Tue, 29 May 2018
May 27, 2018: God’s Graffiti Daniel 5 INTRODUCTION Imagine that you get a note today that says (and there is TV commercial that shows this happening), TODAY YOU WILL HAVE A HEART ATTACK! How would you respond to that shocking message? No one knows what a day will bring … not even if you are a king or queen for the day. ONLY GOD KNOWS … AND CONTROLS. CONTEXT Belshazzar is “king for the day.” Actually, he is the king’s son and because his father is elsewhere, Belshazzar is appointed to lead. He throws a party! In the midst of wine flowing, a heart-stopping event occurs. A hand writes a message on the wall that only a man of God, Daniel, can decipher. His message is a wake-up call for an individual and a nation.
CONTENT I. God Crashes the Party
Understanding the “handwriting on the wall” v17, 28-31
II. Deeper Truths (Your days are numbered! Ps 90:1-6,12) #1 God is Sovereign v18-19, Is 45:5-7; 43:11-13; 42:5-8 #2 The need to HUMBLE ourselves under God v20, 22, II Chron 7:14 The need to turn to God … NOW! |
Mon, 21 May 2018
May 20: What Happens When the Holy Spirit Shows Up Acts 2:41-47 INTRODUCTION All of us are alive! But too many of us simply exist. We get up; we eat; we go about our daily activities. We wind down at night; we go to bed; and we get up to repeat the cycle. Is there more to life than this? The Good News is — there is a whole lot more to living. When God, the Holy Spirit, enters our life, we are liberated to enjoy and experience life in ways that not only satisfy us but also impact the lives of others. CONTEXT These two passages provide us with snapshots of what happens to people when the Holy Spirit fills their lives. Acts 2 centers on the lifestyle of 3,000+ believers and Acts 4 identifies a person (Barnabas) whose life becomes a constant source of encouragement to others. Both are vivid examples of the power of the Holy Spirit.
CONTENT
A Word to the Wise — Luke 10:25-37
Direct download: What_Happens_When_the_Holy_Spirit_Shows_Up.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:32am EDT |
Mon, 14 May 2018
May 13: The Power of Love INTRODUCTION One of the most underutilized and yet, plentiful and powerful resources in our life is LOVE. Love is a medicine that can bring healing to broken hearts. This love is personal. It’s rooted in God. This love is powerful. When people have given up on life, the love of God never gives up on them. CONTEXT The book of Ruth could open with the description, “It was the worst of times ...” The nation of the Hebrews was strangled by a paralyzing drought. As a result, CONTENT I. When Life Gets Messy A. Unexpected deaths vv3-5 #1 I will be with you Heb 13:5, Mat 28:20 A Final Word — The origins of love v16, I Jn 4:7-11 |
Mon, 7 May 2018
May 7: Teach Your Children Well Deuteronomy 6:4-9
INTRODUCTION Repetition is a wonderful teacher. Redundancy is a vital ingredient in effective communication. Repeating is not necessarily bad! We learn by doing something over and over again. We also learn by hearing and seeing and saying things multiple times. This morning’s passage was meant to be repeated by parents and mentors so that a next generation would be fully equipped to follow God and live purposeful lives. That’s as true today as it was thousands of years ago!
CONTEXT The people of God were perched and ready to enter the Promised Land. But before they did, Moses reminded them of some important responsibilities. God inspired Moses with these words in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, which were meant to be a prayer. In fact, this was the first prayer Jesus’ parents taught him!
CONTENT I. A Conviction v4, Jn 14:6, I Cor 3:11, Ps 127:1 Question: What are your convictions about God and who God is? II. A Passion v5, II Cor 5:14 Question: Who has your heart? Who or what are you passionate about? III. A Mission vv7-9, Ephesians 6:4 Question: Parents (and Covenant Partners) when it comes to your children what is your foundational mission?
