Cornerstone Christian Fellowship: Recent Episodes

Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a Gospel-centered church situated in beautiful, rural Maine. We gather each Lord’s Day desiring to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ as we seek to experience the awesome majesty of God’s presence.

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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This Sunday, we will conclude 1 Peter in our series “Between Two Worlds” on 1 & 2 Peter. In this passage, Peter concludes his letter, reminding believers of the true grace of God in Christ and calling them to stand firm in it. Along the way, we are reminded of the need for others to aid us on the journey and the peace of God that sustains us.
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Main Idea: Stand firm in the grace of God as chosen strangers on a journey between two worlds.
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I. The grace of God calls us to stand firm in the journey. (5:12)
II. The people of God are a means of grace for the journey. (5:13–14a)
III. The peace of God sustains us on the journey. (5:14b)
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Sermon Series: Titus—How a Rightly Ordered Church Tells the Truth About God and the Gospel.

Speaker: Tony Billington

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Tony Billington concludes his series on Titus, considering how the whole church tells the truth about the God who cannot lie. The text will be Titus 3:9-15, and we will see Paul's final words to Titus in this letter.
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Titus 3:1-9
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Main Idea: The God who cannot lie wants men of good character to lead and protect His flock.
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Application: Remain Humble and teachable, engaging in good deeds for the church.

Sermon Series: Isaiah

Speaker: Elder Seth Sherwood

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Seth Sherwood is continuing his series on seeing God's attributes in Isaiah. The text will be Isaiah 24, and we will see “The Lord as Judge,” what this means for his people, and how we are to live in light of this truth.
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I. The Lord executes judgment (vs 1-12).

II. He is glorified in judgment (vs 13-15).

III. The universal reach of His judgment(vs 16-22).

IV. Judgment concludes with his glorious reign (vs 23).

V. Application:

A. Glorify God in the judgment.

B. Long for the glory of His reign.

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: Nearing the close of the letter, Peter (i) encourages these believers to rest their hope in God’s loving care by giving their cares to him, (ii) exhorts the believers to stay ready for the fight and resist the enemy in faith, mindful of the countless others who share in their suffering, and (iii) calls their gaze upward to God’s gracious work in fulfilling his promises to and for them by the eternal dominion that belongs to Christ alone.
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Main Idea: Entrust your souls to God’s care, resist the enemy in faith, and wait for the hope of certain victory.
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I.Your God cares for you. (5:6–7)
a.Humble yourselves under his mighty hand.
b.Wait on his salvation.
c.Entrust your cares to his loving hands.
II.Your enemy is active. (5:8–9)
a.Stay ready for the fight.
b.Resist the enemy in faith.
c.Remember you are not alone.
III.Your Victor is coming. (5:10–11)
a.Suffering is temporary.
b.God will bring you to glory.
c.Christ’s kingdom is forever.
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Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: In this week’s passage, Peter lays a framework for rightly ordered ministry within the church as she entrusts herself to God and persists in doing good, carrying the thought of last week to its logical conclusion. That framework comes in the form of exhortation to service and humility, which carries with it commitment to a local body of believers.
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Main Idea: Christians entrust their souls to God and persist in doing good through rightly ordered ministry within the local church.
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I. The Apostolic ministry of Peter to the church. (5:1)
II. The Pastoral ministry of Elders for the church. (5:2-4)
III. The Mutual ministry of Members within the church. (5:5)

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: Continuing the theme of suffering for righteousness, Peter calls Christians to remain tethered and anchored in their suffering by looking to Christ, the hope of future glory, and the presence of His Spirit. He calls us to rejoice in suffering, to persist in doing good, and to entrust our souls to a faithful Creator amid our suffering as we continue to live for the glory of God.
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Main Idea: Christians rejoice in suffering and persist in doing good as they entrust their souls to God.
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I. Rejoice in your suffering. (4:12-14)
a. Do not be surprised by present suffering.
b. Set your minds on the coming glory.
c. Embrace the blessing of God’s Spirit.

II. Persist in doing good. (4:15-18)
a. Do not return to your old ways.
b. Do not be ashamed.
c. Glorify God in the name of Christ.
d. Remember that judgment belongs to the Lord.

III. Entrust your soul to God. (4:19)
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Sermon Series: Titus—How a Rightly Ordered Church Tells the Truth About God and the Gospel.

Speaker: Tony Billington

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Main Idea: We live like we have the hope of eternal life because God, our Savior, washed us and renewed us by the Holy Spirit, generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.
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Application: Those who believe in the God who cannot lie will engage in good deeds, not for salvation, but because of salvation.

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: Considering the victory that is ours in Christ through his suffering, resurrection, and ascension, Peter calls Christians to arm themselves for the dying life of this world and to live for the world to come in the light of Christ’s return.
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Main Idea: Christians embrace the dying life of this world and live for the world to come.
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I. Embrace the dying life of this world. (4:1–6).
a. Arm yourselves for suffering.
b. Remember your freedom.
c. Submit to the will of God.

II. Live for the world to come. (4:7–11)
a. Be ready for the Lord’s coming.
b. Love one another deeply.
c. Steward the gifts of God’s grace.
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Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: Within the ongoing theme of suffering in Peter’s letter, this week’s passage emphasizes the victory Christ has accomplished through his suffering and how we share in it.
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Main Idea: Those who trust in the suffering, risen, and ascended Christ share in his victory.
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I. The suffering Christ has won the victory. (3:18)
II. The risen Christ proclaims the victory. (3:19–21)
III. The ascended Christ secures our victory. (3:22)

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: Peter continues the theme of suffering for righteousness, which takes the focus of much of the rest of the letter. In these verses, the emphasis is on Christian witness and readiness to suffer and respond with the hope of a better life as chosen strangers on a journey between two worlds.
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Main Idea: Christians embody the hope of a better life through their readiness to suffer and in their response to suffering.
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I.We embody this hope through our readiness to suffer. (3:13–15a)
a.Our hope renders present suffering as a blessing. (3:13–14a)
b.Our hope leads to fearlessness in the face of suffering. (3:14b–15a)
i.Fear the Lord, and you will have nothing to fear.

II.We embody this hope in our response to suffering. (3:15b–17)
a.Our hope requires a response of sound reason and righteous conduct. (3:15b–16a)
i.Be prepared to make a reasoned defense for your hope. (3:15b)
ii.Make your defense with gentleness, respect, and integrity. (3:15c–16a)
b.Our hope in responding is God’s way of silencing the accuser. (3:16b–17)

Sermon Series: Titus—How a Rightly Ordered Church Tells the Truth About God and the Gospel.

Speaker: Tony Billington

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This Sunday, Tony Billington will continue the series in Titus on how a rightly ordered church tells the truth about God and the gospel. This time, focusing on how we live this out through relationships in the church.

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Main Idea: We live like we have the hope of eternal life through our relationships to others in the church, which reflects the God who does not lie.

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Application: Carry the name of God in a way that reflects the truthfulness, purity, and goodness of God.

Sermon Series: Titus—How a Rightly Ordered Church Tells the Truth About God and the Gospel.

Speaker: Tony Billington

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This Sunday, Tony Billington will continue the series in Titus on how a rightly ordered church tells the truth about God and the gospel. This time, focusing on the godly character necessary for this way of living.

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Main Idea: God wants leaders in his church to be on a foundation of truth and good character, to protect the church from lies and be an example of Godly living.

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Application: Everyone should live like we have the hope of eternal life through the knowledge of the truth and a lifestyle of good character.

Sermon Series: Titus—How a Rightly Ordered Church Tells the Truth About God and the Gospel.

Speaker: Tony Billington

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Main Idea: God our Savior, who cannot lie, promises us the hope of eternal life through the knowledge and faith of Christ Jesus our Savior.
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Application: Those chosen of God should live like we have the hope of eternal life by listening to the God who cannot lie.

Sermon Series: Isaiah

Speaker: Elder Seth Sherwood

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Description: Isaiah 45 reveals God’s power over time, nature, and circumstance, seen particularly in his calling of Cyrus, a pagan king, to participate in his redemptive purposes for Israel.
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Main Idea: God is sovereign and does all things for the sake of His elect.
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I. God is sovereign:
i. Over kings and kingdoms (vs 1-6).
ii. Over the earth (vs 7-8).
iii. Over people (vs 9-11).
iv. Over the entire created order (vs 11-12).
v. Over the future (vs 13).

II. God’s Plan Unfolding in History

III. Application:
i. Fulfill your God-given destiny.
ii. Rest contentedly in the hands of the God who has shaped you to suit his purposes.

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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In this passage, Peter concludes a larger section that began in 2:11, dealing with our identity as sojourners and exiles and the call to live in such a way that brings glory to God amid suffering. He has shown how we live this out as citizens, servants, wives, and husbands. Now he turns to apply the context of our hope as a community of believers. Suffering remains the backdrop, but Peter calls for a way of living in this life that glorifies God in the hope of a better life as chosen strangers on a journey between two worlds.
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Main Idea: Christians glorify God in this life as we embody, express, and experience the hope of a better life.
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I. We embody this hope in community. (3:8)
II. We express this hope in blessing. (3:9)
III. We experience this hope in obedience. (3:10-12)

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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In this passage, Peter shows us how we are to live as servants in the home. He applies this call to both wives and husbands in their respective roles. What he is calling for is submission within the institution of marriage in such a way that points each other and the world to Jesus and tells the truth about the gospel. He is showing us how to live in the home as chosen strangers on a journey between two worlds.

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Main Idea: Wives and husbands: live in such a way with each other that points to Jesus.

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I. Wives: live in such a way that is rooted in hope and points to Jesus (3:1-6)
a.Submit for the sake of the gospel. (1-2)
b.Prioritize inward beauty. (3-4)
c.Hope in God and do good without fear. (5-6)

II. Husbands: live in such a way that is rooted in grace and points to Jesus (3:7)
a.Live with understanding. (7a)
b.Honor your wife. (7b)
c.Heed the warning. (7c)

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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In this passage, Peter shows us how we are to suffer as servants in this world. Not only is our suffering considered gracious in God’s eyes, but it is a testimony of our faith in him and his faithfulness to us. More than this, in our service and suffering, we are following the example of the one who suffered for us. As we follow his steps and find our healing in his suffering, we are a living witness to the world of the grace of God in Christ.
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Main Idea: Our suffering as servants in this world shows that we are true servants of Christ.
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I.As suffering servants, we testify to the grace of God in Christ. (2:18–20)

a. We gracefully endure unjust suffering as servants of Christ.

b. Our graceful endurance of unjust suffering is a testimony of the grace of God in Christ.

II.As suffering servants, we follow the example of Christ in the will of God. (2:21-25)

a. We willingly endure unjust suffering because this is God’s will for us.

b. We willingly endure unjust suffering because Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example.

c. Our willing endurance of unjust suffering follows the example of Christ.

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: In this passage, Peter shows us how we are to live as citizens of this world on our way to a better world by lives of good deeds in submission to earthly authorities. After introducing this section on how we are to live as chosen strangers on a journey between two worlds, Peter now begins to show how this is applied in all areas of life. It begins with recognizing earthly authorities as a part of God’s good design and how we relate to the authorities of this world as citizens of a better world in a way that shows our identity as beloved children of God.
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Main Idea: Our witness as citizens of this world shows that we are citizens of a better world.
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I.As citizens of a better world, we submit to earthly authorities out of reverence for Christ. (2:13-14)
a. We submit to earthly authorities for the Lord’s sake.
b. Our willing submission shows that we are citizens of a better world.

II.As citizens of a better world, we silence our opponents by the goodness of our lives. (2:15-16)
a. We silence the world by our actions in it.
b. Our lives show the goodness of freedom in Christ as servants of God.

III.As citizens of a better world, we show honor to all in recognition of God’s good design. (2:17)
a. We show our love for God as we rightly order our allegiances as citizens of this world.
b. Our witness in this world shows that we are citizens of a better world.

Sermon Series: Special Services

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: John’s Gospel is known for several ‘signs’ that are intended to show who Jesus is as the Son of God who has come to save the world from sin and death. The raising of Lazarus is the last of those signs and shows Christ’s power over death and the grave, foreshadowing the power of his resurrected life, which is the basis of hope for all who believe.
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Main Idea: Those who believe in Christ as the Resurrection & the Life will share in his resurrection and live forever.
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I. The Inescapable Reality of Death. (11:17-22)
II. The Inconceivable Response of Christ. (11:23-26a)
III. The Inevitable Question of Faith.(11:26b-27)

Sermon Series: Special Services

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: We may not wrestle with the question of what is so ‘good’ about Good Friday. On this side of the cross, it may seem like a silly question. But our present hope in future glory that was accomplished on the cross and in the resurrection of Jesus was all but clear on that day. On that day, the weight of sin and the power of the grave seemed too heavy to bear. The hope of glory, the hope of the kingdom come, the hope of salvation from sin seemed to be snuffed out as the one they called Messiah suffered and died on a cross.
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Main Idea: It is only in the resurrection that we can see the goodness of the suffering and crucifixion of Christ.
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I. We celebrate the goodness of this day because the cross has freed us from the penalty of sin.

II. We celebrate the goodness of this day because the cross has freed us from the power of sin.

III. We celebrate the goodness of this day because it means that we will one day be freed from the presence of sin.
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As we remember his death this day, we celebrate the goodness of the finished work of Christ on the cross in delivering us from the penalty and power of sin even now, and we look to the day when we will be saved from the presence of sin.

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: In the last passage, Peter focused on our individual identity as children of God and our responsibility within the family of God. As children, we love one another earnestly and grow together diligently. Here he shifts to our corporate identity: the church as a dwelling place for God, built on the foundation of Christ the Cornerstone, for the proclamation of Christ as a living witness to the world. This passage also concludes the first major section and hinges to the practical aspects of living as chosen strangers on a journey between two worlds in the remainder of the letter.

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Main Idea: The Church is a dwelling place for God, built on the foundation of Christ, for the proclamation of Christ as a living witness to the world.

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I. We are a dwelling place for God, built on the Foundation of Christ. (2:4-8).

a. We are being built together as Living Stones into a dwelling place for God, as we come to Christ, the Living Stone.

b. We are being built together on the foundation of Christ, the Cornerstone.

