Podcasts from Ambassador Presbyterian Church in Apex, NC
Passage: Matthew 12:21-50 As we've seen in our recent messages from Matthew's gospel, Jesus has shown himself, gentle and lowly, eager to bring true rest and restoration to any and all who come to him. But one thing he is clearly not is a negotiator or compromiser when it comes to those who oppose him. In fact, he says when it comes to our view of him and his claims, there is no middle ground, there are no fence sitters, you can't remain neutral. As the conflict with the religious leaders continues to heat up, Jesus is very clear, you are either with him, or against him. And he doesn't leave us guessing as to how we can know. Jesus doesn't come just to help us do some spiritual housecleaning and straightening up in our lives. He comes to occupy the house and take control of the household. So the question he poses not to just to the Pharisees, but to us is, "Are you with me, or against me? Join us Sunday as we look at what Jesus says about how you know whose side you're on when it comes to him.
Passage: Matthew 12:1-21 As Christians, when we talk about Sabbath, or what we now call the Lord's Day, it often turns to a discussion or maybe even a debate about what we can or can't do on that day. As one of the Ten Commandments and what we call a "creation" ordinance, we should recognize the significance of the day which God has set apart unto himself and for our rest. But as is often the case, we can easily turn what God meant as a life-giving blessing into a legalistic burden, turning the focus from cultivating relationship to keeping rules. Indeed, Jesus himself confronted this issue when the Pharisees accused he and his disciples of breaking the Sabbath commands. In his response, Jesus not only exposes their hypocritical hearts, but shines light on not just what is lawful, but on himself as the Lord of the Sabbath, giving added meaning to his earlier invitation to find our true rest in relationship to him. Join us Sunday as we consider what Jesus teaches us concerning the Sabbath and what the Sabbath teaches us concerning Jesus.
Passage: Matthew 11:20-30 Sometimes people think that if only they could have heard Jesus teach and seen his miracles in person, then they would surely be convinced of the truth of the gospel. But such is not necessarily the case. Jesus himself issues a warning of judgment upon those cities where he preached the gospel and performed miracles most regularly, and yet people did not repent, but rejected Jesus. Seeing is not necessarily believing, unless we see with eyes of faith opened by God's grace through his Son Jesus. Thus Jesus follows his warning, with one of the most welcome invitations we find in scripture, to come to him and find rest. Jesus' call to come and learn from him and let him carry our burdens, is a call to trust fully in his gracious provision. The choice Jesus presents is clear, we can reject the clear testimony of his words and his works, or we can rest in the kind invitation and promise of his provision for our souls through his burden-bearing sacrifice for us. Join us Sunday as we consider this choice. Which will it be? Are you rejecting or resting in Jesus?
Passage: Matthew 11:1-19 As we've seen in the past few weeks in Matthew's gospel, Jesus' ministry is increasingly met with opposition and division among those he encounters. Yet, his response is not to fight back or bring down quick judgment upon his opponents, as many expected him to do, but to continue teaching and preaching the good news of the kingdom and to exercise his power in deeds of mercy and healing. This approach leaves even John the Baptist with some doubts and questions about Jesus identity, doubts which he addresses by pointing to God's word and his works as both confirmation and that the kingdom is at hand and affirmation that the King, the Messiah has arrived in Jesus. The challenge and the encouragement that Jesus gives us as we confront our own doubts and questions is will we take those questions to Jesus and will we take Jesus at his word. Join us Sunday as we continue our study in Matthew's gospel.
Passage: Matthew 10:34-42 In Matthew 10:34-42, we find Jesus telling His disciples that His coming will bring division rather than peace, even among close family members. He emphasizes that loyalty to Him must come before all other relationships; that following Him requires self-sacrifice, and that true life is found by giving up one's own for His sake.
Passage: Matthew 10:16-33 As Jesus sends his disciples out on a training mission, he not only equips them with instructions, but he prepares them for hardship they will face. Following Jesus guarantees opposition, suffering and even persecution, but it does not mean defeat. Jesus not only warns us of the hardships that come with following him, but he guides us in how to respond to persecution with fearless faith and confidence in his promise to be with us and for us in victory. Join us Sunday as we look at how Jesus enables us to be a bold witness in a bad world.
Passage: Matthew 10:1-15 In Matthew 10:1–15, we see Jesus calling His twelve disciples and giving them His authority to drive out unclean spirits and heal every disease. He tells them to go only to the lost sheep of Israel and proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is near. They are to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons, freely giving as they have received. They are to travel without money or extra supplies, relying on the hospitality of worthy people. If any place rejects them, they must shake the dust off their feet as a testimony, warning of coming judgment.
