Jesus teaches us how to enter into prayer and how to pray. When we pray we should ask and allow God to assess us and reveal to us what he wants us to recognize and change. In today's message we identify a few things that God reveals to us and how to deal with it once He's revealed it to us.
Have you been guilty of neglecting prayer or twisting prayer? Have you ever prayed to God to unload on him but didn't listen for His response? Warren Wiersbe says, "The purpose of prayer is to glorify God's name and to ask for help to accomplish His will on earth."
When we follow the pattern set out in Matthew 6:10 we are doing just that. We are praying, 1) Father, I align with Your kingdom and 2) Father, I align with Your plans and purposes.
“To live a prayer-less life is to live your spiritual life on fumes.” - Tony Evans
Prayer is oxygen to the disciple of Jesus Christ. We can't know God and have the intimate relationship with him that He desires if we're not praying. God cares about every part of you and has the capabilities to meet your every need. But you must choose to allow Him access and must choose to let Him in. As we continue through Matthew 6 today we see two words in verse 11 to highlight that help us depend on him.
Today we're looking at Matthew 6:9-13. It's commonly known as the Lord's Prayer, the Model Prayer, or the Disciples Prayer. "The disciples' prayer is not a prayer necessarily to be recited, but instead a pattern to be followed." D.L. Moody. Today our sermon is centered around verse 9, "so pray this way: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored..." (NET), and three things we gather about honoring God in our prayer in this one verse.
Jesus gave us a very practical training on prayer in Matthew 6:5-15. Something we often overlook in this passage is that Jesus spent more time instructing us about how to enter into prayer than He did about telling us how to pray. In today's message we're looking at the ways Jesus instructed us to enter into prayer.
We wrap up our series this week with a guest speaker, Montana Jones, from Summit Church Saline. He brought us a message on the importance and power behind community among the church. As well as some thought-provoking questions like "Would our community feel the loss of our churches if we closed our doors tomorrow?"
What does obedience in prayer lead to? "Scripture shows obedience to prayer leads to the fulfillment of the Gospel." As we continue our study through the first two chapters of acts we since a common theme. Jesus' followers were devoted to prayer.
Our church's mission is the basis for this sermon series, Knowing God and Making Him Known. In the first few chapters of Acts, we see the power of the Holy Spirit and the power of prayer. Today what we want to learn from these original church members is how the power of scripture works in our lives to Know Him and Make Him Known.
The bible references Jesus' second coming 1,845 times. The second coming is second only to faith as the most dominant subject in the New Testament. Even so, the subject still leaves many with questions. So we're taking some time in this week's message to distinguish between The Rapture and the Second Coming and study the bible's description of His Second Coming.
Our church's mission is the basis for this sermon series, Knowing God and Making Him Known. It is an impossible mission without God's Holy Spirit. At some point, we're all guilty of doubting that the Holy Spirit can work in and through us as he does in others. In the first few chapters of Acts, we see how mightly the Holy Spirit was working through the people of the church. What we fail to remember is that the same power and promises that were available to the believers in Acts 1 & 2 are available to us.
Most people love a miracle story. Miracles move people to express emotion, excitement, clap, and cheer. Your salvation is a miracle! When we repent our sin and believe in the Gospel, confessing Jesus as our Lord, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit begin a miraculous work in you. What makes salvation a miracle? In today's message, we'll present three reasons why our salvation is a miracle.
This world is not our homeland. We were created for more. We are on our way to a better country, a heavenly one. A problem that many of us have as we travel through this world is that we accumulate baggage. Baggage that weighs us down and holds us back. Through this four-part series, we'll be looking at four different things that satan uses to oppress us and weigh us down. In this final part of the series, we'll talk about what it looks like to leave your past behind. To let go of the bitterness or the grudges and be blessed through forgiveness.
This world is not our homeland. We were created for more. We are on our way to a better country, a heavenly one. A problem that many of us have as we travel through this world is that we accumulate a lot of baggage. Baggage that weighs us down and holds us back. Through this four-part series, we'll be looking at four different things that satan uses to oppress us and weigh us down.
This world is not our homeland. We were created for more. We are on our way to a better country, a heavenly one. A problem that many of us have as we travel through this world is that we accumulate a lot of baggage. Baggage that weighs us down and holds us back. Through this series, we'll be looking at four different things that satan uses to oppress us and weigh us down.
There is spiritual warfare going on around us. We need to be aware of how the enemy is at work and be able to employ the spiritual tactics that Jesus has given us to overcome this battle. So we're spending four weeks studying Ephesians 6:12. This week we're wrapping up this series with how important prayer is in this battle. It is a vital part of our "fight." In this message, we'll look at four important reasons, among others, why we must communicate with God through prayer when it comes to spiritual warfare.
There is spiritual warfare going on around us. We need to be aware of how the enemy is at work and be able to employ the spiritual tactics that Jesus has given us to overcome this battle. So we're spending four weeks studying Ephesians 6:12. In Chapter 6 of Ephesians, Paul tells us to "stand firm." How do we stand firm. What biblical truths help us to stand firm and how do exactly to "put on our armor?"
There is a spiritual warfare going on around us. We need to be aware of how the enemy is at work and be able to employ the spiritual tactics that Jesus has given us to overcome this battle. So we're spending four weeks studying Ephesians 6:12. This week we're identifying Four Areas Where Satan Employs His Strategy.
At the beginning of 1 Corinthians 12, Paul tells the church that he does not want them to be "ignorant of spiritual gifts." There is importance in learning and using our gifting. Today in part three of our message series "Difference Makers" we'll be looking at the lists of spiritual gifts that the bible lists. As well as, common spiritual gift "myths."
We're in our fourth and final part of the "Difference Maker" message series. We believe that within each and every one of us there is a built in desire to make a difference, to live with purpose. We know this because our Creator has made us to be difference makers. God has uniquely shaped you to make a difference.
Today, we're in part 2 of our Difference Maker series. It's not a matter of if you are or are not a difference-maker. We are all making a difference in some way or another. Our Creator made us to become difference makers.
