Century Baptist Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
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We apologize- due to technical difficulties, the last few minutes of the sermon are unavailable for this service.Revelation 3:1-6Download Sermon Study Guide Here.
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Romans 12:9-21
Observations from the Text
- Paul commands a shared mindset: live in harmony (v.16)
- Pride is a barrier: do not be haughty… never be wise in your own sight (v.16)
- Harmony includes action: associate with the lowly (v.16)
- Relationships will be hard: repay no one evil for evil… live peaceably… never avenge (vv.17–19)
- The goal: overcome evil with good (v.21)
Core Teaching Connection
Harmony is not primarily about agreement—it is about humility.
Paul ties harmony directly to:
- Lowering ourselves
- Moving toward those unlike us
- Refusing superiority
This mindset reflects Jesus, who:
- Lowered Himself
- Moved toward the overlooked
- Chose love over status
Harmony flows from a humble, Jesus-abiding heart.
John 13:31-381. Context
2. Clarity
3. Commandment
4. Copy
5. Character
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“We know love by this, that He (Jesus) laid down His life for us; and we
ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16
“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His
only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.
10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent
His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10
APPLICATION
Identify a believer in Jesus you struggle to love. Why is he/she hard to
love? What will you do this week to take a step toward loving him/her?
MEMORY VERSE
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even
as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35“By this all men
will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34–35
Matthew 18:18–35Purpose:
Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not about keeping score, but about being transformed by the grace we’ve received—so we extend it to others, together with Him.
Core Teaching Connection:
Because we’ve been forgiven an immeasurable debt, we are called to extend that same grace. And Jesus reminds us (vv.18–20):
We do not do this alone—we act with Him and under His authority.
• When we bind, we resist and stop the spread of sin
• When we loose, we release forgiveness and freedom
This is not individual spirituality—it is shared, communal authority with Jesus.
Where even two or three pursue reconciliation in His name, His presence and power are at work.
So Jesus is not calling us to:
• keep count
• manage a minimum
• or separate faith from relationships
He calls us to a transformed life marked by:
• Humility – My debt before God is immeasurable
• Integrity – Receiving grace and extending it
• Community (“We over Me”) – We walk in Jesus’ authority together
We don’t just believe the gospel— we live it out together through forgiveness and restored relationships.
Matthew 18:15–20In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus gives four stages:
1. Honest, private, personal conversation
2. Purposeful, minimal broadening of the circle
3. Involving church leadership
4. Discipline aimed at restoration
The goal is not winning, but reconciliation.
Not control, but restoration.
Not avoidance, but love in action.
The BeginningMark 15:33 – 16:7GOSPEL CONNECTION
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will
know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory
of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing
greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in
accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He
brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and
seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,” Isaiah 1:18-20
APPLICATION
Who needs to hear the Good News that Jesus is alive? When will you
tell him/her that news?
MEMORY VERSE
And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus
the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here;
behold, here is the place where they laid Him.” Mark 16:6
The SwordMark 14:43–52
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and
acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He
was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely our griefs He
Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed
Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5But He was pierced
through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The
chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we
are healed. 6All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has
turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.” Isaiah 53:3-6
APPLICATION
What will you do now to prepare for times when your dedication to
Jesus is tested at home, at work, or with friends and neighbors?
MEMORY VERSE
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this
night, for it is written, ‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND
THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.’”
Matthew 26:31
Follow God's WillMark 14:32–421. God’s story
2. My story
3. Our story
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present
evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the
glory forever and ever. Amen.” Galatians 1:3-5
APPLICATION
How will you follow God’s will in your life today? This week?
MEMORY VERSE
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present
your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is
your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you
may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable
and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2
The TempleMark 11:1–18APPLICATION
What specific steps will you take this coming week to concentrate on
a weak area of your spiritual life, seeking to bear fruit for the Lord?
MEMORY VERSE
And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy
branches which they had cut from the fields. 9Those who went in front
and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE
WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; 10Blessed is the
coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!”
Mark 11:8-10
The RansomMark 10:28–45GOSPEL CONNECTION
“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many
portions and in many ways, 2in these last days has spoken to us in His
Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He
made the world. 3And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact
representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His
power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right
hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much better than the
angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.”
Hebrews 1:1-4
APPLICATION
What specific act of service will you do this week for someone else?
MEMORY VERSE
“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become
great among you shall be your servant; 44and whoever wishes to be
first among you shall be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did
not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for
many.” Mark 10:43-45
The TrapMark 10:17-27GOSPEL CONNECTION
For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is
written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL
THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM
THEM.” 11Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident;
for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”…
22But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise
by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23But
before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut
up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24Therefore the Law has
become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by
faith. Galatians 3:4-6 [see Galatians 3:10-4:11]
APPLICATION
What is one distraction you will set aside from your life this week to
help you concentrate more on your relationship to Jesus Christ?
MEMORY VERSE
Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing
you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will
have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Mark 10:21
The Path AheadMark 9:2-131. Transfiguration – Mark 9:2-8
- The Path – Mark 9:9-13
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed
for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And
by His scourging we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the
iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” Isaiah 53:4-6
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to faithfully follow God’s path, walking in
humble sacrifice to shine His light and help others have new life?
MEMORY VERSE
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
The Turn
Mark 8:27-38GOSPEL CONNECTION
For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.
20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but
Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by
faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
21 “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes
through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.” Colossians 2:19-21
APPLICATION
How will you live unashamed of Jesus Christ this week? Be specific.
MEMORY VERSE
And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If
anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up
his cross and follow Me. 35“For whoever wishes to save his life will
lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will
save it.” Mark 8:34-35
The Pregame Speech
Matthew 28:16-201. The Mission
2. The Playbook
3. The Captain’s Presence
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said,
"Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify
You, 2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom
You have given Him, He may give eternal life. 3 This is eternal life, that
they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You
have sent. 4 I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the
work which You have given Me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify Me
together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the
world was.” John 17:1-5
APPLICATION
Who is one person in your life you can share the gospel with this
week? When will you share with him/her?
MEMORY VERSE
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching
them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
The PowerMark 4:35-41GOSPEL CONNECTION
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For
by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.
17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together….19For it
was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,
20and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made
peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether
things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:15-17, 19-20
APPLICATION
How can you trust God this upcoming week with situations that get out
of control or seem hopeless?
MEMORY VERSE
“in these last days (God) has spoken to us in His Son, whom He
appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”
Hebrews 1:2
The Sabbath
Mark 2:23-28
- Breaking the rules (23-24)
- True rest (25-28)
- Conclusion
GOSPEL CONNECTION
For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man
is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and
when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.” Mark 9:31
APPLICATION
How will you utilize the gift of Sabbath to help you prioritize and
enhance your relationship with God and others?
MEMORY VERSE
Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for
the Sabbath. 28“So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark
2:27-28
The Healing
Mark 2:1-12
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many
things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the
scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” Mark 8:31
“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and
to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
APPLICATION
What broken area of your life will you ask God to heal this week?
What lengths are you willing to go so that you experience healing?
MEMORY VERSE
“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth
to forgive sins”—He *said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, get up, pick
up your pallet and go home.” Mark 2:10-11
The Call
Mark 1:14-20
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become
children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were
born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but
of God.” John 1:12-13
APPLICATION
Where do you sense Jesus inviting you to:
Turn back (repent)?
Trust the good news more deeply?
Reorder priorities so that He is first?
The sermon described authentic faith as passionate, not moderate or
fanatical. What would “passionate but relational” faith look like in your
current season of life?
MEMORY VERSE
And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become
fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
Mark 1:17-18
The Dance
Mark 1:1-13
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are,
yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we
might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
APPLICATION
What, specifically, will you do this week to pay attention to the voices
shaping your desires?
How can I adopt the same attitude of humility as John the Baptist
when it comes to leading or participating in ministry or the general life
of my church family?
MEMORY VERSE
And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is
mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of
His sandals. 8 I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with
the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:7-8
The Magi
Matthew 2:1-12
- The cast
- Their character
- Their conduct
- Our response
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead
and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above
all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is
named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians
1:20-21
APPLICATION
What sacrifice do you need to make for Christ this week?
MEMORY VERSE
“After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother;
and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their
treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and
myrrh.” 1 Peter 2:11
A Peace of Heaven
Luke 2: 8-15
-
Prologue (1-7)
-
An earthly setting (8-9)
-
A heavenly message (10-12)
-
An eruption of worship (13-15)
-
Epilogue (16-20)
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“For He (Jesus) rescued us from the domain of darkness, and
transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have
redemption, the forgiveness of sins…19 For it was the Father’s good
pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to
reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood
of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in
heaven.” Colossians 1:13-14, 19-20
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as
the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor
let it be fearful.” John 14:27
APPLICATION
How will you glorify and praise God with other Christians this week?
MEMORY VERSE
“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
Luke 2:13-14
Shepherds Seize the Moment
Luke 2:8-21
-
The Audience
-
The Angel
-
The Announcement
-
The Abundance of Angels
-
The Application
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door
of the sheep…9 “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will
be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 11 “I am the good
shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep…
14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know
Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay
down My life for the sheep.” John 10:7, 9, 11, 14-15
APPLICATION
Who will you tell about the birth of Jesus Christ this week? When?
MEMORY VERSE
“The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they
had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” Luke 2:20
A Sermon from Matthew 1:18-25
-
Proximity — those CLOSEST to us test our relationship with God
the MOST! -
Authenticity — not our ACTIONS but our REACTIONS reveal our character!
-
Purpose — not my will be done but God’s will be done
-
Ambassador — let the MESS of my life be GOD’S MESSAGE to
the world!
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the
government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.”
Isaiah 9:6-7
APPLICATION
What area of your life do you need to submit to God’s will?