Passage: Matthew 9:35-38 “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” In this passage we see Jesus' compassion for the hopeless, their great need for spiritual guidance, and the call for more laborers to enter God's mission.
Passage: Matthew 9:14-34 As Jesus' ministry expands and popularity grows, so do questions. One of those questions comes from John's disciples about fasting. In his answer, Jesus points to the new era that has broken into the world in his coming. He has not come just to put a new twist on old ways, but he has come to make all things new. And Matthew 9 gives us a whirlwind tour of Jesus' demonstrating that in bringing new healing and hope into lives of those he encounters. Jesus came into a desperate world to desperate people, to make all things new. Join us Sunday as we come to the One who invites us to new joy, new life, new hope in him.
Passage: Matthew 8:18-34 As Jesus' teaching and healing ministry begins to become more widely known, it understandably attracts the attention of the crowds, many of whom are eager to jump on the Jesus bandwagon and follow him. But unlike today where political leaders and social influencers will say and promise almost anything to gain followers, Jesus' call to follow him comes with a warning label that might read: "Count the cost and proceed with caution." Jesus does not hide the cost that comes in committing to be his disciple, and the series of encounters that Matthew records in our passage this week call us to consider what we are signing up for. Have we counted the cost, considered the difficulty, confronted the danger that comes with being Jesus' disciple? Join us this Sunday as we continue in Matthew's gospel and look at the dangerous calling to follow Jesus.
Passage: Matthew 7:13-27 Like any good preacher, Jesus brings his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount to a close with a challenging call to discernment and decision. Having laid out the true character and nature of kingdom living in contrast to the outward display of religion that is often mistaken as righteousness, Jesus makes his point to his disciples by contrasting two gates that lead to different paths, two trees that bear different fruit, and two foundations that are of different stability. He warns his followers not to be deceived into taking the easy path, picking the bad fruit, or building on an unstable foundation, all of which are pictures of missing out on the true life Jesus came to bring, life with him in his kingdom. Join us Sunday as we wrap up our message in the Sermon on the Mount and consider the narrow gate, the good tree, and the firm foundation that is the Lord Jesus himself.
Passage: Matthew 7:7-12 Just ask. It seems so simple and yet for many of us it is so hard. It's hard for men to ask for directions. It's hard for women to ask for advice on parenting or personal matters. It's difficult for children to ask for help on a difficult task. Why? Because to ask is to admit our need for help, to demonstrate our dependence on others, and to confess that we aren't in total control. It requires a humility and a hope that asking will yield the help needed without the shame of needing help. Which is why when it comes to prayer, Jesus needs to give us the simple command again and again: just "ask." There are many barriers to coming to God in prayer, but one of the main ones is we aren't willing to admit our need, and when we are, we aren't sure God is willing to help. We wonder if asking is worth it. Jesus says, it's more than worth it. It's vitally necessary. And for those who know God as Father, he loves to hear his children ask and to give them good gifts in answer to their requests. Those gifts are not always the things we're asking for, but they are always the things that our Father knows we need and is for our best. Which when understood and believed makes coming to God in prayer as easy as...well, asking, seeking, and knocking. Join us this Sunday as we consider Jesus' call to personal, persistent prayer and the good things he promises to those who simply ask.
Passage: Philippians 4:4-9 Randy Martin The Scriptures offer us profound encouragement to experience peace even amidst the storms of life—seasons that often stir anxiety in our hearts. Jesus assured His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Yet, despite this promise, achieving that peace can feel out of reach. A few weeks ago, Pastor Warren unpacked Jesus' teaching to His disciples in Matthew 6:25-35. He reminded us that anxiety is unnecessary because God cares for us deeply and will provide for all our needs. Anxiety is also unproductive, for it cannot change what is beyond our control—only God can. Moreover, anxiety is unworthy of us, as it reflects a lack of trust in our Great God. Instead, we are called to seek Christ and His Kingdom, with confidence that He will sustain us. This powerful message from Jesus finds a complementary truth in Paul's letter to the Philippians. Like Jesus, Paul urges us not to be anxious, but he goes further, showing us how we can more fully embrace the peace of God. This Sunday, we will explore Philippians 4:4-9 and discover how God's Word provides a roadmap to experiencing His perfect peace. Join us this Sunday as we delve into this life-changing teaching and draw closer to the peace only God can give.