Direct download: 0506018_Teach_Your_Children_Well_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:17am EDT |
Mon, 30 April 2018
Be Ready Matthew 25:1-13 INTRODUCTION Jesus Christ often spoke in parables. A parable is very simply defined as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Parables were told to portray a spiritual lesson in a way that was clear and memorable. Matthew 25 is made up of three parables about the return of the Lord.
|
Mon, 23 April 2018
The Path to Fellowship 1 John 1
INTRODUCTION John in our passage emphasizes the physical reality of the person of Jesus when He was in this world. Evidently some regarded Jesus Christ as a phantom or spirit. John’s concern is that Christians have true fellowship with God, and the test of such fellowship is that it will be through the person of Jesus.
|
Mon, 16 April 2018
April 15: Open Doors and Opposition I Corinthians 16:7-9, 13-14 INTRODUCTION “Take the path of least resistance.” That’s a common piece of wisdom that many of us have used in making decisions. We have a tendency when faced with important choices to make the one which is easiest … the one that requires the least effort … the one that appeals to our personal desires. But be careful because often the door through which God leads us is one which is accompanied by great challenges. CONTEXT Paul is given an invitation to visit his friends in Corinth. He’s wanted in Corinth. He’s been used by God in Corinth. However, he chooses to stay in Ephesus. He chooses to stay in a church that has been riddled with problems and full of challenges. His obedience to God led him through a door that was demanding and difficult. CONTENT
#1 External Challenges Acts 14:19-20, 17:6
#2 Internal Challenges Fear Num 13 Near-sighted Jer 29:10-11
Final Advice on Going through Open Doors vv13-14 Focus — “watch” v13, Heb 12:2 Foundation — “stand firm” v13, I Cor 3:11 Live out of the center of Who You Are — “love” v14, I Jn 4:7
|
Mon, 9 April 2018
April 8: The Man Who Missed Easter John 20:19-31
INTRODUCTION “I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world.” That’s a common comment to an uncommon “happening.” A family member’s wedding, a graduation, a retirement dinner, a baptism … the list is long but the sense of needing to be present prevails.
CONTEXT Jesus appeared to a small group of his followers on that first Easter evening. Understandably, they were overjoyed. Thomas, one of the disciples, was not present. When he heard their reports, he needed more evidence. So, Jesus met Thomas where he was! Thomas responded with one of the most powerful, insightful views of the real Jesus, “My Lord and my God.”
CONTENT
#1 Thomas was WELCOME by the community of believers vv24-26 #2 INVESTIGATION…Jesus moves toward Thomas vv26-27 #3 EXHORTATION v27 #4 PROFESSION v28
3. The Life of Faith…for you and me A step of faith v29 An informed faith vv30-31, Rom 10:17, II Tim 3:16, II Pet 1:16-21
|
Tue, 3 April 2018
The Road to Life Luke 24:13-35
INTRODUCTION All of us are travelers. Some of us like to travel, others of us tolerate travel. Some of us are anxious to get some place and others of us are ready to get away from some place. Whether you like it or not, you are on a journey. If you get to where you are going, will you be satisfied with where you are?
CONTEXT Jesus is dead! Two eyewitnesses of his crucifixion are on the road that leads from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a small village about 7 miles away. Their tone is somber, their walk is slow, and their footsteps are heavy with grief. As they travel, they are intersected by a man who changes the direction of their life.
CONTENT
#1 Our Mind … engaged by Scripture vv25-27, Is 53:4-10, Rom 10:17, II Pet 1:16,20-21
#2 Our Eyes … opened by God v31, I Cor 12:3; Eph 2:1-9
#3 Our Purpose … confirmed vv33-35; II Cor 5:17; Jn 10:10 A change of life … a change of Direction!
|
Mon, 26 March 2018
When Jesus Moves In Matthew 21:1-14
IINTRODUCTION Sometimes there is a huge “gap” between “expectations” and “reality.” Think about how you approached the golden age of “getting your driver’s license.” For most of us, we thought, “Driving is a piece of cake … so easy. Anybody can do it, especially me!” But the reality of driving was filled with fears like: “Am I in the center of the lane? How do I enter this bustling interstate?” and countless other concerns. What does it mean for you and me to be a Christ Follower? If we were to trust Jesus Christ to “save us” then what challenges and changes would be involved?
CONTEXT Jesus comes to town! Matthew 21 is Jesus “Coming Out Party.” Up until now, Jesus has kept relatively silent about his Lordship … the fact that he is the Messiah. But that’s over, now he enters Jerusalem humbly riding on a donkey. However, he also comes as the King of Kings to liberate his people. They cry out, “Hosanna,” which means “save us … now.” Jesus will do exactly that, but the reality of his salvation is different than their expectation.