II. We are chosen for the Proclamation of Christ in the world. (2:9-10).

a. We are chosen and set apart from the world.

b. We are chosen for proclamation to the world.

III. We are strangers as a living Witness to the World. (2:11-12).

a. As strangers in the world, our lives are marked by holiness.

b. As strangers in the world, our lives are marked by good deeds.

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Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: Peter continues to show us how to live as chosen strangers on a journey between two worlds by lives that are marked by love for one another. This love is not something we conjure up but is founded on the gospel of our hope and salvation in Christ, and calls us to live in such a way that shows that we are children of our Father.
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Main Idea: We live as children of God by loving one another in gospel purity and growing together in gospel unity.
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I.Love one another earnestly in gospel purity. (1:22-25)
a. We love earnestly because our souls have been purified for love. (1:22)
b. We love earnestly because our lives have been transformed by the gospel. (1:23-25)

II.Grow together diligently in gospel unity. (2:1-3)
a. We grow diligently by protecting against impurity. (2:1)
b. We grow diligently by longing for gospel truth. (2:2-3)

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: In this section, Peter moves from the grounds of our hope to the outworking of our salvation. Everything that follows in his letter is based on the previous passage, with our hope and salvation set on the resurrection and return of Jesus Christ. He is our only hope in life and death. We have new life and a living hope in him, by the mercy and grace of God. Our lives then flow from this truth and are to be fully set on this hope. Living this out requires readiness for action and lives that model our Father’s character.
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Main Idea: We set our hope fully on the grace of God through lives of holiness as obedient children.
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I. Set your hope fully on the grace of God. (1:13)
a. We set our hope fully on this grace by preparing our minds for action.
b. We set our hope fully on this grace by being sober-minded.

II. Pursue holiness as obedient children. (1:14-16)
a. As obedient children, we forsake the way of sin.
b. As obedient children, we pursue holiness.

III. Conduct yourselves with fear. (1:17-21)
a. We conduct ourselves with fear, knowing that God judges impartially.
b. We conduct ourselves with fear, knowing that we were bought with a price.

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

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Description: Peter begins the body of his letter by pointing these chosen strangers to the living hope they have in this world, on their way to the salvation that is to come. The ideas of present hope and coming salvation are paralleled by the resurrection and return of Christ.
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Main Idea: Our hope and salvation as chosen strangers is set on the resurrection and return of Jesus Christ.
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I. Our hope: the mercy and might of God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1:3-5)
a. Rest in his mercy in giving us new life and living hope.
b. Rest in his might in keeping our inheritance and guarding our hope.

II. Our salvation: the outcome of suffering and faith at the return of Jesus Christ. (1:6-12)
a. Rejoice in the glorious result of our suffering.
b. Rejoice in the certain future of our faith.
c. Rejoice in the testimony of the saints and angels concerning the glory to come.

Speaker: Tony Billington
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Main Idea: God wants His people scattered over the whole Earth to make His name great.

Application: Humbly let God use you to make His name great, bringing His kingdom to the whole Earth.

Speaker: David Nelson
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Description: David’s kindness to Mephibosheth presents a powerful model of mercy and compassion, while pointing to one greater than David who is merciful to us in our weakness.

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I. Is there a seat at your table for another?

II. Do you have a seat at the King’s table?

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
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Description: This message introduces the series with the various themes included in the introductory greeting of Peter’s letter.

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Main Idea: Grace and peace are multiplied to us as we grow in the gospel.

I. We grow in the gospel by knowing who we are.
a. Called by the Father.
b. Set apart by the Spirit.
c. Commissioned by Christ.

II. We grow in the gospel by being who we are.
a. Obedient as children of the Father.
b. Holy as those set apart by the Spirit.
c. Faithful as those commissioned by Christ.

Sermon Series: Noah
Speaker: Tony Billington

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Title: Our Different God
Text: Genesis 8:1 (Genesis 6-9)
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Main Idea: Because our God is different, God remembers us in Our Chaos.
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Application: Partner with God as an agent of order.

Sermon Series: Isaiah
Speaker: Seth Sherwood
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Description: Considering the significance of God as Creator in Isaiah 40.

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I. Revelation of the Creator God (vs. 12-28).

II. The Strength He Provides to Those Who Wait on Him (29-31).

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
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Description: The series concludes with the conversation on the Road to Emmaus, where the risen Christ, though veiled from their eyes, unfolds the mystery of the things concerning himself in all the Old Testament.
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Christ is the source and fulfillment of all divine revelation.
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I. Without the risen Christ, nothing makes sense. (24:13-24)
II. Christ shows up and makes everything make sense. (24:25-35)
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THEREFORE: It is our mission to know Christ and make him known. In the words of Luke’s gospel, we carry on the work of the first disciples, “that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.” (24:47)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
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Description: Malachi’s prophecy of the "messenger of the covenant," who purifies and refines. Christ fulfills this as the one who prepares the way for God’s kingdom and completes the Old Testament’s anticipation of redemption.
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Christ is the Messenger of the Covenant who will refine his people for eternal worship.
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I.God confronts those who fail to trust him (2:17).
II.God refines those who delight in him (3:1-4).
III.God judges those who fail to fear him (3:5).

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
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Description: Daniel’s vision of the "Son of Man" receiving an everlasting kingdom foreshadows Christ’s divine authority and eternal dominion as the Messiah. His kingdom and reign will be everlasting and indestructible, and he will receive glory and honor and praise from every tribe, nation, and tongue.
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Christ is the Son of Man coming with power and glory to receive an everlasting, indestructible kingdom and the worship of the nations.
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I. The Son of Man will come with power and glory (7:13)
II. The Son of Man will receive an everlasting, indestructible kingdom (7:14a,c)
III. The Son of Man will receive the worship of the nations (7:14b)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

Description: The promise of the New Covenant, written on the heart, finds its fulfillment in Christ, who establishes this covenant with his own body and blood.
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Christ fulfills the New Covenant, bringing about internal transformation, intimate knowledge of God, and full forgiveness.
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INTRO: God will make a new covenant, unlike the old:
I. God will write his law on the hearts of his people (31:33)
II. God will be intimately known by all his people (31:34a)
III. God will bring full forgiveness (31:34b).

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Tony Billington

Description: Isaiah’s Suffering Servant, despised and pierced for the sins of many, vividly portrays Christ, who bears the iniquity of His people through His sacrificial death.

Main Idea:
1. Through Jesus' life, the suffering Servant shows us how to suffer well with others.
2. Through Jesus’ death, the Suffering Servant shows us how to suffer well in personal trials and tribulations.

Application:
1. That we would take His example, and suffer well with others.
2. That we would take His example and suffer well in our own lives.

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
Description: Micah speaks of a ruler to come forth from Bethlehem who will shepherd his people and show his greatness to the ends of the earth.
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Christ is our Shepherd-King, born in humble Bethlehem to rule and be our peace.
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I. God’s people besieged and humiliated (5:1)
II. God’s paradoxical promise of a ruler from Bethlehem (5:2-3)
III. God’s promised Shepherd-King brings security and peace (5:4-5a)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
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Christ is the Righteous Branch, born to reign far as the curse is found.
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I. God will raise up a Righteous Branch on whom His Spirit will rest (11:1-5)
II. God will reverse the curse of sin through the Righteous Branch (11:6-9)
III. God will display his glory among the nations through the Righteous Branch (11:10)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
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Christ is our Immanuel, who brings hope to the nations and reigns forevermore.
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I. God will give a virgin-born son whose name shall be Immanuel (7:14)
II. God will bring hope to the nations through the virgin-born Son (9:2-5)
III. God will give the virgin-born Son to rule the nations forevermore (9:6-7)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Seth Sherwood
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God’s covenant with David, promising an everlasting kingdom, foreshadows Christ, the eternal King whose reign brings peace, justice, and salvation.
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I. The King
II. The Covenant
III. The Son of David
- Shepherd
- Deliverer
- Builder
- Eternal King
- Son of God
IV. Application
- Will you enthrone the Son of David as your king?

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
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Christ is our Kinsman-Redeemer who rescues us in our poverty and secures our inheritance.
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I. God hears his people and responds in their suffering (Chapter 1)
II. God rescues his people and provides in their poverty (Chapter 2)
III. God redeems his people and secures their inheritance (Chapters 3-4)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

The ‘Angel of the Lord’ appears in various places in the Old Testament. When he does, he is understood to be a physical manifestation of the one LORD and an encounter with the invisible God. Long before his incarnation, Christ appears to present a visible manifestation of God’s presence among his people in bodily form.
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Christ is the Angel of the Lord who makes God’s personal presence known among his people.
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I. God will raise up a deliverer for his people (13:1-7)
II. God will make his presence known among his people (13:8-20)
III. God will accomplish his purposes through his people (13:21-25)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

Moses’ promise of a prophet like himself points to Christ, the ultimate Prophet, who speaks God’s word with authority and leads His people into the New Covenant. Far greater than these, Christ reveals God fully in himself as the Incarnate Word.
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Christ is the long-awaited Prophet like Moses who is himself the fullness of revelation.
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I. God institutes mediatorial prophethood (18:15-16)
II. God introduces a new kind of Prophet (18:17-20)
III. God comforts his people concerning false prophets (18:21-22)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
________
Christ is our great high priest who makes atonement
for us by the sacrifice of himself.

_________

I. God makes his plan known (16:1–10)

II. God makes his purpose clear (16:11–22)

III. God makes his people clean (16:23–34)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Tony Billington
_____________
Main Idea: Jesus fulfills the law and the prophets:
- Jesus is the better Israel.
- Jesus is the better Moses.
- Jesus is the fulfillment and better version of the bronze serpent.
______________
Application: That we would go to our intercessor and look to the Bronze Serpent (the Son of Man) for our healing.

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
________
Christ is God with us, has made his dwelling place among us, and displays his glory through us.
________
I. God reveals his glory in a meeting at the mountain (Ex 24)
II. God communicates his design to dwell with his people in the tabernacle (Ex 25–31)
III. God displays his presence in the filling of the tabernacle with his glory (Ex 32–40)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
________

Christ is the Rock stricken for us and the source of living water to all who thirst.
________
I. God proves his presence despite discontent (Ex 17:1–6; Nu 20:1–9)
II. God proves his holiness despite unbelief (Nu 20:10–12)
III. God proves his faithfulness despite disobedience (Ex 17:7; Nu 20:13)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
________
Christ is our Passover Lamb whose blood redeems us from slavery to sin and saves us from the wrath of God’s judgment.
________
I. God saves his people through sacrifice (12:1-28)
II. God saves his people through judgment (12:29-42)
III. God saves his people through separation (12:43-51)
IV. God saves his people through substitution (13:1-16)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Seth Sherwood
________
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, and God’s provision of a substitute point to Christ, the beloved Son offered as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
________
I. The Test (22:1-5)
II. The Shadow (22:6-10)
III. The Substitute (22:11-14)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
________
Christ is the Ark of Salvation who saves us from the judgment to come and brings us into the new heavens and new earth.
________
I. God is grieved by increasing wickedness on the earth (6:1-8)
II. God pours out his judgment on the earth with a flood (6:9–8:19)
III. God reveals his intent to restore creation with a covenant (8:20–9:17)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
________
Christ is the serpent-crushing, Seed of the Woman who saves us from the curse and restores* God’s very good design.
________
I. God’s very good design on display (2:4–25)
II. Man’s disobedience resulted in a curse (3:1–13)
III. God’s promise embedded in a curse (3:14–19)
IV. What will become of God’s very good design? (3:20–24)

Sermon Series: Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: Types, Shadows, Prophecies & Promises
Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell
________
Christ is the source and fulfillment of all existence, identity, and authority.
________
I.God spoke all things into existence out of nothing (1:1–25)
II.God made man in his own image & likeness (1:26–27)
III.God gave man dominion over all creation (1:28–31)
________
We come to see the fullness of that revelation in Christ…
-Christ, the all-creating, uncreated Word by, through, and for whom all things were made.
-Christ, the image of the invisible God and the exact imprint of his likeness.
-Christ, the Lord of Creation, who has all dominion over all things.

Guest Speaker: Nick Oakes

The central theme is about the value of the salvation that we possess.

Our salvation is something that the prophets wished they could see and that the angels long to understand.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Series: The Church as the People of the Triune God

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

Main Idea: We are claimed and kept by the Spirit for the day of redemption.

I. We were claimed for redemption through faith in Christ (13)
II.We are being kept for the day of redemption by the Spirit (14a)

Application: that we might live to the praise of his glory. (14b)

Series: The Church as the People of the Triune God

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

Main Idea: We are a blood-bought people predestined for praise.

We are a blood-bought people brought into union with Christ (7-10)
.....Our Redemption Accomplished (7-8)
.....Our Redemption Revealed (9-10)
We are predestined for praise through our hope in Christ (11-12)
.....Our Inheritance obtained (11)
.....Our Hope vindicated (12)

Application: that we might live to the praise of his glory.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Lesson: God can make your mountain of testing a mountain of blessing.
APPLICATIONS
I. Trust the trustworthiness of God’s Word
II. Surrender to the Will of God.
III. Rely on Divine Resources.

Series: The Church as the People of the Triune God

Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell

Main Idea: We are beloved children, to the praise of the Father’s glory and grace.

We see the Father’s love for us as his children in this passage in three distinct ways:
1.We have been Blessed Beyond Measure (3)
2.We were Chosen Before Time (4)
3.We were Predestined for Adoption (5)

Application— that we might live to the praise of his glory and grace (6).