Passage: Matthew 7:1-6 If you've ever had something stuck in your eye, you know how much pain it can cause and often we can't even see the speck of sand or dirt that is causing it. Sin is like that. The seemingly smallest of transgressions can have immensely painful consequences for us and others around us. However, Jesus uses the analogy of something stuck in our eye to point out how easy we are at seeing the tiniest speck of sins or faults in the life of others, while we ignore the huge planks of sin in our own life. As we turn our attention this week back to Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, he addresses the ease with which we can judge others for the smallest of sins, while letting ourselves off the hook in terms of the sin in our own life. And yet, his command not to judge others is often misinterpreted as a blanket tolerance for any behavior and a way to deter Christians from being discerning or making any judgment about sin. Once again, Jesus challenges us to go deeper than just outward behavior and consider the attitudes and actions of the heart as we confront sin, first in our own lives and also in the life of others. Join us Sunday as Jesus reminds us and helps us deal with the fact that there is something in our own eye that needs attention.
Passage: Matthew 28:1-20 Stories have power in our lives, and the most captivating stories are those that speak particularly to our hearts and our deepest desires and longings. It's those stories that we want to tell others. The events of Easter mark the climactic scene around which the true story of all of history turns, and on which all hope for the future rests. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the one event in history that gives confident assurance that life is not just a meaningless tale that ends in death, but actually has purpose and ends like so many heroic tales that grip our hearts: with triumph over evil and death, and the reign of a good and gracious King forever. When Jesus died, those closest to him thought the story was over and had ended in tragedy and defeat. Which is why, when they realized he was no longer in the tomb, they had to be told repeatedly to go and tell others, he is risen. Which is how Jesus makes his power, his presence and his purpose in this world known to others, as his followers go and tell the good news that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Join us Sunday as we consider the good news of the greatest story ever told and our calling to go and tell it to others.
Passage: Mark 5:21-43 Rev. Lee Shelnutt In Christian Missions, we proclaim, we herald Jesus. We share the good news about our Savior and King and the salvation that is found only in Him. But what kind of Savior and what kind of salvation do we herald? What does Jesus have the heart and power to save us from? Two stories nestled together in the Gospel of Mark, beautifully tell us. Let's explore those together and the picture they paint of the Healing Touch of our Savior.
Passage: Matthew 6:25-34 "Don't worry." How many times have we heard those words from a trusted friend or family member, or uttered those words ourselves to someone who has expressed concern or anxiety over some issue? Deep down we know that worrying about things is unproductive and often unhealthy. Yet, when it comes to heeding those simple words that we know to be true, to not worry is something that most if not all of us, including Christians, struggle greatly to do. The list of things we're anxious about is long and grows daily. Which is why Jesus words about worry in the Sermon on the Mount are both challenging and comforting. They challenge us to take seriously the issue of worry or anxiety and see it for what it truly is: a lack of faith in our good and gracious heavenly Father. They comfort us by reminding us of God's good and gracious provision in all things as we trust in him and seek his will and his way in our lives. As we live in a world of worry, Jesus not only commands us not to worry, but he comforts us with the only antidote to anxiety: a confident trust and rest in the grace and provision of God in Christ.
Passage: Ephesians 3:14-19 Words alone will not bring us the joyful, obedient, worshipful life that God intends for His people. The Bible by itself — even, in particular, the gospel of God's love in Christ, by itself — is unable to give believers the power they need to live lives of joy and full of the presence of Christ. To experience Christ's presence and love as God intends, we must pray for God's Spirit to empower in us what His word declares.
Passage: Matthew 6:19-24 We all love and look for a good ROI or return on investment. Whether its time, talents or treasures, we like to know that what we do or have will have a positive and lasting impact. But any investor would shake his head warily at the promise of a "sure thing," an investment that can't lose. As Jesus continues to teach on kingdom living and to challenge his followers to live lives guided by a heart-righteousness devoted to pleasing God, he turns his attention to the subject of money, and how to approach the stewardship of those treasures God has entrusted to us on this earth. And while we often think of stewardship in terms of what we give or give up, Jesus actually encourages us to look at it in terms of investing for a return. And he says, if you want a "sure thing" we need to understand kingdom treasures, have a kingdom perspective, and serve the kingdom's King. Join us Sunday as we continue in our series in the Sermon on the Mount and see what Jesus says about investing in the kingdom of heaven.
