Century Baptist Church Sermons

The Path Ahead Mark 9:2-13   1. Transfiguration – Mark 9:2-8 2. The Path – Mark 9:9-13   GOSPEL CONNECTION “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” Isaiah 53:4-6 APPLICATION What will you do this week to faithfully follow God's path, walking in humble sacrifice to shine His light and help others have new life? MEMORY VERSE Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

The Turn Mark 8:27-38   GOSPEL CONNECTION For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. 20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.” Colossians 2:19-21 APPLICATION How will you live unashamed of Jesus Christ this week? Be specific. MEMORY VERSE And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 35“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.” Mark 8:34-35

The Pregame Speech Matthew 28:16-20 1. The Mission 2. The Playbook 3. The Captain's Presence GOSPEL CONNECTION Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, 2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. 3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” John 17:1-5 APPLICATION Who is one person in your life you can share the gospel with this week? When will you share with him/her? MEMORY VERSE “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

The Power Mark 4:35-41 GOSPEL CONNECTION “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together….19For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:15-17, 19-20 APPLICATION How can you trust God this upcoming week with situations that get out of control or seem hopeless? MEMORY VERSE “in these last days (God) has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.” Hebrews 1:2

The Sabbath Mark 2:23-28 1. Breaking the rules (23-24) 2. True rest (25-28) 3. Conclusion   GOSPEL CONNECTION For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.” Mark 9:31 APPLICATION How will you utilize the gift of Sabbath to help you prioritize and enhance your relationship with God and others? MEMORY VERSE Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28“So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27-28

The Healing Mark 2:1-12   GOSPEL CONNECTION “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” Mark 8:31 “…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 APPLICATION What broken area of your life will you ask God to heal this week? What lengths are you willing to go so that you experience healing? MEMORY VERSE “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He *said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” Mark 2:10-11

The Call Mark 1:14-20 GOSPEL CONNECTION “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 APPLICATION Where do you sense Jesus inviting you to: Turn back (repent)? Trust the good news more deeply? Reorder priorities so that He is first? The sermon described authentic faith as passionate, not moderate or fanatical. What would “passionate but relational” faith look like in your current season of life? MEMORY VERSE And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Mark 1:17-18

The Dance Mark 1:1-13   GOSPEL CONNECTION “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 APPLICATION What, specifically, will you do this week to pay attention to the voices shaping your desires? How can I adopt the same attitude of humility as John the Baptist when it comes to leading or participating in ministry or the general life of my church family? MEMORY VERSE And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. 8 I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:7-8

The Magi   Matthew 2:1-12   1.     The cast 2.     Their character 3.     Their conduct 4.     Our response    GOSPEL CONNECTION “which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:20-21 APPLICATION What sacrifice do you need to make for Christ this week? MEMORY VERSE “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” 1 Peter 2:11

A Peace of Heaven Luke 2: 8-15   1. Prologue (1-7) 2. An earthly setting (8-9) 3. A heavenly message (10-12) 4. An eruption of worship (13-15) 5. Epilogue (16-20)   GOSPEL CONNECTION “For He (Jesus) rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins…19 For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:13-14, 19-20 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27 APPLICATION How will you glorify and praise God with other Christians this week? MEMORY VERSE “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:13-14

Shepherds Seize the Moment Luke 2:8-21   1. The Audience 2. The Angel 3. The Announcement 4. The Abundance of Angels 5. The Application GOSPEL CONNECTION “So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep…9 “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep… 14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:7, 9, 11, 14-15 APPLICATION Who will you tell about the birth of Jesus Christ this week? When? MEMORY VERSE “The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” Luke 2:20

A Sermon from Matthew 1:18-25   1. Proximity — those CLOSEST to us test our relationship with God the MOST!   2. Authenticity — not our ACTIONS but our REACTIONS reveal our character! 3. Purpose — not my will be done but God's will be done   4. Ambassador — let the MESS of my life be GOD'S MESSAGE to the world!   GOSPEL CONNECTION “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.”     Isaiah 9:6-7 APPLICATION What area of your life do you need to submit to God's will? MEMORY VERSE “But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21  

