Sermons on Adversity (Page 4)

“He died, and was buried; He descended to hell”

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 died, and was…

“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…

Unlikely King

Jesus predicts his death and then enters into Jerusalem with great acclamation. (Matthew 20:17-19; 21:1-11) Sermon Outline “Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death.’” (Matthew 20:17-18) Jesus’ Shocking Predictions of Messianic Suffering First prediction (Matthew 16:21) –…

Jesus on Sin and Forgiveness

Jesus addresses how we deal with sin and conflict in the church, pairing it with a parable on forgiveness and showing mercy to others. (Matthew 18:15-35) Sermon Outline “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” (Matthew 18:15) Sin, Confrontation, and Community Life (Matthew 18:15-17) Sin and pointing it out A pathway for pointing sin out The goal of pointing…

Living with Joy

Disciples of Jesus are exhorted, even commanded, in Scripture to be joyful. Why is that important? How do we do that? Sermon Outline “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) What is Joy? A definition of joy The difference between happiness and joy Living with Joy in Prayer (Philippians 1:3-8) Cultivating joy through prayer Cultivating joy through gratitude for others Living with Joy Because of the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-18; 2:19-30) Experiencing joy in the…

Jesus, the Joy Bringer

Jesus brings joy and there is great joy in His birth and ministry. What is joy? How does Jesus really bring joy? How is this different from manufactured joy? How can we experience joy in Jesus? Sermon Outline “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for…

His Suffering Brings Peace

Jesus’ predicts His death the first time in an unsettling passage that makes clear redemption will come at a cost. The redemptive suffering of Jesus brings into focus how much a world needs meaning in what can often seem like meaningless suffering. (Matthew 16:21-28) Sermon Outline “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things…and that he must be killed and on the third day raised to life.”…

Walking on Water

Jesus walks on water. What does this tell us about Jesus? (Matthew 14:22-36) Sermon Outline “Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” (Matthew 14:33) We cannot know God unless He reveals Himself to us. Who is Jesus in this Passage? Jesus is the Son of Man (Matthew 14:23). He is a human being like us. He depended completely on God. Because He is human, He understand and sympathizes with our…

Mistaken Identity

John the Baptist is killed because of an old grudge passed down from one generation to the next and manipulation at a party. Why do terrible things happen to godly people? (Matthew 14:1-12) Sermon Outline “At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead!’” (Matthew 14:1-2) Jesus Mistaken for John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-2) Reports about Jesus reach Herod Antipas The…

The Messiah and Satan

Jesus confronts the demonic powers and the accuser of humanity and finds He is confronted by skeptical religious folks about who He is. Matthew 12:22-37 SERMON OUTLINE “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” (Matthew 12:25) Jesus’ Power Over Demons The reality of demonic powers and Satan’s kingdom the effects upon this man (12:22) the reality of Satan’s kingdom (12:26) The work of Jesus in relation to these…

Real Still

Holy Saturday is a day of reflection on a world without the hope of Christ’s resurrection. Sandwiched between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, this day represents the three days between Christ’s death on the Cross and saving resurrection. Historically, this day is a time for the church to reflect on death, dying, life, and living. Pastor Matt and our staff have prepared this short video reflection for you, your family, and your household to participate with from home. “Real Still”…

Real Faith

Jesus’ words about worry, anxiety, and trust can sometimes seem out of reach. How do we live with real faith like this? Matthew 6:25-34 Sermon Outline “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) Why Worry? (6:25, 27, 28, 31, 34) What is worry? Why do we worry? What does worry accomplish? The difference between worry and work What Preoccupies Us? (6:25) Preoccupation with food and clothes…