"Gospel" Tagged Sermons
The Message of the Cross
Paul explores the apparent foolishness and weakness of the Cross as a revelation of the wisdom and power of God. It shaped his life and ministry, and it should shape the life of all Christians, both individually and as a community. (1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5) Sermon Outline “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) The Cross Proclaimed (1 Corinthians…
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…
Beginnings of Transformation
When Peter preaches sermon to a crowd of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, there is a dramatic response. We are told that about three thousand became disciples of Jesus that very day. Perhaps the story of Cornelius (Acts 10) could be referenced as well. This week we explore the beginnings of life change that leads us into the pathway of discipleship to Jesus. (Acts 2:1-47) Sermon Outline “When the people heard this, they were cut to…
Seeking Understanding
When Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch who is seeking to understand the words of the prophet Isaiah. The eunuch actively asks questions and seeks answers, and that becomes an opportunity for transformation. Philip is present with him to ask questions, guide him into understanding about the Messiah, and lead him to a next step of faith. Philip exemplifies how disciples of Jesus can be present and ready to explain to those seeking understanding. (Acts 8:26-40) Sermon Outline “Philip ran up…
Prison Walls Falling
We explore the ministry of Paul and Silas in the Macedonian city of Philippi, particularly their interactions with the jailer where they are imprisoned. When an earthquake strikes, the jailer’s traumatic experience captures his attention and leads him to become a Jesus follower. Paul and Silas were present in his life, ready to respond as “God opens a door.” (Acts 16:11-40) Sermon Outline “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought…
A Crash Course in the Gospel
This week, Pastor Matt examines Ephesians 2:1-10. and contrasts receiving bad news with receiving the good news of the Gospel. Ephesians 2:1-10 SERMON OUTLINE “But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.” (Ephesians 2:4-5) Bad News: Walking Dead (Ephesians 2:1-3) “dead in your transgressions and sins” (v 1) “the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air”…
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…
Word and Deed
In Luke 4:31-44, Jesus begins His ministry with word and deed, proclamation and demonstration, of the Kingdom of God coming into the midst of the earth through Him. He has come to bring good news. He tells of that good news and He shows that good news in healing and deliverance. SERMON OUTLINE Jesus said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” (Luke 4:43) Amazed by…
Receiving the Promise
Paul explores the relationship between the law and faith, righteousness and grace. Drawing upon the life of Abraham and the revelation of the Law to Moses after the Exodus, Paul makes a case that there is a justification before God that comes from faith apart from the law, and he begins to move into what life looks like under the grace of God. (Galatians 3:28) Sermon Outline “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there…
The Real Gospel
Paul continues to reflect on his own story and how the unique revelation of the Gospel came to him and what it meant within the early church and his authority. This is a key historical piece that gives us understanding of the ministry of Paul and why we should take him seriously as the ‘Apostle to the Gentiles’. He presents the basic issue at stake in Galatians: “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could…
All I Want for Christmas is Some Good News
The Prophet Isaiah speaks comfort from God to his people who are broken and in exile (Isaiah 40:1-11). These are some of the most beautiful words that we encounter in Scripture about true comfort and light breaking into a dark world. (ISAIAH 40:1-11) Sermon Outline “You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid.” (Isaiah 40:9) The Good News of God’s Comfort in Our Suffering (Isaiah 40:1-2)) The…