A Sermon from Luke 1:26-38   1. Oops — An Unexpected Visitor (26-29) 2. Ugh — Overwhelming News (30-33) 3. Aha — God Has A Plan (34-35) 4. Whee — God Can Do It! (36-37)  5. Oh Yeah — Mary Had Hope (38)  GOSPEL CONNECTION “also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:11-14  APPLICATION How will you live with hope this week as God works in your life? MEMORY VERSE “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:3-4

A Sermon from Philippians 4:4-9   1. We are being formed (shaped) by how/where we carry our concern. (vv. 4-7) 2. We are being formed by the things on which we think. (vs. 8) 3. We are being formed by the people we follow. (vs. 9)   GOSPEL CONNECTION “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 “He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the street. 3 “A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 “He will not be disheartened or crushed Until He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.” 5 Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out the earth and its offspring, Who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it, 6 “I am the LORD, I have called You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You, and I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, 7 To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison.” Isaiah 42:1-7    APPLICATION How can you be an effective peacemaker this week?   MEMORY VERSE “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8

A sermon from Philippians 4:2-3 Think the same thing in the Lord Bring them together With GOSPEL CONNECTION “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:3-11 APPLICATION What, specifically, will you do this week to live in harmony with other believers in Jesus? MEMORY VERSE “Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be likeminded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11

A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 7:1-73 Build it — Then Fill it Blessings (People and Things) Need to be Stewarded More Blessings Means More Leaders More Blessings Means More Clarity More Blessings Comes from Extravagant Generosity A Unified Team Brings Supernatural Results APPLICATION What, specifically, will you do this week to seek unity among the believers in our church family? MEMORY VERSE “Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.” (1 Timothy 5:22)

A SERMON FROM PHILIPPIANS 1:3-6 The Call to Plant New Ministry Opportunities Working Together GOSPEL CONNECTION Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” 28 Therefore, they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” 30 So they said to Him, “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? 31 “Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘HE GAVE THEM BREAD OUT OF HEAVEN TO EAT.' ” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 “For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” (John 6:26-35) APPLICATION What prayer of thanksgiving can you offer for your church today? MEMORY VERSE “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 6:1-19 The plot to assassinate is met with refusal to cooperate (1-4) Slander is denied and prayer is prescribed (5-9) The scheme to disgrace is met with refutation and prayer (10-14) Completion, recognition, and intimidation (15-19) GOSPEL CONNECTION “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2) “But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, “You are my God.” (Psalm 31:14) APPLICATION How will you apply Nehemiah's persistence and faith in your life when facing challenges? MEMORY VERSE “When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” (Nehemiah 6:16)

A SERMON FROM ROMANS 3:21-26 The Gospel believed The Gospel achieved The Gospel received GOSPEL CONNECTION “When we talk about the gospel, we are talking about the very real, dynamic power of God to create, redeem, and save. The power of the gospel is the power that enabled Jesus to overcome temptation, preach with authority, cast out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead, and rise from the dead Himself. The gospel is the power of God made available to us through the Son of God, who gave His life for us. The gospel is the power of God for salvation for our entire lives. Belief in the gospel is not a one-time decision or a conviction that we need salvation only for our past lives and future afterlives. Belief in the gospel is an ongoing expression of our ongoing need for Jesus.” (Gospel Fluency, Jeff Vanderstelt, pages 66-67) APPLICATION When could you meet with another person to share the Good News of God's redemptive plan? MEMORY VERSE “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 3:23-24)

A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 5:14-19 The 3 advantages of making a difference A. Position B. Power C. Privilege The 3 temptations of a difference maker A. We will be tempted to misuse our position B. We will be tempted to abuse our power C. We will be tempted to profit from our privileges How to keep our integrity A. Deepen my understanding of who I am B. Develop a love for people C. Discipline myself with an eternal perspective GOSPEL CONNECTION “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:3-11 MEMORY VERSE “Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2-3

