Sermons on Spiritual Disciplines (Page 7)
Prayer of Dependence: Habakkuk
The prophet Habakkuk concludes his bleak book with a powerful and rich declaration of faith in the face of pending suffering in Habakkuk 3:1-21. Regardless of our circumstances, how might we learn to be people of faith through prayer like Habakkuk? Sermon OutlinE “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:18) Seeking God’s Renewal in Fearful Times (Habakkuk 3:1-2) Promise of Punishment for the People of God (chs. 1-2) What has…
Prayer for Deliverance: Hezekiah
King Hezekiah faces tremendous threats at the hands of the Assyrian armies. In this dire situation, Hezekiah turns to God with a prayer for deliverance in 2 Kings 19:14-20; 20:1-7. When we face pressures, how might Hezekiah’s example help us, whether individually or corporately, turn to God for deliverance? Sermon OutlinE “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, Lord,…
Prayer that Listens: Elijah
Elijah’s wonderful victory over the prophets of Baal turns into a fearful flight for his life. Running to the mountain of God, Elijah has a powerful encounter with God that transforms him. He speaks and listens, and is sent out by God renewed in 1 Kings 19:1-18. Sermon OutlinE “The word of the Lord came to him: ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” (1 Kings 19:9) The Exhaustion of Success (1 Kings 18-19) The thrill of success (1 Kings 18:20-46)…
Prayer of Repentance: David
David’s adultery with Bathsheba leads to a rebuke from the prophet Nathan. David, this ‘man after God’s own heart,’suddenly finds his life crashing down because of his sin. We can learn from David’s prayer of repentance how we also might turn to God in prayer when we sin. Key Passages: 2 Samuel 12:15-23; Psalm 51 Sermon OutlinE “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my…
Prayer for Our Desires: Hannah
In the midst of her barrenness, Hannah calls out to God. She finds that God answers her in relation to her deepest desires for a child. Hannah helps us learn how to pray our desires in the presence of God in 1 Samuel 1:9-20; 2:1-10. Sermon OutlinE “There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2) Hannah’s Dilemma—Her context Israel, A Nation in Turmoil—barrenness of heart…
Prayer that Intercedes for God’s People: Moses
In one of the most vivid passages of the Old Testament we see God speaking with Abraham about the wicked towns of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, lives there with his family, but Abraham focuses on calling God to act justly. It almost seems like Abraham is bargaining with God. What is going on here and what might we learn about pleading with God in prayer on behalf of the lost? Sermon OutlinE “In accordance with your great love,…
Prayer that Pleads for the Lost: Abraham
In one of the most vivid passages of the Old Testament we see God speaking with Abraham about the wicked towns of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, lives there with his family, but Abraham focuses on calling God to act justly. It almost seems like Abraham is bargaining with God. What is going on here and what might we learn about pleading with God in prayer on behalf of the lost? Sermon OutlinE “Abraham remained standing before the Lord.…
Transforming Faith: Prayer
Pastor Jim Caler brings the first part in a two-part miniseries on Transforming Faith, with a message on reading the Bible in a transformational way. SERMON OUTLINE “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my…
Focused Joy
This sermon from Philippians 3:1-14 brings attention to Paul’s unstoppable focus on Christ in his life and ministry, and what we can learn from him in that. Sermon Outline Focused Joy speaks against the opponents of the gospel and rejoices in the true people of God (Philippians 3:1-4) Rejoice in the Lord! Opponents of the gospel: Judiazers We who believe in Jesus boast in the Lord Focused Joy does not boast in human abilities, but in Christ’s work in the…
Shared Joy
This week of our “Unshackled” series on Philippians focuses on the call from Philippians 2:12-30 to shine like stars and two examples of joyful service in Timothy and Epaphroditus. Sermon Outline “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15-16) Working Out a Life of Joy (2:12-13) The obedience of salvation Our work and God’s work Living with Increasing Joy (2:13-18) Joy beyond grumbling Joy that holds…
Transforming Faith: Scripture
Pastor Jim Caler brings the first part in a two-part miniseries on Transforming Faith, with a message on reading the Bible in a transformational way. SERMON OUTLINE The Need for Transformation Be a Traveler not a Tourist Romans 12:1-2 Ephesians 4:20-24 Myths about Transformation It happens instantly (Philippians 3:12-16) It happens naturally (Hebrews 5:11-14) It happens willfully (Philippians 2:12-14) The Bible and Transformation (James 1:22-25/1 Timothy 3:14-16) Read Have a plan Work it out Reflect From Root to Fruit (or…
Praise
The end of the journey with God is unmitigated goodness. We see this in Psalm 134, a celebration psalm, which invites us to focus our lives on blessing God, so that our lives are a blessing from God. SERMON OUTLINE “Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 134:1) Bless the Lord (vs 1) “Come…” The invitation one to another Praise the Holy God with holy hands (vs…