Sermons on Prophecy
A Little Reminder
Peter points out he was an eyewitness of Jesus’ incarnation and transfiguration, while also highlighting the importance of the prophetic message about Christ he and others bear. This gives us an opportunity to talk about the message of Christ, the significance of the apostles, the power of Scripture, and contemporary prophecy. (2 Peter 1:12-21) SERMON OUTLINE “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the…
“Glory to God in the Highest” (Gloria)
Jesus is born to Mary and Joseph and the angels erupt in praise. The shepherds don’t linger long after this nighttime divine interruption. They high-tail it to Bethlehem to see what God has done. (Luke 2:8-20) SERMON OUTLINE “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) God’s Glory Arrives to Ordinary People (Luke 2:8-9) The angelic appearance and God’s glory The ordinary shepherds and their appropriate awe The…
“Praise Be to the Lord” (Benedictus)
Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, finds release from his punishment of muteness with a splendid song of praise to God. Within this beautiful song of praise, Zechariah unfolds the story of salvation, reflecting John the Baptist’s unique role within it. (Luke 1:67-79) SERMON OUTLINE “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” (Luke 1:68) The Gift of Appropriate Humbling (Luke 1:5-22) The gift of discipline and silence…
“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…
“I Believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord”
This series walks through the Apostles Creed as a basic summary of our faith but also as a way to live our faith out with God in the world. Each weekend of this series will explore the biblical and theological roots of the Apostles Creed, while also providing specific spiritual practices and approaches to living out what we know as we ‘proclaim and embody’ the Creed in our daily lives. This week focuses on the phrase, “I Believe in Jesus Christ,…
Unlikely King
Jesus predicts his death and then enters into Jerusalem with great acclamation. (Matthew 20:17-19; 21:1-11) Sermon Outline “Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death.’” (Matthew 20:17-18) Jesus’ Shocking Predictions of Messianic Suffering First prediction (Matthew 16:21) –…
Real Righteousness
Hearing Jesus’ words about real righteousness for the disciple-life and what it means that He came to fulfill, but not abolish, the law. Matthew 5:17-48 Sermon Outline “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) Jesus’ Arrival and the Time of Fulfillment (5:17-19) Jesus and fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets The continuing value of the Law and the Prophets…
Baptized with Water and Spirit
Jesus’ baptism is the fulfillment of all righteousness and a revelation of His Sonship. It also echoes the Exodus journey of Israel through the Red Sea. Matthew 3:13-17 SERMON OUTLINE “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.” (Matthew 3:13) Facts of Jesus’ Baptism timing setting Theological Truths of Jesus’ Baptism Representative Messiah: John’s hesitation and Jesus’ purpose The Descent of the Dove: the coming of the Holy Spirit Jesus the Unique Son of God:…
The Voice of One Calling Out
This week explores John the Baptist as a prophetic voice calling out for repentance and change in a challenging time for Israel. Radical elements call for revolutionary overthrow of Rome. John calls for a radical revolution of the human heart. SERMON OUTLINE “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” (Matthew 3:1-2) John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-4) Repentance The kingdom of heaven The voice…
Malachi
Malachi addresses God’s people after the return from exile, calling them to right living, ending of easy divorce, justice in the public square, and a return to the covenant with God. Malachi points to an Elijah-like figure who will announce the day of the Lord, as God comes to bring forth His righteousness and justice upon the earth. Sermon OutlinE “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you…
Zechariah
Prophesying at the same time as Haggai, and during the return from exile recorded in the book of Ezra, Zechariah rebukes the people for breaking the covenant and calls them to repent and turn to God. There is a strong message about justice in the public square in Zechariah. There are also many references to the coming Messiah, one of which directly connects with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Scripture: Zechariah 1-14, with focus on 6:12; 9:9; 11:12; 12:10; 13:7…