North Boulevard Church of Christ Sermons: Recent Episodes
North Boulevard Church of Christ
On the way to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus declares his final “I AM” statement: “I am the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser.”In this metaphor, we understand that Jesus is the central "vine" with the power to give nourishment to His "branches" (aka, His disciples). Anyone who chooses to follow Jesus and "remain on the vine" will be given what they need to "produce much fruit" by reproducing the life of Christ in their own lives.However, any gardner can tell you that fruit-bearing comes at a cost to the plant — pruning. In order to prepare the branch for fruit production, a skilled gardener must cut and remove leaves, twigs, buds, and blooms. This allows the plant to stop pouring energy into lesser things and start focusing more energy into the fruit.Back to the metaphor: we all have things in our spiritual walks that must be "cut." This removal process might temporarily hurt or sting, but if we hang on to the source and continue to abide in the vine, we’ll be shaped to look more and more like Jesus. Key Text: John 15:1-11
As Jesus neared the end of His ministry, He began to tell His disciples that He would be going away. But He also told them that He would send another to take His place. The disciples didn't understand at the time, but Jesus assured them that this would actually be better for them (and all Christians) in the long run. Jesus called His replacement the Helper, Advocate, and the Spirit of Truth. This Spirit would teach them all things. He was One who would “be like Jesus” for them, as He would empower their mission. The Holy Spirit would give them the peace that their troubled hearts desired. We have all experienced the human fear of feeling alone — especially in times of trouble and uncertainty. Though it might seem like we are completely on our own, the truth is that we (the disciples of Jesus) have a constant and active advocate in the Holy Spirit. He gives us the power to continue on as we continue to follow Jesus. Key Text: John 14:15-31
Sadly, in Jesus' final meal with his disciples, he looks around and finds dirty feet and proud hearts. To be more clear, he finds dirty feet because he finds proud hearts. Not one of his disciples was willing to grab the basin, stoop to the level of a servant, and wash his brothers' feet. By the time Jesus did it, surely the whole room felt guilty for leaving the task undone. Peter tries to stop him from serving in this extreme way, but Jesus presses on - washing the feet of all the men who would scatter when the going gets tough, deny him in moments of weakness, and betray him for a few hundred bucks. It's hard to love people sometimes isn't it? Well, this is one of those times, but Jesus does it anyway.The church should be the most loving place on the planet. After all, we are to be known by our love (John 13:35). Nothing should even be a distant second to the extravagant love found among the body of Christ - the Lord who washes feet.People were made to love and to be loved. Our church needs to love one another right now through periods of uncertainty and through a tense political season. And, we need to love others outside of our church body with the sacrificial love of the Savior.Key Text: John 13:34-35
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He protects His flock from external dangers and provides for their needs.As members of Jesus' flock, we must tune our ears to hear Jesus’ voice. We have many other voices around us that compete with His, and we are likely guilty of listening to whatever voice is loudest in our lives. If we are serious about making disciples, however, then it is the volume of His voice that we must “turn up.”Key Text: John 10:1-18
In today's text, Jesus miraculously heals a beggar who had been blind since birth by putting a clay paste on the man's eyes and commanding him to wash in the pool of Siloam. Once he followed Jesus’ words, he was healed of his affliction. Such a healing brought about a variety of questions regarding Jesus’ identity and His qualifications to even perform such a miracle. The usual antagonists — the Pharisees — mostly see that Jesus has violated the law of the Sabbath and can only rule that Jesus isn’t from God. The former blind man, though, is convinced that Jesus is a prophet. The chapter ends with him encountering Jesus again, but this time with fresh eyes. His eyes are now “faithful eyes” and he confesses his belief in Jesus and begins to worship Him. At the beginning of the chapter Jesus gave him physical sight, but by the end, He led him to spiritual sight. In our daily walk with Christ, let's develop our own eyes to view life through "lenses of faith" in Jesus.Key Text: John 9:1-41
In our increasingly secular day, the Christian faith, and the Scriptures we teach, seem to be the exact opposite of freedom. For many, freedom is the ability to do what you desire to do without restriction, guilt, or regret.But is that all freedom is? Living our lives based on what we want and desire?If you think about it, living by desire is no freedom at all. After all, which desire do you choose? You might have the desire to be fit and healthy. But you also might have the desire to eat donuts. How do you determine which to choose?Freedom is identifying the path you are designed to take, then denying desires that will hold you back from that path. Freedom is living by the blueprints given to us in Scripture. Freedom takes discipline. Freedom is found in obedience to God, our designer, as counterintuitive as that might seem. The alternative, as prescribed in the book of John, is slavery to sin. We all live for something, which then becomes our master. The master of sin enters our lives through the deception of human autonomy. It’s all a lie and it all leads to destruction. Key Text: John 8:31-44
