Sermon Messages Listed by Theme for 2018
Click an image for videos and sermon notes for that series.
This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. Mat. 24:14
“Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Rom. 10:13-15
Message Series: Permission Granted
Sermon Notes:
Hitting the Reset Button
Many of us have shame in our past.
The Lord has offered us redemption.
Many still live with gilt, not a new life.
Scripture References:
“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… They all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.” ~Acts 7:55-58
“Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’” ~Acts 9:3-4
“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 9:18-19
“Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.” ~Acts 9:22
Sermon Notes:
We all have Our Doubts
It can be healthy to question.
Be careful who gives the answers.
Belief is not about proof, but faith.
Scripture References:
“When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ Jesus replied, ‘Go back and report to John what you hear and see.’” ~Matthew 11:2-4
“‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’” ~Matthew 14:28-31
“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” ~John 20:27-29
Sermon Notes:
Religion vs Relationship
Works gives you a feeling of certainty.
Grace is about what Jesus did for you.
Real certainty comes from God’s love.
Scripture References:
“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’ ‘How can someone be born when they are old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.’” ~John3:1-6
“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
“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds” ~John 19:39
Sermon Notes:
God is Patient with Us
The road to Christ is a process.
The Holy Spirit is our guide.
Never give up seeking the truth.
Scripture References
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 1:3-6
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” ~John 16:13
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” ~John 8:31-32
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba!Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” ~Romans 8:14-16
Sermon Notes:
Come Just as You Are
Speaking both truth and grace.
Change goes from the inside out.
We should see the person not the sin.
Scripture References
“Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’” ~John 8:10-11
“All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ 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 18:7-10
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” ~Matthew 7:3-5
Sermon Notes:
God’s Standard of Greatness
Human greatness will not last.
Greatness looks like a servant.
True greatness is God’s greatness.
Scripture References
“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we want you to do for us whatever we ask.’ ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked. They replied, ‘Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.’” ~Mark 10:35-37
“‘You don’t know what you are asking,’ Jesus said. ‘Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?’ ‘We can,’ they answered… When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John” ~ ~Mark 10:38-41
“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~Mark 10:42-45
Message Series: Old Testament Heroes
Sermon Notes:
Joshua’s Story
Trusting God when others didn’t.
Even when is didn’t make sense.
He asked the people to trust.
Scripture References:
“And said to the entire Israelite assembly, ‘The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.’” ~ Numbers 14:7-9
“When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city.” ~Joshua 6:20
“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” ~Joshua24:14-15
Sermon Notes:
Samson’s Story
Samson was given great strength.
He often used his power selfishly.
How will you use your great power?
Scripture References:
“You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” ~Judges 13:5
“The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.” ~ Judges 14:6
“Then the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, stripped them of everything and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle. Burning with anger, he returned to his father’s home. And Samson’s wife was given to one of his companions who had attended him at the feast.” ~Judges 14:19-20
“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 28:19-20
Sermon Notes:
Elijah’s Story
He was a prophet who served faithfully.
Elijah felt abandoned and alone.
We can all feel alone serving God.
Scripture References:
“Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, ‘The LORD-he is God! The LORD-he is God!’” ~1 Kings 18:38-39
“He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.’” ~1 Kings 19:10
“The Lord said to him, ‘Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet… Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel-all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.’” ~1 Kings 19:15-16,18
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ~Deuteronomy 31:8
Sermon Notes:
Esther’s Story
God placed Esther at the right time.
Esther needed courage to be a hero.
God has you at this time for a reason.
Scripture References:
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” ~Esther 4:14
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” ~Esther 4:16
“It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” ~2 Corinthians 4:13-18
Sermon Notes:
Joseph’s Story
Joseph was given good gifts.
Joseph’s life did not seen fair.
Joseph learned grace and forgiveness
Scripture References:
“Now Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him.” ~Genesis 37:3-4
“She caught him by his cloak and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’ But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, she called her household servants. ‘Look,’ she said to them, ‘this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed.’” ~Genesis 39:12-14
“But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” ~Genesis 50:19-21
Sermon Series "Holy Week"
Sermon Notes:
Jesus came to be the Lamb
The crowds of people cheered Jesus as king.
The crowd called out for Jesus to be crucified.
Even at the end, Jesus showed them grace.
