Sermons | Autumn Ridge Community Church: Recent Episodes
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The main point of Psalm 94 is that the Lord will not forsake his people!
He will not forsake them to their enemies He will not forsake them to their sin He will not forsake them to themselves
Psalm 122 is one of the "Ascension Psalms" or "Psalms of Ascent," which would be sung by pilgrims on the way to worship in Jerusalem.
Psalm 122 is most akin to a "hymn"
It begins with an expression of glad praise (vv. 1-2) It continues by listing the reasons for that glad praise (vv. 3-5) It concludes with a call to response (vv. 6-9)
Verses 3-5 depict what gathered worship OUGHT to be.
Verses 6-9 lead us to respond to what gathered worship ACTUALLY is.
PRAY (vv. 6-7) THINK OF OTHERS (v. 8) BE THE GOOD YOU WANT TO SEE (v. 9)
How the Lord is Judgmental (vv. 2-8) The Lord’s judgment is SURE (v. 2)On “judging with equity,” see the judge in the parable of the persistent widow. “Because this widow keeps bothering me I will give her justice” (Luke 18:5).On Jesus making all things new, read Revelation 21:1-5. The Lord’s judgment is SLOW (vv. 3-5)On “horns” as a symbol of power and authority, see 1 Kings 22:11. (“And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.’”)On the “conscience,” read Romans 2:14-15. The Lord’s Judgment is SEVERE (vv. 6-8)Matthew 26:39 reminds us that Jesus drank the full measure of the cup of God’s judgment on our behalf, when he heard “no” to his prayer in Gethsemane: “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” After teaching us about the sort of judgement that God has, vv. 9-10 instruct us to be judgmental, as your Father in Heaven is judgmental. By “declaring these things forever” (v. 9) By calling GOOD, “Good,” and EVIL, “Evil” By warning people not to lift up their horns against the Lord (repent/believe) By doing all of this with the correct motivation and tone By being God’s agents of judgment this side of Jesus’ Second Coming (v. 10)
Characteristics of Hymns in the Psalms:In How to Read the Psalms, Tremper Longman III calls Hymns, “Exuberant praise of the Lord” Unlike Thanksgiving Psalms, which praise the Lord for what he has done (i.e. “timely” praise). Hymns offer praise for who the Lord is (i.e. “timeless” praise).Hymns usually follow a three-part structure: Call to worship Descriptions of WHY the Lord is worthy of praise (often will include “for” or “because”) Concluding call to praise/worshipPsalm 29 is a Hymn which teaches us to praise the Lord – because, “The Lord is in Control!” In control of the GRAND (vv. 3-4) In Control of the GREAT (vv. 5-8) In control of the SMALL (v. 9)“You can trust the Lord with the FUTURE based on his working in the PAST.”
The Lord's Supper is another way that Jesus calls his followers to declare the gospel - to themselves, to one another, and to the world.Meaning, there are three ways we should be sure to participate in the Lord's Supper: As someone who is saved As someone who is surrendered As someone who is selfless
Main point: Baptism is one of the ways that Jesus commands his followers to share the gospel - with themselves, with other Christians, and with the world.
Main Point:In this broken world, God’s people will face all sorts of trials and miseries. But because of his great love for his people in Christ Jesus and his faithfulness to his covenant, he promises to restore his people to himself and will one day consummate it in full. This promise of the gospel is our hope, and it is the reason we can rejoice even as we live in the already-not-yet.
Main Summary: Jesus shared our death so that we could share his life!We are saved by G.R.A.C.E (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense).We aren’t saved by works, but faith changes everything about our works!
Main Point: On Palm Sunday, Jesus fulfilled a long-expected promise in an unexpected way.
Main Point: As a Christian, God has sent you into the world to proclaim the gospel. (So, live "sent").