Passage: Matthew 6:1-18 In our image-conscious, social-media, selfie-driven society, people are constantly on the look for that photo-op or that journal posting to present themselves in a positive, admirable light to others. As Christians we love to share about the service we render to others: posing with the widow who's house we're helping to paint or posting our testimony of how blessed we were by serving at the homeless shelter. And truly, local churches and believers often lead the way in serving others in need. But we would be naive to deny that alongside our desire to do good, comes a natural inclination to be seen doing good, to get credit for our compassion, to be recognized for our righteousness. There is nothing wrong with recognition or rewards. But when those accolades become the driving force, the motivating factor behind our desire to do good, then suddenly our good deeds lose their "goodness," or as the prophet Isaiah puts it, our righteous deeds become like filthy rags. (64:6). In his call to kingdom living, Jesus warns against what we might call "Selfie-religion" or living out our faith for the purpose of being seen and respected by others. Rather, he directs his followers towards a kind of sanctified secrecy when it comes to living for, loving like and leading to the King. Join us Sunday as we continue to look at Jesus' teaching about a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees and is not bent on being seen but on serving others.
Passage: Matthew 5:38-48 It's easy to love your family and friends and to want to do things that bless them. But what about those who do you wrong, who take advantage of you, who actively seek your harm? When we are wronged, when we are slighted, when someone does something to harm us, our natural response is to think what can I do to get them back, and often to get them back bigger and better than they got me. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has already told his followers that they will be reviled and persecuted because of him (Matt. 5:11). The question is not if we will experience that, but how will we respond when we do. Jesus' continues to challenge us with a heart-focused view of the law that guarantees that his followers will stand out as different than the rest of the world. He says kingdom life involves resisting revenge and loving your enemies. Indeed, he calls us to literally go the extra mile and love even those who do not love us. For after all, isn't that what our heavenly Father has done for us. Join us Sunday as we consider how to love with the same love that our King Jesus has loved us.
Passage: Matthew 5:27-37 Jesus continues his teaching on life in the kingdom, contrasting the traditional interpretation and application of God's law by the religious leaders with the true intent and heart-focus of those commands from the King himself. This week, we'll look at three situations that Jesus addresses that at first may seem unrelated, but in reality are linked together in a way that points to a purity and integrity of the heart that is essential to our being faithful and true in our relationship both with God and with others. Join us Sunday as Jesus challenges the status quo of our culture by calling his followers to be true to your wife (or husband) and to your word.
Passage: Matthew 5:17-26 Having addressed the blessings of kingdom character in the Beatitudes, and the calling of kingdom citizens to be salt and light in the world, Jesus now turns in the Sermon on the Mount to the commands of the kingdom that define and guide the lifestyle of those who belong to the kingdom. He begins by noting the enduring nature of God's Word, pointing out that he has come not to do away with it, but to establish it in all its fullness. Then he proceeds to take the traditional interpretations of several commands and point to the deeper heart righteousness involved in living them out. The first issue he tackles is one that indeed cuts right to the heart: the issue of anger. Anger is a universal problem that is often made light of or even encouraged in our society. But Jesus does not hold back in pointing out the seriousness and danger of anger in our lives, equating its effects to that of murder. Which is why he wants us to not only better understand the nature and effects of anger, but to offer wise counsel in dealing with anger in a way that demonstrates the character of the kingdom as those who pursue peace. Join us Sunday as we look at what Jesus has to teach us about anger management.
Passage: Matthew 5:13-20 Having outlined the character and blessings of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven, Jesus now turns to the impact that citizens of God's kingdom will have on the world around them. He uses two analogies from everyday life to highlight the Christian's preservative and illumining affect on a world that is decaying in darkness. The power of the gospel makes us salt and light in the world, and Jesus is clear that this is not just something we seek to be, but something we are by virtue of the righteousness which he fulfills on our behalf. What does it mean to be salt and light in a dark and decaying culture, and how do we attain a righteousness that exceeds the scribes and Pharisees? Join us this Sunday as we look at Jesus' teaching on Kingdom Calling and Commands.
Passage: Matthew 5:1-12 This week, our study of Matthew's gospel brings us to one of the most familiar sections of the bible and perhaps the most famous sermon ever preached, Jesus' discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins his ministry preaching the good news that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. God's rule and reign is now present and powerfully at work through his Son. Jesus starts by teaching teaching his disciples what life in the kingdom is to be like. He opens with a description of those in the kingdom who are truly blessed, and as is often the case, it is not what we might expect. The Beatitudes, as they are commonly known, don't describe the circumstances or situations that we typically think of as blessings, but rather the heart attitude and spiritual bent that leads to embracing and experiencing a deep trust and humble dependence on God. Jesus' challenging sermon opens with a challenging call to pursue true kingdom character and to consider what it means to live a truly blessed life.
