Missio Dei Fellowship - Sermons: Recent Episodes
Missio Dei Fellowship
Missio Dei Fellowship is a multi-campus, Southern-Baptist church in Southeastern Wisconsin. We are devoted to God's Word, and thus - the exegetical and expositional preaching of it. Pastored by Matthew Henry (Kenosha) and Matt Miller (Oak Creek).
The sudden influx of many Gentile believers into the Church of Jesus Christ created a serious theological issue that needed to be resolved. Were the Gentiles under the Law of Moses? What was needed for one to be saved? These and other issues are brought to the leaders in Jerusalem to be resolved. What follows is a major series on the relationship that the Christian has toward the Law.
The sudden influx of many Gentile believers into the Church of Jesus Christ created a serious theological issue that needed to be resolved. Were the Gentiles under the Law of Moses? What was needed for one to be saved? These and other issues are brought to the leaders in Jerusalem to be resolved. These next sermons are a distillation of what Paul teaches on the Law in the New Testament.
The sudden influx of many Gentile believers into the Church of Jesus Christ created a serious theological issue that needed to be resolved. Were the Gentiles under the Law of Moses? What was needed for one to be saved? These and other issues are brought to the leaders in Jerusalem to be resolved.
The sudden influx of many Gentile believers into the Church of Jesus Christ created a serious theological issue that needed to be resolved. Were the Gentiles under the Law of Moses? What was needed for one to be saved? These and other issues are brought to the leaders in Jerusalem to be resolved.
The sudden influx of many Gentile believers into the Church of Jesus Christ created a serious theological issue that needed to be resolved. Were the Gentiles under the Law of Moses? What was needed for one to be saved? These and other issues are brought to the leaders in Jerusalem to be resolved.
The sudden influx of many Gentile believers into the Church of Jesus Christ created a serious theological issue that needed to be resolved. Were the Gentiles under the Law of Moses? What was needed for one to be saved? These and other issues are brought to the leaders in Jerusalem to be resolved.
The sudden influx of many Gentile believers into the Church of Jesus Christ created a serious theological issue that needed to be resolved. Were the Gentiles under the Law of Moses? What was needed for one to be saved? These and other issues are brought to the leaders in Jerusalem to be resolved.
The sudden influx of many Gentile believers into the Church of Jesus Christ created a serious theological issue that needed to be resolved. Were the Gentiles under the Law of Moses? What was needed for one to be saved? These and other issues are brought to the leaders in Jerusalem to be resolved.
How does a Christian grow? While this may seem obvious too often the answer is anything but the gospel. But that is deadly to the life of each Christian and must be remedied. Pastor Henry seeks to help his congregation to see that the gospel is not something believed and then forgotten; rather it is to define and instruct in all our walk. And only through applying the gospel throughout our life shall we live with true, abiding gratitude that frees us to serve our Lord.
In the prior sermon we learned that the Church, starting with the Apostles, were sent out into the world as the Father sent Christ. However, though this is true and important to embrace, how this actually works itself out in our lives and in history is different for each person. We are uniquely saved and called into the ministry of the gospel. And therefore it is important that we not create too narrow of a lane in which we are calling the Church to walk and live. This sermon seeks to help clarify that very point.
Jesus did not save us for us to sit on our rear ends and relax. He saved us to send us, just and His Father sent Him into this dark world. But too often we as Christians fail to see this, or to take this responsibility seriously. That is sin and it must be repented of by God’s people. In this message Pastor Henry tries to begin to unlock the meaning of being missional. It is being sent out with the gospel to a dying world.
At the top of every sermon note is the mission statement for Missio Dei Fellowship. It is woven into every part of the day to day processes and actions of the church. But having a mission statement and owning that statement are two very different things. In these two sermons the people of Missio are exhorted to carefully consider the what, why and how of their mission statement.
At the top of every sermon note is the mission statement for Missio Dei Fellowship. It is woven into every part of the day to day processes and actions of the church. But having a mission statement and owning that statement are two very different things. In these two sermons the people of Missio are exhorted to carefully consider the what, why and how of their mission statement.
In a courtroom setting God calls all of heaven and earth to act as witnesses as He brings charges against His covenant people, Israel. And in doing so we are given a solid glimpse into how those who claim to love God slip into grave sin and, if not stopped, into apostasy.
In this chapter we see what appears to be the triumph of evil and the reality that the only true victor is God Himself. We start with a murder of a humble Christian and we end with the death of an evil king and the ongoing spread of the gospel.
The author, Luke, has been inexorably pressing forward to what amounts to the bursting of a dam. The gospel is not for a people group, it is for the world and in this chapter we see the breaching of the dam as the gospel begins to press rapidly outward into the Gentile lands. And as we examine this story we also have the opportunity to learn a few key lessons along the way.
There is much confusion and even division within the Church regarding the work of the Spirit. Often this is due to a poor understanding of terms that are vitally connected to His work in the Church. This sermon is designed to clarify and correct many misconceptions so that there might be better unity.
Peter is now ready to address the house of Cornelius, filled with friends and family of this Centurion. But what is his message? It begins and ends with the person and work of Jesus. In this short series we walk through his words to see the many qualities that belong to Jesus and see the utter centrality of Him in all things. In this message we see that not only is He worthy of our public testimony, that it is our duty to be identified with Jesus.
