Connection Church Dublin Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes
Connection Church Dublin
Connection Church Dublin weekly sermons - Our mission is to connect people to a growing relationship with Jesus. One of the ways we do that is through the preaching of God’s word, centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 12:1-9
In this passage, we encounter one of the pivotal moments in the life of Abram (later known as Abraham) when God calls him to leave his homeland and embark on a journey of faith. Through this passage, we can explore various themes such as obedience, faith, and the blessings of God.
Matthew 6:19-24
In this passage, Jesus addresses the issue of our priorities and where we place our treasures. He emphasizes the importance of seeking heavenly treasure rather than being consumed by worldly possessions and wealth. Let's dive into the text and explore the significance of this teaching for our lives today.
Matthew 25:14-30
In this parable, often referred to as the Parable of the Talents, Jesus teaches us important lessons about stewardship, faithfulness, and using our God-given gifts effectively. Let's dive into this parable and explore its relevance in our lives today.
Matthew 14:22-36 tells the famous story of Jesus walking on water and Peter's attempt to do the same. In this discussion, we will explore the key themes and messages in this passage and reflect on how it applies to our lives today.
Psalm 127 is a poetic and wise passage that speaks to the importance of relying on God for
our success and finding rest in His provision. In this discussion, we will explore the key
themes and messages in this psalm and reflect on how it applies to our lives today.
“There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.”
- Romans 2:9-11
Main Idea:
God does not show favoritism
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
- Romans 1:16
Main Idea:
The Necessity of the Gospel
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. - Romans 1:16
The Power and the Simplicity of the Gospel
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. - Ephesians 4:11-13
What should we as believers be busy doing?
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. - Genesis 1:26-27
The Mission of God brings Unity to our marriages
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” - Ephesians 5:12
God’s design for marriage is that we would compliment one another and not compete for control.
“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible – and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” - Ephesians 5:13-14
For healthy marriages and relationships to happen we must learn to live in the light.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. [Ephesians 5:3-7]
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” - Ephesians 5:1-2
Main Idea: A healthy marriage/relationship starts with a relationship with Jesus
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7]
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” [Isaiah 6:8]
Missions Conviction: We believe every member should be engaged in missions.
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” [Acts 13:2-3]
Missions Conviction: We believe the local church is responsible for mobilizing and sending missionaries. We believe prayer is a major priority for missions.
“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
Main Idea: The Holy Spirit creates a ripple effect that moves people to participate in the mission of God.
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." Revelation 7:9 NIV
“15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” - Roman 10:15
Conviction: The Gospel should produce in us an urgency for missions! The same reality that would be upon us if we were not reached with the Gospel still remains on the unreached peoples of the world. This should create in us an urgency to take the Gospel to the nations.
Main Idea: We desire every member at Connection Church to embrace the mission.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
Main Idea: Our God is a Missionary God
This series is all about our “missions convictions.” From cover to cover, God has a single mission: to have worshippers among all nations. It’s because of this mission that the church exists. As we said on Sunday, missions isn’t just a part of the church; the church exists because of this mission. In the book of John, it’s recorded 33 times that Jesus was sent by God. The perfect picture of a missionary is found when we look at Jesus.
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“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others..” - 2 Timothy 2:2
Main Idea: “In every generation, God has used everyday ordinary broken people to make much of God’s name by making disciples”
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“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” - Matthew 23:11-12
Main Idea: We must be able to identify and embrace good culture that comes through the Gospel vs. bad culture that is birthed by religion.
Core Value: Serving “We believe every person has a purpose”
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
“Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people. So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” - Luke 5:10-11
Main Idea: Jesus shared an example of what it looks like to fish for men. He commanded Peter to fish for men when he asked Peter to follow Him.
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“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” - Ephesians 4:15-16
Main Idea: Good Culture is only possible with good values. We believe community is an important value for a church to be healthy.
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“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” -Luke 24:6-7
Easter Sermon Series • “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” [Matthew 26:26-28]
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus shared the Gospel at the passover meal with his friends. He modeled servant leadership by washing His disciples’ feet. He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and received strength to endure the Cross.