Main Point: Expect “church hurt,” because God uses “church hurt” to grow you more like Jesus.I. HOW “Church Hurt” Grows Us More Like JesusRomans 8:28-30: 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Ephesians 4:2: “…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” 1. Each of these virtues describes the heart of Jesus2. Each of these virtues describes God’s desire for us to grow like Jesus3. Each of these virtues is impossible apart from living communally with other Christians who hurt, annoy, frustrate, and infuriate usII. WHY Community is Worth the “Church Hurt”1. Because through community, we see Heaven’s King2. Because through community, we do Heaven’s WorkMatthew 16:16-19: 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”Matthew 18:15-20: 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”III. Because through community, we experience Heaven’s Presence (Heaven Breaking Into Earth)
- Historical ContextRoman magistrate and statesman, Cicero said, “By nature we yearn for ___________, and once we have glimpsed, as it were, some part of its radiance, there is nothing we are not prepared to bear and suffer in order to secure it.”2. Main Point: In self-sacrifice, Jesus became like us in order that we might become like Him.3. Humility creates opportunities for self-sacrifice (v. 1-4)4. Jesus is more than our example (v. 5-8)5. The glory in Christ's self-sacrifice (v. 9-11)6. Applications:
Main Idea: Where you're weak, don't grumble. Where you're strong, don't cause to stumble.1 Timothy 4:4 (ESV) - "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is to be received with thanksgiving..."Opinions (convictions): decisions we make in areas of life in which the Scriptures are silent, neutral, or non-binding.Galatians 2:11-14 (ESV): 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 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. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” How do we embody GRACE - in our lives, and in our life together? How do we pursue UNITY in the absence of UNIFORMITY? Remember the gospel Serve and worship Christ through your Spirit-led convictions Pursue peace Build-up the body
Main Point: Truth transforms people; truth grows the body of Christ! Because truth transforms people, we need to HEAR truth (vv. 11-14) Because truth transforms people, we need to SPEAK truth (in love) (vv. 15-16)"Speaking truth in love requires that we speak with both the right CONTENT and the right INTENT."Ephesians 4:21 (ESV): "...the truth is in Jesus..."As the truth is heard and spoken in love: People grow more LIKE Jesus People grow more NEAR to Jesus People grow more NEAR to one another
Main Point: we abide in Christ as we learn, believe, and respond to the word of Christ (the gospel message). The IMPORTANCE of abiding in Christ The METHOD of abiding in Christ The FRUIT of abiding in Christ
We gather for worship because: The Father COMMANDS worship gatherings The Son BOUGHT worship gatherings The Spirit TRAINS US through worship gatherings (to learn, love, and live out the gospel)
A People who are possessed A People who are to proclaim (the excellencies of God) A People who are to present (the evidence of a life transformed by God)Exodus 19:5-6 (ESV): 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”CS Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms - “I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation. It is not out of compliment that lovers keep on telling one another how beautiful they are; the delight is incomplete till it is expressed. It is frustrating to have discovered a new author and not to be able to tell anyone how good he is; to come suddenly, at the turn of the road, upon some mountain valley of unexpected grandeur and then to have to keep silent because the people with you care for it no more than for a tin can in the ditch; to hear a good joke and find no one to share it with. . . . The Scotch catechism says that man’s chief end is ‘to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.’ But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him.”1 Peter 3:14-15 (ESV): 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
At Autumn Ridge Community Church, We exist to glorify God by training people to learn the gospel, love the gospel, and live out the gospel - in our lives, in our community, and to the ends of the earth. "Follow me" (Learn the Gospel) "I will make you become" (Love the Gospel) "Fishers of men" (Live out the Gospel)
This is the second sermon in our 2022 Advent series: "Prepare Him Room."Main Point: "Press Into Paradox!"Paradox: Two coexisting truths which appear logically opposed toeach other
This is the first sermon of our Advent 2022 series: "Prepare Him Room". In this sermon we look at Mary's magnificat, and how she responds in surrender to God. Listen and see how Mary's story meets your own story.
Main Points and Key Takeaways:
Vv. 12-17 "Christ Came to Save Sinners"
I. By GRACE (vv. 12-13) II. Through FAITH (v. 14) III. In His SAVING WORK (v. 15) IV. Exemplified in the lives of His people (v. 16)
Vv. 18-20: "Marching Orders." We are to fight the Lord's battles by:
I. Holding FAITH (v. 19) II. Holding a GOOD CONSCIENCE (v. 19) III. Participating in the DISCIPLINE of those who do not (v. 20)
True doctrine is doctrine which leads to devotion
1. V. 5 – TRUE DOCTRINE (that leads to devotion)
2. Vv. 6-7 – FALSE DOCTRINE (that leads to division)
3. Vv. 8-10 – FALSE DOCTRINE (that leads to deception)
4. V. 11 – GOSPEL HOPE
Main Message of 1 Timothy: Through the Gospel, there is PEACE for POLARIZED PEOPLE
PEACE through the RIGHT BELIEF of the Gospel PEACE through the RIGHT ENCOURAGEMENT from the Gospel PEACE through the RIGHT BEHAVIOR fueled only by the Gospel
This short message/homily was delivered by Pastor Davis during a special family/child dedication Sunday on 8-7-22.
This is the first sermon in our Summer series through the book of Jonah. This sermon covers Jonah 1:1-16.
Old Testament Context:
1 Kings 11:11-13: 11 Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. 12 Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem that I have chosen.”
