Sermons on Kingdom of God (Page 10)
The Right Woman for the Job: Deborah
Deborah (Judges 4:1-5:31) is a prophet who receives the word from God and calls on Barak to rise up as the deliverer. Barak is unwilling to do the task unless Deborah is with him. What does this tell us about how God uses women and men for His purposes, even when we falter? SERMON OUTLINE “Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.” (Judges 4:4) Unlikely Deborah Prophet (Judges 4:4) Leader (Judges 4:5, 6,…
Lead with the Left: Ehud
The story of Ehud in Judges 3:12-30, “a left-handed man,” captures our imagination, but is striking culturally because left-handedness was a sign of weakness, possibly even physical defect. He does what is unexpected to win the day for God’s people under their oppression by Eglon, king of Moab. What does it look like to lead out of what is seen as weakness for unexpected victory? SERMON OUTLINE “Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a…
Where Are We?
The result was that the people turned from the covenant and worshiped idols. This is the natural consequence of the beginning of the book, yet it is the decision of the generation to turn from God. What can we learn from the generation hooked on idols for our own day from Judges 2:6-3:6? SERMON OUTLINE But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9) The place of meeting with God…a garden of gracious trees e.g. the…
Remember
On this Family Worship Weekend, Pastor Matt brings a message for all ages from Joshua 4, with a message of remembering what God has done in the past. (Joshua 4) SERMON OUTLINE “And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan.” (Joshua 4:20) God is Doing Something We’re Joining in with God Remember in the Middle Remember on the Other Side DISCUSSION GUIDE What are some of your strongest memories from childhood? Why…
Dying to Live
In Colossians 2:16-23, Paul addresses the tendency to be deceived by human rules or pseudo-spirituality, calling believers toward the heart of spiritual formation, which is about growing in Christ through the gospel. Sermon Outline “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules?” (Colossians 2:20) Don’t Let Anyone Judge You (2:16-17) Rules based in religious observance Shadows of realities found in…
Occupied with Suffering
(1 Peter 4:12-19) Sermon Outline “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” (1 Peter 4:19) The Christ-centered Perspective on our Suffering (1 Peter 4:12-13) Unsurprised by suffering The joy of participation in Christ’s sufferings The glory to be revealed The Christ-centered Reason for our Suffering (1 Peter 4:14-16) The Holy Spirit in our suffering The wrong reasons for suffering The right reasons for suffering The Final…
Occupied to the End
(1 Peter 4:1-11) Sermon Outline “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude” (I Peter 4:1) Since Christ suffered in His body; join in His suffering and serve Him the rest of your earthly days. Suffering with Christ (1 Peter 4:1-6) Arm yourselves—A call to arms and ready for battle Prepare yourself Breaking from sin—Not sinless perfection or second work of grace Choosing Christ and the obedient way Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane…
New Hope
(1 Peter 1:13-2:3) Sermon Outline “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1 Peter 1:13) Hope and grace (1 Peter 1:13) Grace now Grace to come Hope and holiness (1 Peter 1:14-21) Holiness that reflects God’s character Holiness that reflects God’s gift Hope and love (1 Peter 1:22-25) Love overflowing from holiness Love going deep with others Hope and…
Singing the Songs of God’s Salvation
The third chapter of Habakkuk is one of the most beautiful and heart-felt declarations of worship before a mighty God in a confusing world. Some see this final prayer as a psalm amended to the end of the prophet’s words to bring us deeper into worship in light of the painful realities recorded before. (Habakkuk 3:1-19) SERMON OUTLINE “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:18) Sometimes it Causes Me to…
Faithfulness in a Confusing World
God’s second response to Habakkuk includes a vision that gives him perspective on what’s happening and five woes about the sort of person who will experience the judgment of God. It is a sobering reality, but also an encouragement to those of us trying to gain God’s perspective. The end of the chapter is appropriate humility and worship before God. (Habakkuk 2:2-20) SERMON OUTLINE “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright – but the righteous person…
Talking with God When Pain Looms Large
Habakkuk lifts his voice to God in lament again but this time calls God’s attention to the unending pain that His people are suffering at the hand of their oppressors. How do we respond to God when it seems that our suffering is larger than we ever thought possible? What do we do? (Habakkuk 1:12-2:1) SERMON OUTLINE “I will stand at my watch…I will look to see what He will say to me.” (Habakkuk 2:1) Eyes on God (Habakkuk 1:12-13)…
Suffering and the Surprising Plans of God
God’s first response to Habakkuk is surprising at numerous levels. God will respond to Habakkuk’s call for punishment of wicked but it will come in a surprising way. The punishment of wickedness will come at the hands of an even-more wicked people. The oft-quoted phrase here, “I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told” (Habakkuk 1:5), is actually a message of surprising judgment on the nations. (Habakkuk 1:5-11) SERMON…