Parkway Baptist Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Parkway Baptist Church
God's good Law becomes an instrument of death because sin is sinful and people are people.
We are freed from the law and its fruit through Jesus. 1. Bondage to the law leads to more sin and death. 2. To gain freedom, we must die to the Law through Jesus.
Only death can break our bondage to God's law. 1. We are bound to God's law from birth. 2. We need a death to free us from it.
Sin will pay you what you deserve, or God will give you what you don't 1. Rival Powers 2. Opposing Outcomes 3. Contrasting Natures 4. The Fork in the Road
We pursue righteousness because it is a result that leads to a better outcome. 1. Serving sin leads to compounding trouble that ends to disaster. 2. Serving God leads to increasing good that ends in life.
1. Slavery provides a good but imperfect picture of human existence. 2. Our new, gracious slavery severs our old commitment to disobedience. 3. Our new, gracious slavery commits us to pursuing growth in holiness.
Grace doesn't foster more sin because by it God transfers our spiritual allegiance from that master to another. 1. Freedom from sin was a gift of God's gracious initiative. 2. Freedom from sin begins with conversion. 3. Freedom from sin...
God gives freedom from sin but not absolute freedom. 1. We desperately need grace to free us from sin. 2. Grace frees us to be slaves of another, superior Master.
Sin doesn't reign over us because we are under grace not law.1. God's provision comes in the person of Christ.2. God's provision comes through the power of Christ. -3. God's provision comes by the promises of Christ. -4. God's...
God has provided everything we need for spiritual growth and lasting change. 1. God's provision comes in the person of Christ. 2. God's provision comes through the power of Christ. 3. God's provision comes by the promises of...
We must be what we are becoming by refusing to succumb to sin's power.1. Do not let sin exercise control. 2. Do not give your members to sin. 3. Give yourselves to God and your members to Him for righteousness.
We must always keep our new relationship to sin and death in mind. 1. This command rests on the prior truths he's been presenting. 2. This command is not optional. 3. This command is to count as true what is already true. 4. This command is...
We have confidence that we will enjoy eternal life with Christ because of what his death & resurrection mean for him, and then for us. 1. We have confidence in eternal life because Jesus' resurrection was a decisive and permanent victory...
If you have union with Christ, then you must also have freedom from sin. 1. Our union with Christ leaves our old man dead. 2. Our union with Christ breaks our slavery to sin.
We don't continue in sin but live a new life because we are united with Christ. 1. We are united with Christ in a death like his. 2. We shall be united with Christ in a resurrection like his.3. Therefore, our union with Christ leads away from...
Abounding grace cannot yield habitual sin. 1. We died to sin because Jesus died to sin and we died with him. 2. We died to sin in that the reign of sin is decisively broken. 3. We died to sin so we can't live in it.
Believer, rejoice in hope because grace is greater. 1. Grace is greater than the law. 2. Grace is greater than sin.
Jesus' act of obedience is our only hope. 1. The bad news is that God deals with all humans in Adam. 2. The good news is that God deals with all believers in Jesus.
We will escape Adam's disaster by God's grace through Jesus! 1. Jesus is superior because His act is greater in kind. 2. Jesus is superior because His act is greater in consequence.
Adam's sin broke us and we can't fix ourselves. 1. These truths must shape our view of humanity. 2. These truths must shape our approach to parenting. 3. These truths must shape our evangelism.
Seek to please the Lord so that others will too. 1. Seek to please the Lord in your heart. 2. Seek to please the Lord in your intentions. 3. Seek to please the Lord in your love for others.
We erupt with triumphant joy in God because we are confident of what he will do based on what he has already done. 1. Believer, remember what God has done for you already. 2. Believer, consider what God will do. 3. Believer, rejoice in God!
Our joyful, confident expectation rests on God's undeniable love for us. 1. God's love is undeserved. 2. God's love is unmatched. 3. God's love is unquestionable.
Our hope grows stronger because of the ongoing effect of what God has done in us.1. God has given the Holy Spirit to us. 2. Through the Spirit, God has poured His love into our hearts. 3. Therefore, our hope grows stronger.
We have a joyful, triumphant confidence even in sufferings. 1. We have a joyful, triumphant confidence in sufferings because of what we know. 2. We have a joyful, triumphant confidence in sufferings because they produce perseverance. 3. We have a...
We rejoice today because we know what is coming. 1. When we stand on justification, we can see the glory of God coming. 2. As we wait for God's glory, we have hope. 3. Because of our hope, we have joyful confidence.
We must work for and serve the Lord in the workplace. 1. Jesus’ lordship changes the way we approach our work 2 Jesus’ lordship changes the way we use authority at work
Because we have a right standing before God, we live in peace and grace. 1.We have peace with God. 2. We have access into the realm of grace.
Abraham's story points to faith in Jesus.Part 1: The Gospel & God's Righteousness A. Man's Need - 1:18-3:20B. God's Work to Justify Sinners - 3:21-26C. Man's Response of Faith - 3:27-4:25 1. Like Abraham, our faith in God...
Saving faith follows in the footsteps of Abraham's faith. 1. The object of saving faith: God and His character. 2. The character of saving faith: hopeful, strong, and growing. 3. The result of saving faith: righteousness before God.
The Lordship of Christ changes the way we relate to each other at home. 1. We must seek to please the Lord in the marriage relationship. 2. We must seek to please the Lord in the parent-child relationship.
