ECC Stamford Sermons: Recent Episodes
Evangelical Community Church
We reach a climax thus far in Matthew as Peter confesses who Jesus is, and Jesus responds to him. We talk about how Peter's confession of faith relates to our faith in Jesus
Jesus once again encounters opposition, but this time uniquely from "the" single group of "Pharisees and Sadducees"two groups who often were opposed to one another, but this time come aligned against Jesus. Jesus answers their asking for a sign. Then Jesus tells his disciplesand usto beware of their "teaching."
Jesus heals many with disorders, pointing to what he'll do for this whole universe in the future. Then he repeats a miracle by feeding thousands. Both miracles show us pictures of our trust and our hope in him.
Jesus goes north to talk to a Canaanite woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon. In what he says, we encounter some of the more difficult words he ever spoke, but we also see his intentionality and grace.
Jesus clarifies to the people that true defilement isn't about man-made rules. Nor is "ceremonial cleanness" based on rules from the Old Testament anymore. Rather, true defilement comes from the heart.
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and scribes for adding their own ideas and traditions and ways of doing things, and thus voiding God's word. We're lovingly and firmly warned about us ever doing the same.
We look at another of Jesus's famous miracles, in his walking on water and then enabling Peter to do so. Then we finish chapter 14
We dig deep into Jeus's miraculous of the 5,000, seeing what it reveals to us about Jesus and his gospel
We see two men who were rejecting for the cause of the kingdom in both Jesus and John the Baptist. But more particularly for us, we apply their stories by seeing how and why they were rejected, and considering how and why others, and we, could potentially ever reject God's kingdom and Jesus ourselves.
Jesus concludes his long set of parables with his disciples, teaching the Parable of the Net, and then giving one final teaching that shows us what we're to do now that we understand his parables
We listen to two very short, complementary parables, which both shed a lot of light on what entering into Jesus's kingdom by faith looks like in the hearts of all his people.
Jesus fulfills an Old Testament passage by speaking parables. Then he explains to us his Parable of the Weeds, with an emphasis on his just, right, and good final judgment to come
We continue on in Matthew hearing Jesus speak three more parables to the crowds, all about the "kingdom of heaven," and how it starts small, grows, and does so in some ways we may not expect
We continue in the Parable of the Sower, with the thorny soilwhich is one of the biggest warnings to us in the whole Bibleand good soilwhich shows us what it's like to genueinly recieve Jesus and his gospel
In our first message on Jesus's explanation of the Parable of the Sower, we look at the path and rocky soil, and what Jesus warns about there and what we can learn take away from it.
We dive into Matthew 13a chapter packed with parablesand quickly look at Jesus's Parable of the Sower. Then, we spend most of our time hearing Jesus tell us whyhe even spoke in parables
Jesus addresses firmly those who were rejecting him. Then he gives one of his most stunning teachings and analogies concerning unclean spirits leaving and coming back stronger with more evil, and what that actually means. And finally, he tells us his disciples are in his family
We continue listening to Jesus, now as he talks to us about us being "trees," with "fruit" that is shown primarily in how we speak about him.
We continue on with another mircale by Jesus, reactions, and then a long response from Jesus, climaxing in his teaching about "the blasphemy agains the Spirit" which, according to Jesus, cannot be forgiven
We continue on in Matthew, seeing another healing from Jesus, on the Sabbath, and then how Matthew says Jesus, in his healing, fulfills Isaiah 42
What do we do with the Sabbath command from the 10 Commandments in the Old Testament? We look at this story in Matthew which points us to the answer in Jesus
We zoom in on one of the most beautiful invitations in the Bible: "Come to me, and I will give you rest."
After being rejected by many, Jesus turns to his Father and prays, thanking his Father for his (and their) sovereignty. Then Jesus beautifully invites people to come to him
Jesus talks about the pride and unreasonableness many have as they reject him. Then he pronounces prophetic woes on seemingly moral and religious cities who rejected him. And we try to gather it all up and ask why Jesus would talk the way he does and what it means for us
We encounter John the Baptist's doubts concerning Jesus and how Jesus answers them. Then Jesus so honors John, even pointing to those great in his kingdom.
