Sermons by Pastor Ruth Carver
Tears of Anguish
This message will explore the first of two types of tears we see in Jesus as He prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, the tears of anguish. In these tears of Jesus, we see God as One who mysteriously enters into the anguish of human experience through Jesus’ incarnation. Hebrews 5:7; Luke 22:39-46 Sermon Outline “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save…
The ‘No’ of God and the ‘Yes’ of God
In chapter 7 of 2 Samuel, David wants to build a house for God but, after the prophet Nathan’s initial excitement, God says “no” to David’s plans. What do we do when God says “no”? Note that God does say “yes” to building David’s house, which is a “yes” David didn’t expect. (2 Samuel 7) Sermon Outline The LORD said to David through Nathan the prophet: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be…
Jesus, the Atoning One and Scapegoat
Since sin’s entry into human experience in the Garden of Eden, a great separation has existed between God and humanity. Such a gulf could not be crossed by human effort, but only through the gracious gift of the Creator God. The day of atonement reflected that only the offering of an animal’s life could communicate the gravity of human evil. When Jesus offered His life and His death in our place on the Cross, He became what we are—destined for…
I am a New Creation in Christ
Becoming a follower of Christ means the end of one life and the beginning of a new one. We see things from a new perspective, we do things with a new power, i have a new mind, spirit and heart driving my actions. We no longer live as slaves to human desires but with the freedom to live Holy lives – set apart for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:16-21) Sermon Outline Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new…
Resurrection Matters, Part 2
Chapter 15 explores the resurrection of Jesus. This second part of that chapter focuses on the reality of resurrection bodies through faith in Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:35-58) Sermon Outline For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. (1 Corinthians 52b-53) How Could Our Bodies Possibly Be Resurrected? (1 Corinthians 15:35-44) God can manipulate matter. Learn from the analogy…
Palm Sunday
This week we look what is known as Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. We will explore the meaning of this event in light of the week to follow, and gain insights into both John 15 and Psalm 1 as we conclude our series “The Tree and the Vine.” (John 11, 12, 15 & Psalm 1) Sermon Outline They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” (John 12:13a) Jesus Orchestrates a Miracle (John 11) Jesus…
Keep Yourselves in God’s Love as You Wait
Following on our series on 2 Peter we spend one week looking at the book of Jude, one of the most interesting and short books in the Bible. Jude is interrelated with 2 Peter, so this is a good time to explore it. Sermon Outline But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ…
Revival in the Ruins
Last week we explored the centrality of God’s Word in the identity and project of rebuilding and repair. The people not only hear God’s word but respond to it. This is a powerful example of humble confession and a community turning toward God. (Nehemiah 9:1-38) SERMON OUTLINE “In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly.” (Nehemiah 9:33) What is Revival? Asbury College Revival Fulton Street Revival Nehemiah 9 Revival…
The Creation of Humanity
This message explores the meaning of humanity created imago Dei, the significance of Adam and Eve, their creation from the soil by God, and set up next week’s exploration of the human relationship to creation and the “creation” of marriage in Genesis 2. (Genesis 1:26-31; 2:4-24) Sermon Outline “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) The Creation of Humanity – Big Picture (Genesis…
A Reset on Gathering
During a time when it has been difficult to meet together, we want to encourage people to meet together in person again for weekly worship. SERMON OUTLINE Gathering Together to Worship In the Old Testament God’s idea, God’s command Festivals at temple in Jerusalem Psalm 100, the reset psalm Synagogues In the New Testament Jesus’ insistence on it “Wherever 2 or 3 of you are gathered…” (Matthew 18:20) “I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18b) Institution of the Lord’s Supper…
Sheep and Goats
This message explores the parable of the sheep and the goats from Matthew 25:31-46. SERMON OUTLINE “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40) The Meaning of Maranatha Watchword of Early Christians Jesus’ 2nd Coming and Last Judgment Jesus’ Parable of the Sheep and Goats Who are the sheep and the goats? On what basis are people sent to heaven or hell? The “Big…
Jesus and the Canaanite Woman
Jesus heals an outsider, a Canaanite woman, and it shows us some very interesting things about the nature of Jesus’ mission. Matthew 15:21-28 Sermon Outline Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (Matthew 15:28) The Request A Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus is off duty, needing rest. Woman is a representative of Israel’s enemy; she is “other.” The Delay Jesus is…
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