August 23, 2022
Series: One-Off
Audience: Adults, Church
Big Idea: Without faith, it is impossible to please God
Subject: What does the author say faith is, why do we want it, and what are we to do with it?
Compliment: faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. Without it, we cannot please God, and with it, we keep our eyes on Jesus as we persevere in the race.
EI: The author says we need faith to please God, and with faith, run with perseverance.
TI: The only way to please God is with active & enduring faith.
PI: The only way to please God is with active & enduring faith.
Sermon Date: 09.04.2022 11 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2 For by this our ancestors were approved.3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. 4 By faith ... Read more
August 17, 2022
Series: Matthew
Audience: Youth Group
Source: https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-23-family-priorities-family-priorities-matthew-1034-42 There is a remarkable paradox in all of this. The way of the world—well illustrated in the incessant quest for “self-actualization” in contemporary pop psychology—leads only to a shallow and temporary fulfillment. The seeking of “life” at this level has left many in frustration and disappointment. On the other hand, and strangely, those ... Read more
July 6, 2022
Series: Matthew
Audience: Youth Group
Big Idea: Expect persecution and don’t live in fear.
This is the 2nd major teaching from Jesus that Matthew records, the first being the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus previously sent his disciples out on a short-term mission, with specific instructions. Here, the instructions continue but seem to drift into the long-term mission for his disciples, which makes the interpretation tricky. Key Questions to ... Read more
June 8, 2022
Series: Purity & Holiness
Audience: Youth Group
Big Idea: Be holy, as I am holy.
The word Holy, to most people, means a morally good person. God is holy because he’s morally perfect. In the Bible, God is the creative force behind the entire universe, the one and only with the power. These powers make him unique, which is to be holy. Illustration: The Sun – unique, powerful, source of ... Read more
May 18, 2022
Series: Purity & Holiness
Audience: Youth Group
Big Idea: Be holy, as I am holy.
How do you decide what is ok and not ok? Who are you accountable to? For some people, the obvious answer is your parents. Your teachers. Your coaches. The DNR. The Government. The Church / church? Pastors? Elders? God? Jesus? For most of us, it’s ourselves. If it feels good, do it. If it doesn’t ... Read more
May 11, 2022
Series: Habakkuk
Audience: Youth Group
Big Idea: Habakkuk looks beyond his immediate circumstances to rejoice in the Lord, who provides strength.
Habakkuk’s Prayer (3:1–19) Habakkuk 3:3–15 is an awe-inspiring passage describing the majestic appearance of God in the midst of a stupendous storm and of earth-shattering disturbances in heaven and earth. George Adam Smith titled it “the Great Theophany.” And so it is, for now we will view the promise God made in Habakkuk 2:3—“[the vision ... Read more
May 3, 2022
Series: Habakkuk
Audience: Youth Group
Big Idea: While it appears that evil is going unpunished, in his time the Lord brings justice to all by sparing the ones who live by faith in him.
Learning to Live by Faith The Proclamation of Faith (2:2)The Implementation of Faith (2:3)The Revelation of Faith (2:4–5)The Vindication of Faith (2:6–20)Inordinate Greed (2:6–8)A Hunger to Dominate (2:9–11)Atrocities (2:12–14)Debauchery (2:15–17)Idolatry (2:18–20) So central to the whole of Jewish thought was Habakkuk 2:4b that the Talmud records this famous remark made by Rabbi Simlai: “Moses gave ... Read more
April 27, 2022
Series: Habakkuk
Audience: Youth Group
Big Idea: The Lord knows our need before we do, and he is working to bless his people.
King Josiah had reigned in Judah for a number of years and successfully eradicated the land of the pagan shrines and statues (cf. 2 Kin. 23:4-20). Though Josiah put to death even the pagan priests who had perpetuated false religion, what he could not do was put to death the idolatry that still existed in ... Read more
April 20, 2022
Setup Who are the best villains of all time? Some people love villains. Seth loves villains. I never really got that – except for Thanos. Villains typically have the same thing in common. They are sooo close to getting it right. Killmonger wanted to bring Black excellence into the world (good mission) but he wanted ... Read more
April 10, 2022
Series: Easter 2022
Audience: Youth, Youth Group
Big Idea: You have been called by God to bring shalom.
Sermon 2 – Ruling with Justice Overview From the very beginning, God’s desire has been to partner with His people to rule over His good creation. The Hebrew Bible is full of prophecies looking forward to the day when God would undo the damage of sin and reconcile humanity to Himself. Those prophecies were fulfilled ... Read more