We conclude Jesus's second major discourse on missions by seeing him talk about the radical nature of following him, coupled with amazing promises showing us it's worth it(Apologies for the poor audio recording on this message)
In his discourse about evangelism and missions, we now turn to look at Jesus's teaching about encountering opposition, how we are to respond to it, and some encouragements in the midst of it
We begin Jesus's second major teaching in Matthew, where, out of love for "harassed and helpless sheep...without a shepherd," Jesus sends out his original, authoriative twelve apostles, and he still sends us
We look together at three more healing stories in Matthew, seeing more of who Jesus is and how he loves to help weak, broken peoplepeople like us.
We continue in the book of Matthew to see what Jesus profoundly has to teach about fasting, and specifically about how radically different it is now that he's brought the new covenant
Jesus lived, died, rose in history. We trust him. He shares his resurrected, eternal life with us his people. We look into all that and more in our Easter 2024 messsage from Romans 6.
We see 3 things about us, 2 things about Jesus's cross, and one huge thing about God's love from Romans 5
We look at the complicated scene of the Triumphal Entry to learn about Jesus, receiving Jesus, and what's going on in the whole world with Jesus
Jesus calls the tax collector Matthew to follow him. Jesus chooses to recline at table with tax collectors and "sinners." Why does he do so? He tells us 3 gospel-centered, life-changing reasons in Matthew 9:9-13
We look at the famous story of Jesus's healing of a paralytic, and how he teaches about his authority to forgive sins
We look at the stunning authority of Jesus in two famous storiesthe calming of the storm and the casting out of the demons from two men.
We look at Jesus's blunt and challenging words to some would-be disciples, and his overall call to "follow me."
We pick up where we left off in Matthew to see Jesus begin to act in his authroity as he heals, even "taking upon himself our illnesses and diseases."
We look to James to tell us the importance, and benefits, of actually following Jesus and doing his word
We see what Jesus did so that we can pray, what prayer is, and especially how accessing God is communing with the Father, Son, and Spirit
We look at a small account in John 4 about how people encountered Jesus's word themselves, which led to belief and knowing that he was the Savior of the world, and we apply it to our Bible reading and engaging with God's word
After looking much at Jesus's first coming at Christmas, we turn to look at what it means to expectantly wait for his second coming
Going verse by verse, in four steps, we see not only that Jesus came into the world, but we see what his gospelhis good news for sinners like ustruly is.
We look at what the Holy Spirit spoke through Zechariah in Luke 1 before Jesus was born, seeing what he tells us God did in the coming of Jesus
In our last message in our Understanding the Gospel series, we dive into a parable from Jesus himself to see what it really looks like to accept him and his gospel
We look at what some consider "the most important paragraph in the Bible," and answer the questions: #1) "Why did Jesus have to die if we were to be okay and forgiven?" And #2) "How can Godas a good, fair judgedeclare guilty people innocent?" Listen to hear the center of the gospel: the propitiation of Jesus on the cross
We go verse by verse through perhaps the greatest, most detailed prophecy about Jesus in the whole Old Testament
We look at a lesser known passage in the Old Testament which speaks of how God's people will respond because of the gospel
We unfold an often misunderstood passage about the gospel and our "walking in the light."
We see the gospel clearly in one of the most famous stories in the Old Testament: the final plague of the death of the firstborn and the Passover.
