February 3, 2013: What Angels Long to See

1 Peter Series message 4

Text: 1 Peter 1:10-12

When was the last time you approached Scripture with this anticipation? Angels worship in God's very presence and are commissioned by Him for mighty acts. But they’ve never been redeemed. You and I were dead in our sins BUT GOD caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! The celestial beings are intrigued by the inner workings of God's inseparable love for us! Peter has been hammering the Gospel from different angles, helping us see the majesty of God's works in such a way that it frames our perspective on EVERYTHING. After marking Communion together on Sunday, we will identify 5 truths about the Gospel and make practical application to our lives.

What Angels Long to See

January 27, 2013: Who Stole My Joy?

1 Peter Series message 3

Text: 1 Peter1:6-9

We've seen that the Gospel is God's work in us, and by His mercy our life perspective is radically changed in keeping with our new identity. We know that God is not aloof in our trials but purposefully uses them to affirm the authenticity of our faith, which is of supreme value. When Peter ties together trials and Christian joy, the word he uses is seldom found in secular writing. Why is this? Our joy is not found in the here and now, but in our view of Jesus through faith. How do we nurture this joy? How is it that we often don’t experience it? We will examine this, using our experiences with our building process as the backdrop.

Who Stole My Joy?

January 20, 2013: Game-Changer

1 Peter Series message 2

Text: 1 Peter 1:3-5

Last week we set the stage. Peter was an uneducated fisherman with many, and sometimes quite hilarious, personal weaknesses. We love him for that. God got ahold of him, filled him with His Spirit, chose him to testify boldly, and pen some of the most majestic passages in all Scripture. He sealed his life’s ministry by dying a martyr’s death. Peter uses arresting language to teach us about our inheritance. It is real, it is spectacular, and it is future... and impacts us now. And there is a GAME CHANGER that provided this for us. We will trace the chain of how everything is different, now that God has stepped in and changed the course of our eternal destiny. I mentioned last week that Peter provides a feast for our soul and our mind: pull up a chair, get settled in, and prepare to be blown away by the goodness of God. Peter's driving point is that the goodness of God should shape our perspective in life, as we'll see in the weeks to come. And it all begins with God's GAME CHANGER.

Game Changer

January 13, 2013: Character Development

1 Peter Series message 1

Text: 1 Peter 1:1-2

This Sunday we'll begin our series in I Peter. We'll cover the first two verses as well as gain an understanding of the one writing the letter. Often, what we read is more meaningful when we know a bit about the author. Peter rebuked the Lord, acted impulsively, put his foot in his mouth and denied Christ. So, who does God tap to preach the first recorded Gospel sermon? Peter. This gives me great hope regarding how God can use me! And Peter definitely does not ease into his letter when he writes: within the first two verses he takes up predestination and the Trinity! Peter's writing is a feast for our mind and soul; I am looking forward to unpacking the rich truths, affirming words, and eternal perspective found within this epistle.

Character Development

December 23, 2012: Hope For The Weary

We've seen so far that spiritual warfare is a result of Satan's fury, because he knows his doom is sure and his time short. It is directed against the Person, work, and body of Christ. As the god of this age, he blinds unbelievers to the truth of the Gospel. On Sunday we will focus on how we fulfill our calling as overcomers and children of the Most High. God has not left us alone in the trials and tribulations of life, but has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. We will examine Biblical principles to help us stand strong and encouraged in the face of the challenges we experience. The centerpiece of all of this, of course, is celebrating a baby's birth whom we met in a manger some 2,000 years ago.

The Battle That Rages 4: Hope for the Weary

December 16, 2012: One Man's Experience with Spiritual Warfare

Is This You? Have you ever felt paralyzed by fear? Overwhelmed with guilt or shame? Finding yourself arguing with friends with whom you are normally on the same page? Do you settle one problem only to walk right into another one? Do you feel God could never use you and that you could hardly amount to anything?If only others knew the real me nobody struggles with my problem set. Have you ever walked in a fog, full of discouragement with your strength sapped? Have you ever overcome sin, only to cave later on and just want to throw in the towel? Do you question God's love for you or the truth of His Word? These can all be symptoms of spiritual warfare. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.(I Peter 5:8) Last week we saw that Satan opposes the work of Christ and the people of Christ; this week we'll examine a case study of spiritual warfare from Nehemiah. All in the context of rejoicing in the birth of our Savior, Christ our Lord.