It's not a matter of if you are or are not a difference maker. We are all making a difference in some way or another. Our creator has made us to be difference makers. If our LORD fearfully and wonderfully made us, He certainly did not create us to drift through life here on earth. This week we'll lay some of the ground work and terms we'll be discussing during this series.
Our culture is aiming to tell us what and who we are, but the Bible call us who we are...His. So what do we need to know about combating culture today?
Money matters to God. So as a church family we're taking three weeks together to turn to scripture and have a few "money talks." Our goal in teaching this series is to help us all not have our hearts captured by things and money. Instead, have our hearts captured by God.
Money matters to God. So as a church family we're taking three weeks together to turn to scripture and have a few "money talks." Our goal in teaching this series is to help us all not have our hearts captured by things and money. Instead, have our hearts captured by God.
Money matters to God. So as a church family we're taking three weeks together to turn to scripture and have a few "money talks." Our goal in teaching this series is to help us all not have our hearts captured by things and money. Instead, have our hearts captured by God.
We are in the final part of a three week series in the book of Proverbs. As God's people we are not called to be common, but uncommon. When Jesus prayed in John 17, He said that He has sent you and I into the world, but that we are not to be of the world. The book of Proverbs is full of knowledge, wisdom and instruction to help us live as God's people. Sent into the world but not of it. This week the Lord is going to use Proverbs to guide us, as parents. We'll make some observations around the key passage below, and make our application by listing the characteristics of godly parents.
Key Passage: Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
This week the book of Proverbs will help us discuss the topic of Alcohol. We're going to answer three important questions in this sermon...
1. Are Baptists against alcohol?
2. Is the Bible against alcohol?
3. What do we do about this substance that appears to be everywhere?
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 2:9 that as Jesus' disciples we are a peculiar people. In other words, we are not ordinary. In fact, based on this passage we could say that we are uncommon. The book of Proverbs is full of knowledge, wisdom and instruction to help us live as God's uncommon people with uncommon sense, because what's become common isn't what we're called to.
Every day we should be thankful for the freedom we're privileged to enjoy in our great nation here on earth. But this is the day that our nation celebrates our independence our freedom as a nation.
During His earthly ministry, when Jesus began to reveal Himself as the Messiah, he said "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and re every of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free." Luke 4:18
Focus On The Family says, "in the 'land of the free' we often confuse the true nature of freedom. For many of us, freedom has become synonymous with personal independence - the ability to make our own decisions and choose our own path in life, to do whatever we want, whenever we want....But this is no the freedom that Jesus promised us."
Today we're going to look at Three Truths About Freedom in Christ.
There are so many godly, biblical virtues listed all throughout the book of Proverbs. Yet so often they are forgotten in our world and in our culture today. Sadly, even in our churches as well. Today we're looking at the biblical forgotten virtue of Purity.
There are so many godly, biblical virtues listed throughout the book of Proverbs. Yet so often they are forgotten in our world and in our culture today. Sadly, even in our churches as well. Today we're wrapping up this sermon series with the biblical forgotten virtue of Integrity.
There are so many godly, biblical virtues listed all throughout the book of Proverbs. Yet so often they are forgotten in our world and in our culture today. Sadly, even in our churches as well. Today we're looking at the biblical forgotten virtue of Honor.
There are so many godly, biblical virtues listed all throughout the book of Proverbs. Yet so often they are forgotten in our world and in our culture today. Sadly, even inner churches as well. Today we're looking at the biblical forgotten virtue of Loyalty.
We are all different types of people. We all have different personalities, backgrounds and circumstances, but we all have at least on thing in common; at times we all get angry. There are two types of anger, righteous and unrighteous anger. The difference between the two is how you choose to handle and process your anger as a child of God. As we continue through the book of Nehemiah we'll look at how to pray through your anger.
There are several major themes throughout the book of Nehemiah. Vision, Difficulties, Repentance/Revival, Prayer, which is what we are really focusing on in this series, and lastly, Leadership. Thank you to Terry Kimbrow, President of Central Baptist College, for bringing us today's message about the Six Leadership Qualities in Nehemiah.
- What breaks your heart?
- Be willing to wait on the Lord.
- Build a strong team
- Learn to delegate
- Be prepared for opposition
- Invest personally and sacrificially
After Nehemiah pours out his heart to God, he receives divine direction from the Lord. He then goes before the king to ask for help to carry out the plans that were laid before him. As we read through Nehemiah 2 today we'll make the following observations...
- Nehemiah admitted his fear but didn't allow fear to cripple his faith.
- He prayed during his conversation with the king.
- He prayed for God's help.
- Nehemiah left the results in God's hands.
- He gave credit to God.
Questions To Consider...
1. Is there a task God wants you to do, but fear is holding you back?
2. What is it that you've been planning for but haven't been prayerful about?
3. What is it that you need to bring before the God and ask him for his help?
4. What is it that you need to give God credit for?
All throughout the book of Nehemiah we get a glimpse of this ordinary man's extraordinary prayer life. As we move forward in this series we will explore the themes of his prayers. This week we begin the series with Nehemiah's prayer in chapter one. This prayer came after hearing of the destruction and turmoil in his hometown, Jerusalem.
We're wrapping up our four weeks series this week. We know that God sent Jesus, Jesus sends us and He also sends the Holy Spirit. Drawing from scripture, we'll look at how the Holy Spirit helps us and the ways that the Holy Spirit guides us.
We have all sinned. We all need a saving salvation. We all have been spared. It's week 3 of our 4 part series and we're look at how Jesus saves us from suffering and sin through his death.
We're kicking off a 4 part series this week titled "Jesus." Many people know about Jesus but do they really know Jesus. For four weeks we're taking the time to look at the nature of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and we begin today by looking at how Jesus SEEKS us.
We're wrapping up this series today and focusing on Colossians 4:2-6. In this passage Paul tells us that we should be steadfast with our prayer, but also gives us examples of how we should act as missionaries for Christ. We'll look at six key things we can pray for as we go on mission with Jesus.