MEMORY VERSE
“But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord
appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:20-21
A Sermon from Luke 1:26-38
-
Oops — An Unexpected Visitor (26-29)
-
Ugh — Overwhelming News (30-33)
-
Aha — God Has A Plan (34-35)
-
Whee — God Can Do It! (36-37)
-
Oh Yeah — Mary Had Hope (38)
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined
according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His
will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be
to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the
message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed,
you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given
as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s
own possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:11-14
APPLICATION
How will you live with hope this week as God works in your life?
MEMORY VERSE
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a
living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will
not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:3-4
A Sermon from Philippians 4:4-9
-
We are being formed (shaped) by how/where we carry our
concern. (vv. 4-7) -
We are being formed by the things on which we think. (vs. 8)
-
We are being formed by the people we follow. (vs. 9)
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My
soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice
to the nations. 2 “He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His
voice heard in the street. 3 “A bruised reed He will not break and a
dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth
justice. 4 “He will not be disheartened or crushed Until He has
established justice in the earth; and the coastlands will wait
expectantly for His law.” 5 Thus says God the LORD, Who created the
heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out the earth and its
offspring, Who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who
walk in it, 6 “I am the LORD, I have called You in righteousness, I will
also hold You by the hand and watch over You, and I will appoint You
as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, 7 To open blind
eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in
darkness from the prison.” Isaiah 42:1-7
APPLICATION
How can you be an effective peacemaker this week?
MEMORY VERSE
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute,
if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on
these things.” Philippians 4:8
A sermon from Philippians 4:2-3
- Think the same thing in the Lord
- Bring them together
- With
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:3-11
APPLICATION
What, specifically, will you do this week to live in harmony with other believers in Jesus?
MEMORY VERSE
“Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be likeminded,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 7:1-731. Build it — Then Fill it 2. Blessings (People and Things) Need to be Stewarded 3. More Blessings Means More Leaders 4. More Blessings Means More Clarity 5. More Blessings Comes from Extravagant Generosity 6. A Unified Team Brings Supernatural Results
APPLICATION
What, specifically, will you do this week to seek unity among the believers in our church family?
MEMORY VERSE
“Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.” (1 Timothy 5:22)
A SERMON FROM PHILIPPIANS 1:3-61. The Call to Plant 2. New Ministry Opportunities 3. Working Together
GOSPEL CONNECTIONJesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” 28 Therefore, they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” 30 So they said to Him, “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? 31 “Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘HE GAVE THEM BREAD OUT OF HEAVEN TO EAT.’ ” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 “For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” (John 6:26-35)
APPLICATION
What prayer of thanksgiving can you offer for your church today?
MEMORY VERSE
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 6:1-191. The plot to assassinate is met with refusal to cooperate (1-4) 2. Slander is denied and prayer is prescribed (5-9) 3. The scheme to disgrace is met with refutation and prayer (10-14) 4. Completion, recognition, and intimidation (15-19)
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)
“But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, “You are my God.” (Psalm 31:14)
APPLICATION
How will you apply Nehemiah's persistence and faith in your life when facing challenges?
MEMORY VERSE
“When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” (Nehemiah 6:16)
A SERMON FROM ROMANS 3:21-261. The Gospel believed 2. The Gospel achieved 3. The Gospel received
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“When we talk about the gospel, we are talking about the very real, dynamic power of God to create, redeem, and save. The power of the gospel is the power that enabled Jesus to overcome temptation, preach with authority, cast out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead, and rise from the dead Himself. The gospel is the power of God made available to us through the Son of God, who gave His life for us. The gospel is the power of God for salvation for our entire lives. Belief in the gospel is not a one-time decision or a conviction that we need salvation only for our past lives and future afterlives. Belief in the gospel is an ongoing expression of our ongoing need for Jesus.” (Gospel Fluency, Jeff Vanderstelt, pages 66-67)
APPLICATION
When could you meet with another person to share the Good News of God’s redemptive plan?
MEMORY VERSE
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 3:23-24)
A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 5:14-191. The 3 advantages of making a difference
A. Position
B. Power
C. Privilege
2. The 3 temptations of a difference maker
A. We will be tempted to misuse our position
B. We will be tempted to abuse our power
C. We will be tempted to profit from our privileges
3. How to keep our integrity
A. Deepen my understanding of who I am
B. Develop a love for people
C. Discipline myself with an eternal perspective
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:3-11
MEMORY VERSE
“Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2-3
A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 5:1-131. The cause of conflicts
2. The cure for conflict
A. Reaction
B. Reflection
C. Reveal
D. Responsibility
E. Remember
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 32 “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.(Acts 20:28-32)
APPLICATION
Have you chosen a day of the week to fast during lunch as Pastor Carl encouragingly challenged us to do? What day? Did you fast last week? How did it impact your spiritual life?
MEMORY VERSE
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18)
A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 4:1-231. Here comes trouble 2. Pause to regroup 3. Make a difference
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Jesus has defeated sin, death, and adversity once for all. Yes, we will likely encounter obstacles and people who seek to distract, deter, and destroy us in following our Savior, living our faith daily, and building God’s kingdom. However, our resolve and strength comes from knowing who our Savior is and what He has done. “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
APPLICATION
What action do you need to take this week to trust God and move forward in facing an area of adversity in your life?
MEMORY VERSE
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 3:1-321. Tactical 2. Everyone has a place 3. According to your gift and personality 4. Mismatched 5. Significance
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23)
But He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.” (Luke 4:43)
“And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)
APPLICATION
How can you use your skills, spiritual gifts, and abilities to build the kingdom of God through the ministry of Jesus’ church this week?
MEMORY VERSE
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 2:1-201. Promises and providence 2. Omnipotence and obedience 3. Confidence and contention
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)
APPLICATION
What is a specific need in another person’s life that you will confidently pray about this week?
MEMORY VERSE
Then the king said to me, “What would you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 2:4)
A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 1:1-111. Ask the right questions 2. Feel the right emotions 3. Have the right reaction 4. Take the right action
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Repentance is understanding the gravity of our sin and having the desire, given by the Holy Spirit’s work in our life, to not continue sinning. “I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)
APPLICATION
What news have you recently received that you need to respond to with prayer?
MEMORY VERSE
“When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:4)
A SERMON FROM LUKE 15:11-32
- You can only be found if you first know you are lost
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
APPLICATION
To what “undeserving” person can you extend God’s love and forgiveness this week?
MEMORY VERSE
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
A SERMON FROM LUKE 10:25-37GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:4-9)
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to help meet someone else’s physical needs? Emotional needs? Spiritual needs?
MEMORY VERSE
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:34-35)
A SERMON FROM LUKE 24:36-491. The reality of the resurrection 2. A new mission
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,…“14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 14, 17)
APPLICATION
What will you commit to doing this week to be a witness for Jesus, telling others what he has done in your life?
MEMORY VERSE
Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44)
A SERMON FROM LUKE 24:13-351. Warning 2. Wisdom 3. Wonder
GOSPEL CONNECTION
He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we
are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” (Isaiah 53:3-6)
APPLICATION
What can and will you do this week to make yourself more available and aware of the Lord’s leading in your life?
MEMORY VERSE
Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.” 1 John 3:2
A SERMON FROM LUKE 22:14-381. Passover 2. Propitiation 3. Providence
GOSPEL CONNECTION
The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 “If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
(1 Peter 1:17–21, see also Hebrews 8:7-13)
APPLICATION
How will you prepare for Communion next time so that you will appreciate more the provision Jesus made for you?
MEMORY VERSE
And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19)
A SERMON FROM LUKE 19:1-101. The Man 2. The Meeting 3. The Miracle 4. The Mission
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. 36 “But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:35-40)
APPLICATION
What will you do this week that reveals salvation has come to your house?
MEMORY VERSE
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
A SERMON FROM LUKE 14:1-241. The laws of man obstruct the love of God (1-6) 2. Promotion of self is the antithesis of a heart of humility (7-11) 3. Spiritual growth comes from authentic giving, not calculated bargaining (12-14) 4. Actions reveal priorities; they always have, always will (15-24)
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the
likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-5)
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to lessen the importance of position, title, or other status symbols in your life?
MEMORY VERSE
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
A SERMON FROM PROVERBS 1:1-7Big Idea: Living in the way of wisdom in everyday life.
- The Wise
- The Simple
- The Fool
"Wisdom is the practical side of moral goodness” - J.I. Packer
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Jesus is the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24) Jesus is wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification for us (1 Cor. 1:30) In Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3) “…but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor. 1:23-24)
APPLICATION
Which one of the following do you need to do this week to gain wisdom? Accept Jesus as the Savior for your sins; Follow Jesus by searching the Scriptures for truth of gaining insight and growth in wisdom (James 1:5); Grow in Jesus by committing to walk in the footsteps of Jesus (1 John 2:3-6) and the way of wisdom (Prov. 4:13-14) When will you begin?
MEMORY VERSE
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
A SERMON FROM LUKE 11:37-541. Woe #1 Superficial religion 2. Woe #2 Love of glory 3. Woe #3 Defiling influence 4. Woe #4 Powerless message 5. Woe #5 Rejection of truth 6. Woe #6 Confusing the message
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14)
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to be a light for Jesus Christ, bringing hope and truth of the Gospel to your family, friends, and/or neighbors?
MEMORY VERSE
“You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)
A SERMON FROM LUKE 10:38-421. Order 2. Disorder 3. Reorder
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)
APPLICATION
What steps will you take this week to intentionally sit at the feet of Jesus, spending more time with Him, reading the Bible, and praying?
