Sermons by Pastor Jim Caler
Jesus, King of Kings
This message focuses on the end of the book of Acts in Rome, the center of power for the Roman Empire. There is attention to Paul’s speaking the message of Jesus at the centers of power, with some reference to his previous proclamation to the Sanhedrin, Felix, and Festus after his arrest in Jerusalem. Sermon Outline Because Jesus is the King of kings, He is also Lord of our life, which gives us a story to share. The Story Summarized…
Spiritual Self-Destruction
This message looks at Saul’s gratitude for David that transforms into opposition to David because of jealousy of David. What happened to Saul? Sermon Outline Envy turns companions into competitors and robs relationships of love and peace. The Progression of Envy Envy Begins with a False Foundation of Identity Saul’s identity was built on appearance, performance, and public opinion—not God. (1 Samuel 9, 13–15) If your identity is in your success, someone else’s success threatens your value. Envy Grows through…
Remember, Remain, Refocus
A call to renewed purpose as disciples of Jesus Christ as we come to the end of 2024 and look to 2025. Sermon Outline Introduction: What are you living for? Three keys to renew our commitment as disciples this next year:Remember, Remain, Refocus. I. Remember: What Has God Done in Your Life? Purpose of Remembering: Reflect on God’s past faithfulness to strengthen trust and encourage hearts. Psalm 103:1-5 – “Forget not all His benefits.” Joshua 4:1-7 – “These stones are…
I am a Citizen in God’s Kingdom
As a citizen of any country, there are things we come to expect. Regardless of where you live or grow up, if you belong to God, you are not just a citizen of your country, you are also a citizen of the kingdom of God. There are privileges and expectations that come with this: We live under the Lordship of Christ – His commands and direction as given in the Bible. (1 Peter 2:9-12; Ephesians 2:19-20) Sermon Outline Jesus began…
Following Jesus Means Taking Up Our Cross
Choosing to follow Jesus means we are often saying no to many things: no to the what the world calls success, no to what the world call pleasure, no to what the world calls popular. Are we consistently willing to pay the cost of standing apart of Jesus, no matter the cost? (Matthew 16:24-27) Sermon OutlinE The Definition: A disciple is someone who is following Jesus, is being transformed by the Holy Spirit and is committed to the Mission of God.…
Following Jesus Means Knowing the Truth
There are a lot of places people look to for “truth” – themselves, their heroes, their parents, their friends, famous philosophers. Jesus says He is the source of truth and that those who follow Him will not only walk in the truth but experience freedom because of it. Why does knowing the truth set us free?. (John 8:31-32) Sermon OutlinE Following: X/Instagram vs. Jesus “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew…
A House Divided
The Corinthians have such great divisions that they cannot solve them apart from going to court. Paul says they have already been overcome by their own divided ways. (1 Corinthians 6:1-11) Sermon Outline …but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) Since the Church has been set apart from the world through its union with Christ, we must live…
Living in Light of the Day
We want to watch for that day of the Lord, but we also want to live in light of it. Peter’s question should ring through our minds and hearts as well, “What kind of people ought you to be?” (3:11). (2 Peter 3:10-13) SERMON OUTLINE “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be…
The State of Discipleship at Eastbrook
This mission to grow disciples is too important for us to simply guess at how we’re doing or hope we’re being effective. To help bring clarity to our current state of disciple-making and to identify where we can improve in our efforts, in the fall of 2023, we asked the entire Eastbrook congregation to take an anonymous assessment. On Monday, October 30, 2023, Pastors Matt Erickson and Jim Caler presented the survey results and key takeaways to a group of…
Growing and Growing
This week will explore examples of believers who move from initial steps of faith to a life of growing and deepening discipleship. We will look at the believers in Jerusalem (Acts 4:32-37) and Berean (Acts 17:10-15) as examples of growing faith exemplified in learning, praying, sharing, and growing. Then we will examine the life of Barnabas (4:36-37; 9:26-28; 11:22-23; 13:1-3) as an example of someone who centers their life in Christ, faithfully serving and investing in others. Sermon Outline “So…
Inspecting the Realities of Necessary Rebuilding
Hearing about it from a distance, Nehemiah now sees firsthand what is going on. From that point he urges action: rebuilding. (Nehemiah 2:11-18) SERMON OUTLINE Called to Be Builders Mark 16:15 Nehemiah’s Process Nehemiah Prayed and Prepared (v. 11) Did not rush in, but waited Solidified his motivation: “what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem” Nehemiah Investigated the Situation Personally and Privately (v. 12-16) Inspected – medical term — probing the wound to see the…
Healing for the Earth: The Flood, Part 2
This message will pick up with the second half of the flood story all the way through God’s covenant with Noah marked by the rainbow. Some attention here to the Noahic Covenant and Christological connections with it. (Genesis 8:1-9:17; 1 Peter 3:19-22) Sermon Outline “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and He sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.” (Genesis 8:1) “He remembers His…