We look at perhaps the best single verse in the Bible which explain to us what happened with Jesus, especially on the cross, and how it applies to us
We look at how Isaiah saw the Lord Godthe King Jesusin Isaiah 6, and how what happened to him shows us the gospel
We look at the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16, but also the important verses after it, in John 3:16-21
We look at a strange, stunning story from the Old Testament, seeing how in it, God shows us a beautiful picture of the gospel
We look at the most step by step paragraph on the gospel perhaps in the whole Bible to see who we are, what God did for us, and why
We look at the seemingly random book of Zechariah to see one of the clearest explanations and foreshadowings of the gospel in the Old Testament
We look at Jesus's famous "The Pharisee & the Tax Collector" parable to understand the gospel of grace
We look at the story of Naaman and Elisha to see a clear picture of how we're rescued by grace alone
We see the Bible conclude the section on Jesus's Sermon on the Mount by telling us how and why the crowds responded the way they did, and how it applies to us
Jesus concludes his long Sermon on the Mount with a teaching about how hearing him alone isn't enough. We must "do"we must make a reality in our liveswhat he says
Jesus warns us about false teachers, and the more generally talks about how we're each one of two types of "trees": diseased and bearing bad fruit, or healthy and bearing good fruit
We look at Jesus's talk of the two different ways people respond to what he says and how it connects to his gospel of grace
We dive deep into what Jesus means (and doesn't mean) by commanding us "Judge not," seeing how it applies to our lives
We see Jesus follow up his previous teaching on money with encouragements, arguments, and examples for how God provides, so we do not need to be anxious and can seek his kingdom first.
Jesus reasons with us about how we shouldand mustview our money and possessions as his followers
Jesus addresses our motives for acting in righteousness, using examples of giving to the needy (which we do because wesaywe love others) and praying (which we do because wesaywe love God)
We encounter Jesus's radical yet beautiful commands to show mercy instead of mere justice and to truly love our enemies
We look at Jesus love us by teaching us about marriage and divorce, and oaths and our words and promises
We look at Jesus's teaching, fulfilling the Old Testament, concerning murder and anger, and adultery and lust
We dive into one of the most difficult passages in the Sermon on the Mount, seeing how Jesus relates to the Old Testament and how we should obey him
What does it mean that we are "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world"? How do we show that?
We look at the first public proclaiming about Jesus in history, from Peter in Acts 2. We marvel at Jesus of Nazareth's life, death, and historical resurrection.
Right before the cross, we look at Jesus being betreayed by Judas, to see who Jesus actually is, what the cross was he was going to, and why he did it.
We dive deeper into the Beatitudeslooking at how the characteristics all connect, talking about each more specifically, and fianlly, seeing how being blessed relates to Jesus and even Palm Sunday
We begin the famous Sermon on the Mount, overviewing how we should read and apply the whole Sermon, and looking at the Beatitudes in genera
Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the devil, not primiarly as our example, but as our Champion and Savior.
We look at the needed, yet bold, message of John the Baptist as he prepares the wayand our heartsfor Jesus
We look at 3 stories from Jesus's early years which show us much about him and the good news
How do we recieve this Jesus? Are we troubled by him? Or do we joyfully worhsip him as King?
Begin our series on Matthew looking at the beginning of the gospelseeing who Jesus is, what led up to his coming, and his actual arrival into the world.
As God's people, in local churches, let's meet and talk about God's word and pray with one anotherregularly, habitually.
We are to draw near to God with confidence. How can we have such confidence? In Christ alone
God's word is wonderful. Realizing that will change how we approach the Bible and how we desire to read it
We begin the new years by looking at a convicting and yet refreshing truth that our futures are not in our hands, but God's.
We delve into an often overlooked, profound quote in Matthew 2originally from Hosea 11where Jesus "fulfills" "out of Egypt I called my son."
We conclude our series on Hosea seeing what biblical returning to God (or "repentance") is on our part and God's part. Then we conclude with one final appeal to truly return to the Lord
We descend further into the darkness of sin and rebellion, all so that we may more appreciate the light of God's love and promise of Christ.
God really loves his people. He proves it in history. We see that hisotry promised in Hosea and fulfilled in Christ.
God loves his people, and in his love, he promises great things to his poeplepeople who are his people from all over the world.
We dive into Hosea 2 which is one of the best single chapters in the Bible that vividly details both our sin and God's incredible love.
Our God is a good God of justice and of just judgment. Yet he's also a God of great mercy. We see that in Hosea 1:3-11
We introduce the book of Hosea, seeing the theme of our sin but also how our God is love.
Innjustices happen. We're often wronged. We can and should cry out to God in such situations. But even more so, we need to go to God, to God our exceeding joy. And finally, we need to tell ourselves to "hope in God." (Apologies for the reverb in the message audio)
Our God is our refuge, strength, and our present help in times our trouble. He's sovereign over the nations, over our external and internal troubles We therefore, especially in Christ, need not fear, we can be still and know he is God, and we can take courage that he will be exalted.
