Sermons on Kingdom of God
Faith-Shaped Engagement
This message will explore how our commitment to the gospel and the kingdom leads us to engage with the world around us in a unique way as Christians. It will touch on themes like evangelism, influence, leadership, and engaging with the public square. Matthew 6:33; Acts 1:8; Jeremiah 29:4-7 Sermon Outline “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will…
A Message on the Move
This message will focus on the Gospel proclamation and healing by Peter and John at the beautiful gate in Jerusalem, and the resulting pressure that came on the early Christians. This reflects our mission to “proclaim and embody the love of Jesus Christ.” (Acts 3:1-4:31) Sermon Outline Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When…
When the Respected Fall
This message explores the failure of David and Bathsheba, evaluating what happens and what could have gone differently. This will explore the nature of sin and temptation but also grapple with the apparent failures of those we might respect. This message is paired with the following week. (2 Samuel 11) Sermon Outline “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the…
The ‘No’ of God and the ‘Yes’ of God
In chapter 7 of 2 Samuel, David wants to build a house for God but, after the prophet Nathan’s initial excitement, God says “no” to David’s plans. What do we do when God says “no”? Note that God does say “yes” to building David’s house, which is a “yes” David didn’t expect. (2 Samuel 7) Sermon Outline The LORD said to David through Nathan the prophet: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be…
The King’s Honor
This week we look at the curious episode of the entrance of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem, accompanied by great fanfare. The fanfare includes a great host of singers and dancers, and King David becoming undignified in his worship and celebration, much to the shock of his wife (and Saul’s daughter), Michal. What does it mean to show honor to the King of all kings with our lives, no matter who we are? (2 Samuel 6) Sermon Outline David…
Jesus, Holy God With Us
One of the central themes of Leviticus is the presence of God with God’s people. God is the One who delivered His people from enslavement in Egypt and now stands at the center of their identity and direction. God is with them. So, too, in Jesus, God is with us. In fact, one of Jesus’ most memorable titles is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”. (Leviticus 1:1; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; 1 Corinthians 3:16) Sermon Outline “The LORD called to…
The One Who Brings Justice
Jesus the Messiah is the One who brings justice to the nations. “Here is my servant…I will put my Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.” (Isaiah 42:1-9) Sermon Outline “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.” (Isaiah 42:1) The Servant of the LORD (Isaiah 42:1) The chosen people as a servant who falters…
I am a Citizen in God’s Kingdom
As a citizen of any country, there are things we come to expect. Regardless of where you live or grow up, if you belong to God, you are not just a citizen of your country, you are also a citizen of the kingdom of God. There are privileges and expectations that come with this: We live under the Lordship of Christ – His commands and direction as given in the Bible. (1 Peter 2:9-12; Ephesians 2:19-20) Sermon Outline Jesus began…
Palm Sunday
This week we look what is known as Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. We will explore the meaning of this event in light of the week to follow, and gain insights into both John 15 and Psalm 1 as we conclude our series “The Tree and the Vine.” (John 11, 12, 15 & Psalm 1) Sermon Outline They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” (John 12:13a) Jesus Orchestrates a Miracle (John 11) Jesus…
Living in Light of the Day
We want to watch for that day of the Lord, but we also want to live in light of it. Peter’s question should ring through our minds and hearts as well, “What kind of people ought you to be?” (3:11). (2 Peter 3:10-13) SERMON OUTLINE “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be…
Looking for the Day
Peter reminds his readers of the reason he is writing: “to stimulate you to wholesome thinking” (3:1-2). This spurring on is vitally important as we enter days that are confusing and may wonder if there will ever be a day when Jesus returns. As we begin Advent, the words of 2 Peter 3 coincide with the Advent longing for the parousia of Christ. (2 Peter 3:1-9) SERMON OUTLINE The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand…
Beware of Leaving the Way
Following false guides leads us away from the power and presence of God. Such wandering is not without consequence and may leave us wondering, with our author, if it would be better to have not known the way of righteousness in the first place. 2 Peter 2:10b-22 SERMON OUTLINE “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness” (2 Peter 2:15) False Guides Pursuing a…