God's promise to save can only be received by faith. 1. Abraham's story shows that the promise has always been received by faith and not law. 2. The law proves that it is incapable of securing the promise. 3. The role of grace from...
Abraham is the spiritual father to all who come to God by faith. 1. Religious rituals cannot make us right with God. 2. Salvation by faith alone is good news for all nations.
The only way for us to receive a favorable verdict before God is as a grace-gift from Him by faith. 1. Adding works to our faith nullifies grace. 2. Only a faith without works results in salvation. 3. Our works only separate us from God, so we...
Justification by faith alone has always been the solution for us. 1. Like Abraham, we must respond to God in faith. 2. Like Abraham, God must give us a right standing before Him.
Introduction - God's Gospel - 1:1-17Part 1 - The Gospel and God's Righteousness 1:18-4:25Part 2 - The Gospel and God's Grace - 5:1-8:39Part 3 - The Gospel and Pod's Plan - 9:1-11:36Part 4 - The Gospel and God's Will -...
Salvation through Jesus vindicates the character of God. 1. Jesus' death displayed God's righteous character in the face of accusation against it because of his forbearance toward sins in the past. 2. Jesus' death displayed...
The Thessalonian church is a model of flourishing faith shown in two characteristics. 1. A church is flourishing when its members live transformed lives. 2. A church is flourishing when its members spread the gospel everywhere.
God saves us through the work of Jesus. 1. God justifies. 2. Jesus redeems. 3. Jesus propitiates.
We have a problem we can't solve on our own. 1. Our problem is universal. 2. Our problem expresses itself externally and objectively. 3. Our problem is primarily internal and foundational.
God's salvation has come in Jesus. 1. In Jesus, God brought about a great reversal. 2. In Jesus, God brought his plan to light. 3. In Jesus, God brings salvation to all who trust in Him.
Self-denial is a key to effective gospel proclamation. 1. Effective gospel proclamation requires sacrifice. 2. Effective gospel proclamation requires servanthood. 3. Effective gospel proclamation requires self-control.
- Your spiritual gift is for Jesus' exaltation.
- Your spiritual gift is from God.
- Your spiritual gift comes through the Spirit to build up the church.
A key to our obedience is the Spirit's work to reveal and reshape. 1. We need the Spirit to God's wisdom out in the open. 2. We need the Spirit to make God's wisdom known in the Scriptures. 3. We need the Spirit to give us minds...
- Love is essential for God-glorifying, disciple-making fellowship.
- Love behaves in specific ways in relation to others.
- Love endures into eternity.
We celebrate Jesus' resurrection because it's central to our salvation. 1. The gospel is central to our salvation. 2. Jesus' resurrection is central to the gospel.
- We seek to glorify God in everything we do.
- We seek to build up others through our selflessness.
- We seek to imitate Jesus in everything we do.
All people stand before God condemned and without any defense. 1. The Scriptures speak to us and not just about them. 2. Through the Law, the Scriptures expose our sinfulness. 3. Our inability to meet the standard given by God in Scripture...
Sin is pervasive because it flows from a dysfunctional relationship to God. 1. The effects of sin are evident in how we talk. 2. The effects of sin are evident in how we live. 3. Our sin is the product of a dysfunctional relationship with God.
There is no way around it, God is right to judge and punish sin. 1. Unbelievers use clever but faulty logic to deny their need for salvation. 2. Religious people use clever but faulty logic to justify themselves. 3. The antidote for faulty logic is...
God's faithfulness is vindicated by the fact that His judgments line up perfectly with His promises. 1. God's faithfulness is established by and evident in His Word. 2. God's faithfulness is vindicated by His judgments.
Religion won't save you. 1. Religion is useless unless it's authenticated by obedience to God. 2. Religion is useless unless it flows from a transformed heart.
Hypocrisy hurts the hypocrite, the honor of God, and the heathen. 1. Hypocrisy hurts the hypocrite by leaving him guilty before God. 2. Hypocrisy hurts the honor of God by attaching sin to His Name. 3. Hypocrisy hurts the heathen by leading him to...
The gracious advantage of knowing God's truth gives us a platform to proclaim and not to promote self-righteousness. 1. To whom much was given..... 2. Of him much is required.
Having and even knowing the Bible is not enough to pass God's judgment. For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the...
We will stand before God in judgment to answer for what we've done. 1. We know God's judgment is righteous because it's based on objective reality. 2. We know God's judgment is righteous because the reward or punishment is...
Presumption is the deadly miscalculation of moral people. 1. Presumption arises from misunderstanding the purpose of God's mercy. 2. Presumption prevents repentance. 3. Presumption stores up God's wrath.
Despite the outward appearance of morality, God's judgment will rightly condemn all self-appointed judges. 1. Recognizing immorality in others won't prevent you from practicing it yourself. 2. God's judgment is absolutely right. 3...
- We know God's moral law even if we don't know that we know it.
- The depth of our depravity is evident by our celebrations of sin.
Idolatry descends into immorality and then incurs God's wrath in the present. 1. Sexual immorality is the product of idolatry. 2. Sexual immorality is rebellion against God. 3. Sexual immorality both incurs and is the wrath of God.
- Given what we know about God in creation, we must worship Him. 2. Rather than worship Him, we opt for idolatry.