Scripture References:
“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’” ~Luke 19:37-40
“But the whole crowd shouted, ‘Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!’ (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’” ~Luke 23:18-21
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’” ~Luke 23:34-35
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” ~John 1:29
Sermon Notes:
The Resurrection changed Everything
The death of Jesus made this the worst day.
The resurrection of Jesus made it glorious.
Today, the resurrection still brings new life.
Scripture References.
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” ~Luke 24:1-3
“While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 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.’ Then they remembered his words.” ~Luke 24:4-6
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” ~2 Corinthians 5:17-19
Sermon Series "After God's Own Heart"
Sermon Notes:
Finding a King after God’s Heart
Overlooking someone at first glance.
Trust only those who’s heart is after God’s.
Be careful not the sell yourself short.
Scripture References:
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” ~1Samuel 16:7
“After removing Saul, [God] made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’” ~Acts 13:22
“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him (David) in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power.” ~1 Samuel 16:13
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit… A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” ~Matthew 12:33,35
Sermon Notes:
Fighting Giants in God’s Power
What are the giants in your life?
Are you on the right side of the fight?
You must listen to and follow the Holy Spirit.
Scripture References:
A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span.He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels.” ~1 Samuel 17:4-5
“David asked the men standing near him, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?’” ~1 Samuel 17:26
“Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” ~1 Samuel 17:36-37
“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” ~1 Samuel 17:45
Sermon Notes:
Responding to an Unfair Attack
We can respond by being defensive.
Our response can come from revenge.
A Godly response comes from reconciliation.
Scripture References:
“As they danced, they sang: ‘Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands.’ Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” ~1 Samuel 18:7-8
“He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’ Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.” ~1 Samuel 24:3-4
“He said to Saul, ‘Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’” ~1 Samuel 24:9-10
Sermon Notes:
Temptation leads to destruction
Temptation to sin is powerful.
Sin lead to deceit to cover the shame.
Can David still be after God’s own Heart.
Scripture References:
“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’” ~2 Samuel 11:2-3
“When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going. Then David said to Uriah, ‘Go down to your house and wash your feet.’ So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master’s servants and did not go down to his house.” ~2 Samuel 11:7-9
“In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In it he wrote, ‘Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.””~ ~2 Samuel 11
“‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow;though they are red as crimson,they shall be like wool.’” ~Isaiah 1:18
Sermon Notes:
The Results of Sin
How to react to the truth.
A Godly heart seeks repentance .
Forgiven, but still the consequences.
Scripture References:
“David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.’” ~2 Samuel 12:5-6
“Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes?’” ~2 Samuel 12:7-9
“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘the Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.’” ~2 Samuel 12:13
“Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’” ~2 Samuel 12:10
Sermon Notes:
David’s heart in the Psalms
David and God’s deep relationship.
How do you see God in your life?
Living a life after God’s own heart.
Scripture References:
“Teach me your way, Lord, hat I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.” ~Psalm 86:11-13
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23: 1-4
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” ~Psalm 103
Sermon Series "Theological Mythbusters"
Sermon Notes:
Myths of Heaven & Hell
Misconceptions about going to heaven.
Misconceptions about going to hell.
Heaven seems too good to be true.
Scripture References:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved… For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” ~Romans 10:9-10,13
“Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.’ Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’” ~John 3:1-3
“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
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” ~Ephesians 2:8
Sermon Notes:
"Believing there is a God is enough"
Scripture References:
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”~Matthew 16:13-19
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.~John 3:16
Sermon Notes:
Our Choices Matter
God wants the best for you when following God.
Evil and destruction are not apart of God’s plan.
Salvation is the work of Jesus, but our choice.
Scripture References:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ~Romans 8:28
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” ~Jeremiah 29:11-13
“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” ~1 Timothy 2:3-5
Sermon Notes:
Transformed by Christ
When in Christ, change is inevitable.
Faith can change you for the worse.
Faith can bring you to greater holiness.
Scripture References:
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” ~John 15:19
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” ~Romans 12:3
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~Romans 12:2
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” ~Romans 12:9
saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” ~1 Timothy 2:3-5
Sermon Series "Culture Clash"
Sermon Notes:
ull of Truth or Grace
When we show nothing but truth.
When we show nothing but grace.
Showing both truth and grace fully..