Peter is now ready to address the house of Cornelius, filled with friends and family of this Centurion. But what is his message? It begins and ends with the person and work of Jesus. In this short series we walk through his words to see the many qualities that belong to Jesus and see the utter centrality of Him in all things. In this message we will reflect on the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit.
Peter is now ready to address the house of Cornelius, filled with friends and family of this Centurion. But what is his message? It begins and ends with the person and work of Jesus. In this short series we walk through his words to see the many qualities that belong to Jesus and see the utter centrality of Him in all things. In this message we consider the serious truths that He is both our Judge and our Savior.
Peter is now ready to address the house of Cornelius, filled with friends and family of this Centurion. But what is his message? It begins and ends with the person and work of Jesus. In this short series we walk through his words to see the many qualities that belong to Jesus and see the utter centrality of Him in all things. In this message we will reflect on how the whole of the New Testament is focused on the person and work of Jesus.
Peter is now ready to address the house of Cornelius, filled with friends and family of this Centurion. But what is his message? It begins and ends with the person and work of Jesus. In this short series we walk through his words to see the many qualities that belong to Jesus and see the utter centrality of Him in all things.
Peter is now ready to address the house of Cornelius, filled with friends and family of this Centurion. But what is his message? It begins and ends with the person and work of Jesus. In this short series we walk through his words to see the many qualities that belong to Jesus and see the utter centrality of Him in all things.
Peter is now ready to address the house of Cornelius, filled with friends and family of this Centurion. But what is his message? It begins and ends with the person and work of Jesus. In this short series we walk through his words to see the many qualities that belong to Jesus and see the utter centrality of Him in all things.
Peter is now ready to address the house of Cornelius, filled with friends and family of this Centurion. But what is his message? It begins and ends with the person and work of Jesus. In this short series we walk through his words to see the many qualities that belong to Jesus and see the utter centrality of Him in all things.
In this examination of the story of Cornelius and Peter we see how God uses the salvation of Cornelius and his household to show both the impartiality of God in salvation and the relationship between faith and works. This sermon focuses upon the idea of true faith produces works consistent with a changed heart.
In this examination of the story of Cornelius and Peter we see how God uses the salvation of Cornelius and his household to show both the impartiality of God in salvation and the relationship between faith and works. This sermon focuses upon the idea of true faith produces works consistent with a changed heart.
In this examination of the story of Cornelius and Peter we see how God uses the salvation of Cornelius and his household to show both the impartiality of God in salvation and the relationship between faith and works. This sermon focuses upon the idea of true faith produces works consistent with a changed heart.
In this examination of the story of Cornelius and Peter we see how God uses the salvation of Cornelius and his household to show both the impartiality of God in salvation and the relationship between faith and works.
In this final passage in the book of Matthew, we find the risen Christ giving instructions to His disciples that they will now embark on the bold mission of making disciples of all nations. We find in our Lord's command not only the means by which we can be obedient to Him in this, but the sure promise of Christ Himself: He is with us until the end of the age. Therefore, we can go boldly forth, trusting that He will honor this work, for the fame of His name.
We continue in this examination of the story of Cornelius the Centurion and Peter the Apostle. We discover how Peter comes to learn how the gospel affects everything, including his precious connections to the old way of worshiping YHWH. It is a critical shifting of thought for the purpose of gathering in the Gentiles in Christ.
We now are privileged to see the expansion of the gospel to the Gentiles. Cornelius serves as a key turning point in how God is working out His redemptive plan. We see the way visions guided the people in the story. We see how doubts play into all of this and yet the triumph of God’s grace.
In this series we explore the biblical theology behind the attack by Hamas upon Israel and answer the question of why it matters. Why is Israel so important in the flow of human events? How should we view Israel? Why do so many in the Church seem to dismiss the nation of Israel? Should we? All of this is driven by certain theological convictions of which most are unaware of. This is a rather technical series that seeks to explain and answer the whole issue of Israel and the Church. In this final message we see the Apostle Paul carefully and systematically show the sovereign purposes of God in both choosing Israel, hardening Israel, and then saving Israel and how Gentiles are the recipients of saving mercies in all of it.
In this series we explore the biblical theology behind the attack by Hamas upon Israel and answer the question of why it matters. Why is Israel so important in the flow of human events? How should we view Israel? Why do so many in the Church seem to dismiss the nation of Israel? Should we? All of this is driven by certain theological convictions of which most are unaware of. This is a rather technical series that seeks to explain and answer the whole issue of Israel and the Church. In this message we see that the New Testament continues with the promise of a future for Israel as a nation, not merely individuals.
In this series we explore the biblical theology behind the attack by Hamas upon Israel and answer the question of why it matters. Why is Israel so important in the flow of human events? How should we view Israel? Why do so many in the Church seem to dismiss the nation of Israel? Should we? All of this is driven by certain theological convictions of which most are unaware of. This is a rather technical series that seeks to explain and answer the whole issue of Israel and the Church. In this message we specifically see how God has promised a future restoration of Israel as part of His plan of redemption.
In this series we explore the biblical theology behind the attack by Hamas upon Israel and answer the question of why it matters. Why is Israel so important in the flow of human events? How should we view Israel? Why do so many in the Church seem to dismiss the nation of Israel? Should we? All of this is driven by certain theological convictions of which most are unaware of. This is a rather technical series that seeks to explain and answer the whole issue of Israel and the Church. In this message we specifically see how God has promised a future restoration of Israel as part of His plan of redemption.