"He who prays as he ought, will endeavor to live as he prays." - John Owen
Key Scripture: Romans 12:1-2
Key Thought: Living on mission simply requires you to align your every day life with Jesus' mission.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 ESV
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:1-2 MSG
Aligning Your Everyday Life With The Mission of Jesus
1. Place Your Life Before God
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1 ESV
2. Identify Your Circles of Influence
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” Romans 12:2 ESV
3. Identify Your One’s In Those Circles
“…that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV
Key Thought: JESUS MADE YOU FOR A MISSION.
Key Passage: Luke 5:17-26 NIV
“The mission Jesus had while on earth is now our mission because we are the Body of Christ. What he did in his physical body we are to continue as his spiritual body, the church. What is that mission? Introducing people to God!” Rick Warren
"Jesus said to them again, '…As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'” John 20:21 ESV
"Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 ESV
Observations of the Men and Their Paralyzed Friend:
1. They identified their one.
"Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus." Luke 5:18 NIV
2. They didn’t let what was in the way stop them from getting their one to The Way.
"When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus." Luke 5:19
3. They trusted Jesus to do what only Jesus could do.
"When Jesus saw their faith, he said, 'Friend, your sins are forgiven.'" Luke 5:20
4. They didn’t take for granted what they had witnessed.
"Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, 'We have seen remarkable things today.'" Luke 5:25-26
When we look at Psalm 103, we can get a picture of the benefits of knowing the Lord.
Forget Not His Benefits:
- He forgives you (103:3)
- He heals you (103:3)
- He redeems you (103:4)
- He crowns you (103:4)
- He satisfies you (103:5)
Jesus wants you to join Him in His mission - the mission of saving souls.
"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." Acts 20:24 NLT
"As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 'Follow me,' he told them, 'and I will make you fish for people.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." Matthew 4:18-22 CSB
Three Truths About Fishing For People:
- Jesus Doesn’t Call The Best, He Calls The Willing
"As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea — for they were fishermen. Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. ‘ Matthew 4:18,20,22 CSB
- Jesus Calls Us First To Be With Him, Not Do For Him
“Follow me,” he told them… Matthew 4:19 CSB
- Jesus Calls Us To Be Disciples That Make Disciples
“…I will make you fish for people.” Matthew 4:19 CSB
"My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples." John 15:8 CSB
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 CSB
“God’s plan for discipleship is not something, but someone.” Robert Coleman
OBSERVATION: Most married couples have good intentions that they often fail to act upon.
"No one will be remembered for what they planned to do." Bob Goff
Three Intentional Marriage Goals
1. If you think something good, SAY IT.
"How beautiful are your sandaled feet, O queenly maiden. Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a skilled craftsman. Your navel is perfectly formed like a goblet filled with mixed wine. Between your thighs lies a mound of wheat bordered with lilies. Your breasts are like two fawns, twin fawns of a gazelle." Song of Songs 7:1-3 NLT
"The tongue can bring death or life." Proverbs 18:21
2. If you think something special, DO IT.
"Come, my love, let us go out to the fields and spend the night among the wildflowers. Let us get up early and go to the vineyards to see if the grapevines have budded, if the blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates have bloomed. There I will give you my love. There the mandrakes give off their fragrance, and the finest fruits are at our door, new delights as well as old, which I have saved for you, my lover." Song of Songs 7:11-13 NLT
3. If you want something different, BE IT.
"Oh, I wish you were my brother, who nursed at my mother’s breasts. Then I could kiss you no matter who was watching, and no one would criticize me." Song of Songs 8:1 NLT
The Bible describes your life as a mist (James 4:14). How do you make that short time count with your kids? How can you intentionally invest in them so that they might also live intentionally for the glory of God?
In Psalm 127:3-4 you will find an interesting passage about kids: "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands."
A Biblical Plan For Intentional Parenting
1. Guide them toward a godly identity
"So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do." Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV
"Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.' So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man." Genesis 2:7,18,21-22 NLT
2. Help them develop godly character
Honor
• Parents (Exodus 20:12)
• Those in Authority (Romans 13:7)
• Pastors / church leaders (1 Timothy 5:17)
• One another (Romans 12:10)
Purity
"Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked." Proverbs 25:26 NIV
God doesn’t seek for golden vessels, and does not ask for silver ones, but He must have clean ones. — Dwight L. Moody
Loyalty
• Spouse (Malachi 2:15-16)
• Friends (Proverbs 17:17)
• Church (Acts 2:42-46)
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." James 4:8 NLT
Integrity
“I will not deny my integrity” Job 27:5 NIV
Gratitude
• Philippians 4:11-13
• Proverbs 15:15
3. Lay a foundation for godly community
"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Proverbs 27:17 NLT
"…bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
4. Point them toward God’s mission
"David had served God’s purpose in his own generation…" Acts 13:36 NIV
Being Intentional: Time after Time
What do we do with TIME?
In his book, Emotionally Healthy Leader, Peter Scazzero says, “We are human beings not human doings.”
“We need to slow down and intentionally embrace being in the presence of God.” PJ Noland
We need to stop “spending our time” and intentionally be in the now of our present time.
3 POINTS OF FOCUS THAT WILL HELP US BE INTENTIONAL WITH OUR TIME:
- Set Goals
• Philippians 3:12-14
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and staining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
• Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
- Know God
• Matthew 22:34-37
“But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, the gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
- Love yourself, to Love others
• Matthew 22:38-39
“This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
• Matthew 22:40
“On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
- Have a mentor or some
Accountability to help us with our time.
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Feed the desire (or the goal). If you want to read the Bible more do it. Start reading and be intentional. We can’t stop at words, feed the desire.
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If you’re not intentional with yourself and your time with the Lord, then you can not be intentional with your neighbor and love them like you should.
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Verse 40 of Matthew 22...”on these two commandments depend ALL the law and the prophets.” Everything else falls under those things. All of the precious laws and prophets lived intentionally by those commandments.