Passage: Matthew 4:23-25 In these verses we find Jesus teaching and proclaiming the the good news of the Kingdom. Jesus' ministry of healing the sick shows us the healing nature of God's kingdom in a broken and sinful world. He cast out demons showing his power over darkness, and himself as the light Isaiah promised to those dwelling in darkness. He who fights against the darkness in and around us will soon go into darkness for us and so conquer it once and for all for. Jesus' reign as God's anointed King is good news though in our sin we can't see it that way. We desire to rule our own lives. The one who calls his disciples friends is seen, in our sinful human nature, as an enemy to be overthrown. (Psalm 2) And so Jesus calls us to repent of our warped view of the goodness of God and his Kingdom. We are called to lay down our kingship and kingdom building and follow him as King. As we look at these three verses which summarize Jesus' ministry, we see that Jesus' kingdom is a place of healing and freedom from the dark powers of evil.
Passage: Matthew 4:12-22 Following Jesus' baptism and temptation in the wilderness, Matthew marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry by once again, connecting the dots of his life with the promises of God. He is the light shining in the darkness of which the prophet Isaiah spoke, and that light shines through his picking up the message of John to "repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." The priority and power of this call to turn from the darkness of sin towards the light of God's glory is epitomized in Jesus' call to his first disciples to come and follow him. What does it mean to follow Jesus and what difference does that make in our lives today? Join us Sunday as we consider that from the lives of the fishermen Jesus called to become fishers of men.
Passage: Matthew 3:13-4:11 Last week we looked at John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for the arrival of the King, Jesus by calling people to repent and baptizing them as a sign of that turning from sin toward God. So it's a little surprising, especially to John, when the King arrives and requests that he himself undergo the same baptism. Often times the baptism and temptation of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry is seen by people as an example for us to follow, and there is an element of that. But even more, it marks Jesus' own preparation for the work of redemption he's come to do for his people. In his baptism and temptation, he is a King who both stands with his people as a comrade in arms and fights for his people as a champion in battle. Here we see Jesus identifying with us as sinners, yet without sin, and facing temptation for us in victory. All in order that he might be prepared and equipped to carry out his mission of rescue and rule. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in Matthew and consider Jesus as our comrade and champion in the battle against sin.
Passage: Matthew 3:1-12 As we enter a new year, we are continuing our sermon series in the gospel of Matthew. The focus in this next part of the series will be on Living for the King as Matthew chronicles the beginning of Jesus' ministry, announcing that the kingdom of heaven has arrived and preaching what may be the most famous of his public discourses, the Sermon on the Mount. This week we will look at ministry of John the Baptist whose calling is to herald the Kings arrival and prepare the way by calling the people to repentance for sin. The good news of the gospel is that God has provided a way to new, reconciled, restored life with him in his renewed kingdom. Receiving that kingdom means turning from our old way of sin and self to follow Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life. That turning is not just a change of direction, but a change of heart which is the calling to repentance. Join us Sunday as we prepare to enter a new year of living for our King Jesus with a fresh call to repentance.
Passage: Matthew 2:13-23 The birth of Jesus was indeed good news of great joy, but it was not received that way by everyone. The arrival of the King of kings immediately launched an assassination plot by Herod that threatened to bring a quick end to God's plan of redemption. Indeed, the plot highlighted the depths of evil to which God's enemy would go to stop the salvation of God's people. But that plan would not be thwarted, and Joseph is tipped off by the angel of the Lord, who formulated an escape plan that not only provided protection for this newborn King, but pointed to the truth that he was indeed the promised deliverer. Join us this Sunday as we finish out advent series on the born identity of Jesus and learn of his escaped from an assassin.
Passage: Matthew 1:21 As we continue looking at the "born identity" of Jesus in Matthew's gospel, we come to the clearest statement of why the baby Jesus was born into this world, a purpose that is reflected in the name given to him by his heavenly Father. The Hebrew name for Jesus means "Jehovah (God) saves." And Joseph is told to give this name the son to be born to Mary. Why? "Because he will save his people from their sins." Jesus comes to save. That is the central message of the gospel and indeed of the whole scriptures. God saves and he does so through his son Jesus. And why do we need a Savior? From what do we need to be rescued? Our sin. In order to understand and embrace the rescue mission on which Jesus has been sent, we have to see our great need to be rescued. The good news of the gospel, that Jesus saves, shines brightest against the dark backdrop of our need for salvation as sinners. Join us on Sunday as we continue our Advent series and consider the powerful name and purpose of Jesus, to save sinners like you and me.