In this series we explore the biblical theology behind the attack by Hamas upon Israel and answer the question of why it matters. Why is Israel so important in the flow of human events? How should we view Israel? Why do so many in the Church seem to dismiss the nation of Israel? Should we? For two messages we will focus on the important prophet Zechariah to see the faithfulness of God to His covenants.
In this series we explore the biblical theology behind the attack by Hamas upon Israel and answer the question of why it matters. Why is Israel so important in the flow of human events? How should we view Israel? Why do so many in the Church seem to dismiss the nation of Israel? Should we? All of this is driven by certain theological convictions of which most are unaware of. This is a rather technical series that seeks to explain and answer the whole issue of Israel and the Church. In this message we specifically see how God has promised a future restoration of Israel as part of His plan of redemption.
In this extended series on suffering and trials we explore the nature of God’s discipline upon sinning believers. This is often a misunderstood aspect of our relationship to our heavenly Father and yet the bible is replete with examples and instruction regarding it.
We are constantly inundated with a message that begs us to place our hope and trust in things that are doomed to fail us. Despite the temptation to trust in mankind, this broken and fallen world, or the promises of this world, the message of the psalmist is crystal clear: God alone is worthy of our trust. In this psalm, David provides three key reasons why we are called to place our faith in God alone. First, God is true, though all men are liars. Second, God is safe, though times are not. Finally, God is sure, though all else is transient. Yet all alike culminate in the truth that God is who He claims to be, and therefore, we can trust Him.
Building off of the reality of suffering for the name of Christ, this second sermon is designed to address the other forms of suffering a Christian may encounter. We are sinners and therefore we sin. We live in a sinful world and therefore we are sinned against. But what about suffering due to foolish and sinful choices? Christians are still sinners and can give into sinful desires that bring unpleasant and even life-altering consequences. How are we to view those situations? This sermon addresses this very issue and we devote our attention to a Christian’s view of suffering.
One of the battles the people of God constantly face is that of having a fickle and frail heart. We often know what's true, but our hearts grow cold, we grow weak in our faith, or we simply forget to bring to mind all that God has said in His Word. For David, he was no exception to that general rule. He is a man likewise given to a failing and faltering heart amidst his difficulties. However, he remembers the truth of God's grace to him, and vows once more to sing God's praises. As we look to this psalm for today then, it is my hope that we would be a people who are reminded of these simple, yet profound truths once more, and give God praise.
While the account of Saul’s conversion is a beautiful and powerful example of God’s sovereignty in action; it is also an example of the reality of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. Jesus said we are to take up our cross and follow Him and part of that pathway is one of suffering for the name of Christ. In fact, a mark of true conversion is a willingness to suffer for His name’s sake. This message is designed to unfold this part of Saul’s conversion and understand the subtle differences of trials, suffering and disciple and what they accomplish in the life of God’s children.
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but with integrity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. Serve the Lord Christ. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Masters, show to your slaves what is right and fair, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.
One of the most difficult concepts for many Christians to embrace is the sovereignty of God. When one considers the ramifications of this doctrine, many grow cold, lose heart, or even become antagonistic. However, the way Scripture portrays God's sovereignty is that it is the occasion for joy and hope. In this psalm, we see this reality on full display, as Israel has just suffered a humiliating defeat in battle. Rather than shy away from it, the psalmist even says that it was God who crushed them in their affliction! Yet he does not remain here. He sees that though the hand of the Lord has crushed them, it will be this same hand that lifts them up, and thus, he hopes in God all the more.
In Acts 9 we continue to see the conversion of Saul. A man bent on murder who becomes a faithful servant of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A man humbled to the uttermost and then empowered to preach to the nations. We see the sovereign hand of God raising up His vessels for salvation and we see in it the severity of God in calling this man to a life of suffering for the name of Jesus.
We return once more to an imprecatory psalm, where David calls down curses upon his enemies. While many wish to downplay the severity of God in His wrath against sin, the Scriptures hold no punches. Over and again, Scripture testifies to the reality that moment by moment, all the world is hurtling toward this inevitable Day, where God will raise the living and the dead, and they will give an account to God. Even more terrifyingly, some have become living examples of that wrath to come. Thus, the question for us remains: are we the proud at heart, who will be cast down in His severity on that fateful Day, or those upon whom the kindness of the Lord will come?
In Acts 9 we see the power of God to take a heart bent on murder, hatred and anger and convert it to one who loves Jesus Christ and changes a man’s whole direction in life and purpose. We see Saul, breathing threats against believers be confronted by the risen Lord and the end result is a man named Paul. We explore who Paul was to appreciate how even in his unbelief God was directing his life in such a way that he would be a key part of the early Church and the spread of the gospel.
While imprecatory psalms are a topic of much debate in the broader church, in the Scriptures, they are not. The judgment of God against sin is something we cannot avoid, and it is brought to us in no uncertain terms. There is an occasion for judgment, there are very real consequences to this judgment, yet there is also a joy to be found in judgment, for we see that God upholds the foundations of justice and will not let evil go unpunished. Yet the point of imprecatory psalms, ultimately, drives us to ask the question: are we the target of God's judgment, or the one pardoned from judgment in Jesus Christ?
This sermon is designed to give a broad introduction to the issue of textual criticism in light of how the KJV has passages in it that do not appear in other translations. This is an attempt to bring light to the issue and encourage the members of the church to go deeper into this fascinating and encouraging subject.