CONTENT
#1 Adjust your understanding of Lordship (leadership) vv2,5,
#2 Adjust your understanding of Salvation Is 53:5-6, II Cor 5:21
#3 Adjust your expectations of Life with Jesus Gal 2:20, Ps 34:17-20, II Cor 11:24-28
|
Mon, 19 March 2018
March 18: Caught in the Act Caught in the Act John 8:1-11 INTRODUCTION We’ve all been there and done that! Every one of us has at times found ourselves having done something that has brought pain to others and shame to us. We may try to cover up our moral failures — our sins — and look fine from the outside. But inside we hear the verdict reverberating — GUILTY. CONTEXT John 8 centers on a court case. Jesus is thrust into the roles of both lawyer and judge. At first sight, the case seems open and shut … an easy verdict upon a woman caught in the act of adultery. But the ruling which Jesus brings surprises and liberates … not just the woman but you and me, too! CONTENT
#1 Quit judging others Mat 7:1-5, Jms 5:16, 19-20 #2 Quit beating yourself up Jer 31:3, Is 43:1, Jn 3:16-17, Rom 8:1 |
Mon, 12 March 2018
John 15:1-11 1. I am the True Vine |
Mon, 5 March 2018
When Religion Falls Flat John 3:1-17
INTRODUCTION Religion can be defined as our attempt to earn a relationship with God. Christianity can be defined as God’s gift of a relationship with us through Jesus Christ. One approach may keep you busy but it will never achieve what you desire. The other approach is life-giving but demands that we take our eyes off ourselves and fix our eyes upon Jesus.
CONTEXT Nicodemus is a good guy! He’s extremely religious. He is a student of the Scriptures. He is a leader amongst his peers. Yet for all the wonderful qualities which Nicodemus has, he is seeking something more. In some strange way, he senses that “something” is really “someone” and that “someone” is Jesus.
CONTENT
#1 Experiencing God begins with God creating life in you v6, Ezek 37:1-14; 36:25-27
#2 You need GOD (and so do I) Our need vv13-15, Numbers 21:4-9
God’s gift vv16-17, Rom 8:1-3
|
Mon, 26 February 2018
When Temptation Knocks at Your Door Luke 4:1-13
Temptation is a fact of life! No matter how old or young we are, all of us are susceptible to temptation. As one person said, “I can resist anything … except temptation!” The Good News is that we can resist temptation … but we cannot resist it in our power and by our own strategies. Jesus has just been baptized and heard the affirmation of God the Father, “This is my beloved Son.” (Lk 3:23) Now the Spirit of God leads Jesus into the wilderness. After 40 days of not eating and subject to isolation, a lonely, tired, hungry Jesus is vulnerable to temptation … and a Fall! I. Three Temptations with Deadly Potential #1 Point of Weakness (Lust of the Eyes) vv1-3, Deut 8:3 II. Dealing with Temptations that can bring us down #1 Get real … temptation is a part of life I Cor 10:12 |
Mon, 19 February 2018
February 18: Living a Lifestyle of Reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:12-21 |
Mon, 12 February 2018
Colossians 2:1-7
Background Paul traveled through the Middle East and Europe extensively in three different missionary journeys. But, he never visited Colossae. Paul’s presence, however, was felt as Paul’s disciples, Tychicus, Onesimus, and Epaphras, had significant involvement in planting and nurturing this young church. But, as we see from our passage, Paul’s presence was felt through his prayer ministry. He called this ministry a “great struggle.” Paul’s message in Colossians 1 is that believers celebrate the Hope of Glory, i.e. Christ in Us. Yet we tend to settle for less. So he prays. Let us listen and learn from his heart.
|
Mon, 5 February 2018
The Story of Glory
Colossians 1:24-29
Colossians Background: Paul never visited Colossae but he sent some of his disciples to encourage this small house church (Epaphras, Tychicus, and Onesimus). In this letter he offers encouragement to believers in Colossae to fortify them for a faith-filled life. The message of chapter one is a strong statement of the life of believer as one who bears fruit and increases in the knowledge of God. Then he gives a strong statement about the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. He is God’s image! Then Paul uses the idea of the revealed “mystery” to capture the idea that even Gentiles are a part of God’s redemptive work.
