Sermons on Identity
Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement
This message looks at Barnabas, the son of encouragement, giving particular attention to his ministry to the church in Jerusalem, his ministry to Saul who becomes the Apostle Paul, and his ministry in and from the church in Antioch. (Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-28; 11:22-30; 12:25-13:3) Sermon Outline “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:36-37) Who…
I am a New Creation in Christ
Becoming a follower of Christ means the end of one life and the beginning of a new one. We see things from a new perspective, we do things with a new power, i have a new mind, spirit and heart driving my actions. We no longer live as slaves to human desires but with the freedom to live Holy lives – set apart for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:16-21) Sermon Outline Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new…
I am the Temple of the Holy Spirit
Our bodies matter. God the Father created our bodies, God the Son redeemed them, and God the Holy Spirit indwells them. If God meant simply to express the idea that the Spirit lives within believers, He could just have used words such as “home,” or “house” But by choosing the word “temple” to describe the Spirit’s dwelling, He conveys the idea that our bodies are sacred places. (1 Corinthians 6:19) Sermon Outline “Do you not know that your bodies are…
I am a Part of the Body of Christ
The body of Christ can be a remarkable thing when it works well together. A variety of giftings and resources coming together to see God’s Kingdom built. But just like when part of our physical body isn’t accomplishing it’s role – if we’re not contributing our part to the body, the whole thing suffers. (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) Sermon Outline “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 has four parts. Part 1: The Body and Water (vs. 12-13) The Body: Christianity…
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…
I am a Child of God
Different families often pass along reputations and traits that identify their members. Some families are marked by red hair. Having God as our Father brings with it many identifying markers as well – both privileges and obligations. Our identity as a child of God means that we rely fully on God and trust in His plan for our lives. (Romans 8:15-17; Ephesians 1:3-10) Sermon Outline “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”…
The Message of the Cross
Paul explores the apparent foolishness and weakness of the Cross as a revelation of the wisdom and power of God. It shaped his life and ministry, and it should shape the life of all Christians, both individually and as a community. (1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5) Sermon Outline “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) The Cross Proclaimed (1 Corinthians…
A New Day
The conclusion of our series on 2 Peter brings us to the final words of this letter, urging us in light of all that has been said, to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). (2 Peter 3:14-18) SERMON OUTLINE “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18) Being and Becoming the Beloved…
Real Identity
Looking at the disciple’s identity as salt and light in Christ for the sake of the world. Matthew 5:13-16 Sermon Outline “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…” (Matthew 5:13, 14) “You are…” The disciples The crowds Who is the “you”? The unexpected ones in God’s mission Metaphor and the Power of Mental Pictures Jesus’ use of metaphor in Matthew 5:13-16 Why mental pictures are invaluable for life “You are the salt of the…
The Hunger to Leave a Legacy
We all hunger for success, in one form or another. A significant part of that is leaving an impact or legacy that will live beyond us. It is wonderful to leave a meaningful legacy in our lives. At the same time, that hunger for a legacy connects with our hunger for eternity. Key Passages: John 12:12-19; Psalm 78:4; Ecclesiastes 3:11 Sermon OutlinE “They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in…
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…
I Am Loved Beyond Measure.
Because of Jesus Messiah, God’s love is made clear and powerful in our lives. Our sense of belonging in God can shape our sense of personal identity. We are found in Christ and held in the love of God. When we know how deeply loved we are with God, it gives a foundation to our lives that shapes the way we live with others. Key passages: Lamentations 3:22-24; John 3:16-17; Ephesians 3:14-19; 1 John 3:1-2 SERMON OUTLINE “I pray that you,…