One thing is common among all men who live in a broken and fallen world: times of trouble come upon us all. The question then is not if we will have troubles in this life, but where will we turn on the day our troubles come. In this psalm, David gives ten ways we can respond when evil days are upon us. If we learn this vital teaching, we will not only find much joy and hope in God in the midst of evil days, we will bring Him the glory He is due.
In one of the many unique stories found in Acts, we watch God take a man from a vibrant mission field where many are coming to a saving faith and He moves him into the wilderness for one man. Why? What does this show us about God and His saving work?
In this psalm, David is faced with enemies on every side and his heart is moved to great fear. In spite of his fears, he looks to God and His Word and resolves to trust in Him. The reasons for this are simple: God is the Sovereign One, yet this Sovereign One cares for David intimately, and therefore, he need not be afraid. As we look to this psalm today, the same truth rings through for Christians, where we see His tender mercies on display in every step. Thus, we can conclude with David that God is for us, and if He is for us, no mere man can stand against us.
At the age of 14, Joseph Smith claimed to be visited by God and Jesus Christ, who urged him not to join any of the existing sects of Christianity. The reason? From the time of the death of the apostles, all forms of the Christian faith were apostate. From this point forward, he claimed to have received several visions, where the true form of the Christian faith was revealed to him, and from this, he founded the Mormon Church. The natural question then is if Mormonism is the true Christian religion recaptured, or if it is merely one of many gospels that damn. In the end, this sermon is designed to show the "good news" of Mormonism is nothing more than a soul-crushing gospel that damns.
Since the late 1800's the Jehovah Witnesses, originally known as the Russellites, have sought to preach and spread their version of a gospel. Their claim is that they alone are the people through which God works. Many people have experienced having them arrive on their doorstep seeking to share their message and many have walked away from those conversations confused. What is their message? Or to put it a different way, what gospel do they preach? Does it conform to the gospel the Scriptures set forth as the gospel that saves or is it one of many false gospels that damn a soul to eternity? This message is designed to show how the Jehovah Witnesses go wrong, badly wrong, with the gospel.
In this brief series we consider key religions that claim to give a true way of salvation and forgiveness of sin, but actually are false gospels and false hopes. When considering a false gospel, one must consider Islam, as it is one of the fastest growing religions in the world today. From the problem, to the solution, the commands, and even the blessings, it is built off of a false understanding of the nature of god (Allah). What stands as his preeminent attribute is his transcendence, thus everything is seen through the lens of submission. Yet even in this, Allah can overrule everything at his own whims. He is not a personal god who has revealed himself to mankind that they might know him, but a capricious deity who stands supreme above it all to do as he pleases. Thus we see how utterly hopeless Islam is in the end to give an answer.
In this brief series we consider key religions that claim to give a true way of salvation and forgiveness of sin, but actually are false gospels and false hopes. When considering a false gospel one must put at the very top of the list the Roman Catholic Church. A massive religion, it is built upon a false understanding of sin which leads to a false understanding of the solution to that sin and a false command in response to their solution. In this first of two sermons we focus on the problem of mankind, which is sin. And we see how the Roman Catholic Church gives an utterly hopeless, Christ-less answer to that problem.
In this brief series we consider key religions that claim to give a true way of salvation and forgiveness of sin, but actually are false gospels and false hopes. When considering a false gospel one must put at the very top of the list the Roman Catholic Church. A massive religion, it is built upon a false understanding of sin which leads to a false understanding of the solution to that sin and a false command in response to their solution. In this first of two sermons we focus on the problem of mankind, which is sin. And we see how the Roman Catholic Church gives an utterly hopeless, Christ-less answer to that problem.
In this brief series we consider key religions that claim to give a true way of salvation and forgiveness of sin, but actually are false gospels and false hopes. When considering a false gospel one must put at the very top of the list the Roman Catholic Church. A massive religion, it is built upon a false understanding of sin which leads to a false understanding of the solution to that sin and a false command in response to their solution. In this first of two sermons we focus on the problem of mankind, which is sin. And we see how the Roman Catholic Church gives an utterly hopeless, Christ-less answer to that problem.
To be a person who is in a right relationship toward his or her Creator is the most critical issue anyone faces. The common way this is described is whether a person is "saved" or not. Unfortunately this concept, though a central theme of the bible, is misunderstood by many, even within the church. What does it mean? What does it entail? Why is it so important? And how does one know if they are saved? These are the sort of questions this small series will seek to explain. This is a basic explanation of why we need salvation and what that means. In the fourth sermon we will see the blessings that God grants to us through faith in the gospel.
To be a person who is in a right relationship toward his or her Creator is the most critical issue anyone faces. The common way this is described is whether a person is “saved” or not. Unfortunately this concept, though a central theme of the bible, is misunderstood by many, even within the church. What does it mean? What does it entail? Why is it so important? And how does one know if they are saved? These are the sort of questions this small series will seek to explain. We have seen that the problem is sin and that the solution is in and through Jesus Christ. Now, in this third sermon we will see the commands: repent and believe the gospel.
To be a person who is in a right relationship toward his or her Creator is the most critical issue anyone faces. The common way this is described is whether a person is "saved" or not. Unfortunately this concept, though a central theme of the bible, is misunderstood by many, even within the church. What does it mean? What does it entail? Why is it so important? And how does one know if they are saved? These are the sort of questions this small series will seek to explain. This is a basic explanation of why we need salvation and what that means. In the second sermon we will see the solution that God provides for the problem of sin: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
To be a person who is in a right relationship toward his or her Creator is the most critical issue anyone faces. The common way this is described is whether a person is “saved” or not. Unfortunately this concept, though a central theme of the bible, is misunderstood by many, even within the church. What does it mean? What does it entail? Why is it so important? And how does one know if they are saved? These are the sort of questions this small series will seek to explain. This is a basic explanation of why we need salvation and what that means. In the first sermon we will see the problem we all face, sin.