Today, we look at the story of Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles, where a daily ritual of collecting water and pouring it out on the altar took place during the seven-day harvest festival. On the last day of the feast, Jesus cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink,” making the point that whoever believed in Him would have rivers of living water flowing from His heart. Do you know anyone who is spiritually thirsty? People who lack peace and joy in their lives? Who are unsettled by impatience and ungratefulness? Who are plagued by anxiety and worry? Who act compulsivly and harshly towards others? These are the kind of people that Jesus came to heal. These are the kind of people that He offers living water.As Christ's followers, we are called to let Jesus' living water flow into our own hearts and overflow into the hearts of others. Who will you "flow" into this week?Key Text: John 7:1-52
The people followed Jesus across the sea after he multiplied the loaves and fish for them to eat. They wanted another miracle. But Jesus gave them something better than more food to eat – he told them about the food that never spoils, that always sustains.Jesus told them, "I am the bread of life."Jesus Christ is the savior who satisfies. We often desire to be filled with many other things, but we find our ultimate filling in Jesus. Key Text: John 6:25-70
Throughout the book of Acts we read over and over that "the Word of God spread." The early church saw rapid growth and God used their circumstances (Acts 1:8 and 8:1) to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.In your circumstance, what would happen if you made disciples, even one at a time? Exponential growth! You are Acts 29."The church is not a building; it is a broken body, made beautiful.""The church is not an hour long meeting. The church is a calling from which we're sent."Key Text: Acts 1:8 and 8:1
After feeding the 5,000, the large crowds follow Jesus across the lake, but with impure motives. They simply want to fill their stomachs (and maybe their wallets) but they don't come to him for what Jesus ultimately wants to give them — spiritual life.This nearsightedness is dangerous and contagious. Nearsighted people convince other people to prioritize the wrong things and to focus on lesser goals in life. For a nearsighted person, the purpose in life is always driven by an appetite or desire for a short-term fix. Pleasure. Money. Relief. Entertainment. Me time. Selfish agendas. And on and on it goes.Jesus wants to lift people out of nearsightedness and into the spiritual realm. He says, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."Key Text: John 6:1-29
What kind of people do we honor in our culture? Who do we honor in our daily lives?If we claim to follow Jesus, how do we honor him?Key Text: John 5:16-47
Jesus once asked an invalid man, “Do you want to be healed?” Of course, Jesus knew the answer to the question, but His question drew out a faulty belief system in the man — a belief system that had likely shaped his life up to this point. Even though he wanted to be healed, he believed in something that would never provide the healing he really wanted, nor the one he really needed. Once he was physically healed, Jesus admonished him to live as if he was spiritually healed, for the spiritual healing was what he needed the most. Everyone you know is one of two kinds of people: Someone who needs to be spiritually healed or someone who will continue to need Jesus’ spiritual healing. The question for everyone is, “Do you want to be healed?” The affirmative answer will require a different lifestyle. Key Text: John 5:1-15
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Why can people be so untrustworthy? What's so wrong with humanity?In Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, we discover the problem: We humans have become nothing but fleshly, earthly creatures who no longer understand heavenly realities or the things of the Spirit. This grieves Jesus (even frustrates him) because humanity was made for so much more. We were made to experience a connection with heaven and a constant connection with the Spirit. Since that connection has been broken — rather than condemning us — Christ offers a rebirth in the Spirit that will once again awaken us to real, abundant life.God gives the Holy Spirit freely to all who believe, and today we will dive into what it means to be born of the Spirit.Key Texts: John 3 (entire chapter), Romans 8:1-17
Should we expect signs from God? Are Jesus' miracles the only signs we get? What should we make of the signs of the book of John, and what should we make of signs from God today?God gives us all sorts of signs — of His greatness, of His faithfulness, of His providence, of His salvation, etc. We should see these signs and allow them to draw us closer to God. However, we should be cautious about asking God for a sign, because such requests often invite us to test God, and evil spirits are constantly sending deceitful signs. How do we sort all this out?Key Text: John 2 (full chapter)
When Jesus called his first disciples, he told them to "Come and see." We are ALL invited to practice a "come and see" faith, too, in which we openly share Jesus with others, making disciples of Him.Yet many believers are hesitant to live out this "extroverted" kind of faith, because they are not fully convinced of who Jesus is. When we understand that Jesus really is the sum of our desires, we will find the conviction to witness Him to others.Key Text: John 1:35-51
What does it mean to witness? John 1:34 defines witnessing as (1) seeing something, then (2) telling others about it. As Christians, we witness by telling people about what Jesus has done in our own lives. And we witness by speaking the truth God's word into the messiness of others' lives – always in love, giving hope when the situation seems hopeless. What have you seen from the Lord that you can testify to others?Key Text: John 1:19-34
Today we begin our expository deep-dive into the book of John. Within the first 18 verses, John sets the stage with an illustrative backstory of our main character – Jesus Christ. John shows us the eternality of Jesus, along with His creative and life-giving power, being that He is God in the flesh.To fully follow Jesus (and to disciple others to do the same) we must first understand just how great He is. John 1:1-18
Happy New Year! We're kicking off our new sermon series with a challenge: Become a disciple-maker for Jesus. But what does that look like? What obstacles might we face when adopting this lifestyle? What joys and triumphs can we hope for, or even, expect?The world, our family, and our friends need Jesus — the way, truth, and life — and they need Him urgently! There's no time to waste. We must move forward with making disciples!John 20:31