Key Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:10; Matthew 6:19-21
Biblically Intentional Financial Steps
1. Work Hard
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," Colossians 3:23 NIV
"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'" 2 Thessalonians 3:10
"Commit your work to the Lord , and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3 ESV
2. Act Your Wage
"The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get." Proverbs 21:20 NIV
3. Save Money
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man." Proverbs 6:6-11 NIV
4. Get Out of Debt
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." Proverbs 22:7 NIV
"The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;" Psalms 37:21 NIV
5. Give Obediently
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest; then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine." Proverbs 3:5-10
What are the first fruits?
• The tithe
• Hebrew word for tithe - maaser
• A tenth
We bring our first and our best and trust Jesus to bless the rest.
Be Intentional With Your Church
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
Key Thought: Those who are the least critical and most excited about their church tend to be the most intentional with their church.
In Acts 2 we are given an account of how intentional the earliest members of New Testament church were and the results of their intentionality.
8 Observations of the Acts 2 Church
1. They Were Devoted
The word devoted in the greek language means focusing hard, refusing distractions, being sternly committed to something - its the exact opposite of living on autopilot.
• Devoted to God’s Word
• Devoted to Fellowship
• Devoted to Breaking Bread
• Devoted to Prayer
2. They Were Filled With Awe
3. They Were Together
4. They Were Glad
5. They Were Sincere
6. They Were Praising God
7. They Were Enjoying Favor
8. They Were Seeing People Saved
“They met daily, cared daily, won souls daily, searched the scriptures daily, and increased in number daily. Their Christian faith was a day-to-day reality, not a once a week routine.” Warren Wiersbe
Three Ways To Be Intentional With Your Church
- Gather
In Acts 2:42-27 three different times we are told that the believers were together. They were intentional about gathering.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
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Grow
• In Acts 2:42-47 the Believers Grew Numerically (Wider)
“…And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47 NIV
• In Acts 2:42-47 The Believers Grew Spiritually (Deeper) "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." 1 Peter 2:2 NIV -
Go
The believers in Acts 2 were intentionally on the GO. It makes sense, they were being led by the very men who had Jesus look them in the eye and say “Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit." But they weren’t on the go with meaningless church activity. They were on the go with an intentionally simple, but effective, and most importantly Biblical approach to growing deeper and wider.
They Were on the Go By…
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Opening Up Their Time
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Opening Up Their Treasures
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Opening Up Their Talents
• We Are Saved to Serve. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” Mark 10:45 NIV
• We Are Found to Find. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 NIV
Question To Consider: How healthy would your church be if others were as intentional as you are with your church?
No matter who you are, Jesus invites us all to come to Him.
1.He invites the weary and burdened
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 ESV
- He invites the sinners
“…For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13 ESV
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
He Helps Us Become More:
• Faithful
“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Romans 10:17 ESV
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God…” Isaiah 43:1-3 ESV
• Joyful
"Shout for joy to God, all the earth;" Psalm 66:1 ESV
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 ESV
"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'" Luke 2:8-14 ESV
• Triumphant
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 ESV
Part 1 of 4 part sermon series
...a thrill of hope the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
"Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord ."
Lamentations 3:19-26 ESV
THREE TRUTHS THAT CAN BRING YOU A THRILL OF HOPE IN A WEARY WORLD
A New Day With Christ Can Bring You…
- Exactly what you need (Lamentations 3:24)
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:24 ESV
- The hope to keep going (Lamentations 3:25)
“...'therefore I will hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him…” Lamentations 3:24-25 ESV
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 ESV
- The help you’re seeking (Lamentations 3:26)
“It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:26 ESV
“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from your sleep. For Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand...” Romans 13:11-12 ESV
What is the Millennium?
Millennium - One thousand years; in Scripture, the thousand-year earthly reign of Jesus Christ.
“The Millennium is a literal period of a thousand years, which is scheduled for the future and will begin when Jesus comes again at the end of history to set up His earthly kingdom.” - David Jeremiah
"Then I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." Revelation 20:4 CSB
What is the Purpose of the Millennium?
1. To Reward the People of God
- Isaiah 40:10 CSB
- Matt. 16:27 NKJV
- Revelation 22:12 NKJV
2. To Respond To The Prophet’s Predictions
- Psalm 72:11 NKJV
- Luke 1:32–33 NKJV
3. To Receive the Answer to the Disciples’ Prayer
- Matthew 6:10 NKJV
What Will The Millennium Be Like?
1. A Time of Great Peace - Psalms 72:7 NKJV
2. A Time of Prosperity - Ezekiel 34:26-27 NKJV
3. A Time of Purity - Zechariah 13:2 NKJV
4. A Time of Prolonged Life - Isaiah 65:20 NIV
5. A Time of Personal Joy - Isaiah 25:8-9 NIV
“He entered the world the first time in swaddling clothes; He will reign the second time in majestic purple. He came the first time as a weary traveler; He will return the second time as the untiring God. Once when He came, He had nowhere to lay His head; When He comes back, He will be revealed as the heir of all things. Once He was rejected by tiny Israel; When He returns, He will be accepted by every single nation. Once He was a lowly Savior, acquainted with grief; Then He will be the mighty God, anointed with the oil of gladness. Once He was smitten with a reed; Then He will rule the nations with a rod of iron. Once wicked soldiers bowed the knee in mockery; Then every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. Once He received a crown of thorns; Then He will receive a crown of gold. Once He delivered up His Spirit in death; Then He will be alive forevermore. Once He was laid in a tomb; Then He will sit on a throne. When He comes again, there will be no doubt and no delay. He will be “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:16).” - David Jeremiah
Sermon: Reality Check: A Place Called Hell
Passage: Matthew 10:28
REALITY CHECK: A PLACE CALLED HELL
Sermon Series Recap:
• Rapture
• Antichrist
• Tribulation
• Armageddon
• Second Coming
1.The Reality of SIN
Genesis 3:6-7 ESV)
• Adam and Eve sinned and through this, sin became part of the world.Romans 5:12 (ESV)
• We live with a reality of sin in our lives.