God keeps His own through means of persevering grace. 1. Keep an eye on your heart because unbelief is an enemy. 2. Keep on encouraging one another because sin is deceitful.
Everyone is responsible to God because all are aware of Him. 1. The truth about God is known. 2. The truth about God is known because He makes it known. 3. The truth about God is known to all people everywhere so all are responsible before Him.
Faith is an indispensable instrument for salvation. 1. Faith is necessary for our righteousness. 2. Faith is necessary for our life.
The gospel unleashes God's power to save by uncovering his plan and work. 1. How does God uncover it? 2. What does God uncover? 3. Why does it matter that God uncovers it?
Our posture toward the gospel will drive our urgency to share it. 1. Are you ashamed of this message because you fear persecution? 2. Are you ashamed of this gospel because it's not popular?
As God's people, we must put Christ on display. 1. Let the character of Christ clothe us 2. Let the peace of Christ rule us 3. Let the word of Christ indwell us
- Believer, reflect upon your special status.
- Believer, receive the blessings that come with your status.
- We proclaim it because Jesus has saved and sent us.
- We proclaim it because sinners need to surrender to Jesus in faith.
- We proclaim it because all people need to hear it.
- We proclaim it because God deserves the glory!
- Our union with Christ results in a new position.
- Our union with Christ requires a new pursuit.
Start heeding wisdom before temptation arrives. 1. Keep wisdom close; you're going to need it. 2. Keep away from the temptress; she's nothing but trouble.
- Let wisdom steer your heart away from sexual sin.
- Sexual sin always leaves scars.
- Sexual sin is senseless because it's self-destructive and the consequences are long-lasting.
- Avoid the financial folly of foolish entanglements.
- Avoid the sleepy slumber of the sluggard.
- Avoid the temptations of the trouble-maker.
- Fill your heart with wisdom.
- Protect your heart at all cost.
- Keep your body in line with your heart.
Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold...
Wisdom is like a baton passed from one generation to the next. Wisdom is like a baton passed from one generation to the next. 1. Wisdom is designed to come through parents. 2. Wisdom is designed to come through repetition. 3. Wisdom is designed...
My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid...
Invest in wisdom because it always returns blessing. 1. Wisdom is a blessing because it's better than anything the world offers. 2. Wisdom is a blessing because it's basic to our world.
20200517 | Proverbs 3:1-12 | Wisdom Yields Wholeness My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you...
20200510 | Proverbs 2:1-22 | Pursue Wisdom My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice...
20200503 | Proverbs 1:20-33 | Wisdom's Warning Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will...
20200426 | Proverbs 1:8-19 | Walk this Way Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If...
20200419 | Proverbs 1:1-7 | Wise Words for Weird Days The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and...
We receive the Holy Spirit because God is keeping His promise to save.1. We can receive the Spirit because God has poured Him out.2. We must receive the Spirit because God's judgment is on the way.3. We do receive the Spirit by calling on the...
Overview - Rejoice and don't fear for the Lord will not forsake His people.
Rejoice because of God's character and covenant commitment. Rejoice because God will bring real and radical change.
Overview - When facing God's judgment, we plead for God's mercy for the sake of God's glory.1. No one can endure God's judgment.2. Return to the Lord before His judgment comes.
Overview - When God frustrates our lives, we must cry out in repentance to Him.1. Listen; God is moving in a powerful way.2. Lament; God is confronting sin.3. Repent; God will bring a greater judgment.
Overview - Hold fast to Christ as the true source of spiritual freedom.1. Hold fast to Christ and not rigid legalism.2. Hold fast to Christ and not mystical experiences.3. Hold fast to Christ and not false humility.
Overview - Fullness of spiritual life is found only in the person and work of Christ. 1. Because we know Jesus as Lord, we have fullness of spiritual life.2. Because we know what Jesus has done, we have fullness of spiritual life.
Overview - Continue in confidence because of the certainties we have in Jesus.1. Help for your siblings: prayer.2. Help for your present: truth.3. Help for your future: loyalty.
Overview - Faith in Jesus offers security in our future and confidence with our Father.1. If you believe in Jesus, then you can live with security. 2. If you believe in Jesus, then you can pray with confidence.
Overview - Faith is a reasonable and necessary response to what we know about Jesus.1. Believe in Jesus because God has spoken about Him.2. Believe in Jesus because it's a matter of life and death.
Overview - We pass the tests by faith because God has given us new birth. 1. Because of our new birth, we believe in Jesus. 2. Because of our new birth, we love God and his children. 3. Because of our new birth, we obey God with joy. 4. Because of our...
Overview - Maturing love results from mutual abiding and results in inward and outward fruit.1. Maturing love derives from mutual abiding with the One who loved us first. 2. Maturing love drives out fear of judgment. 3. Maturing love drives out hatred...
Overview - We can rest in our relationship to God because of His Spirit in us. 1. God's Spirit in us is proof of our relationship to God. 2. Our confession of Jesus is proof of our relationship to God. 3. Our relationship to love is proof of our...
Overview - We can and must love each other.1. The origin of love is God. 2. The source of love in us is a relationship to God. 3. The manifestation of love is the gift of God's Son. 4. The effect of love is God's gracious provision for...
Overview - We must examine every teacher. Test #1 - What does the person confess about Jesus?Test #2 - What does the audience reflect about the teaching?
Overview - Don't listen to your heart; reassure it with truth.1. When feeling condemned, appeal to and rest on our great God.2. When feeling confident, appeal to and rely on our abiding God.
