Christ Pres - Sermons

Scripture Reference: John 6:1-14, 25-51 What is our natural response when we don't have enough patience, kindness, faith, resources, wisdom, or humility? How might our response change if we follow Jesus' pattern? Henri Nouwen's Life of the Beloved: “To identify the movements of the Spirit in our lives, I have found it helpful to use four words: “taken,” “blessed,” “broken,” and “given…” These words also summarize my life as a Christian because, as a Christian, I am called to become bread for the world: bread that is taken, blessed, broken, and given… these four words have become the most important words of my life… they speak about the most divine as well as the most human behavior. They reach high as well as low, embrace God as well as all people.” Sermon Points: Bread & the Bible Living Bread Leftovers

Scripture Reference: Psalm 23 Is there a more appropriately famous Psalm than the 23rd? For good reason God’s people have clung to it in times of distress. But when was the last time we camped out on those images and studied them in hopes of finding new joys of the Christian’s security in Christ? Sermon Points: The Sheep and the Shepherd (vv. 1–3) The Traveler and the Companion (v. 4) The Guest and the Host (vv. 5–6)

Scripture Reference: Psalm 110 A powerful instinct defines our humanity in the object of our admiration. We become like what we admire. David in Psalm 110 penned a verse that was quoted or referred to over 20x in the New Testament. What did he discover that fixated him so much? Sermon Points: The Messiah is a King The Messiah is a Priest

Scripture Reference: Psalm 32 David shows us that guilt can actually lead us to a place of joy. It sounds so upside down in today’s world, however, being honest with guilt and turning to the right place brings freedom, forgiveness and joy. Could our guilt actually be a pathway to joy? Let’s follow David. Sermon Points: Defining Guilt (vv. 1-4) Acknowledging and Confessing Guilt (v. 5) Cleansing of Guilt (vv. 5, 7) Walking Daily in Psalm 32

Scripture Reference: Psalm 137 The Psalms are capable it turns out of exposing the darkest parts of our heart, the places where we experience deep and violent thoughts of hatred. But there is a godly way to manage that emotion. And Psalm 137 provides a vivid, if not disturbing, look into that very thing. Sermon Points: Some Explanations Some Lessons Some Hope

Scripture Reference: Psalm 145 Is there anything worse than feeling down and having some terminally perky religious person tell you to “cheer up and praise the Lord?” Yet, in Psalm 145, David ends his Psalm authorship with a litany of praise to the Lord and commands us to do the same. Why? Sermon Points: The Object of Praise The Nature of Praise The Future of Praise

Scripture Reference: Psalm 16 The emotion of hope consists of having something to look forward to even in the bleakness of everyday life. But David has found the key to celebrating even in the midst of isolation and pain. Only if he can be rescued from the enslaving power of death can he know true hope. Sermon Points: The Defeat of Idols (vs. 1-6) The Delight in God (vs. 7-8) The Death of Death (vs. 9-11)

Scripture Reference: Psalm 73 Does doubting mean lack of faith? Does doubting mean immaturity? What does a follower of Jesus do with their doubts? Psalm 73 gives us a window into the doubt of a Psalmist named Asaph. Surely this means the Christian life has a place for doubt, and that doubting can actually lead us to a deeper relationship with Jesus and others.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 87 For most of us, when we start to feel the aching sense of loneliness that seems to characterize more and more of modern life, we turn inward to our problems or even our marriages and families for hope. But Psalm 87 introduces us to a different source of joy, the Church. Sermon Points: Affection Expressed Alienation Overcome Adoption Secured Fountains Accessed

Scripture Reference:  Psalm 88 Psalm 88 is unique in that it doesn’t have a happy ending. In most other Psalms, the writer finds God’s hand in everything they’re experiencing. But what if you’ve tried that, but there’s still no answer? Here we find amazing insights into the pain of depression. Sermon Points: Depression and Experience Depression and Disconnection Depression and Connection

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:14-16 Sermon Points: Holding Fast Drawing Near

Scripture Reference: Psalm 8 Though our culture looks inward to our feelings or our accomplishments to search for an identity, David sings to a majestic Lord and discovers his purpose and significance in light of Him. Psalm 8 poetically reveals what the rest of Scripture teaches, that we will only find our purpose and identity as we look outside ourselves to the Lord and how He made us and redeems us. Sermon Points: The Significance of the Lord (vv. 1-2) The Significance of Man (vv. 3-8) The Significant Response (v. 9)

