Sermons from November 2014

All I Want for Christmas is for God to Show Up

The Prophet Isaiah steps forward in longing and pleading for God to show up and bring ultimate healing and deliverance for a people stranded in the midst of terrorizing enemies (Isaiah 64:1-9). This message is relevant for our community today, especially in the season of Advent. (ISAIAH 64:1-9) Sermon Outline “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.” (Genesis 12:2) This Christmas Season, We…

The Legacy of Faith

This series concludes with the death of Abraham. We will explore the legacy of Abraham’s faith through the lenses of Genesis and Hebrews 11:8-19, with some slight reflections on the multi-generational aspect of God’s promises and the beginnings of Isaac’s life story in Genesis 24. (Genesis 25:7-11; Hebrews 11:8-19) Sermon Outline “Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.” (Genesis 25:8) Faith…

The Faith of Sarah

Genesis 23:1-20 recounts the death of Sarah and Abraham’s honoring of her by acquiring a special burial place and grieving. Oftentimes, Sarah is remembered for her mistreatment of Hagar & Ishmael and for laughing at God’s promise of a child. But what truly is Sarah’s legacy of faith, and how might we all learn from her about developing a stronger faith life? (Genesis 23:1-20) Sermon Outline Sarah lived 127 years. She was married for over 100 years The Lord is…

Abraham Tested: The Request, The Response, The Result

God provides the promise-child, Isaac in Genesis 22:1-19. Then, he asks Abraham to sacrifice that promise-child. This is one of the most important and powerful passages in the entire Bible. God is faithful to His promises more than we understand and God is faithful in sacrifice more than we can imagine. What does this mean to us and how should we read this passage Christologically (Hebrews 11:17-19)? (Genesis 22:1-19) Sermon Outline ’Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he…

Two Children, a Family and the Interweaving Promises of God

The promise-child is born and named Isaac, which means laughter. The son of the servant woman is sent away. In the midst of these amazing and confusing relationships, God reveals Himself as faithful to both parents and both children. As we talk about orphan Sunday, we will explore themes of God’s faithfulness to children, regardless of the brokenness of parents, as well as how we step forward with God. (Genesis 21:1-21) Sermon Outline “Sarah became pregnant and bore a son…