In Luke chapter 2, we are introduced very briefly to a Jewish man named Simeon. We don't know much about him except that He was a righteous and devout follower of God, and that God had told him (through the Holy Spirit) that he would not die until he saw the Messiah that he and all of Israel were waiting for.As soon as Simeon saw Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus at the temple, he broke out into a prophetic song, proclaiming that God had now fulfilled His promise and recognizing Jesus as the way to salvation for both Jews and Gentiles.Simeon found what he had been waiting for in Jesus. And we have found the same thing in Jesus, too!Luke 2:22-35
After the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she has been chosen to bear the Messiah her people have been waiting for, Mary rejoices that God has reversed her lowly state. In her song, she even points out that God reverses the fortunes of many individuals. When you put your faith in Jesus, God can reverse the story of your life, too!Luke 1:26-56
Guest preacher, Dean Miller, speaks on the topic of widowhood, loss, and grief, especially during the holidays. He shares the story of the prophetess Anna from Luke 2, along with stories from the many widows and widowers he works with through his Widowhood Workshop Ministry. You can learn more about the Widowhood Workshop at https://widowhoodworkshop.com/Luke 2:36-38
The shepherds were resting in the field with their sheep. They were likely dirty, maybe a bit cold, and probably ready to go to sleep for the night. But then an angel of the Lord appeared, filling the space with the light of God's magnificent glory! The shepherds were terrified, but they listened as the angel told them the Good News that the Messiah, the Savior, they had been waiting for had just been born that night!And then... hundreds more angels appeared, raising their voices in praise to God. They sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”This is the song of all songs. These lyrics are a proclamation of peace, carrying great comfort! This gospel message that the angels bring is for “all men,” therefore God has given all of us something that can bring about comfort and joy, even in our darkness and despair. The herald angels’ song is one that should be on repeat in our minds.Luke 2:8-19
We often feel forgotten when the waiter takes a long time to refill our drinks, or when an Amazon package takes an extra day or two to arrive. But it's something different altogether to feel forgotten by God. In their childless state, Zechariah and Elizabeth would have experienced a dose of that pain as a couple. In the life of the community, Israel was certainly in that place after 400 years of perceived silence from God. I've personally tasted this and I'm sure you have at times as well.Zechariah's song (and even his own name) rings out the glorious news, that contrary to our darkest feelings, God remembers us and will never, ever forget us.Luke 1:5-25 & 1:57-80
We have established that God cares for those in need. This week, we will focus on the needs of the sick, the aging, and the widow. And we'll discuss what we can do as followers of Christ to offer love and support to these people.David Young interviews our on-staff Pastoral Care Minister, Tim Haddock, who offers insight into the needs and ways we can serve this population.Key Text: Mark 1:29-34
The opposite of love is not hate. Actually, hate could be considered an offshoot of love because you are still concerning yourself with another person. The true opposite of love is selfishness — when you stop thinking about others and only focus on yourself.This week, David Young interviews his wife, Julie, about her experience in helping the homeless in our community find homes and share ideas on how we can all show love to this vulnerable group of people.Key Text: Isaiah 58:1-12
Our God cares deeply for people who are in vulnerable positions and in need of proper care. And if He cares, then we should care too!This Sunday, David Young interviews Andrea Bell and Abby Rosser on their experiences with adoption and foster care.If you would like to learn more about caring for children in your community and beyond, here are some places to start: https://boulevard.to/s/orphancareresourcesKey Text: Psalm 68
Power Up Sunday is a nation-wide movement of churches going out into their local communities and praying over schools, neighborhoods, government offices, first responders, non-profits, businesses, and other churches.On this day, our small groups prayed over nearly 100 locations in our county and the people who work/play/learn/live in those places. After our time of prayer, we came together to celebrate the greatness of our God, the power of prayer, and the importance of fellowship among believers.If you are a member of another church, you can learn more about hosting your own Power Up Sunday event at https://www.newdayresources.org/powerup
Everyone has faith. Even if they aren't religious, they have faith because to have faith means to put your trust in SOMETHING be it God, another deity, or the absence of a higher power altogether.So, the question is... in WHOM do you put your trust? And where will that trust lead you?Key Text: 1 Tim. 2
"How can an all-powerful, all-good God exist, when there is so much evil and suffering in the world?" This is one of the most popular arguments raised against the existence of God in the West.Today, we'll analyze this argument as presented by a couple of thinkers, then demonstrate why suffering actually points us to God. And we will also discuss what we as believers can say when we're suffering. What should we ask for? Where is God when we're afraid, discouraged, or in pain? Key Text: Psalm 121
Who is Jesus? Is he a man? Is he God? Is he both?People all throughout history have debated the identity of Jesus. But we look to Scripture – where Jesus' own words about himself are recorded – to find the truth.The challenge to the church is to be firm in their commitment to the identity of Jesus and to proclaim His identity to the masses.Key Text: Matthew 16:13-17
The Bible is accurate, without error, and holds authority. And today we're going to talk about the proof!