Easter Sermon Series • “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” - Matthew 21:13
Sunday to Tuesday of his last week before his death and resurrection, Jesus was obeying God, eliminating religious barriers, investing time with people he loved, and pointing people to eternity.
GeneroCity Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit:www.connectiondublin.com
GeneroCity Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
GeneroCity Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
"When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one." but he replied, "There is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing." [2 Kings 4:6]
Main Idea: God doesn't need resources, He just needs room. Make room.
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. [2 Peter 3:18]
Main Idea: We should live each day in light of that day, the return of the Lord.
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. [2 Peter 3: 9]
Main Idea: How to live your life with purpose and in light of eternity.
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“People are slaves to whatever has mastered them.” [2 Peter 2:19] • Main Idea: We should be aware of False Teachers.
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The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. [2 Peter 1:9]
Main Idea: We should be aware of false teachers by recognizing their fruit, remembering their judgment and be reminded that God delivers His people.
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We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. [2 Peter 1:19]
Main Idea: We should remind ourselves to practice the basics of the faith and know that Scripture is trustworthy and true.
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
His divine Power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [2 Peter 1:3]
Main Idea: We should grow in our faith so that we can be useful for the Kingdom of God.
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law. [Proverbs 29:18]
After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
The Big Idea: Jesus’ commands are not burdensome when they come out of love for Him.
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You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world [1 John 4:4]
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. [1 John 3:16]
The Big Idea: We should love one another not with just our words but with our actions.
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See what great love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. [1 John 3:1]
The Big Idea: We must understand our identity because our identity determines our direction and our direction determines our destiny.
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him. [1 John 2:27]
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. [1 John 2:15]
The Big Idea: Growing in a relationship with Jesus starts with becoming a child of God. We will always be His child however we should be growing in maturity with Him.
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Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. [1 John 2:5]
The Big Idea: We should grow in obedience, love and forgiveness so that our confidence in our relationship with God will grow
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. [1 John 1:5]
The Big Idea: We should confront and confess our darkness and trust Jesus so that we may walk in Light.
"Jesus is real life to be experienced and shared with others." - First John is a letter written by the apostle John. The letter was written to many small home churches that had been persecuted and scattered. The main problem confronting the church at this time was their declining commitment. Many believers were conforming to the world's standards and failing to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Many false teachers were preaching false doctrines which was causing the church to slide away from the Christian faith. John wrote this letter to put believers back on track, to show the difference between light and darkness, and to encourage the church to grow in genuine love for God and for one another. However, the main purpose of the letter was to assure true believers of their salvation.
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. [Acts 8:30-31]
Phillip and the early church obeyed Jesus even when it was uncomfortable and as a result the Gospel continued to spread and multiply.
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But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. [Acts 7:55]
The life, ministry and death of Stephen parallels the life, ministry and death of Jesus. The Gospel has most often taken root in places prepared by the blood of martyrs. But before people can give their lives for the gospel, they must first live their lives for the gospel.
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So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. [Acts 6:7]
As the church grows in size, so do the needs!
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Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. [Acts 2:12]
God uses unschooled, ordinary people to multiply God’s kingdom.
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By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. [Acts 3:16]
The Kingdom of God was built by devotion to prayer, obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit, giving God the glory and boldly sharing the gospel.
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In the book of Acts, Luke continues the story he began in his Gospel. The book starts off with the apostles (those who saw Jesus) being told by Jesus to wait. The apostles had walked with Jesus through Jesus’ ministry, they witnessed His death and they had just witnessed Him being raised from the dead. We can imagine that they were ready to go out and tell the world what they have experienced. However, Jesus said to wait. The reason being is that He didn’t want them going at it alone. He promised to give them the Holy Spirit. This would be how the early church had the power to get the gospel (good news) to the ends of the earth.
Just one chapter later, what Jesus promised has happened. The Holy Spirit comes! In VS 4 we see the word “enabled”. This means that the Holy Spirit gave them the power to carry out the mission that God gave them. In this chapter we also see what happens when people respond to the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. People were speaking in other languages and many miracles were happening and lives were being changed. We see at the end of chapter 2 that 3000 people were saved after just one sermon. We also see that the Lord continued to add to that number day by day and we are continuing to see that this very day.