MEMORY VERSE
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17)
A SERMON FROM MARK 7:31-371. Jesus wants to enter our lives
2. We are to enter other people’s lives
3. Jesus enters our lives and deals with our sin, so that we can enter others' lives and feel their sorrow
4. Application: How, as an act of faith, can we make this real in our lives?
• Pull away with Jesus alone
• Seek to become self-aware.
• Show the empathy that Christ gives you to others, especially others who are
different than you
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
APPLICATION
What is one area of your life that you can commit to the Lord and trust Him to work through this week? Whom could you tell this week about the goodness of God in your life?
MEMORY VERSE
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
A SERMON FROM LUKE 9:10-171. In over my head 2. A needy crowd (vss. 10-12) 3. An impossible task (vss. 13-14) 4. Jesus steps in! (vss. 14-16) 5. A miracle occurs (vs. 16) 6. The kingdom grew (vs. 17) 7. So…
GOSPEL CONNECTION
We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our life is then to be lived in obedience to God, His Word, and the life of His Son, our Savior, Jesus. The work we do is to honor and glorify God. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10).
“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
APPLICATION
To whom is God asking you to talk about the kingdom of God and share the miracle of regeneration in your life? Will you this week?
MEMORY VERSE
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
A SERMON FROM Luke 7:36-501. A curious invitation 2. The controversial party crasher 3. A compelling forgiveness
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16)
“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” (Romans 3:28)
APPLICATION
Who do you know that needs to hear about Jesus’ love, forgiveness, and grace? Will you tell him/her about Jesus? When?
MEMORY VERSE
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
A SERMON FROM Luke 5:27-321. Jesus PURSUES the despised 2. When we FOLLOW Jesus, we always have to LEAVE something 3. Following Jesus brings GRATITUDE & COMPASSION 4. Jesus hangs out with people others judge 5. The POWER of Jesus to make us CLEAN
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)
APPLICATION
How can you reach out to one person whom others neglect or ignore? Who? When will you do that?
MEMORY VERSE
And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. 32 “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”(Luke 5:31-32)
A SERMON FROM 3 John 1:1-151. The minister 2. The menace 3. The missionary
GOSPEL CONNECTION
To walk in the truth, one must know the truth having experienced the embodiment of truth: Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me’” (John 14:6).
Secondly, if one is to live truth, he must know the truth which Jesus declares is God’s Word given to us in the Bible. “Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is truth.” (John 17:17)
APPLICATION
In what area of your life will you strive to be more faithful this week? How?
MEMORY VERSE
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4)
A SERMON FROM 2 John 1:1-13 1. Walk in truth
2. Watch yourselves
A. Content
B. Consequence
C. Conduct
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)
APPLICATION
How will you live this week to continue in the teachings of Christ?
MEMORY VERSE
“And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.” (2 John 1:6)
A sermon from 1 John 5:13-211. We know that we have eternal life (13) 2. We know that God hears our prayers (14-17) 3. We know that we are in God’s family (18) 4. We know that we are on God’s team (19) 5. We know that we know the one true God (20-21)
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;” (Romans 3:23-25)
APPLICATION
What specific step will you take this week to place more confidence in God and less in the idols of this world?
MEMORY VERSE
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
A SERMON FROM 1 JOHN 5:6-121. The source of the testimony 2. The superiority of the testimony 3. The substance of the testimony
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. 36 “But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:35-40)
APPLICATION
When and to whom will you give testimony this week about who the Son of God is?
MEMORY VERSE
“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.” (1 John 5:11-12)
A sermon from 1 John 5:1-51. The test of whether your love for God is real 2. The test of whether your love for the children of God is real
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)
Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:3-8)
APPLICATION
How will you demonstrate your love for God this week?
MEMORY VERSE
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)
A sermon from 1 Peter 1:3-71. Fact
a. Burial
b. Empty tomb
c. Appearances
d. Transformation
- Faith
a. The root of our living hope
b. The result of our living hope
c. The refining of our living hope
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4and that He was
buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the
Scriptures, 5and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve…
19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to
be pitied. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first
fruits of those who are asleep. 21For since by a man came death, by a
man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die,
so also in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5, 19-22)
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to pursue joy in the midst of trials? How will you rejoice in your salvation today?
MEMORY VERSE
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)
A SERMON FROM 1 JOHN 4:12-211. God abides in us
A. Holy Spirit
B. Father
C. Son
2. God’s love is perfected in us
A. Completes confidence
B. Casts out fear
C. Cancels hate
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:16-21)
APPLICATION
What fear will you ask God to help you overcome this week?
MEMORY VERSE
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18)
A sermon from Exodus 13:17-22
- Israel was not ready for the straight-line route.
- God wants to equip us for our battles.
- What can I count on during the zig-zag?
a. God is paying attention to you
b. God’s provision
c. God’s presence
GOSPEL CONNECTION
The verse, "For we walk by faith, not by sight," (2 Corinthians 5:7) is a key concept in Christian theology, urging believers to trust in God's promises and unseen realities rather than relying solely on what they can see or understand. Our lives are lived by faith and it is by faith we have eternal life. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
APPLICATION
What specific step(s) will you take this week to demonstrate trust in God’s leading in your daily life?
MEMORY VERSE
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
A sermon from 1 John 4:7-11
- The source of love
- The example of love
- The cost of love
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
APPLICATION
What specific steps will you take this week to demonstrate your love for another believer?
MEMORY VERSE
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9
A sermon from 1 John 4:1-6
- Testing the spirits
- Walk in truth
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:5-7) (see also Ephesians 2:1-9)
APPLICATION
What influences (read: “sources”) in your life (i.e., social media, entertainment, books, ideas, others) will you “put to the test” this week to see whether they are from God?
MEMORY VERSE
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)
A sermon from 1 John 3:19-24
- Confidence in prayer
- Conditions for prayer
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)
APPLICATION
What are you willing to do (or try) this week to be more intentional in keeping God’s commandments and, accordingly, abiding in Him?
MEMORY VERSE
“And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.” (1 John 3:23-24)
A sermon from 1 John 3:11-18
- The consequence of hatred
a. The root of hate
b. The result of hate - The precedence of love
a. Our eternity
b. Our example - The evidence of life
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24)
APPLICATION
What specific step will you take this week to put your love for another follower of Jesus into action?
MEMORY VERSE
“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18)
A sermon from 1 John 3:4-10
- Lawlessness
-What is the practice of sinning? (4, 8a)
-Who practices sinning?
-One who does not abide in God (6)
-One who is not born of God (9)
-One who is not a child of God (10) - Righteousness
-The practice of righteous ones (7)
-The purpose of the Righteous One (5, 8b)
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:5-7, 10, 11)
APPLICATION
In what area of your life are you most vulnerable to sin? What guardrails will you implement this week to keep you from practicing that sin?
MEMORY VERSE
“By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:10)
A sermon from 1 John 2:28 — 3:3
- Our confidence at His appearing
- Our condition at His appearing
- Our cleansing until His appearing
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:12-14)
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to purify yourself in anticipation of Christ’s return?
MEMORY VERSE
“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.” (1 John 3:1-2)
A sermon from 1 John 2:18-27
- Defining the antichrists
- Detecting the antichrists4
- Defeating the antichrists
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to better prepare yourself against antichrists and their false doctrines? Who is someone you can encourage in their relationship with Jesus?
MEMORY VERSE
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29)
A sermon from 1 John 2:15-17
- Right love
- Wrong desire
- Real treasure
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.” (Galatians 1:3-5)
APPLICATION
What specific steps will you take this week in order to find satisfaction in your relationship with God rather than the things of the world?
MEMORY VERSE
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16)
A sermon from 1 John 2:7-14
- Study
- Test
- Grade
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 2:1-2)
“for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” (Ephesians 5:8)
APPLICATION
What intentional action steps will you take this week to walk in the light?
MEMORY VERSE
“The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (1 John 2:10-11)
A sermon from 1 John 2:1-6
- The work of Christ (vv. 1-2)
a. Advocate (1)
b. Propitiation (2) - The walk in Christ (vv. 3-6)
a. Know and obey (3-4)
b. Love and obey (5a)
c. Abide and obey (5b-6)
GOSPEL CONNECTION
John wrote his Gospel for the purpose of justification: “But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31); and that he wrote 1 John for those with eternal life (the justified) to have assurance of their justification salvation, which is evidenced by fellowship of redeemed people with one another and ultimately with God our Father and Jesus His Son. (1 John 1:3)
APPLICATION
Based on who Jesus is and what He has done for you, how will you walk in the same manner as Jesus walked this week?
MEMORY VERSE
“But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” (1 John 1:9-10)
A sermon from 1 John 1:5-10
- The perfection of God (vv. 5-6)
- The problem of sin (vv. 7-8)
- The process of sanctification (vv. 9-10)
GOSPEL CONNECTION
By grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) our sin is forgiven and our eternity is changed from separation from God, to being a child in the family of God, dwelling eternally with Him. This is our position in Christ, secure and seated in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). Do not confuse the believer’s position in Christ with the daily fellowship we are to have with God, the reason for John writing this letter.
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to incorporate the confession of sins into your daily walk with your Savior and Lord?
MEMORY VERSE
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:9-10)
A sermon from 1 John 1:1-4
- What is which?
- What does which do for who?
- What does who do for you?
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 11-14)
APPLICATION
What specific steps will you take this week to deepen your fellowship with other believers?
MEMORY VERSE
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4)
A sermon from Revelation 21:1-8
- A Renewed Home (vs. 1-2)
- A Restored Relationship (vs. 3-4)
- A Remarkable Offer (vs. 5-8)
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4 “And you know the way where I am going.” 5 Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:1-6)
APPLICATION
How will you remind yourself every day this week of God’s promised future for His people?