The Battle That Rages 3: One Man's Experience with Spiritual Warfare

December 9, 2012: The Root of the Rage

We have hit a nerve with this month's sermon theme. I am grateful for the positive feedback you've given. Last week, we focused on the reality of spiritual warfare by examining the account of Gehazi and Elisha. This Sunday, we'll address the root of this unseen warfare from Revelation 12. Why do we feel the fury in Satan's attacks and what is he ultimately after? It is all about the Christmas drama, when the Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil.

The Battle That Rages 2: The Root of the Rage

November 25, 2011: Give Thanks!

In I John, love is referenced 44 times! It has certainly played a major part in our recent series. God's Word tells us to Give thanks to the LORD for a very compelling reason: for He is good; for His steadfast loves endures forever! No matter what time of year or season of life, God's goodness is a constant and His love is inexhaustible. We will develop this theme from I Chronicles 16:34.

Give Thanks!

November 18, 2011: John's Top Five

Text: 1 John

1 John Series message 23

We will conclude our series on I John this Sunday by linking the key themes in his letter: John's Top Five. God's amazing love for us is the capstone of his thoughts, as expressed in giving His Son Jesus Christ. We know what a true Christian looks like and we can enjoy absolute assurance and JOY in our Christian walk. Why would we ever want to settle for anything short of His presence and purpose in our lives?

John's Top Five

November 11, 2012: Jesus Christ: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Text: 1 John 5:20-21

1 John Series message 22

In the last two verses in I John, we are reminded of the sure knowledge that Christ has come: He has completed His mission (to DESTROY the works of the devil) and we stand secure in the Truth and in eternal life. John's parting shot is to exhort us not to live in the shadows, but in the reality of our calling in Christ Jesus.

Jesus Christ: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

October 28, 2012: Loving a Brother in Sin

1 John Series message 20

Text: 1 John 5:16-17

As the apostle wraps up I John, he mentions a most practical and powerful way to come alongside those who are straying. Praying for such people is a perfect fulfillment of the love others theme in I John. In this message, we examine not only our need to be faithfully praying for others, but practical ways to do this from Scripture.

Loving a Brother in Sin

October 14, 2012: Confidence!

1 John Series message 19

Text: 1 John 5:13-15

This week our passage addresses the confidence that we have as Christians. This is because we can know that we are born again and have assurance of our salvation. As we walk with the Lord and pray according to His will, He hears us. Having heard the testimony regarding Jesus Christ and our salvation, what an encouragement to be assured of our salvation!

Confidence!

October 7, 2012: The Testimony About You!

1 John Series message 18

Text: 1 John 5:11-12

Last week we looked at God’s testimony about His Son Jesus: born of a virgin, He suffered for sinners, and reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! This week, we'll look at God's testimony about us as we are, in Christ, by focusing on four specific phrases from I John 5:11-12. Reflecting on so great salvation brings a refreshing and encouraging perspective through the trials in life. What a comfort to know we are deeply loved and eternally secure in the One who spun the cosmos into existence and upholds all things by the word of His power!

The Testimony About You!

September 23, 2012: This is What Love Looks Like

1 John Series message 16

Text: 1 John 4:20-5:5

This will be our final week focusing on the love of God in our lives and how it impacts our relationship with others. A key truth from our passage is that we have OVERCOME through our faith in Christ. Your past does not define you, nor do your circumstances; you are victorious because you are in Christ. This perspective and indwelling power changes everything!

What Love Looks Like

September 16, 2012: No Fear in Love!

1 John Series message 15

Text: I John 4:17-19

To abide in God and to abide in love are synonymous. As we grow in Christ and walk with Him, we become mature in "agape" love. His perfect love casts out fear, and we stand ready to meet our Lord on Judgement Day without trepidation. We are assured of this as we see His own work of sanctification in our lives. So once again, love and obedience take center stage in John's thoughts.

No Fear in Love!