Sermons by Pastor Jim Caler (Page 2)
“Now Dismiss Your Servant in Peace” (Nunc Dimittis)
Simeon, old and worn but still buoyed by expectation, holds in his arms the Messiah he has been longing for. He cannot hold it in, speaking praise over all who can hear and offering a prophetic word over Jesus. Anna the prophetess stands nearby and speaks a word over this wonder-child as well. (Luke 2:22-38) Sermon Outline The First Habit of a Faithful Finisher: Seek the Holy Spirit’s presence and Obey His Leading Three times the Spirit mentioned with Simeon:…
“He suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was crucified”
This series walks through the Apostles Creed as a basic summary of our faith but also as a way to live our faith out with God in the world. Each weekend of this series will explore the biblical and theological roots of the Apostles Creed, while also providing specific spiritual practices and approaches to living out what we know as we ‘proclaim and embody’ the Creed in our daily lives. This week focuses on the phrase, “He suffered under Pontius…
Why Parables?
Jesus teaches with parables and even His closest disciples are confused with why He does this. Jesus explains and even His explanation can be hard to understand. Matthew 13:1-3a, 10-17 SERMON OUTLINE What is a Parable? παραβολή [parabole] is a combination of para (along-side) and ballo (to throw), thus “to throw alongside.” “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning”. Why did Jesus teach in Parables? To reveal truth (Matthew 13:11) Two things about this truth the parables reveal: The Kingdom…
The Messiah and the Forerunner
John the Baptist is imprisoned and sends his disciples to inquire about all Jesus is doing. Matthew 11:2-19 SERMON OUTLINE “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11) John the Baptist’s Perspective on Jesus (11:2-6) John’s early perspective on Jesus: the one coming after who is stronger (3:11-12) John’s current perspective on Jesus: “are…
Women of Faith
This week will give attention to notable women in Jesus’ line—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba—with some discussion of redemption. Matthew 1:1-17, esp. 1:3, 5-6 SERMON OUTLINE The Point The Gospel, the story of the Bible, and the story of Jesus is for everyone. Tamar (Genesis 38:6-30) Canaanite Widow “Unredeemed” Rahab (Joshua 2:1-7) Amorite Harlot “Unclean” Ruth (Book of Ruth) Moabite Widow “Unredeemed” Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2, 3; 12:24; 1 Kings 1:11-31, 2:13-19) Canaanite Victim “Unclean” The Point The Gospel, the story…
Living Faith
Examples of faith scattered through the Scriptures and through our experience encourage us to continue in our own life of faith. Hebrews 11:4-40 SERMON OUTLINE “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) True Christian faith is taking God at His word and building your life on it. Four aspects of the life of Faith that are exemplified by these stories: The life of faith serves as encouragement for…
Seeing Jesus in the Ruins
This message will be an introduction to the Minor Prophets, including chronological and geographical background, overview of the message, and how they fit into our faith as Christians today. Sermon OutlinE “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 3:16) Who Are the Minor Prophets? Nabi—“Prophet” (literally = “to bubble up”) “In the past God spoke to…
A Crash Course in Christ-Centered Relationships
Paul now applies the calling to live worthy of Christ by putting of the old self and putting on the new self to the sphere of relationships. Drawing upon the common household codes of his time, Paul reframes the basic social unit of the household with the Gospel calling of selfless love and consideration of the other. Thus, husband-wife, parent-child, and master-servant relationships are transformed through Christ as His people live by the Holy Spirit in the attitude of mutual…
Continue in Thanksgiving
Thankfulness is not something that we only practice on Thanksgiving, it is something that we are called to do at all times. This standalone message focuses on Colossians 3:15-17 and how thankfulness comes by letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, by letting the word of Christ dwell among us, and comes when we honor Christ in our lives. SERMON OUTLINE 1. Thankfulness Comes by Letting the Peace of Christ Rule in Our Hearts (Colossians 3:15; John 14:1-3,…
Transforming Faith: Scripture
Pastor Jim Caler brings the first part in a two-part miniseries on Transforming Faith, with a message on reading the Bible in a transformational way. SERMON OUTLINE The Need for Transformation Be a Traveler not a Tourist Romans 12:1-2 Ephesians 4:20-24 Myths about Transformation It happens instantly (Philippians 3:12-16) It happens naturally (Hebrews 5:11-14) It happens willfully (Philippians 2:12-14) The Bible and Transformation (James 1:22-25/1 Timothy 3:14-16) Read Have a plan Work it out Reflect From Root to Fruit (or…
Reading the Signs
In Luke 11:29-32, Jesus gives us the sign of Jonah as a key signifier of who He is and what He’s about in His kingdom. What does this tell us about kingdom living? Pastor Jim Caler unpacks this passage on a Family Worship Weekend. SERMON OUTLINE The Context The Text The Point DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Open Up What is your favorite “sign”? Why? What would you “go to the ends of the earth” to experience? Dig In Why do you think Jesus…
Be Still
How do we simplify and focus our lives to become the best people in God with the best use of time in our busy world? Elijah runs himself ragged after a successful ministry, struggling to rest and hear from God. We will examine things like solitude, silence, simplicity, and appropriate view of limits for self and others. Key passages: 1 Kings 19; Psalm 46:10 Sermon Outline “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’” (Psalm 46:10) “Come away…