June 24, 2014
Our calling is to bear witness to the gospel and leave the heart’s receptivity to the Lord. We can’t “open the heart” of the hearer, but we can open our own mouths to speak the gospel message. Paul’s faithfulness to sow the seed of the gospel everywhere he went and leave the heart condition of the soil up to God was what resulted in churches being planted all over the Roman world. I wonder how many “Lydias” are apparently going about their business, yet desperately looking for God? Are we willing to be like Paul and spread the Word?
June 6, 2014
Something extraordinary happens to ordinary people when they spend time with Jesus. When the former fisherman Peter stood to speak to the illustrious gathering of Jewish priests and rabbis they were shocked at his bold eloquence. So much so, that they asked Peter and John to leave the room while they conferred. What gave Peter and John such authority? They didn’t have famous fathers or letters after their names. They didn’t study under Gamaliel or Hillel. They had spent all but the last three years as blue collar workers, as fisherman. But the last three years they had devoted to following Jesus and that changed everything. Others are able to “recognize” people who have “been with Jesus.”
June 5, 2014
Peter and John encountered a cripple asking for money on their way to afternoon prayers at the Temple. While many worshipers passed by the invalid without looking at him, probably even avoiding eye contact, Peter and John “looked at him intently.” They weren’t afraid of his need. In fact, they looked past his felt need for money to his deeper need for wholeness. Peter and John didn’t have money, but what they did have was better. When we have Jesus, we always have what people need. We don’t have to fear making eye contact with those in need. We may not have what people want, but we certainly have what they need.
December 1, 2013
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Acts 8:26-40
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generosity
Many people may feel that they got too physically “fat” from Thanksgiving, but in this sermon, Pastor Gary helps us understand how to be more spiritually F.A.T. – Faithful, Available and Teachable by observing how those in the early church let God’s Spirit FLOW through them.
March 17, 2013
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Acts 26
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evangelism
Pastor Gary Combs continues the this series with a message from Acts 26 based on the apostle Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa. In this testimony we can learn how to share our testimony and so share the love of God with others. This is a very practical message designed to encourage and train believers to be storytellers and gospel witnesses.
February 24, 2013
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Acts 1:6-11
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evangelism
Pastor Gary Combs continued his sermon series entitled “Loving Our Jerusalem” with this message addressing six lies that believers have about witnessing that they can overcome with the truth of God’s Word. In this message from the book of Acts we can learn how to truly be the witnesses that Christ commands.
February 17, 2013
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Acts 2:42; Jeremiah 29:4-7
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evangelism
Pastor Gary Combs begins a new 6-week sermon series entitled “Loving Our Jerusalem” with this message from Jeremiah 29 about why we should begin by loving and being a witness in the place we are now. This is a challenge from God’s Word to be witnesses in the very place you live/work/go to school now.