Alliance Bible Church - Mequon, Wisconsin

What if the Ten Commandments are more than just ancient rules—but a window into the heart of God and a roadmap to the good life? As we begin this new sermon series, we'll see how the commandments reveal who God is, who we're called to be, and how love is at their very core.Five Preliminary Points About the Ten Commandments:1) The Ten Commandments tell us about God2) The Ten Commandments show us who we are to be3) The Ten Commandments form the basis of New Testament ethics4) The Ten Commandments can be distilled down to two commands: love God and love neighbor5) The Ten Commandments are not the recipe for salvation, but the response to salvationCommandment #1:1) What it meant2) What it means3) Why it's goodText: Exodus 20:1-3

The Bible often warns us against false prophets. It is all throughout the pages of Scripture. So, how can a local church discern truth from error in a world filled with mixed messages? The answer is more straightforward than you might think!1) Christians must test doctrine2) Christians must hold fast to truth3) Christians must listen to truthText: 1 John 4:1-6

What if the chaos of history isn't as random as it seems? In Daniel 10-12, we're given a rare glimpse behind the veil—into the unseen spiritual conflict shaping world events. Even empires rise and fall according to a divine script. This final message in the book of Daniel invites us to find strength and confidence in God's sovereign hand, even in turbulent times.In this final installment of this sermon series on Daniel, we'll consider...1) The spiritual warfare of historical commotion2) The futility of historical commotion3) The divine constraints on historical commotion4) The final accountability for historical commotionText: Daniel 10:1-12:13

To modern-day Christians, Babylon is a symbol of spiritual resistance that seeks to extinguish the faith of those who follow Jesus. Daniel 9 offers a powerful framework for how believers can not just survive, but thrive in Babylon. Join us as we continue to deep-dive into the book of Daniel!Thriving in Babylon requires...1) Zeal for Scripture2) Impulse to confess sin3) A map of the futureText: Daniel 9:1-27

History has a checkered past: wars, government corruption, and sinister characters. And the future isn't so bright either. However, God doesn't want his people to live naively, paralyzed by the unknown. Living wisely in Babylon means having some sense of what the future holds. God's Word gives that to us. Join us as we continue our journey through the book of Daniel.The three primary characters in Daniel's vision:The ram (Daniel 8:1-4; 15-20)The goat (Daniel 8:5-8; 21-22)The little horn of the goat (Daniel 8:9-14; 23-27)Applications:1) Predictive prophecy of Scripture2) The unpleasantness of God's Word3) The ferocity and fragility of human nations4) The courage-inducing knowledge of future darkness5) The comfort-providing truth of a Sovereign AuthorText: Daniel 8:1-27

Jesus told his disciples that people will know that they are his disciples by their love for one another. Since Christ laid down his life for us we are to do the same. But what keeps us from showing that love? And what does it look like to love in deed and in truth? Join us as we continue to journey through this marvelous letter of John!1) A negative example2) A positive exampleText: 1 John 3:11-24

Skepticism over the Jesus story isn't a new phenomenon; it's as old as the Bible itself. Join us as we take a close and personal look at the resurrection from a questioner's perspective. Is it possible that skepticism is actually a part of the Easter story?1) The request of a healthy skeptic2) The confession of a converted skeptic3) The effect of a former skepticText: John 20:24-29

Irony = the opposite of what is expected.The trial and crucifixion of Jesus is filled with ironies. This can serve to pour fuel on the fires of our faith because realities are different from appearances.Irony #1: Religious devotion hides animus toward JesusIrony #2: Underhanded political maneuverings fulfill ScriptureIrony #3: The dismissed King really is a KingIrony #4: The innocent is condemned, the guilty goes freeText: John 18:28-40

Hollywood movies are a clear indicator that the end of the world is of interest to many people. We all have an existential angst about not just our personal future, but the future of the universe. Maybe God put that interest in us. What better place to turn than the Bible to find answers to how the world will end.1) The beastly nature of history2) The ironclad kingship of heaven3) The final conflict of sufferingText: Daniel 7:1-28

If you think Daniel walking out of a lions' den without a scratch is amazing, just wait to see what happens at the end of time when Christians walk out of the den of God's judgment without a scratch. The critical question is: will that be you?Four principles for how Christians do engaged alienation wisely:1) Be never-despairing yet never-presuming2) Defiantly...pray3) Don't trust "Persia's" leaders4) Trust the righteousness of ChristText: Daniel 6:1-28

"Say what?" The Bible has a lot to say about how we speak. We'll be doing a study on sanctified speech: what is it, and why is it important?Text: Selected Scriptures