Speaker: Pastor Garret Soucy, Christ the King Church

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Theme: We were made to live on the Mountain of God.
I. Mount Eden
II. Mount Moriah

Speaker: Pastor Garret Soucy, Christ the King Church

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Lesson: Valley experiences are divinely ordained for our good and for God’s glory.
Q: What should we focus on in our Valleys?
I.Fruitfulness
II.Fellowship

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: For all true Christians, nothing is secular.
Application: That you would do your everyday work for God.
Question: How can I do my everyday “secular” work for God?
Answer: By continually doing it with a sacred sense of:
I. Calling
II. Filling
III. Sweating
IV. Resting

Speaker: Tony Billington
Main Idea: Through God’s refuge and strength, we have hope for the already, but not yet Kingdom.
Application: Cease, and Know that He is God

Speaker: Pastor Garret Soucy, Christ the King Church

Speaker: Seth Sherwood

The Examples of Three Men:
Gaius - the faithful Christian
Diotrephes - the selfish, manipulative leader
Demetrius - the Christian of good testimony

Main Idea: We ought to help the spread of the truth by being partners in gospel ministry.
Application:
1. Follow not that which is evil.
2. Follow that which is good.

Speaker: Ezra Shepherd
How can we obtain God’s blessing in our lives?
By patterning our lives not after the world, but after Christ’ example.
By meditating on, feeding on and chewing the cud of God’s word.
By drawing from the waters of Grace available to us to bear fruit in season.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Psalm 84:9-12
Theme: The Longing and Advancing heart begets the Satisfied heart.
I. Pray for your leadership 9
II. Seek to know and experience the preciousness of God’s house 10
III. Cultivate a satisfied heart 11-12

Speaker: Pastor Garret Soucy, Christ the King Church

Speaker: Tony Billington
Main Idea: In the midst of the cosmos and chaos, Yahweh takes thought of you and gives you authority to be like Him.
Application: Humbly partner with God like a child to a father.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-32

Focus: Jesus rose again according to the Scriptures
Luke 24:44-46
Q What are some of the OT Scriptures Jesus expounded on the road to Emmaus?
1.Dead but no decay Psalm 16:10
2.He will see His offspring Isaiah 53.10-11
3.The sign of Jonah Jonah 1:7
4.Abraham offering Isaac Genesis 22
5. The Feast of 1st Fruits Leviticus 23.9-14

Speaker: Josh Sherrell
Text—Psalm 107, opening with a Responsive reading

Main Idea—The LORD redeems his people from every trouble so they may join in the song of the redeemed.

Introduction: A call to worship the Lord, for he is good, and his steadfast love endures forever. (1-3)
__________________________________
I. He satisfies the longing soul (4-9)
Let those who are weary of wandering thank the LORD who fills them with good.

II. He sets the captives free (11-17)
Let those who are captives of their own rebellion thank the LORD who breaks their chains.

III. He gives joy to the sin-sick (18-22)
Let those who are overcome by shame thank the LORD who gives them songs of joy.

IV. He rescues the storm-tossed (23-32)
Let those storm-tossed thank the LORD who brings them safely home.
__________________________________
Conclusion: Consider the steadfast love of the LORD and his wondrous works of redemption. (33-43)

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Theme: The blessedness of true worship in God’s house.
Lesson: The advancing Christian heart has a fervent longing for corporate worship.
Q: How can we experience maximum blessing in our Sunday worship service?
Applications
I. Set your heart on pilgrimage 5
II. Turn the valley of tears into a spring of blessing 6
III. Seek God’s presence in the Sunday service 7
IV. Earnestly plead for God’s help to experience true worship 8

Speaker: Pastor Garret Soucy, Christ the King Church

Speaker: Seth Sherwood

Main Idea: Our first priority should be to seek God in prayer throughout the day and in the various circumstances of life.

Applications:
1. Seek God for salvation.
2. Pray!

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Theme: God’s presence is worthy of our all-out pursuit.
Q: How can Christians increasingly experience God’s presence?
I. Cultivate a longing heart for God vs 1-2
II. Nest near the altars of God vs 3
III. Yearn for the experience of true, corporate worship vs 4

Speaker: Pastor Garrett Soucy

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: The Christian life is lived rightly by loving God with all of your being.

Q: How do we love God properly?

Obey His commands.
Beware of that which might steal your love for God.
Teach His commandments to others.

Speaker: Wayne Denny

Theme: God’s prescription for a happy life.

Applications:

Fret not nor envy evil doers
Trust in the Lord and do good
Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness
Delight yourself in the Lord
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him
Rest in the Lord & wait patiently for Him

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: God’s people can find great comfort in the care of our Shepherd.

Q: How shall I live in light of this care?

I shall not want.
I will fear no evil.
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

Speaker: Josh Sherrell

Main Idea: We find courage in the face of God as we seek the face of God.

1) Bring your fears into the light of God's presence (1-6)
2) Cry out to God when you are afraid (7-12)
3) Look to the Lord and take courage as you wait on Him (13-14)

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: Unity among God's people is a good and pleasant thing.

1) Avoid the pitfalls of division & pseudo-unity.
2) Strive to keep the unity among God's people.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: Past providence is very instructive for present living.
Q: How should we live now in light of past providence?
1. Fret not nor envy evil doers vs 1-2
2. Trust in the Lord and do good vs 3a
3. Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness vs 3b

Speaker - Dave Nelson

God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things
God uses broken people to do extraordinary things

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: The grace of Jesus rescues us from our spiritual pride.

Spiritual pride is a result of deception.
Wealth in Christ produces a spirit of humility.

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: God’s people are to live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them.

Application:

Put to death the selfish works of the flesh.
Allow your life to be ordered by the love of Christ.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Theme; The love of God is supremely manifested to us in the cradle and on the cross of Christ.

I. The Love of God is supremely displayed in the Cradle

II. The Love of God is supremely displayed on the Cross

A. Unwrap the Gift

B. Live on the Gift

C. Share the Gift

Guest Speaker: Pastor Garret Soucy

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Theme: The Prince of Peace is the only source of true peace.
Q: What kind of peace does Jesus provide?

I. Peace with God: Reconciliation
II. Peace of God: Rest from an anxious heart.

Speaker: Seth Sherwood

Desolations (vs 22-23)
Frustrated Hopes (vs 24-26)
True Hope in Christ (vs 27-29)
The Scandal of Christmas (vs 30-33)

Application:
a. Believe
b. Listen
f. Follow

Sermon: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: God’s commandments are given for our good.

Q: What does the Gospel do for us?

Cures us of our suspicion of God.
Enables us to practice obedience.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: God has a remedy for our leprosy.

Q: Why is this story of Naaman’s healing in holy Scripture?

I. That you may know the true Prophet of Israel.

II. That you may be healed of your leprosy.

III. That you may experience the joy of serving Jesus Christ.

Speaker: Ethan Grant
Main Idea: The promise of a better Kingdom is fully realized in Christ.

Q: What benefit does Christ's Kingdom provide us?

Comfort
Mission
Strength
Hope

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Series: Meaningful Membership

Lesson: Shunamite kindness and faith will have Christ’s rewardQ: What godly applications can we glean from the Shunamite’s example?

I. Do what you can for God’s people to enhance their service.

II. Quietly trust God’s providence for His good in your loss.

Speaker: Ethan Grant
Main Idea: The Fear of the Lord is the root of righteous living.

Q: Are Christians able to live righteously?
Application:
Fear the Lord.
Live as a blessing-giver.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Main Idea: Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds

Meaningful Membership
Dedicated Discipleship
Pastoral Pursuit
Ministry Blessings

Speaker: Seth Sherwood

I. The Field of Battle
II. Our Enemies
III. The Manner of Their Warfare
IV. The Christian’s Response
V. The World’s Response

VI. Application:
A. Watch
B. Remain clothed

Series: Meaningful Membership in Christ's Church
Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Theme: God wills that all believers belong to and be devoted to a local church.
Why should we seek meaningful membership in a local church?
I. It is the Biblical pattern.
II. We need shepherding.
III. We need accountability.
IV. It fosters commitment.

Speaker: Ethan Grant
Main Idea: God is greatly glorified when His people pursue glory.
Q: What glory should Christians pursue?
1) Beware of false glory.
2) Pursue proper glory.
3) Await the future glory.

Series: Meaningful Membership in Christ's Church
Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Lesson: Christ’s church is worthy of our utmost love
Q: Why should I love the church fervently?
I. She is Christ’s beloved bride and His beauty is upon her.
III. She is Christ’s glorious temple and He dwells within her.

Speaker: Tony Billington

Main Idea: In The Kingdom’s economy there is always enough
Application: Because we don’t have to worry about there being enough, we can be generous with our resources.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Q. How can God work in me and through me with all my deficiencies?
I. Cry out for God's merciful saving help.
II. Do what you can while trusting God's supply.
III. Believingly pour the oil.

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: The life of the Christian is to be filled with worship that is pleasing to God.
Q: Why does God demand proper worship?

I. Proper worship is reverent.
II. Proper worship is done out of love.
III. Proper worship is sacrificial.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Q: Why did God allow His prophets to suffer dearth in the land and death in the pot?
A: God’s mysterious mercies are especially experienced in our most difficult times.

Applications
I. Use your physical trials as a catalyst for spiritual growth.
II. Train your spiritual senses to be Scripturally discerning.

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: Jesus Christ defeated the Real Giant, meaning we can be courageous in every circumstance.

1) Courage is rooted in Christ's Victory
2) Courage is born out of faith in God's promises
3) Courage is grown through intimacy with Christ

Q: What is the end goal of having courage?

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: Prayerless planning leads to perilous living.
Q: How should we proceed so that we prepare for God’s blessing rather than His chastening?

I. Inquire of the Lord before you commit to a plan.
II. Dig cisterns around your dried-up brook anticipating crimson mercies

Speaker: Bill Stone

Three cities and their response to the gospel.
1. Thessalonica - Resisting the word
2. Berea - Receiving the word
3. Athens - Ridiculing the word

Acts 17:32-34
1. Some Mocked
2. Some Procrastinated
3. Some Believed

Are you a mocker, procrastinator, or a believer in Jesus Christ.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: God graciously allows you to drink at the spring of mercy or to tread the bear-path of judgment.

Q: How can I flourish under God’s favor?

I. Confess the corruption of your spring and seek Divine intervention.
II. Apply the Divine remedy no matter how paradoxical.
III. Walk in the fear of God and honor His messengers.

Speaker: Pastoral Intern Ethan Grant
Main Idea: God has commanded & equipped His people to defend the faith.
Q: How do we defend the faith?
1) Sanctify Jesus Christ in your hearts
2) Defend the faith in every sphere of life: home, vocation, and community.
3) Avoid the common pitfalls of apologetics.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: The God of Elijah gives His Spirit’s power in proportion to our yieldedness.

Q How can I know and experience the God of Elijah?
I. Walk with the godly and do not get separated.
II. Seek a double portion of God’s grace.
III. Take up the mantle of ministry and by faith strike your Jordan

Speaker: Seth Sherwood

Doctrine: God will bring down the kingdoms of the wicked for their pride and haughtiness and establish his own eternal kingdom.

I. Background of Obadiah
II. The Prophesied Judgment (vs 2-9):
National humiliation
Economic destruction
Betrayal by allies
Confusion
Military defeat
III. The Sin of Edom (vs 10-14):
IV. The Day of the Lord (vs 15-18):
V. The Kingdom of God Realized (vs 19-21):
VI. Application:
Escape to Mount Zion!
Prepare to receive the Kingdom

Speaker: Ezra Shepherd

Main Idea: God’s plans are perfect in their measure and timing for our sanctification and His Glory.

1)Beware of those who would soothe you in your sins
2)Accept God’s discipline as a testament of His love
3)Suffer with Joy in trials and persecution
4)Look to God’s promises and eternal timeline for hope of the future
Bonus: Move from ‘greeting card theology’ into the diligent study of God’s word.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: The call of God is sweet and powerful to the obedient soul.

Q: What does it mean to follow the call of Jesus?

I. Leave your plow and pursue Christ as the greatest Treasure ever to be gained.

II. Take up the mantle of humble service.

Speaker: Intern Pastor Ethan Grant
Main Idea: When it comes to unbelief, the real problem is the heart itself.

Application:

1) Give & Receive Exhortations against a hard heart.
2) Pray for open eyes, listening ears, and seeing eyes.
3) Declare the Gospel with liberty & endurance.

Q: How does knowing the “real problem” influence our evangelism?

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Little Lesson Satan is on God’s long leash of providence
Big Lesson Life is hard. God is good.

Q How do we conquer the venom of Satan and of our sin nature?
I. Turn hardship into gospel ministry
II. Shake the viper into the fire of God's Word

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Q: What are characteristics of a godly leader?

Warns against danger.
Lives as a spiritual example
Does not compromise the truth.
Cares for those around him.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: A personal testimony is a powerful evangelistic tool
Q: What is your conversion testimony?

I. Prepare your testimony.
II. Share your testimony.

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Big Idea: Paul’s righteous example shows us how to endure injustice.

Pursue justice
Be reminded of our living hope
Love your enemies
Remember that God is at work

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: Our delays are God’s appointments.
Q: How should we respond to circumstantial delays?

Applications
I. Cultivate hopeful contentment while you wait.
II. Occupy till Christ comes with the answer.

Speaker: Elder David Nelson

I. What a busy church looks like
II. When a busy church is commended
III. When a busy church is corrected

What we can learn:
Busy in the Lord is a blessing but it can be dangerous.
The Lord loves us too much to leave us where we are.
Examine our priorities.

Apologetics Seminar followed by Q & A
Speaker- Ryan Goding

Topic-"Apologetics in this Cultural Moment".

A review of relevant cultural influences, tracing their origins and talking about how to communicate the gospel in a compelling way in light of our present context.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Grand Lesson: God is superintending all the details of my life for His glory and my good.
Q: If My life circumstances are all about Christ’s glory, then how should I live?

Applications
I. Live like my circumstances are all about Him, not about me
II. Watchfully observe and rejoice in the workings of God in my life

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: Paul uses a difficult situation to declare who God is and what He has done.
1) Christ is Lord.
2) God is Sovereign.
3) God is able to save those that we think are “too far gone”

Application:
● Submit to the Lordship of Christ.
● Allow God to use your difficult situations for His glory.
● Plant & Water seeds of the Gospel, leave the result up to God.
● Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a “Damascus road” conversion story.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: Zeal for Christ is the ultimate God-pleasing and soul-satisfying passion.
Q: What does this zeal look like?

