Sermons on Children
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…
A Crash Course in Christ-Centered Relationships
Paul now applies the calling to live worthy of Christ by putting of the old self and putting on the new self to the sphere of relationships. Drawing upon the common household codes of his time, Paul reframes the basic social unit of the household with the Gospel calling of selfless love and consideration of the other. Thus, husband-wife, parent-child, and master-servant relationships are transformed through Christ as His people live by the Holy Spirit in the attitude of mutual…
God of the Little Ones
SERMON OUTLINE “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” (Matthew 19:14) The Triune God, the Mission of God and Jesus’ Incarnation The Triune God Who Sends and Gives Jesus shows God’s Character and Activity Jesus, His Followers and Children (Matthew 19:13-15; 18:5-6) “Let the little children come…” “Do not hinder them…” “The kingdom belongs to these…” The touch of Jesus Living with God…
Visitation
In Luke 1:26-56, Mary is visited by an angel and invited into God’s plans and favor. She is “highly favored” and responds to God’s invitation with ideal yielding of any disciple to their master: “may your word to me be fulfilled.” Mary and Elizabeth meet and their children leap in anticipation. Mary rejoices with the famous Magnificat, praising God for remembering and visiting His people. SERMON OUTLINE “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to…
Promise
This week, Pastor Matt kicks off a 10-month exploration on the Gospel of Luke by looking at the promise of miracle children in Luke 1:1-25 who portend the promise of God. SERMON OUTLINE “But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.’” (Luke 1:13) Hungering for the Promise (Amos 8:11-12) Preparing for the Promise (Luke 1:5-17) Shocked by the Promise (Luke…
Relationships with Jesus at the Center
Even our relationships should be transformed with Christ at the center. Jesus changes everything, including the way we relate with our family, friends, co-workers, and more. In Colossians 3:18-4:1, Paul takes us into these intimate places of our lives so that nothing is left untouched by Messiah Jesus. Sermon Outline We Have Been Changed in ________________________: Four Images of Who We Are Now (Colossians 1:2, 18) The ________________________ – new identity The ________________________ – new belonging The ________________________ – new…
Becoming Children
Paul calls the Galatians to a new life of freedom in God. He uses an allegory about Hagar and Sarah in order to illustrate the radical new beginning and life we have as children of grace and not children of law. (Galatians 4:7) Sermon Outline “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7) Adoption (Galatians 4:1-7) Identity of the adopted (4:1-3) Adoption made…
Two Children, a Family and the Interweaving Promises of God
The promise-child is born and named Isaac, which means laughter. The son of the servant woman is sent away. In the midst of these amazing and confusing relationships, God reveals Himself as faithful to both parents and both children. As we talk about orphan Sunday, we will explore themes of God’s faithfulness to children, regardless of the brokenness of parents, as well as how we step forward with God. (Genesis 21:1-21) Sermon Outline “Sarah became pregnant and bore a son…
Your Mother and Father
(Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4) SERMON OUTLINE “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” (Exodus 20:12) “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the…