We conclude our series by see how Paul brings all of this talk of the local church being the body of Christ to a climax by showing us the importance of lovenow and forever.
We continue seeing how we truly need one another, how we're to care for one another, and how connected we can be as body parts in a local body of Christ.
Each of us is truly a different and needed body part in a local church, arranged and chosen by God himself.
We continue in our series on the body of Christ, talking about how we got into Christ's body by the Spirit.
We begin our series by trying to understand biblically what it truly means to be Christ's bodyand means for us.
We start to conlcude Galatians by seeing what Paul wrote with his own handwarning us of false teachers and comparing that to boasting in Christ's cross. YouTube full service
We see how we walk by the Spirit in goodness, doing good to all and most of all to those in the household of faith.
We start our final chapter of Galatians, seeing some pracitcal examples of walking by the Spirit of Christ.
We look at two huge listsone of "the works of the flesh," the other of "the fruit of the Spiritand we talk about what they mean and how they relate to the gospel of Christ.
What does it really mean and look like to "walk by the Spirit"? We answer that by looking at Galatians as a whole, studying vv. 16-18, and then applying everything to us with 4 takeaways. YouTube full service
We look at the serious danger of false teaching and why believing the true gospel is for our freedomand for our love. YouTube full service
We continue in Galatians with the Bibe being lovingly firm about what happens if we rely on ourselves instead of Christ. We also see what we're like if we're connected to Christ. And fianlly, we notice how our faith in Christ works through love. YouTube full service
We cover just one verse: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
We see how the Old Testament itself was always picturing the true gospel and how in Christ we're free children of promise.
We see Paul's (and therefore, God's) loving heart for people to stay trusting the true gospel of Jesus.
We once we enslaved to the basic principles of the world, but then God sent Christ in history, and he sends his Spirit into our heartsall to confirm us being his children.
We look at how Christ Jesus, we are truly children of God. Then we see how God prepared us for being sons, and what it means to be a child of God.
God makes promises in the Old Testament, but he also gives a long law. How do they relate? How are they fulfilled in Christ?
We look at how we can't obey perfectly, we deserve God's curse, not his blessingbut Christ became a curse for us.
As Christians, we are "those of faith." Listen to hear what our faith iswith Abraham as our example.
We continue in Galatians where Paul gets loving firm with the Galatians, showing them true Christianity versus mere religion.
Our Resurrection Sunday service message from John 2:13-22. We cover what's wrong with us and the world in our brokenness, and how Jesus and his resurrection are the solution we all need.
Our Good Friday message about how what Jesus was like as he went to the cross, why he did it, and how Jesus himself bore our sins in his body on the tree.
Join us during Palm Sunday as we look at what the Triumphal Entry was really all aboutas we see what Jesus said would happen in Jerusalem, what took place, and how he achieved his kingly deliverance for us.
Join us as we see what the gospel means for me in my sin, for my potential following of the Old Testament law, and for my life in Christ.
Join us as we delve into one of the greatest verses in the Bible on the gospel of Jesus Christ
Join us as we look at the story where Paul confronted Peter concerning his gospel hypocrisy, and how it connects to us in how we could act in hypocrisy concerning the gospel.
We begin Galatians chapter 2, going over verses 1-10, where we see something important that was at stake early in the gospel message, how the apostles handled it, and how it applies to those of us who still trust in Jesus's gospel today.
We continue in our series on Galatians and finish chapter 1, seeing Paul's story and how our Christian stories are similar.
We continue our series on Galatians in Galatians 1:10-12, seeing how Paul cared so much about the gospel message because he was serving Christ and because the gospel isJesus'smessageand how that applies to us.
We continue in our series on Galatians in Galatians 1:6-9, where Paul gives a firm few sentences about the importance of the one true gospel and the hurt it brings when we leave it for a false message.
We begin our series on Galatians, seeing Paul's apostolic authority, his gospel message, and what it means for us.
A message to stir us to pray more in 2022. This week we look at two famous parables Jesus told in Luke 18, with the goal of praying with "gospel persistence."