Israel was overthrown beginning in 740 BC, and Judah was overthrown in 586 BC Edom, descendants of Israel’s/Jacob’s brother Esau, sided AGAINST Judah as it was overthrown Obadiah is a book announcing God’s judgment in judging Edom
Main Point: the Lord sovereignly metes out sin’s consequences: a. To bring RETRIBUTION on his enemies b. And to bring RESTORATION/RENEWAL to his people
How then shall we live? In Sober-Mindedness In Repentance In Hope
Even in the midst of suffering there is hope. God is faithful, and our hope is renewed when we remember Him.
Main idea: disciples make disciples! “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (v. 18) An allusion to Dan. 7:13-14. “Behold, with the clouds of heaven came one like a Son of
Man, and he came before the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” Jesus’ power, not ours, determines our success in GROWING as his disciples and MAKING other disciples.
What is a disciple? “Loving the Gospel” (HEART) o “Go” (v. 19) o “Now the Lord said [a] to Abram, “Go from your country [b] and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Gen. 12:1-3)
“Living out the Gospel” (HANDS) o “Baptizing” (v. 19) o “…to OBEY all that I have commanded you” (v. 20) “Learning the Gospel” (HEAD) – “Teaching” (v. 20)
Main Point: Through His resurrection and ascension, Jesus is with us always (through His Holy Spirit) I. The historicity of Jesus’ resurrection (Matt. 27:57 – 28:7)
II. The implications of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension (Matt. 28:8-20)
III. Because Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to the Father, we have the Holy Spirit – Jesus INSIDE us and with us – forever. What does that mean for us? a. We share Jesus’ Father Galatians 4:6 (ESV): God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father.” b. We share Jesus’ righteousness
Ezekiel 36:25-27 (ESV) - 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
c. We share Jesus’ comfort
John 14:26 (KJV) – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Main Point: Jesus died for us!
a. Jesus died for us who are deserving of death (Matt. 26:57-68) a. The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23) b. The court’s pronouncement upon Jesus, “He is deserving of death,” is the sentence we deserve to hear! c. But instead of making HIS defense, Jesus became OUR defense. d. Jesus died for us! b. Jesus died for us who love our comfort more than we love him (Matt. 26:69-75) c. Matt. 27:1-10 a. Jesus is innocent (v. 4) b. Judas is a type of Christ (vv. 5-7) c. Jesus is a far better Judas d. Jesus died for us whose sin is shocking, wicked, and vile (Matt. 27:11-26) e. Jesus died for us whose sin humiliates and exposes us (Matt. 27:27-44) f. Why did Jesus die for us? So that we can live with God, forever! (Matt. 27:45-56)
Main Point: Jesus’ faithfulness saves faithless people!
I. Our faithlessness
II. Jesus’ faithfulness a. To His Father’s People (vv. 36-46) b. To His Father’s Word (vv. 47-56)
25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (EZEKIEL 36:25-27 ESV)
III. Our response
Main Idea: Jesus is the True and Better Passover!
I. The Old Testament Origins of the Passover (Exodus 12:1-20; Deut. 16:6) II. The New Testament’s True and Better Passover, Jesus a. The truly willing Passover b. The truly sufficient Passover
Questions for Reflection/Application:
- Are you following Jesus as Lord and Savior?
- Are you following Jesus in genuine repentance and faith, including baptism?
- Are you following Jesus in unity with other Christians and with other Churches?
Additional Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (ESV) 31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
Orthodox/correct doctrine and kind/compassionate practices aren’t on opposites ends of the spectrum. In fact, the two are inseparably linked – because:
How we value people’s physical/social needs corresponds to how we value Jesus! 1. How we value Jesus’ leadership. 2. How we value Jesus’ mission. 3. How we value Jesus’ people.
I. Jesus is in Charge
II. We aren’t Jesus
There are Only 4 Things Jesus Universally Calls Us to Do 1. Worship Jesus (Matt. 6:33) 2. Commit to Jesus’ Church (Heb. 10:24-25) 3. Serve Jesus’ Saints (Gal. 6:10) 4. Live on Jesus’ Mission (Matt. 28:18-20)
III. Risk is Right
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58 ESV)
IV. Safe is Sloth
Main Point: As humans bear God’s image, therefore we belong to God and should give him what is rightfully His – our entire life.
Main Point: When we come to the Father on HIS terms, He welcomes us with acceptance & approval - FOREVER!
Main Point: Our devotion to Jesus isn't defined only by what we do FOR Him, but also by what we withhold FROM Him.
Main Point: Jesus loves the little children!
Because of who they are! Because of who they represent - all of us!