Beleaguered exiles living in the belly of Babylon need the reminder that a just, powerful, and good God is calling the shots and pulling the strings. He will not turn a blind eye to those who mock him and his people. This is both reassuring and alarming. Do you know why?A megalomaniac's tragic end...1) Who a megalomaniac mocks2) What a megalomaniac treats with contempt3) What this leads toText: Daniel 5:1-31

Worldliness characterizes Babylon. Worldliness is whatever makes wickedness look normal and righteousness look strange. That is prevalent everywhere you look. God's people can feel small and insignificant in the belly of Babylon, but the truth of the matter is: God rules “Babylonian” leaders and “Babylon” for the good of his people.A megalomaniac's testimony...1) Intellectual disruption2) Experiential crisis3) Volitional submissionText: Daniel 4:1-37

If you make it your obsession to treasure Christ above all else in Babylon, it will cost you dearly. Just ask Shadrack, Meshak, and Abednego. But it will be worth it. And the Lord will make sure you have what you need to remain faithful to him against all odds.Treasuring Christ in Babylon...1) The opposition we'll face2) The miracle we'll pray for3) The fellowship we'll receiveText: Daniel 3:1-30

"Image is everything."This famous slogan from 1989 still rings true in the modern world. We judge by appearances. One of the consistent themes of Scripture, however, is that things are not always as they seem. Though our various "Babylons" may look strong, formidable, and daunting, reality may be much different. This is a much needed message for exiles.This reality check comes at us in three waves...1) Don't be fooled by appearances2) Remember who the Star of the show is3) Get the big pictureText: Daniel 2:1-49

Worldliness is whatever makes wickedness look normal and righteousness look strange. Worldliness characterizes "Babylon". Babylon is in every country in the world. It's also present in our communities, schools, and places of employment. So how do God's people live wisely in Babylon? Join us as we begin a new series on the book of Daniel, which serves as a manual for wise living in Babylon.Life in Babylon...1) How we get there2) What we maintain there3) Who we bless there4) The promise we cling to while thereText: Daniel 1:1-21

How does one become a child of God? Or is everyone automatically a child of God? Is it possible to be a child of God at one point in life and then lose that status? Do you want to know if you are a child of God? Join us to find out!Children of God...1) Are born of God2) Are loved by God3) Practice righteousness4) Hope in GodText: 1 John 2:28-3:10 

Antichrists. Apostasy. Anointing. Abiding. What do these have in common? John talks about each of them in the same passage! Why would he bring these up? And what purpose do they serve to us centuries later? All this and more as we dive into a crucial teaching from this letter!1) A Sober Warning2) A Vital Doctrine3) A Precious PromiseText: 1 John 2:18-27

Intense moments of suffering can make you feel like God has turned his back on you. This is why we need to notice how Jesus handled the suffering of those like us. When Jesus' life intersected with sufferers, he wasn't cold or distant. He was personal and very engaged.1) The compassion of Christ2) The power of Christ3) The future they foreshadowText: Luke 7:11-17

Quite a few people think that when they die and meet God face to face, they'll be able to outline how their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds and that will be sufficient for God to say to them, "Come on in!" This is one of the biggest lies out there. If you're not sure how all this works, join us as we examine the type of faith that actually saves.Saving faith...1) Comes by hearing2) Confesses unworthiness3) Trusts in Jesus' authorityText: Luke 7:1-10

Nobody wants to die of a disease they didn't know they had. When it comes to our salvation, Jesus doesn't want anyone unsure of their condition. Jesus will help us examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.1) The nature of an authentic Christian2) The evidence of an authentic Christian3) The hope of an authentic ChristianText: Luke 6:43-49

Jesus didn't come to earth to affirm everything about us. He came to live the perfect life we could never live and in doing so, to model for us the kind of life those who follow him are called to live. Join us as we think about the kind of church Jesus wants.The kind of church Jesus wants is characterized by...1) Magnanimous natures2) Discerning followers3) Changing peopleText: Luke 6:37-42

The world has a certain pull on our hearts. We crave attention, status, and popularity. However, we find that these are temporary and don't bring true satisfaction. So where is true satisfaction found? Join us as we explore what lasts forever.1) Love of the world2) Love of the FatherText: 1 John 2:15-17

If Jesus was to knock on your front door this Christmas, how would you react? Shock? Excitement? Irritation? The familiar characters of the Christmas story are representative of modern responses to Jesus' knock at the door. They invite us to identify with them and ask: how would I respond?1) Hostility2) Indifference3) WorshipText: Matthew 2:1-12

Unfortunately, the story of Christmas can become stale and dull in our hearts. We often forget about the importance and the purpose of the birth of Jesus. Join us as we see how truly life-changing this is!1) Jesus is the true Messiah2) Jesus is true God and true man3) Jesus is the true and only Savior4) Jesus is the true templeText: Matthew 1:18-25