Overview - Love for others is a characteristic of a genuine believer.1. Love is a command.2. Love is a fruit of eternal life. 3. Love is sacrificial. 4. Love is visible and genuine.
Overview - Genuine believers practice righteousness and do not live in patterns of sin. 1. We practice righteousness because of what sin is.2. We practice righteousness because of what Christ has done for us.3. We practice righteousness because of...
Overview - Abiding in Him leads to confidence which leads to the pursuit of purity. 1. Abiding in Him leads to fruit that demonstrates we are his which gives us confidence that we can stand before Him.2. We are his because in love He changed us which...
Overview - True believers will continue in the truth. 1. True believers continue with other true believers because they know the truth.2. True believers continue with the Father because they hold to the truth about Jesus.3. True believers continue to...
Overview - On the basis of what God has done and is doing in us, we must maintain unrivaled devotion to Him. 1. Believer, you are no longer of the world.2. Therefore, do not love the world.
Overview - If you don't love others, you don't love God.1. The command to love reveals an old word.2. The command to love reveals a new word.3. The command to love reveals the weight of your words. 4. The command to love reveals the way of...
Overview - We can have confidence that we are saved when our lives reflect the righteousness of God.1. The person who does not obey God demonstrates the absence of an intimate relationship with Him.2. The person who obeys God demonstrates a maturing...
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of...
Overview - If God is light, then those who know Him will walk in the light. 1. When we walk in the light, we do not walk in darkness. 2. When we walk in the light, we enjoy fellowship with God and one another through Jesus. 3. When we walk in the...
Overview - We proclaim the truth for the sake of our unity and joy.1. True Life is eternal and now clearly revealed.2. Through the proclamation of this Life we can connect to God and to one another.3. This Life is the fountain of true and endless delight.
Overview - We must continue walking in Christ.1. Walk with your roots in Christ2. Walk toward growth in Christ3. Walk toward stability in the faith4. Walk with overflowing thanksgiving
Overview - Because we are surrounded by false teaching, we must fight to see the church in good order and firm in the faith. 1. We must fight for the church to be encouraged in heart.2. We must fight for the church to be unified in love.3. We must...
Overview - Keep on walking and watch out.1. Walk in truth, love, and obedience. 2. Watch out and do not receive false teachers.
Overview - A genuine believer walks in the truth. 1. If we walk in the truth, we will support the wider cause of Christ. 2. If we walk in the truth, we will refuse to put ourselves first. 3. If we walk in the truth, we will bless and be endorsed by...
Overview - God is the King we need. 1. Worldly solutions don't fix spiritual problems. 2. Rejecting God's rule is an act of idolatry that always ends in tragedy.3. Even in judgment, we see glimmers of grace for God's people.
Overview - God is at work and not absent when things go from bad to worse.1. God is gracious to bring us lower to turn our hearts to Him. 2. God is gracious to strengthen us in our time of need.3. God is gracious to rescue those who turn to him.4...
Overview - God's providence advances His cause in every situation.1. God's providence doesn't have to be acknowledged to be active. 2. God's providence uses adversaries and sinful actions to accomplish His plan.
Overview - Sin will sometimes give us what we think we want, but it will always take away what we really need.1. Sin will take us further than we thought we'd go. 2. Sin will lead us to ignore the clear word of God in favor of superstition.3. Sin...
Overview - Ignoring God invites trouble.1. Fear motivates us when we should be resting in God's protection. 2. Cleverness guides us when we should be following God's direction.3. Deceit shelters us when we should be standing in God's...
Overview - Don't despise repetition; instead, walk humbly as God patiently and persistently leads us toward righteousness and faithfulness. 1. Through repetition God leads us to greater obedience to Him. 2. Through repetition God leads us to...
Overview - We can wait for the Lord who is the righteous Judge. 1. We can wait for the Lord because He will exact vengeance on the wicked. 2. We can wait for the Lord because He will consider and deliver His people.3. We can wait for the Lord because...
Overview - Stand firm in faith; God's salvation is sure.1. God strengthens His people through the ministry of faithful friends. 2. God steers His people toward safety and supply in the wilderness.3. God saves His people when hope seems lost.
Overview - We rest in God’s salvation as we lean on his guidance and promises. 1. We enjoy God's leadership as we earnestly seek Him.2. We lean on God's promises as we face trials and opposition.3. We hope in God for salvation.
Overview - God proves his trustworthiness even when evil seems to rule the day. 1. Trust the God who will keep his word of promised judgment. 2. Trust the God who will use the wickedness of men to accomplish his purpose.3. Trust the God who will...
Overview - Even when we're running scared, God is gracious to give, guard, and guide. 1. God is gracious to give us everything we need.2. God is gracious to guard us from every foe.3. God is gracious to guide us at every turn.
Overview - Covenant is a God-given conduit for grace. 1. A proper relationship with God comes by way of a covenant.2. A proper relationship with others comes by way of a covenant.
Overview - We can sing, even in distress, because God is our fortress. 1. Sing! God is firmly in control. 2. Sing! God will frustrate all opposition.3. Sing! God will be a fortress for His people.
Overview - God's presence makes all the difference. 1. God's presence comes through His Anointed One.2. God's presence comes to us through our humble submission to Him through His Anointed One.
