Current Sermon Series (begins 9/24)
The Book of Jeremiah
The Purifying Fire of the Word of the Lord
The book of Jeremiah is the longest in the entire canon of Scripture; going well beyond the few coffee mug verses with which we are so familiar. God’s plan for his people is indeed ultimately for our good, not for harm, to give us a future and a hope — but this promise of hope comes through God’s judgment against sin. The message of Jeremiah can seem a painful treatment for our spiritual ailment, but through it, the healing found in God’s immense mercy and grace is nothing less than glorious.
Jeremiah’s ministry as the Lord’s prophet is summarized in the opening chapter: “See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jeremiah 1:10). How will God use Jeremiah to accomplish such a task? Yahweh has placed within Jeremiah’s mouth the purifying fire of the Word of the Lord.
While an ancient text, the words of Jeremiah are every bit as relevant and profitable for us today. We need the purifying fire of God’s Word to cleanse and sanctify us that we might be more and more conformed to the image of the Son, Jesus Christ our precious Savior.
Our recent sermons...
Jeremiah 1:1 - 3:5 The Purifying Fire of the Word of the Lord
Why a series on a book where the dominant theme is that of judgment? 1) It’s God’s Word and therefore profitable. 2) God’s grace shines most brightly against the background of the judgment we deserve. 3) Most of Israel and Judah failed to receive mercy and grace because they refused to heed the warnings of God’s prophets. 4) You and I, and our entire culture is a lot like those to whom these words of warning came.
- The Call and Commission of Yahweh’s Prophet
- The Case and Charges against Yahweh’s People
Galatians 6:11-18 Large Letters and the Marks of Christ
Christ alone provided by God’s precious grace alone received solely by faith alone is the only worthy boast — because it is humanity’s only hope for peace with God. In this passage Paul draws our attention to 3 boasts; the first being the boast of sinful men, the last two the boasts of those saved by God's amazing grace granted us in Christ Jesus.
- The boast of the flesh
- The boast of the cross
- The boast of being marked as belonging to God
Galatians 5:25-6:10 Sowing to the Spirit
What does Freedom in Christ look like in the daily life of the believer led by the Holy Spirit?
- The Spirit Promotes, Not Conceit, but Concern
- Examining Self, Encourages Suffering with Others
- Caring for the Practical as Confidence in the Promise
The church has a special responsibility to do good, not just to all, but especially those with whom we'll spend eternity - Jesus' very household.
Galatians 5:16-24 Walking by the Spirit into a War Zone
Those who have trusted in the glorious message of the gospel — receiving the very Spirit of Christ who died for their sins — have entered a battle every bit as unparalleled as the freedom the gospel offers. In this passage, Paul lays out THE CONFLICT (what it is), THE EVIDENCE (as to which side are you on), and THE VICTORY (how it is finally obtained).
Galatians 5:1-15 Stand firm in the Freedom of the Gospel
The Gospel offer the believer great freedom, but that freedom can easily be taken for granted and forfeited. Writing to the churches in Galatia Paul warns against Freedom Forfeitures and Freedom Falsifiers, as well as reminding the church of Freedom Foundations and Freedom Fulfillments.
Jesus Prays over the Work (John 17)
While the task before us in making and being disciples is challenging and weighty, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus has already prayed over this work from beginning to end. In, what is often referred to as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for his Father to complete the work; he prays for his Father to protect the work; and he prays for his Father to expand the work.
The Future Orientation of Discipleship (Revelation 21:1-4)
Discipleship must have a future orientation because 1) everything in this present creation is passing away, and 2) we're being prepared as a Bride for none less than the King of the universe. Yet, along with the importance of our discipleship being future focused, it is the anticipation of this new creation that also brings comfort to the believer now, because the pain, toil, and heartache of this world will pass away along with the old, and we'll finally dwell with the God who loves us and gave himself for us.
Making and Being Disciples: Strengthened by Grace (2 Timothy 2:1-7)
Paul’s letter to Timothy makes clear that the call to make and be disciples, while corporate, is also personal. Because of the challenging nature of discipleship, Paul reminds Timothy of his need to be strengthened by grace, that discipleship is not and end in itself, that discipleship is the training of soldiers for battle, and that discipleship aims for the greatest of rewards. Do we realize the challenge of the task before us? Let’s find out together as we walk through Paul’s weighty words to Timothy.
Making and Being Disciples: The Call of Every Believer (Matthew 28:16-20)
There is no greater calling in life than to make and be disciples of Jesus Christ. It is only through diligent discipleship that one will truly live to God’s glory. Jesus isn’t looking for converts but followers who worship him above all else. In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus gives what the church has often referred to as the Great Commission. In this passage, we find that Discipleship IMITATIONS won’t make the cut. Discipleship is IMPERFECT this side of glory. Discipleship has been INSTITUTED by none other than the Lord Jesus. Discipleship is all INCLUSIVE in its call. Discipleship is the call to be IMMERSED into the Godhead. Discipleship means being INSTRUCTED in all the ways of Christ. Lastly, the goal and assurance of discipleship is IMMANUEL: God with us.
Galatians 3:26-29 The Children of God Clothed with Christ
What it means to be a true son of God is to have our resemblance to God restored — a restoration of the image of God. But that likeness is only restored by our being baptized into Christ, being clothed with Christ, putting on Christ to the point that what sets us apart more than anything else is not our race, our social status, our gender, or any other thing about us; our distinction is that of Christ — being conformed to the image of Christ. And our union with Christ means we partake in what belongs to Christ — making us heirs of eternal life and all that eternal life entails.
Galatians 3:6-9 True Sons of Abraham
Paul addresses the question, “Who are the true sons of Abraham?” The Judaizers loved to go back to Genesis 17 where Abraham receives the sign of the Old Covenant, that of circumcision. The problem is that they didn’t go back far enough. Paul calls us to look at Genesis 15 to see how Abraham was counted righteous. Then Paul points us back even further to Genesis 12 to show that God always intended the Gentiles to receive the promises and blessings of Abraham. Those who are the true sons of Abraham bear the family resemblance, FAITH! It is those of faith who receive the blessings of Christ along with Abraham.
Galatians 2:15-16 "The Negated Advantage of the Law"
- Some people have advantages they are born into or their circumstances provide.
- The Gospel negates every single advantage one may have had because:
- The goal is no lower than the glory of God.
- You and I are personally weak.
- Every image bearer has failed to live out the purpose for which they were created - to glorify their Creator.
Instagram
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.