|
Mon, 29 January 2018
The Lord’s Prayer, Transformation, and the Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 6: 5-15 |
Mon, 22 January 2018
INTRODUCTION Jesus is baptized near the end of Luke 3. Then Luke, in Chapter 4, records the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. The first thing Jesus experiences is his temptation. During this moment Jesus demonstrates his reliance on the Word of God as he recites to Satan scripture that stands against Satan’s lies and temptations. Soon afterward, Jesus begins teaching his ministry in Nazareth in the Synagogue quoting scripture from Isaiah (61), which said, “the Spirit of Lord is on me.” First, the crowds marvel at Him but then turn on him, claiming He had blasphemed. Jesus in Chapter 5 moves from Nazareth to Capernaum, where he finds a family of fishermen open to Him and his ministry (Peter, James, and John). Every move Jesus made seems controversial: healings, Sabbath practices, and even his association/friendships, and his powerful demonstrations were capturing the public’s attention. It seems like he postured for great success. How does he move forward?
|
Tue, 16 January 2018
Shape Up: Maturity is Listening and Obeying! Matthew 7:21-27
INTRODUCTION The Sermon on the Mount is the longest portion of teaching recorded of Jesus. The whole sermon is recorded for us in Matthew 5-7 or in Luke 6. It speaks of the blessedness of a believer and different issues related to living the life of a believer.
Jesus, in Chapter 7 of Matthew, concludes his sermon warning of false prophets, (v15-20); the reality of false believers (21-23); and how to prepare for the coming storm at the end of time (vv.24-27).
This passage challenges us to develop the ability to hear and then obey. This ability is a primary sign of maturity.
I. Where are you headed?
II. False Believers vs True Believers
III. Goal is to develop the Character of Christ and the Competency
|
Mon, 8 January 2018
Shape Up! Ephesians 4:1-17
INTRODUCTION Ephesians is a letter written to the Church, not to any one congregation. It serves as the constitution of the church.
In the first three chapters of the letter you find the theological moorings for life with God. Ephesians 2:8 has the famous quote: “We are saved by grace not by works.” At the end of Ephesians 3, Paul prays that the Church might attain the knowledge of God in Jesus Christ and grow up into being the fullness of Christ in this world.
Chapter 4 is where Paul lays out how to live consistently with who God is and what he has done in Jesus. In Chapter 4, there are three movements within the verses: 1) Verses 1-6 are about unity. 2) Verses 7-11 are about diversity. 3) Verses 12-16 are about maturity.
I. Getting into Shape.
II. Difficulties.
III. Goal is to develop the Character of Christ and the Competency of Christ.
|
Tue, 2 January 2018
The “ABCs” of a New Year Jeremiah 29:4-14
INTRODUCTION Many of us excel in thinking about the future and fail miserably in living for today. We’re quick to complain about our circumstances and slow to compassionately act to change our circumstances! As you begin 2018, what actions does God want you to take today, right where you are, that will lead you into His hopeful future?
CONTEXT God’s people were not “happy campers.” They were in exile. They had been uprooted from their home and taken 700 miles away to Babylon. The only thing that they wanted was out! That’s not the message that God gave to them from Jeremiah. His words to them are “on target” for you and me.
CONTENT
-Tendency to want the “easy way” out
- God’s “Waiting Room” Ps 27:14
-Don’t let what you can’t do, keep you from doing what you need to do!
III. CALL upon the Lord…seek the Lord v12-13 -Biblical “call” Gen.4:26, Ps.50:15, Jer 33:3
Questions to Ponder: Whose voice will direct you this year? What actions do you need to take now in order to follow God’s plan for your life in the future?
|
Wed, 27 December 2017
Isaiah 9:2-7 |
Wed, 27 December 2017
What’s in the Names? Matthew 1:1-17
INTRODUCTION Two gospels don’t even record the birth of Jesus (John and Mark are silent about his birth. They have other details to emphasize.) Only Luke and Matthew speak of his birth.
The Gospel of Luke begins with a purpose statement addressed to Theophilus and then foretells the birth of John the Baptist (an important detail because John would be the prophesied forerunner of the Messiah).
But Matthew begins with the title “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ.” And then launches into a list of names. Though we tend to skip this portion, this stuff is riveting!
News vs. Advice
What’s in the Names?