In our message about Bible reading in 2022, we see two reasons to read our Bibles from John 20. We also introduce our 2022 Read Through the Bible plan we'll be doing as a church! If you'd like to join us for the Read Throgh the Bible plan, click here for more info on the Bible reading plan.
Our final message in our series on the story of redemption. We look at how God is restoring us now, but especially we gaze at his stunning restoration to come in the future.
Join us in our fourth message in our series "The Christmas Story of Redemption." This week we see God's promised redemption in the Old Testament with two overarching promises: a coming Savior to deal with sin, and a coming King to lead his people into peace. Then we see how these relate to Jesus's coming at Christmas.
We continue in our series on the story of redemption by overviewing the whole Old Testament story of Israel and how God intended Israel's story to be a forshadowing of the redemption to come in Christ for Israel and for the whole world. Then we see how Christ's birth at Christmas was the fulfillment of much of the Old Testament anticipation.
We continue in our series "The Christmas Story of Redemption," turning from creation to the historical fall. We see what happened in the fall, how it impacted the world, but also how God always promised that evil ultimately and finally would be defeated.
Our first sermon in our new series, "The Christmas Story of Redemption," as we see how creation and Christmas relate.
Our final message in our "The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way" series. In this mesasge we look at what God tells us about deacons and the congregation in his way for church structure.
The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way Bible verse sheets: Link to the .pdf summary sheet onElders in the New Testament. Link to the .pdf summary sheet onDeacons in the New Testament. Link to the .pdf summary sheet onThe Congregation in the New Testament.
Our second sermon in our The Lords Work In the Lords Way series. We go to many Bible verses trying to clearly, and pretty comprehensively, see what God teaches about his way of elder leadership in the Bible.
The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way Bible verse sheets: Link to the .pdf summary sheet onElders in the New Testament. Link to the .pdf summary sheet onDeacons in the New Testament. Link to the .pdf summary sheet onThe Congregation in the New Testament.
In our first sermon in our short series, "The Lord's Work In the Lord's Way," we look at this concept in the Old Testament as well as from Jesus in Mark 7. Then we look at Jesus's diagnosis of the root issue we need to be aware of whenever we're trying to do the Lord's work in his way: our subtle traditions.
The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way Bible verse sheets: Link to the .pdf summary sheet onElders in the New Testament. Link to the .pdf summary sheet onDeacons in the New Testament. Link to the .pdf summary sheet onThe Congregation in the New Testament.
We take a break from our two sermon series this fall to focus on the supremacy of Jesus Christ in Colossians 1:15-20. Colossians 1:15-20 [15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. [16] For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authoritiesall things were created through him and for him. [17] And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. [19] For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
We conclude our series "We Are the Church" by practically answering the quesiton, "What does it mean for me to be a member of a local church?" We look at the Bible verses on our ECC Membership Agreement & Commitment to answer the question.
In our second sermon in our series, "We Are the Church," we ask, "Is official church membership actually biblical?" Then we also ask, "And why does it matter?"
We begin our sermon series "We Are the Church" with a sermon asking, "Why did Jesus establish the church?" And we particularly look at how Jesus gave the church "the keys of the kingdom of heaven."
Our final sermon in our series, "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 4:14-23 [14] Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. [15] And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. [16] Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. [17] Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. [18] I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. [19] And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. [20] To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. [21] Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. [22] All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesars household.[23] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (ESV)
We talk about contentment in our second to last sermon on Philippians. Philippians 4:1013 "[10] I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
We continue in Philippians with a beautiful and famous passage from Philippians 4. Philippians 4:49 [4] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [9] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in mepractice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
We continue in chapter 4 in our series "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 4:27 [2] I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. [3] Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. [4] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We conclude chapter 3 in our series, "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ."
Philippians 3:174:1 [3:17] Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. [18] For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. [20] But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. [4:1] Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
We continue our sermon series, "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 3:1216 [12] 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. [13] Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. [16] Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
We continue our series in Philippians and explain the gospel in Philippians 3:9. Philippians 3:9 "...and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith."
We continue seeing how Jesus is better in our sermon series, "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 3:711 "[7] But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. [8] Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith[10] that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."