Scripture Reference: Psalm 63 CS Lewis is an expert on the deep longing of the soul (what he called “Joy”) and how important it is to understanding the human condition. But David has found the ultimate fountain of joy in God, and investigating it opens up all kinds of doors to our humanity. Sermon Points: The Occasion for Joy The Emotion of Joy The Cultivation of Joy

Scripture Reference: Acts 1:1-11 Acts 1:1-11 examines the church's role in God's mission. It explores how Jesus' ascension marks the continuation of His work through His people and warns against the dangers of mission drift. This message calls believers to remain focused on the gospel and to joyfully embrace their role as witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 51 It’s been argued that there is no sensation that haunts a human being more than the pervasive (and often unnamed) sense of guilt inside us. Psalm 51 walks us through exactly how King David, on the heels of a massive moral failure, navigated his way to God’s grace. Sermon Points: The Occasion of Guilt The Mischief of Guilt The Nature of Guilt The Healing of Guilt

Scripture Reference: Psalm 3 David is afraid as his son Absalom has enacted a coup and is trying to hunt him down. As David prays, we see how he seeks the help of others and trusts the Lord, and thereby gives us a roadmap for our fears. Sermon Points: Fear Defined (vv. 1-2) Fear That Leads to Wisdom (vv. 3-8)

Scripture Reference: Psalm 13 One of the most striking features of the book of Psalms, for careful readers, is how realistic they are. Psalm 13 doesn’t shy away from full acknowledgement of the tragedy of human pain and sorrow. But how do God’s people keep from being consumed by it? Sermon Points: Own the Sadness (vs. 1-2) Establish the Truth (vs. 3-4) Start the Healing (vs. 5-6)

Scripture Reference: Psalm 19 Psalm 19 is a pretty famous Psalm because it celebrates the universal joy of finding wonder in our daily lives. But we often miss the point, so David leads us not only to find true joy in God’s word, but in the Living Word, the One the Psalm points us to… Jesus. Sermon Points: The Emotion of Wonder The Limitations of Wonder The Focus of Wonder

Scripture Reference: Psalm 2 Psalm 1 and 2 have been called the opening pillars of entrance into the world of the Psalms . Psalm 2 is a overarching look at the central problem and solution of humanity. If we are going to dig deeply to understand our own lives before God, we must come face to face with both the gracious, sovereign, and just reign of King Jesus and our ultimately futile resistance to Him. Sermon Points: The Rebellion (vv. 1-3) The King (vv. 4-9) The Invitation (vv. 10-12)

Scripture Reference: Psalm 1 Psalm 1 and 2 have been called the opening pillars of entrance into the world of the Psalms. Psalm 1 is the powerfully clarifying contrast between two ways of living life: a life of blessing OR the life of a scoffer. It begs us to look for THE Blessed One to come. Sermon Points: The Blessed and the Scoffer The Tree and the Chaff

Scripture Reference: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 When it comes to pain and loss in this life, Christians can put their hope in the second coming of the Lord and we must be diligent to keep that day on our hearts and minds as we live in this broken world. Sermon Points: Hoping in the Day of the Lord Preparing for the Day of the Lord

Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:11, Leviticus 23:37-43, Matthew 6:16-18 The New Year typically brings renewed goals!  The Scriptures give us numerous practices that help form us individually and communally into the likeness of Jesus.  What would it look like for our practices around food this year to point us to what God is doing and shape us into the likeness of Jesus.  Scripture points us to the practices of feasting and fasting. Sermon Points: Consider Food (Matt. 6:11) Consider Feasting (Lev. 23:37-43, John 2:1-10, Rev. 19:9) Consider Fasting (Matt. 6:16-18) Consider the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 40:1-11 Sermon Points: Words of Payment Words of Provision Words of Proclamation

Scripture Reference: Luke 2:8-20 When the angels appear to the shepherds in the countryside fields outside Bethlehem, they do so because they are finally being granted permission to sing about what they LOVE to contemplate: the scope of the Christian Gospel. Can we learn what the angels learn so we can sing like they? Sermon Points: The Angels The Shepherds The Mother

Scripture Reference: Revelation 19:1-9, 21:1-8, 22:14-21 Revelation gives us an astounding picture of what Christians are looking forward to at King Jesus return. John sees that Jesus return brings everlasting life and joy as He makes all things new! Could St. Augustine be right when he said, “In God's home, there is an everlasting party?” Sermon Points: Your future self says “Come” because… The joy will never end (19:1-9, 21:4,8, 22:15) All things are made new (21:5) God is there (21:3)