A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 5:1-13 The cause of conflicts The cure for conflict A. Reaction B. Reflection C. Reveal D. Responsibility E. Remember GOSPEL CONNECTION “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 32 “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.(Acts 20:28-32) APPLICATION Have you chosen a day of the week to fast during lunch as Pastor Carl encouragingly challenged us to do? What day? Did you fast last week? How did it impact your spiritual life? MEMORY VERSE “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18)

A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 4:1-23 Here comes trouble Pause to regroup Make a difference GOSPEL CONNECTION Jesus has defeated sin, death, and adversity once for all. Yes, we will likely encounter obstacles and people who seek to distract, deter, and destroy us in following our Savior, living our faith daily, and building God's kingdom. However, our resolve and strength comes from knowing who our Savior is and what He has done. “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1) “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) APPLICATION What action do you need to take this week to trust God and move forward in facing an area of adversity in your life? MEMORY VERSE “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 3:1-32 Tactical Everyone has a place According to your gift and personality Mismatched Significance GOSPEL CONNECTION “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23) But He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.” (Luke 4:43) “And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) APPLICATION How can you use your skills, spiritual gifts, and abilities to build the kingdom of God through the ministry of Jesus' church this week? MEMORY VERSE “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)

A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 2:1-20 Promises and providence Omnipotence and obedience Confidence and contention GOSPEL CONNECTION “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16) APPLICATION What is a specific need in another person's life that you will confidently pray about this week? MEMORY VERSE Then the king said to me, “What would you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 2:4)

A SERMON FROM NEHEMIAH 1:1-11 Ask the right questions Feel the right emotions Have the right reaction Take the right action GOSPEL CONNECTION Repentance is understanding the gravity of our sin and having the desire, given by the Holy Spirit's work in our life, to not continue sinning. “I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9-10) APPLICATION What news have you recently received that you need to respond to with prayer? MEMORY VERSE “When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:4)

A SERMON FROM LUKE 15:11-32 You can only be found if you first know you are lost   GOSPEL CONNECTION “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),” (Ephesians 2:4-5) APPLICATION To what “undeserving” person can you extend God's love and forgiveness this week? MEMORY VERSE “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

A SERMON FROM LUKE 10:25-37 GOSPEL CONNECTION “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:4-9) APPLICATION What will you do this week to help meet someone else's physical needs? Emotional needs? Spiritual needs? MEMORY VERSE “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

A SERMON FROM LUKE 24:36-49 The reality of the resurrection A new mission GOSPEL CONNECTION “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,…“14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 14, 17) APPLICATION What will you commit to doing this week to be a witness for Jesus, telling others what he has done in your life? MEMORY VERSE Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44)

A SERMON FROM LUKE 24:13-35 Warning Wisdom Wonder GOSPEL CONNECTION He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” (Isaiah 53:3-6) APPLICATION What can and will you do this week to make yourself more available and aware of the Lord's leading in your life? MEMORY VERSE Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.” 1 John 3:2

A SERMON FROM LUKE 22:14-38 Passover Propitiation Providence GOSPEL CONNECTION The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 “If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” (1 Peter 1:17–21, see also Hebrews 8:7-13) APPLICATION How will you prepare for Communion next time so that you will appreciate more the provision Jesus made for you? MEMORY VERSE And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19)

A SERMON FROM LUKE 19:1-10 The Man The Meeting The Miracle The Mission   GOSPEL CONNECTION Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. 36 “But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:35-40) APPLICATION What will you do this week that reveals salvation has come to your house? MEMORY VERSE “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

A SERMON FROM LUKE 14:1-24 The laws of man obstruct the love of God (1-6) Promotion of self is the antithesis of a heart of humility (7-11) Spiritual growth comes from authentic giving, not calculated bargaining (12-14) Actions reveal priorities; they always have, always will (15-24) GOSPEL CONNECTION Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-5) APPLICATION What will you do this week to lessen the importance of position, title, or other status symbols in your life? MEMORY VERSE “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)  