For the last 3 weeks, we've discussed the classic "evidences" that assume someone is searching for meaning, transcendence, and truth. But how do we talk about God to people who no longer care those things?They might ask things like: If God is everywhere, why do we have to seek Him? If it's so obvious that God exists, why do we need evidence? Why are there so many smart atheists, and why is being a Christian a challenge even for good people? Why do we doubt? There are many ways to respond to these questions, but today we will focus on three truths: 1) We are weakened by sin, failing to see obvious truths2) Scripture tells us that we MUST seek God in order to find Him3) If living in an unbelieving community leads to faithLESSness, then living in a believing community leads to faithFULnes.Key Text: Acts 17:16-31, Paul on the Aeropagus.
We all have an internal, or "natural," desire for justice. That is, when something "wrong" happens, we want something to be done to make it "right." In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul makes something of a natural law argument (we have the law written on our hearts). So, the fact (truth) that we naturally believe in human rights, justice, ethics, right and wrong, and the like demands that we believe in a higher power to give us these standards. And of course, that higher power is God.Key Text: Romans 2:14-15
The universe we live in is exquisite and exponentially complex! From the vast beauty of outer space to the minuscule, intricate details of atoms... these elements are simply incapable of having evolved randomly over time, and it all points to the existence and intent of an intelligent designer. Key Texts: Psalm 19:1-6 and Psalm 139:14
Every week, our church partakes in eating a small wafer of bread and a sip of grape juice. Sometimes we call it Communion, other times we call it The Lord's Supper, and there's a handful of other names that we use to refer to this ritual as well.Why do we do that? Why is it important to us? Let's talk about it!Key Text: Matthew 26:26-30
We use the word "love" to describe the way we feel about all sorts of things. Of course, we love our family and our friends. And we also love shopping sprees or NASCAR or penguins or Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
But what is love? REAL love? Why we should we love? Is there a right way – and a wrong way – to express love?
Today we'll take a look at God's definition of love, given to us in Scripture. And we'll challenge ourselves to choose love as the base line for everything in our lives.
Key Text: 1 John 4:7-12
In John 6:1-13, we are told about a young boy who brought fish and loaves to eat while listening to Jesus preach, and how God used that small meal to feed thousands of people. One reason this story is told (in all four Gospels!) is to remind us that God can take small things and use them for something great.
You can trust that God can use your life — including the small and seemingly unimportant parts — and make something worthwhile of them. God can use you and your efforts to effect great things. Trust Him.
Key Text: John 6:1-13
This Sunday, we are kicking off (in earnest) our Month of the Young Adult. For the rest of the month of August, we're challenging our church to pray for our 18–30+ age group. We are asking that God provide us with the wisdom and resources to make a major impact with college students, young professionals, and young marrieds at North Boulevard and in the surrounding community.
Prayer is a prelude to God moving in such a big way. In Acts 1:12-14, we see the disciples of Jesus obediently waiting in Jerusalem for the promised power of the Holy Spirit. While they waited for a power that would shake the world, they engaged in prayer.
We want to become part of what God wants to do in shaking the world! And the first step is to pray!
Key Text: Acts 1:12-14
Today we are celebrating the grand opening of the new building for our West Campus! This is their first Sunday to worship in the new building, and we are so excited to see how God will use this space to bless our community. Like the birth of a child, new beginnings like this are full of joy, but these beginnings are also a reminder of a very real challenge we face.