Scripture Reference: Revelation 20 We don’t like to hear the ending of books before we’re read them, but Christian need to know their own “ending” so that we don’t give in to despair. So much has been written in Rev. 20 and so much disagreement about what it teaches, but perhaps the message is simpler than we know? Sermon Points: A Snapshot of History A Thousand Year Reign A Bound Devil A Vision of Thrones

Scripture Reference: Revelation 19:1-9 The surprising culmination of John’s vision of Jesus’ dealing with his people culminates in the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb, where Jesus will take his Bride to himself. Turns out, the whole of Scripture can be summed up in this story: the Husband-Heart of God pursing his people. Sermon Points: The Wedding Event The Wedding Story The Wedding Bliss

Scripture Reference: Revelation 17 John unpacks a second, albeit disturbing, image in Rev. 17-18 of a disgusting Prostitute who has corrupted the nations of the world. Far more than just a sexual image, John is talking about whoredom in the very seats of the powerful, and what God has in store for those in bed with her. Sermon Points: The Identity of the Prostitute The Character of the Prostitute The Fate of the Prostitute

Scripture Reference: Revelation 16 In the third and final recapitulation of seven-fold judgements that God’s people will have to face, we see God putting an end to all excuses, and, by implication, all mercy. All that’s left is punishment. How does a Christian view the ultimate end of evil and how does it inform how we live today? Sermon Points: The Perspectives on the End The Inevitability of the End The Thoroughness of the End

Scripture Reference: Revelation 12:17-14:5 The dragon calls forth two beasts to assist him in waging war against followers of Jesus. These two beastly images paint a vivid picture of world history. The church must know that Satan will try to conquer the church through intimidation and false teaching. However, the good news of the complete salvation of the Slain Lamb means His people will endure. Sermon Points: Intimidating Beast (13:1-8) Deceiving Beast (13:11-15) Mark of the Beast (13:16-18) Resisting the Beast (13:9-10, 14:1-5)

Scripture Reference: Revelation 12 How do you account for the outrageous evil that we’ve seen inflicted on the church in the last 100 years of human history? Revelation 12’s answer is that it is due to the rage of the Devil, the mighty dragon. But the chapter includes the powerful ways in which God’d people ultimately prevail. Sermon Points: THAT the Devil is Working WHY the Devil is Working HOW the Devil is Defeated

Scripture Reference: Romans 4:1-8 Sermon Points: Abraham Was Not Justified by Works Abraham Received Justification by Faith God Is the One Who Justifies Abraham

Scripture Reference: Revelation 8:1-9:21 What John sees in Revelation 8-9 are powerful images to describe world history until Jesus returns from the perspective of the world. God hears the prayers of His people pleading with Him to come in judgment, liberation and cleansing and responds with the trumpets. These trumpets are like tornado sirens, warning all of those who choose to live independently of King Jesus to repent and believe or the pain and suffering will increase. Sermon Points: The Why The What The Call

Scripture Reference: Revelation 7 John’s encouragement following the dreadful news about the terrible Four Horsemen has to do with the “sealed.” But who are the “sealed” and why do they sing like they do? And why is it important for the Christian to remember that THIS is their standing before the Throne? Sermon Points: The Identity of the Sealed The Meaning of the Sealed

Scripture Reference:  Revelation 6:1-17 As John gets a peek behind the veil into heaven, the scroll is broken, and all are shown the unfolding plan of God in world history. With vivid images, John sees that world history will be characterized by four horseman riding and bringing suffering. This sight is alarming, but also comforting to see that suffering is NOT a sign that the world is out of control, but instead a sign that Jesus is indeed coming and at work. Sermon Points: An Explanation of Suffering (vv. 1-8) Strategy in the Suffering (vv. 9-11) Security amidst Suffering (vv. 12-17)

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 18:17-40 Sermon Points: Idols Exposed Idols Extinguished

Scripture Reference: Revelation 5 If Revelation 4 is the setting to the drama, then chapter 5 IS the drama. John is broken by the knowledge of a mysterious scroll, but immediately pointed to a Lion which, to his surprise, appears as a Lamb. In this profound vision is the very heart of the Christian meaning of life. Sermon Points: John Weeps The Lamb Bleeds Heaven Sings