Overview - Your response to what God is doing around you exposes your heart. 1. Will you respond with proud jealousy, anger, and suspicion?2. Will you respond with overflowing joy, humble loyalty, and sacrificial love?
Overview - God will defend His honor and deliver His people. 1. God's glory is primary and he will defend it.2. God's deliverance is promised to His people and it comes through weakness.3. His deliverance is a platform for spreading His...
Overview - God is severe, sovereign, sufficient, present, and strategic. 1. God is severe and He will punish disobedience.2. God is sovereign and He will give success or failure.3. God is sufficient and He alone will save.4. God is present and He...
Overview - We can trust in the Lord even when we can't see what He's doing.1. We trust in the Lord because His vision is perfect.2. We trust in the Lord because His Spirit is active.3. We trust in the Lord because His King is best.
Overview - God deserves and demands absolute obedience. 1. God is not like us; therefore, we must listen to, obey, and worship Him.2. Saul is just like us; therefore, we're in big trouble.3. Samuel is like us and not like us; therefore, we need...
Overview - Believe in the risen Lord for He is your only hope.1. We must comprehend the significance of HIs death and resurrection.2. We must recognize Him as the only hope for redemption.3. We must join the community of witnesses declaring Him as...
Overview - Take your eyes off of you and serve the one who served you.1. The desire for greatness is as inherent as it is inappropriate.2. In Jesus’ kingdom, greatness is serving.3. Positions in Jesus’ kingdom come by grace to those who prove faithful.
Overview - We help others make spiritual progress through Christ-centered, Word-driven, Spirit-empowered involvement.1. Our message is Christ.2. Our method is admonishing and teaching one another.3. Our motivation is to be made complete in Christ.4...
Overview - Through suffering, we joyfully seek to make Christ known.1. God’s servant endures suffering with joy.2. God’s servant proclaims the Word of God.3. God’s servant reveals the mystery.
Overview - God is reconciling sinners to Himself through Jesus Christ.1. The Need for Reconciliation2. The Instrument of Reconciliation3. The Result of Reconciliation4. The Marks of Reconciliation5. The Message of Reconciliation
Overview - We must acknowledge Jesus for who He is as the Creator, Sustainer, and Savior.1. Jesus as Creator (vs. 15-16)2. Jesus as Sustainer (vs. 17)3. Jesus as Savior (vs. 18-20)
Overview - Following Christ is Continual and Ongoing1. Continually Be in the Word2. Continually Live to Please God3. Continually Give Thanks for God’s Redeeming Grace
Overview - Thank God that gospel growth comes when the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed.1. Gospel growth produces faith, love, and hope.2. Gospel growth requires faithful ministry of the Word.3. Gospel growth spreads through faithful servants.
Overview - Spiritual foolishness brings consequences but cannot frustrate God's plan.1. Spiritual foolishness is marked by empty religion and superstition.2. Spiritual foolishness leads to futility and failure.3. In the face of spiritual...
Overview - Trust in the Lord who cannot be hindered from saving.1. God is the Hero who saves.2. God saves through faithful servants.3. God's True Faithful Servant is Jesus!
Overview - Solutions based on worldly wisdom are foolish and ineffective.1. Worldly solutions won't result in lasting peace.2. Worldly solutions won't lead to faith in or obedience to God.3. Worldly solutions won't help us escape...
Overview - Despite the mess we've made God is gracious to reconcile.1. Our relationship with God is established by His gracious deliverance.2. Our response to God is faith: whole-hearted repentance and surrender.3. Our reliance on God is grounded...
Overview - We rejoice greatly because God has worked salvation through His anointed King. 1. By God's salvation, we escape the oppression and mutilation of sin.2. By God's Spirit, He completes His work in and through us.3. By God's...
Overview - Rejecting God as King is just plain silly.1. Rejecting God as King is silly because only He is sovereign.2. Rejecting God as King is silly because we must submit to Him.3. Rejecting God as King is silly because only He can satisfy.4...
Overview - A king like the nations is not good enough.1. At times God gives us the thing we want even though it's not what we need.2. God gives us the thing we want to show us it's not the thing we need.3. God has given the King we need.
When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes...
And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the...
The ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven months. And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners and said, “What shall we do with the ark of the Lord? Tell us with what we shall send it to its place.” They said, “If...
When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon. And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day...
A man of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head. When he arrived, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man...
And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They encamped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped at Aphek. The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, and when the battle spread, Israel was...
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down...
And there came a man of God to Eli and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Did I indeed reveal myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt subject to the house of Pharaoh? Did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest...
Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest. Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man...
And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. “There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our...
The man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of...
There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other...
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom...
This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through...
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those...
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the...
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of...
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If...
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the...
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and...
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you...
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts...
Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free...
Peter condemned the false teachers infiltrating the church through identifying these five characteristic practices.1. False Teachers are Marked by their Arrogance (10b-12)2. False Teachers are Identified by their Behaviors (13-14)3. False Teachers are...
Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or...
I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved...
But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor...
Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.Is the...
To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but...
- Hold fast to the truth, because distortions will come. The Portrait of a False Prophet: (1) They claim authority but they have none. (2) They promise times of peace and prosperity when there won’t be. (3) They say...
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The...
Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to...
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having...
We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by...
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And...
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the...
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life...
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus...