Passage: Matthew 1:18-25 Immanuel, God with us. It's a name that is given by God in the prophecy of Isaiah to a newborn son as a sign to King Ahaz of God's presence and power to deliver his people. King Ahaz refuses the sign, but God does not forget his promise. And in Matthew's account of Jesus' birth we're told that this son, born to the virgin Mary, is indeed the fulfillment of that promise as God with us. Those three words, encompassed in that one name, hold a mountain of truth in them that explains the essence of Christmas. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. Such news was difficult for Joseph, Mary's fiance, to grasp, but he believed God's promise and embraced God's plan. Join us this Sunday as we consider the profound and hope-filled implications of the incarnation: that Jesus truly is God with us.
Passage: Matthew 1:1-17 Tracing one's ancestors and family roots has become a fast growing interest and industry. Technology has made it easier, as we say in the South, to find our who your people are. Exploring your genealogy, however, comes with some risk, as you may find out there some characters in your family background you're not so excited about. As we start a study in the gospel of Matthew, we find that the opening chapter starts with a list of Jesus' ancestors going back to Abraham. Interestingly enough, its a list of folks who's lives and reputations you might think would be better left off the of the family tree of the King of kings. And yet, this is precisely Matthew's point as he records for us Jesus' coming as the promised Messiah, the One who would fulfill the covenant promises of God to Abraham and David and would usher in the kingdom of God. Far from being a simple catalogue of names of Jesus' ancestors, it is a reminder that Jesus came to earth as a man, from a long line of sinners like you and me, to redeem a people for himself, who would enter into that family tree as children of the covenant; sons and daughters of God. Join us this Sunday as we start a series through the gospel of Matthew beginning this advent season looking at the born identity of Jesus.
Passage: Colossians 1:15-23 As we come to the end of our series on being Created in the Image of God, we recognize more and more the negative impact of man's sin and rebellion in distorting and disfiguring that image and its design for human flourishing. We see the confusion, conflict and chaos of the cultural identity crisis all around us and wonder is there any hope? Who can fix this? The answer lies in the One who is the perfect image of God, the second Adam, the Lord Jesus who comes not only to reveal to us the nature and character of our Creator, but to reconcile all things to himself and to our heavenly Father, such that the image of God in us and in this world is being redeemed and restored in us. The struggles we feel are just the birth pangs of the glory being restored and revealed in the redeemed children of God, as we serve as Christ's ambassadors of reconciliation to the world. Join us Sunday as we conclude our series by looking at reconciliation in the image of God.
Passage: Judges 2:1-15 Guest Preacher: Chris Ellzey We serve a God who is exceedingly faithful to His people, loving them with a steadfast, covenantal love that can never be broken. But what about you, and what about me? Is our relationship with God characterized by the same faithfulness? Join us this Sunday as we hear God speak to us through His Word about the importance of faithfulness in the life of the Christian, as well as how we can cultivate a deeper, daily commitment to walking faithfully with Him.
Passage: Genesis 2:4-22; Matthew 25:14-30 From the opening verses of the Bible we see God at work, bringing all things into existence in an ordered, creative, beautiful fashion, including mankind whom he made in his image. And the first thing he gave to the man and woman in the garden was a job in which they were to be his co-regents in subduing and having dominion over creation. Though work becomes cursed by sin, work is not a result of sin, but a central part of what it means to be created in God's image. How we as Christians live Monday to Saturday is as much a part of our calling, ministry and even rest in God as what we do at church on Sunday mornings? No matter what our vocation, our work is a central element of the image of God in us, and it is vital for us to understand our work in terms of kingdom stewardship. In a culture that is increasingly restless and discontent with work, the Bible reminds us that we were created for a purpose and calls us to see the high calling of our work in carrying out God's creation mandate to subdue and have dominion over the earth. Join us this Sunday as we look at work in the image of God.
Passage: Genesis 1:27-28; Matthew 28:16-20 We've seen in our series on being Created in the Image of God, that God created us male and female, equal in dignity but uniquely different in design to perfectly complement and complete one another as image bearers. And that dignity and value as well diversity extends to all life as part of God's plan and purpose for the flourishing of creation. This week and next, we'll look at that purpose for humanity as it is reflected in God's call to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and have dominion over all creation. The first part of what is known as the "cultural mandate," points to the importance of family and the significance of children to Gods as recipients of covenant promises and agents of his redemption and rule of his kingdom. In a world where raising children is hard and increasingly seen as a burden to be avoided, understanding and embracing the blessing of God's commission to be fruitful and multiply, is not only vital to the flourishing of culture and society in general, but significant to the salvation and growth of God's people in the family of faith.