Scripture References:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” ~Matthew 23:23
“And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.’” ~Hebrews 12:5-6
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” ~John 1:14
“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” ~John 1:16-17
Sermon Notes:
Seeking Godly Maturity
Be ready to give an answer for your faith.
When you disagree do so with respect.
Mature Christians speak the truth in love.
Scripture References:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” ~1 Peter 3:15-16
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful schemingInstead, 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” ~Ephesians 4:15
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.~Colossians 3:11-12
Sermon Notes:
Raising Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is in comparisons to others.
God-esteem is how God’s see you.
Your value come by God’s standard of Grace.
Scripture References:
“For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.” ~1 Corinthians 15:9-11
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” ~Psalm 139:13-14
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that noone can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~Ephesians 2:8-10
Sermon Notes:
We love our Freedom!
We can never be free from constraint.
Living under the law of man and God.
Freedom come from living in God’s will.
Scripture References:
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others..” ~1 Corinthians 10:23-24
“…but I will not be mastered by anything. You say, ‘Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.’ The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. ~1 Corinthians 6:12-13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” ~Galatians 5:13
“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” ~1 Peter 2:16
“I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” ~Psalm 119: 44-45
Sermon Notes:
SETTING TODAY. (Emphases)
Organized religion (the church) : (Building, liturgy, denominational organization etc.) Important to most older (mainline) Christians.
Personal faith: Often younger Christians who are frustated with the organized church.
WHAT THE NEW TESTAMENT SAYS.
Mark 1:16-20 : Jesus called individuals to follow him but as part of a fellowship.
Acts 2:42-47: The early Christians spent time in fellowship.Outsiders were drawn to this fellowship.
Acts 6:1-7: Organization developed due to need. Churches in new areas demanded local leadership & organization. They also needed this to have a needed continual connection to the total church.
This need has continued throughout the history of Christianity. The danger came/comes when the church loases a sense of its mission and purpose. God has raised up various reform/ renewal movements over the years to help correct this.
HOW DO WE (I) DEVELOP A GOOD BALANCE TODAY?
Keep a firm personal commitment to Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Remain a faithful part of the fellowship. Providing needed aid and leadership as you are able guided by Christ.
CONCLUSION Are we faithfully doing this?
Scripture References:
16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.~ Mark 1:16-20 NASB
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. ~Acts 2: 42-47 NASB
6 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 7 The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.~Acts 6:1-7 NASB
Sermon Series "I Believe in God But"
Sermon Notes:
We may have many questions about God and Christ. But the most urgent is "How can I be sure of my salvation?" Ultimately as many have found; its much more a matter of the heart than of the mind.
Using the story of the conversion of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:16-34 we find there are three simple steps in the process.
They must be: A-admit our need. B-believe in Christ C-commit your life to Christ. They must be in this order!
A. ADMIT OUR NEED.
B. BELIEVE IN JESUS.
C. COMMITMENT.
CONCLUSION
Scripture References:
16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days.
But Paul, greatly [a]annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” 22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. ~ 2 Tim. 4:6-8 NKJV
12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. ~ 2 Tim. 1:12 NKJV
Sermon Notes:
Joy is better than just Fun
God can’t care about petty rules.
We must take our pleasures now.
Jesus offers a life full of purpose.
Scripture References:
“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.” ~Acts 15:28-29
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” ~1 John 2:15-17
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” ~John 15:18-19
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” ~John 15:9-11
Sermon Notes:
Life in the Body of Christ
Why people don’t like the church.
It is hard to grow in your faith alone.
You are a vital part of God’s mission.
Scripture References:
“I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” ~Amos 5:21-24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” ~Hebrews 10:24-25
“If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” ~1 Corinthians 12:17-20
“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” ~Romans 12:5
Sermon Notes:
Who determines Truth
Relative truth brings more freedom.
Be careful you are not following a lie.
The Truth is known to us in a person.
Scripture References:
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ~Galatians 5:13-15
“Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” ~2 Corinthians 3:15-18
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’” ~John 8:31-32,36
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.’” ~John 14:6-7
Sermon Notes:
Is the Bible Reliable?
What make a story believable.
The Bible is historically accurate.
Living your life in in God’s Word.