Scripture Reference: Revelation 4 When John steps through the open door of heaven, his vision is dominated (shown in the sheer amount of times he uses the word) by a Throne. He’s fixated and amazed. The entourage surrounding him suggests something deeply profound about human beings proclivity for worship. Sermon Points: How John Sees What John Sees What John Means

Scripture Reference: Revelation 3:14-22 Jesus seeks to bring about changes in his churches he’s confronting in Revelation chapters two and three, but it’s not enough to change the way they are “thinking” about themselves. They must also change their actions, and chapters two through three contain oceans of wisdom for God’s people seeking to pursue Godly change. Sermon Points: Things Charged Do the first things… Endure patiently… Wake up… Buy from me gold… Things Promised

Scripture Reference: Revelation 2:1-7 Christians live in a world that is being invaded by grace and reconciliation, but a world that still is beset by sin and destruction. We live in the “already and the not yet.” So when the Son of Man in John’s vision comes to speak to the churches, he does so with commendation and condemnation. Sermon Points: Things to Commend Fighting Against Error Enduring Suffering Doing Good Works Things to Condemn Lack of Love Compromise With The World Deadness Lukewarm-ness

Scripture Reference: Revelation 1:9-20 Our story opens with John as a political exile on an island prison, likely concerned that his ministry life is ebbing away. But a voice from the heavenly realm speaks to him, and nothing will ever be the same. And the voice that spoke to John still speaks to us today. But will we listen? Sermon Points: John Is In The Spirit Jesus Is Among The Lampstands The Church Is Safe With Her Champion

Scripture Reference: Revelation 1:1-8 The book of Revelation is written to a group of churches whose lives are getting “worse” as they follow a risen and ascended “unseen” Jesus. This book comes to people struggling to make sense of the world around them and says “LOOK!, things are not as they seem!” What is revealed to the apostle John and then shared with the churches are astounding images that make sense of the world, bring assurance and peace by ultimately revealing the character and presence of Jesus among them. Sermon Points: Reveals (vv. 1-3, 11) Reveals Through Pictures Reveals a Person (vv. 1, 4-8)

Scripture Reference: Romans 8:18-25 The Apostles Creed ends by confessing what Christians believe about the future. In summary, God will finish what He started. He created a world to dwell with humanity as His image bearers. No matter, how much sin has infected and destroyed the world and humanity, God is going to save and restore it all. This Christian hope is embraced when we confess I believe in “the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” Sermon Points: The Resurrection of the Body The Life Everlasting

Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:21-35 Cancel Culture as we knew it in the last decade seems to be fading somewhat, but the questions our society faced throughout still linger in the conscience. But Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness as THE necessity of the Christian life is just as fresh (and challenging) as it ever was and the Creed seeks to keep every generation from forgetting that. Sermon Points: The Costliness of Forgiveness The Reality of Forgiveness The Practice of Forgiveness

Scripture Reference: Acts 9:1-19 Much has been said, that doesn’t bear repeating, on the consistent anti-institutional bent of the present age. Talk of “the church” seems quaint to those who long for authenticity. But we believe in “the holy catholic church” which means that believing people find their primary identity in the collection of others who are so united to Christ. Sermon Points: The Reality of the Church The Meaning of the Church The Challenge of the Church

Scripture Reference: John 14:15-26 Some mystery surrounds the person and work of the Holy Spirit, for sure, but that doesn’t mean that He is due any less adoration and worship from God’s people than any other member of the Trinity. Today, we look at the doctrine of the Holy Spirit as THE active agent, the “mover shaker” of the Godhead. Sermon Points: The Importance of the Spirit The Action of the Spirit The Focus of the Spirit

Scripture Reference: Romans 2:3-11 Tim Keller once said, “You’ve accepted Jesus as your savior, but have you accepted him as your judge?” The idea that Jesus will return and execute justice is very much a controversial, and complicated prospect for Christians to think about. But there’s good news in his returning to judge that we’ll look at in the Apostles Creed. Sermon Points: Necessary Justice Complicated Justice Gracious Justice

Scripture Reference: Acts 1:1-11

Scripture Reference: Mark 4:35-41 Sermon Points: It Raises Questions It Exposes Unbelief It Awakens Love

Scripture Reference: Genesis 11:1-9; 12:1-3 Sermon Points: Law of Babel (vv. 11:1-9) Gracious Call of Abram (vv. 12:1-3)

Scripture Reference: Luke 18:9-14 Sermon Points: The Problem of False Justification The Source of True Justification