Application
I. Glorify God by sharing the good things He has done in you, for you and through you
II. Do what you can to live at peace with your enemies for the sake of the gospel
III. Turn suffering into a platform for the gospel

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

LESSON: Experiencing the reality of the risen Christ changes everything for the better.

Q: How can we experience the reality of Christ’s presence more so in our daily lives?

Application: Seek grace to continuously attune your 5 spiritual senses to the risen Christ.

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith that provides a future hope for the people of God.

Application:
1) Believe in the Gospel
2) Uphold the truth of the Gospel
3) Abide in the Hope in the Gospel

Four pastors preaching on four great things that happened on the Cross:

Our Atonement was made
Nick Kozak - Messiah's Congregation
Our Redemption was accomplished
Brandon Dyer - Windsor Christian Fellowship
Our Propitiation was provided
Ethan Grant - Cornerstone Christian Fellowship
Our Justification was sealed
Justin Frank - Penny Memorial Baptist Church

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: The Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ declared that God’s redemptive promises would be fulfilled.

The King of Promise
The King of Service
The King of Salvation

Application:

Worship the True King
Serve with Humility
Love His Appearing

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: Following Jesus comes at a great cost

Forsaking of Idols
Love not the world
Denial of Self

Application:
Count the Cost of following Christ
Love God supremely to love others properly
Remain faithful to God’s call

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: God has a blueprint for leadership in His church
Q: How can I be a good leader?
Applications
I. Shepherd your own soul well
II. Shepherd well the souls of those entrusted to your care

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: Much capital is gained for a fruitful ministry by a good testimony
Q: How can we bear a good testimony before all for Jesus Christ?

Application
I. Walk humbly with Christ
II. Declare the whole counsel of God
III. Finish well the course Christ has laid before you

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: Humble service to God’s people is joyful service to God
Q: How can I experience joyful serve to my Lord and Savior?

Applications
I. Encourage others with the Word of God
II. Put your hands and feet and heart into serving others

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: Opposition comes as a result of the Church preaching the Gospel

The Gospel exposes sinful lifestyles
The Gospel confronts culture
The Gospel opposes Satan’s plans

Application:
Direct your worship to Christ alone
Don’t be startled by opposition
Rest in God’s sovereignty over every circumstance

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: The Word of God prevails mightily where it is proclaimed publicly and applied personally.
Q: How can the Word increase and prevail at Cornerstone?
Applications
I.Engage your contacts with Scriptural reason and persuasion
II.Enroll in the School of Christ
III.Exorcise ungodly practices

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: The Almost Christian is no closer to heaven than the full-on atheist
Q: How can we help an Almost Christian?
Applications
I. Ask probing questions
II. Provide Gospel clarity

Speaker: Ethan Grant

1) A mature disciple cares for the spiritual well-being of others
2) A mature disciple is a student of the Word
3) A mature disciple is teachable
4) A mature disciple fills in the gaps
5) A mature disciple is a servant

Q: How do we help instruct other Believers in a Christ-like manner?

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: God works in unexpected ways by unexpected means in our extremities.
Q: How should we gospelize our difficult circumstances?

Applications
I.Trust in God’s Providence
II.Rely on God’s Promises

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: The unknown God wants to be and will be known
Q: How should we know God?

Applications
I.Know God Savingly
II.Know God intimately and make Him known

Guest Speaker: Seth Sherwood, Deacon at Cornerstone

I. Introduction
II. Background of 2 John
III. Content of 2 John
IV. Application
A. Walk in the Truth
B. Love one another
C. Walk according to his commandments
D. Watch yourself!
E. Abide in the teaching of Christ
F. Don’t entertain false teachers.
G. Do entertain true teachers.
V. Conclusion

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Lesson Our God is for us

Q: Who was the One born in Bethlehem’s manger and for whom was He given?
Answer: For unto us is born and given the One Who is:
1.Wonderful
2.Counselor
3.Mighty God
4.Everlasting Father
5.Prince of Peace
Application: Receive the Gift of Christmas

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

LESSON Idols are as profuse in America today as in Athens in Paul’s day. We are as susceptible to idols today as the Athenians were in Paul’s day

Q How should we respond to the profusion of idols in our Athens?
Applications
1. That you would discern any idols in your own life
2. That your spirit would be provoked to action by the idolatry around you

Speaker: Jonathan Sole

Main Idea: The promise of God’s grace shines brightest against the dark background of our own sin and unworthiness.

I. The Deception of Sin (vs. 1-7)
II. The Consequence of Sin (vs. 8-13)
III. The Judgement of Sin (vs. 14-15)

Speaker: Tony Billington
Main Idea: We need to shine our light in a way that shows what the Good News of the Kingdom of God is like.
Application: Interpret the Bible correctly; love the stranger.

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Main Idea: God uses His word to accomplish His purposes through His people.

Main Points:
1) God's Word delivers truth
2) God's Word turns the world right side up
3) God's Word transforms lives

Application:
-Receive God's word like the Bereans
-Use God's word like Paul

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: The Christian’s secret to a happy life is godly contentment
Q: How can we practice godly contentment in our difficult times?

Applications
I. Sing praises to God in the midnight/midst of your adversity 22-25
II. Sanctify your trial for gospel-good 26-34
III. Strengthen your brothers & sisters in the faith 35-40

Speaker: Pastor Jon Sole

Main Idea: Life is full of trials and difficulties and in order to finish well Christians must learn the right approach to suffering.

I. The Right Attitude (vs. 2-4)
II. The Right Action (vs. 5-8)
III. The Right Understanding (9-11)
IV. The Blessed Reward (12)

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: God leads His sheep in various ways and by various means

Q: How should we look for God to lead us and how should we respond?

I. Closed Door - Rest in God’s sovereignty

II. Open Door - Consult and press on

III. Open heart to God’s heart – Align your desires with God’s desires

Speaker: Ethan Grant
Main Idea: God uses our suffering to accomplish His purposes.
From the Text: Paul and Silas have been beaten, tortured, and wrongfully imprisoned, yet God uses their suffering to bring an entire household to salvation in Christ.
Main Points:

Our suffering in relation to God
Our suffering in relation to Others
Our suffering in relation to Self

Q: Why does God allow suffering?

Application: That when suffering arises, you wouldn’t become hard-hearted but would seek to be a vessel for God’s use in the midst of suffering.

Speaker: Ethan Grant

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson:The Biblical model for church growth is Discipleship

Applications for participating in growth at Cornerstone:

I. Exhibit the marks of a true D. like Timothy

A. Teachable B. Reputable C. Dependable D. Bruise-able

II. Engage in disciple-making like Timothy 2 Tim. 2:2

Q: How do I disciple a fellow follower of Christ?

A. Keep your eye on the goal

B. Find the gaps and fill the holes

C. Enjoy the fruit

Guest Speaker: Jonathan Sole, Associate Pastor at Quidnessett Baptist Church, R.I.

Main Idea: Jesus’ ministry of bringing salvation to all includes the least of these and as a result worship is due.

Application: As Christians we need to remember we are the least of these, be continually trusting in Christ, and proclaiming His goodness.

I. Jesus Comes to the Least of These (vs. 31-32)

II. Jesus Heals the Least of These (vs. 33-35)

III. Jesus is Proclaimed by the Least of These (vs. 36-37)

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: God’s model for church growth is discipleship

Q: How can I contribute to the growth of Cornerstone?

Applications

I. Exhibit the marks of a true disciple like Timothy

A. Teachable B. Reputable C. Dependable D. Bruise-able

II. Engage in disciple-making like Timothy

Teaching others what you have been taught so they can teach others

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: Genuine trust in God leads to genuine joy in life.

Application: That you would put your whole trust in God and Rejoice!

Question: What does trusting God look like?

Answer: It looks like:

I. Delighted Loyalty to God and God’s people.

II. Pleasant Contentment with God and God’s gifts.

III. Glad Security in Life and in Death.

Speaker: Tony Billington Deacon CCF
Main Idea: Yahweh is sovereign, gracious, compassionate, merciful, wise and loyally loving (hesed)

Application: Since Yahweh has chosen us, we can rest in HIs sovereignty and wisdom.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: Christ loves to raise up the fallen

Q: How can grace turn a fall into a rise?

Applications from John Mark’s life:

I. Receive grace to repent and repair

II. Receive grace to accept God’s providence

III. Receive grace to go on in fruitful service

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: Under the wing of God, there is always hope.

Application: That you would take comfort under God’s wing today.

Question: Why is loss never total for those who trust in God?

Answer: Because of the great work He is doing behind the scenes.

Chapter 1. “Call me Bitter.”

Chapter 2. “Why have I found favor?”

Chapter 3. “Shall I not seek rest for you?”

Chapter 4. “The LORD has not left you without a Redeemer today.”

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: The Jerusalem council is a good example of the good such authority can do.

Application: That you would value the need for church authority in your life.

Question: What happens when church authority gets it right?

Answer: The Church as a whole is:

I. Protected From Legalism.

II. Unified In Love.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: There are a few basic things every church needs to endure.

Application: That we would make sure we have a good handle on church basics here.

Question: What does every church need to keep going?

Answer: Each church needs a place and time where:

I. The Gospel is Preached.

II. Disciples are Made.

III. Souls are Strengthened.

IV. Sufferers are Encouraged.

V. Elders are Appointed.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: Being a Christian means more than just a one-time experience,

it means coming to see the world in a whole new way.

Application: That you would see and think about the world like a Christian.

Question: What must change when I become a Christian?

Answer:

I. How I think about God must change.

II. How I think about History must change.

III. How I think about Myself must change.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: God is not powerless against ugly unbelief.

Application: That you would understand how God is Lord, even over unbelief.

Question: Is God powerless against unbelief?

Answer: No. In the face of unbelief, God is still Lord.

I. God is Lord Over All The Earth.

II. God is Lord Over Eternal Life.

Speaker: Tony Billington Deacon at CCF

Main Idea:Yahweh is merciful and compassionate to all nations.

Application:Like our God, we should have compassion toward everyone.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: Unbelief is an ugly sin against the God who has kept his promise.

Application: That you would hate the ugliness of unbelief.

Question: Why is unbelief so ugly?

Answer: Because it is hypocritical and hard-hearted.

I. None so blind as those who will not see.

II. None so deaf as those who will not hear.

Speaker: Ethan Grant Pastoral Intern

1) Humanity needs salvation
2) Our works do not save us
3) We are saved through Christ alone, by grace alone

Application:
● That our hope would be in Christ
● That our lives would be changed
● That our lives would display good works

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea:People can change!

Application: That you would have hope for positive change for yourself and others.

Question: Can people change?

Answer: John Mark’s story:

I. The Positive Start.

II. The Disappointing Middle.

III. The Change.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: Committed false teachers are not just mistaken, they are spiritual assassins.

Application: That you would build up a healthy intolerance of false teachers.

Question: Why is Paul so intense about false teachers?

Answer: Because:

I. False Teachers Are A Betrayal.

II. False Teachers Are Demonic.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: Because emotions are powerful they must be listened to and controlled.
Application: That you would control your emotions without killing them.
Question: What should we do with our negative emotions?
Answer: We should:
I. Listen to Them.
II. Control Them.

Speaker: Ethan Grant, Pastoral Intern
I. The Holy Spirit calls
II. The people of God submit
III. The Church multiplies
Question: Is it the Holy Spirit or the Church who sends Believers into ministry?
Answer: Both
Application:
I. That we would submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit
II. That we would support those whom God calls
III. That we would make Disciples

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: Toxic leadership is very destructive

Q: What kind of leadership does God want?

Answer: Humble, godly servant-leadership

Applications

I. That you would recognize toxic traits

II. That you would counteract and if necessary, flee toxic abuse

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Lesson: Our sovereign God has ordained prayer as a means of working out His plan

Q: In what ways does God answer our prayers?

I. Sometimes the answer is No

II. Sometimes the answer is Yes

III. Sometimes the answer is Wait

IV. Often the answer is, This is Not what I expected

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: The Spirit equips us for service.

Application: That you would say yes to what the Spirit wants to do in your life.

Question: What does the Holy Spirit do for us?

Answer: To equip us for service, the Spirit gives:

I. Gifts

II. Fruit

III. Filling

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Title: Same Team!

Big Idea: Church life is not a competition.

Application: That you would play well with other Christians and other churches.

Question: How should you feel about other Christians and churches?

Answer: You should:

I. Rejoice When Things go Well.

II. Give When There is Need.

III. Never Protect Your Personal Glory.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: The Holy Spirit binds different sorts of people together.

Application: That you would not exclude anyone, not even yourself, from church life.

Question: Does God want only one kind of culture in the church?

Answer: No, because of the Holy Spirit, we have:

I. One Lord: Everyone Comes to Christ.

II. Many Cultures: Everyone Comes as They Are.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: Devotion to God is like sweet incense rising to heaven’s temple

4 ... "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.

Q: How can my worship and my works ascend to God as a sweet memorial? Cornelius’ example:

2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

Applications: We should follow Cornelius’s example in:

Devotion to the fear of God - No idols
Devotion to family religion - No excuses
Devotion to kingdom giving - No hoarding
Devotion to prayer - No half-heartedness

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: Miracles have always had an important but limited place in the church.

Application: That you would understand the limited place for miracles today.

Question: Would it be better if we saw more miracles today?

Answer: Not necessarily.

I. The Positive Side of Miracles: Excitement, Comfort, Growth.

II. The Negative Side of Miracles: Corruption, Division, Idolatry.

Doctrine Out of our ashes God brings forth His beauty

Q: What is God’s purpose for your circumstances whether trials or blessings?

I. Use your past for present edification

II. Trust God when on the backside of the desert

III. Join the Barnabas team

Plus 3 closing encouragements

A. Seek spiritual edification

B. Walk in the fear of God

C. Walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: Union with Christ is the Comfort of the Church.

Application: That you would take comfort in all you do knowing you are not alone.