A SERMON FROM PROVERBS 1:1-7 Big Idea: Living in the way of wisdom in everyday life. The Wise The Simple The Fool "Wisdom is the practical side of moral goodness” - J.I. Packer GOSPEL CONNECTION Jesus is the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24) Jesus is wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification for us (1 Cor. 1:30) In Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3) “…but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor. 1:23-24) APPLICATION Which one of the following do you need to do this week to gain wisdom? Accept Jesus as the Savior for your sins; Follow Jesus by searching the Scriptures for truth of gaining insight and growth in wisdom (James 1:5); Grow in Jesus by committing to walk in the footsteps of Jesus (1 John 2:3-6) and the way of wisdom (Prov. 4:13-14) When will you begin? MEMORY VERSE “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)

A SERMON FROM LUKE 11:37-54 Woe #1 Superficial religion Woe #2 Love of glory Woe #3 Defiling influence Woe #4 Powerless message Woe #5 Rejection of truth Woe #6 Confusing the message GOSPEL CONNECTION “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14) APPLICATION What will you do this week to be a light for Jesus Christ, bringing hope and truth of the Gospel to your family, friends, and/or neighbors? MEMORY VERSE “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)

A SERMON FROM LUKE 10:38-42 Order Disorder Reorder GOSPEL CONNECTION “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7) APPLICATION What steps will you take this week to intentionally sit at the feet of Jesus, spending more time with Him, reading the Bible, and praying? MEMORY VERSE “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17)

A SERMON FROM MARK 7:31-37 Jesus wants to enter our lives We are to enter other people's lives Jesus enters our lives and deals with our sin, so that we can enter others' lives and feel their sorrow Application: How, as an act of faith, can we make this real in our lives?              • Pull away with Jesus alone              • Seek to become self-aware.              • Show the empathy that Christ gives you to others, especially others who are                 different than you GOSPEL CONNECTION “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) APPLICATION What is one area of your life that you can commit to the Lord and trust Him to work through this week? Whom could you tell this week about the goodness of God in your life? MEMORY VERSE “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

A SERMON FROM LUKE 9:10-17 In over my head A needy crowd (vss. 10-12) An impossible task (vss. 13-14) Jesus steps in! (vss. 14-16) A miracle occurs (vs. 16) The kingdom grew (vs. 17) So… GOSPEL CONNECTION We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our life is then to be lived in obedience to God, His Word, and the life of His Son, our Savior, Jesus. The work we do is to honor and glorify God. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10). “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13 APPLICATION To whom is God asking you to talk about the kingdom of God and share the miracle of regeneration in your life? Will you this week? MEMORY VERSE “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

A SERMON FROM Luke 7:36-50  A curious invitation The controversial party crasher A compelling forgiveness   GOSPEL CONNECTION “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16) “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” (Romans 3:28) APPLICATION Who do you know that needs to hear about Jesus' love, forgiveness, and grace? Will you tell him/her about Jesus? When? MEMORY VERSE “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9  

A SERMON FROM Luke 5:27-32  Jesus PURSUES the despised When we FOLLOW Jesus, we always have to LEAVE something Following Jesus brings GRATITUDE & COMPASSION Jesus hangs out with people others judge The POWER of Jesus to make us CLEAN GOSPEL CONNECTION Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16) APPLICATION How can you reach out to one person whom others neglect or ignore? Who? When will you do that? MEMORY VERSE And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. 32 “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”(Luke 5:31-32)

A SERMON FROM 3 John 1:1-15 The minister The menace The missionary   GOSPEL CONNECTION To walk in the truth, one must know the truth having experienced the embodiment of truth: Jesus Christ, God's one and only Son. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me'” (John 14:6). Secondly, if one is to live truth, he must know the truth which Jesus declares is God's Word given to us in the Bible. “Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is truth.” (John 17:17) APPLICATION In what area of your life will you strive to be more faithful this week?  How? MEMORY VERSE “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4)