Genealogies can't be interesting, can they? They're just a list of names no one can spell or pronounce. Why bother with them? Join us and you'll discover why Jesus' genealogy could be the best gift you get this Christmas.The genealogy of Jesus points to him as...1) The ultimate hero2) The giver of grace3) The source of significanceText: Matthew 1:1-17Resources:Andrew Peterson - "Matthew's Begats" (Official Lyric Video)Matthew 1:1-17 ESV

World War 2... 9/11... Indonesian Tsunami... Hamas' attack on Israel... There's no shortage of bad things that happen in our world. Why do they happen? What purpose do they serve - if any? Suffering, adversity, and hardship are a part of life, so how do we handle those without collapsing under the weight of them?1) What bad things test2) How to counsel others through bad things3) How to get through bad thingsText: Job 1-42

Parenting is overwhelming. How does one raise another human being to be well-adjusted, self-sufficient, and charitable? On top of that, how does a parent raise kids who love and follow Jesus? There are no easy answers, but we'll mine the Bible for wisdom.Parenting...1) Why it's hard2) What it entails3) Its limitationsText: Proverbs 13:24; 20:7; 22:15; 23:26; 29:15; Romans 3:10-18; Deuteronomy 4:9-10; 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:7-11

Surveys indicate couples get married primarily for happiness. Is that what marriage is about? Since God instituted marriage, let's ask him what purposes he had in mind when he created marriage. It might change the way you view your own marriage.1) The definition of marriage2) The commitment of marriage3) The mystery of marriageText: Ephesians 5:22-33

We're supposed to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. But the world is filled with wonderful things like sunsets, oceans, strawberries, and bacon! Are we wrong to enjoy the things of earth? How can we enjoy life while still honoring the Lord?Life's little pleasures...1) Help us understand and enjoy God2) Show us how to live wisely in God's world3) Meet our God-defined needs4) Give us experiences of God's glory and goodnessText: Genesis 1-2; Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 24:13-14; Matthew 6:25-27

Money is a substantial part of life. You need it for food, shelter, clothing, education, rest and relaxation... and pretty much everything else. It's not surprising the Bible has a lot to say about it. God earnestly desires to cure us of money sickness and establish us in money wellness.1) Beware of money sickness2) Symptoms of money sickness3) How to acquire money wellnessText: 1 Samuel 18-20; John 15:13-15

We need friendship... more than many of us realize. But our approach to this is often browsing the field of potential friends in order to find the "right one" for us. Maybe that's backwards. The better way is: "How can I be the kind of friend I've always wanted?"1) The importance of friendship2) The nature of friendship3) How to be the kind of friend you've always wantedText: 1 Samuel 18-20; John 15:13-15

Retirement is often viewed as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Why? Because work can be downright frustrating. But God designed us to work. He instituted work. Grasping his vision for work is important to finding meaning in your work.Four ways God wants you to see your work:1) We were made to work2) We were made to do skilled work3) Work is a way to love your neighbor4) Work is a way to worship GodText: Genesis 1:26-27; 2:2-3; 2:15; Matthew 22:34-39

The Church is a unique entity unlike any other. It is through the church that God's wisdom is displayed to the heavenly beings. But what does this mean for the believer? Should he or she orient their life around it? Join us as we seek the Scriptures to see the importance of the bride of Christ.1) The Church belongs to God2) The Church stands on truth3) The Church confesses ChristText: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Is there more to being a Christian than “praying a prayer” to “get in?” Is there a personal benefit to spiritual growth? What does God want for me once I become a Christian? These are important questions that impact the emptiness or fulfillment we get out of life.1) Why is spiritual growth important?2) How does spiritual growth happen?Text: John 15:5-8; Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 1:9-14; Hebrews 5:11-14; Psalm 1; Romans 5:3-4

Ask a random person on the street what the definition of “Christian” is, and you'll likely get numerous answers. The necessity of getting the answer right is clear: some people think they're Christians, but in reality aren't.Three themes that characterize Christ-followers: Christians.1) "I'm sinful."2) "I need a Savior."3) "I'm a new person."Text: Luke 7:1-10; 36-38; 44-50

What makes it so hard to love our brothers and sisters in Christ? What is actually going on at the heart level when it comes to despising or hating someone in the church? Is it possible to be free from the bitterness and anger attached to it? We will look at the connection between walking in the light and loving one another.1) Old commandment2) New commandment3) Hatred4) Adoption, one anothers, and Colossians 3:14Text: 1 John 2:7-14