Passage: Genesis 8:20-9:17 Most of the news we hear, read or watch about our world is not good news. News of anger, hostility, fear, violence between individuals or groups pervades our news feeds, and the comments only add to the sense that there is an increasing devaluing of life. Even our entertainment often comes at the expense of others as we enjoy watching people be hurt or hurt others. We might wonder at times, can it get any worse? The Bible's answer to that question is it could be a lot worse, were it not for God's common grace in preserving creation, restraining man's sin and establishing the dignity and value of all human life in God's image. God's covenant with Noah after the Flood lays the foundation for why human life is precious and to be propagated, provided for and protected in this world, and it hearkens back to the image of God in us. Join us this Sunday as we look at how being created in God's image demands the sanctity and dignity of all human life, and enables human society to flourish and the truly good news of the gospel to go forth.
Passage: Genesis 11:1-9; Ephesians 2:11-22 We live in an increasingly multi-ethnic and multicultural society. Many of us have neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends and some even family members of different ethnicities. Such diversity brings with it many blessings and opportunities to reflect the image of God and his redemptive purposes. But it also exposes the brokenness of our pride and sin as we face the various racial tensions and division in our hearts as well as in our communities. Racial division and strife has existed since the fall, and all of man's attempts to remedy it have failed. That's because the issue runs deeper than just appreciating and accepting our differences. It comes in understanding and embracing God's purpose in creating from one man, many nations, and through one man, uniting many nations, as one people. Join us Sunday as we continue in our series and consider the issue of race in the image of God.
Passage: Genesis 2:18-25 Last week we saw that God created man in his image both male and female, alike in value and dignity as his image bearers, yet distinct and different as man and woman, a difference reflected in engendered bodies and minds that are essential to who God designed us to be individually and his good purposes for us corporately as humans. This week we will look at how that good purpose is carried forth in God's design for and gift of marriage, and the significance that has not just in our current day where there is much confusion surrounding marriage and sexuality, but for understanding the grander story of God's redemptive, reconciling, renewing work of in this world of which marriage serves as a living parable. Join us this Sunday as we look at marriage and sexuality in the image of God.
Passage: Genesis 2:5-24 One of the most beautiful and significant truths in the Bible is that God “created man in his own image.” (Genesis 1:27) As we saw last week in the introduction to our series Created in the Image of God, mankind was made to reflect, relate and rule with his Creator. And essential to that truth are the next words in that verse which say “in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them.” God created humanity as two distinct sexes and genders made perfectly and purposefully both physically and spiritually to reflect his image. Unfortunately that reality is being suppressed and seeking to be silenced by the confusion and deception of what we might term the modern ‘gender identity crisis.” While such confusion has existed and had negative effects since the fall distorted the image of God in men and women, it has manifested itself in recent years in ways that have challenged the very categories of male and female. The result is a deception that says you can or even should create yourself in whatever image you feel or desire, a view that is causing untold damage to men and women, boys and girls created in God's image. The key to addressing this gender identity crisis is to hold forth the beauty and blessing of God's fearful and wonderful creation of each of us male or female just as he planned and designed, and Jesus' taking on our human flesh in order to redeem, dignify and restore what it means to be a son or daughter of God. Join us Sunday as we consider how we are created male and female in the image of God.
Passage: Genesis 1:1-31 I think it is safe to say that we currently live in a world, and in particular a culture that is suffering from extreme identity crisis. There seems to be a desperate search for the answer to the age old philosophical question, “Who am I?” However, most of the answers that are being given by the world do not give clarity, but actually contribute more to the confusion and controversy we find swirling around us. God's answer to that big question of identity is found in the opening pages of his Word: we are created in the image of God. The implications and the practical outworking of that truth are seen throughout God's unfolding story of creation, fall, redemption and restoration, and it informs and addresses so much of the identity crisis and confusion we see prevalent in our world today. For the next two months we are going to be going through a series of messages we're calling, Created in the Image of God. We will be looking at how that image is reflected in our being created male and female, in our being created with value and dignity, and in our being created for a purpose. We will look at how that image in those areas has been broken and distorted by sin, and how those elements are being restored in Christ's work of redemption. Also, we will consider the practical implications for us in addressing the identity crisis in our own lives and in the culture around us and in seeking to clear up the confusion caused by our chief enemy and the clouded thinking of man apart from God. Join us Sunday as we begin this series in what it means to be created in the image of God.