A SERMON FROM 2 John 1:1-13               1. Walk in truth               2. Watch yourselves                            A. Content                            B. Consequence                            C. Conduct   GOSPEL CONNECTION “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16) APPLICATION How will you live this week to continue in the teachings of Christ? MEMORY VERSE “And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.” (2 John 1:6)

A sermon from 1 John 5:13-21 We know that we have eternal life (13) We know that God hears our prayers (14-17) We know that we are in God's family (18) We know that we are on God's team (19) We know that we know the one true God (20-21) GOSPEL CONNECTION “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;” (Romans 3:23-25) APPLICATION What specific step will you take this week to place more confidence in God and less in the idols of this world? MEMORY VERSE “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

A SERMON FROM 1 JOHN 5:6-12 The source of the testimony The superiority of the testimony The substance of the testimony GOSPEL CONNECTION “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. 36 “But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:35-40) APPLICATION When and to whom will you give testimony this week about who the Son of God is? MEMORY VERSE “And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.” (1 John 5:11-12)

A sermon from 1 John 5:1-5 The test of whether your love for God is real The test of whether your love for the children of God is real GOSPEL CONNECTION “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13) Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:3-8) APPLICATION How will you demonstrate your love for God this week? MEMORY VERSE “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)    

A sermon from 1 Peter 1:3-7 1. Fact               a. Burial               b. Empty tomb               c. Appearances               d. Transformation 2. Faith               a. The root of our living hope               b. The result of our living hope               c. The refining of our living hope   GOSPEL CONNECTION “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve… 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5, 19-22) APPLICATION What will you do this week to pursue joy in the midst of trials? How will you rejoice in your salvation today? MEMORY VERSE “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)

A SERMON FROM 1 JOHN 4:12-21 God abides in us          A. Holy Spirit          B. Father          C. Son God's love is perfected in us          A. Completes confidence          B. Casts out fear          C. Cancels hate GOSPEL CONNECTION “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:16-21) APPLICATION What fear will you ask God to help you overcome this week? MEMORY VERSE “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18)

A sermon from Exodus 13:17-22 Israel was not ready for the straight-line route. God wants to equip us for our battles. What can I count on during the zig-zag?      a. God is paying attention to you      b. God's provision      c. God's presence GOSPEL CONNECTION The verse, "For we walk by faith, not by sight," (2 Corinthians 5:7) is a key concept in Christian theology, urging believers to trust in God's promises and unseen realities rather than relying solely on what they can see or understand. Our lives are lived by faith and it is by faith we have eternal life. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) APPLICATION What specific step(s) will you take this week to demonstrate trust in God's leading in your daily life? MEMORY VERSE “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)    

A sermon from 1 John 4:7-11 The source of love The example of love The cost of love GOSPEL CONNECTION “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26 APPLICATION What specific steps will you take this week to demonstrate your love for another believer? MEMORY VERSE “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9

A sermon from 1 John 4:1-6 Testing the spirits Walk in truth GOSPEL CONNECTION “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:5-7) (see also Ephesians 2:1-9) APPLICATION What influences (read: “sources”) in your life (i.e., social media, entertainment, books, ideas, others) will you “put to the test” this week to see whether they are from God? MEMORY VERSE “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

A sermon from 1 John 3:19-24 Confidence in prayer Conditions for prayer GOSPEL CONNECTION “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13) APPLICATION What are you willing to do (or try) this week to be more intentional in keeping God's commandments and, accordingly, abiding in Him? MEMORY VERSE “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.” (1 John 3:23-24)

A sermon from 1 John 3:11-18 The consequence of hatred           a. The root of hate           b. The result of hate The precedence of love           a. Our eternity           b. Our example The evidence of life GOSPEL CONNECTION “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24) APPLICATION What specific step will you take this week to put your love for another follower of Jesus into action? MEMORY VERSE “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18)