In this psalm, David faces betrayal from a man he counted as his dearest friend. Through the depths of agony and the threat of death, you see a man who pours out his heart to God. In the midst of his affliction, David learns five key lessons, but most of all, he learns that God is a refuge and strength to him even in the midst of betrayal of the worst sort.
Philip goes out with the fleeing church and finds himself in Samaria. It is there that he begins to preach the gospel and in doing so we see the power of the gospel in bringing life, joy and deliverance to a people who lived in great darkness. But what we really see is how the gospel is for the world, every tongue, tribe and people.
In this psalm, David's own life is being threatened as Saul pursues him, and his own countrymen betray him. Yet rather than wallow in despair, David recollects who God has revealed Himself to be in His Word, and forms his prayer in light of this. What this psalm portrays for us is a rich portrait of who God is in His attributes. God is our Advocate who saves us; God is our Helper, who sustains us; and God is the righteous Judge, who delivers us. It is in light of who God is then that we are called to trust in the name of the Lord all the days of our life.
Persecution at times is isolated but often it begins with a flashpoint and then spreads through mob rule. This is what our passage before us describes. The death of Stephen is the beginning of intense persecution for the Church in Jerusalem. But that is not the real story. The real story is that as the people fled this persecution, they fled with the gospel on their lips. This passage shows us that the way the gospel truly advances is not through gimmicks or power-events but through faithful men and women who believe that the gospel is the only means of salvation and life and they therefore say that to those they evangelize.
In a man's own eyes, he may be considered a fairly decent person. He can look among his peers, and comparatively, even be considered "good." However, this is not how God sees humanity in their natural condition. At best, they are wayward fools, bound under the power and dominion of sin, haters of God and His people, and mockers of God's promises. Yet despite how bleak the human condition naturally is, God has made a way of salvation - even for fools.
In this sermon we are exhorted as we enter into the unknown of the new year to be found faithful as believers. The world is actively at war against the Church after many years of relative peace in America. But that has changed and with it comes many temptations on how to respond. This is a pastoral plea to the people of Missio Dei to be found faithful in both the big and little things, especially the Gospel.
In Psalm 53, David begins with a proclamation: the fool in his heart says, "There is no God." His point is a relatively simple one: one's rejection of God is the wellspring from which all else flows. But this rejection of God is not merely an intellectual rejection of God's existence; it involves the practical atheist, who lives without reference to their Creator. No matter what "flavor" of unbelief someone subscribes to, the reality is the same: biblically, they are a fool. As we explore the Scriptures in search of why, the answer becomes abundantly clear. God has revealed Himself plainly to all, so that all are without excuse on the coming Day of Judgment.
Persecution at times is isolated but often it begins with a flashpoint and then spreads through mob rule. This is what our passage before us describes. The death of Stephen is the beginning of intense persecution for the Church in Jerusalem. But that is not the real story. The real story is that as the people fled this persecution, they fled with the gospel on their lips. This passage shows us that the way the gospel truly advances is not through gimmicks or power-events but through faithful men and women who believe that the gospel is the only means of salvation and life and they therefore say that to those they evangelize.
In Psalm 52, David draws a sharp contrast between the righteous and the wicked. Not only do these two different types of people have vastly different outcomes, their lives in the "here and now" are vastly different. Yet the basis of it all rests upon the unfailing, covenant love of God. As we look to this same reality today, the message remains much the same: are we the man who trusts in the Lord and have made Him our refuge, or do we, as Doeg, love evil more than good, lies more than truth, and this age more than God?
Persecution and martyrdom are frightening for many as they see the many changes occurring in America today. What once seemed so far away is now quite near and some are even now experiencing a level of persecution they never imagined. But this is not something new. The bible is clear about it and its certainty. So how ought the Christian view this? That is the goal of this message. In this second message we will consider what the Christian is to do in light of the certainty of persecution.
In recent years, there has been a push from many within the Evangelical Church to read the Scriptures through the lens of oppression and victimization. In particular, the story of David and Bathsheba has come up time and again, enabling some to make the accusation that David raped Bathsheba. However, when the implications of this viewpoint are teased out to their logical ends, they bring serious, theological consequences. Like various movements before it and many that will come after, the heart of the debate lay within the age old question: has God truly said?
Persecution and martyrdom are frightening for many as they see the many
changes occurring in America today. What once seemed so far away is now quite near and some
are even now experiencing a level of persecution they never imagined. But this is not something
new. The bible is clear about it and its certainty. So how ought the Christian view this? That is
the goal of this message. In this third message we will consider how Satan uses persecution to
silence the Church and how persecution itself reveals the genuineness of a person’s faith.
In this much beloved psalm, David unfolds the reality of what genuine confession of sin and repentance looks like. He portrays just how deeply the corrupting power of sin has ruined every man, woman, and child. Left to our own devices, we would have no hope at all. Yet the psalm bleeds through with the character of God at every turn, leading us to see that God is indeed a merciful and gracious God to us poor, wretched sinners. If we turn to the Lord with a broken and contrite heart, these He will not despise.