Question: How does union with Christ comfort the Christian?
Answer: It assures us that:

I. We do not work alone. (Ananias)

II. We do not suffer alone. (Saul)

Speaker - Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine The greatest proof of the Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the testimony of the eyewitnesses

Q Can we really trust 1st century eyewitness testimony of the resurrection? Yes because:

I. There were many witnesses and multiple appearances

II. They were credible witnesses

III. Their lives were transformed by what they saw

Applications:

I. Believe the witnesses - your eternity depends upon it

II. Imitate the witnesses - your transformation depends upon it

Stephen M. – Luke 23:34 (Father forgive them…)

Garrett S. – Luke 23:43 (Today you will be with me…)

Justin F. – Matthew 27:46 (My God, my God, why…)

Joel G. – John 19:26 (Behold your son…)

Brandon D. – John 19:28 (I thirst…)

Matt C. – John 19:30 (It is finished)

Nick K- Luke 23:46 (Into your hands, I commit…)

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine Christ can triumphantly enter any sinner’s heart anywhere, anytime

Q What happens when a soul is converted?

I. There is a sovereign intervention by Jesus

II. There is a personal encounter with Jesus

III. There is an awakening to the reality of Who Jesus is and who I am before Him

IV. There is a humble submission to the lordship of Jesus

Living Before the Face of God at Work
Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Texts: Genesis 2:15, Col 3:23, Rev 21:22

Title: Painting the Leaves of Heaven: How God Sees Your Everyday Work.

Big Idea: Your everyday work is good and it matters forever!

Application: That you would value your everyday work as much as God does.

Question: Does my work really matter to God?

Answer: Yes!

I. Good work is one of the things I was made for.

II. Good work is one of the things heaven will be made of.

Spring Conference Session 3
Main Idea: Orienting family life around the presence of God rather than work and entertainment
Speaker: Pastor Garrett Soucy, Christ the King Church, Brooks

Spring Conference Session 2
Main Idea: Pray as fellowship with God rather than just going through a list
Speaker: Pastor Justin Frank, Penny Memorial Baptist Church, Augusta

Spring Conference Session 1Main Idea: Encountering God as He is rather than making things up to believe
Speaker: Pastor Bill Johnson, First Baptist Church, Pittsfield

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: Regular generous giving is an important way to remember God.

Application: That you would begin and keep up the good habit of giving.

Question: What happens if I don’t give regularly and generously?

Answer: If I don’t give:

I. I Forget Who I Belong To.

II. Forget Who Gave Me My Belongings.

Speaker: Paster Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: The Mark of True Revival is Humility

Application: That you would ask God to send us more humility.

Question: How do I know if almighty God is really at work?

Answer: Look for the mark of humility.

I. The Humility of the Learner (Eunuch)

II. The Humility of the Leader (Philip)

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine God turns evil on its head to accomplish His good purposes

Q How should you respond when bad things happen?

Applications

I. Trust God to bring good from evil

II. Scatter the good seed

III. Receive the good seed

IV. Keep your heart right before God

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: Traditionalism is the mask of hard hearts.

Application: That your heart would be so soft there would be nothing left to hide.

Question: What are the marks of hard hearted traditionalism?

Answer:

I. Loving the Place of God more than the Person of God.

II. Hating the Messengers of God in the Name of God.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: Living for the fullness of Christ makes your life fruitful and your death beautiful

To be full of Christ is to live purposefully and to die gloriously

Q: How should believers view life and death?

Applications:

I. We should see Life as all about the preeminence of Christ in all things Phil 1:21a

II. We should see Death as our golden gate to glory Phil 1:21b

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: Good church structures are how God provides for his people.

Application: That you would not give up on church structures but work to improve them.

Question: Is organized church really what God had in mind?

Answer: Yes!

I. Organization keeps people from falling through the cracks.

II. Organization keeps the main thing the main thing.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: The Kingdom of God is something to obey, not worry about.

Application: That you would take courage from the inescapable power of the Truth.

Question: What should we do when we see setbacks to God’s Kingdom in our time?

Answer: Not worry, but:

I. Obey Anyway.

II. Take the Long View.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine:God desires us as a congregation to be of one heart and one soul striving together for the faith of the gospel

Q:How can we experience this beautiful oneness?

Applications:

I. Labor to have all we do to be gospel-driven

II. Labor to have all we are and do be grace-filled

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Doctrine: God sets everyday people in strategic places to be His witnesses

Q: What would God have you to do where He has situated you?

Applications

I. Be much with Jesus

II. Speak much about Jesus

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: The church that acts like Jesus should expect pushback.

Application: That you would rejoice when you draw fire from the enemy.

Question: How can the church threaten the enemy?

Answer: Be like Peter and John:

I. Heal like Jesus.

II. Speak like Jesus.

III. Suffer like Jesus.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: Jesus is God’s suffering servant for us

Q: How should we respond to God’s holy, suffering Servant?

Applications

I. Repent and be converted

II. Seek seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord

19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, ...

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: God has designed the local church like many parts of one body. Application: That you would recommit to use your unique gifts, personality, and situation to build up this body.
Question: What has God called you to do in the local church?
Answer:

I. Don’t exclude yourself. (12:12-19)

II. Don’t exclude others. (12:20-31)

III. But love, love, love. (13:1-7)

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Q: What would a true Christmas parade look like?
This sermon is more of a Christmas meditation considering the 10 major events in the nativity story.
Application: That the reality of these true events would lead us to deeper awe and adoration of Christ

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: We live in a world where God keeps his promises.

Application: That you would not be afraid but see God’s faithfulness with new eyes.

Question: How do we know God keeps his promises?

Answer: Because of the Incarnation:

I. Mary’s Song. (1:46-55)

II. Zachariah’s Prophecy. (1:67-79)

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Doctrine: Jesus Christ transforms helpless, hopeless lame beggars into walking, leaping, praising witnesses

Q: What is your response to encountering Jesus Christ?

2 Applications

I. Rise up and walk in the name of Jesus

II. Boldly show and declare what Christ has done for you

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: While the culture encourages isolation, the Spirit creates togetherness.

Application: That you would not neglect nor give up on hospitality.

Question: Why is hospitality so basic to the church?

Answer: Because hospitality is one of the fruits of the Spirit:

I. We Worship Together.

II. We Eat Together.

III. We Share What we Have Together.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: The gospel we proclaim must be the same gospel the apostle’s proclaimed.

Application: That you would model your witness after the apostle’s proclamation.

Question: What is the gospel the apostle’s proclaimed?

Answer: It has four parts:

I. Gospel Events.

II. Gospel Witnesses.

III. Gospel Promises.

IV. Gospel Conditions.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: Because the Lord has had pity on us, he has restored us by His Spirit.

Application: That you would Rejoice and be Glad in the Sweet Wine of the Spirit.

Question: Why is the Spirit such a source of gladness?

Answer: Because:

I. The Spirit has Come when we Least deserved Him.

II. The Spirit has Come as a Sign of the Victorious Gladness of Jesus.

Doctrine: The Holy Spirit came down to empower believers to proclaim Christ

Q: What is the meaning of Pentecost?

Applications: That you would:

I. Understand the Feast, the Fire and the Firstfruits

II. Empowered by the Holy Spirit to tell the mighty works of God

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: God knows our hearts and shepherds us accordingly 24

Application: Cultivate a heart after Christ’s own heart

I. God will cast down every Judas-heart 16-20

II. God will raise up every Matthias-hrt 21-26

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: The continued work of Jesus encourages the continued work of the church.

Application: That you would take encouragement in your work for Jesus from the continued work of Jesus.

Question: Why shouldn’t I give up my work for Jesus?

Answer: Because of:

I. The Nature of the Kingdom.

II. The Kindness of the Kingdom.

II. The Coming Fullness of the Kingdom.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Doctrine: The acts of Jesus continue through His Spirit-empowered church
Q: How can we participate in the acts of Jesus today?

Continually be endued with the power of the Holy Spirit 8a
Constantly bear witness to Jesus through the Holy Spirit 8b

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: The book of Acts was given to us to build our faith today.

Application: That you would know how to listen well to the Book of Acts.

Question: How does Acts build our faith today?

Answer: By showing us that:

I. God has Always Worked in Real-Life Events.

II. The Church has Always had Real-Life Struggles.

III. There is a Solid Bridge between the Old and New Testaments.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: Our Lord Jesus expects us to fruitfully engage in kingdom work until He returns

Q: How should we occupy until Christ comes?

I. Focus on Christlike transformation 14

II. Seek daily gospel opportunities 15-16a

III. Guard our spiritual footing 16b-17

IV Grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ 18

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: God’s Words are the only escape from the doubt and despair around you.

Application: That you would continually do the work to remember.
Question: Why must I work to remember God’s words?

Answer: Because the words of God are:

I. Mocked. (3:1-4)

II. Powerful. (3:5-7)

III. Eternal. (3:8-9)

IV. Hopeful. (3:10-13)

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Doctrine: What you believe about God will determine how you respond to error
Q: What is Peter's hope for the church in this chapter?
That we would:
I. Expose false teachers 10-19a
II. Detect false professions 19b-22

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: Judgment is real and God knows how to rescue you from it.

Application: That you would go with God’s rescue out of God’s judgment.

Question: How do we know God’s judgment and rescue are real?

Answer: He has given us three examples:

I. Angels.

II. Noah.

III. Lot.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Doctrine: God calls us to the highest possible view of His Son and His WordQ: How does God want us to respond to Jesus and to the bible?

I. Behold and adore the majesty of God’s Son 12-18

II. Trust in the certainty and the sufficiency of Scripture 19-21

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: Only the kind of faith that Peter is passing down

has the power to transform us.

Application: Test your faith to see if it is the same kind as Peter’s.

Question: How do I know if I have the same faith as Peter?

Answer: The kind of faith Peter is passing to us has real power:

I. Power to Transform how we Think. (1-4)

II. Power to Transform how we Live. (5-11)

Speaker: Seth Sherwood

I. Who Christ is (vs 1-2; vs 4)

A. Co-equal with God
B. Prophet (the “mighty scepter” of the Gospel)
C. Priest (“according to Melchizedek”)
D. King (“Rule in the midst”)

II. What he will do (vs 5-7)

A. He will shatter kings (vs 5), Execute justice (vs 6), Shatter chiefs (vs 6), Lift up his head (vs 7)

III. Two applications in light of the glory of our Messiah (vs 3):

A. Offer yourself freely
B. Dress yourself in holy garments

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: God cares very much for His Flock

Q: How should elders shepherd God's flock?

Not reluctantly but willingly
Not for shameful gain but eagerly
Not domineering but Christlike example

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: Our cave-experiences are ordained to take us deeper into Christ

I. Adullam - Cave of Refuge 1 Sam 22:1-2

Lesson: Hide yourself in the stronghold of Christ in the day of calamity

II. Horeb - Cave of Revelation 1 Ki 19:8-9

Lesson: Seek a greater revelation of Christ in your day of despair

III. Bethlehem - Cave of Redemption Lk 2:7-12

Lesson: Receive Christ as your Lord and Savior

IV. Garden Tomb - Cave of Resurrection Jn 19:41-42; Mat 28:5-6

Lesson: Live the resurrected life by the resurrection power of Christ

Guest Speaker: Tony Billington

Main Idea:We engage our community for the Great Commission with help from the Holy Spirit.

Application:Engage your circle with prayer, service and telling of the Gospel.

Question: In what ways does the Holy Spirit help us with the Great Commission?

Answer:- He helps us pray

- He helps us serve

- He helps us tell.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Focus: To glean wisdom for today from Cave-dwellers of the past

I. Zoar - Cave of Remorse Gen 19

Lesson: Pitch your tent away from Sodom

II. Machpelah - Cave of Remembrance Gen 23

Lesson: Make your resting place a sweet remembrance to your loved ones

III. Makkedah - Cave of Reckoning Josh 10

Lesson: Put to death your kingly sins by the power of Christ

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Guest Speaker: Jeff Sherman from Windsor Christian Fellowship
Jeff is a retired pastor who enjoyed 30 years of fruitful ministry in Colorado.

Speaker: Dan Beck

Guest Speaker: Jeff Sherman from Windsor Christian Fellowship

Jeff is a retired pastor who enjoyed 30 years of fruitful ministry in Colorado.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Lesson: The anticipation of end things will stir and intensify our praying & living for Christ

Q: In what ways will an end-is-near focus affect us?

It will incite us to:

I. Exercise serious-minded living and praying

II. Exercise watchful living and praying

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: Conflict in the church is to be addressed by talking and listening.

Application: That you would both talk and listen to resolve conflict in the church.

Question: How should the church deal with conflict?

Answer:

I. If sinned against, don’t avoid but address.

II. If confronted, don’t dismiss but listen.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Q: What is Christ-minded living?

Apps: It is Arming your mind with:

1. A willingness to suffer in the flesh for the sake of Christ

2. A determination to be done with sin

3. An intentional Gospel Testimony

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Text: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Big Idea: Suffering unfairly is not all bad.

Application: That you would be thankful for the blessings that can only come through righteous suffering.

Question: What are the blessings built into righteous suffering?

Answer: Suffering righteously:

I. Puts Us in Good Company.

II. Gives Us Gospel Opportunity.

III. Makes Us Look Forward to the Coming Victory.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: Health in the pastor/church relationship requires some tender balances.

Application: That the pastor would follow Paul’s example. That the church would follow Paul’s advice.

Question: What should the relationship between pastor and church look like?

Answer:

I. A pastor toward his church should be:

A. Vulnerable

B. Grateful

C. Faithful

II. A church toward her pastor should be:

A. Receptive

B. Discerning

C. Submissive

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: God’s people are called to pursue the good life

Q: How do we pursue the good life even in adverse circumstances?

I. Let your tongue be grace-oriented

II. Let your conduct be peace-oriented

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: The risen Christ delights to bless us and do us much good, even when we fail Him

Q: How can we receive Christ’s blessing?

Apps:

I. Savor breakfast by the sea with the risen Christ 1-14

II. Have heart-to-heart walks by the sea with the risen Christ 15-19

The Seven Last Sayings of Christ on the Cross - presented by 7 area Pastors

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: God is on the throne of heaven and that matters on earth

Application: That you would constantly go up and behold the One seated on the throne of heaven

Rev 4:2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

When placed in hot water, the blessing that is in God’s people comes out.

That you would dwell on God’s blessing until it is the most important thing about you.

How do God’s blessed people bless other people?