When Israel finally conquered the land of promise, Joshua gave his farewell speech, and everyone said the right thing. But, within two generations, things had fallen apart in Israel. We are always only one generation from wasting the precious treasure handed us by others.
Together, let's renew our faith and look on the horizon for the next opportunity God has placed before us all, repenting of sin and standing firm throughout our lifetime.
Key Texts: Joshua 24:14-15 and Judges 2:6-11
There are certain ways that the church (even the institution of the church) should speak openly about ethics in the market place of ideas. Here are seven areas where we must speak the ethics of the Kingdom: 1. The existence and sovereignty of God 2. The sanctity of life 3. The inviolability of truth 4. Religious freedom for Christians 5. The need to defend the family 6. A preference for the poor and mistreated 7. Care for creation
Key Text: Matthew 5:14-16
Today, we continue our series "Church and State," where David makes the case that churches should have low involvement in government because God has given church and state different tasks. Our mission as the church is not "good governance," but making disciples. So, there may be times that we must speak moral or ethical truth to the government, but as a general rule, the church (as an entity) should avoid getting involved in the political process. Individual Christians, however, should be involved in politics, and the church should prefer such.
Key Text: Mark 12:13-17
With the U.S. Presidential Elections right around the corner, it's important for us to pause and contemplate how we think about politics. We get questions about our politics as well as some pressure to make various political statements. What does the Bible teach us about the church and the state?
In this first lesson of a 3-part sermon series, we will discuss both Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:9-17. Each of these Scriptures gives a brief statement about our orientation towards government. We should recognize that government is a gift from God to assure justice is served. The purpose of government, in a nutshell, is to reward good behavior and to punish bad behavior. Our attitude towards government, then, should be one of support. But, when government fails to serve its purpose, we must choose to follow God instead.
Key Text: Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:9-17
In scripture, God has given us the words we need to lead others to salvation, build others up, equip them, and teach them. The problem is we are not regularly speaking the very Word of God. For some of us, we simply aren’t reading the Word enough for it to have an impact on our words. For others, we don’t know how to bring it up, or use the words of scripture in everyday life.
In this lesson we will explore how to use scripture at home, among friends, and even at work so you can speak life into others.
Key Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Your words tell a lot about the state of your heart at any given moment. If you have unresolved bitterness and anger, you can guarantee it’s coming out of your mouth. If you have gratitude in your heart, you can likewise be sure that your words will reflect it. Are you always trying to steer the conversation to be about yourself? That’s selfishness in your heart and it needs to be dealt with.
What are your words telling you right now about your heart? What needs to be uprooted from deep down?
If the words are the fruit, the heart is the root. Taming the tongue is only part of the equation.
In this lesson, we will explore how to notice what your words are revealing, and then how to work on your heart to change your words.
Key Text: Luke 6:43-45
It’s easy to forget that your words are powerful, until a moment comes that wakes you suddenly to that reality. Your daughter begins to cry because you didn’t filter your harsh reply to her question. Your friend walks out mid conversation because you were reckless with your comments. Your spouse whispers defeat in an argument that you no longer care about winning because you now see the wound you have created. It’s long since been proven that sticks and stones are not the only things that leave people broken.
Sometimes you remember your words matter because a friend smiles deeply at the encouraging compliment you gave them, promising to never forget the words you spoke. Or you find a little note stuck in your son’s wallet because it meant more to him than you realized it ever would. Your words have the power of life and death, and it’s best to realize that now then in your next conversation. Speak life.