Responses/Applications:
Let them come (to Jesus)
Little Children Those "Like" Little Children
Don't stop them from coming (to Jesus)
Little Children Those "Like" Little Children
Main Point: As followers of Jesus, we are to forgive others NOT based on what they do TO us, but based on what Jesus has done FOR us!
This sermon is based on Matthew 18:15-20.
Attached below is a PDF of the Membership Covenant for Autumn Ridge Community Church
Main Point: Faithless people are made right with God through mustard-seed faith in Jesus Christ.
Main Point: "In losing our life, we are raised to a new life that Jesus shares with us!"
Main point: "Jesus brings dead people back to life."
Through the Father's drawing sinners to himself Through a right confession of faith Through the ministry of the church (the keys of the kingdom)
Main Point: When we remember what Jesus has made known about himself, we'll find faith to follow Him into life's unknowns...
Main Idea: See and savor the compassion of Jesus.
Point 1: Jesus cares for the hungry. Point 2: Jesus satisfies our deeper hunger.
Main Point: Jesus welcomes His enemies to be His people.
Applications: HOW does Jesus welcome His enemies to be His people?
Through the drawing of the Holy Spirit Through the plan of the Father Through the sacrifice of the Son Through the ministry of the church
Main point: Our citizenship to Heaven's King guides our response to earthly rulers.
Our Citizenship to Heaven's King (12:9-21) Our Response to Earthly Rulers (13:1-7)
Obedience when possible Good no matter what Love above all
Main Point: We pass the faith from generation to generation by embodying the truth and grace we receive from our own faith in the gospel.
In this sermon we hear how Matthew 14:13-36 speaks to mental health and self-care. The gospel offers good news to people who are in a bad place."
Main Point: Jesus gives certain hope in uncertain times
The certain hope of the work He has started. The certain hope of the work He is continuing. The certain hope of the work He will complete.
Jesus turns faithless people into fruitful people
What makes us faithless? - Choosing to reject God's word - Choosing comfort/safety over God's word - Choosing God's good gifts over God's word
Jesus turns faithless people into fruitful people
Who makes us fruitful? [God the Father - thru Christ, by the Spirit] - Hope for the hopeless - Encouragement for the discouraged - Labor for the lost
Main point: “Grace is opposed to EARNING (but not to EFFORT)”
Grace is opposed to EARNING (Vv. 43-49) Grace is NOT opposed to EFFORT (V. 50)
Love is the basis of discipleship, expressed by feeding, shepherding, & pastoring others in Discipleship Missions & evangelism are under the the umbrella of discipleship.
Jesus gave you His body (vv. 12-13) To give you to His body (vv. 14-31)
No grounds for inferiority (vv. 15-17) No grounds for superiority (vv. 21-24)
Be given to the Body of Christ (Church)
Join a local church Give yourself in service to that local church
Easter: You have all of Christ, all the time!
Frees you from sin's FLESH (vv. 11-12) Frees you from sin's SENTENCE (vv. 13-14) Frees you from sin's STIGMA (vv. 15)
On Palm Sunday, Jesus fulfilled a long-expected promise in un unexpected way.
The Long-Expected promise (Zech. 9:9-13)
The promise of a king (Zech. 9:9) The promise of a victory (Zech 9:10-13)
The unexpected fulfilment Matt. 21:1-11)
Jesus is an unexpected king Jesus wins an unexpected victory
The Unforgivable Sin:
What is it? (vv. 22-32) Why is it unforgivable? (vv. 33-37) How does this passage offer us good news?
Four Points
His power is revealed in His meekness He is the perfect one His presence brings peace His Purpose will be fulfilled
What is the Sabbath?
RHYTHMS, not RESTRICTIONS For GOOD, not for GUILT A PERSON, not a DAY
How (Why?) the Pharisees Distorted the Sabbath?
RESTRICTIONS, not RHYTHMS For GUILT, not for GOOD MAN'S WORK, not GOD'S WORK
How Jesus Restores the Sabbath
RHYTHMS, not RESTRICTIONS For GOOD, not for GUILT A PERSON, not a DAY (And Jesus is that person!)
"Testimony ends, and sermon begins at 10:40"
vv. 2-3 - the CAUSE of doubts vv. 4-5 - the CURE for doubts v. 6 - doubt redeemed (why not to rush through seasons of doubt)
Main Point: As Jesus leads us to make disciples, he will lead us into persecution.
Because persecution spreads the gospel (vv. 16-20) Because persecution assures us of our salvation (vv. 21-23) Because persecution makes us like Jesus (vv. 24-33)
Whose acknowledgment do you most desire? Man's? Or, God's through Christ?
Main Point: When it comes to disciple-making, there's value in the path of least resistance.
Least cultural resistance Least material resistance Least gospel resistance
Why is the path of least resistance valuable?