MEMORY VERSE
And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
A Survey of the Book of Matthew:
The Person of the King* 1:1 – 4:25
The Preaching of the King 5:1 – 7:29
The Proof of the King 8:1 – 9:38
The Program of the King 10:1 – 16:12
The Pedagogy of the King 16:13 – 20:28
The Presentation of the King 20:29 – 23:39
The Predictions of the King 24:1 – 25:46
The Passions of the King 26:1 – 27:66
The Power of the King 28:1-20
*Outline from Charles C. Ryrie
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:13-15)
APPLICATION
What will you determine to do to worship the King and live in submission to Jesus’ sovereign rule over your life throughout 2025?
MEMORY VERSE
Therefore, Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:37)
A sermon from Psalm 57
- The request
- The response
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)
APPLICATION
How and to whom will you demonstrate love this week?
MEMORY VERSE
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” (Psalm 57:1)
A sermon from Psalm 126:
- Temporary joy
- Tearful joy
- Timing of joy
- Testimony of joy
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him.” (Exodus 15:2)
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” (Psalm 28:7)
“He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.” (Isaiah 40:29)
"Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to cultivate joy in your life?
MEMORY VERSE
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.” (Psalm 126:3)
A sermon from Psalm 29
- The praise of the Lord
- The power of the Lord
- The peace of the Lord
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near.” (Ephesians 2:13-17)
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to cultivate peace in your life?
MEMORY VERSE
“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)
A sermon from Psalm 130
- Cry to the Lord
- Wait on the Lord
- Hope in the Lord
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” (Luke 1:31)
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
APPLICATION
How will you live this week demonstrating the hope of Jesus in your words, attitudes, and behaviors?
MEMORY VERSE
“I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.” (Psalm 130:5)
A sermon from Lamentations 3:21-25
I. The context: Jerusalem destroyed--The horror and hopelessness in Lamentations
A. The siege
B. The breakthrough
C. Razed and burned
II. A remarkable pivot to hope
A. The power of a “call to mind”
B. Hebrew term: hesed
C. A reason to hope “new every morning”
D. The assurance God will follow Through
E. The goodness of God and the faith to wait
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Then you will say on that day, “I will give thanks to You, O Lord; For although You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, And You comfort me. 2 “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:1-2)
APPLICATION
How will you demonstrate thankfulness to God this week for who He is and what He has done in your life?
MEMORY VERSE
“The Lord’s loving-kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
A sermon from Matthew 28:16-20
- The meeting
- The mission
A. All authority
B. All disciples
C. All nations
D. All baptized
E. All commands
F. All time
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David,
according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship even to
imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.
10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are
chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ
Jesus and with it eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2:8-10
APPLICATION
What will you do this week in the process of making a disciple of
Jesus?
MEMORY VERSE
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching
them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
A sermon from Mattew 28:11-15
- Coverup
- Biblical Testimony
a. Hostile witness
b. Biblical witness - Investigation
a. Burial
b. Empty tomb
c. Appearances
d. Transformation
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; 7 then He appeared to aJames, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.” (1 Cor. 15:3-8)
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to prepare for discussions with those who do not believe Jesus rose from the dead?
MEMORY VERSE
“having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)
A sermon from Matthew 28:1-10
- The arrival of the angel
- The announcement to the women
- The appearance of Jesus
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first
importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:1-4)
APPLICATION
With whom do you need to share the Good News of Jesus Christvrising from the dead, offering forgiveness and salvation to all men?
MEMORY VERSE
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
A sermon from Matthew 27:57-66
- The preparation of Jesus for the tomb
- The plan to keep Jesus in the tomb
GOSPEL CONNECTION and MEMORY VERSE“Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall
also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:4-6)
APPLICATION
In what setting do you need to let it be known this week that you are a follower of Jesus Christ?
A sermon from Matthew 27:45-56
- The reality of the death of Jesus
- The results of the death of Jesus
- The response of the death of Jesus
Gospel Connection and Memory Verse
“And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)
“For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)
Application
How will you live a life of worship this week for what Jesus did for you by dying on the cross for your sins? With whom will you share the good news of Christ’s payment for sin on the cross? When will you share it?
A sermon from Matthew 27:32-44
- Taunt His agony
- Taunt His authority
- Taunt His ability
- Taunt His access
Gospel Connection and Memory Verse
“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment, He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due.” (Isaiah 53:7-8)
Application
In what way(s) will you show your gratitude to Jesus this week in light of all He suffered for you?
A sermon from Matthew 27:24-31
- Claim
- Curse
- Cruelty
Gospel Connection and Memory Verse
“But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging, we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
Application
What will you do this week to prepare yourself to stand for Jesus in times when those around you are mocking Him?
A sermon from Psalm 67
- God and his ways are to be known by all the peoples
- God is to be praised by all the peoples
- Encountering God will bring joy and gladness to all the peoples
- God is to be revered by all the peoples
Gospel Connection
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,12instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” (Titus 2:11-14)
Application
With whom will you share the Gospel of Jesus Christ this week?
A sermon from Matthew 27:11-23
- Charge
- Crowd
- Cross
Gospel ConnectionRead Mark 15:2-15; Luke 23:2-3, 13-15; John 18:29-19:15. Identify additional details and insights these three Gospel writers include regarding this Biblical account. What attitudes, emotions, or perspectives must a person have in order to stay calm while being attacked?
In what way is not defending an innocent person the same as condemning him or her?
In what relationships do you need to trust more in the power and sufficiency of Christ?
In what situation do you need to quit arguing and defending yourself?
Application
In what situation or environment will you stand up for Jesus and Biblical truth this week when the culture screams in opposition?
A sermon from Matthew 27:1-10
- Show trial
- Shallow remorse
- Shameful hypocrisy
Gospel Connection
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16-18)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.” (John 6:47)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
Application
What will you do this week to encourage a friend who is down because of a bad or sinful choice?
A sermon from Matthew 26:69-75
- Ignorant
- Insistent
- Incensed
Gospel Connection
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:6-10)
Application
In what settings do you need to acknowledge Christ more consistently through your words, actions, or non-actions?
A sermon from Matthew 26:57-68
- What is the Gospel?
• John 3:16
• 1 Cor. 15:1-5 - Humility (57-63a)
- Truth (63b-68)
GOSPEL CONNECTION“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-5
APPLICATIONWith whom are you currently sharing the Gospel?
How are you sharing the Gospel with them?
How are you faithfully following God’s calling in your life with humility and truth so that others can find new life in Jesus?
A sermon from Matthew 26:47-56
- The Sellout
- The Surrender
- The Scripture
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to ensure you stand firm in your faith the next time you are tested?
A sermon from Matthew 26:36-46
- Watch and pray
- Sin and wrath
Gospel Connection
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes
to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38For I have come down from
heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
39This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I
lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40For this is the will of My
Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will
have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
John 6:37-40
Application
In what area of your life do you need to pray to God, “Your will be done”? When will you pray and relinquish your wishes?
A sermon from Matthew 26:30-35
- What is the heart of discipleship?
- What if I stumble?
- Why did God allow Peter to fail?
Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.
A sermon from Matthew 26:14-29
- The selfish scheme
- The sovereign schedule
- The Savior’s supper
Judas to Betray Jesus14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
The Passover with the Disciples17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
Institution of the Lord's Supper26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”
Next Week: Matt 26:30-35
A sermon from Matthew 26:3-16
- Anointing by the woman
- Accusation of waste
- Act of worship
Jesus Anointed at Bethany6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
Next week: Matthew 26:14-29
A sermon from Matthew 26:1-5
- God's plan
- Man's plan
The Plot to Kill Jesus1When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”
A sermon from Matthew 25:31-46
- Sheep
- Goats
The Final Judgment31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
A sermon from Matthew 25:14-31
- Earthly Lesson
- Heavenly Meaning
The Parable of the Talents14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
A sermon from Matthew 25:1-13
- A wedding
- The Bridegroom arrived late (vs. 1-6)
- Some were not prepared (vs. 7-8, 11-12)
- Some were prepared (vs. 4, 9)
- The prepared met the Bridegroom (vs. 10)
- The prepared went into the marriage feast (vs. 10, 13)
- So…
The Parable of the Ten Virgins25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
A sermon from Matthew 24:36-51
- Jesus will return suddenly at an unknown unexpected time
- We must be vigilant as we wait for His return so we are not caught unprepared.
- Wait for Jesus’ return as stewards who must give an account of their service, faithful or otherwise.
No One Knows That Day and Hour36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
A sermon from Matthew 24:32-35
- The parable
- The prediction
- The promise
The Lesson of the Fig Tree32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
A sermon from Matthew 24:29-31
- The grandeur of the signs
- The glory of the King
- The gathering of the elect
The Coming of the Son of Man 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
A sermon from Matthew 24:15-22
- Immediate danger
- Ultimate deliverance
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, 24then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” (1 Cor. 15:20-26)
APPLICATION
How will you strengthen your faith this week so that you are ready to face any evil days that will come? What specifically will you do?
A sermon from Matthew 24:9-14
- Affliction
- Apostasy
- Assurance
- Assignment
Gospel Connection
“This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life. 28Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. 29If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.” (1 John 2:25, 28-29)
Application
With whom will you share the Gospel of the Kingdom this week? When will you share it with him/her?
A sermon from Matthew 24:3-8
- The wondering
- The warning
- The waiting
Gospel Connection
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. 36“But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will
certainly not cast out. 38“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39“This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” 44“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:35-40, 44 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)
Application
What is one thing you will do this week to guard yourself against false teachers (those claiming to come in the name of Jesus)?
