Sermons on Spiritual Growth (Page 3)
Beginnings of Transformation
When Peter preaches sermon to a crowd of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, there is a dramatic response. We are told that about three thousand became disciples of Jesus that very day. Perhaps the story of Cornelius (Acts 10) could be referenced as well. This week we explore the beginnings of life change that leads us into the pathway of discipleship to Jesus. (Acts 2:1-47) Sermon Outline “When the people heard this, they were cut to…
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…
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Exploring the seven “I am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John, this Easter season we want to encounter Jesus again for the first time. Drawing upon the Gospel context and Old Testament history, we want to step more deeply into what Jesus was saying then and what it means for our life with God today. (John 14:6) SERMON OUTLINE “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except…
“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)…
“May It Be Unto Me As You Have Said” (Fiat Mihi)
Mary’s simple statement of surrender opens wide to us the wonders of the incarnation. Mary is a reassured and revered figure in the story of salvation, but also serves as an example of humble responsiveness and receptivity to God in our lives. (Luke 1:38) SERMON OUTLINE “’I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’” (Luke 1:38) The Miracle of God’s Plan for the World (Luke 1:26-33) The gift of a greeting from God’s messenger…
Holy Hope
Hope may seem abstract, but it lives in our daily words and actions. Paul urges the believers to let their hope shape the way they live now and we can learn how that is true for us as well. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12) SERMON OUTLINE “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (1 Thessalonians 4:3a) Living with Holy Hope – Aiming to Please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2) Paul’s overriding concern is that the Thessalonians live to please God (4:1a)…
Pictures of the Kingdom
Jesus tells three parables that explain who He is and what He has come to do. In response, the religious leaders begin their focused effort to arrest and eliminate Jesus. (Matthew 21:28-22:14) Sermon Outline “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you….I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” (Matthew 21:31, 43) Introduction…
Jesus and the Canaanite Woman
Jesus heals an outsider, a Canaanite woman, and it shows us some very interesting things about the nature of Jesus’ mission. Matthew 15:21-28 Sermon Outline Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (Matthew 15:28) The Request A Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus is off duty, needing rest. Woman is a representative of Israel’s enemy; she is “other.” The Delay Jesus is…
Seeking Transformation Through Jesus
This weekend wraps up MissionsFest 2021, a week-long deep dive into all things missions. Luke 4:14-21 SERMON OUTLINE Busyness vs. Transformation Losing sight of the end goal What is the end goal? Transformation in Jesus Luke 4:16-21 Integrated Transformation Our mission is to Proclaim & Embody It is a mission focused on the Spiritual and the Physical Mission lives in the tension of these two Jesus was fully man and fully God, a whole human and a whole spirit As…
Run
The life of faith is like a foot race of endurance that, although we wear down sometimes, brings the greatest joy of living with God. Hebrews 12:1-11 SERMON OUTLINE “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2) Run with the crowd (Hebrews 12:1a) Hebrews 11 Surrounded Run without hindrances (Hebrews 12:1b) throw off everything that hinders get rid of the sin that entangles or distracts Run after the One (Hebrews…
Move to Maturity
It is good to receive a kick in the tail sometimes when you need it. So, too, in our spiritual lives, sometimes we need a good warning and a good push to keep moving toward maturity. Hebrews 5:11-6:12 SERMON OUTLINE “We want each of you to show the same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.” (Hebrews 6:11) Hebrews 5:11-14 Hebrews are challenged to grow deeper in their faith Expectation of where…