Overview - Because Jesus is the firstborn from dead, we have unshakable security, unwavering hope, unmatched joy, and unending satisfaction.Step 1 - A Desperate CryStep 2 - A Humble ConfessionStep 3 - A Reorienting CommitmentStep 4 - A Confident...
Overview - We worship the Lord & His Son because we know the cross is not the end.1. The world fiercely and foolishly opposes God and His King.2. However, God is not dismayed or deterred by this opposition.3. Instead, God gives complete victory to...
Overview - Give thanks to the Lord and rejoice for salvation has come to us.1. Give thanks to and rejoice in the Lord because of His character.2. Give thanks to and rejoice in the Lord because He is our Refuge.3. Give thanks to and rejoice in the Lord...
Overview - We worship Jesus as God's promised King and Priest.1. We surrender to Jesus as the One who rules over God's kingdom.2. We trust in Jesus as our Connection to God forever.3. We rest in Jesus as we await His final victory.
Overview - The task is unfinished so we continue to testify about the Kingdom of God in Christ.1. We proclaim that God is establishing His Kingdom.2. We proclaim that Jesus is the only Hope.3. We proclaim to all who will hear us wherever we go.4. We...
Overview - We're thankful and encouraged when God graciously provides in ordinary and extraordinary ways.1. God's gracious provision comes in the form of safety at sea.2. God's gracious provision comes in the form of pagan...
Overview - The big, glorious, and sovereign God we need shines through shipwreck stories.1. Practical wisdom is a helpful instrument from God for His people.2. Confidence in God during the storm is a testimony to those around us .3. Don't forget...
Overview - We must live ready to share the light of Christ.1. The fuel for our sharing is hope in God.2. The platform for our sharing is God's work in us.3. The goal of our sharing is repentance and faith.4. The content of our sharing is...
Overview - Trust the Lord because His timing is perfect.1. God usually takes longer than we want.2. More time, by itself, won't fix anything.3. Our confidence in God makes us patient and courageous during trials.
Overview - Don't be anxious, God is in complete control.1. We confess allegiance to Jesus as Savior and Lord.2. We worship the God of Israel.3. We believe everything God said in the Old Testament.4. We hope in God on the ground of His promise of...
Overview - Don't be anxious, God is in complete control.1. God's plan is not foiled by the plots of men.2. God's plan is fulfilled through pagans and their mighty men. (The video and audio links to the sermon only. To the view the...
Overview - We must live to testify about Jesus.1. We testify with awareness of our place and audience.2. We testify with courage because the Lord is with us.3. We testify with faith that God will take us where we need to go.
Overview - We're emboldened because God's providence puts all things into proper perspective.1. God's providence doesn't eliminate suffering and difficulty.2. God's providence doesn't eliminate our responsibility.3...
Overview - We must work to maintain unity because it is never automatic.1. Unity requires genuine delight in God's work in others.2. Unity requires addressing rumors with wisdom and grace.3. Unity requires deference to others.4. Unity requires...
Overview - When navigating God's leading is difficult, we are resolved to stay the course.1. We must undergird our lives with prayer and Christian community.2. We must be unmoved in the face of danger.3. We must be undeterred by sentiment.4. We...
Overview - Worship is the only reasonable response when God's might and mercy are on display.1. Her worship flowed from a deep, personal delight in God.2. Her worship flowed from humble surrender to God.3. Her worship flowed from an awareness of...
Overview - Will you come and enjoy life-transforming fellowship with God?1. Come and receive compassion and pardon.2. Come and enjoy living by His greater ways and thoughts.3. Come and let His word enrich and enliven you.4. Come and enjoy eternal life.
Overview - Rejoice in song, respond in faith, and rest in confidence.1. Rejoice, respond, and rest because the great reversal has come.2. Rejoice, respond, and rest because God's love has brought peace.3. Rejoice, respond, and rest because the...
Overview - Marvel at the mystery of God accomplished in the Messiah.1. Marvel at the One who is exalted through humiliation.2. Marvel at the One who was unrecognized and rejected.3. Marvel at the One who was punished as a substitute.4. Marvel at the...
Overview - God has acted in defense of His Name; therefore, we must respond in faith.1. A faith response embraces our new identity.2. A faith response rejoices in and proclaims good news.3. A faith response walks in righteousness.
Overview - Trust God and His timing.1. We trust His timing because when we are impatient He maintains His identity.2. We trust His timing because when we fear and forget He is faithful.3. We trust His timing because when we stagger His justice...
Overview - Trust in this Servant and follow Him.1. We trust in the One who is equipped by the Sovereign Lord.2. We trust in the One who is obedient to the Sovereign Lord.3. We trust in the One who is vindicated by the Sovereign Lord.4. We trust in the...
Overview - Rejoice because this Servant brings God's comfort and compassion to His people.1. Rejoice because this Servant will surpass all other servants.2. Rejoice because this Servant will succeed.3. Rejoice because this Servant will save to...
Overview - The reason for God's perseverance in saving sinners directs our response.1. Why would God persevere in saving sinners?2. Will you respond appropriately to God's saving work?
- An Urgent Occasion (12-15)2. An Unsettling Accusation (16)3. The Apostolic Authentication (17-18)4. The Prophetic Confirmation (19-21)
- The Pleasant Salutation (v. 1-2)2. The Power for Godliness: God’s Precious Promises (v. 3-4)3. The Pattern for Godliness: Our Passionate Pursuit for Holiness (v. 5-7)4. The Protection of Godliness: God Prevents Us from Being Ineffective (v. 8-10)5...