Persecution and martyrdom are frightening for many as they see the many changes occurring in America today. What once seemed so far away is now quite near and some are even now experiencing a level of persecution they never imagined. But this is not something new. The bible is clear about it and its certainty. So how ought the Christian view this? That is the goal of this message. In this second message we will consider what the Christian is to do in light of the certainty of persecution.
The Scriptures are quite clear in teaching that God desires worshippers, but not just any worship will do. Yet we are creatures prone to worshipping falsely, and our hearts quickly grow cold. The tendency we have is to offer worship on our own terms, believing that God is required to accept whatever worship we come to Him with. In this psalm, Asaph sets the record straight. Ultimately, he reveals that we must come to worship God in light of who He is as the righteous Judge of all the earth, and that requires we continually come before Him with a pure and contrite heart.
Persecution and martyrdom are frightening for many as they see the many changes occurring in America today. What once seemed so far away is now quite near and some are even now experiencing a level of persecution they never imagined. But this is not something new. The bible is clear about it and its certainty. So how ought the Christian view this? That is the goal of this message.
How we view wealth and power will ultimately reveal much about the state of our hearts. In this psalm, the Sons of Korah speak to the reality that it is the height of folly to trust in riches. The reason is quite simple: death is the great equalizer of all mankind. In death, no amount of money, power, or prestige you had in this life will make any difference in the world before God. The only meaningful difference will be if you've trusted and hoped in God, for He alone has the ability to redeem you from the power of death.
The 2022 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention established some position and trends that many found troubling. In this message the leadership of Missio Dei Fellowship seeks to explain four key areas of concern and its position on each of them. In doing so the desire is to bring clarity to a subject that is rife with opinion and emotion.
Ephesians 1 says that the believer has been blessed with every spiritual blessing because they are in Christ. When discussing the wrath of God it behooves us to grasp how broad and deep the salvation from that wrath is. God did not merely release us from that wrath; rather, He lifts up poor sinners and places them into His beloved Son. And with that comes incredible blessings. These blessings are what we explore here. In this message we will learn of the blessings of belonging to what the bible calls “the new,” belonging as children of God, and an eternal inheritance.
Ephesians 1 says that the believer has been blessed with every spiritual blessing because they are in Christ. When discussing the wrath of God it behooves us to grasp how broad and deep the salvation from that wrath is. God did not merely release us from that wrath; rather, He lifts up poor sinners and places them into His beloved Son. And with that comes incredible blessings. These blessings are what we explore here.
In this second part of a series on God’s wrath and salvation we explore the reality of His wrath toward all who reject Him. We see its beginnings and follow this wrath throughout the bible to the end when it roars forth in fulness. And we are then reminded of the way of escape.
This is the introductory sermon on a small series regarding salvation. The wrath of God is a prominent subject and focus of the Bible. Yet it is often misunderstood and diminished in modern pulpits of America. This series is designed to develop the reality of God’s wrath, its justness, and the way of escape God provides through His Son, Jesus Christ.
This psalm focuses on extolling the virtues of what it calls "The City of God," which is Jerusalem. The city is seen higher above all the rest of the cities on earth and it is celebrated for its virtues and goodness. While the reasons they celebrate are many, they all focus on the fact that God cares for them and has given them this special significance. As the psalmist portrays this reality in song, he illustrates God's care for His people and this city by highlighting that God dwells in their midst, preserves them from their enemies, and sustains them in His lovingkindness in all of life and death.
The psalmist brings to a burning focus a singular truth: all of mankind is obliged to come worship the King over all creation. The reason? He is King. He is King over the earth, He is King over the nations, He is King over Israel, and He reigns as King from His holy throne above it all. The proper response, therefore, of all men, women, and children in light of the fact that God is the Sovereign One over all, is to worship.
In a world that is filled with the constant threat of chaos through natural disasters, the warfare of men, and even the schemes of Satan, the simple truth remains: God is bringing this age to an end, and the outcome is secure. God's Kingdom will reign eternal and the Lord shall be exalted in all the earth. Therefore, the rallying cry of the psalmist is that the people of God have no reason to fear, because their God is with them in the midst of impending doom and will not fail on His covenant promises. For us, the truth remains much the same. God is our shelter and strength in the midst of this chaotic world, but one great day, chaos will give way to everlasting peace under the rule of Christ.
In this psalm, the sons of Korah portray the beauty of the marriage covenant in all its grandeur. In its purest essence, this psalm is designed to teach us what the ideal portrait of a marriage looks like. It highlights the nature and role of a godly husband and his wife, and it calls us to look upon marriage, not only as a wonderful gift from God—but a gift that is to be exercised with great purpose and sobriety. But it is also a gift to be delighted in by others. When a marriage functions as it should, it is a thing of profound beauty to behold to all who see it. The reason for this is simple: witnesses to a godly marriage truly see it as an image of the gospel. In verses 10-17 then, we examine the portrait of the queen.
In this psalm, the sons of Korah portray the beauty of the marriage covenant in all its grandeur. In its purest essence, this psalm is designed to teach us what the ideal portrait of a marriage looks like. It highlights the nature and role of a godly husband and his wife, and it calls us to look upon marriage, not only as a wonderful gift from God—but a gift that is to be exercised with great purpose and sobriety. But it is also a gift to be delighted in by others. When a marriage functions as it should, it is a thing of profound beauty to behold to all who see it. The reason for this is simple: witnesses to a godly marriage truly see it as an image of the gospel.
