Sermons on Spiritual Disciplines (Page 4)
The Great Commission
This message will explore Jesus’ great commission for disciple-making. (Matthew 28:16-20) SERMON OUTLINE “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) A Return (28:16) 11 apostles (the 12 minus Judas) Leaving Jerusalem A return to where everything…
Stewards of the Kingdom
This message from Matthew 25:14-30 explores Jesus’ parable of the talents. SERMON OUTLINE Be excited about Jesus’ return Know what Jesus teaches by reading His word You cannot live off of someone else’s talents Surrender your talents to Christ and be ready for Him DISCUSSION QUESTIONS When you think of Jesus’ return, what emotions do you feel? What talents and abilities do you know that God has given you? Are there times where you have used those abilities for your…
Opening the Book on Prayer: Learning to Pray with the Psalms
The psalms are sometimes called the prayerbook of the Bible. As a vital part of God’s word, they teach us how to hear God and respond to God in prayer. The psalms bring together these two powerful resources—Scripture and prayer—that help us, like two wings moving together, to rise up in spiritual life. Join this Leadership Community gathering for an interactive exploration of learning to pray with the book of Psalms.
Jesus on Taxes, Wealth, and God’s Generous Kingdom
Jesus talks a lot about money. In two different episodes, He addresses the paying of the temple tax and the payment of taxes to Caesar. He uses both discussions as opportunities to talk about greater matters. Then He encounters a wealthy young man who wants to walk with God but his heart is ensnared by riches. Following it with the parable of the workers, Jesus speaks to the generosity of the kingdom of God. (Matthew 17:24-27; 19:16-30; 20:1-16; 22:15-22) Sermon…
Jesus on Greatness
What is greatness really all about? Jesus flips it upside-down with three separate teachings about personal greatness, welcome of the least of these, and His pathway to greatness. (Matthew 18:1-14; 19:13-15; 20:20-28) Sermon Outline “… whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for…
The New Moses
Jesus feeds a crowd of over 5,000 people with near to nothing. What does that tell us about Jesus? Matthew 14:13-21 Sermon Outline “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:13) Jesus’ Unsuccessful Withdrawal (Matthew 14:13) Withdrawing from Herod Antipas and the crowds Jesus pursued by the crowds into the wilderness Jesus’ Heart (Matthew 14:13-14) “He had compassion on them…” (NIV) “His heart went out to them…” Jesus Feeds…
The Messiah and the Sabbath
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath…what does that mean? Matthew 12:1-21 SERMON OUTLINE “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:8) What Is the Sabbath? The biblical background (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15) The rabbinical background Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath (12:1-8) The accusation The comparisons Greater than the Temple The call to mercy Lord of the Sabbath Jesus, Doing Good (12:9-14) The entrapment The comparison The healing Jesus, the Promised One (12:15-21) The summary of His…
Real Prayer
Pastor Ruth Carver shares what real prayer looks like in our lives and how to make requests of our good God, sharing from Matthew 7:7-11 Sermon Outline “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you…” (Matthew 7:7) Jesus tells His disciples (and the crowd) that real prayer is simply making requests of God: asking Him for things. (Matthew 7:7-8) Jesus tells a parable to show what…
Real Still
Holy Saturday is a day of reflection on a world without the hope of Christ’s resurrection. Sandwiched between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, this day represents the three days between Christ’s death on the Cross and saving resurrection. Historically, this day is a time for the church to reflect on death, dying, life, and living. Pastor Matt and our staff have prepared this short video reflection for you, your family, and your household to participate with from home. “Real Still”…
Real Treasure
What does it mean to treasure something and how does that impact our life? How does this relate to the power of money in our life? Matthew 6:19-24 Sermon Outline “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20) Real Treasure (6:19-21) The reality and limits of earthly storing up The promise and possibility of heavenly storing up…
Real Spirituality
Beyond outward show, what is real spirituality and piety all about? Jesus’ addresses how visible actions often distract from the hidden life in almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Matthew 6:1-18 Sermon Outline “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1) Jesus and fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets Who Are We Living For?: The Audience of Our…
Baptized with Water and Spirit
Jesus’ baptism is the fulfillment of all righteousness and a revelation of His Sonship. It also echoes the Exodus journey of Israel through the Red Sea. Matthew 3:13-17 SERMON OUTLINE “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.” (Matthew 3:13) Facts of Jesus’ Baptism timing setting Theological Truths of Jesus’ Baptism Representative Messiah: John’s hesitation and Jesus’ purpose The Descent of the Dove: the coming of the Holy Spirit Jesus the Unique Son of God:…