Sermons on Power
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…
Jesus on Greatness
What is greatness really all about? Jesus flips it upside-down with three separate teachings about personal greatness, welcome of the least of these, and His pathway to greatness. (Matthew 18:1-14; 19:13-15; 20:20-28) Sermon Outline “… whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for…
The Way of Jesus and the Way of Herod
An exploration of the contrasting kingship of Jesus and Herod with attention to how both of them present a “way” of life that is starkly different in its rule, tone, and outcomes. Matthew 1:20-25; 2:3, 12 SERMON OUTLINE “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.” (Matthew 2:16) A Conversation about Ways What…
Amos
After searing prophecies against the surrounding nations, Amos turns his attention to God’s judgment on His own people in the northern kingdom of Israel. Of specific concern for God is a call to true justice within the public square as a reflection of His own justice in the covenant. Though judgment will come, God promises a remnant will be restored. Sermon OutlinE “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24) Introducing Amos Prophecies…
Activated by the Holy Spirit
This weekend, Pastor Matt kicks off a new series entitled “Roots”, exploring five characteristics of the Church. In today’s message, we look at how the Church is activated by the Holy Spirit by studying Acts 1:11 and 2:1-13. The early church waited upon the Spirit, was filled up by the Spirit, was strengthened in the Spirit, was led by the Spirit, listened to the Spirit, was interrupted by the Spirit, and relied upon the Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, there…
Prayer as Power for Mission with God
Most everyone is familiar with the Apostle Paul’s passion to proclaim Christ and plant churches around the Mediterranean. Near the end of his letter to the Roman church, Paul shares his plans to head to Spain to continue his mission. However, he doesn’t stop with his plans, but with the request that the church join him in the ministry prayer. Key Passage: Romans 15:23-33 SERMON OUTLINE “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the…
Prayer as Living Within God’s Power and Love
We begin our journey into living prayer by examining Paul’s powerful prayer about the love of God in Ephesians 3. Prayer is essentially our link into the face-to-face relationship with the Living God, who is ultimate love. Key Passage: Ephesians 3:14-21 SERMON OUTLINE “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how…
The Hunger for Greatness
Someone once told me that what they wanted most in life was to be seen and acknowledged for who they were. Some describe that as a hunger for greatness or, at least, a desire to be necessary. We want someone to see who we are and what we can offer. That desire connects with the way that God has made us, views, and relates to us. Key Texts: Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 18:1-5; 20:25-28; 1 Peter 5:7 Sermon OutlinE “You know that…
I Am Filled with God’s Power.
If we move forward with God the Father by faith in Jesus the Messiah, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. If this great power and presence of God is in us, then our identity with God is transformed tremendously. But how specifically does the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives shape our identity? Join us this week as we explore that reality. Key Passages: John 14:15-18; Acts 2:1-41; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 5:22-26 SERMON OUTLINE “Do you not know…
Compassion
Here we look at Jesus’ heart of compassion for people as seen in two separate passages related to four different people from Luke 8 and 9. SERMON OUTLINE “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her.” (Luke 7:13) Compassion that Stops (Luke 8:40-48) Unclean Touching Jesus Trembling turned to peace Compassion that Goes (Luke 8:40-42, 49-56) Broken Pursuing and welcoming Jesus Grieving turned to joy Compassion that Comes Down (Luke 9:37-43) Troubled Asking and approaching Jesus Unbelief…
Miracles
This week we look at a series of miraculous stories, other than healings, that display Jesus’ mission from Luke 8 and 9. SERMON OUTLINE In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:25b) The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”…