A sermon from Matthew 24:1-2 (ESV)
- The radiance of the temple
- The ruin of the temple
- The replacement of the temple
Gospel Connection
But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation bin His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
Jesus came to earth, taught truth, lived holiness, and humbly laid down His life as the sacrifice for sin, once for all. All mankind needs a savior, a redeemer, for every one has sinned and falls short of the holiness of Creator God (Romans 3:23). Jesus willingly went to the cross and was
murdered, taking on our sin in His death, which was done on our behalf. Jesus satisfied the wrath of His Father, who is holy, perfect, and just. The only way for someone to enter the presence of Almighty, Sovereign God is by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ whose
blood shed on the cross satisfied God’s wrath against sin by being the perfect sacrifice (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:1-2). In Christ alone man is reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
Application
How will you live in gratitude this week for Jesus’ sacrificial gift given to you?
A sermon from Matthew 23:37-39
- Rejected God’s prophets
- Refused God’s protection
- Received God’s punishment
Gospel Connection
Jesus is the Messiah. God’s covenant with Abraham is unilateral and irrevocable. Paul taught about Jesus’ future salvation of Israel. "For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.”
27“This is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” 28From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; 29for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:25-29)
Application
How will you incorporate the truth of Biblical prophecy into your life and interactions this week?
A sermon from Matthew 23:29-36
- Hindsight
- Foresight
Gospel Connection
Peter preached (Acts 2:14ff) of the One the OT prophets foretold God would send as the Savior for the sins of man…Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name
of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39“For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.”
(Acts 2:38-41)
Application
What will you do this week to align your inward character with your outward religious activity (Prov. 4:20-27)?
A sermon from Matthew 23:25-28
- Dirty Dishes
- Filthy Tomb
Gospel Connection
John tells his purpose for writing his first letter: to maintain fellowship with God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3).
“6If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:6-10)
Application
What will you do this week to keep your heart pure so that what is seen outwardly accurately reflects who you are inwardly (Prov. 4:20-27)?
A sermon from Matthew 23:23-24
- Small matters
- Heavy matters
- Your life matters
Gospel Connection
A believer in Jesus is to live in a way which reflects our Savior to fellow Christians and non-Christians alike, with the fruit of the Spirit evident in us. “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Application
As you reflect on your obedience to God’s law and living as a disciple of Jesus, what will you do this week to walk more fully in the same manner as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6)?
A sermon from Luke 24:36-53
- Bestows peace
- Turns the past into the future
- Empowers and abundant life
Gospel Connection
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5)
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
Application
Who will you talk to this week about the importance and necessity of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for all mankind?
A Good Friday sermon from Hebrews 2:5-18
5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere,
“What is man, that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned him with glory and honor,
8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.”
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
A sermon from Matthew 23:16-22
- Be careful who you follow and how you lead
- Pursue truth over tradition
- Walk in God’s faithfulness
Gospel Connection
By Jesus Christ doing the will of God in becoming the sacrifice for sin, once for all, sinful humanity can become holy (via God’s grace through faith, see Ephesians 2:1-10). Hebrews 10:1-18 describes what Jesus did and what we received.
"After saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have not desired, nor have You taken pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the Law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second. 10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:8-10)
Application
How will you live out Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” this week?
A sermon from Matthew 23:13-15
- The Defense (vs. 14)
- The Door (vs. 13)
- The Disciple (vs. 15)
Gospel ConnectionIt is not possible for mankind to obtain eternal life on their own works, merit and efforts. Jesus makes that truth clear in Matthew 19:16-26.
"But God, who is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5), has demonstrated His love for us in Christ Jesus." (Romans 5:8)
Entrance into the kingdom of heaven is only found in Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) (ESV)
ApplicationWith whom will you share the key to entering the kingdom of heaven? When will you do it?
A sermon from Matthew 23:1-12
- Grounded in Scripture
- Humble in service
- Identity in Christ
Gospel Connection“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45 (NASB)
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5 (NASB)
ApplicationIs there an area of your life where your words do not match your actions? What will you do this week to align your words and deeds reflecting humble servanthood to our Savior and King ?
A sermon from Matthew 22:41-46
- Son of God and Son of David
- Mistaken identity
- Application
Gospel Connection“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one
died for all, therefore all died; 15and He died for all, so that they who
live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and
rose again on their behalf.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NASB)
ApplicationWhat will you do this week, or stop doing, to become more effective in introducing your non-Christian friends to Christ?
A sermon from Matthew 22:34-40
- Start at the beginning
- Respond fully to God
- Embody the Gospel
Gospel Connection“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent
His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved
us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has seen God at any
time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is
perfected in us.” 1 John 4:10-12 (NASB)
ApplicationWhat will you do this week indicating you love God with your heart,
soul, and mind?
What will you do this week indicating you love your neighbor as you
love yourself?
www.blesseveryhome.org/centurybaptist
A sermon from Matthew 22:23-33
- Strengthen your foundation
- Look beyond
- Embrace today
Gospel Connection“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things
passed away; behold, new things have come. 18Now all these things
are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave
us the ministry of reconciliation, 19namely, that God was in Christ
reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against
them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were
making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be
reconciled to God. 21He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our
behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (NASB)
ApplicationWhat area of Biblical doctrine will you read about and study this week?
A sermon from Matthew 22:15-22
- Opposing forces unite
- Calling it out
- Choose wisely
Gospel Connection
“that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old
self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,
23and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24and put on the
new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in
righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:22-24 (NASB)
“Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death,
so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the
Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to fulfill your civic responsibilities as a follower of Jesus and a citizen of the USA?
A sermon from Matthew 22:1-14
- The honor of the invitation
- The hardihood of the invited
- The heart of the King
Gospel ConnectionThe church is the bride of Christ. The kingdom of heaven will be the eternal celebration of the wedding of Jesus to the church for which He suffered and bled and died. Jesus gave His life for His bride.
ApplicationHave you accepted the King’s invitation to the wedding feast? How will the King’s invitation to be part of the wedding feast affect your attitudes and actions this week?
Memory Verse“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
A sermon from Matthew 21:28-46
- It's about humility
- It's about submissive obedience
- It's about bearing fruit
Gospel Connection"But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God..." (Hebrews 10:12)
ApplicationWhat command of Christ, that you may have been neglecting, do you need to obey?
What is one practical step you will take this week to submit to God and obey His Word?
A sermon from Matthew 21:23-27
- Why the question mattered to the leaders
- Why the question mattered to Jesus
- Why Jesus' authority matters to us
Gospel Connection"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:15-20)
ApplicationIn what area of your life do you need to submit to Jesus' authority?
How will you humble yourself before Jesus' authority over your life?
A sermon from Matthew 21:18-22
- Hunger to bear fruit
- Hunger for belief
Gospel Connection"And without faith it is impossible to please Him (God), for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
ApplicationWhat fruit would you like to bear as a disciple of Jesus that you currently are not?
What change(s) in your life this week would enable you to bear more fruit in your Christian walk?
A sermon from Matthew 21:12-17
- Rule with authority
- Serve with compassion
- Rise above opinion
Gospel Connection"concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord," (Romans 1:3-4)
ApplicationWhat impure thoughts or actions do you need to drive out of your life?
How will you praise and worship Jesus this week as the One who gave His life that we might have life?
PrayerGod! You are holy! Help me understand what that means and how to live each day honoring and worshiping You as a holy God.
A sermon from Matthew 21:1-11
- Ask, "What can I give?”
- Ask, “What do I need?”
- Ask, “Who is this?”
Gospel Connection
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form
of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of
a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He
humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9For this reason
also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10so that at
the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)
Application
Who will you tell this week that Jesus is? What specifically will you tell him?
A sermon from Luke 2:15-20
- They knew what they had
- They shared it with others
- They didn't stop singing
Gospel Connection23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his place.
28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; (1 Chronicles 16:23-29)
ApplicationHow will the birth of Jesus change your speech and conversations this week?
A sermon from Luke 2:8-14
- From glory to glory
- From glory to favor
- From favor to peace
Gospel Connection29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:29-33)
ApplicationDo you have the peace of God in your life? If not, what will you do this week to experience the peace of God in your life?
A sermon from Luke 1:46-55
- Magnificent chorus
- Strong transition
- Anticipated syncopation
Gospel Connection13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.15 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. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. (Galatians 3:13-16)
ApplicationHow will you glorify the Lord and rejoice in your Savior this week?
A sermon from Luke 1:67-79
- Receiving the blessing
- Blessing the giver
- Releasing the blessing
Gospel Connection21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26)
ApplicationWhat will you do this week to exhibit faithfulness to God (like Zacharias did) by sharing the testimony of God's blessing in your life? To whom will you share? When will you share?
A sermon from Colossians 3:1-17
- Renewed Focus
- Renewed Relationships
- Renewed Attitude
Gospel Connection8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (Colossians 2:8-15)
ApplicationTake some time this week to think about how to let the peace of Christ and the Word of Christ dwell in you deeply, and how that can transform your holiday season into one full of Thanksgiving!
A sermon from Matthew 20:29-34
- Who over what
- Faith despite opposition
- Love surpassing knowledge
Gospel Connection“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7
Application To whom is God leading you to show compassion? How will you demonstrate compassion to him/her?
A sermon from Matthew 20:20-28
- Count the cost
- Consider the risk
- Become a learner
Gospel Connection"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14)
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
ApplicationWhat will you do this week to imitate Jesus' life mission (vs. 28)?
PrayerStrengthen my understanding of Jesus' life mission by helping me to imitate His service toward others and unconditional love for all people.
A sermon from Matthew 20:17-19
- Why did Jesus have to suffer?
- Why did Jesus have to be crucified?
- Why did Jesus have to rise again?
Gospel Connection"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
ApplicationWhat will you do in word and/or deed this week to demonstrate gratitude for Jesus' suffering and death on your behalf?
A sermon from Matthew 20:1-16
- Explaining the story
- Understanding justice and grace
- Reevaluating motive
Gospel Connection"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved..." Ephesians 2:4-5
ApplicationHow can and will you say thank you to God every day this week for His amazing grace in your life?
