Text: Job
The book of Job is a fairly well known story within both secular and religious groups. We will look beyond the
obvious story of perseverance paying off in the long run (James makes the statement: “You have heard of the patience of Job”) and go beneath the surface to uncover many subtle aspects and truths of the book that are very applicable to our present day trials. After presenting my observations and what I have learned about God’s sovereignty, I will provide some Biblical advice for Christians going through trials as well as for friends who are encouraging others going through trials.
April 3, 2022: This is God's Testimony
1 John series message 20
Text: I John 5:6-12
As we continue in our semon passage, we'll consider three basic questions:
Whose testimony will I value and pursue?
What will I do with God's testimony?
What is God's testimony regarding Jesus and eternal life?
March 27, 2022: By Water AND Blood!
1 John series message 19
Text: I John 5:6-12
John is developing his case for assurance - a true Christian is one who has faith in Jesus. It is not the strength of our faith, but rather the object of our faith that saves us - so we must get it absolutely right, regarding who Jesus is. With typical Johanian clarity, his answer thunders in his epistle.
March 20, 2022: A Beautiful Tapestry
1 John Series message 18
Text: I John 5:1-5
Loving God, obeying Him, loving people. Born of God, overcomer, faith. John masterfully weaves all these gospel truths together to form a beautiful picture of the Christian life.
March 13, 2022:
1 John series message 17
Text: I John 4:13-21
God’s love to us, in us, and through us is a sight to behold! In this message we examine what it looks like when the love of God to abides in us.
March 6, 2022: Tying it Together
1 John series message 16
Text: I John 4:7-12
John hits on a familiar theme in our section: love one another! He once again ties it to the most profound expression of love ever shown. And, again, he shows us the importance of the new birth and how love is a natural and tangible product of it. We love because we are born of God, and we should love because we are born of God!
February 27, 2022: Already Overcome
1 John series message 15
Text: I John 4:1-6
John's goal in writing this letter was to remind a hurting church that there is joy that comes from being reconciled to God and one another (1:4), and that they would know they have eternal life (5:13). However, we will experience neither if we are led astray by false teachers who sound like prophets of God. For our sake, and for our family in Christ, we must ‘test the spirits’ to see if they are from God. In this message, we look at how to do that.
February 20, 2022: By This We Know
1 John series message 14
Text: I John 3:16-24
This wonderful passage continues the theme of loving one another, and further develops the concept of Christian assurance.
February 13, 2022: The Message Still Stands
1 John series message 13
Text: I John 3:11-15
Loving people is the most natural disposition for a Christian because, as John will soon tell us, God is love. In fact, it's a distinguishing characteristic that is to be expected in any Christ-follower. Yet, at the same time, we are urged to grow in this area and display it predominately in our lives! This week we'll break down practical ways we can be known as people who love well.
February 6, 2022: The New Birth
1 John series message 12
Text: I John 3:6-10
Is it possible for someone to be a true Christian without showing any evidence of it throughout their lives? Our passage deals directly with the new birth and what it means, practically speaking, in our lives. It is incongruent with the principle of the new birth for someone to name Christ but not have fruit to show for it. The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil!
January 30, 2022: Behold!
1 John series message 11
Text: I John 2:28-3:3
As John speaks to righteous living, he bursts into praise for what God has made us to be, and for what lies ahead for His children. He can't help himself. What an exhilarating passage to take in! It is brimming with hope and joyful anticipation! Within the New Testament, there are mountain peaks which leave us breathless - this is one of them.
January 23, 2022: You Can Do This!
1 John series message 10
Text: I John 2:18-29
You can do this, But this is not a self help pep talk. We sounded the warning last week, but the flip side of the coin is His provision. God has graciously and abundantly given us all we need to thrive in our walk with Him. Though there are temptations in the world, and dangers from within, we can do this because ‘greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world.’
January 16, 2022: Truth in a World of Error
1 John series message 9
Text: I John 2:18-25
So many applications as we start a new year! Life has been disrupted and many have suffered great loss. Let us resolve to press on in the truth - to know it, to discern error, and live uprightly in this present age - full of love for God and others. May the word of Christ dwell in us richly though the word around promotes error.
January 9, 2022: What NOT to Love
1 John series message 8
Text: 1 John 2:15-17
The Apostle of Love references love 26 times in this short letter. In this instance, he tells us what not to love. We'll determine what he means by "world" and give a clear pathway for our life direction. This is a crucial passage for the church to be intimately familiar with.
January 2, 2022: The Unforgiving Servant
Text: Matthew 18:21-35
Special guest speaker: Elder Geoff Frink
December 26, 2021: I Am With You
Advent series message 4
Text: Isaiah 43:2
Isaiah is full of Advent prophecies and comfort for God's people. 2021 has been another difficult year - God's gracious promise is that He will neither leave us nor forsake us in difficult times. Jesus reiterated this by telling us that, as we endeavor to make disciples, He will be with us to the very end.
December 19, 2021: Eternal Life!
2021 Advent series message 3
Text: II Timothy 1:8-12
Through the Advent of Christ, death would be abolished and life and immortality brought to light! Given our assurance of eternal life, we are entreated to suffer for Christ's sake, knowing we have an inheritance laid up for us in heaven.
December 12, 2021: God Is Love
2021 Advent series message 2
Text: I John 4:16
In this message we'll isolate a non-Johanian book of the Bible and see how the concept of love is developed throughout. It provides a compelling presentation of Christ's advent - the purpose and effect it has, as well as the calling on our lives. It is full of hope and encouragement!
December 5, 2021: Light of Life
2021 Advent Series message 1
Text: Isaiah 9:1-7
In the Bible, light often refers to God's glory, purity, and hope. It is particularly used when describing Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and the hope that He brings. On Sunday, we'll survey major Messianic light themes as we celebrate His coming, with an eye to John's application of them in his writings.
November 28, 2021: Gospel Fortitude
1 John series message 7
Text: I John 2:12-14
The elderly apostle dispenses exactly what we need to thrive in our walk with Christ. He doesn't give platitudes or empty promises, but anchors us in glorious gospel truths that reflect our union with Christ. We can take courage and develop confidence as we consider these stupendous declarations.