• All Have Sinned and fallen short of the bar that a Holy God has set.
• We are not capable of reaching this bar. We have sinned and because of sin, death now exists.
- The Reality of HELL
” Matthew 10:28 (ESV)
• Hell - comes from the Greek word Gehenna. "Gehenna was a valley south of Jerusalem where locals dumped their garbage.” -Charles Stanley
• Hell is a place of waste, an uninhabitable place. But the truth is that it is a real place.
• Hell can also be defined in the Greek in some places as Hades.
Luke 16:19-22 (ESV)
• Hades is a place before the Judgement, Hell comes after the Judgement.
“Hell is a reality because of an incompatibility problem. Holy God and unholy humankind are incompatible. And no amount of time apart can change that.” –Charles Stanley
3.The Reality of a JUDGEMENT
Revelation 20:11-15 (ESV)
• Hell is judgement and an eternal resting place.
• No one is in Hell yet. It is reserved as an “eternal” resting place for the lost.
• Death and Hades are cast into Hell for all eternity.
• This is our reality check as believers. This will happen and there will be people that stand against the bar set by God and fall short. As the Church, we are here to introduce them to an alternative path.
- The reality of a SAVIOR
• We should believe in the reality of Hell because Jesus believed in it.
• He believed in it so much that He came from heaven to offer us a way away from it.
• He did this through living out the bar set by God the Father.
• Jesus made us suitable for Heaven.
Key Passage: Titus 2:11-14 NIV &
“This is one of prophecy's greatest misconceptions. The Rapture and the Second Coming are often confused, but they are distinct events, with distinct purposes, on God's prophetic timeline.” David Jeremiah
Remember:
- At the Rapture, Jesus will return for His saints. At the Second Coming, He will return with His saints.
- At the Rapture, Jesus will not descend to earth. At the Second Coming, He will descend to the Mount of Olives as a prelude to His earthly reign.
- At the Rapture, Jesus will bring a blessing for His saints. At the Second Coming, He will bring judgment for those who have rejected Him.
- The Rapture could occur at any moment. The Second Coming will occur seven years later.
Biblical Facts About The Second Coming
- References to the Second Coming outnumber the first eight to one.
- There are 1,845 biblical references to the Second Coming.
- The Second Coming is second only to faith as the most dominant subject in the New Testament.
Those Who Announced His Second Coming
- The Prophets (Zech. 14:3-4)
- Jesus Himself (Matt. 24:27, 29-30)
- The Angels (Acts 1:11-12)
- The Apostle John (Rev. 1:7)
The Bible’s Description of His Second Coming
- His Advent
Revelation 4:1 NIV
Revelation 19:11-16 NIV
"When Jesus arrives on earth the second time, His landing will dramatically herald the purpose of His coming. The moment His feet touch the Mount of Olives, the mountain will split apart, creating a broad passageway from Jerusalem to Jericho. As you can imagine, this will be an unprecedented geological cataclysm.” David Jeremiah
- His eyes are described as burning like a flame (Rev. 1:14; 2:18; 19:12).
- His head is crowned with many crowns (Rev. 19:12)
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His robe is dipped in blood (Rev. 19:13)
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His Armies
Jude 1:14-15 NIV
- His Authority
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
- His Avenging
Revelation 19:17-21
Now What?
- Be Encouraged
- Be Anticipating
- Be Secure
Key Scripture: Titus 2:11-15 NIV
Quotes:
“Sometimes I wonder, if we are destined to witness Armageddon.” Ronald Reagan
“Armageddon. The very word chills the soul. There are probably very few adults who are not familiar with that word and what it implies. Why have our national leaders, in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, begun to use that doomsday word in their speaking and writing? I believe it is because they can see how modern weaponry and international tensions are showing how quickly global equilibrium could get out of control, leading to a cataclysmic war such as the world has never seen before. This war, called Armageddon, makes all the wars fought to date look like minor skirmishes. This war will draw the final curtain on modern civilization.” David Jeremiah
What is Armageddon?
The name of the valley where the final war between God and the kings of this world—led by the Beast—will take place.
Biblical Truths Concerning Armageddon
- The Preparation
"The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child." Revelation 12:9,13 NIV
"Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty." Revelation 16:13-14 NIV
- The Place
"Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon." Revelation 16:16
Given the enormous attention this word receives, it may surprise you that Armageddon is mentioned only once in the Bible—right here in the sixteenth chapter of Revelation. The word originates from the Hebrew har megiddo meaning “the mount of Megiddo.” Har means “mount,” and megiddo means “slaughter”; so the meaning of Armageddon is “Mount of Slaughter.” David Jeremiah
- The Purpose
• To Finish His Judgment Upon Israel
• To Finalize His Judgment Upon Nations That Persecuted Israel
"I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land." Joel 3:2
• To Formally Judge All Nations That Have Rejected Him
"Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. 'He will rule them with an iron scepter.' He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords." Revlation 19:15-16
"They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him." Revelation 16:9
Now What?
• When Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.
"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." Genesis 3:15
“Satan’s head was bruised fatally at the cross. We are no longer prisoners of war. We can stop cowering.” Charles Stanley
Tribulation: A Message to the Saints
Key Passage: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12
The Tribulation Breakdown:
The Tribulation period can be found in Revelation, Chapters 4-19:
• Chapter 4 - We see the throne room and glory of God
• Chapter 5 - Worthy is the Lamb
• Chapter 6 - The seven seals are revealed (tribulation)
• Chapter 7 - More being saved and sealed (the 144,000)
• Chapter 8-9 - The seven trumpets (more tribulation)
• Chapter 10-11 - The warning of the seventh trumpet
• Chapter 12-15 - The beast is loosed
• Chapter 16-18 - The wrath of God
• Chapter 19 - The marriage supper for the lamb and the beginning of the millennium
- Remember who holds the victory (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)
• The Thessalonians are reminded of their faith.