With:

I. Blessed Thinking (Head)

II. Blessed Feeling (Heart)

III. Blessed Behavior (Hands)

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: Christ is heaven’s door to usApplications

I. Enter the Door of Salvation Jn 10:9

II. Study the Door of Revelation Rev 1:1

III. Answer the Door of Sweet Visitations Rev 3:20

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Evangelism begins at Home.

That you would give the world a marriage worth watching.

What should Christian marriage look like?

I. Women who submit to their husbands without fear or manipulation.

II. Men who honor their wives without abdicating leadership.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Doctrine: There is an equal opportunity reward for all believers in Service to Christ

Q: What does God reward in ministry?

A: God rewards, not the greatness of your service, but the greatness of your faithfulness

Applications: That you would see that:

I. Serving Jesus is your grandest employment

II. Serving Jesus is your greatest joy

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: Despite our culture, Christians must suffer personal injustice submissively.

Application: That you would not be eager to rage against personal injustice.

Question: How is it possible to submit to injustice submissively?

Answer: This hard calling will require you to:

I. Continually Focus your Mind on Who your God is.

II. Let the Coin Drop that this is what it Means to Follow Jesus.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny

Q: How then should we live?

Doctrine: The people of God are called to live like people of God

I. We abstain from fleshly passions 11

II. We live honorably among unbelievers 12

III. We submit humbly to earthly authorities 13-17

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: In a world full of lonely confusion, Christians know who we are and we know Who to thank for it.

Application: That you would not go silent about what you know.

Question: What do we as the church proclaim?

Answer: We proclaim:

I. Our Identity: We are the People of God.

II God’s Excellency: God is Worthy of Praise.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Doctrine: Gracious honors are bestowed upon sinners who trust in God’s precious CornerstoneQ: How should we come to this precious Cornerstone God has laid in Zion?I. We should come to Him Offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God 4-6
II. We should come to Him Believing in the gospel 7-8

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson

Big Idea: It is the Fellowship of the Spirit that makes church life possible.

Application: That you would not confuse fellowship with friendship.

Question: What is it that binds the church together?

Answer: Not by being the same but by sharing the same Spirit.

I. How the Spirit gives us fellowship with God.

II. How the Spirit gives us fellowship with other Christians.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
This sermon is part of a Church Essentials series preached at River of Life Christian Fellowship.

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: Jesus includes and honors single people and children in God’s Kingdom
Application: That none of us would confuse marriage for our top priority.

Question: Who does Jesus welcome and honor in God’s Kingdom?

I. Single People

II. Young People

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Doctrine: God ordained marriage and singleness for His glory and for our good

Q: What is God’s moral design for marriage and for singleness?

I. God’s design for marriage is one man married to one woman for life

II. God’s design for singleness is a celibate life lived for Christ

Speaker: Pastor Jamey Simpson
Big Idea: God’s love for me is more secure than I tend to think.

Application: That we would all exult more deeply in the love of God in Christ.

Question: Will God’s love ever let me go?

Answer: No:

I. God loved me when I was his enemy.

II. Now that I am his friend, God loves me all the more.

Speaker: Pastor Wayne Denny
Doctrine: God wills that we zealously promote His glory and our own joy in Him

Q: How should we resolve to live in 2022 for God’s glory and our own good?

Text: ESV Col 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving

Applications: That we would resolve by the grace of God to be more:

1. Prayerful
2. Watchful
3. Thankful

Big Idea: In order for true hope to come, false hopes must go.

Application: That you would thank God for the disappointments in your life.

Question: Why does God allow us to experience so much disappointment?

Answer: To teach us that we cannot have hope without faith.

Last week we considered how God moved earth to save us

Doctrine: God moved heaven and earth to redeem lost sinners

Q: How did God move heaven to save us?

I. God sent angelic beings to herald Christ’s birth

II. God sent the Holy Spirit to overshadow Mary’s womb

III. God set a star in the heavens to draw the magi

IV. God sent His Son to be born of Mary

Doctrine: God moved heaven and earth to redeem lost sinners

Q2: How did God move heaven to save us? Next Sunday

Q1: How did God move earth to save us?

I. God moved earthly Prophets to prophesy the coming of Christ

II. God moved earthly Emperors to prepare the way for the coming of Christ

III. God moved lowly individuals to perceive the coming of Christ

Doctrine: Being born again is a call to grow by battling the flesh while feeding the soul
Q: How do we grow spiritually?
I. We grow by daily putting off the filthy garments of our sin nature 1
II. We grow by daily nourishing ourselves on heavenly milk 2-3

Big Idea: When Christ was born Satan’s defeat and our salvation was sealed.

Application: That you would sing a song of victory despite how it seems right now.

Question: What do these symbols in Revelation 12 mean?

Answer:

I. The Woman: God’s glorious people from Eve to Mary to you and me.

II. The Dragon: God’s powerful enemy who always threatens but never wins.

III. The Child: God’s ultimate son who gives us a song of inevitable victory.

Q: How should we conduct ourselves in this foreign land?

I. Resident aliens should live in reverential fear of God 17

II. Resident aliens rest their faith and hope in the precious blood of Christ 18-21

III. Resident aliens are obedient to the infallible Word of God 22-25

Doctrine: Breath-taking grace and glory await us at the revelation of Jesus Christ

1Pe 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ

Q: In view of this forth-coming grace and glory, how then should we live?

I. Study to know Christ in both Old and New Testament Scriptures 10-12

II. Get your mind in the game - Prepare for action 13

III. Imitate Christ 14-16

Sermon Focus: Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with goodLessons and illustrations will be drawn from the persecuted church

Doctrine: The Gospel is never more powerful than when we forgive our enemies and do them good

Q: How can we overcome evil done to us with good?

I. Hate evil and cling to good 9

II. Persevere in tribulation 12

III. Do not return evil for evil 17a, 19

IV. Return good for evil 14, 20

Big Idea: Christian prayer is simple.

Application: That you would pray simply using the Lord’s prayer as a pattern.

Question: How did Jesus teach us to pray?

Answer: He gave us:

I. The Posture for Prayer: Simple Trust.

II. A Pattern for Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer.

Doctrine: Genuine salvation produces love for Christ, faith in Christ, and rejoicing in Christ

Q: How do we know if our salvation is genuine?

I. Though grieved by trials we rejoice in Christ

II. Though we did not witness His life, death and resurrection we love Christ

III. Though we do not see Him now we believe in Christ

Doctrine: The great things of God should be pondered into praise

1Pe 1:3a Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Q: What great things give us cause to bless and worship God?

Peter answers with some very profound theology:

- God’s abundant mercy to us

- God causing us to be born again

- God granting us a living hope

- God the Father raising God the Son

- God providing us an eternal inheritance

- God keeping us by His power

- God completing our salvation at the return of Christ

Doctrine: Our salvation is a Trinitarian accomplishment

Q: How is salvation a work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

I. The Father’s sovereign election 2a

II. The Spirit’s sanctifying application 2b

III. The Son’s sprinkling atonement 2c

Psa 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.

3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.

Doctrine: Christian unity is very good and very pleasant and very God-glorifying and very evangelistic

Joh 17:20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:

Guest Speaker: Jamey Simpson from River of Life Church, Athens, Maine
Text: Romans 8:1-2

Title:The Spirit Who Sets You Free

Big Idea: The Spirit sets us free to put us into service.

Application: That you would say yes to what the Spirit wants to do in your life.

Question: What does the Holy Spirit do for us?

Answer: To equip us for service, the Spirit gives:

I. Gifts

II. Fruit

III. Filling

Doctrine: God delights to bestow blessings on His covenant people

Q: What blessings has God promised in the Aaronic benediction? How do we receive them?

I. Explanation of the benediction

A. The LORD bless you and keep you

B. The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you

C. The LORD lift up His countenance upon and give you peace

II. Application of the benediction

A. Embrace the Gospel

B. Engage in each component of the Worship Service

C. Gratefully receive the blessing God delights to bestow

Doctrine: True branches bear the fruit of the True Vine

Q: How do I bear the fruit of Christ?

I. Beware of being a barren branch

II. Draw your sap from Christ

III. Yield to the Father’s pruning

Doctrine: We can only come to the Father by having Jesus as our life

Q: How can I come to the Father through the life of the Son?

I. Receive the eternal life Jesus came to procure

II. Pursue the abundant life Jesus came to provide

Doctrine: Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God’s truth to mankind.

Q: How should we respond to the Truth?

App #1 Believe in the Truth Acts 16:31

App #2 Live the truth Ja. 1:22; Matt 7:24-25

App #3 Accurately interpret the truth 2 Tim 2:15

Guest Speaker: Jamey Simpson from River of Life Church, Athens, Maine

Text: John 14:1-6

Title:“I Am The Way”

Big Idea: If you Want Fellowship with the Father you must Walk with Jesus.

Application: That you would walk with Jesus all the way to God.

Question: What does it mean that Jesus is “the way?”

Answer: It means that Jesus is:

I. The Way, not just a way. (Start)

II. The Way to Walk, not just believe in. (Journey)

III. The Way to The Father, not just Himself. (Destination)

Doctrine: Our bodily resurrection is a glorious incitement to peace, purity & plentiful service

I. When are the dead raised bodily?

II. What will our resurrected bodies be like?

A. Physical body with Supernatural properties

B. Beautiful Countenance

III. Why should it matter now that believers will receive resurrected bodies?

A. Peace in our trials

B. Purity in our living

Doctrine: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the keystone event of human history.

Q: Why is Christ’s resurrection the keystone of Christianity?

I. Our eternal redemption is secured by it

II. Our bodily resurrection is secured by it

THE SHEPHERD’S HEART Jn 10:11 &14; Ps 23

Doctrine: The Good Shepherd’s joy is increased the more His sheep come to Him for mercy and grace

Guest Speaker: Matt Corey
1) Praise for the Cleansing of God
2) God's response of awesome deeds
3) God's visitation of Life

Doctrine: The Good Shepherd came to save and to shepherd His sheep

Q: What will you do with Jesus the Good Shepherd?

I. Enter His sheepfold through the only Door

II. Follow the Shepherd in and out of His fold

Doctrine: Only Jesus can fill the eternal hunger and thirst innate in every human heart

Q: What should we do with this Bread of Life?

I. Live for that which fills the heart not the stomach

II. Nourish ourself at Christ’s table

Guest Speaker: Pastor James Simpson from River of Life Church in Athens, ME

Big Idea: There is a way into the life of God and Jesus is that way.

Application: That you would rejoice in Jesus as the way to God.

Question: What does it mean that Jesus is the door?

Answer: It means that:

I. There is a way into the life of God.

II. Jesus alone is that way.

Doctrine: Jesus is the only Light that will lead us to heaven

Q: How should we respond to His Light?

I. Believe the Light

II. Follow the Light

III. Spread the Light

Doctrine: Jesus Christ is the eternal, self-existent I Am

Q: How should we respond to Jesus - the great I AM?

I. We should Rejoice to see Christ’s day as Abraham did

II. We should Rest in Christ’s sovereignty as Moses did

Doctrine: God prepares special providences necessary for our spiritual growth

Q: What things does God prepare for our progress in the faith?

I. The leafy Vine of Comfort

II. The wasting Worm of Want

III. The vehement Wind of Affliction

Doctrine: God delights to show mercy to even the vilest repentant sinners

Jon 3:10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it

Q: Why did the Ninevites believe and repent?

I. They witnessed the Sign of Jonah

II. They experienced the Saving power of the Word

III. Nineveh cast itself on the Sovereign Mercy of God

Q: Why should we believe and repent?

A. We have the sign of Jesus

B. We have the saving Power of all the Word of God

C. We have superior assurance of Sovereign Mercy

Doctrine: Great lessons are sometimes best learned in the depths

Q: What lessons do we learn from Jonah in the depths

I. God will have His way even when I am disobedient

II. God is able to make the unwilling, willing

II. Salvation is of the Lord

Introduction to our next series on Jonah

Doctrine: The Lord Jesus paid the fare for our rebellious sin

Doctrine: In the ordinance of baptism the believer acts, the church acts and God acts in a gracious way toward each

Q: How are God, the believer and the church active in baptism?

I. Baptism is obedience to the God ordained Sign of your saving faith in Christ

Obedience to God always brings blessing

II. Baptism is the public Sealing of your saving faith in Christ

It is God owning and authenticating those who are His

Doctrine: Communion and baptism are a means of grace for our growth in nearness and likeness to Christ.

Q: How do we know the Lord’s table is a source of grace for our spiritual growth?

1. The very symbols of the table portray the means of growth

2. Other Christian activities are also a means of grace

3. When you spiritually partake of Christ you are blessed by God

APPLICATIONS

1. As you participate in the Lord’s Table take into yourself the very life of Christ

2. Enjoy Christ’s presence at the Table

3. Pledge yourself fully to Christ at His Table

Guest Speaker: Pastor Garrett Soucy from Christ the King Church in Belfast, ME

Guest Speaker: Pastor Jeff Sherman

The Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation

1. Sola Scriptura; 2. Sola Christus; 3. Sola Gratia; 4. Sola Fide; 5. Sola Deo Gloria

Another Radical Reformation Doctrine: The Priesthood of All Believers

Why Discover and Use Your Spiritual Gifts

Obedience to God and his word. 1 Peter 4:10-11
The rest of the church suffers without your spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Most everyone using their gifts in ministry is one mark of a healthy, mature church. Ephesians 4:16; 1 Cor. 12:12-26
It will help you obey the second greatest commandment. Matthew 22:39
It will help establish priorities and direction for your life.
It will help you feel more significant and valuable in the church. 1 Corinthians 12:18

How To Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

1. Prayer

2. Study (Rom.12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11; 28-31; Eph. 4:11)

3. Desire and interest

4. Fulfillment and joy

5. Effectiveness

6. Availability

7. Confirmation by others

Main Idea: Every Christian is a valuable, gifted minister, designed to serve Christ and His church is some manner.