Scripture References:
“When your words came, I ate them;they were my joy and my heart’s delight,for I bear your name,Lord God Almighty.” ~Jeremiah 15:16
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” ~2 Timothy 3:14-17
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us;he God of Jacob is our fortress.” ~Psalm 46:10-11
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity?By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart;do not let me stray from your commands.I have hidden your word in my heartthat I might not sin against you.” ~Psalm 119:9-11”
Sermon Notes:
Responding as Mature Christians
When you are confronted about my faith.
When you are dealing with sin.
The Gospel of Jesus is for everyone.
Scripture References:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” ~1 Peter 3:15-16
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 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” ~Ephesians 4:14-15
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.~Colossians 3:11-12
Sermon Notes:
Aren't All Religions About The Same
There is now a Hindu temple a few miles from a church I once served at many years ago. It was then rural, now its sub-urban so the vicinity has really changed. We are being thrust into contact with other world religions. This reality has lead some to say: "Aren't all religions about the same?" Don't they all have the same goal of helping us live better so we all get to heaven?
World Religions
A. Some similarities:
A goal to help us understand life and how to live it better. How to be good! All have certain beliefs, scriptures or writings, symbols, ceremonies and special leaders.
B. Some differences:
Number of gods, if any. Some are more philosophies than religions. Magic, May the "force" be with you.
C. This is not a subject for a sermon.
It would make a good study for a class.
Christianity’s Uniqueness—Relationships
Like a universal family or like the father and sons in the Parable of: "The Prodigal Son" ~Luke 15:11-32
God as Father. (Not a king or potentate.)
A loving Father, who cares for his children, and acts out his love, especially through Jesus. "God so loved the world, that he gave us his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life."~John 3:16
In the parable; God showed his love by:
Giving both sons, free-will: the power to choose to love him in return. The younger son chose to neglect the father at first and left home; but later returned in a humbled and penitent spirit.
Then offering the younger son, forgiveness for his sin & reacceptance back into the family.
Our God is a God of LOVE, ACTION through Christ, and FORGIVENESS. A Christian uniqueness!
The younger son.
After his original pride (I can do life by myself) cost him everything,
"He came to himself -Developed a spirit of humility ( a sense of need)
Returned home in a spirit of repentance' saying "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants." Luke 15:21
He was forgiven for his past sin but also received back not as a slave or hired servant but as a SON.
To symbolize this - He was given the best family robe (a robe of righteousness) He was given a family ring ( the credit card making the resources of the family available to him). He was given shoes . (Only children wore shoes.) This was to more adequately help him face life.
This was to aid him in living the present and to fully prepare for and live in the future as a son, not a slave.
A TRANSFORMED LIFE.
Experiencing The Uniqueness Of Christianity
What it offers
A God who loves us, acts through sending his son Jesus, and willingly forgives those who repent.
A new transformed life.
This is meant to be lived. (Not just a good idea but a guide for a life.)
Other religions don't really offer this. (For them its all up to us.)
The older brother: Portrays those who don’t experience this blessing.
He never really became humble so he felt no need for repentance, trusting in his own faithfulness at his task at home. He thus never experienced forgiveness and as a result of that, LOVE. He hated his "no-good" brother who had left home and was jealous of the warm reception back by the loving father. He felt like a slave. "Look all these years I have slaved for you and you never gave me anything”
Some professing Christians feel and live like that. More slaves than children of the heavenly father. In that spirit they are little different than people who follow other religions or even no religion.
They don’t know or experience, LOVE, FORGIVENESS AND A NEW LIFE which are Christ's unique gifts to us.
No wonder there is so little joy in their religion. Our sinful life has nothing to celebrate.
Conclusion
Which son better describes you today? Are you experiencing the blessing of truly being part of God's transformed family? Or is your religion most duty or drudgery?
Holy Communion is a good time for spiritual self-examination. As you kneel at the communion rail after receiving the symbols of Christ sacrifice, take time to seek God's help in making needed changes in your life!
Sermon Series "Dangerous Prayers"
Sermon Notes:
The Nature of Prayer
Prayer is more about listening.
Prayer is powerful when consistent.
Prayer is effective when received.
Scripture References
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” ~Psalm 139:23-24
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ~1 John 5:14
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” ~James 4:3
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in allcircumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 4:4-7
Sermon Notes:
Becoming More Like Jesus
Breaking our pride and selfishness.
Change me and give me a new heart.
God breaks only those who bear fruit.