Key Text: Proverbs 18:21
Today's sermon is a follow-up to "The New You" sermon series, where we will take a look at the book of Philemon, which is only 1 chapter long. Philemon was a member of the church in Colossae, and he was a good friend of the apostle Paul. In this brief letter, Paul specifically asks Philemon to do something quite extraordinary — to receive a runaway slave back as a brother and a "man" (an important concept, since Romans did not always consider slaves as "men" or "women"). Many of us have a call from God to do something extraordinary, too ... perhaps extraordinarily hard. For the Kingdom to flourish, and for us to grow, we must do the hard thing. Forgive someone who deeply hurt us. Reconcile with someone we haven't seen in years. Start that ministry that we've dreamed about. Give generously to some initiative. Give up some sin.Whatever your calling is, you will be blessed when you step into it.Key Text: Philemon 8-21
Why did Paul feel that the letters he wrote to one church should be shared with other churches? How did those letters become canonized in the Bible? How do we know that things Paul wrote are really the Word of God?Today we will take a glimpse into the mind and work of Paul and the nature of inspiration. We'll discuss the early workings and development of the canon, of which Paul is an important contributor. And we'll remind ourselves of the importance of obedience to the canon Scriptures.Key Text: Colossians 4:18
Why can't I just follow Jesus in my heart? Why do I have to belong to a church? And if I do become a member, how do I make the most of my time at church?Today, we will explore how and why the early followers of Jesus formed a tight-knit Christian community. And we'll offer practical ways to immerse yourselves in the life of the church.Prayer Wall:Last week, our congregation wrote down the names of people they knew who don't know Jesus and placed them in the rock wall on stage. Our online members were able to submit names via text messageThis week, we encouraged church members to come up to the stage after the service in order to take a name and pray for that person.If you are watching or listening online, you can participate by texting "PRAYER" to the number 615-560-7729. We will respond with the first name of a real person for you to pray for!Key Text: Colossians 4:7-17
We all know that we are called to share the Gospel with the lost, but maybe you're nervous or don't know where to start.Start with prayer! Prayer is a CRITICAL tool for making disciples. We must make the most of every opportunity since the souls of the world are at stake! Prayer Wall: Our congregation was asked to write down the name of a person they know who is lost on a slip of paper. And then we rolled up those pieces of paper and placed them between the rocks in the wall on our stage — similar to the Western "Wailing" Wall in Jerusalem where Jews leave their prayer requests.If you are watching or listening online, you can participate by texting "PRAYERWALL" to the number 615-560-7729. Then send the first name of one person you know who doesn't know Jesus.Key Text: Colossians 4:2-6
It's no secret that we all experience difficulties in our lives. These trials shape us into who we are... either tearing us down or making us stronger. It is BECAUSE we undergo hardship in this life, that we don't know exactly what a person will become. Jesus was crucified and laid in a tomb, and that appeared to be the end of everything. But then He rose from the grave victorious! In the same way, at the resurrection, we will find all our sorrows undone and the burdens of this life reversed in an eternal act of glory.Key Text: Colossians 3:1-4
As Christians, we are called to love and share the Gospel with our neighbors who live contrary to what we believe. But many of us struggle with HOW to do that. We don't want to say something wrong or offend anyone, so we end up just avoiding the topic altogether.Our guest speaker, Guy Hammond, personally knows and understands this struggle, and he has helped thousands of Christians bridge the gap between themselves and their neighbors. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Guy's story and learn how to love and share Christ without compromising true Biblical instruction!Learn more about Guy's ministry, Strength in Weakness, at https://www.strengthinweakness.org/Watch Guy's movie "Finding Guy" on YouTube.Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey8BEWOg6VwPart 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvtKzTfYwboPart 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teApciLVJJw
When Americans hear the word "slavery," we specifically think of it in terms of a person owning another person as property, which Scripture proclaims is an evil act on the same level as murder!In the days of the Roman Empire, when the New Testament was being written, the word slavery had multiple, commonplace definitions. For example, a family who owed an enormous debt might agree to serve in the home of a wealthier family in order to work to pay off their debts. That practice, which we would call "indentured servitude" isn't very common today, but in the 1st century, it was referred to as "slavery." Same word, different meanings.We can still apply the teachings of Paul in Colossians 3:23 to our lives today, though! We are all called to work, and Scripture instructs us to do our work as if we're doing it for Jesus!Key Text: Colossians 3:22-4:1
In Colossians 3:18-21, Paul focuses on giving instructions to each member of the family unit, specifying how they are to treat one another. Today, we will take a practical approach with each of these commands for husbands, wives, and their children, and we will address some of the fears that accompany them. Come be inspired and challenged!Key Text: Colossians 3:18-21
