July 11, 2021
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1 Peter 2:9-17
Many think the church is irrelevant to their lives. Responding to this, we have titled today’s sermon, “Eternal Over Relevant,” because the Church is the one entity in this world that will live forever! If we stay on the true message of the Word of God and live as God’s people, the church will always be not only eternal, but always relevant!
People are struggling with issues and they don’t think the church addresses them. They think the church is only for faith and religious stuff, not family, parenting, work, school, finances, mental health, and a host of other real-world issues. People in our community are asking questions and they don’t think the church is answering them. The church only becomes irrelevant when it forgets its eternal identity and purpose.
November 24, 2019
SET FREE TO SERVE NOT TO SIN As exiles in this world, citizens of the kingdom of heaven, we have been set free from slavery to sin and the world’s system. We live in this world, but we are not of this world. Our citizenship is in heaven. Yet, this freedom is not a license
November 23, 2018
WHO BUILDS THE CHURCH?
The Church is not a place, but a people. We have not built it, we are being built into it. While God builds the Church, we are to be the Church. For we are all “holy priests,” offering worship to God through meditation of Christ, the Cornerstone and Great High Priest.
Christ told Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). So, Christ is Cornerstone, Capstone and Builder. And we are the bricks. Our role is not to BUILD the church. Our role is to BE the church. If we will BE the church, Christ will BUILD the church.
November 23, 2017
How much does a newborn desire mother’s milk? With that level of desire for nourishment and intimacy, the believer is to desire the Word of God. It contains all that the believer needs for spiritual health and growth to maturity. The newborn longs for mother’s breast not only for food, but for comfort. In this too, the Word offers solace and care for the believer as the Spirit applies the “Theopneustos” (“God-breathed” – 2 Tim. 3:16) comfort to their troubled soul.
Do you desire the pure milk of God’s Word today? It’s study is necessary for your spiritual growth. Your desire for it is evidence of your spiritual birth. Do you love God’s Word?
November 27, 2016
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1 Peter 2:4-17
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culture, exposition
It can be hard to find a way to live in harmony with the culture around you. Do you feel that it is difficult to be a believer in your workplace, when your with friends or even at home? Do you sense this tension between being an authentic Christian and getting along with others in certain sectors of your life?
In Peter’s first letter to believers in Asia Minor, he tells them that they can live in harmony as exiles in their world by truly becoming God’s people. We too can live in harmony with our world by living as His people.
November 24, 2016
As exiles in this world, citizens of the kingdom of heaven, we have been set free from slavery to sin and the world’s system. We live in this world, but we are not of this world. Our citizenship is in heaven. Yet, this “freedom” is not a license to sin, but liberty to live for Christ. As Paul said, “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace” (Rom.6:14). So, we live as “servants of God,” freely submitting to the authorities ordained by God, not out of fear or duty, but out of the grace and love of Christ. We have been set free to serve God.
November 23, 2014
The Church is not a place, but a people. We have not built it, we are being built into it. While God builds the Church, we are to be the Church. For we are all “holy priests,” offering worship to God through meditation of Christ, the Cornerstone and Great High Priest.
November 23, 2013
This beautiful verse describes our place in the Father’s heart as His people. Take special note that we are “his own possession.” In other words, He made us for Himself. We are His. And we belong to HIm in order to “proclaim the excellencies” of Christ, the One who brought us out of “darkness into marvelous light.” Augustine reflected on this saying, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in Thee.”
November 24, 2012
It is not just the way we spell “Christmas” that is taking Jesus out of the season. It is the celebration of consumerism that is caustic to our souls. Why not join the Advent Conspiracy and “keep away from worldly desires” this season? Spend less. Give more. Worship fully. Love all. Put Christ back in Christmas.