• Paul is excited about this church because they are growing even with the knowledge of what is coming with the rapture and tribulation.
• We need to be reminded that just as the Thessalonians went through “tribulations” as a church and people, their faith and love for Christ endured.
• This is our call as well, we need to grow in faith and love.
• Remembering that God holds the victory, we have no need to worry and fear.
- Remember the reality of the tribulation ( 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10)
• God is a judge and a good judge.
• For all we endure in our faithfulness to Him, there is judgement to those who cause you suffering.
• God loves His people.
• The tribulation is God destroying evil and those that have come against His church.
• Make no mistake the judging is real, but also “just.”
• Jesus is coming as the final judge to the tribulation.
• In verse 7 and 8, Jesus will come as the judge and with Him, the end of the tribulation that leads to the final judgment.
• Fire indicates destruction.
• Vengeance indicated full punishment.
• The tribulation is for those who do not know God.
• There is an end to the Tribulation.
• Jesus will bring the end to the tribulation but also an eternal place for the ones who do not know God.
• This needs to be a very real reality for us.
• We need to prepare ourselves and others around us. We do this by living out the faith and love of Jesus Christ.
• He is the ultimate victory.
- Remember why we need to know about the Tribulation ( 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
• Verse 11 exhorts us to pray that God makes us worthy of His calling and resolved to do good, all by His Power.
• Verse 12 explains that we do this for the glory of Jesus Christ.
• Our faith and love for Jesus will lead others “OUT OF TRIBULATION” and into glory with Him.
• We know about the tribulation and the consequences of not knowing God in order to activate us to glorify Christ and lead others to Him.
• Tribulation is a reminder to our everyday lives, but “THE tribulation” will lead to an eternal separation of God for many.
Sermon Series: THIS BLESSED HOPESermon: The Antichrist: THE COUNTERFEITER OF ALL COUNTERFEITS
Scripture: II THESSALONIANS 2:1-4
"Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him: We ask you, brothers and sisters, not to be easily upset or troubled, either by a prophecy or by a message or by a letter supposedly from us, alleging that the day of the Lord has come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God." II Thessalonians 2:1-4
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The trials & tribulations you are experiencing are not the prophetic ones of the 7-year tribulation.
"Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction." II Thessalonians 2:3 -
The Day of the Lord will reveal the counterfeiter of all counterfeits!
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The enthronement of this counterfeiter!
“So when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place” (let the reader understand)" Matthew 24:15
"I said to him, 'Sir, you know.' Then he told me: These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Revelation 7:14
- The extent of his cruelty!!!
"And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation." Revelation 13:7
"Then I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the witnesses to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished." Revelation 17:6
- He is Satan’s superman --- The Devil’s very incarnation
"and then the lawless one will be revealed. The Lord Jesus will destroy him with the breath of his mouth and will bring him to nothing at the appearance of his coming." II Thessalonians 2:8
Application:
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All blaspheme & hostility toward God is from Satan!
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Satan tries to copy & counterfeit everything Jesus does!!!
• In the end he will counterfeit the incarnation & the resurrection!
• He even counterfeits religious experience!!!
The Bible is not tested by your experience but your experience is tested by the Bible!
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The antichrist does not deceive everyone!
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Satan does not win!!!
• We do not go out to win the war for Jesus,
• We go out to announce He has already won the war!
• We do not fight toward victory --- we fight from victory!!!
When it comes to the return of Christ, the last days, and all things connected to the End Times, there is much speculation and even fear surrounding it. For Jesus' disciples those last days were not something to be feared. In fact, scripture says that the return of Christ is our "blessed hope."
We begin our new series this week with The Rapture. We answer questions like, what is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming, and why should we look forward to this event and what should we do in the meantime?
Now What?: Loving How To Love Our Prodigals
Recognizing the characteristics of prodigals and how we should love our prodigals.
Let's Talk Discipline:
"Discipline is correction driven by love; it isn't something you do to your child but for your child."
Our key passage today comes from Hebrews 12:5-6. We'll look at three types of undisciplined parents and three parental expectations to help you discipline.
Unchanging Principles of Parenting
No matter your "style" or choices in parenting, we believe there are some unchanging principles when it comes to parenting. In Mark 10, people where bringing little children to Jesus for them to be blessed. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said "let the little children come to me..." In this passage we see that Jesus, took the children in his arms, placed hands on them and blessed them, and set aside everything else for a moment to do this. Children need our affection (loving touch), time (abundant time) and encouraging talk.
There are so many worldly things that can influence our parenting. Even as parents we can succumb to the peer pressures of parenting. The desire for our kids to be accepted, to be a great athlete or student, to be popular, to have the latest and greatest. Even if they come from what we think are good intentions it can lead to poor decisions for our children in the long run. In the long run, we want our children to love God, His Word, and to be dependent on and obedient to him. We begin this series by looking at "The Parent's Priority." What is our ultimate goal and priority as a parent?
These days we hear the word village and tribe spoken often. People create groups for certain interests on Facebook and other apps as a way to belong to something. To be a part of something. We were created to live in community with one another, but what does true biblical community look like?
We're reading from Hebrews 10 to learn the biblical who, what and where of community this week.
We Need To Share The Good News:
In Mark 16:15 Jesus tells us ".."Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." As disciples of Christ we have been given instructions to proclaim the good news. To share the gospel with those around us. This week we look at the following questions that so many ask when it comes to the task of sharing the gospel.
1. Why do we hesitate to share the good news?
2. Why should I share the news?
3. Where should I share the news?
4. How do I share the news?
The Lord has truly blessed Collective church with an amazing year. He has grown this body of believers, numerically and spiritually. We're honored to continue His work in Saline County. We had the privilege of hearing Chanson Newborn, Sr. speak on our one year celebration. Bringing us a good word about the mark of a great church.
The word of God is truth and is our start and our end. It should be the start of our walk with Him. The first thing we look at when we wake up. It should lead us into glory with Him. The word of God should be the last thing we do before we end our day. His word rescues us, enlightens us and COMPLETES us.