Is it possible to "reprogram" our automatic response to life circumstances? How can we make kindness our first response? How about singing? Gratitude?When you learn to make the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-17 your response, then the work of the Spirit will flourish in your life!And we begin by practicing these concepts together in the church community – especially when it's difficult to do so. How do I practice patience when someone makes it hard for me to do my ministry? Or when someone says something ugly about me? Or when someone leaves the church?Key Text: Colossians 3:12-17
We were not intended to have ethical vices; instead, we were designed to live virtuous lives! But because of sin, our natural feelings (pain, fear, etc.) become sources of vices (anger, lying, slander, etc.). The work of Christ is to take us back to the "natural" state of humanity (as we were in Eden) through the work of the Holy Spirit.But how do we allow the Spirit to work this change in our lives? According to Paul, it starts in the mind. The Holy Spirit offers to "reset" our minds, allowing us to react differently to the pains, fears, mistreatments, and deprivations of life. Key Text: Colossians 3:8-11
Colossians 3 contains a call to holiness, calling Christians to avoid sexual immorality, greed, rage, and coarse language. (As such, this sermon will deal with mature "PG-13" topics.)In our culture, we have two major ethical systems that compete with one another — hedonism v. holiness. Both ideologies dictate how people should live their lives. With hedonism, the highest value is placed on seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, and it includes phrases like "if it feels good, do it" and "as long as it makes you happy." On the other hand, biblical holiness is guided by obedience to God's will, whether or not it "feels good" to do in the moment. God calls us to be holy in all areas of our lives because He designed us to truly thrive within a holy lifestyle. Anything outside of God's plan is subpar and ultimately destructive. When it comes to our finances, our eating habits, our speech, and our relationships, God's plan is divinely superior, and the same is true in our sex lives. He created us in such a way that requires sex (reproduction) to survive, but He also blessed us by making that act pleasurable and spiritually unifying. And with that beautifully designed blessing, God expects us to use sex in holy ways.Key Text: Colossians 3:5-7
This week we get to the heart of the sermon series title — since Christ is who He is (Colossians 1), and since we will reject heresy (Colossians 2), we can be a new person in Christ. The old has died, the new has come!As a new person in Christ:1) We set our hearts—our affections, our loves—on heavenly things2) We set our minds—our thoughts, concerns, philosophy, interests—on things above, not on things on earth3) We live longing for the revealing of Christ at the second comingKey Text: Colossians 3:1-4
Last week, we talked about 2 major heresies that the American church struggles with. This week, we will go over a few practical things that we can do to help us remain faithful to Jesus and avoid falling for heresy.Key Text: Colossians 2:13-24
Just like the Christians in Colossae, our society is also plagued with heresies. And if we do not clearly address and resist them — these false teachings can cost the church it's life and the believer his or her soul.It's easy to spot a heretical notion by asking a few simple questions:Does it follow Scripture even when it hurts? Are sin and salvation the main concerns? Is Christ (rather than our pleasures) at the center? Is it self-serving? David's Book "A Grand Illusion"https://renew.org/ebook/grand-illusion/David's Interview with Alisa Childershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R4zPAoY9ywKey Text: Colossians 2:1-12
In our text this week Paul tells us the purpose behind his work in ministry: to present the church MATURE in Christ. To be mature is to be fully grown, complete, and not lacking. We all start as babies in the faith, but like all living things, we were designed to grow. Starting out as a baby is expected, remaining that way is a tragedy. Our worst decisions in life are attributed to spiritual immaturity; many of the problems we experience in our relationships can be attributed to spiritual immaturity; and God does not trust the spiritually immature with heaven's resources as he does with the spiritually mature person. On the other hand, your best decisions are on the other side of spiritual maturity. Your sweetest moments in relationships will be enjoyed once you experience more spiritual maturity. And God will begin to entrust you with more responsibility and authority as you mature and prepare yourself to receive from Him.So how do we become spiritually mature?In this sermon, David Hunzicker reminds us that we must understand that ultimately it's God's work to make you fully complete, but he expects your full participation. Then, he offers us a few practical steps that anyone can take to become spiritually mature. No matter where you are right now, you can take one step in the right direction this week. And that's what we will do together.Key Text: Colossians 1:24-29
In our text today, Paul clearly states who Christ is: Jesus is supreme. Jesus is sufficient. All creation (past & present) is made through Him and FOR Him. And through His blood, He is reconciling all things to God the Father.As Christians, it isn't hard to nod and agree with these statements. Our difficulty is living consistently with what we know to be true about Jesus.The truth is, Jesus is first. And He deserves our first and our best. Today we'll talk about practical ways we can live out our faith, and give Jesus what He deserves!Key Text: Colossians 1:15-23
Epaphras was only mentioned in the Bible 3 times, but we know that he was the disciple-maker who shared the Gospel with the people of Colossae and helped establish the church there. When he shared Christ with the Colossians, he broke through their pagan worldview with Christ's virtues of faith, hope, and love.Our increasingly pagan world still needs that exact same message of faith, hope, and love. That is why each and every one of us must commit to make disciple-making a priority in out lives.In today's lesson, we'll go over some practical ways that you can do this!Key Text: Colossians 1:3-8Key Topics: Disciple-making, church planting, sharing your faith, evangelism