Passage: Psalm 103 Pastor Eddie Brown Do you ever make a list? I'm pretty sure we all do and we make all kinds of lists. We make lists because its not a good idea to simply rely on our memories. Otherwise we'll be standing in an aisle at the grocery store asking ourselves the question: What do I need to buy for that recipe? In Psalm 103 David makes a list of all of God's benefits, blessing, he has received. It's not a complete list, how could it be? Who can number the blessings we receive from the God of endless grace? But it's not enough just to have a list no matter how full it is. David isn't satisfied with only a list, but summons himself and all he is to bless, thankfully praise the Giver of all these gifts. Neither is David satisfied with being a choir of one, but calls on every creature and all of creation to join him in offering blessing back to the Lord. So David speaking by the Spirit calls us to join with him that we with our whole being, we on this side of the cross, join him in blessing the Lord.
Passage: Titus 3:1-11 As we come to the final months before the elections in our nation, the pressure increases to enter into the fray of political debate and echo the heated rhetoric of pundits on social media or in our social gatherings. As the days wind down on the calendar towards election day, the temperature cranks up on the campaign trail. There is nothing wrong, indeed it is right as believers, to participate in the privilege and process we have to elect our leaders. However, we must be careful that winning arguments or elections does not supercede or undermine our witness for Christ. Last week we saw that whatever the results in November, we have the kingdom-minded confidence that God ordains and institutes those in authority over us for his glory and good purpose in our lives. Therefore we can trust him and submit to those civil authorities who rule over us. With that in mind, this week we'll consider how can we enter into the election process with gospel-centered attitudes and actions focused on pointing people to King Jesus, rather than just promoting a particular candidate or cause. That begins by remembering God's sovereign goodness and mercy in electing us as his children and citizens of his kingdom. Join us Sunday as we look at Paul's instructions to Titus and find wisdom for the elect in an election year.
Passage: Romans 13:1-7 As we head into another presidential election season, there is no shortage of rhetoric and appeals to Christians as to how we should think and engage (and vote) in political affairs, a privilege and responsibility we share with all our fellow citizens of the USA. Yet much of that rhetoric and appeal tends to foster tensions and divisions among believers, and threatens to undermine the common unity and hope we share under the authority of our true King, Jesus. Over the next two weeks, we'll look at the reality of living for our King Jesus, under the authority of earthly rulers, and how, as believers, we can enter into a contentious election season with confident assurance and hope, as well as grace and goodness in the process that reflects the reality that we have been called by the King of kings, to serve him. Join us this Sunday as we look at our call to submit to God and to governing authorities, and the implications of that for believers who have the privilege of electing our governing authorities.
Passage: Malachi 4:4-6 The final words of the Old Testament given by God through the prophet Malachi are words of preparation. God has been calling his people to return to him in faith and obedience, and he has promised the day of his coming to refine and purify a people for himself and to bring judgment on all the wicked and evil. His final words give instruction in how they are to live in preparation for that day. He calls them to look back on his covenant commands given to Moses, and to look forward to the coming of Elijah the prophet who would prepare the people for the coming of the Lord himself. These words serve to bridge the gap of some four centuries of God's silence before God would break that silence in the coming of his Son. As we close out our series on Malachi, we will look at how God prepared his people then and continues to prepare us now for the coming of his Son. Join us Sunday as we consider Malachi's call to remember Moses, look for Elijah and how that prepares us to meet Jesus.
Passage: Malachi 4:1-3 As the book of Malachi comes to a close, God focuses the attention of his people forward towards the day of the Lord's coming. It is a day that will bring cataclysmic judgement for those who do evil. But for God's people, those who fear and trust him, it will be a like a new day dawning, bringing healing, joy and freedom. God closes the Old Testament with a promised sunrise in the future, that begins to show on the horizon in the coming of the Messiah, God's own Son Jesus. Join us Sunday as we consider the day that has dawned in the rising sun of righteousness.
Passage: Malachi 3:13-18 How do you view your service to the Lord? How do you respond to the call and commands of God to worship him and walk in his ways? For many in the days of the prophet Malachi, that call and command had become burdensome, resulting in words of grumbling and complaining, and wondering if such service is really worth it. But for some, their service flowed out of a sense of belonging, a recognition of God's sovereignty and covenant love for them, that resulted in a heart that esteems his name and encourages one another. Jesus reminds us that "out of the heart the mouth speaks," and God remembers the words and heart attitude of those who trust him, promising them a hope and a future as his treasured possession, promises that remain true for us through the coming of God's Son, Jesus Christ. Join us Sunday as we continue in our study of Malachi and hear God's gospel promises to those who esteem his name.
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