Sermons on Relationships
Tears of Frustration
This message will explore the second of two types of tears we see in Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, the tears of frustration. Through these tears we see our God’s frustration over the impact of sin and death on human experience that was made for more. John 11:1-44 Sermon Outline “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Jesus said, ‘Your brother will rise again.’” (John 11:21-23) Frustration in John 11 Disciples (John 11:6-16) Mary…
Tears of Compassion
This message will explore the first of two types of tears we see in Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, the tears of compassion. These tears reveal our God who is moved by compassion over human loss and grief. John 11:1-44 Sermon Outline “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) Introduction The journey of Lent “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) The variety of Jesus’ tears Seeing Jesus’ Tears through a Theology of the Incarnation Jesus as the revelation of God (Colossians 1:15) Jesus as…
Faith-Shaped Marriage
This message will specifically address marriage relationships from a biblical point of view. How does our faith work its way into our everyday decisions in marriage? Genesis 1:27-28; 2:20-25; Ephesians 5:21-33 Sermon Outline “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number.’” (Genesis 1:27-28a) The Genesis of Marriage God makes human beings (Genesis 1:27-28)…
Faith-Shaped Parenting
In connection with child dedication, we want to do some discussion of how our faith shapes our everyday parenting. We also want to address how this is important for the non-parents in the room as well (e.g., “it takes a village”). An opportunity to encourage others to pour into the next generation more broadly. Matthew 6:33; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21 Sermon Outline “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on…
Faith-Shaped Relationships
This week will explore how our relationships should be shaped by our faith generally, exploring aspects of family relationships, friendships, and relationships in different spheres of life. Sermon Outline “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’” (Revelation 21:3) God is the God of Relationships God made…
Cracks in the Legacy
This message explores the complicated final episode of David’s life, which includes sin within his children that David fails to deal with adequately, betrayal by his son, flight from the kingdom, accusations from those who do not like him, and the eventual restoration to power. What can we learn from David’s complicated legacy? (2 Samuel 13-20) Sermon Outline “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” (Psalm 107:2) Tracing the Cracks…
Broken and Broken
This message explores Nathan the prophet’s rebuke of David and David’s response to Nathan’s rebuke. At first, David’s sinful brokenness is exposed and then David lets himself become broken in repentance before God. David could have chosen other responses, such as denial of his wrong, silencing his confronter, or something else altogether. What can we learn from David here? (2 Samuel 12 & Psalm 51) Sermon Outline “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to…
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…
Invited to the Table
David extends mercy to the household of Saul through Saul’s grandson (and Jonathan’s son), Mephibosheth. Why does David do this and what does it mean to show mercy to the undeserving? (2 Samuel 9) Sermon Outline “David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” (2 Samuel 9:1) Remembered Promises David seeks to be faithful to his friendship to Jonathan David seeks to show lovingkindness to Jonathan’s descendants…
The Gift of True Friendship
This message explores the friendship between David and Jonathan, the son of Saul. (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:1-42) Sermon Outline True Friendship Is Marked by Covenant, Not Convenience (1 Samuel 18:1–4) Jonathan “loved David as himself” — selfless, committed love. He gave David his robe and weapons — surrendering his royal rights. Their bond was spiritual — rooted in purpose, not personality. Challenge: Are your friendships based on covenant loyalty or just mutual benefit? What are you willing to give for…
The Call to the Ministry of Reconciliation
The Greek word for reconciliation is καταλλάσσω and it means to reestablish proper friendly interpersonal relations after these have been disrupted or broken. It also means “to bring together again.” Christ’s work on the Cross makes reconciliation with God possible but also a duty to become an ambassador and gent of vertical and horizontal reconciliation. (2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21) Sermon OutlinE Introduction The Greek word for reconciliation is καταλλάσσω and it means to reestablish proper friendly interpersonal relations after these have…
We Need Each Other
Paul concludes this letter with a wonderful look at the interrelationships that exist between him, various people, and the Corinthians believers. (1 Corinthians 16:1-24) Sermon Outline We give to tangible support each other Paul’s description of the relief offering for Jerusalem believers Trust is part of the foundation of community, and stewardship We all have a part to play While we think Paul was a solitary letter writer, in reality his letters were a team effort, as was his ministry…