Sermons

2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2

In this message, we're reminded of our calling as Christians to be evangelists for Christ. Just as we naturally share our excitement about worldly things, we're challenged to examine what truly excites us and whether it has eternal significance. The church's mission isn't just for self-edification but to proclaim God's praises to the world.

Everything we do as the church should contribute to this mission of sharing our faith. Christ changes our vision, identity, and purpose, transforming us into new creations and ambassadors for His kingdom. Let's embrace this calling with urgency, praying, 'Lord, just give us one more person,' as we engage in the spiritual battle for souls.

Matthew 5:13-16

This message emphasizes that true goodness can only come from God, and our identity as 'salt and light' in the world (Matthew 5:13-16) compels us to serve others. This identity isn't something we achieve but is instead who we are in Christ. As salt, we're called to preserve and season the world around us, making a tangible difference in our communities. As light, our good works should be visible, illuminating Christ's love for others. Our service toward others isn't about self-glorification but about reflecting God's glory and opening doors for sharing the Gospel.

Colossians 3:16

In this message, we explore the essential ministry of worship within the church. We're reminded that worship isn't just for religious people - everyone worships something. The key is to direct our worship towards God, the only One truly worthy of it. We learn that worship is creation's response to God's glory, and while all creation inherently worships God, humans uniquely have the ability to choose. The good news is that through Christ, our ability to worship God has been restored. As such, let's consider how we can make worship a central part of our daily lives, not just on Sundays.

Philemon 6

In this exploration of Christian fellowship, we're reminded of its profound importance in our spiritual lives. The message centers on Paul's letter to Philemon, emphasizing that true fellowship orbits around faith in Christ. We're challenged to consider how God designed us for community, reflecting His triune nature. The story of Philemon and Onesimus beautifully illustrates how Christ's power can restore even the most fractured relationships. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to examine our own attitudes towards fellowship and consider whether we're basing our church relationships on Christ or on less enduring factors. This message invites us to embrace a deeper, more intentional form of fellowship that goes beyond Sunday gatherings, potentially transforming our spiritual growth and our experience of Christ's love.

1 Timothy 4:11-16

The early church in Acts 2 provides a blueprint for essential ministries: teaching, fellowship, worship, service, and evangelism. These foundational elements keep us tethered to our purpose of glorifying God, edifying believers, and making disciples. As we reflect on this, let's consider: Are our church activities truly aligned with these core purposes? Are we at risk of drifting from our mission, or are we staying focused on what truly matters in light of eternity? Continuing our study on the DNA of the local church, this message focuses on the first essential ministry of the church: The ministry of teaching.

Matthew 28:16-20

In this message, we're reminded of the Great Commission and our purpose as the church to evangelize the nations. Jesus commands us to make disciples, not just converts, emphasizing the importance of teaching obedience to His commands. We're challenged to consider where and how we can make disciples in our daily lives - at home, in our neighborhoods, and workplaces. We're encouraged by Jesus' promise of His presence through the Holy Spirit as we engage in this mission, assuring us of success if we remain faithful to His call.

Ephesians 4:7-16

In this message, we explore each believer's vital role in the body of Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4, we're reminded that God's grace and spiritual gifts are intrinsically linked. Just as our physical body parts work together for overall health, every Christian has a unique function that contributes to the church's well-being. The challenge is clear: we cannot be passive participants. Our gifts, given in the same measure as God's immeasurable grace, are meant to equip others and build up the body of Christ. This isn't a temporary assignment but a lifelong calling until we reach complete unity in faith and knowledge of Christ. As we use our gifts, we grow in maturity, becoming less susceptible to false teachings and more grounded in truth and love. Let's consider: How are we using the gifts God has given us to edify His church?

Ephesians 1:3-14

In this message, we explore the fundamental purpose of the church: to glorify God. Drawing from Ephesians 1:3-14, we're reminded that everything we have and are is in and for Christ. The church isn't primarily about meeting our needs, but about praising God for His sovereign choice, adoption, redemption, revelation, inheritance, and assurance. We're challenged to shift our focus from ourselves to God's glory, understanding that He chose us before the foundation of the world, adopted us as His children, and redeemed us through Christ's blood. This perspective transforms how we view our role in the church and our daily lives, calling us to live not for our own fulfillment, but for the praise of God's glorious grace.

1 Peter 2:9-10

In this powerful message, we explore the true nature of the church as defined by God, not by our culture. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:9-10, we learn that the church is far more than an event or institution - it's a chosen people, a royal priesthood, God's own possession, and a proclamation of His glory. This identity isn't something we choose, but something God chooses for us at great cost - the life of Jesus Christ. As members of God's church, we're called to embrace this identity fully, reorienting our priorities and lives around it. We're reminded that being part of the church means we're recipients of God's blessings and tasked with the vital mission of mediating His gospel to the world. This message challenges us to reconsider our approach to church, moving beyond mere attendance to fully embodying our role as God's chosen people.