Because Jesus already took the path of greatest resistance Because the Father has us exactly where he wants us Because the Spirit still multiplies local ministry for a global impact
Main Point: disciple-making goes beyond sharing the facts of the gospel; disciple-making embodies the very heart of the gospel!
The heart of the gospel...in the helplessness of the harvest. The heart of the gospel...in the promise of the harvest. The heart of the gospel...in the gathering of the harvest.
Main Point: Because Jesus has shared our suffering, we now share all that is His.
Full Adoption/Sonship The Fullness of the Spirit A Full Inheritance
Main Point: Through sharing our suffering, God has redeemed our suffering.
Zechariah and Elizabeth
They Suffered God Shared Their Suffering God Redeemed Their Suffering
KNOW GROW SHOW
Our Hope
Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, God himself shares our suffering. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, God himself redeems our suffering.
KNOW GROW SHOW
Main Point: “Because God has shared our suffering, we can walk out of darkness and live in the light of Christ.”
i. The Darkness (select sections of Isaiah 7 and 8)
ii. The Light (Isaiah 9:1-7)
iii. Life in the Light (Isaiah 8:11-9:7)
I. Why is the world weary? (Sin) II. What is our Thrill of Hope? (That God would share our sufferings through Christ)
Main Point: Jesus changes what we cannot change about ourselves.
Through who he is. Through what he has done. Through faith in him.
Matthew 8:28-34 reminds us that we all have our demons. We are all drawn to sin that is:
Fleeting (v. 29) Destructive (vv. 30-32) Alluring (vv.33-34)
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus deals with our demons: not by driving them into pigs, but by taking them upon himself. His death on the cross forgives us, and his resurrection invites us to new life with him. Because Christ is risen, addictions can be broken, habits can be transformed, and hope can be found!
Miracles are not suppressions of the Laws of Nature so much as they are suppressions of the effects of the Fall - thereby allowing the TRUE Laws of Nature to break in, "On earth, as they are in Heaven."
Jesus is the one who accomplishes these miracles. He is the One who sets the world right.
Through His compassion (vv. 1-4) Through His kingship (vv. 5-13) Through His cross (vv. 14-17)
A large number of people have convinced themselves that they are followers of Jesus - but they believe and live in ways which are totally contradictory to Scripture. Jesus gave us this teaching in Matthew 7:12-29 to challenge us to examine our own hearts, and to prepare/equip us to minister to "Christian Imposters."
Verses 12-14: Jesus' definition of a genuine Christian
Someone who is running the race (v. 12)
Someone who has properly started the race (vv. 13-14)
Verses 15-20: Imposter #1 (Claim to have started the race, but not on the course; no fruit) Verses 21-23: Imposter #2 (Seemingly running the race, but "false start") Verses 24-29: The Applications
HEAR the Word
DO the Word
Make the Word HEARD and DONE
Main Takeaway: Persist in prayer, for our Heavenly Father hears and responds to the prayers of His children!
In ways that are like our earthly Fathers In ways that are unlike our earthly Father
Main Takeaway: The way we judge others reflects the way God judges us. (See Matt. 7:2).
Option #1: When we are the standard of our judgments, we judge others for the purpose of condemnation. Option #2: When Christ is the standard of our judgments, we judge ourselves critically, and we judge others for the purpose of compassion.
The cause of worry/anxiety: "when our god-complexes collide with our God-given limits..."
The antidote for worry/anxiety: "Because God our Father is in control, we can trust him with the things that worry us..."
He is in control of the little things (i.e. birds, flowers, etc.) He is in control of the big things (us and our lives) He is in control of the really big things (i.e. "tomorrow")
Left unchecked, our pursuit of worldly treasures will lead to our ultimate demise.
Most people pursue earthly treasures at the expense of eternity. Jesus wants HIS people to pursue heaven's treasures, even if doing so comes at the expense of the treasures of earth.
1: What are the Treasures of Heaven?
"Heaven-Breaking-Into-Earth"
CS Lewis, Mere Christianity: "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing." The "nevers" of Scripture (Hebrews 13:5, John 3:16, Romans 8:39, John 4:14, etc.)
"Earth-Building-Up-for-Heaven"
Every follower of Jesus will be filled with joy/satisfaction/awe in eternity (see Revelation 21:1-5). Scripture is also clear that the Lord rewards believers in proportion to their pursuit of His glory in their lives (Ephesians 6:8, Luke 6:38, etc.) John Piper: "Everyone will be full in heaven, but some containers will be larger than others." The "measure we use" (cf. Luke 6:38) grows our capacity to enjoy Heaven's jpy, satisfaction, awe, etc.