We've made it. We complete "The Book About Everything." From fan clubs to excommunication; from lawsuits to sexual immorality; from head coverings to spiritual gifts, there isn't much we haven't explored. We finish with... drum roll please... Paul's travel plans. What?!?! There's more in there than you think.Applications:1) Remain flexible2) Commit to loveText: 1 Corinthians 16:5-24

Fun fact: 42% of Jesus' stories were about money, stewardship, and giving. Why so much? How we handle money is critical to our discipleship and it also poses great challenges to our discipleship. Paul picks up the mantle to provide us with the mechanics and motive for giving.Two points of emphases for Christian giving...1) The mechanics of giving2) The motive for givingText: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

The afterlife: will there be one? If so, what will it be like? The Christian teaching on this topic is beyond our wildest dreams. But sadly, so many people misunderstand what eternal life will be like. Bottom line: it's going to be amazing!Jesus' resurrection isn't just a celebration of a past resurrection. It's a celebration of a future coming resurrection. Your resurrection. Your bodily resurrection.1) What it will be like2) Who makes it happen3) How it changes your attitude towards deathText: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

What is it that actually occurred on the cross? What did it accomplish? And is there any connection with this and Jesus' commandments? We will see the distinction and importance between God's gospel and his law!1) Jesus is our advocate2) Jesus is our propitiation3) Jesus is our exampleText: 1 John 2:1-6

The mortality rate among human beings is 100%. Nobody gets out of life alive. So what happens after that? There is a way to face your death with hope and confidence, but it requires getting serious about Jesus. Join us as we come face to face with the astonishing truth of life after death.1) The necessity of Christ's resurrection2) The certainty of the believer's resurrection3) The kind of life called for by the resurrectionText: 1 Corinthians 15:12-34

In order for news to be "good news", it has to have some personal impact on us. Hearing that Australia beat India in the Cricket World Cup Finals isn't news that's likely to exhilarate too many of us. Hearing your debts have been paid or getting a clean bill of health is a different story. So where does Jesus' death and resurrection fit into that spectrum? Is it generic good news? Or is it personal good news?The gospel...1) Christ's death2) Christ's resurrection3) The difference it makesText: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Why do we go to church? What's the point? Many Christians don't have an answer. God wants us to and he has a goal in mind. Join us to gain a better understanding of why we gather.1) Tongues2) Prophecy3) The heart of the matterText: 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

What does confession have to do with the Christian life? Are Christians supposed to confess their sins anyway? Aren't we already forgiven? We will look at an often overlooked aspect of our sanctification and see its implications for the church today.1) The fruit of darkness2) The fruit of lightText: 1 John 1:5-10

"Love" dominates the music scene. From the Beatles "All You Need is Love" to The Backstreet Boys "As Long As You Love Me" to Justin Bieber's tune of the same title, we're preoccupied with love. But popular culture has a knack for distortion. We'll regroup by looking at arguably the most famous chapter in all of Christian Scripture.Love...1) The nature of it2) The indispensability of it3) The permanence of itText: 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13

A vehicle's electronic ignition system is a far more complicated auto part than the oil drain plug. But would you want to be without either of them? Just like there are no insignificant parts to a car, there are no insignificant parts to a church. Join us to be reminded of your value to the church.Church life...1) The single dimensionality of the church2) The multi-dimensionality of the church3) The functionality of the churchText: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

"Pentecostalism," or the "Charismatic Movement," has received a bit of attention over the relatively recent past. Undergirding these conversations is the fundamental role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for the work of ministry in the church. We begin Paul's section of 1 Corinthians that delves into these fascinating and sometimes controversial topics.Manifestations of the Spirit...1) What they are2) The role they have3) The ultimate purpose they serveText: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

The Lord's Supper has been something Christians have practiced for centuries. It's meaningful. It's powerful. But it can become like wallpaper: we just don't notice its significance. Join us as we dive back into one of the primary texts of Scripture that teach us what this ordinance is all about.The Lord's Supper is...1) A time for unity2) A time to remember3) A time to proclaim4) A time to self-examine5) A time to be cautious Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

If someone were to ask you who God is, how would you respond? One of the common phrases we use is that God is love, which comes straight from the Bible. One that we don't often think of is that God is light! What exactly does this mean? And what implication does this have for the church today? Join us as we explore the character of God and how we are to live in light of it!1) The purity of God2) The purity of God's peopleText: 1 John 1:5-10

"Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven" (1 Corinthians 11:4-5).Say what?!?! Head coverings. Long hair. Shaved head. What is this about? Bizarre!That may be, but we'll explore a Scripture passage that has a lot to say about a very hot contemporary topic.Applications:1) The goodness of authority and virtue of submission2) The prudence of visible distinctions between male and femaleText: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16