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Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. [Acts 2:46-47]
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“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” [James 5:16 NIV]
Faith, prayer and community are powerful resources in the life of a believer.
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“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [James 4:7 NIV]
In chapter 3, James introduced the idea of how our inner lives effect the words we speak. In Chapter 4, this idea is further explored, by addressing how our inner lives effect our relationships with God and others.
A prideful heart cannot submit to God. This is the principle that James is exploring in verses one through three. When the evil desires that live inside of us come out, we experience fights and quarrels among each other. Our desire to have what is not rightfully ours leads us to covet, quarrel, fight and kill. It is our sin nature that drives these actions.
God will have none of it. We may ask god to supply us with our wants, but answering ‘YES!’ to these prayers would only lead us further away from Him. And as we will see, God‘s greatest desire for us is to draw near to him
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” [James 3:13 NIV]
The Book of James has emphasized that real authentic faith produces good deeds. In this confusing world it can be hard to know which good deeds to put our hands to. Knowing what to do when you are following Jesus, James argues, requires wisdom; which is the subject of this week's sermon.
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“...Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” [James 3:2 NIV]
In this week's message Pastor Stanely Lane dives deep into James 3:1-12. In the first two chapters of James, he emphasizes and argues for the importance of works in the life of the follower of Jesus. This, however, begs the question: which works? Chapter 3 begins to answer this question by focusing on one of the most basic: the way we use our words.
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“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead..” [James 2:26 NIV]
After rebuking his audience for their failure to put their faith into action, James continues his explanation of the relationship between faith and works in 2:14-26. His main point is that the actions you take display what you truly believe. Many of us have spiritual life, yet we’re spiritually sick. We attend church to hear what the Great Physician has to say and leave feeling good about his prescription. We remain spiritually unhealthy, though, because we don’t swallow the medicine. Once we hear God’s Word, we must act on it to be transformed by it. Essentially, what we do is an embodiment of what we truly believe.
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“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” [James 2:12-13 NIV]
The book of James is letter written to Jewish people (12 tribes of Israel) that had been scattered because of persecution. These were people that were new Christians coming out of a life lived under religious law and were now learning what it meant to live in relationship with Jesus. The letter is written because many were struggling with the suffering of persecution as well as sin in the church, specifically pride and gossip.
In today's message we will diver deeper into James 1: 1-18.
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“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hand son them and sent them off.” [Acts 13:2-3 NIV]
Barnabas and Saul were not called into intense full-time mission work straight from the bench, they were already in the game. Immediately after Saul’s conversion, we see Paul begin preaching and sharing his testimony (Acts 9:19-30). And when Barnabas was sent to Antioch to assist them in preaching to the gentiles, he grabbed Saul to come along side him (Acts 11:19-30). This call by the Holy Spirit was not calling them into something foreign, but into a deeper more focused expression of what they were already doing.
God has called us to be faithful, not famous. If we want to be used by God to do great things (or even the RIGHT things), He will often guide us into places to serve and obey small.
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“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” [2 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV]
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He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. [Revelation 21:4]
The sinful fallen world we live in is only temporary. We as Christians, those who have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior only face pain, sickness, troubles and death in the temporary. After the return of Jesus and His reign on the earth, death, and the devil himself will be destroyed. God will then create a new heaven and a new earth. God will then once again dwell with us, His people as He did with Adam and Eve in the Garden before sin entered the world. He promises through His word that there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
Remember it’s only temporary. Overcome because you don’t hope for the temporary. Persevere because your faith in Jesus Christ has guaranteed you a perfect eternity. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross. Jesus lived holy and righteous.
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Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. [Acts 9:17-19]
The conversion of Saul, a “pharisee of pharisees” on the Damascus Road is amazing. Jesus Christ took a man who was condemning Christ Followers and turned him into a fellow believer who would be a herald of the Gospel and make up a large part of the New Testament scripture that we read today. Saul was going along that road full of self-righteousness and religion. Being highly educated in his time he was still spiritually blind. Saul believed in his own righteousness through upholding religious tradition. When Saul encountered Jesus that day, he knew that He was alive. Knowing that Jesus is alive changed everything. Saul knew that Jesus followers were preaching that he was the Messiah, the son of God. Knowing that Jesus had risen and was alive meant that Saul finally saw Jesus for who He is. The son of God, the risen savior, Holy, perfect, and righteous. This led Saul to repentance and reliance on Jesus alone, not his own self-righteous acts.