Overview - Humble yourselves because God opposes the proud.1. Humility is acknowledgment of our place before God.2. Humility is deference to God in all things.3. Humility is reliance on God to save.
Overview - Based on what He has done and promised to do, we can rely fully on God.1. Trust God because only He is capable of sustaining you.2. Trust God because only He is committed to sustaining you.3. Trust God because only He is capable of saving...
Overview - Praise God for His saving work has come to us.1. God's saving work comes through Israel.2. God's saving work divides for eternity.3. God's saving work is revealed through His word.4. God's saving work extends to all...
Overview - We must acknowledge and trust in the sovereign Lord.1. Trust in the Lord who is sovereign over history.2. Trust in the Lord who is sovereign over nature and nations.3. Trust in the Lord who is sovereign beyond all questions.
Overview - God is the only source of security and salvation so we worship Him.1. The only eternal God is our security.2. The only redeeming God is our salvation.3. The only transcendent God deserves our worship.
Overview - God forms witnesses for their good and His glory.1. God's witnesses know Him as sovereign Savior.2. God's witnesses know Him as the Holy Deliverer.3. God's witnesses know Him as the gracious One.4. God's witnesses know...
Overview - When God seems slow to intervene, we respond with repentance and rest because we are being shaped for His glory.1. We must repent of our blindness.2. We can rest in the God who saves for His glory.
Overview - In response to what God has promised to do, let's praise and trust Him.1. Let everyone praise the Lord.2. Let everyone trust in the mighty and merciful Lord.
Overview - Look to the Servant who fulfills God's promises.1. God establishes His Kingdom through His Servant.2. God brings salvation through His Servant.3. God receives all the glory through His Servant.
Overview - Behold, there is only one, true God.1. We must acknowledge that substitute gods are a hopelessly meaningless waste of time.2. We must repent before our worship of these gods leads to destruction.3. We must worship the omniscient, omnipotent...
Overview - Fear not, God will not forsake His own.1. Fear not, God is sovereign over all nations and all history2. Fear not, we belong to this sovereign God3. Fear not, our God will give us a joyful victory.4. Fear not, our God will satisfy and...
Overview - We will endure trials depending on God when we have right thoughts about Him and a right relationship with Him.1. We must know God as He really is.2. We must trust in God enough to wait.
Overview - In light of our new position in Christ, we must take off the practices that define our sinful nature and put on the qualities that reveal the work of our Savior.1. Our new position demands a new direction.2. Our new position demands taking...
Overview - We trust in God because He is the incomparable Creator.1. We trust in God because He is unique in wisdom.2. We trust in God because He is unique in majesty.3. We trust in God because He is unique in deity.4. We trust in God because He is...
Overview - God promises are our comfort.1. God's coming glory is our comfort.2. God's enduring word is our comfort.3. God's strong arm is our comfort.
Overview - Be encouraged, God knows the purposes and sets the boundaries of our suffering. 1. Be encouraged because God does not abandon his people.2. Be encouraged because God speaks into our suffering to bring hope.3. Be encouraged because the...
Overview - Our study of this book is over, but our response continues.1. We must avoid comparing ourselves to others.2. We must follow Jesus without looking back.3. We must bear witness to the truth.4. We must keep beholding the beauty of Jesus.
Overview - Despite our failures, Jesus invites us to keep on loving and following Him.1. We love Jesus because He first loves us.2. We serve the church because we love Jesus.3. We die for God's glory because we love Jesus.4. We follow Jesus...
Overview - When life seems normal, don't forget that He is near, gracious, and powerful. 1. Jesus is near during long nights of apparent failure.2. Jesus is gracious to meet us in the moment of our need.3. Jesus is powerful to provide abundantly.
Overview - Hear the signs, stop disbelieving, and believe.1. Even disciples doubt some days.2. God dispels doubt in His disciples.3. Look with your ears and believe.
Overview - Jesus comforts, empowers, and sends fearful disciples.1. The risen Christ gives us peace.2. The risen Christ gives us joy.3. The risen Christ gives us a job.4. The risen Christ gives us power.
Overview - The ascending Christ changes everything.1. The ascended One calls His sheep by name.2. The ascended One transforms our relationship to God.3. The ascended One sends us with and announcement.
Overview - Even though we can't see the risen Christ, we can see the grave cloths and believe.1. The grave cloths eliminate a natural explanation.2. The grave cloths indicate that he's not dead.3. The grave cloths demonstrate that he's...
Overview - We must believe in Jesus even in his death.1. We believe in Him even in His death because it was planned by God.2. We believe in Him even in His death because through it we are reconciled to God.3. We believe in Him even in His death...
Overview - Trust Jesus because he is THE fulfillment.1. Trust him because he fulfills God's promise as the King of Israel.2. Trust him because his death fulfills Old Testament prophecy.3. Trust him because he fulfilled his earthly responsibility...
Overview - We must behold Jesus as fully man, fully God, and fully King.1. Those who don't behold him correctly drift toward immature spirituality.2. Those who don't behold him correctly drift toward self-preservation.3. Those who don't...
Overview - What will you do when the kingdom of truth confronts your kingdom?1. His kingdom is offensive to the self-righteous.2. His kingdom is weak by worldly standards.3. His kingdom brings truth that the world cannot comprehend.
