"doubt" Tagged Sermons
The Gift of Doubt
The first few chapters of Ecclesiastes explore various pursuits in life, showing how any of them might become meaningless for us. Whether it’s the pursuit of pleasure, hard work, knowledge, or riches, any of these things apart from God can become sources of dissatisfaction. So, what can truly satisfy us? (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11) Sermon Outline The Path of Ecclesiastes What is life about? Chapter 2 – seeking the meaning of life Existential wrestling, crisis, or angst – a unique form of…
His Healing by Faith
Jesus’ turn toward Jerusalem is framed by two stories of healing. This brings into focus the healing that comes through Jesus to a world turned upside-down with pain. (Matthew 17:14-20; 20:29-34) Sermon Outline “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) The Faith Problem (Matthew 17:14-20) The father and son: I want to believe The disciples: I thought I believed The teachers of the law: I won’t believe The…
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…
The Good News of New Beginnings
After Jesus’ resurrection, John offer a series of encounters that Jesus has with real people. Each of these encounters sheds light on the way in which Jesus’ resurrection is good news: God’s presence in loss (Mary), God’s peace in fear (disciples in the upper room), God’s guidance in confusion (Thomas), and God’s restoration in failure (Peter). Key Passage: John 20:11-21:25 SERMON OUTLINE “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and…
Confusion to Understanding
Two disciples encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus and their lives are turned upside down. That is what the kingdom does to us, after all. Pastor Matt brings a message from Luke 24:13-35. SERMON OUTLINE “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” (Luke 24:31) Jesus’ Questions (Luke 24:13-24) Jesus’ Explanation (Luke 24:25-27) Recognition (Luke 24:28-35) Living with Burning Hearts DISCUSSION QUESTIONS When did you have a spiritual breakthrough in your life of…
A King and His Kingdom
Resurrection is here! On Easter Sunday, Pastor Matt kicks off our new series, “The Kingdom Life,” with a message from Luke 24:1-12. SERMON OUTLINE “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6) Four Views of the Empty Tomb The women The angels The disciples Peter Three Stage of Faith From grief to belief: “it has happened!” [the women] From no hope to nonsense: “it can’t happen.” [the disciples] From doubt…