Doctrine: ADeacon’s calling is very noble because he represents the Son of Man in His office of mercy

Becoming a deacon is a high calling because:

1. The bar of qualifications is set very high 1Tim 3:8-13
2. Jesus Christ is the quintessential deacon example Matt 20:28

Doctrine: All things that matter eternally are found only in Jesus the Messiah The things that will make us or break us forever hang on our response to His death & resurrection

Q: What is your response to the things of Christ?

Why is Christ’s approach to Jerusalem called the Triumphal Entry? Why did the multitudes wave palm branches? How does Palm Sunday echo back to intertestamental times? What were the multitudes really thinking when they proclaimed Jesus their Messiah and King? How did they miss the day of their visitation? Many questions! Ponder these as you read the sermon text in preparation for the preaching of God’s Word.

Doctrine: Palm Sunday is Jesus’ public proclamation that He is the promised Messiah-King

Doctrine: The Lord’s temple is where God dwells among His people Eph 2:21-22; Ex 25:8

Q: What are the manifestations of God’s temple in Scripture? How should we respond to each?

1. Eden Temple 2. Jewish Temple 3. Jesus Temple(Last week)

4. Believer Temple

5. Church Temple

6. Heavenly Temple

7. Eternal Temple

Doctrine: The temple of the Lord is where God dwells among His people Ex 25:8 And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.

The Temple theme in Scripture runs from Eden all the way to our eternal state. This sermon will trace the beauty of the Lord’s Temple in the first 3 of 6 formations.

I. Jewish Temple

II. Garden Temple

III. Jesus Temple

IV. Church Temple - Next week

V. Heavenly Temple - Next week

VI. Eternal Temple - Next week

Doctrine: The Church’s Supper is a stunningly rich and beautiful ordinance

Q: How can we gain a deeper love for the Lord’s Supper? How can we have a richer and deeper experience with Christ at His Table?

Answer: We must ascend the Hill of Biblical context and there behold the stunning landscape of the Communion table

Guest Speaker: Matt Corey from Christ the King Church

Using Selected Scriptures we will look at the glory of Christ’s Church in the early centuries

Doctrine: The glory of Christ’s church was advanced in the early centuries through councils, creeds and confessions of faith

Q: Why should these matter to us today?

I. They give us an answer for the hope that is in us 1Pe 3:15

II. They boost our confidence in the faith once for all delivered to the saints Jud 1:3

III. They give us teaching tools for our children Deu 6:6-7

IV. They promote unity of the faith in gospel ministry Php 1:27

Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

*Catholic - Universal

Doctrine: Christ’s church is worthy of our utmost love

Q: Why should I love the church fervently? I should love her fervently because:

I. She is Christ’s beloved bride Eph5:23-27

II. She is Christ’s baptized body 1Cor12:12-13

III. She is Christ’s beautiful building Mat 16:18

Doctrine: Death is a great pulpit for wisdom preaching

Q: What kind wisdom is necessary for a blessed, successful life?

I. Seek spiritual wisdom 1-4

II. Seek godly, practical wisdom 5-12

Doctrine: Blessed are the temple-minded temple-builders

Q: How can we be temple-minded temple-builders to the glory of God?

I. Make abundant preparations for temple worship 1Chron22

II. Be committed to temple service 2Chron23-26

III. Give joyfully to temple needs 1Chron29

Doctrine: God ordains our station in life

Q: How should I respond to my ordained station?

**1. Apply God’s remedy to your Adonijah-virus

Be content to serve God where He has stationed you
Seek refuge at God’s altar of mercy for your treasonous sins**

Doctrine: The Christian soldier owes undying loyalty to King Jesus

Q: How can I be a loyal soldier of JC?

1. Recognize that God sovereignly appoints Leaders for His purposes

2. Render unceasing allegiance to the true King

Doctrine: God ordains human means to build His kingdom

Q: How can I be a valiant soldier for Jesus Christ?

I. Fight fearlessly for the King

II. Render loyalty to the King

1: The Psalms of David reveal his walk with God, and reflect almost every aspect of human emotion.

2: Psalm 138 - The Psalms of David in one

3: Psalm 61:4 - A summary of David's attitude towards God and life, and a goal for us in the new year

Luke 2:17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child

Doctrine: The Christian’s greatest joy and duty is to go and tell the gospel

Q: What should I go and tell my world about Christ?

I. The Good

II. The Bad

III. The New

IV. The Perfect

Doctrine: The lowly birth of Christ is a glorious display of divine majesty and humility

I. Come & Behold His Majesty

II. Come & behold His Humility

Q: What is your response to Christ’s majesty and humility?

Doctrine: David’s final inspired words ultimately point us to the saving work of King Jesus

3 The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, 4 he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth

Q: If you were this very moment on your deathbed, what would your last words be?

Guest Speaker: Matt Corey from Christ the King Church in Belfast, ME

I. Motives matter when inviting people to dinner. (vs. 12-14)

II. A generous host prepares an elaborate banquet and invites many. (vs. 15-17)

III. The original invitees give lame excuses for rejecting the host and not coming to his banquet. (vs. 18-20)

a. Material pursuits and idols (vs. 18-19)

b. Relational pursuits and idols (vs. 20)

IV. The generous host invites many others to his banquet who are weak, lowly, and rejected by the masses. (vs. 21-23)

V. The original invitees who rejected the host will not be invited back and will miss out on the joy and celebration. (vs 24)

VI. Jesus must be our first love and greatest Treasure if we want to attend the banquet. (vs. 25-27)

The Real Heavenly Wedding Feast – see Revelation 19:6-9

Main Idea: A lavish wedding feast is awaiting everyone who will come to Christ in repentant faith and make Him their greatest Treasure.

Application: 1. Motives matter; 2. All people matter; 3. There is no legitimate excuse for rejecting Christ. Come to Him in repentant faith.

Sunday, Nov 1st was International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church and we want to honor that on this Lord’s Day

Doctrine: We have a Divine mandate to care for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ

Goal: Stir up compassion for the persecuted church and fitting deeds of mercy

Guest Speaker: Jeff Sherman from Windsor Christian Fellowship
Jeff is a retired pastor who enjoyed 30 years of fruitful ministry in Colorado.

There is great joy, healing and relief when a person is forgiven. (vss.1-2)
There is great pain and guilt in unconfessed sin. (vss.3-4)
Before we can experience God’s forgiveness, we must repent and confess our sins to Him. (vs.5)

The Necessity of Repentance

Luke 13:3 - 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

Mark 6:12 – They went out and preached that people should repent.

See Luke 5:32; Acts 17:30 and Acts 26:20

What Is Repentance - Biblical repentance is a change of mind, (agreeing with God that you are a sinner who deserves his judgment) which results in a radical change of heart and direction.

2 Corinthians 7:10-11 - 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

The Value of Transparency, Confession, Repentance and Forgiveness – see 1 John 1:9; James 5:16; Proverbs 28:13

James 5:16 – Therefore confess yours sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Main Idea: Great joy and blessing comes to those who repent of their sins and experience God’s forgiveness

Guest Speaker: Jeff Sherman from Windsor Christian Fellowship
Jeff is a retired pastor who enjoyed 30 years of fruitful ministry in Colorado.

I. Satan comes to Adam and Eve in disguise. (vs.1; 2 Corinthians 11:14)

II. Satan questions God's word and attacks God's character as he gets Eve to focus on the forbidden fruit. (vss. 1a-5)

III. Eve was deceived and sinned; Adam was not deceived, yet still sinned. (vss. 6-7)

Main Idea: Satan entices us to sin by coming in disguise and getting us to question God's word and doubt God's character.

Guest Speaker: Pastor Garrett Soucy from Christ the King Church in Belfast, ME

Doctrine: God is infinitely worthy of our utmost trust even when life seems grim

Q: Why should we trust God in dire life experiences that we don’t understand?

I. He has the big picture in view

II. He has His own wise ends for all that He allows

III. His infinite knowledge and power make no mistakes

Doctrine: God’s mercy saves and sweetens the penitent sinner

Q: How does God’s mercy save and sweeten the penitent?

I. Mercy-seekers become mercy-obtainers – David & Shimei

II. Mercy-obtainers become mercy-givers - David

III. Mercy obtainers become King-lovers – Mephibosheth

Doctrine: Our present challenge is an opportunity to thrive spiritually

Q: How can we flourish for Christ in the midst of unknowns, confusion and disagreement?

I. Stand fast in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel Php 1.27

II. Humbly and sacrificially serve others Php 2.5-8

III. Do not grumble or be contentious Php 2.14-16

Guest Speaker: Jeff Sherman from Windsor Christian Fellowship
Jeff is a retired pastor who enjoyed 30 years of fruitful ministry in Colorado.

Main Idea: God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him like David in Psalm 63.

Doctrine: Christ is a refuge to souls who seek Him

Q: How can I experience Christ’s deliverance in the face of trouble?

I. Run to Mahanaim

II. Discharge your duty faithfully

III. Wait on God in hope

Doctrine: God’s discipline is merciful even in severity

Q: How should we respond to the discipline of God?

I. Kiss the Rod with humble repentance

30a But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered.

II. Cast yourself on the Sovereign will of God

26 But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems gd to him

III. Look for Christ in the drama of your crisis

23b ... and the king crossed the brook Kidron ...

Guest Speaker: Matt Corey is an elder at Christ the King Church in Belfast, ME.

Guest Speaker: David Theriault

Guest Speaker: Garrett Soucy
Garrett is the pastor of Christ the King Church in Belfast, ME.

Guest Speaker: Rob Estes

Guest Speaker: David Theriault

Doctrine: God desires that our Heart-longings be in submission to His

Q: How should we engage our heart-longings?

I. Be careful what you long for – It could be to your detriment

II. Be prayerful about what you long for – It can save you much heartache

Doctrine: A little leaven leavens the whole family

Q: How did David’s sin affect his family?

I. David’s sin gave license for his sons to do likewise

II. David’s sin scarred his innocent daughter

III. David’s sin tore apart his family

Doctrine: God extends loving grace to repentant, fallen saints

I. The Confrontation with Nathan 1-9

II. The Consequences for David 10-12, 14-23

III. The Confession of David 13

IV. The Comfort of God 24-25

V. The Conquest of Rabbah 26-30

VI. Three Concluding lessons

Guest Speaker: Garrett Soucy, Pastor of Christ the King Church in Belfast, ME

Doctrine: God works good from the evil that befalls us.

Q: How should we respond when troubles assault us?

Application: Courageously do good and trustGod to do what is good in His sight

I. What is the meaning of the Lord’s Table?

II. What is the meaning of Baptism?

By way of encouragement to Dads this message will consider a defining moment in the lives of 3 godly, OT mentors and 1 Divine, NT teacher.

I. Abraham’s Altar – Sacrifice Gen 22

II. Joseph’s Jail – Submission Gen 39

III. Moses’ Mountain – Splendor Ex 33

IV. Christ’s Cross – Salvation Phil 2:5-8

Doctrine: God sovereignly and graciously saves fallen sinners for the sake of Christ

Q: How should we respond to the gospel call?

I. Humbly receive the kindness of God granted for Christ’s sake

II. Happily share the kindness of God granted for Christ’s sake

2 Sam. 8 is a record of David’s victories in taking possession of the full promised land. A picture emerges of a far more glorious King and His conquests on our behalf. A second picture arises calling the believer to battle against sin and to take possession of the full promised land.

Doctrine: A sin-conquering life is a Promised Land-possessing life

Q: How can we enjoy the promised land of abundant life now?

I. Attack and subdue your ensnaring sins

II. Trust God for conquering grace

Doctrine: True faith looks to a promising God and expects Him to be a performing God

M Henry: … we must turn God's promises into prayers, and then they shall be turned into performances

Q: How can my prayer life be more God-exalting & Effectual?

Here are two key applications we glean from David’s prayer:

I. Muse and Magnify

II. Turn Promises and Precepts into prayers

Doctrine: The ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant with David is Messiah’s everlasting House & Throne & Kingdom. 2Sa 7:16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever."

Q: What would God have me do? 2Sa 7:2 … the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains." 2Sa 7:3 Then Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you."

Transporting the Ark of God up to Jerusalem was one of the highest and holiest days in the history of Israel. Four chapters of holy Scripture are devoted to it (2Sam6; 1 Chron. 13, 15-16). In this sermon we will examine David as a true worshiper of God. Nothing is more important in our lives than getting our worship right.

Doctrine: True worship is our highest priority and our deepest enjoyment

Q: How may our worship be most God-pleasing and joy-producing?

I. Our worship must be God-exalting and self-abasing

II. Our worship must be in spirit and in truth

I encourage you to read 1 Chronicles 13, 15 and 16 to get the grander picture of what we will cover in 2 Sam 6. Sad tragedy is turned into joyful triumph and Israel experiences one of the highest days of their national history.

Doctrine: God’s holiness is evidenced by God’s wrath

Q: What do we learn from Uzzah’s death?

I. God’s work must be done God’s way

II. God’s holiness is to be reverently treasured not trifled with

Doctrine: Christ is Master of our breakthroughs

Q: How do spiritual breakthroughs come in our lives?

I. God brings a difficult if not impossible challenge to us

II. We inquire of the Lord

III. As we fight the Lord’s way the breakthrough comes

Doctrine: David’s road to Coronation foreshadows Christ’s path to Humiliation and Exaltation

Q: How does David’s journey to kingship foreshadow Christ’s path to coronation?

I. David was born in Bethlehem

II. David was promised a Son who would reign forever

III. David was a Shepherd

IV. David was a man after God’s own heart

V. David was anointed king privately in his father’s house

VI. David’s kingship was a fulfillment of prophecy

VII. David appeared suddenly on the scene doing mighty works

VIII. David’s popularity made leadership insanely jealous

IX. David was despised and rejected by Israel

X. David was a homeless wanderer

XI. David’s path to the throne was marked by suffering and bloodshed

XII. After a season of humility David was exalted to kingly glory

XIII. David made a covenant with his people

Doctrine: Besetting sin robs us of God’s best and assures us of unnecessary heartache

Q1: How do David, Abner and Joab illustrate the liability of a besetting sin?

I. David’s sin

II. Abner’s sin

III. Joab’s sin

Q2: How do we overcome the besetting sin in our lives?

