Sermons on Trust
Tears of Trust
This message will explore the second of two types of tearswe see in Jesus as He prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, thetears of trust. With these tears we see God showing thepathway of true humanity through humble trust in Jesus’prayer before His trial and crucifixion. Hebrews 5:7; Luke 22:39-46; Matthew 26:36-44 Sermon Outline “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” (Hebrews 5:7) Jesus’ Tears and a Theology of the Incarnation Jesus as fully God (Colossians 1:15) and fully human (John 1:14; Hebrews 4:15) Jesus shows us what God is like and what true humanity…
Faith-Shaped Work
This message will explore the ways in which our faith shapes how we live each day with our work, establishing godly habits, entering into rhythms of work and rest, and letting God shape our use of time. Matthew 28:18-20 Sermon Outline Which word best describes your work situation: demanding, wonderful, meaningless, frustrating, satisfying, non-existent, stressful, joyful or other? Now, what word would Jesus use to describe your work? Our work becomes most disoriented when we forget who has ultimate authority,…
Born by the Holy Spirit
A message about Pentecost, waiting, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and God’s beginnings of a Revelation 7 type of community. (Acts 1:1-2:41) Sermon Outline “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Introducing Acts What is Acts? Who wrote it and why? What does “Acts” mean? Why would we study it today?…
Wait For It
This week explores the ways Saul pursues David but also how David chooses to spare Saul’s life when the opportunity for revenge arises. This message also will put this into the context of the end of Saul’s life. (1 Samuel 24, 26, 31) Sermon Outline “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1) David’s Mercy Over King Saul’s Life David spares Saul’s life when Saul is relieving himself in a cave; David…
Fleeing From Idols
Paul looks back at the history of God’s people to grapple with the temptation to turn toward idols. How do we live in relation to the created world for God’s glory above all else? (1 Corinthians 10:1-11:1) Sermon Outline Part One: Fleeing from Idols 1 Corinthians 10:1-14 A temptation universal to man What is at the heart of chasing idols? Pulling back from our trust in God Part Two: Freedom to Love Others 1 Corinthians 10:15–11:1 An inserted heading The…
Keep Yourselves in God’s Love as You Wait
Following on our series on 2 Peter we spend one week looking at the book of Jude, one of the most interesting and short books in the Bible. Jude is interrelated with 2 Peter, so this is a good time to explore it. Sermon Outline But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ…
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…
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…