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He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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 1:7-8]
All of Jesus’s talk about the kingdom of God and the soon-to-arrive Holy Spirit prompted the disciples to ask him if he was restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time. But Jesus told them that the timing for Israel’s earthly promised messianic kingdom was not for them to know. The Father would determine that by his own authority. Nevertheless, they would soon receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them so that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the disciples would go as Jesus’s witnesses to proclaim him and make kingdom disciples in Jerusalem in obedience to the Great Commission. This kingdom work continues today, as the church goes to the ends of the earth to proclaim King Jesus with kingdom authority in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Tony Evans Bible Commentary)
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Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”[Matthew 28:18-20]
The God of the bible is a missionary God and the bible is a missionary book. From the beginning to the end it’s all about glorifying God and extending His glory to the ends of the earth. We are all called to take part in the mission of God. The only question left for us to ask ourselves is am I taking part in God’s mission?
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John 20:17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
We must hear, understand, and believe in that empty grave in order to receive peace, purpose, and eternal life.
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Mark 15 moves us from the scene in the garden of Gethsemane to the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus has been forsaken by His disciples, rejected by the Chief Priests and Jewish leaders, and now condemned to the cross by Pontius Pilate. He quietly suffers as He is mocked, scourged, and spat on by Roman soldiers. He is then led outside the city to be nailed to the cross, giving his life as a perfect sacrifice for the very people who put Him there. Jesus was put on the cross not just by the Jewish and Roman leaders, but by you and I as well. Through His sufferings on the cross, Jesus made a way for us to be in perfect relationship with God the Father through his one and only Son.
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Mark 14:32-36 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba,[f] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
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Mark 14:22-25 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
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While He [Jesus] was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. [Mark 14:1-11]
While those who were present at the table sought to criticize Mary for her actions, but Jesus saw something different. He saw an act of worship and came to her defense. Jesus is concerned about the condition of hearts and it is true worship that catches His attention. Mary didn't care who was in the room, the only thing she cared about was honoring Jesus. True worship is not in devotion to or governed by the thoughts and criticism of men. True worship flows from a heart of true devotion to Jesus.
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“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” [Roman 6:4]
Baptism is not just something that Christians do. It is not just a ritual that we perform as kids when our other friends are doing it in front of the church. Baptism is the outward expression of the inward transformation of God in our hearts. It signifies that we have been buried with Christ to sin and self, and raised with Christ into new life. The old has gone, the new has come.
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“...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. [Luke 15:20]
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Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” [Luke 19:9-10]
In Matthew 9:12 when Jesus is first calling Matthew as a disciple He says this, ”It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus came on a great rescue mission. He didn’t come so that the righteous people who have a good life can all gather and sit and enjoy His grace. Jesus came and paid it all for us so that we can extend His glory to the ends of the earth, to the sick, the needy, the broken. Jesus died for all that would come to know Him.
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In Matthew 18:1-6, as in many others passages, we see Jesus take the ideas of this world and turn them upside down. The kingdom of heaven is all about Jesus’ righteousness, sacrifice, glory, and greatness not ours. We see that greatness doesn’t come from anything we can do, be, or accomplish it comes from surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Greatness in the kingdom of heaven starts with surrender, continues in humility, grows in faith, and leads to a desire to see the lost come to know the father.
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In Matthew chapter 13, verses 44-46 Jesus shares 2 parables about about the Kingdom of Heaven. We look at these parables in the same way we do the rest of the New Testament, by looking for Jesus in every chapter. The bible is a book that’s all about Jesus, not us. These two parables testify of Christ and His love for Israel, and His church. So great a love that He sold, He gave all that he had even to death in order to buy the field, and purchase the pearl.
