Sermons on Spiritual Disciplines (Page 2)
The Hidden Power of Patience and Prayer
James’ final exhortations call the believers to deeper patience in suffering and persevering prayer amidst sickness. Why might these be the final words he wants to offer to them? (James 5:7-20) Sermon Outline “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” (James 5:13) Persevering with Patience (James 5:7-11) Patience with long-term perspective (5:7) Patience with the end in sight (5:8-9) Patience with good examples (5:10-11a) Patience with God’s character (5:11b)…
Making the Most of the Time
How we live each day reflects our sense of what matters most and how much time we have. In the churches that James is writing to, people’s lives were reflecting misplaced priorities and a false sense of security in the future. But James steps forward to correct them with hard truths and pointing them toward life. (James 4:13-5:6) Sermon Outline James 4:13-17 13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend…
What We Hear, Say, and Do
James cautions believers to be good listeners and also to be slow to speak. There is a relationship between what we hear and receive in our lives, and how that translates into the way we speak and act. Sometimes our mouths can get ahead of us. (James 1:19-25) Sermon Outline “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19) Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19-21) Human-ness and…
Following Jesus Means Serving Others
Jesus says the truest sign others will have that we love Him is when we show love towards each other. One of the clearest ways to demonstrate this love is by serving each other! (John 13:12-17; 34-35) Sermon OutlinE “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:12-17, 34-35) The definition of a disciple of Jesus: A disciple is following Jesus, being changed by the Holy Spirit,…
Worship that Makes Sense
Paul spends a lot of time bringing together threads from chapter 12 and chapter 13 to explore how we worship in a way that glorifies God and also makes sense. (1 Corinthians 14:1-39) Sermon Outline “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)…
Worship That Centers in the Lord
Paul explores the nature of true worship, giving attention to the celebration of communion as well. (1 Corinthians 11:1-34) Sermon Outline “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you…” (1 Corinthians 11:23) Basics of Interpreting the Bible Exegesis — what did the biblical text mean ‘then and there’? Three areas to explore: history, literary genre, and biblical context/canon Hermeneutics — what does the biblical text mean ‘here and now’? Paul, Creation, Culture, the Gospel, and…
Palm Sunday
This week we look what is known as Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. We will explore the meaning of this event in light of the week to follow, and gain insights into both John 15 and Psalm 1 as we conclude our series “The Tree and the Vine.” (John 11, 12, 15 & Psalm 1) Sermon Outline They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” (John 12:13a) Jesus Orchestrates a Miracle (John 11) Jesus…
The Nourished Life
This week explores the nourishment we receive through meditating on God’s word and letting the words of Jesus abide in us. (Psalm 1:2; John 15:3-7) Sermon Outline “. . . but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) Nourishment In Nature In Humans Nutrients Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2) Words of Jesus (John 15:7) The Malnourished Life Convenience Disconnectedness The Nourished Life Delights Remains DISCUSSION QUESTIONS…
Make Every Effort
The life of faith is built on the grace and power of God. Yet we are twice invited to “make every effort” in growing with God in character and confirmation of our calling and election. (2 Peter 1:5-11) SERMON OUTLINE “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith…” (2 Peter 1:4a) Background of the passage: A review A farewell discourse Feed my sheep (John 21:15-17) Stay on course Motivation for ethical behavior: For this very reason……
Growing and Growing
This week will explore examples of believers who move from initial steps of faith to a life of growing and deepening discipleship. We will look at the believers in Jerusalem (Acts 4:32-37) and Berean (Acts 17:10-15) as examples of growing faith exemplified in learning, praying, sharing, and growing. Then we will examine the life of Barnabas (4:36-37; 9:26-28; 11:22-23; 13:1-3) as an example of someone who centers their life in Christ, faithfully serving and investing in others. Sermon Outline “So…
Seeking Understanding
When Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch who is seeking to understand the words of the prophet Isaiah. The eunuch actively asks questions and seeks answers, and that becomes an opportunity for transformation. Philip is present with him to ask questions, guide him into understanding about the Messiah, and lead him to a next step of faith. Philip exemplifies how disciples of Jesus can be present and ready to explain to those seeking understanding. (Acts 8:26-40) Sermon Outline “Philip ran up…
Praying Outward
This week we will explore the third movement of prayer: praying outward. We will investigate what it means to connect with others and God in prayer. We will develop what it means to pray “out” in terms of praying for others on our own, praying for others in person, and praying with others for others. (John 17:1-15) Sermon Outline “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”…