Jesus challenges three would-be followers who've not yet discovered the nature of true discipleship. Many are eager, but have not counted the cost. Others have counted the cost, but are working in their own power to hedge against the coming challenges. And, then, others are willing to follow Jesus, but with a divided heart. In these difficult words of Jesus, He shows forth the heart of a true follower. It is a challenging passage, but one worthy of much meditation.
The Israelites find themselves in the midst of a war they are suffering agonizing defeat in, and evidently, God is not with them in the battle. The dilemma of it all is that they are innocent sufferers who have not forsaken the covenant with their Lord. Like Jesus asleep in the boat with His disciples, God seems to be deep in slumber as their enemies ravage and destroy them. In spite of these circumstances, they continue to place their hope in God, all the while recognizing His sovereignty. Behind their affirmation of His sovereignty is an implicit reality that the New Testament makes explicit: all of God's children will suffer. Yet rather than despair, lose faith, or accuse God of wrongdoing as we undergo trials, we must rest confidently in God's redeeming, covenant love.
The Psalmist finds himself removed from Israel and the presence of God because of evil men who seek to do him much harm. Though his heart and mind waver between despair and hope, he ultimately grounds himself in who God is: the psalmist's exceeding joy. The only way he has come to see God as his exceeding joy is because he has made God his delight for years, and cultivated the habits of a godly man who trusts in the Lord. When the trial hits, he draws from a deep well of truth that reminds him of his exceeding joy. Thus, the question must be asked of us: what is our exceeding joy? What is the well we draw from?
Removed from the presence of God and surrounded by captors who mock him for his faith, the psalmist sinks deeper and deeper down into depression. While his soul melts away within him, he remembers God's faithfulness to His people, Israel. Despite the unending taunting of his enemies and the bleakness of his circumstances, despite even the battle over his own wavering heart, he continues to preach truth to himself: Hope in God, for I shall yet enter into the presence of my salvation and my God.
In the midst of sickness, David finds himself facing men who have risen against him to usurp the throne, but worst of all, one of these men is David's closest friend. In spite of these circumstances, David focuses on the mercy of God to remind himself of a series of vital truths. In the midst of evil days, God gives mercy to the merciful, He rescues the afflicted from every foe, and He upholds the upright in their integrity, and therefore, He is worthy of praise. Whether or not David's prayer for healing and deliverance will be answered remains to be seen. What the psalmist knows most intimately though is that whether in life or death, he stands before the face of God eternally.
David once again finds himself in a destitute position, crying out to the Lord for deliverance. Rather than wallow in despair, he reminds himself that God's children have every reason to trust Him. They can not only remember His past faithfulness, but stand upon the firm foundation of His Word and character, and have every confidence that He will help them in their time of need. Regardless of what circumstances believers find themselves in, they can see that the Lord is a refuge for all who trust in Him.
David still finds himself near the brink of death as he undergoes the discipline of the Lord. Out of this season of severe chastisement, David learns the lesson that all men so desperately need to discover: there is a futility to everything under the sun that none escapes. Yet despite how it may seem at first glance, this is a thing of great hope and joy because it brings the wise man to look to that which is "above the sun," which is God Himself.
David is near the brink of death and crying out to the Lord for relief. His body is failing him, his friends and family depart from him, and his enemies seek this as an opportunity to surround him. Yet astoundly, he recognizes his current agony is largely the result of personal sin. The Lord is disciplining him, and quite harshly so. Amazingly, he does not plead for the consequences of his sin to be removed from him. Instead, David shows a genuine repentance and godly sorrow over his folly that ultimately looks to the Lord with much faith. All throughout this psalm we find a startling reminder of the seriousness of sin and its consequences, and our own need for genuine repentance before the Lord.
Building off of Stephen’s speech in which he showed how Israel has spurned the many saviors sent by God, the greatest being Jesus Himself. Today we will see how the Old Testament describes and paints the picture of what salvation actually is and in doing so prepare our hearts all the more for that day of salvation in Jesus Christ. In this message we explore the rich terminology that the New Testament uses to enlarge and describe salvation.
Building off of Stephen’s speech in which he showed how Israel has spurned the many saviors sent by God, the greatest being Jesus Himself. Today we will see how the Old Testament describes and paints the picture of what salvation actually is and in doing so prepare our hearts all the more for that day of salvation in Jesus Christ. In this message we explore the rich terminology that the New Testament uses to enlarge and describe salvation.
Every which way we look, it appears as if the wicked thrive and the righteous always get the short end of the stick. Yet appearances are ultimately not as they seem to be. One day soon, the wicked and everything they have will disappear; like wisps of smoke in the air, they will fade into obscurity—but the righteous will remain and inherit what God has promised to them. It is in light of this greater reality that the righteous are called to continue doing good and entrusting themselves to their unfailing God, for He is their refuge.
Building off of Stephen’s speech in which he showed how Israel has spurned the many saviors sent by God, the greatest being Jesus Himself. Today we will see how the Old Testament describes and paints the picture of what salvation actually is and in doing so prepare our hearts all the more for that day of salvation in Jesus Christ.
In this long speech Stephan picks out key figures in Israel’s history to show how God has always provided one to deliver them from evil and harm. But also that Israel has made it its habit to reject that savior. Nonetheless, God continued to care for the nation even while rejecting the many who refused by faith to trust His savior. With that in mind, Stephen points out that the religious leaders are still doing this same thing in rejecting not just Jesus Christ as the true Savior, but in rejecting those calling Israel to repentance.