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As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” [Matthew 14:15-16]
Jesus then sees crowd's immediate need for food and He takes the little bit of food a little boy has and multiplies it into abundance for everyone present. At this same time Jesus is teaching His disciples a valuable lesson. The disciples saw this situation only from a worldly perspective, but Jesus wanted to reveal to them who He was and what He could do. In John 6:25-59, which takes place the next day after the miracle, Jesus shares the real meaning of what he wanted to show the disciples and the crowd. He wanted to show them that he was the Bread of Life and that those who put their faith in Him will have spiritual bread that nourishes and lasts for all eternity.
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Sometimes we face storms and trials of all kinds and sometimes life seems like it couldn’t get any better. We have to grow by our faith and understand that all things work together for the good of those who are called according to His purposes. Some storms we bring on ourselves by disobedience. Some storms are brought on by Satan and his tactics in the world. As children of God, Co-heirs with Christ we have to know that no matter the circumstance or situation God is using it for our sanctification. Whether we can see it in the moment or not we have to have the faith to seek God in it. We have to stand strong in Who God is and that he ultimately is working everything out for our good and His glory.
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Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.
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Pray and Fast in Secret. When no one knows, the only motivation can be for the pleasure and will of God. Pray and Fast for God’s approval, not Man’s approval. A lot of times prayer can be such a good temperature gauge of our spiritual lives. We can ask ourselves if I spend more time in prayer alone than I do in a group of others. When we pray and fast it has to be for the right reward. The reward is closeness to God, being in the center of His will. Pray from your heart.
Sermon Text: MATTHEW 6:5-15
For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” [Matthew 4:10]
Immediately after Jesus’ baptism the very next passage in the Gospel of Matthew shows us Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry. We can draw some correlation from the fall of Adam and Eve when Satan came and tempted, questioned the authority of God and ultimately led them into sin through deceit and lies. This time around we find Jesus winning this battle by using God’s Word in His time of need.
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“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” [Matthew 3:11]
We see John the Baptist in this text doing exactly what was prophesied in Isaiah 40, preparing the way for the Lord. John knew what God called him to do and he succeeded in doing it. Let us see what really makes a successful life.
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"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” [Matthew 2:11]
In Matthew, chapter 2 we see Magi from the east begin a journey to Jesus as they remember God’s word from a prophet in Numbers 24. The magi pick up everything they have and begin their journey straight to Jesus. We all started our journey of faith in Christ at some point in our lives. Let’s look at how our journey to Jesus requires faith, is fueled by worship, and desires our best.
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This week we are looking at God making preparations for the birth of Jesus, the one every story we’ve read this year in the Jesus Storybook Bible has been pointing toward. God delights in doing the unexpected with the unexpected. God acted after Israel had been waiting for 400 years without a prophet and without a word from the Lord. No one was expecting the Savior to come. Both Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist would be conceived in unexpected ways and through unexpected people.
This Advent season we can learn that we should always be waiting well on God, that He is Sovereign in His plan, and he delights in doing the miraculous through ordinary people who have faith.
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“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship.” [Romans 12:1]
Being Heart and Soul with the church means serving the church. Paul does a great job in Romans 12 of getting to the heart of serving. As you listen to this week's message I encourage you to reflect deeply on how serving has characterized your life and the motives behind that service.
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Heart & Soul Sermon Series - Week 6
God’s mission is not some big calling on certain people’s lives, it's the call of God on all who know and serve Him. When we know God and His mission the only question we have now is, "What part can I play?"
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “ All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”[Mathew 28:18-20]
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Heart & Soul Sermon Series - Week 5
God’s mission is not some big calling on certain people’s lives, it's the call of God on all who know and serve Him. When we know God and His mission the only question we have now is, "What part can I play?"
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “ All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”[Mathew 28:18-20]
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Heart & Soul Sermon Series - Week 4
The church is the chosen people of God, filled by the spirit of God, working together to accomplish the mission of God.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who call you out of darkness and into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. [1 Peter 2:9-10]
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Heart & Soul Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Heart & Soul Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Heart & Soul Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Family Matters Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Family Matters Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Family Matters Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Family Matters Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Family Matters Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
A Greater Story Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Death to Life Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Death to Life Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Death to Life Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com
Death to Life Sermon Series
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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com