Sermons

As followers of Christ, we're called to be part of God's grand mission to reach the nations. This message challenges us to consider our role in the Great Commission, reminding us that God is a 'sending God' who has always been reaching out to humanity. The book of Romans, particularly chapter 1, verses 1-6, reveals how Paul introduces himself as one 'set apart for the gospel of God.' This passage emphasizes God's consistent plan throughout history, culminating in Jesus Christ. We're urged to respond to this calling through five key actions: pray, give, go, send, and avoid disobedience. The stark reality of over 3.4 billion unreached people should stir our hearts to action. Are we utilizing our resources, time, and energy to further God's kingdom? This message encourages us to move beyond our comfort zones and actively participate in God's mission, whether through fervent prayer, generous giving, personal involvement, or supporting others in their missionary endeavors.

In this powerful exploration of Joshua 22:1-6, we're reminded of five essential pillars for a godly life: loving God, walking in His ways, obeying His commands, clinging to Him, and serving Him wholeheartedly. These parting words to the Israelite tribes offer timeless wisdom for our own spiritual journeys. Just as the Israelites were called to remember these principles as they settled into their promised land, we too are challenged to integrate these core values into our daily lives. The imagery of 'clinging to God' like scales on a crocodile's back paints a vivid picture of the closeness we should seek with our Creator. This message encourages us to examine our lives and ask: Are we truly loving God with all our hearts? Are we walking in His ways consistently? Are we keeping His commandments out of joy rather than obligation? Are we clinging to Him amidst life's turbulent waters? Are we serving Him with all our energy and passion? As we reflect on these questions, we're invited to deepen our relationship with God and live out our faith with renewed purpose and commitment.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine whether we're true followers of Christ or merely fans. Drawing from the life of Caleb in Joshua 14, we see three key attributes of a genuine follower: no disobedience, no retirement, and no retreat. Caleb's unwavering faith and obedience, even at 85 years old, serve as a profound example for us. Are we wholly following the Lord in every aspect of our lives? The sermon urges us to move beyond surface-level Christianity and embrace a faith requiring sacrifice and commitment. It's a call to action – leveraging our resources, time, and abilities for God's kingdom, regardless of age or circumstances. This message compels us to reflect on our own spiritual journey and ask: Are we content with being enthusiastic admirers, or are we ready to fully engage in God's mission?

Sermon text is 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Sermon Text: Joshua 8:30-35 The sermon explores the importance of reconnecting with God, using the example of the Israelites after their victory at Ai. It emphasized that our relationship with God should be our top priority, even more important than our victories or accomplishments. The sermon highlighted two main ways to reconnect with God: through worship and through His Word.

In this powerful message, we delve into the story of Joshua and the defeat at Ai, as recounted in Joshua 7. The central theme revolves around the consequences of disobedience and breaking faith with God. We learn that even one person's sin can affect an entire community, as seen when Achan's transgression led to Israel's defeat. This serves as a stark reminder that our actions have far-reaching consequences beyond ourselves. The message emphasizes four key results of rebellion: defeat, confusion, weakness, and the potential loss of God's presence. As we reflect on these, we're challenged to examine our own lives for areas of disobedience and to consider how they might be impacting our spiritual walk and our community of faith.

This sermon explores the story of Joshua and the fall of Jericho, emphasizing that God's ways of dealing with obstacles often seem strange to human understanding. It highlights that the battle belongs to the Lord, and our role is to have faith and obey. It draws parallels between the Israelites' situation and our life challenges, encouraging listeners to trust in God's power and wisdom rather than relying on human schemes or strength.

This sermon introduces a church revitalization process called "Refocus," designed to help the congregation assess its current state, restore vibrancy, and develop a fresh vision for ministry. Pastor Jason emphasizes that this process is not about rapid growth but about achieving spiritual health and aligning with God's purpose. He outlines the stages of the Refocus process, stressing the importance of biblical foundations, community engagement, and leadership development. He underscores that the core of this transformation is falling in love with Jesus Christ and following the Holy Spirit's guidance.

 

Three ways a prostitute shows us to make our lives count

To go and possess the land of promise there are some prerequisites for success. For a church, family, or organization to succeed, some things must happen first.

A look at the faithfulness of God to the promises he makes. Joshua 1:1-9    

Ephesians 5:22-24 ²² Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. ²⁴ Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Ephesians 5:18-21 ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, ²⁰ giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-18 ¹⁵ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Romans 8:18-28 ¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. ²³ And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. ²⁶ Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ²⁷ And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Ephesians 6:5-9 ⁵ Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, ⁶ not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, ⁷ rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, ⁸ knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. ⁹ Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master^[c] and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Ephesians 5:18-21 Join me (because I don’t have this all down), in the journey of not “I’m doing the best I can” Christian life, but living an overcoming, set-free, fulfilling, fruit-bearing empowered Christian life.

Genesis 1:26, 2:23-25, 1:27

Sermon text: Luke 15:11-24

On this Mother’s Day, we will look at a beautiful, and probably most significant, character trait and behavior that moms (past, present, and future) share with God himself: Grace.  Sermon text: Ephesians 5:3-5