Sermons from 2019 (Page 3)

A Crash Course in Experiencing the Love of Christ

Paul pulls back the veil on his prayer life for the believers, which is focused on the love of God, the power of God, and the glory of God. The beginning of the prayer relates the interrelationship between knowing and growing in the love of God. This foundation of Paul’s prayer in Christ’s love leads into the fathomless power of God and the magnificent glory of God. Ephesians 3:14-21 SERMON OUTLINE Unity Through One Father (vs. 14-15) Christ’s Dwelling Place…

A Crash Course in the Church

Paul interrupts his train of thought to reflect on the grace God has given him as Apostle to the Gentiles. His reflection on his own ministry leads him to praise of God for fashioning together this new community, known as the church, which exists to display the “manifold wisdom of God…to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (3:10). SERMON OUTLINE His [God’s] intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known…

A Crash Course in Unity in Christ

The “mystery” of God’s work in Christ (3:6) is that Jews and Gentiles both partake together of God’s grace and are built into “one new humanity” (2:15) through the reconciling work of Jesus at the Cross. Hostility is replaced by peace, as God builds this community of Jew and Gentile into a new “dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (2:22). Ephesians 2:11-22 SERMON OUTLINE Everyone wants to belong. What happened? (vss. 11-12) Humanity’s Attempted Solution God’s Solution (vss.…

A Crash Course in the Gospel

This week, Pastor Matt examines Ephesians 2:1-10. and contrasts receiving bad news with receiving the good news of the Gospel. Ephesians 2:1-10 SERMON OUTLINE “But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.” (Ephesians 2:4-5) Bad News: Walking Dead (Ephesians 2:1-3) “dead in your transgressions and sins” (v 1) “the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air”…

A Crash Course in Knowing Christ

Because of the overwhelming blessings of God in Christ, Paul shifts fully into prayer for the believers that they “may know him better” (1:17). This series of prayers flows steadily into a reflection on the glories of the exalted nature of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:15-23 SERMON OUTLINE “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Ephesians 1:17) The…

A Crash Course in God’s Blessing

Paul works through the ways that God has blessed “with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (1:3). In and around his summary of redemption, adoption, and predestination in Christ, Paul offers up a series of prayers of praise to God for who He is and what He has done. SERMON OUTLINE “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3) What is…

Living Like Light in the World

This week will close out the series by inviting people to commit to neighboring and sharing the light of Christ with people immediately around them. Key Texts: John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16; 22:36-40 SERMON OUTLINE “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world.’” (John 8:12) “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)…

Barriers to Loving Your Neighbor

This weekend will look at excuses we make about or barriers we have to loving our neighbors, giving specific attention to barriers of time and fear. Dealing with disruption and obstacles to neighboring. Key Passage: Luke 10:25-37 SERMON OUTLINE Modern American Evangelical Christian Barriers = DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What is your family story? What lessons were you taught about loving your neighbor as you grew up? As you’ve gotten older, what has changed in how you love your neighbor? Have you…

Taking the Great Commandment Literally

This week will build from last weekend’s exploration of incarnational theology, leading us to engage with the Great Commandment of Matthew 22. Emphasis here will be on what it looks like to see the second part of the Great Commandment through the lens of literally loving those right around us in our neighborhood, apartment hallway, or dorm floor. SERMON OUTLINE “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart…

When God Moves Into the Neighborhood

This week sets a foundation for our exploration of neighboring upon a theology of the incarnation, in which God Himself became our ‘neighbor’ through Jesus Christ. “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message). It will connect into the Great Commandment as our response based on God’s action. Key Texts: John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 22:36-40 SERMON OUTLINE “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14, The Message)…

The Good News of New Beginnings

After Jesus’ resurrection, John offer a series of encounters that Jesus has with real people. Each of these encounters sheds light on the way in which Jesus’ resurrection is good news: God’s presence in loss (Mary), God’s peace in fear (disciples in the upper room), God’s guidance in confusion (Thomas), and God’s restoration in failure (Peter). Key Passage: John 20:11-21:25 SERMON OUTLINE “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and…