We continue in our series "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 3:48 [4] though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. [7] But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. [8] Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ"
We begin the second half of Philippians in our series "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 3:13 [1] Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.[2] Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. [3] For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh"
We continue our series "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 2:1630 [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. [17] Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. [18] Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. [19] I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. [20] For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. [21] For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. [22] But you know Timothys proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. [23] I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, [24] and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. [25] I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, [26] for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. [27] Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. [28] I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. [29] So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, [30] for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
We continue our series "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 2:1416 [14] Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
We continue our series going verse by verse through the book of Philippians. Philippians 2:1213 [12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Our second sermon on the famous passage in Philippians 2:6-11. Philippians 2:9-11 [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Our next sermon in our series,"Philippians: Joy Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 2:6-8 [6] [Christ Jesus], who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
We begin chapter 2 of Philippians in our series "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 2:15 [1] So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. [5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus"
We finish chapter 1 in our series "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:2730 [27] Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, [28] and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. [29] For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, [30] engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Guest Preacher Pastor Dennis Hobbs preaches on salvation from Ephesians 2. Ephesians 2:110 [1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience[3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christby grace you have been saved[6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Our fifth message in our series, "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:2126 [21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. [23] I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. [24] But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. [25] Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (ESV)
Our fourth sermon in our series, "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:18b21 [18] Yes, and I will rejoice, [19] for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, [20] as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. [21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Part 3 in our series going verse by verse throught the book of Philippians. Philippians 1:1218 [12] I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, [13] so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. [14] And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. [15] Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. [16] The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. [17] The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. [18] What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Our second sermon in our series through Philippians. Philippians 1:7-11 [7] It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. [8] For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. [9] And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, [10] so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Our first message in our new sermon series, "Philippians: Joy & Unity in the Gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:1-6 [1] Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:[2] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, [4] always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. [6] And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Our 2021 Easter message about how Jesus laid down his lifeand then took his own life back up again John 10:7-21 [7] So Jesus again said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. [9] I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. [17] For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father. [19] There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. [20] Many of them said, He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him? [21] Others said, These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? (ESV)
Our final sermon in our 6 week series, "Being A Jesus-Centered Church." Philippians 1:911; 2:5-11 [1:9] And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, [10] so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God... [2:5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (ESV)
Our 5th message in our 6 week series, "Being A Jesus-Centered Church." [15] But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one mans trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. [16] And the free gift is not like the result of that one mans sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. [17] For if, because of one mans trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. [18] Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. [19] For as by the one mans disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one mans obedience the many will be made righteous. [20] Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, [21] so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [6:1] What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? [2] By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? [3] Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. [7] For one who has died has been set free from sin. [8] Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. [10] For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. [11] So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. [12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. [13] Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. [14] For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. (ESV)
Week 4 in our 6 week series "Being A Jesus-Centered Church" Ephesians 4:175:2 [4:17] Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. [18] They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. [19] They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. [20] But that is not the way you learned Christ![21] assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, [22] to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, [23] and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, [24] and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. [25] Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. [26] Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, [27] and give no opportunity to the devil. [28] Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. [29] Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. [32] Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. [5:1] Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. [2] And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (ESV)
Week 3 in our 6 week series "Being A Jesus-Centered Church" Luke 11:1-13
[1] Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples. [2] And he said to them, When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. [3] Give us each day our daily bread, [4] and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.
[5] And he said to them, Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves, [6] for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him; [7] and he will answer from within, Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything? [8] I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. [9] And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. [11] What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; [12] or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (ESV)
Week 2 in our 6 week series "Being A Jesus-Centered Church" (Our apologies that the first 10 minutes or so of the message were cut off) Romans 5:1-11 [1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because Gods love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. [6] For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For one will scarcely die for a righteous personthough perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die[8] but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. [10] For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. [11] More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (ESV)
Part 1 in our series "Being A Jesus-Centered Church" Matthew 4:1-4 [1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. [3] And the tempter came and said to him, If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread. [4] But he answered, It is written,
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. (ESV)
Pastor Ryan's welcome Sunday at ECC. John 3:27-30 [27] John answered, A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. [28] You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. [29] The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegrooms voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease. (ESV)