Sermons from December 2021
Jesus, the Joy Bringer
Jesus brings joy and there is great joy in His birth and ministry. What is joy? How does Jesus really bring joy? How is this different from manufactured joy? How can we experience joy in Jesus? Sermon Outline “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for…
His Resurrection Brings Hope
Jesus’ second and third predictions of His death also point toward the resurrection that will come through the Messiah. This brings into focus the life that comes through Jesus to a world overcome with death. (Matthew 17:22-23;20:17-19) Sermon Outline “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” (Matthew 17:22-23) Jesus’ Three Predictions First prediction (Matthew 16:21) – in Caesarea…
His Healing by Faith
Jesus’ turn toward Jerusalem is framed by two stories of healing. This brings into focus the healing that comes through Jesus to a world turned upside-down with pain. (Matthew 17:14-20; 20:29-34) Sermon Outline “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) The Faith Problem (Matthew 17:14-20) The father and son: I want to believe The disciples: I thought I believed The teachers of the law: I won’t believe The…
His Glory Brings Joy
At the Transfiguration we receive a glimpse of the glory of Jesus that is seen nowhere else in the Gospels before the resurrection. This brings into focus the glory that comes through Jesus to a world turned inside-out with humiliation. (Matthew 17:1-13) Sermon Outline “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5) A…