Sermons from 2015 (Page 3)
Unity Worth Fighting For
Unity doesn’t just “happen.” The church is made up of sinful people; people who will (at times) step on each other’s toes, offend each other, and hurt each other. Jesus was clear about what we are to do in those situations. Not only is there a personal responsibility to resolving conflict but a community responsibility to resolve our conflict. How can we be one as a church if we know there are two “brothers” (or sisters) in this body that…
Prayer as the Pathway to Unity
In John 17:20-26, Jesus prayed for the unity of the church and if Jesus prayed for it, then we know that prayer is essential to unity. How does prayer serve as this focus? What do we do practically to weave prayer into the work of seeking unity and togetherness? Sermon Outline “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I…
Jumping the Broom
Jumping the Broom is a wedding custom among African American couples. Those who seek to reach across race and cultural lines could learn much from the institution of marriage. Both efforts often fail because of a seed of selfishness. This message from Mark 10:2-9 uses marriage to unveil ways that Christians can live out the reconciliation Christ has given to His church. Sermon Outline I. What women know about men II. What men understand about women III. Marriage compared to…
Maintaining the Unity of the Spirit
If we are to have true church unity then we must understand our calling and live it out. Unfortunately, most churches have forgotten their calling. That is what the apostle reminds us of in Ephesians 4:1-6. The Lord has determined its purpose is reflecting Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Paul puts it this way, live worthy of the calling we have received from Godhead, means, in a very essential way with humility, patience and love preserve the unity of…
Singing the Songs of God’s Salvation
The third chapter of Habakkuk is one of the most beautiful and heart-felt declarations of worship before a mighty God in a confusing world. Some see this final prayer as a psalm amended to the end of the prophet’s words to bring us deeper into worship in light of the painful realities recorded before. (Habakkuk 3:1-19) SERMON OUTLINE “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:18) Sometimes it Causes Me to…
Faithfulness in a Confusing World
God’s second response to Habakkuk includes a vision that gives him perspective on what’s happening and five woes about the sort of person who will experience the judgment of God. It is a sobering reality, but also an encouragement to those of us trying to gain God’s perspective. The end of the chapter is appropriate humility and worship before God. (Habakkuk 2:2-20) SERMON OUTLINE “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright – but the righteous person…
Talking with God When Pain Looms Large
Habakkuk lifts his voice to God in lament again but this time calls God’s attention to the unending pain that His people are suffering at the hand of their oppressors. How do we respond to God when it seems that our suffering is larger than we ever thought possible? What do we do? (Habakkuk 1:12-2:1) SERMON OUTLINE “I will stand at my watch…I will look to see what He will say to me.” (Habakkuk 2:1) Eyes on God (Habakkuk 1:12-13)…
Suffering and the Surprising Plans of God
God’s first response to Habakkuk is surprising at numerous levels. God will respond to Habakkuk’s call for punishment of wicked but it will come in a surprising way. The punishment of wickedness will come at the hands of an even-more wicked people. The oft-quoted phrase here, “I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told” (Habakkuk 1:5), is actually a message of surprising judgment on the nations. (Habakkuk 1:5-11) SERMON…
Crying Out when God Seems Absent
The first of Habakkuk’s two laments begins with the prophet’s agonizing question about how long God will let violence and wickedness continue unpunished. What do we do when wrong seems to carry forward in the face of a righteous God? What does it look like to cry out to God in these times? (Habakkuk 1:1-4) SERMON OUTLINE “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2) Habakkuk’s Burden (Habakkuk 1:1) The context of Habakkuk…
Engaged
(Acts 2:14-47) SERMON OUTLINE “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.” (Acts 2:32) Peter’s Sermon (Acts 2:14-36) Story that needs to be heard Story that doesn’t shy away from truth Act of Obedience to Jesus (Acts 1:8) People Respond to Sermon (Acts 2:37-41) People convicted (Acts 2:37) Need guidance (Acts 2:37) A church is launched (Acts 2:41) Engage with Others | We are Witnesses (Acts 2:42-47) We are not alone (Acts 2:14,…
Empowered
(Acts 2:1-13) SERMON OUTLINE “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4) The Meaning of Pentecost God’s Promise Fulfilled (Joel 2:28; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 7-8; 2:4) Signs of God’s Presence in Wind and Fire (Exodus 19:16-19; Acts 2:2-3) Echoes of Jesus’ Commissioning (Luke 3:21-22; Acts 1:14; 2:1) A Picture of God Gathering in the Nations (Leviticus 23:15-16; Acts 2:1, 5-12) The Holy Spirit and…
Praying
(Acts 1:12-26) SERMON OUTLINE “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:14) Response of Disciples to Being Called (Acts 1:10-14) Response embraces the calling (encouragement from God) Response is unified (scattered when arrested) Response indicates growth of disciples (pride to humility) Prayer is Always Step #1 (Acts 1:14) To being close to Jesus Does not come naturally Recognition of where power resides In times of…