I. Put off – Put on Col 3.1-17

II. Be Filled – Be Filled

A. Be Filled with the WordCol 3.16

B. Be Filled with the SpiritEph 5.18

III. Choose Wisely Joshua 24.15

Doctrine: The Resurrection of Christ is a fact of history attested to by many infallible proofs.

Q: Why do Christians believe in the Resurrection of Christ?

I. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies foretelling Messiah’s death & resurrection

II. Jesus foretold His own death & resurrection

III. The Roman guard and seal attest to the resurrection

IV. Reliable eyewitnesses and documentation attest to the resurrection

April 19, 2019 Joint Good Friday Service hosted by Christ Reformed Church at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship

We are blessed by seven speakers who will each offer a meditation on one of Jesus' "Seven Words" -- the precious words He uttered while nailed to the cross.

Call to Worship and Opening Prayer: Pastor Garrett Soucy
Psalm 100

The First Word: Pastor Wayne Denny
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34

The Second Word: Pastor Micah Bickford
"Truly, I say to you, today, you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43

The Third Word: Pastor Brandon Dyer
"Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" John 12:26-27

The Fourth Word: Pastor James Simpson
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46

The Fifth Word: Mr. Al Mather
"I thirst." John 19:28

The Sixth Word: Pastor Nicholas Kozak
"It is finished." John 19:30

The Seventh Word: Pastor Chris Boland
"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" Luke 23:46

Speakers:
Pastor Garrett Soucy, Christ the King Church (Belfast)
www.christthekingbelfast.com/
Pastor Wayne Denny, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (Vassalboro)
www.ccfmaine.com/
Micah Bickford, Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church (Farmington) www.facebook.com/gracereformedpresbyterianfarmington/
Pastor Brandon Dyer, Windsor Christian Fellowship (Windsor) www.windsorchristianfellowship.org/
Pastor James Simpson, River of Life Christian Fellowship (Athens)
www.riveroflifeathens.com/
Mr. Al Mather, (Elder at) Christ the King Church (Belfast)
www.christthekingbelfast.com/
Pastor Nicholas Kozak, Messiah’s Congregation of Maine (Augusta) www.facebook.com/messiahsmaine/
Pastor Chris Boland, Christ Reformed Church (Oakland)
www.crcmaine.church/

March 30, 2018 Joint Good Friday Service hosted by Christ Reformed Church at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship

We are blessed by seven speakers who will each offer a meditation on one of Jesus' "Seven Words" -- the precious words He uttered while nailed to the cross.

The First Word: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34

The Second Word: "Truly, I say to you, today, you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43

The Third Word: "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" John 12:26-27

The Fourth Word: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46

The Fifth Word: "I thirst." John 19:28

The Sixth Word: "It is finished." John 19:30

The Seventh Word: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" Luke 23:46

Speakers include:
Micah Bickford, Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church (Farmington) www.facebook.com/gracereformedpresbyterianfarmington/
Pastor Brandon Dyer, Windsor Christian Fellowship (Windsor) www.windsorchristianfellowship.org/
Pastor Justin Frank, Penny Memorial United Baptist Church (Augusta)
www.pmubc.org/
Pastor Garrett Soucy, Christ the King Church (Belfast)
www.christthekingbelfast.com/
Pastor Nicholas Kozak, Messiah’s Congregation of Maine (Augusta) www.facebook.com/messiahsmaine/
Matt Gonnella, Christ Reformed Church (Oakland)
www.crcmaine.church/
Pastor Wayne Denny, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (Vassalboro)
www.ccfmaine.com/

I encourage you to read the parallel accounts of Christ’s Triumphal Entry found in Matt 21; Luke 19; Mark 11; John 12

Isa 33:17 Your eyes will see the King in His beauty.

Doctrine: The beauty of the King is a divine cordial (a majestic medicine) for troubled hearts.

Q: What Kingly beauty do we behold in Christ’s Triumphal Entry?

I. Behold the Sovereignty of the King’s Crown

II. Behold the Humility of the King’s Throne

III. Behold the Tears of the King’s Court

IV. Behold the Justice of the King’s Sword

Doctrine: God is greatly glorified and you will be greatly satisfied when you direct your heart after His.

Act 13:22 … 'I HAVE FOUND DAVID THE SON OF JESSE, A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART, WHO WILL DO ALL MY WILL.’

Q: What does a heart after God’s heart look like? From David we learn that it:

I. Desires to know and follow the will of God 1-4a

II. Seeks the good of others 4b-7

III. Waits on the providence of God 8-32

In this chapter David receives tragic news. The Philistines have defeated Israel, and Saul and Jonathan are dead. Jonathan was his greatest friend. Saul was his greatest enemy. Yet, David’s response was to grieve for both in a very godly and gracious way. We’ll be looking at 3 lessons from David on how to respond biblically to death.

Doctrine: God would have us grieve graciously for departed loved ones

Q: What does gracious grief look like? It is:

I. Sincere mourning in accordance with God’s Word

II. Generous and honest in loving tribute

III. Forgiving and merciful in response to offenses

Doctrine: The Lord’s Supper calls for our deepest love and worship toward Christ

Q: What should our posture be at the Lord’s Supper?

I. Come adoring the true Presence of Christ at His table

II. Eat and drink worthily at His table

Guest Speaker: Garrett Soucy, Pastor of Christ the King Church in Belfast, ME

Doctrine: God’s afflictions are God’s mercies for our good

Q: How should we respond to our afflictions? The text shares 4 ways David responded:

I. Strengthen yourself in the Lord 1-6

II. Inquire of the Lord 7-8

III. Adjust your life to God’s Direction 9-19

IV. Share generously the gain God gives you 20-31

1 Sam. 29, 27:1, 28:1-2

Doctrine: You never know what a day will bring, but you can trust the God who brings it

Q: What can we learn from David’s falls & failures?We learn to:

I. Guard our hearts against initial wrong steps

II. Be watchful of Satan’s snares

III Behold the glory of God in our deliverances

Doctrine: God’s Spirit will not always strive with a rebellious heart

Q: Why is rebellion such a dangerous sin?

I. It casts a bewitching spell on its subjects

II. It cuts off all communication with God

III. It produces a terrifying harvest

Doctrine: We can never trust ourselves too little, nor our God too much

Q: What can we learn from David on how to avoid the pitfall of unbelief?

I. A spiritual high can be a gateway to a spiritual low

II. Do not allow circumstances and feelings to govern your decision-making

III. Spiritual compromise breeds spiritual compromise

Theme: God has put us here, now, in this culture to glorify Him by engaging our communities with Gospel-centered living.

Q: How can I engage my community with God-glorifying, Gospel-centered living?

I. Carry the conscious Presence of Christ with you always

II. Build abiding, Redemptive relationships

III. Be ever Gospel-ready

Rob Estes is an elder at Cornerstone.

Garrett Soucy is the pastor of Christ the King Church in Belfast, ME.

For the past 2 Sundays we have pondered this Christmas baby as the Savior and the Christ. There is yet another title given by the Angel which far surpasses both of these.

Q: Who is this Lord born in Bethlehem’s manger?

Doctrine: Jesus is the eternal King of all kings and the exalted Lord of all lords

Applications: That you would:

I. Understand what Jesus is Lord means

II. Confess Jesus as your Lord by the Holy Spirit

III. Your life would herald the Lordship of Jesus

Q: Who is this Christ born in Bethlehem’s manger?

Doctrine: He is the true & glorious, Heaven-sent Messiah the world so desperately needs

I. The Jewish Expectation of the Christ What kind of Messiah were they anticipating?

II. The Jewish Rejection of the Christ Why did they reject Jesus as their Messiah?

III. The Sinners’ Reception of the Christ Why do we believe Jesus is the true Messiah?

A. Testimony of His Supernatural Birth

B. Testimony of Trinity

C. Testimony of many Eyewitnesses

D. Testimony of His Supernatural Life

Q: Who is this Savior born in Bethlehem's manger?

Doctrine: He is God of very God made forever the God-Man for us

Dan Wall is a deacon at Cornerstone.

Doctrine: There is much Blessedness in turning our offenses over to the Lord

Q: How should we respond to personal offenses?

I. Gird not your sword; Stop – Think – Pray 1-13

II. Avenge not yourself; Surrender your rights & your reputation to God 14-22

III. Play not the fool; Put on a humble, teachable spirit 23-34

Garrett Soucy is the pastor at Christ the King Church in Belfast, ME.

Doctrine: What the enemy means for evil, God works for our good and His glory

Q: In what ways does God work His glory and our good from evil?

I. God turns evil on its head

II. God makes His righteousness shine forth from our evil

III. God exposes the depravity of our evil

IV. God redeems souls from evil

Doctrine: Christ meets us in our hardships

Q: How can we experience Christ’s help in our hardships?

I. Inquire of the Lord 1-14

II. Seek your Divine Jonathan 15-18

III. Get to the Rock of Escape 19-29

David is now in full flight from Saul and Saul is in full pursuit of David. Vs 1-5 zero in on David’s new home and family in the Wilderness. Vs 6-23 shift the focus to Saul’s horrific massacre of the priests of the LORD and their families.

In this chapter I pray we can catch the wonderful rays of the Son of David shining forth from the narrative.

Doctrine: The King gathers souls to Himself

1Sa 22:22a And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him ...

Q: Who does the King gather to Himself?

1. He gathers those who flee to Him in Distress

2. He gathers those who flee to Him in Debt

3. He King gathers those who are Discontent

Application: Flee to the Son of David!

Q: What does the King do with those who gather to Him?

22b … So he became Captain/Commander over them. And there were about 400 men with him

Application: Train hard as a good soldier of Jesus Christ

Guest Speakers: David Nelson & Joel Blackwell

FEAR GOD AND NOTHING ELSE 1Sam21; Ps 34

Doctrine: The fear of man is a snare, but the Fear of God is a Fountain of Life

Q: What snares lie on the fear of man trail? Pr. 29.25

What refreshments flow from the Fear of God fountain? Pr.14.27

A. David’s Demise 1Sam21

B. David’s Deliverance Ps 34

Doctrine: God is our loving & faithful Support even when our world crumbles

Q: How is God lovingly Faithful even when we feel forsaken?

I. God richly blesses us when we suffer evil for doing good

II. God faithfully keeps His Covenant Promises with us

III. God lovingly ordains the Who and the How long of our Support system

Doctrine: God graciously superintends all our affairs for our good

Q: How does God graciously superintend our affairs?

I. God ordains our strife 1a, 9-11a

II. God ordains our success 8

III. God ordains our support 1-7, 11-24

Closing Applications:

If God graciously superintends all your affairs for your good - Then

1) Rejoice & Rest in His Sovereignty

2) Consider & Cooperate with His Grace

3) Be Faithful & Fruitful in Obedience

Doctrine: True love for Christ surpasses all other loves 1Sa 18:3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.

Q: What does an all-surpassing love for Christ look like?

I. Your life is bound up in the life of Christ 1

II. You enter into a Covenant of love with Christ as your Savior-King 3-4

III. You yield all you are and all you have to Christ’s service 4

The sermon will conclude with 3 practical ways David behaved himself wisely in the midst of conflict

Doctrine: The Battle is the Lord’s 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands.

Q: How do we fight in the Lord’s battle?

I. Recall your theological underpinnings 26, 46-47

II. Boldly stand on present grace and past victories 32-37

III. Let intimidation strip you of all but raw faith 38-51

IV. See the victorious Christ in the battle 47

Jake Marcoux is the leader of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Maine at Farmington.

Doctrine: God sees and honors the lowly nobody who fervently seeks His heart

2Sa 7:8 Now therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel"'.

Q: What does a heart after God look like? What did God see in David’s heart?

I. God saw a Desiring-God heart

II. God saw a Humble heart

III. God saw a Blameless heart

Doctrine: Christian baptism is an outward confession of the inward reality of having received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

Q: What is the road to baptism? What are the steps that lead up to it?

I. The Light must come on Act 9.1-5

II. Respond with repentance and faith 6a NKJV

III. Put on the wedding ring 6b-18

C.H. Spurgeon: He who has Christ, being a pauper, has all things. He that does not have Christ, though possessing a thousand worlds, possesses nothing for real happiness and joy

Doctrine: Knowing Christ is the ultimate, joy-filling experience

Q: How can I truly know Him? How can I experience this fullness of joy?

I. Know Christ in a Soul-saving way

II. Know Christ in an ever increasing intimacy

A. Get a firsthand knowledge of Christ

B. Pray for a Hungry Heart

III. Run to feel His pleasure

Jamie Simpson is the Pastor of River of Life Christian Fellowship in Athens, ME.

Text: Genesis 39

Title:Success inside of Suffering

Big Idea: Because the LORD is always with us,

our suffering need not ruin our expectation of success.

Application: That you would live like the LORD is always with you.

Question: What does it mean to live like the LORD is always with me?

Answer: It means that, like Joseph, I have:

I. Industry despite Limitation

II. Integrity despite Temptation

III.Tenacity despite Injustice

Doctrine: Christ is surpassingly worthy of our most extravagant love

Q: How can I, like Mary, lavish more love on Christ?

I. Gratefully contemplate what Christ has done for you and yours 1-2

II. Pour out affection that is in accord with Christ’s worth 3-6

III. Live to leave a legacy of more love to Christ 7-8

Guest Speaker: Wayne Frost - Missionary with Trans World Radio

Doctrine: In desperate times there is no sweeter place to be than at the feet of Jesus

Q: How can we draw near to Christ in troubled times?

I. Call fervently on Him who loves your soul 1-4

II. Understand that God’s delays are not God’s denials 5-17

III. Focus your faith on the reality of who Jesus is 18-27

IV. Let desperation drive you to the feet of Jesus 28-44

Three times Mary of Bethany is mentioned in the Gospels and each time she is found at the feet of Jesus.

Doctrine: The one thing most needful for believers is enjoying Christ’s presence in all things

Q: How can we experience greater intimacy with Christ?

Here is what we learn from the Sisters of Bethany:

I. Mary at the feet of Jesus in Transfixion (Held motionless with awe)38-39, 42

II. Martha away from the feet of Jesus in Distraction 40-41

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