Overview - As Jesus stands trial alone, we see the frailty of human wisdom, volition, and courage.1. Some will viciously oppose Jesus and try to dispose of him.2. Some will ignore Jesus and remain indifferent to him.3. Some will follow Jesus with...
Overview - Trust in the One who willingly and peacefully submitted to an unjust arrest.1. He submitted because of his obedience to the Father's plan.2. He submitted because of his perfect perspective.3. He submitted because of his overwhelming...
Overview - We are united and confident as we wait for our ultimate and final union.1. We can have unity with one another.2. We can have hope for the future.3. We can have confidence in Jesus.
Overview - Jesus' prayer encourages and challenges his followers.1. We are encouraged by the One addressed by his prayer.2. We are challenged by his description of his disciples.3. We are encouraged by his requests for his disciples.4. We are...
Overview - As he nears the cross, we see even more reason to worship Jesus.We glorify Christ because…1. Jesus submitted to the Father's plan and timing.2. Jesus is able to give eternal life as the Father directs.3. Jesus obeyed the Father during...
Overview - We're equipped for trouble in this world because of Jesus' wordsand work.1. We can know God because we have believed in Jesus.2. We can have peace because we are connected to Jesus.3. We can stand strong because Jesus has won the...
Overview - We have joy in sorrow because the deepest sorrow became thegreatest joy.1. We have surprising joy because the victorious reversal has happened.2. We have never-ending joy because Jesus is with us.3. We have exceeding joy because the Father...
Overview - The Holy Spirit is alive and active in the world.1. The Holy Spirit is working as our Helper.2. The Holy Spirit is working to convict the world.3. The Holy Spirit is working to guide believers.
Overview - Amidst growing hostility, Jesus' words keep us steady.1. The world reacts to believers with animosity.2. The believer reacts to the world's animosity with an announcement.3. Jesus reacts to our situation with assurance.
Overview - Christ's love for us produces our love for one another.1. The foundation for our love for Christ is His love for us.2. The fruit of our love for Christ is love for one another.
Overview - Fruitfulness is a barometer and a blessing for a faithful disciple.1. Fruit reveals the truth about our connection with Christ.2. Fruit yields a harvest of blessing in us.
Overview - Those who trust in God will have great joy through the Son.1. We rejoice because of promises kept.2. We rejoice because the Person has come.3. We rejoice because of promises yet to come.
Overview - The future is not scary for genuine followers of Jesus.1. We have Jesus' peace.2. We can rejoice even in our losses.3. We can trust Jesus to keep His word.
Overview - Stop worrying and keep trusting in Jesus.1. Trust in Jesus because of his promises.2. Trust in Jesus because of the person he is.3. Trust in Jesus because of his words and work.4. Trust in Jesus because of his Name.
Overview - When you're not sure what to do, follow these simple instructions.1. Worship God.2. Trust in God's Word.3. Love one another.4. Don't trust yourself.
Overview - Because we trust in the all-knowing, all-powerful Lord, our faith growswhen the enemy has surprising success.1. Trust in God when friends conspire against you.2. Trust in God when everyone (including you) is confused.3. Trust in God because...
Overview - If we submit to Jesus, we'll be marked by sharing, security, sanctification, service, and sending.1. If we submit to him, we will share with him.2. If we submit to him, we will rest in security as he sanctifies us.3. If we submit to...
Overview - We maintain confidence and compassion in the face of widespreadrejection.1. We trust in the power and purposes of God.2. We recognize and lament the tragic rejection of Jesus.3. We proclaim Christ and plead with people to believe.
Overview - The cross of Christ is our comfort and our courage.1. The cross brings anguish for the Son.2. The cross brings glory for the Father.3. The cross brings judgment for the world.4. The cross brings defeat for the ruler of this world.5. The...
Overview - The glory of the Son is revealed when we follow him to death.1. We die like him when we hate our lives in this world.2. We die like him when we serve him.3. We die like him when we follow him to the cross.
Overview - We trust God because His sovereignty extends over His enemies.1. We celebrate Jesus as the God-sent Savior.2. We worship Jesus as the God-sent King.3. We trust Jesus as the God-sent Peacemaker.
We complete the forgiving grace by making the necessary corrections to the relationship with the right motives in our heart. 1. The necessary corrections to the relationship completes the forgiving grace. a. Receive with open arms b. Restore...
Overview - We cultivate a forgiving spirit through the maturity of our character and the love of our family.1. The maturity of our character cultivates a forgiving spirit. a. Love for all His holy people b. Faith in the Lord Jesus c...
Overview - Your attitude toward Jesus will escalate toward evil or extravagance.1. Some will see Jesus and continue caring only for themselves.2. Those who love themselves will grow to despise Jesus.3. Some will see Jesus and come to believe in Him.4...
Overview - We trust God because His sovereignty extends over His enemies.1. Don't lose heart, some have always stood against God.2. Don't lose heart, God will use even His enemies to fulfill His plan.3. Don't lose heart, God will gather...
Overview - Sin devastates, but it cannot disrupt God's plan or diminish His glory.1. We lament when confronted with the devastation of sin.2. We trust in God in the midst of the devastation because He displays His glory inthe darkest moments.
Overview - We believe in Jesus as our only hope for true life.1. Because Jesus is the Resurrection, he is the hope for those who have died.2. Because Jesus is the Life, he is the hope for those who are still living.