2: How do we "Lay Up" Treasures in Heaven?
We invest into eternal opportunities, even if doing so comes at the expense of earthly treasures.
Salvation (John 3:16) Sanctification (Romans 8:28-29, 1 John 3, etc.)
Questions for Reflection:
What are the things of earth with which God has entrusted me? How does my treatment of these earthly treasures reveal the state of my heart? (Read Matthew 6:21) What would it look like to take one step towards transformation - to seek the treasure of heaven, even at the expense of the treasures of earth?
Main point: prayer is not first and foremost a way for us to bring OUR desires up before God – but rather a way through which God brings HISdesires to pass THROUGH us.
Things we need FOR God (vv. 9-10)
"On earth as it is in heaven" "Hallowed be your name" "Your kingdom come, your will be done"
Things we need FROM God (vv. 11-15)
"Daily bread" "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
"We can hear heaven's 'YES' to our prayers, because Jesus heard heaven's 'NO' to his prayer in Gethsemane..."
I. What is the Instagram Righteousness Syndrome?
Doing the things God loves for reasons God hates Using righteous acts to get glory for ourselves, rather than to give glory to God
II. What is the Cure for Instagram Righteousness?
Realize the reason we are all drawn to self-glorification (we know we are not OK) Receive the transforming work of Jesus, which makes us perfect, acceptable, and loved
III. What does Healing from Instagram Righteousness Look Like?
Living a life only the Father might see Seeking rewards only the Father can give
How should we respond when we suffer wrongdoing? Jesus, in Matthew 5:38-48, alludes to three different steps:
Think back on the grace of thepast (vv. 38-42). Love in thepresent (vv. 43-45). Look forward to the day on which God will settle the score in thefuture (vv. 45-48).
Main Takeaways:
Marriage is a mystic, lasting union between a man and a woman that tells something true about God's relationship with His people. Don't live for the hope of marriage, but from the greater hope to which marriage points (the gospel).
(In addition to Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:1-12, the following passages will be consulted: Ephesians 5:31-32, Deuteronomy 24:1-4, 1 Corinthians 7:15).
Why does Jesus make such a big deal about lust? Because lust distorts the heart of God for us!
As we lust, we use the people that God has created to bring us GAIN and GLORY God's design is that we instead use OUR lives to bring HIM glory and OTHERS gain
How do we fight lust?
FEAST on the Gospel STARVE Sin at the Source
Main Point: We Cannot be Apathetic about Anger. We must Humbly Destroy it, or it will Destroy Us.
WHY God does not want His children to be apathetic about anger (vv. 21-22) HOW we can humbly destroy anger (vv. 23-26)
The GOAL (of the Christian Life) HUMILITY BABY STEPS DECISIVE ACTION
What is the Purpose of the Old Testament? John Calvin summarizes the purposes of the Old Testament in Institutes of the Christian Religion
To show the nature of God, the nature of Man, and the need for salvation To protect society as a whole from unrestrained evil To guide God's people in conduct that is pleasing/honoring to God
What does it Mean for Jesus to Fulfill/Accomplish the Old Testament?
In his perfect life, his death, and his resurrection, Jesus shows once and for all the holiness of God, the sinful state of Man, and the means to salvation (the gospel). The person and work of Jesus is the basis for God's common grace to the whole world (1 Timothy 4:10). Evil doesn't go unchecked. Jesus teaches and models what it looks like for Christians to grow in godliness.
How do Christians Follow an Old Testament that has Already Been Fulfilled?
Don't throw out the Law/Old Testament Use the most up-to-date version of the Law/Old Testament Seek the "better righteousness" as you follow the Law/Old Testament
Main Takeaway: Wisdom is "numbering our days" - orienting our lives - based on what lasts, not what passes... Things that pass:
Human Life (v. 3, v. 10) The Pleasures of Sin (vv. 7-11)
The One who lasts: God, who is:
Eternal in existence (vv. 2-6) Eternal in knowledge (v. 8) Eternal in grace
The lasting rewards we need are the lasting rewards God gives to his people:
Lasting relationship (with God) (vv. 13-14) Lasting prosperity (v. 15) Lasting legacy - with our children (v. 16) and with the work of our hands (v. 17)
The good news of the gospel is that the Eternal God gives these things to his children through the Person and Work of Jesus.
Outline of Philippians 2:1-11:
The Ideal - Unity Among God's People The Obstacle - The Selfishness of the Human Heart The Result - Loneliness (Selfishness ALWAYS Results in Loneliness) The Choice - Polarization, or Incarnation
The incarnation of Jesus reminds us that we don't have to look out for ourselves, because God has looked out for us once-and-for-all through Christ. A response of incarnation means we are free of fighting:
Our Pasts (Humility) FOR our Future (Compassion - fighting FOR people, not against people) IN The Present (Unity)
Ben Beswick is a good friend of Pastor Davis', and among other things, is a Doctoral Candidate at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Biblical Counseling Emphasis).