Scripture References
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” ~Philippians 2:3
“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”~1 Corinthians 10:24
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” ~Ezekiel 36:26-27
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” ~John 15: 1-4
Sermon Notes:
The Routines of a Holy Life
We are all called to live holy.
Jesus calls us into the world.
We are called to be salt and light.
Scripture References
“With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’ 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 6:7-8
“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. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~Romans 12:1-2
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:14-16
Sermon Series "One Life"
Sermon Notes:
The Foundation of our Faith
Every person is important to Jesus.
Jesus’ priority is to save the lost.
Jesus is the One Person who saves.
Scripture References
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’” ~Luke15:4-6
“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
“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 4:12
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.’” ~John 14:6-7
Sermon Notes:
The World Wide Body
It is okay there are different styles.
We share the important issues in common.
The Church is powerful working together.
Scripture References
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” ~Romans 12:4-5
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” ~ Ephesians 4:2-6
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” ~1 John 4:11-12
Sermon Notes:
We are going to live Forever
We were created in God’s image.
Life here determines our eternity.
Jesus came to bring eternal life.
Scripture References
“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” ~Genesis 2:7
“‘The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side… And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.” ~Luke 16:22-23
“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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” ~John 3:16-18
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” ~John 10:27-28
Sermon Notes:
THE OLDER BROTHER
He is the third and often forgotten person in Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son.
He represents a significant portion of the faith community today.
What were his main qualities and what do they say to us?
A. Positive quality.
- Loyalty and faithfulness to the family.
- Like many loyal and faithful church members in our day.
- The kind of people the church depends on.
B. Negative qualities.
- Lovelessnss.
- Didn’t welcome his brother home; a sign of lovelessness.
- Despite being around the loving father; he never developed this love in himself.
- Too many faithful church members can be surrounded by the love of Jesus but never personally experience it.
- Joylessness.
- The older brother felt and acted more like a slave than a son. It showed in his joylessness.
- For too many church members serving God is a form of slavery.
- No wonder they have so little joy
C. What can be done for the older brother?
- An inner transformation, similar to what occurred in the younger brother.
- This involves repentance, an inner change of heart and mind.
- "You must be born again." John 3: 3
- Moving from living like a slave toward living like a family member.
- Using the resources offered by the loving father's family.
- The robe, the ring, and the shoes.
CONCLUSION—For all of us who are like the older brother!
- The change like the younger brother experienced. A change of heart and mind issuing in repentance and then returning home.
- Then living as a family member, not as a slave; using the family resources; the robe, the ring, and the shoes.
Scripture References
11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’” ~Luke 15:11-32
Sermon Series "Things I Wish Jesus Never Said"
Sermon Notes:
Jesus is Counter Cultural
Jesus’ teachings are not always popular.
The great commandment is to love God.
Jesus teaches we are to love God first.
Scripture References
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” ~John 15:18-19
“‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ~Matthew 22:37-39
“He said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” ~Luke 9:59-60
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” ~1 John 3:16-18
Sermon Notes:
Forgiveness is Key to the Gospel
Jesus came to bring forgiveness to all.
Our ability to forgive reflects our heart.
Forgiving others is a mark of a Christian.
Scripture References
“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 thecovenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” ~Matthew26:27-28
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” ~Colossians 3:12-14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” ~Matthew 6:14-15
Sermon Notes:
Generosity is the Fruit of Discipleship
The tithe is not about money, but your heart.
What holds us back is often an issue of trust.
The more we trust, the more God can bless.
Scripture References
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ~Matthew6:19-21
“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” ~Matthew 21:1-4
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” ~Proverbs 3:9-10
“‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’” ~Malachi 3:10
Sermon Notes:
The Christian life is Discipleship
The life of a disciple is not easy.
A disciple is must love like Jesus.
A disciple’s job is to make disciples.
Scripture References
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.’” ~Matthew16:34-35
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” ~Matthew 10:37-38
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” ~John 13:34-35
“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 28:19-20
Sermon Series "God With Us"
Sermon Notes:
See that God is with us
God was with Mary in her awe.
The fear of meeting God up close.
Embracing the awe of the Lord.
Scripture References
“The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” ~Luke1:28-30
“When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speakto us or we will die.’” ~Exodus 20:18-19
“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’” ~ Matthew 17:2-4
Sermon Notes:
Walking through the Valley
We all spend time in the valley.