Beginning and End |
Mon, 18 December 2017
Sometimes You Just Have to Sing! Luke 1:46-55 INTRODUCTION Sometimes you just have to sing! Even the most non-musical person will have some occasion which causes their feet to tap, their hands to clap, and their mouths to make a “joyful noise.” The “key” is who or what brings out the music in you? This morning we look at the birth of a child through the eyes of a mother and we join in singing her song! CONTEXT Mary is in her first months of pregnancy. She travels over 80 miles to see her cousin, Elizabeth. At this point, Mary “believes” that she is going to have a baby but her faith is fortified when Elizabeth exclaims: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear.” The Good News inspires Mary to sing a song trumpeting what God has done! CONTENT
Making much about God v46, 50-53
|
Mon, 11 December 2017
The Forgotten Person in the Cast of Christmas Matthew 1:18-25
INTRODUCTION Problems don’t take a Christmas vacation. In fact, during the Christmas season problems, pressures, and sorrows can intensify. All of us, at times, find ourselves in circumstances which are not only hard but also they require us
CONTEXT Joseph is “betrothed” to be married to Mary. But Joseph’s world is rocked and shocked when he discovers that Mary is pregnant and he knows that he is not the father! In the midst of competing emotions, Joseph is confronted with some realities about this child and the God who made it all happen!
CONTEN I. A “Messy” Christmas v18
II. God’s Actions #1 God speaks v20, Ps 16:7 Emphasis on our “Identity”
#2 God intervenes v21, II Cor 5:21, Rom 6:23 Reality of sin
#3 God is present v23, Is 7:14, Rom 8:31-39 Assurance of God’s presence
III. Joseph’s Response v25, James 2:17
|
Mon, 4 December 2017
A Matter of Time Mark 13:24-37 |
Mon, 27 November 2017
Because You Believe I Thessalonians 5:16-18 |
Mon, 13 November 2017
The Making of a Miracle John 6:1-14 |
Mon, 6 November 2017
Matthew 25:14-30 |
Mon, 30 October 2017
Guest Minister Dr. Greg Thompson delivers the sermon for Reformation Sunday at First Presbyterian Church. |
Mon, 23 October 2017
The Deep Pockets of God Psalm 103 |
Mon, 16 October 2017
October 15, 2017: Why Are You Here? Mark 1:14-20 |
Wed, 11 October 2017
Outcasts, Outsiders, and Others John 4:4-26 |
Wed, 11 October 2017
Genesis 3:8-13 |
Tue, 15 August 2017
|
Mon, 7 August 2017
|
Wed, 2 August 2017
|
Wed, 2 August 2017
|
Wed, 2 August 2017
|
Fri, 26 May 2017
|
Mon, 24 April 2017
|
Tue, 11 April 2017
|
Tue, 11 April 2017
|
Tue, 11 April 2017
|
Tue, 21 March 2017
|
Tue, 14 March 2017
|
Tue, 14 March 2017
|
Tue, 14 March 2017
|
Thu, 9 February 2017
|
Thu, 2 February 2017
|
Thu, 2 February 2017
|
Thu, 2 February 2017
|
Thu, 2 February 2017
|
Wed, 25 January 2017
|
Wed, 21 December 2016
|
Mon, 19 December 2016
|
Fri, 9 December 2016
|
Wed, 7 December 2016
|
Wed, 7 December 2016
|
Tue, 8 November 2016
|
Thu, 3 November 2016
|
Mon, 17 October 2016
|
Tue, 4 October 2016
|
Mon, 26 September 2016
|
Tue, 20 September 2016
|
Mon, 12 September 2016
|
Thu, 8 September 2016
|
Thu, 18 August 2016
|
Mon, 11 July 2016
|
Mon, 27 June 2016
|
Mon, 20 June 2016
|
Mon, 6 June 2016
Category:general
-- posted at: 3:32pm EDT
|
Thu, 2 June 2016
|
Thu, 2 June 2016
|
Mon, 16 May 2016
|
Mon, 9 May 2016
|
Mon, 9 May 2016
|
Mon, 25 April 2016
|
Tue, 19 April 2016
|
Wed, 6 April 2016
|
Tue, 29 March 2016
|
Fri, 25 March 2016
|
Fri, 25 March 2016
|
Tue, 15 March 2016
|
Mon, 7 March 2016
|
Tue, 23 February 2016
|
Tue, 23 February 2016
|
Mon, 15 February 2016
|
Mon, 8 February 2016
|
Mon, 1 February 2016
|
Tue, 26 January 2016
|
Tue, 19 January 2016
|
Mon, 11 January 2016
|
Mon, 11 January 2016
|
Wed, 23 December 2015
|
Mon, 14 December 2015
|
Tue, 8 December 2015
|
Wed, 2 December 2015
|
Tue, 24 November 2015
|