A sermon from Matthew 19:24-30
- Who can be saved?
- What will we have?
- Where will I be?
Gospel Connection"...and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15)
"He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit," (Titus 3:5)
ApplicationWhat are you willing to sacrifice for Christ this week, knowing you will be rewarded in heaven for it?
PrayerGod, I desire to follow You and leave behind the trappings of this earth. Show me the things I need to let go of and the things I need to pursue.
A sermon from Matthew 19:16-23
- A low point of view
- A higher frame of reference
- An elevated position
Gospel ConnectionOur goodness can never get us to God. We are born into sin, have sinned, and need to be forgiven of our sin.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23)
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
ApplicationWill you place or have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ, God's One and only Son as the Savior of your sins, accepting the free gift of salvation offered by God's grace through faith?
What needs to be removed from your life that is a deterrent to growing in your spiritual life?
A sermon from Matthew 19:13-15
- Love a child
- Like a child
Gospel Connection"And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me..." (Matthew 18:2-5)
ApplicationHow can you become more childlike your faith this coming week?
PrayerGive me the heart's desire of a small child, the wonder of little ones, and simplicity of faith in You, my Savior and my God.
A sermon from Matthew 19:1-12
- The Trust Foundation
- Follow the Design
- Claim the Room
Gospel Connection25 "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,..."
28 "In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." (Ephesians 5:25, 28)
ApplicationHow will you communicate to family and friends the sacredness and sanctity of the marriage relationship?
PrayerHeavenly Father, may I be committed to Your plan, design, and goal for the marriage relationship as You have instituted and blessed it.
A sermon from Matthew 18:21-35
- A moment to define
- A lifetime of grace
- An eternity at stake
Gospel ConnectionThrough the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, God showed His willingness to forgive mankind. Without Jesus' death and resurrection there can be no forgiveness of our sin. By grace through faith a person believes in Jesus and God forgives his sin.
ApplicationWhat individual(s) do you need to "release from their debts" today?
PrayerBring to mind the words and deeds I have been forgiven for by You, God; and bring to mind those whom I need to forgive, and help me do so.
A sermon from Matthew 18:15-20
- Brotherly love
- Humble authority
- Unified prayer
ApplicationWhat Biblical principles can you practice today so as to avoid conflicts with others?
To which relationships or in what specific ways will you apply this teaching of Jesus?
PrayerThank you for Your Word which guides my attitudes and actions. Help me live obediently in my relationships and to the direction given by Jesus.
A sermon from Matthew 18:10-14
- Unquestionable demand
- Endless supply
- Considerable need
Gospel ConnectionGod send His Son to come to earth for the purpose of seeking and saving those who were and are lost (Luke 19:10). There is great celebrating in heaven when one repents of their sin and turns to God.
ApplicationWhich "lost sheep" will you search for and attempt to bring back to the "99" sheep this week by living the love and acceptance of Christ?
PrayerGive me eyes to see others, especially little ones, as having great value in order that my actions and intentions reflect Your heart.
A sermon from Matthew 18:7-9
- The root of temptation
- The response to temptation
Gospel Connection Genesis 3 introduced sin to the world and all mankind. The sin of Adam plunged all humanity into sin. Each human being is born into "original sin." Therefore, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). All sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) and leads to death, "for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Jesus is the only way to a relationship with God and an eternity with him in Heaven (John 14:6). That relationship is established by grace through faith, which is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Will you accept it?
Application What intentional actions will you implement into your life this week to keep you from the stumbling blocks leading to sin?
Prayer As I live each day I ask, Holy Spirit, for You to remind me of Biblical truth and the power of Jesus in me to choose obedience to You, my God.
A sermon from Matthew 18:1-6
- How do you get into the Kingdom?
- How do you become great in the Kingdom?
- How do you treat people in the Kingdom?
Gospel Connection "5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,... 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5, 8)
Application What will you do this week to humble yourself before Jesus and God?
Prayer Forgive me for my arrogance and pride. Remind me daily to live humbly before you, my Savior and my God, in the same manner that Jesus humbled Himself before His Heavenly Father.
A sermon from Matthew 17:24-27
- Person over place
- Souls over self
- One over all
Gospel Connection "...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)
Application How does your behavior need to change this week so you can better represent Christ as His ambassador to the world?
Prayer My gracious, loving God, awaken my heart and mind to constantly and consistently seek treasure in heaven by living in obedience to Your Holy Word, imitating Jesus every day I live.
A sermon from Matthew 17:14-20
- It's about trust
- It's about power
- It's about time
Gospel Connection "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Application In which relationship, situation, or difficulty do you need to exhibit a greater faith in God to help you walk in and through it? What will you do to rely on God for help in the relationship, situation, or difficulty?
Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, I want to grow in my faith. Strengthen my belief in You. Remind me to always pray about all things.
A sermon from Matthew 17: 9-13
- Avoiding chaos
- Resurrection confusion
- Reorienting the disoriented
Gospel Connection "For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself." (John 5:26). Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
Application With whom will you share what you have learned about Jesus from this text? When will you share it?
Prayer Dear God, give me courage and boldness to tell others Jesus is your Son and He is the only sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.
A sermon from Matthew 17:1-8
- More than a person
- More than a personality
- More than a personification
Gospel Connection "...but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:5-6)
Application What will you do this week to give Jesus the glory He deserves?
A sermon from Matthew 16:24-28
- Say farewell
- Pack what is necessary
- Go
GOSPEL CONNECTION Jesus has done everything He asks us to do: He denied Himself (Philippians 2:5-8), took up the cross (Romans 5:6-8, Ephesians 2:13-18), and obediently followed God's plan (Matthew 26:36-46)
APPLICATION What needs to change in your daily life to live according to Jesus' command to follow Him by denying self and taking up your cross?
PRAYER Lord, we praise You for who You are. Thank You for revealing Yourself to us. Grant us the strength to be obedient to our calling as Christians so that we can bear witness to Your faithfulness, even in the midst of life's trials. Amen.
A sermon from Matthew 16:21-23
- What Jesus did
- What Peter felt he had to do
- What we must do
Gospel Connection There is no forgiveness of sin without Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. He is the perfect sacrifice for man’s sin; there is no other way (1 John 2:2; John 14:6).
Application What will you intentionally and specifically do this week to keep your mind on God’s interests while at work? with your family? with friends?
A sermon from Matthew 16:13-20
- Location
- Foundation
- Dominion
Gospel Connection Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. Jesus is the once-for-all sacrifice for sin and, as such, the foundation of the church (Greek term: ecclesia or the assembly of those who believe in Him).
Application What will you do this week to help a friend overcome an erroneous idea about Jesus?
Prayer Thank You, God, for Jesus, the true and only foundation of the church.
A sermon from Matthew 16:5-12
- Live aware
- Live on purpose
- Live with confidence
Gospel Connection While physical food is vital to daily living, spiritual food determines our eternity. Jesus’ disciples were so focused on the need for physical sustenance, they missed Jesus’ teaching on the spiritual. The Pharisees’ and Sadducees’ doctrine concentrated on duty and dogmatic diligence in an effort to earn eternal life. Jesus’ teaching was God’s grace given in Himself, the Messiah (John 6:32-40).
Application What nonjudgmental and nonthreatening step can you take this week to warn a friend who is being led astray by unsound teaching?
Prayer My God and Savior, to you I call, asking that You grant me passion to follow You closely, a yearning to know Your Word, and discernment to differentiate Your truth from the enemy’s deception and lies.
A sermon from Matthew 16:1-4
- A dangerous combination
- An inadequate endeavor
- A colossal affirmation
Gospel Connection Two signs of God’s love for all humanity have been revealed 2,000 years ago. The first is Jesus coming to earth as a baby. Divinity took on flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The second sign is Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Jesus is our advocate as the satisfaction for sins, once for all (1 John 2:1-2). Another sign will not make any difference in a person’s willingness to believe in Jesus.
Application * What has God done in your life that you can use as a sign to others? * How will you show your faith in Jesus this week that He is the Savior for your sins?
Prayer You, eternal God, are worthy of my praise, adoration, and obedience because of who You are. I choose to follow You based on Your faithfulness, love, mercy, and forgiveness. Thank You for giving me eternal life in Jesus, Your only Son.
A sermon from Matthew Matthew 15:29-39
- Greater than miracles
- Deeper than care
- More than enough
Gospel Connection Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:32-40
Application What will you do this week to feed someone spiritually?
How does God want you to meet the physical needs of someone currently in your life?
A sermon from Matthew 15:21-28
- Persistent in plea
- Steady on mission
- Unbroken in spirit
Gospel Connection Jesus came to make us spiritually healthy, not personally happy. From a baby in a feeding trough, to a teaching Rabbi, to the Son of God dying on the cross for our sin, Jesus’ interest in our lives is centrally focused on our understanding of who He is, what He has done and our need for Him as the satisfaction to God’s wrath toward our sin.
Application * What principle from this passage can you apply to your life this week? * How will you use that principle to encourage another believer in their faith?
Prayer God, I praise You for providing all I need, for Your faithfulness and interest in my life. Help me to trust You in all situations, answering my persistent pleas according to Your sovereign plan for my life.
- It’s about obedience.
- It’s about vanity.
- It’s all about the heart.
Gospel Connection Jesus came to change our hearts, not our behaviors (Ezekiel 36:24-32; Romans 10:9-10; Hebrews 10:22). When our hearts change; when are affections change, then our behaviors will follow. The Son of God was born, lived and died a sacrificial death (for the sins of all mankind) so that by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) you and I might be forgiven of our sin and enter into a relationship with Almighty, Holy God, our Creator.
Application What can and will you do this week to help keep your focus on Jesus Christ rather than mere outward conformity to rules?