Life in the valley can be lonely.
God is eager to guide your path.
Scripture References
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” ~Matthew1:18-19
“Even though I walkthrough the darkest valley,I will fear no evil,for you are with me;your rod and your staff,they comfort me.’” ~Psalm 23:4
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” ~Matthew1:20
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11-12
Sermon Notes:
Who do we give the Glory?
Joy is more than an emotion.
Great joy comes from Good News.
Good New drives us to share the joy.
Scripture References
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” ~John 15:9-11
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” ~Luke 2:8-10
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’” ~Luke 2:8-15
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” ~Luke 2:20
Sermon Notes:
Is it too Easy to worship?
Here are free to worship or not.
Worshippers not just spectators.
Worship is Spiritual respiration.
Scripture References
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 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.” ~Matthew2:10-11
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” ~John 4:19-24
“God is continually breathing, as it were, upon the soul; and [our] soul is breathing unto God. Grace is descending into [our] hearts; and prayer and praise ascending to heaven: And by this intercourse between God and man, this fellowship with the Father and the Son, as by a kind of spiritual respiration, the life of God in the soul is sustained; and the child of God grows up, till he comes to the ‘full measure of the stature of Christ.’” ~John Wesley, The New Birth.
Getting Ready for the Future
Sermon Notes:
INTRO. The month of January is named for the Roman god Janus; who was the god of doorways and beginnings.
This message deals with the issue of moving from one year to the next.
- A LOOK AT THE PAST YEAR.
Christmas letters and newspaper yearend summaries deal with experiences of the past year.
Whether they were good or bad depends in part of our interpretation of them. They are important, not just for nostalgic purposes but for their affect in the coming year. While we can interpret our past experiences, ultimately God, not we are the ultimte judge of how things went. So the ultimate question for us as a Christian is not whether things were good or bad for us in our life; but as a result
HOW IS IT WITH YOUR SOUL?
Someone has suggested that in the final judgment God will ask us two simple questions: WHAT DID YOU LEARN? and
HOW DID YOU LOVE? I will use these two concerns both as we look at the past year and then forward to the coming year.
- WHAT DID YOU LEARN SPIRITUALLY?
- Some had a new experience of God's grace through Emmaus or Cursillo.
(A modern version of an old-time Revival Meeting.)
- What new spiritual truth did you learn last year.
- These largely come through Bible Study, prayer, worship, Christian fellowship.
- All require OBEDIENCE TO GOD in what we learn. "We must be doers as well as hearers of the Word".
- What was the Lord working on in your life specifically?
- Our use or lack of the use of the means of grace listed will be a strong indicator of what has happened in our life spiritually.
- HOW HAVE YOU LOVED this past year?
- How is love for God being evidenced in my life? (This relates to learning or desire to.)
- Who and how have I evidenced my love for other people this past year?
Have I reconciled with someone I needed to? Have I forgiven someone?
- Have I rendered random acts of kindness?
- Who have I sought to bring to Christ or helped in their walk of faith?
Am I closer to Christ today than I was when the year started? Or how about after 5 or 10 years?
- THIS COMING YEAR. 2019
What do I need to do to move forward as a Christian during 2019?
(Its something like riding a bike; we must move forward or we will fall off.)
We cannot stay the same for long; either we move forward or we go backward. John Wesley called it backsliding!
- WHAT ARE MY PLANS TO LEARN THIS YEAR SPIRITUALLY?
- We can learn from the past, which involves facing mistakes & sins.
Which brings a need for repentance & confession. Asking for God's grace to help us not repeat them.
- Use the means of grace available.
Regular prayer; involving part of a group.
Bible study, both private and part of a class or group. Regular worship. Part of the Christian fellowship.
- Obedience, accountability to what God shows us.
- This can help us grow in our love for God which then anables us to better love others.
- LOVING IN 2019.
1.Who do I need to reconcile with? Can I?
- Who is the Lord laying on my heart to care for, encourage, challenge, spiritually and otherwise?
- How am I to share this love?
CONCLUSION
Spiritual growth doesn't just happen. It involves making choices. It takes making a DECISION!
i ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THIS BEGINNING RIGHT NOW! THIS IS THE HOUR OF DECISION!