In what was intended to be a brief introduction Pastor Henry describes and develops the nature of truth and how various philosophical movements resulted in changing the meaning of words. But words must mean something or there is no hope to be found. And so we are invited to consider how this whole battle over words actually works itself out and how the gospel informs us of something far better than what is being taught in too many pulpits.
In this Psalm, David gives a scathing portrait of the nature of mankind. To the very core of his being, the natural man is wicked in all his ways. Yet these are not merely the thoughts of David, this is how God views every man, woman, and child. Contrary to how many would view themselves in comparison to others, this psalm then compares the character of the natural man against the backdrop of God's supreme holiness. When all is considered and we see things as God sees them, we are left to one conclusion: we are utterly hopeless apart from the grace of God in Christ.
In this long speech Stephan chooses to declare to the religious leaders of his day the long history of Israel rejecting God and turning to idols. He does not seek to safe his life; rather, he chooses to lay down his life for the sake of truth. And in this speech and its aftermath we have a sad, but powerful display of how sin infects and destroys the human soul. We see how truth is suppressed.
The time of war in Jerusalem toward the young Church is now upon it. Not because of evil. Not because of sin. But because the name of Jesus as the Christ is the cornerstone of the Church’s message. It begins and ends with the person and work of Jesus. And if Jesus is supreme then there are consequences to how a Jew is to believe, live and worship. And this attacks the power structures of the day. In this story, Luke records the build up to Stephan’s execution and shows Stephan to be a man fully walking in the light.
What is the Church and the Christian to do in the onslaught of every sort of doctrine and practice flowing through the land? How can we find ourselves standing firm and unmoved, even when we look the fool? This is the burden behind this sermon. As we watch so many denominations, key influential leaders and even the average believer compromise in so many different ways; we must know where to stand and be unmoved. What is the fountain from which this sort of conviction arises? It is the Word of God.
{No sermon notes this week.}
In this Psalm, David prays in startlingly vivid ways as he asks the Lord to deliver him from his enemies by exacting vengeance upon them. We often struggle with these types of Psalms because we believe them to be in some way, shape, or form, counter to the New Testament ethos to love our enemies. Yet David was a man after God's own heart—and that even includes his plea that God would strike his enemies down, in the inspired words of Scripture we find here. Thus, the question remains: how do we rightly understand the place of imprecatory psalms in the life of the Christian?
Luke inserts a short story between the rising tide of oppression against the Jerusalem church that centers on the sin of partiality against some who were very vulnerable. But the point of the passage actually is upon what the priorities of church leaders ought to be and how ministry pressures can subtly pull leaders away from what ought to be their focus.
In this extensive passage we see how God begins to separate the Church away from Israel and Judaism specifically. Through increased pressure and threats God is preparing the Church to obey Jesus’ commands to bring the gospel to Judea, Samaria and even the ends of the earth.
From the caves of Adullam, David pens this magnificent psalm where he recounts the Lord's blessings. It is perhaps the darkest time of his life so far, where he is utterly abandoned by everyone and under the constant threat of death. Yet rather than despair in his circumstances, David moves from praise to instruction, with his central focus being what it means to fear the Lord. In this, he gives simple proverbial wisdom to his hearers: the fear of the Lord brings life.
The prophets longed to see the day when Christ would be born, die on the cross for our sins, and rise again—yet they looked in eager anticipation to these events because they inevitably fold into the hope of Christ's second coming. The reason they anticipated Christ's return with eagerness is much the same as why we look forward to this day: with His return comes the restoration of all things, including Israel. This was their hope and longing in the midst of judgment from God and exile in a strange land. They ached for the Day of the Lord, knowing it meant salvation was neigh, God's Kingdom and reign would be at hand soon, and ultimately, that God would usher in His eternal kingdom, where sin, Satan, and death would be no more.
The winds of change are now upon the early Church. It was just a short time ago where these young believers in Jesus the Messiah were enjoying favor with all the people. Now the first indications of coming suffering is at the doorway. The Church is numbering in the thousands and God uses a specific event centered around money and generosity to bring sobriety into the hearts of the believers. Judgment does not begin with the unbelieving world but Christ’s Church. But even in the shock of killing Ananias and Sapphira there is grace as God prepares the Church to suffer. And He does it by getting their priorities right.
Today we have the opportunity to watch a young, vibrant church instinctively act out their love for God and love for one another in a very simple and, yet, life altering manner. There are all sorts of way we can discuss and think about money, giving and such but the New Testament does it in a specific manner that we should carefully consider. Instead of talking about the amount, we instead find it speaking of the heart and the motive of giving. And that is what is reflected here in our passage. It is told in a story format but it reflects the heart and motive for a people filled with generosity.
We come to the mysterious passage known as the transfiguration. It is a strange passage that many are not certain what to do with. However, it serves a very important purpose. Not only does it continue to reveal the divine identity of Jesus, but it serves to bolster the disciples faith. This sermon explores the relationship of God's holiness with His glory, revealing Jesus to be the intrinsic essence of God's holiness when it is made publicly known. He is the glory of God.
The apostle Peter tells us the prophets made careful searches and inquiries concerning the time and the setting that the Christ would come. The Spirit of Christ revealed to them not only the glorious salvation we have in Jesus through His first coming, but of the glories to follow in His return. As we look to the prophecies concerning Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection, nestled throughout these same passages are the promises of our glorious future hope, yet also, the hope of Israel.