Sermons on Spiritual Disciplines (Page 3)
Praying Inward
This week we will explore the second movement of prayer: praying inward. We will search out what it means to connect with ourselves and God. We will develop what it means to pray “in” in terms of praying from our need (“help!”), praying about our sin (“I’m sorry!”), and praying out of gratitude (“thank You!”). (1 Kings 19:1-15a) Sermon Outline “There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: ‘What…
Praying Upward
This week will seek to provide a definition of prayer as conversation with God. Then we will explore the first movement of prayer: praying upward. We will explore praying “up” as praying praise, praying God’s character, and praying God’s promises. Silence before the greatness of God may also factor in. (Matthew 16:13-19) Sermon Outline “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15) Conversation with God: Prayer is talking and listening to God about the…
Building Upon God’s Word
One of the most striking episodes in Nehemiah is the reading of God’s law by Ezra to the people. We also see the people responding to the story of Scripture by living into it with the Feast of Booths. (Nehemiah 8:1-18) SERMON OUTLINE “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.” (Nehemiah 8:8) God’s Word (Book of the Law of God) the…
Praying with a Broken Heart
Nehemiah’s response to the brokenness of Jerusalem is a deep prayer. (Nehemiah 1:5-11) SERMON OUTLINE “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night.” (Nehemiah 1:5-6) Beginning with the Greatness of God (Nehemiah 1:5-6a) The greatness of God’s being The greatness of…
The Genesis 1 Account of Creation
This week will provide an overview of the two creation accounts, with particular attention to the Genesis 1 account. This week will make a case for the big-picture, cosmological perspective of Genesis 1, exploring the parallels between the days of creation and some attention to the creation of humanity. There will also be some attention to sabbath. (Genesis 1:1-2:3) Sermon Outline “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) Approaching Genesis 1:1-2:3 The relationship between…
Before Anything, There is God the Creator
An exploration of the being of God, including attention to the Trinity. This week will also set up the series and perhaps frame out why Genesis is so important, why Genesis 1-11 is so challenging, and how we will approach the series theologically, biblically, and spiritual formationally. (Genesis 1:1-2) Sermon Outline “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) An Introduction to Genesis The name of the book of Genesis The structure of Genesis Questions raised…
“Now Dismiss Your Servant in Peace” (Nunc Dimittis)
Simeon, old and worn but still buoyed by expectation, holds in his arms the Messiah he has been longing for. He cannot hold it in, speaking praise over all who can hear and offering a prophetic word over Jesus. Anna the prophetess stands nearby and speaks a word over this wonder-child as well. (Luke 2:22-38) Sermon Outline The First Habit of a Faithful Finisher: Seek the Holy Spirit’s presence and Obey His Leading Three times the Spirit mentioned with Simeon:…
“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)…
A Reset on Gathering
During a time when it has been difficult to meet together, we want to encourage people to meet together in person again for weekly worship. SERMON OUTLINE Gathering Together to Worship In the Old Testament God’s idea, God’s command Festivals at temple in Jerusalem Psalm 100, the reset psalm Synagogues In the New Testament Jesus’ insistence on it “Wherever 2 or 3 of you are gathered…” (Matthew 18:20) “I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18b) Institution of the Lord’s Supper…
A Reset on Service
We are called toward love and good deeds. We are a body and a team. We want to help everyone find avenues for serving within the church and beyond the church. SERMON OUTLINE “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” (Hebrews 10:24) A Reset on Our Concept of the Church The church as an event or a consumer activity Last week: the church as a family who loves one another This week…
“Amen.”
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 final word, “Amen.” SERMON OUTLINE…