Main Point: "It is only when we see our present suffering in light of our glorious future that we are able to persevere (through suffering)..."
Many believers struggle with either an "over-realized eschatology" (minimizing the reality of pain and suffering in the world), or else with an "under-realized eschatology" (having no concept for how pain and suffering advance God's glory throughout the world). For us all, Ben reminds us from Romans 8:18-25 - because of Christ, our future is certain - and it is indescribably glorious.
Glorious for nature Glorious for believers Gloriously certain - for our future is given by God himself!
In this excellent case study, Matt Henderson surveys the Scriptures to answer some of the most pressing questions related to the biblical doctrine of prayer:
What do we make of passages in which God seemingly changes his mind? If God is sovereign, does prayer even matter? Why does God answer "no" to some prayers?
Philippians: Paul's response to Christians in Philippi, who were deeply concerned for Paul on account of his imprisonment in Rome.
Paul's message is one of encouragement and joy, because, in God's economy, suffering for the name of Christ can:
Progress the Gospel Provoke other Christians to be Bold Produce Joy
1 Corinthians 4:1-7 teaches us the pathway to freedom from the "comparison trap:" look LESS to OTHERS, look LESS to SELF, and look MORE to JESUS.
Comparison to OTHERS
Small in SUBSTANCE (doesn't fill) Small in DURATION (doesn't last) Small in EFFECT (doesn't satisfy)
Comparison to SELF
Small in SUBSTANCE (doesn't fill) Small in DURATION (doesn't last) Small in EFFECT (doesn't satisfy)
But when we look to Jesus, we receive a verdict which is:
Comparison to OTHERS
LARGE in SUBSTANCE LARGE in DURATION LARGE in EFFECT
In this installment of the "Sovereign through the Shutdown" series, Pastor Davis Lacey preaches from 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 to illustrate that the gospel of Jesus Christ offers LIFE for those who feel burdened to the point of DEATH.
God's comfort comes not in the ABSENCE of burdens, but in the MIDST of burdens.
Where is God during our seasons of waiting? Join us for a look at 2 Kings 11-12 and the story of Joash, where we are reminded from God's Word that "waiting time" is never "wasted time" for the people of God.
Because God was at work FOR Joash during his season of waiting Because God was at work THROUGH Joash during his season of waiting Because God was at work through the waiting of the TRUE and BETTER Joash, Jesus Christ
In this overview of Isaiah 53, we're introduced to Jesus as a man who is "acquainted with grief." Turns out, it's our grief which crushed Jesus...Jesus carries the burden of our grief from our shoulders, to the Father. When we begin to process this gospel reality, we realize that grief can be redeemed for good. As we process our pain, we realize the severity of that which Jesus absorbed on our behalf...a realization which leads to worship.
In this overview of Isaiah 53, we're introduced to Jesus as a man who is "acquainted with grief." Turns out, it's our grief which crushed Jesus...Jesus carries the burden of our grief from our shoulders, to the Father. When we begin to process this gospel reality, we realize that grief can be redeemed for good. As we process our pain, we realize the severity of that which Jesus absorbed on our behalf...a realization which leads to worship.
The Resurrection Changes our PAST (verses 1-5) The Resurrection Changes our FUTURE (verses 6-7) The Resurrection Changes our PRESENT (verses 8-10)
Please excuse the soft "clicking" noise which can be heard throughout this sermon audio.
The main idea: Jesus is far less concerned with giving us what WE want, and far more concerned with making us into who HE wants us to be. (This means that the salvation Jesus provides attacks the "enemy on the inside" - sin - rather than the "enemies on the outside" (disease, material poverty, broken relationships, etc.)
Because the enemy on the inside is the more destructive enemy Because the enemy on the inside requires the more expensive fight
As people who live in a culture which consistently pressures us to "fit in" and "be fashionable," Jesus' word for his followers in Matthew 5:13-16 provides a distinct contrast:
Jesus desires his followers to live as...
A distinct community Of distinct disciples Who make the world a distinctly better place...
We are prone to define the "blessed life" as one which we must achieve for ourselves. The Beatitudes re-frame our definition of blessing away from us achieving on our own, and instead point us to the blessed life as one which we freely receive through the merits of Christ.
We don't embody/do the Beatitudes (so we don't deserve blessing). Christ did embody/fulfill the Beatitudes perfectly on our behalf. Therefore, we can be blessed (and live the blessed life).
