Sermons on Church Calendar (Page 8)

Prepare

In Luke 3:1-38, John the Baptist appears as a forerunner to the Messiah. John is the Elijah-like prophet foretold, crying out in the wilderness for people to prepare for the Lord. Jesus comes to be baptized and we know He is the one for whom we all have been preparing. SERMON OUTLINE “The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for…

Savior

In Luke 2:1-21, Jesus is born to Mary and Joseph in David’s town of Bethlehem. He is a Savior, shining forth God’s glory in the darkness of the world and bringing good news to everyone. SERMON OUTLINE “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)…

Living in the Light

Jesus is the light that “shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). He is the victor who brings us out of darkness and into the marvelous light of God. This is a new beginning, a new hope, a new way, and more. God is good and we celebrate His goodness found in Jesus our Savior, Messiah, and Friend. Key Passages: John 1; 20; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16

Lost in the Dark

When Jesus entered into human experience, He was entering into our world and lives where the power of darkness, sin, and evil reign. As He went to the Cross this became only more clear, as Jesus submitted to the pathway that led through death’s darkness. He said at His arrest, “this is your hour – when darkness reigns” (Luke 22:53). He became lost in the darkness of death and burial so that we, who are truly lost in the dark,…

Empowered

(Acts 2:1-13) SERMON OUTLINE “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4) The Meaning of Pentecost God’s Promise Fulfilled (Joel 2:28; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 7-8; 2:4) Signs of God’s Presence in Wind and Fire (Exodus 19:16-19; Acts 2:2-3) Echoes of Jesus’ Commissioning (Luke 3:21-22; Acts 1:14; 2:1) A Picture of God Gathering in the Nations (Leviticus 23:15-16; Acts 2:1, 5-12) The Holy Spirit and…

Empty

Easter Sunday 2015 (John 20:1-31) SERMON OUTLINE “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” (John 20:1) Empty: Death Defied  “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” (John 20:9) Empty: Ache’s Absence “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” (John 20:15) Empty: The Past Surpassed…

Glorify

John’s account (John 17:1-26) of Jesus’ final hours is crowned with prayer. The prayer is perhaps one of the most beautiful views into Jesus’ interior life with the Father and is even more powerful in light of the pending suffering to come. Jesus asks His Father that glory would stream from His suffering path to the Cross, through His disciples, and through His future followers in ages to come. SERMON OUTLINE After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and…

Overcome

Jesus’ trials threaten to overcome Him, but they actually become a way of life and victory as Jesus overcomes death and sin. Jesus tells His followers that they will suffer like He suffered, but that He will turn their grief to joy and fill their trials with peace. What does it all mean? What are we to do with these particularly unpleasant – even painful – portions of Scripture? (John 15:18-25; 16:16-33) SERMON OUTLINE “In this world you will have…

Abide

Perhaps the most-quoted words from Jesus’ final teaching are found in John 15:1-17, this passage about abiding in the vine as branches that bear fruit. But what does that really mean? What was Jesus trying to tell us about our life hidden in God? SERMON OUTLINE “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Jesus as the…

The Spirit

In John 14:1-31 and John 15:26-16:15, Jesus comforts His disciples by providing them insight into His life with the Father and the promise of the Holy Spirit; highlighting the Trinity as a community of love that we are invited into. (John 14:1-31) SERMON OUTLINE “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17) Friend: The Holy Spirit as Continuing Presence (John 14:16-17) •…

Trouble

Jesus’ journey through trouble leads to salvation and a future place of peace for His followers. The disciples’ betrayal (Judas), forthcoming denials (Peter), and fear gather around them but Jesus offers hope. (John 13:18-14:4) SERMON OUTLINE “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1) The Trouble of Betrayal (John 13:18-30) Judas and divided loyalties Judas and spiritual conflict The Trouble of Failure (John 13:31-38) Peter and confusion Peter and brash declarations…