We Need Trustworthy News...
We can trust God's news to produce:
1. Spiritual Life
2. Spiritual Direction
3. Spiritual Blessings
4. Spiritual Victory
"Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:1,7 ESV
Part 1 of 4
We Need The Good News:
We live in a world where news and information is literally at our finger tips. Accessible with the touch of a button. When we read those headlines, now more than ever, it can become overwhelming. Instilling fear, anxiety, confusion or longing for truth. What should we believe when there is so much conflicting information?
Today we begin our 4 part series with some good news. God's Word. His Word is not only good, but it is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness..."(2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV). We also must share this good news!
We're exciting to begin today and hear some good news for a change!
Essential Words: Taming The Tongue
A child once asked, "where do our words go after we say them?" We don't know where they go, but we do know that once we say them we can't get them back. We also know the Bible has a few things to say to us about how essential our speech and our words are. From the beginning of the book of James (1:19), he tells the reader, "...let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak." Our words demonstrate the authenticity of our faith.
Key Passage - James 3:1-12
Essential Days: Living in Anticipation of His Return
So many are obsessed with asking have we reached the end times? Is the Lord returning soon? Many are trying to find clues and signs of the end of the world. As Matthew 24:36 says, "But about the day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
So lets no ask "Are we in the last days?" Instead, lets ask "In the last days, until the coming of the Lord, what does God want in my life?" Today we'll look at 4 things out of the book of James that God wants in our life until His return.
Essential Faith: It's impossible to please God without it...
How's your faith today?
Faith is not a feeling we can work up. Faith is biblical confidence and conviction on display.
Three Types of Faith
1. Dead Faith (James 2:14-17)
2. Demonic Faith (James 2:18-19)
3. Dynamic Faith (James 2:20-26)
Heavenly Wisdom vs Earthly Wisdom
We use wisdom all the time in life. Whether it's in our parenting or in deciding what to eat for lunch. We apply our knowledge and understanding to just about every decision we make in our daily lives. But what is the difference between heavenly wisdom and earthly wisdom? Where does our wisdom come from? From our own understanding or God's? This week, as we read through James 3, we see that when it comes to wisdom, 1) gentleness is key, 2) your own understanding fails, and 3) we lean on God's understanding.
It's week one of our sermon series, Essential: Faith That Works. Right off the bat in chapter one, verse 22, James tells us to, "not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." So, as we go through James we want to grow! We want to be doers. So today we'll look at four essentials for growing through James. As well as, an overview of the book of James and who James was. We're looking forward to this series and growing together!
Essential People: The Sin of Partiality & Prejudice
We continue our study through the book of James in chapter two today. We see that following Christ and partiality are incompatible. We look at why this behavior is inconsistent with following Christ and ways to guard against partiality and prejudice.
I. Heaven Is Real!
II. Where is heaven?
A. Heaven is a real place
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3 NIV
B. Heaven is the dwelling place of God
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ," Philippians 3:20 NIV
"Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'” Luke 23:43 NIV
C. The Bible hints that heaven is not as far away as we might think
Hebrews 12:22-24 NIV
III. What is heaven like?
A. God's dwelling place
"From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth" Psalms 33:13-14 NIV
B. Where Christ is today
“'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'” Acts 1:11 NIV
C. Where Christians go when they die
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far" Philippians 1:21-23 NIV
D. The Father's house
"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" John 14:2 NIV
E. A city designed and built by God
"For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." Hebrews 11:10 NIV
F. A better country
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 NIV
G. Paradise
"Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'” Luke 23:43 NIV
IV. Who is in heaven right now?
A. God is in heaven
B. The Lord Jesus
"After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'” ACTS 1:9-11 NIV
C. The angels are in heaven
D. The saints of God who died on this earth are in heaven
"For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:7-8 NIV
"For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me." Philippians 1:21-23 NIV
V. Will we know each other in heaven?
"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” I Corinthians 13:12 NIV
VI. How can I be sure I am going to heaven?
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"John 14:6 NIV
"I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:9 NASB
We kick off our sermon series on Heaven with the question...Does Heaven Really Exist? From the first chapter in Genesis through the last book of the Bible, Revelation, the Bible certainly talks about Heaven.
So, how should we act with what we do know about heaven?
With What We Do Know, We Should Be…
1. Encouraged
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" John 14:1-2 ESV
2. Assured
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." John 14:3 ESV
3. Excited
"And you know the way to where I am going." John 14:4 ESV
4. Burdened
"Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:5-6 ESV
“The Bible doesn’t tell us everything we’d like to know about Heaven, but the Bible does tell us everything we need to know about Heaven while we are here on earth.” Billy Graham
All couples are going to fight. Healthy couples fight for resolution. Unhealthy couples fight for victory.
Key passage for this sermon, Song of Songs 5.
Common Causes of Conflict
1. Unmet / Unreal Expectations
2. Selfishness
"My beloved thrust his hand through the latch - opening; my heart began to pound for him. I arose to open for my beloved, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the bolt. I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer." Song of Solomon 5:4-6 NIV
Commit To Fight For Resolution
I Will…
1. Act and Not React
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21NIV
2. Focus On The Good and Not The Bad
"...whatever is true...noble...right...pure...lovely... admirable —if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8 NIV
3. Talk and Not Walk
'“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV
"I went down to the grove of nut trees to look at the new growth in the valley, to see if the vines had budded or the pomegranates were in bloom." Song of Songs 6:11 NIV
We continue our series through Song of Songs and this week we're talking about dating.` Dating isn't just for the single person. No matter the season of life you should continue to pursue or date your spouse. If we're not married, how do we pursue a potential spouse in a way that honors God? If we are married, how do we date or pursue our spouse in every season of the relationship? If you're single, what are the characteristics you should be looking for in someone to pursue? If you're married, what are the qualities you should be cultivating in your life individually and collectively in your marriage in order to strengthen your relationship? We answer all those questions and as we continue to unpack this book of the Bible.
