Sermons from 2024 (Page 2)
The Call to the Ministry of Reconciliation
The Greek word for reconciliation is καταλλάσσω and it means to reestablish proper friendly interpersonal relations after these have been disrupted or broken. It also means “to bring together again.” Christ’s work on the Cross makes reconciliation with God possible but also a duty to become an ambassador and gent of vertical and horizontal reconciliation. (2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21) Sermon OutlinE Introduction The Greek word for reconciliation is καταλλάσσω and it means to reestablish proper friendly interpersonal relations after these have…
Following Jesus Means Taking Up Our Cross
Choosing to follow Jesus means we are often saying no to many things: no to the what the world calls success, no to what the world call pleasure, no to what the world calls popular. Are we consistently willing to pay the cost of standing apart of Jesus, no matter the cost? (Matthew 16:24-27) Sermon OutlinE The Definition: A disciple is someone who is following Jesus, is being transformed by the Holy Spirit and is committed to the Mission of God.…
Following Jesus Means Serving Others
Jesus says the truest sign others will have that we love Him is when we show love towards each other. One of the clearest ways to demonstrate this love is by serving each other! (John 13:12-17; 34-35) Sermon OutlinE “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:12-17, 34-35) The definition of a disciple of Jesus: A disciple is following Jesus, being changed by the Holy Spirit,…
Following Jesus Means We Have a Mission
Every disciple is called to make disciples. When we become followers of Jesus we are instantly tasked with helping others become fully devoted followers of Jesus. (Matthew 28:16-20) Sermon OutlinE “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make…
Following Jesus Means We Will Be Transformed
Jesus takes ordinary fishermen and tells them they will become something more. Being a follower of Jesus is different than following someone on X (twitter) it leads to a transformation of our heart, mind and character. (Matthew 4:19) Sermon OutlinE “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19) The definition of a disciple of Jesus: A disciple is following Jesus, being changed by the Holy Spirit, and committed to the mission…
Following Jesus Means Knowing the Truth
There are a lot of places people look to for “truth” – themselves, their heroes, their parents, their friends, famous philosophers. Jesus says He is the source of truth and that those who follow Him will not only walk in the truth but experience freedom because of it. Why does knowing the truth set us free?. (John 8:31-32) Sermon OutlinE Following: X/Instagram vs. Jesus “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew…
We Need Each Other
Paul concludes this letter with a wonderful look at the interrelationships that exist between him, various people, and the Corinthians believers. (1 Corinthians 16:1-24) Sermon Outline We give to tangible support each other Paul’s description of the relief offering for Jerusalem believers Trust is part of the foundation of community, and stewardship We all have a part to play While we think Paul was a solitary letter writer, in reality his letters were a team effort, as was his ministry…
Resurrection Matters, Part 2
Chapter 15 explores the resurrection of Jesus. This second part of that chapter focuses on the reality of resurrection bodies through faith in Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:35-58) Sermon Outline For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. (1 Corinthians 52b-53) How Could Our Bodies Possibly Be Resurrected? (1 Corinthians 15:35-44) God can manipulate matter. Learn from the analogy…
Resurrection Matters, Part 1
Chapter 15 explores the resurrection of Jesus. This first part of that chapter focuses on the Jesus’ resurrection and the possibility of resurrection from death. (1 Corinthians 15:1-34) Sermon Outline “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins accord- ing to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) The Gospel of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians…
Worship that Makes Sense
Paul spends a lot of time bringing together threads from chapter 12 and chapter 13 to explore how we worship in a way that glorifies God and also makes sense. (1 Corinthians 14:1-39) Sermon Outline “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)…
The Way of Love
The most beloved chapter in 1 Corinthians applies to more than weddings. How do we learn to love together? (1 Corinthians 13:1-13) Sermon Outline “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) Spirit-Gifts and the Greater Way of Love (13:1-3) The value of Spirit-gifts: tongues, prophecy, knowledge, faith, service The value of Spirit-gifts becomes valueless without love The Corinthian confusion about what it means to be ‘spiritual’ and Paul’s…
The Church as Body: Unity and Diversity
Building from his exploration of spiritual gifts and God’s role in shaping and assembling the body of Christ (the church), Paul talks about how we live into that unity within diversity together. (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) Sermon Outline “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12) The Metaphor of the Body of Christ and Spirit-Gifts (12:12-14) Paul’s purpose with this metaphor Baptism and the…