Prayer Dear God, my Heavenly Father, direct me daily to keep my focus on You, the example of Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that I live each day in obedience to the truths of Scripture.
A sermon from Matthew 15:1-9
- Nothing is right
- Nothing is wrong
- Nothing changes
Gospel Connection Jesus came to change our hearts, not our behaviors (Ezekiel 36:24-32; Romans 10:9-10; Hebrews 10:22). When our hearts change; when are affections change, then our behaviors will follow. The Son of God was born, lived and died a sacrificial death (for the the sins of all mankind) so that by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) you and I might be forgiven of our sin and enter into a relationship with Almighty, Holy God, our Creator.
Application What will you do this week to cultivate a pure, humble heart? How will you evaluate the value of church/religious traditions?
Prayer Forgive me for the times when I have placed more value on traditions than the truth of Scripture. Help me to be a student of Your Word knowing what it says and applying it to my life daily.
A sermon from Matthew 14:34-36
Matthew 14:34-36
- Rich soil
- Favorable conditions
- Perfect sunlight
Gospel ConnectionWhile Jesus can heal physically, He desires to heal each one spiritually by His sacrifice for sin on the cross. See 1 John 2:1-2.
ApplicationWhat will you do this week to allow Jesus to be more than someone who has the ability to heal your disease or sickness, but to bring peace and healing into your soul as you live each day?
PrayerHeavenly Father, help me to always remember the power of Your Son Jesus; not just His power to physically heal, but His power to change my life by conforming it to His.
A sermon from Matthew 14:22-33
- No hesitation
- No fear
- No doubt
Gospel Connection"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13–14
ApplicationIn what practical way can you demonstrate faith as you go through the coming week? What will you do to help you keep your eyes on Jesus and off your fears
PrayerGod, grant me the courage to trust Jesus as the all-sufficient One for every circumstance I face, and worship Him as Your Son always.
A sermon from Matthew 14:13-21
- Jesus the caregiver
- Jesus the provider
- Jesus the Savior
Gospel ConnectionWhile we need physical food to sustain physical life, we need spiritual food to sustain spiritual life. Jesus is the spiritual food, if you will, that allows us spiritual life. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection clarify He alone is the one in whom forgiveness of sin is found. Jesus is the Bread of Life; Jesus is the only one who can provide spiritual life.
ApplicationWhat can you do this week to minister to someone in need? When will you do it.
PrayerJesus thank you for providing forgiveness of sin and satisfying God’s wrath against sin by your death on the cross. I believe in You for the forgiveness of my sin, confess and turn from it to follow You alone.
A sermon from Matthew 14:1-13
- A heart of truth
- A heart for the crowd
- A heart of authenticity
GOSPEL CONNECTION“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 32Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29, 32
APPLICATIONWhat will you do this week to be more mindful of the words you speak and the promises you make?
PRAYERHelp me speak words of truth, encouragement and kindness to others regardless of my circumstances or situation.
A sermon from Matthew 13:53-58
- Quick to minimize
- Less than a stranger
- Fall short
GOSPEL CONNECTION“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:4-6
APPLICATIONWhich family members and/or friends will you commit to visit or call this week to tell them about the change Christ is making in you?
PRAYERMy Heavenly Father, may I never minimize Your power, authority and greatness. You gave us Your Son Jesus so we can have a relationship with You. Help me to live each day in awe and wonder of all You have done for me and all humanity.
A sermon from Matthew 13:47-52
- What happens when we die?
- What we believe about Hell?
- What must I do to be saved?
APPLICATIONWho are you building a friendship with that needs to hear the truth of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrificial death? What is next in the progression of spiritual conversations do you need to have with your friend? When will you have that conversation?
GOSPEL CONNECTION“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” Romans 5:6-9
PRAYERGive me a passion for seeking and learning Your truth, applying it to every area of my life every day and sharing it with others continuously.
Easter Sunday SermonLuke 24:1-12Gospel ConnectionThe crucifixion is the once-for-all-time sacrifice for sin. The resurrection of Jesus is the defeat of death. Salvation - saved from sin and saved unto God - is only possible by Jesus finished work on the cross and the empty tomb. Romans 5:6-11; John 14:6
ApplicationHow will you prepare to tell what you know about Jesus and your faith in Him, so you are ready to tell others when the opportunity arises?
PrayerThank You God for Your love demonstrated to me in the life, death and resurrection of Your Son Jesus. Help me to tell others what You have done and how it has changed my life.
A sermon from John 12:12-19
OUTLINE1. A desperate plea 2. A victory chant 3. A humble surrender
GOSPEL CONNECTIONJesus came to earth to be the once-for-all sacrifice for sin. He came to be King over our lives, not a political king to rule a nation. Jesus’s mission is much greater than giving us freedom from human oppression found in governments. The freedom Jesus offers is from sin and death, and is only available to us because of His death on the cross. He died in our place, doing for us what we are incapable of doing. By grace through faith we are set free from the captivity of sin.
APPLICATIONHow will you honor and worship Jesus - be specific - with your life this week?
PRAYERHelp me to hail you as King of my life, 24 hours of every day, not only when it is convenient or I believe You can offer me something. You, Jesus, are the only One worthy of my allegiance, worship and praise.
A sermon from Matthew 13:44-46
- Value of the kingdom
- Cost of discipleship
Gospel ConnectionGod gave His only Son for us. Jesus gave His life so we, by grace through faith, could have a relationship with our Creator: eternal, Holy God. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)
ApplicationWhat items do you need to “sell” this week in order to follow Jesus
more closely and intentionally?
What whom will you share the wealth you have in Christ this week?
PrayerGive me a passion for seeking and desiring You, my Lord and my God, that is unrivaled by anything I seek and desire on this earth.
A sermon from Matthew 13:31-35
Points1. From minuscule to mighty 2. From unseen to seen 3. From dormant to dynamic
Gospel Connection“I (the Apostle Paul) planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. 8 Now the one who plants and the one who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Application QuestionsWhat is one way you could quietly help the Gospel permeate your family, friends or workplace? What examples or stories can you share with someone this week to help him understand your faith in Christ?
PrayerShow me this week the opportunities you will provide to me to share my faith by telling what you have done in my life, and then strengthen me to be courageous to speak.
A sermon from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
- Supernatural sowing
- Patient endurance
- Righteous results
Our attitudes and actions reveal our relationship with Jesus.
A sermon from Matthew 13:10-17
- The power of story
- A shield for the opposition
- A showpiece for the aesthete
The Gospel message is not a buffet allowing each one to pick and choose what they like and are willing to do. The Gospel is set by God in Jesus, His life, death and resurrection. An individual comes to God on God’s terms, not on their own terms.
A sermon from Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Guest speaker: Paul Ewing
The good news of the Gospel is proclaimed so that, despite the variety of responses, some will bear fruit many times over.
A sermon on Matthew 12:46-50
- An important moment
- A significant response
- The key decision
Righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who lived a sinless life and died on a cross as the payment of God’s wrath against sin (1 John 2:2), so by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), a person can be forgiven of sin and be restored to a relationship with God, their Creator. Faith in Jesus brings about righteousness (Galatians 3:11; Habakkuk 2:4). There is no other way. As a result, our family of origin does not determine our righteousness; only a relationship with Jesus does that. Therefore, obedience to God takes precedence over responsibilities to family.
A sermon on Matthew 12:43-45
- Out with the old
- In with the new
Jesus came to change our affections, desires, tendencies and devotion. Removing sinful patterns and habits from our life does not make us disciples of Jesus; it makes us moral people. Jesus came for more than morality, He came to offer us abundant life, or life to the full. Abundant life is not only emptying our lives of sinful choices, that is only part of it. The totality of abundant life also includes filling our lives with devotion to living as Jesus lived, loving as Jesus loved and pursuing the things of God that Jesus pursued.
A sermon from Matthew 12:38-42
- The desire for more
- Beyond words
- Exceeding expectations
To know who Jesus is one has to look at what He claimed and what He did. Jesus stated often that He was the Son of God; the Messiah who came to save people from their sins. When the Jewish religious leaders could take it no more, and in the fulfilled time of God’s plan, they put Him to death by crucifixion to a Roman cross. That was a Friday. On Sunday all prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus rose from the dead defeating sin and death. With the centurion we can say, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54)
A sermon on Matthew 12:33-37
- Our heart determines our choices
- Our heart discloses our character
- Our heart dictates our conclusion
Jesus died to solve our sin problem which originates in our hearts. He did not come to modify our behavior. By Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, we can have a new heart, one that lives to reveal God’s grace, love and goodness.
A sermon from Matthew 12:22-32
- Jesus leads with mercy
- Jesus exposes the bluff
- Jesus dominates the rebellion
Jesus is the sum total of salvation (John 3:16; 14:6). The Holy Spirit convicts one of sin (John 16:5-11) so that the Father can draw us (John 6:44-47). To speak against the Holy Spirit is to reject salvation.
A sermon from Matthew 12:15-21
- Jesus is Jesus
- Conviction with compassion
God created us, loves us, desires a relationship with us and works in our lives to conform us to the image of His Son Jesus (Romans 8:28-29). Jesus humbled Himself to do the will of His Father (born as a baby; died on a cross) so that we, as God’s children, would do God’s will also in our behaviors and actions toward others.
A sermon from Matthew 12:9-14.
- People get used
- Mercy becomes necessary
- Opportunity knocks
God is loving, kind, gracious, merciful and compassionate toward His creation. Having created us in His Image, we, as His children, are to act toward one another according to how God has acted toward us. Because of Jesus’ love and sacrificial death on the cross, we have the example, and through Christ living in us, the power and ability to show mercy and compassion to those we see and engage with each day.
A sermon from Matthew 12:1-8.