The world is constantly sending messages about love, sex, dating, and marriage that don't line up to God's word. It's trying to restructure and redefine these things, but we don't get to redefine and restructure what the Lord has already defined and structured. This week we continue our study through Song of Songs looking at what scripture says about love, sex, dating and marriage.
Part 1 of our Song of Songs sermon series begins this week. You can follow along with the sermon notes below...
Sermon Series: Song of Songs:
Love, Sex, Dating, Marriage
Sermon: Love is...
“...but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
What we believe about love can often be dictated by our environment.
Two things we will choose between:
• World defined love
• God defined love
Love Devine:
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine; your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you. Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you. I am very dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept! Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you pasture your flock, where you make it lie down at noon; for why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions? If you do not know, O most beautiful among women, follow in the tracks of the flock, and pasture your young goats beside the shepherds' tents. I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots. Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.”
The Song of Solomon 1:2-10
The passage was from God (Passion in Love) and of God (Divinely Given)
David Platt says it like this: “Love Poetry Divine”
Love Defined:
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
LOVE IS:
• Patient
• Kind
• Rejoices with Truth
• Bears, Believes, Hopes, Endures
LOVE IS NOT:
• Envy
• Arrogant
• Rude
• Rejoices in Wrong-doing
The greatest of all is LOVE
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
Freedom is found in the ultimate display of Love // Jesus Christ
Isaiah 53:5 // We have freedom through sacrifice
Love - Action on display, sacrifice of self.
We're concluding the 2020 Vision sermon series today. So far we've talked about how to get the clearest vision for our lives by asking God what his vision is for our lives. This week we see that when we ask God WHAT his vision is for us that He'll also provide the HOW.
Key Thought: He provides the vision and supplies what we need to bring the vision to life.
Key Passage: Philippians 4:1-20
Recap:
Jesus is Our:
- Message (Phil 1)
- Model (Phil 2)
- Motivation (Phil 3)
- Means (Phil 4)
As followers of Christ we should be living a legacy motivated by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We continue part 3 of this sermon series in Philippians 3. Where we see Paul's motivation in verse 10, his vision for living, "My goal is to know him..."
Key Thought: Jesus is our message, our model and our motivation.
Passage: Philippians 3:1-21
What word describes what will determine fruitful work for the Lord? Attitude. Adopting the attitude of Christ is not something that comes easy to us. Which is why Paul used the word adopt. It may seem like a tall order, to adopt the attitude of Christ, but through Paul's letter we find 3 things that will be required of us to adopt that attitude.
Key Thought: Your attitude determines your altitude as a follower of Jesus.
Key Passage:
"Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus," Philippians 2:5
What's your vision for living? Paul had a clear vision for living and it was Jesus. We see that in his letter to the Philippians. Jesus was his message, his model, his motive and his means. Despite his difficult circumstances, in his letter we can see Paul's vision for living in different aspects of his life.
Passages in this sermon:
Philippians 1:1-30
James 1:2-4
The holiday season can be difficult for many. Especially when you are constantly being told that you should be joyful. That this is the most wonderful time of the year. If you're going to be happy, kind and generous this is the season to be all of those things. However, our joy should not come from a season of the year. It should not depend on how many presents we can buy or how many we receive. The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ should be the reason we have overwhelming joy. Join us as we continue studying the wisemen's reactions to the birth of Jesus Christ.
Throughout this sermon series, Come Let Us Adore Him, we'll be studying Matthew 2:1-12. There's so much to unpack in this short passage of the night Jesus was born. This week we talk about why it's important to give, what the first fruits are, and the greatest gift we can give God.
Additional passages mentioned in this sermon...
John 3:16
Romans 5:8
Proverbs 3:5-10
Romans 12:1-2
We give God thanks because His faithful love endures forever.
In this sermon....
- Three biblical words for love
- His enduring love toward you is:
- uninfluenced
- immeasurable
- unceasing
- infinite
- holy
When you think about God what words come to mind?
"Often people think about God in terms of great, mighty, and powerful that often times we can't get Him down to earth and think of Him as plain ol' good." - Charles Stanley
Join us as we unpack a few things about God's goodness and what the greatest expression is of the goodness of God.
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever." Psalms 136:1
Before we give God thanks for what He has done, we give Him thanks for who He is.
We give thanks for God first because of who He is, our LORD is...
1. Good
2. Faithful
3 God of gods
4. Creator
5. Our Redeemer
6. Our Present Help
7. Our Provider
8. God of Heaven
God give us the command to "fear not" over and over in the Bible. What is fear and why do we fear? More importantly, how do we use scripture to overcome our fear?
Depression is a very relevant topic in our culture. It's also a topic that until recently many churches have avoided. We've learned that depression doesn't disqualify you from being used by God. We look at the lives of people in scripture that may have been depressed and how God still used them in a mighty way. What are some false notions society has about depression? What's the reality of it and how do we fight depression?
A very powerful way to worship God is to bring your gifts before him as an act of worship. This can include gifts of time, talents, or treasures. The Bible says that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. Money is a good gift from God when managed the way God would have us to manage it. God gives us money in order to provide for us and in order for us to bless others and advance His Kingdom through our financial giving.
In Acts 2:47 it says "every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." Wouldn't it be awesome of our churches had people being saved every day? One of the things we've learned from the church in Acts 2 is that they were living their faith by their actions and sharing their faith with their words. Do our actions match our words? Part of living out our faith in words is Evangelism - the process of communicating the message of salvation to those who do not know Jesus. Today we'll look at 1 Peter 3:15-16, and Peter's evangelism advice.
We continue our series with two things we are devoted to as a church body, Worship & Serving. We'll look at what worship is and how it's not limited to Sunday mornings before the sermon. We'll draw examples on how to worship and serve from scripture, specifically from Acts 2.
We kick off the series discussing the church's mission, motto, and model. Our mission comes from Matthew 28, to go and make disciples of all nations. Our model is based of Acts 2:42-47. This week we focus on what it looks like to be "devoted" to discipleship and fellowship.