[Please access this sermon using the provided link to the archived Facebook video. We apologize that our usual audio-capture system experienced a malfunction on this particular Sunday]. Matt. 4:18-22: Followers want Jesus more than the best things of the world.
Matt. 4:23-25: Fans want Jesus as a way to get the best things of the world.
Matt. 5:1: The point of separation between "followers" and "fans" is whole-hearted surrender to the authority of Jesus.
In many ways, the ordinance of water-baptism is like a wedding ring - it is an outward expression of an inner, invisible commitment.
Just as a wedding ring doesn't make someone married, water-baptism doesn't bring anyone into right standing with Jesus. And just as a married person intentionally NOT wearing his/her wedding ring would cause others to raise questions and voice concerns, so too does a believer who intentionally neglects Jesus' command to be baptized cause his/her relationship with the Lord to come into question in the eyes of others...
Baptism is:
A Command (Matthew 28:18-20) A Sign (Romans 6:1-11) A Statement of Intent (Romans 6:12-14)
In this third and final temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4:8-11), we see the temptation to make a god out of God's Work. In other words, Jesus was tempted with a similar temptation to that which many of us face: to want the things God gives more than we want a right relationship with the God who does the giving...
Three lies strengthen this temptation, making it look quite appealing:
Lie #1: You can be fruitful without a connection to the vine (the source of life). Lie #2: The ends always justify the means (when in fact, God is never glorified by our sin). Lie #3: Salvation is possible without sacrifice.
In this sermon, Dr. Bryan Bogue unpacks the theme of the Kingdom of Heaven (Kingdom of God) from Matthew 4:12-17.
The Main Point of Deuteronomy 8:1-10: God uses temporary trials to bestow never-ending rewards upon His people. (Sadly, the record of the Old Testament - and, of our own lives - is that we shunt God's grace time and time again. We want comfort/satisfaction here and now, on our terms - even if that means missing the eternal rewards that can only be found in Him).
Matthew 4:1-4:
Verses 1-2: Jesus stands in the place of God's people - he went to where they had failed. Verse 3: Jesus encountered the same temptation as we often face - to be ruled by an appetite for an otherwise good thing (i.e. bread), rather than to submit our desires for the Spirit's examination.
This temptation came from "the devil," not from God. Just because we want something or feel that something is true about us, doesn't automatically mean that our desire is from the Lord!
Verse 4: Jesus did what we don't do - he faithfully submitted to the will of the Father.
The Gospel: Jesus stood in our place not to gain a greater reward (for he already had a full and rightful claim upon every spiritual blessing!), but in order to share the fullness of heaven's blessing with undeserving sinners like us!
How then shall we live? Live for the greater reward! Somehow, some way, Heaven will be sweeter (for eternity!) through the trials we suffer on Christ's behalf here-and-now. (See 1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
Main Point: Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness!
Verses 13-15: "What Jesus Does for Us"
Remains Sinless Removes Sin
Verses 16-17: "What Jesus Gives to Us"
Heaven Opened Heaven's Spirit Heaven's Love
This Scripture provides a timely warning for people like us - that is, for people who hear the call to repent and believe the gospel and think, "That's a message for 'those people'" (whoever "those people" are)...
Verses 1-4: The Kingdom of God can be defined as, "Earth's realities aligned with the priorities of heaven..."
John the Baptist called people to "repent," because the Kingdom of heaven is breaking in!
Repent - to turn, to be converted, to get a fresh start Necessary, because we as God's people are like "the wilderness" - sin has made us desolate And necessary, because the Kingdom of Heaven is ushered in by "The Lord" (the KING) (see verse 3)
There are two (and only two) possible responses to the coming King and His Kingdom
Humble repentance Rejection
Verses 5-6: the response of repentance
Verses 7-9: the response of prideful rejection
Verse 10: the assurance of righteous judgment
Verses 11-12: the hope of the gospel
The baptism of the Holy Spirit means that our rotten, sinful nature is replaced by the Spirit himself; when we stand before God, He sees himself! Possible only because the "mighty one," Jesus, passed through the fire of God's judgment on our behalf...
Verses 13-15: Jesus enters into our shame.
Verses 16-18: Jesus leads us out of our shame.
Verses 19-23: Jesus makes us shameless.
Vision: how would your life be different if you were no longer motivated or controlled by shame?
Main Takeaway of Matthew 2:1-12: The Light of Jesus Leads the World out of Darkness...
The Light of His Star (vv. 1-2) The Light of His Scriptures (vv. 3-10) The Light of His Self (v. 11)
Final Reminder: Those who are led by the light use their treasures to spread the light...