This week, we begin a new sermon series on the book of Colossians. This 4-chapter book is an epistle, or letter, written by the Apostle Paul to the church in the small city of Colossae, which was known for mishmashing different religious beliefs and practices together, including Paganism, Christianity, and Judaism.In his letter, Paul encourages the Colossians to withstand the cultural pressures around them by living as holy followers of Jesus who are fully devoted to one another. This is still an important message for us today as the world around us becomes increasingly hostile towards us and our values. We cannot compromise or cave, but we must remain holy in all we do. And to help us in this, we stand together as family.Key Text: Colossians 1:1-2
Isn't it amazing? God can use seemingly insignificant things — a farming town, a poor, foreign widow, and a randomly selected field — all to save humanity! It was God who brought that poor widow (Ruth) to that farming town (Bethlehem), where she would randomly choose to glean in a filed belonging to Boaz, a distant relative of her late husband, who redeemed her through marriage. And Jesus was born from their lineage as the one who would redeem the world through his sacrifice!In the same way, God can take the insignificant moments in our life — simple decisions, acts of righteousness or love, even our pain — and do something awesome with them. Since this is true, we can look at the sacredness of all that we do. God is working ALL things together for our good. Merry Christmas!Key Text: Ruth 4:13-22
It's no secret that marriage and family are a high priority for God. Scripture gives us a lot of instruction and anecdote about how marriage and family relations should (and shouldn't) be.It's particularly important for us, as Christians, to view marriage through the lens of the Spiritual even more than we do through the lens of the physical.Key Texts: Ruth 4:1-12 & Galatians 5:18-24
The words "redemption" and "redeemer" appear many times in Ruth chapter 3. This describes the Israelites' social custom of rescuing family members from poverty, which is what Boaz did when he married Ruth and provided for her and Naomi.Just think about how beautiful and life changing and that act of faithfulness would be not just for the rescued, but for the rescuer, too!We still have the opportunity to be redeemers today, with that same life changing effect. We can look beyond our own hurts and struggles to redeem our relationships because we know that God has redeemed us through Jesus!Key Text: Ruth 3:1-18
The driving action of the book of Ruth is KINDNESS: Ruth was kind to Naomi, Boaz was kind to Ruth, and God was kind to them all.But what IS kindness, exactly?Kindness is the application of love — where love is a decision or commitment towards someone's best interests. Kindness is the expression of that commitment. It is more than just being nice.In this sermon, we will explore kindness within our families and in the lives of those around us.Key Text: Ruth 2:11-23
Life is often bitter; but God is better. By looking at how God deals with Naomi in the book of Ruth, we can learn that God remains with us even when we're suffering. We can see that God will give us the provision we need when things are hard. And we can see that God will redeem every circumstance through His grace and power.
Key Text: Ruth 1:19-2:9
Faithfulness is committing to a cause or a person for the long haul. This kind of commitment is KEY in ALL relationships – marriage, family, church, small group, work, etc… However, this kind of commitment isn’t easy. Struggling with “commitment issues” is a human issue that we all deal with. But the Bible gives us beautiful examples of HOW to be faithful and show us that faithfulness brings blessings that cannot be had any other way.
Key Text: Ruth 1:6-18
In today's lesson, we kick off our new series in the book of Ruth to talk about what it really means to be part of a family and who we as Christians are to consider our family. And as a celebration of Orphan Care Sunday, we also take a look at the significance of adoption.
Key Text: Ruth 1:1-5
You can't understand the message of Jesus without knowing about demons, because it's not enough to know what you're saved TO (eternal life with God); you also need to know what you're saved FROM.
In this sermon, we will overview what demons are, what types of things they do, and how we are to respond to demons as followers of Christ.
Key Text: Mark 5:1-20
The Holy Spirit book is available here: https://www.newdayresources.org/book/holy-spirit
If we are going to survive in a world hostile to our beliefs, if we are to follow Jesus… then we MUST walk by the Holy Spirit. But what does it really mean to be Spirit-led? In all honestly, many of us don’t have a concept of what a spirit is, because for the past 500 years in the Western world, we have taught ourselves not to see spirits. Instead, we are taught to look for physical and scientific explanations.
However, the truth is that there is a spiritual world that surrounds and influences the physical world we live in. To be Spirit-led is to let the Spirit transform us to be more like Jesus through the word of God, through power, and through deep conviction.
So what do we do? Obey the Scriptures, even the ones you don’t like or agree with Pray in the Holy Spirit, even without words Worship God through song Don’t quench the Spirit by ignoring or denying Him Practice awareness of the spiritual world by asking “What spirit is at work in this situation, and what is the spirit trying to do?”
Key Scripture: Romans 8:8-14
Romans 1:4, 1 Corinthians 15:14-17, Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10, Ephesians 1:18-20, Ephesians 3:20, Romans 8:11-13, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Romans 6:3-5
Hosea 3:1-5 God's love: • reaches unlovely people • pays a costly price to bring people into a relationship with God • disciplines us, for love wants what's best for us • holds out hope for new beginnings