- More than a spectator
- Above opinion
- Higher than ritual
God is a merciful God, giving us grace, forgiveness and unconditional love. By faith in Jesus we come into a relationship with God receiving that grace, forgiveness and love. God, in Jesus, demonstrated mercy toward us, and He wants us to share what we received with others.
Psalm 23:1-6
- Rest
- Refocus
- Remain
Continual, authentic peace is only found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The message of Christmas is God’s love revealed in His gift to us: His only Son who because the satisfaction of God’s wrath toward our sin (1 John 2:2). Regardless what we face in this life, in Jesus we can have and experience peace in our hearts, minds and souls because Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Psalm 98:1-9
- Focus on the wonder
- Embrace what is
- Choose positivity
God is love. In His love God gave us His Son to be our salvation that by grace through faith Jesus saves us from our sin, is the satisfaction of God’s wrath toward sin and brings us into relationship with our God, Creator and Judge.
Psalm 103:1-14
- Embrace the build up
- Value the source
- Live wide-eyed
The psalmist offers blessing (praise, adoration) to God celebrating the abundant goodness and love the LORD has for His people. That love is most clearly demonstrated in His Son Jesus who came to earth as a baby in a manger, lived a sinless life and died on a cruel cross as the sacrifice for sins, offering forgiveness by grace through faith.
Psalm 42:1-11
- Learn from the past
- Question the present
- Hope for the future
God is faithful, unchanging, eternal and omnipresent. He is always with us; He never leaves us. God went to the ultimate length of showing us His goodness, love and grace by giving us His Son, born as a baby, in a feeding trough. No matter what is happening around us or to us, God loves us sacrificially. Jesus died on the cross for our sin as a demonstration of God’s love for His creation. The follower of Jesus always has hope regardless of our circumstances, for we have a Savior who died for us that we might have access to God our Heavenly Father. Recalling why Jesus came to earth always brings hope to each one, in every circumstance.
- Our Responsibility
- Our Reward
- Our Rest
Jesus came to preach the kingdom of heaven, give His life as the sacrifice for sin and in so doing offer us eternal life. This comes from a change in our thinking, understanding and behaviors. When we believe in Jesus as Savior, we are also turning away from the sin in our life (its penalty and power) and turning to His forgiveness for our sin and acceptance in the family of God.
- The nature of prophets
- The nature of Jesus
- The nature of ministry
John the Baptist was the forerunner to Jesus announcing His ministry and His kingdom (John 1:6-8). Jesus came as the Christ setting up His kingdom in the hearts and lives for sinful mankind so that they may be forgiven of their sin. The next time Jesus returns to earth, He will come to set up His kingdom, rule and reign on earth. In the meantime, may we give attention to John’s words about Jesus’ ministry in Matthew 3:11-12.
Matthew 11:1-6
- Use God’s Word to discern God’s will
- Use God’s Word to examine your faith
Jesus came to bring the kingdom of heaven to sinful mankind. He did not come in a way people expected, nor did Jesus set up His kingdom in a manner they imagined. Rather, He came to give His life as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin through His death on the cross. Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, who died in our place.
Matthew 10:40-42
The disciple of Jesus lives in obedience to his Savior working to bring others into the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus endured suffering, pain and death for us when He went to the cross to satisfy the wrath of God so that by grace through faith His blood would cover our sin. Jesus calls you and I to be workers in His harvest sharing with others what we know and what Jesus did for us. Along the way we will face persecution, rejection and oppression, but we are to press on for we will be rewarded for our loyalty in serving Jesus as His willing disciples.
God created us in His image, for His glory, wanting to fellowship and communicate with us. Sin broke and destroyed that reality leaving us separated from God. Jesus’ death on the cross was the sacrifice needed for the forgiveness of sin for all mankind. Only because of Jesus can that relationship with God be restored offering the opportunity to pray to God.
The figurative cross Jesus asks His disciples to take and follow after Him, is the literal cross Jesus hung on to be the sacrifice for sin, once for all, so that mankind, by grace through faith, can come back into a relationship with God; the very relationship that sin severed. Jesus calls His disciples die to ourselves and live for His purpose and glory.
Jesus was persecuted and rejected as a baby (Matthew 2:7-12). It did not take long into His ministry before Jesus was persecuted and ultimately rejected by the religious leaders. The final and ultimate persecution was His substitutionary death on the cross for the sins of all mankind. There is no Gospel - Good News - without persecution, suffering and rejection.
Jesus calls, commissions and coaches His disciples.
Jesus came to earth to be the once-for-all sacrifice for sin by living a sinless life and dying on a cross shedding His blood as necessary and needed to satisfy Holy God’s wrath against sin. As Jesus ministered and equipped His disciples, He prepared them for the reality of rejection which He faced and would ultimately lead to fulfilling His mission of coming to earth as a baby in a manger: substitutionary death taking on our sin so we, by grace through faith, might be saved.
To whom is God sending you to share the Gospel/preach the kingdom of heaven? Will you trust God’s provision to provide what you need as you go? When will you go?
Matthew 10:1-15
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Following Jesus is not a spectator sport
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Following Jesus [faith in God] is marked by active obedience
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Following Jesus includes instruction and guidance
Jesus was born, lived a sinless life and died a sacrificial death for the purpose of bringing in the kingdom of heaven. While on earth Jesus trained twelve to continue the mission. They started the church; it’s our turn now.
Matthew 9:35-38
Matthew 9:35-38 serves as a summary (looking back), as well as an introduction and pivot to what is coming next.
The Lord of the harvest is the same Lord who has sent His Son to be the sacrifice for sins once for all. For God so loved the world, He gave us His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. Our city and nation is filled with people in need of Jesus.
Since Jesus states, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few,” what is your responsibility as a follower of Jesus Christ?
Matthew 9:27-34
Our faith, whether great or small, reveals what we believe about God and Jesus. Jesus came to heal the broken relationship between sinful man and Holy God. He did that by His sinless life, sacrificial death and resurrection from grave. Jesus performed physical healings as a testimony to Him being the Messiah, authenticating His claims; they were never the primary purpose or focus of His time on earth.
What do you believe Jesus is able to do? How powerful do you understand Jesus to be? Do your daily activities, behaviors and speech confirm your answers to the previous two questions? How? If not, why not and what will you do differently this week to align the two?
Matthew 9:18-26
We must keep in mind the main reason Jesus came to earth. While Jesus can do many things, any and every thing actually for He is God, Jesus came to perform in each of our hearts and souls a healing of reconciliation between sinful man and Holy God. The acts of healing Jesus performs are not revealing of having “enough faith to be healed of disease,” rather they are testimonies to His power and authority of sickness, disease and our lives.
Matthew 9:14-17
Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17) presenting a new righteousness based on a relationship with Him made possible by grace through faith. Therefore, Jesus is to be the one we cling to, learn from, obey and live for each day of our lives. Our faith is rooted in and based on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
What will you do this week to experience the joy that comes from appreciating Jesus Christ’s saving work on your behalf? When will you do it?
Jesus came for those who know they have a spiritual need. While the Gospel is for all people, not all people will receive it because they do not see a need for it. Jesus spent more time around those who would never be accused of being religious. Jesus’ life and ministry is a model for us in how and with whom we are to share the Good News.
Who do you “eat” with that religious people would find offensive? Who do you need to be “eating” with, those God is placing in your life and giving you opportunity to share your life, the Gospel and Biblical truth with? When will you begin “eating” with them?
Jesus sometimes used parables and illustrations to teach about his purpose and mission on earth. But in this passage today, He boldly proclaims why He was sent from Heaven: to forgive sins. Jesus is the only one who can provide forgiveness of sins. Only by receiving the free gift of salvation that was provided through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus can anyone be assured of eternal life.
Jesus demonstrated His power and authority over disease, illness, nature and demons while ministering on this earth in His life. In His death followed by His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated His power and authority over sin. Jesus came to restore our relationship with God, our Creator; the relationship sin had destroyed. His authority over sin gives us new life when we repent and believe (two sides of the same coin) in Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life.
There is nothing we face in life that is not subject to the power, authority and control of our Savior Jesus Christ. His authority is greater than any natural weather event, difficult situation we encounter and struggle we endure. Having defeated sin and death by His resurrection, Jesus lives to provide peace in the midst of the storms of our life when we humbly submit to, and call on Him.
Jesus came to radically transform our lives, priorities, goals and pursuits. As such, Jesus did that in a radical way: He died on the cross as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin. Jesus’ death on the cross was the satisfactory payment of God’s wrath (propitiation-1 John 2:2) against sin and sinful humanity. As a result, He who gave everything for us, desires us to give everything to Him.
The power of Jesus was plain to see for all people as Jesus healed the centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, and the many who were sick and oppressed by demons. The power of Jesus is plain to see for all people in His sacrificial death on the cross, burial and resurrection from the dead. As Jesus came out of the grave, the ultimate and final defeat of the devil was complete. Jesus came to heal our relationship with God our Creator which was ruined by sin.
From Matthew 7:28-8:4
Matthew records that Jesus was teaching them as one who had authority.
In every aspect and element of life there is some type of authority. Both the physical and spiritual life are governed by authority, a power greater than humanity.
That authority comes from God, is revealed and confirmed in Jesus Christ, God's Son, who lived, taught, suffered, died and rose from the dead as the sacrifice for sins, once for all.
There are two kinds of foundations to build a house on: solid ground (rock) or shifting sand. One house will last; the other will be destroyed.
There are two foundations to build your life on: Jesus or self. Jesus is the embodiment of the love, grace, and mercy of God which was demonstrated in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
Jesus is the rock upon which one can build their life experiencing purpose and peace.
- Reliance on conscientious citizens
- Testing of authenticity
- Elimination of insufficient words