Sermons on Faith (Page 2)
The Community of Repair
The list of builders by section seems sort of odd to us but is also an important recognition of the workers who apply themselves to the task. This is really not about Nehemiah but about the people. (Nehemiah 3:1-32) SERMON OUTLINE What Reason Did They Have to Rebuild the Wall? The Voice of Reason: We need Walls Nehemiah’s Reason: We are Disgraced (Nehemiah 2:17) The Best Reason: For His Name & on His Heart (Nehemiah 1:9,11; 2:12) What Did It…
Inspecting the Realities of Necessary Rebuilding
Hearing about it from a distance, Nehemiah now sees firsthand what is going on. From that point he urges action: rebuilding. (Nehemiah 2:11-18) SERMON OUTLINE Called to Be Builders Mark 16:15 Nehemiah’s Process Nehemiah Prayed and Prepared (v. 11) Did not rush in, but waited Solidified his motivation: “what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem” Nehemiah Investigated the Situation Personally and Privately (v. 12-16) Inspected – medical term — probing the wound to see the…
“Now Dismiss Your Servant in Peace” (Nunc Dimittis)
Simeon, old and worn but still buoyed by expectation, holds in his arms the Messiah he has been longing for. He cannot hold it in, speaking praise over all who can hear and offering a prophetic word over Jesus. Anna the prophetess stands nearby and speaks a word over this wonder-child as well. (Luke 2:22-38) Sermon Outline The First Habit of a Faithful Finisher: Seek the Holy Spirit’s presence and Obey His Leading Three times the Spirit mentioned with Simeon:…
“My Soul Glorifies the Lord” (Magnificat)
Mary praises God for His plans and her part within it. This beautiful prayer expounds the way in which God is doing a new thing in Jesus, but also speaks prophetically about the upside-down kingdom coming with this new humble king. (Luke 1:46-55) SERMON OUTLINE “And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.’” (Luke 1:46-48) Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45)…
“May It Be Unto Me As You Have Said” (Fiat Mihi)
Mary’s simple statement of surrender opens wide to us the wonders of the incarnation. Mary is a reassured and revered figure in the story of salvation, but also serves as an example of humble responsiveness and receptivity to God in our lives. (Luke 1:38) SERMON OUTLINE “’I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’” (Luke 1:38) The Miracle of God’s Plan for the World (Luke 1:26-33) The gift of a greeting from God’s messenger…
Future Hope
At the heart of this epistle is Paul’s unpacking of the return of Christ. More than almost any other letter of Paul, 1 Thessalonians reveals what our future hope is all about. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11) SERMON OUTLINE “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13) Grieving, but with Future Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13)…
A Reset in Light of the Future
This week we want to talk about the importance of encouraging one another until Christ returns. This is a long haul and keeps us looking forward together as a community. We have so many examples of this in the ‘hall of faith’ of Hebrews 11. SERMON OUTLINE “Let us consider how we may spur one another on… and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) The Challenge of Time in Our Day The challenge of coming…
Pictures of the Kingdom
Jesus tells three parables that explain who He is and what He has come to do. In response, the religious leaders begin their focused effort to arrest and eliminate Jesus. (Matthew 21:28-22:14) Sermon Outline “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you….I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” (Matthew 21:31, 43) Introduction…
Jesus on Taxes, Wealth, and God’s Generous Kingdom
Jesus talks a lot about money. In two different episodes, He addresses the paying of the temple tax and the payment of taxes to Caesar. He uses both discussions as opportunities to talk about greater matters. Then He encounters a wealthy young man who wants to walk with God but his heart is ensnared by riches. Following it with the parable of the workers, Jesus speaks to the generosity of the kingdom of God. (Matthew 17:24-27; 19:16-30; 20:1-16; 22:15-22) Sermon…
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…
Soul Food: Feeding the 4,000
Jesus feeds a crowd of over 4,000 people with near to nothing. What does that tell us about Jesus? Matthew 15:29-39 Sermon Outline “Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.’” (Matthew 15:32) Jesus’ Amazing Healing (Matthew 15:29-31) Great crowds with great needs Great healings…
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…