Sermons from 2014 (Page 2)

The Commitment of God

In Genesis 15:1-21, God makes a promise to Abram in Genesis 12 that leads into a deeper covenant agreement in Genesis 15. This message will explore the themes of covenant, what its significance is for us, and how we can also lean on the promises of God. There must be some attention given to Genesis 15:6 – “So Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” What does it look like to have an enduring faith…

Generous Faith

In Genesis 13:1-14:24, Abram and Lot separate, with Abram blessing Lot as he trusts YHWH’s promises to be fulfilled with him regardless of what land he takes. Then, Abram doubles that blessing by rescuing Lot as neighboring forces capture Lot and his family. This message will talk about how God is at work in Abram’s family and how Abram grasped the call that he was blessed in order to be a blessing. This will include some reflection on Melchizedek as…

Fumbling with Faith

we look at Abraham’s fumbling attempt to integrate his faith with everyday challenges in the world around him, particularly life as a nomad with little protection. Both in Egypt and later in the Negev, Abraham tries to protect himself and Sarah but risks blowing everything. This message will emphasize the importance of celebrating God’s grace in our lives and truth-telling even when it is difficult. (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:1-18) Sermon Outline “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot…

God Calling

Abram and his family step away from their homeland and in the midst of their everyday nomadic existence, God appears and calls Abram to a particular role in God’s grand story. This message will provide an overview of the story of God, exploration of God’s calling, and the response of faith. (Genesis 11:27-12:9) Sermon Outline “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and you father’s house- hold to the land I will show you.’” (Genesis…

Vision Weekend

Pastor Matt kicks off a new ministry year with this special vision weekend message. SERMON OUTLINE “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) Starting with a Vision of Jesus (Colossians 1:15-20) Revelation of God (Colossians 1:15, 19) Center of Creation (Colossians 1:16-17) Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18) Savior and Reconciler (Colossians 1:20) A Particular Vision for Our Church (Mark 12:29-31; Matthew 28:18-20) “To…

Serving Together

Exploring what it means to be together as a community, as seen in the book of acts. (Acts 2:42-47) Sermon Outline ”Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) Before Christ We Were Prisoners Prisoners to the sinful nature that ruled in us (Galatians 3:22) Prisoners to the law (Galatians 3:23) In Christ We Are Free (Galatians 5:1,13) Four Perspectives We Bring To Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to…

Growing Together

Exploring what it means to be together as a community, as seen in the book of acts. (Acts 2:42-47) Sermon Outline allelon—one another Useful tools use their words to build one another up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:25, 29-30; Colossians 3:16) unwholesome—rotten fish teaching—instruct one another, share insights, truths, and wisdom with each other admonition—to warn or to caution others about danger or sin First—Check your _________________________________ (1 Corinthians 4) Second—Check your _________________________________ (1 Corinthians 4) Third—Check your _________________________________…

Connecting Together

Exploring what it means to be together as a community, as seen in the book of acts. (Acts 2:42-47) Sermon Outline “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) Four Core Truths about the Church The Church is Formed by Jesus (Matthew 18:20) The Church is Birthed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) The Church is Sustained by God’s Truth (Acts 2:42) The Church is Moving Toward Eternal Community (Revelation 7:9-10) Five…

Together in Jesus Christ

Exploring what it means to be together as a community, as seen in the book of acts. (ACTS 2:1-41; EPHESIANS 2:1-22) Sermon Outline “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:19-20) Grasping the Truth from the Outside In We are God’s dwelling by God’s Spirit (Ephesians 2:20-22) We are God’s…

Sustaining the Good Life

(Psalm 23:4-6) Sermon Outline “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” (Psalm 23:6a) With God in the Darkness The reality of darkness The reality of God’s present comfort The possibility of fearlessness With God Before Enemies The table of victory The table of abundance The Pursuing Glory of God Goodness and mercy in hot pursuit God’s unending commitment to His sheep Eternal belonging in the household of God DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What was one of…

Living the Good Life

(Psalm 23:1-4) Sermon Outline “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) Starting with an Appropriate View of God God who is the LORD God who is a shepherd God who is my shepherd Living with God as Shepherd Living as a sheep Living the full life Living the guided life Living the purposeful life Living the glorious life DISCUSSION QUESTIONS This week we begin two weeks looking at “The Good Life” through Psalm 23. We want…