Friendship Church Sermons

In the eighth week of our series in Systematic Theology, we tackled the doctrines of heaven & hell. What are these destinations all about, and what do they reveal about the character of God?

In the seventh week of our series in Systematic Theology, we address the subject of salvation. What is salvation, or what does it mean to be saved? This is a fundamental question of Christianity and the most significant question of our lives.

In the sixth week of our series in Systematic Theology, we tackle the question of Who is Jesus Christ? There is much to say about this one who is central to our faith. The more we understand the person & work of Christ, the more we will be moved to worship Him.

In week five of our series in Systematic Theology, we consider the doctrine of sin. Though a weighty topic, we must understand it rightly and deal with it seriously. It not only impacts our relationship with God, but every other area of our life.

In week four of our series on Systematic Theology, we tackle anthropology: What is man? This is a question about origin, purpose, and identity that every human being asks. Here we go back to the beginning to see God's original intent for mankind.

In the third week of our series on Systematic Theology, we consider Theology Proper: the doctrine of God. Though one sermon could never fully answer these questions, we'll consider who God is and what He is like.

In week 2 of our series on Systematic Theology, we look at the subject of Scripture. How are we to think, feel, and act rightly in regards to God's Word?

To introduce our series on Systematic Theology, we answer the basic question, What is Theology? What is about, who is for, and why does it matter?

It was an eventful year of ministry, and we want to celebrate God's goodness to us! During this broadcast, we'll hear from some of our leaders, review our six sermon series from 2023, and discover Pastor Andrew's Top 10 Highlights of the year.

The fourth and final descriptive title for the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6 is Prince of Peace. What does this peace entail? And how do we live in light of it?

The fourth title given to the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:6 is Everlasting Father. What does this tell us about Jesus? And how should it affect how we live?

The second description given to the Messiah in the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 is Mighty God. What does this mean? And how do we live in light of it?

The first of four titles given to the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:6 is Wonderful Counselor. What does it mean that Jesus was wonderful? Why is he called a counselor? And how do we live in light of this?

To close out this tremendous chapter, Paul wants us to have a deep certainty of God's love for us. The more we understand and internalize this truth, the more confidence we will have to live boldly and freely for Him. We can be assured that God will keep us until the very end.

The Christian life is one of realizing our weakness and need for help. When we are overwhelmed and feeling helpless, the Spirit helps us. The deep truths of Romans 8 provide us with eternal perspective and confidence in God's plan for our lives.

As we live in the Spirit, He doesn't leave us to deal with our struggle in our own strength. He enables us to endure suffering until He returns and ultimately delivers us.

Confidence in God's love for us affects how we live. This is one of the roles the Spirit plays in our life: to give us assurance of our right standing with God so we can live freely, boldly, and whole-heartedly for him.

The Holy Spirit is a gift to believers. His presence in us makes all the difference as we seek to live our lives for Him.

Many of us live under the constant voice of condemnation in our heads, whether from ourselves, others, or the enemy. One of the most powerful truths in Scripture is found in these first two verses of Romans: in Christ, we have justification and liberation.

The tenth and final word is not as open and public as the others, but is more hidden in the heart. The Lord is again looking for a more expansive obedience as he calls us away from coveting toward contentment.

As God established laws to help govern how humans are to relate to Him and to one another, He was laying the foundation for a just society. One thing we see in our justice system is that justice depends on truth. And at the heart of the ninth word is the necessity for truthful talk.

The eighth word is another simple four-word statement that goes beyond face value. Not only does it deal with our propensity to take what doesn't belong to us, but it points to our new creation identity as those who give and share.

In the seventh word, God speaks further into the relationships in the home by addressing husbands and wives. But as with the previous command, Jesus presses into our hearts and speaks to how we view not only marriage, but the marriage bed.

The sixth word is straightforward in prohibiting murder. But as all the commandments, it calls us to a deeper obedience. We are called to follow in the footsteps of our Savior as life-givers.

The fifth word transitions from giving instruction on how we relate to God to how we relate to others. Specifically, we are called to honor our father and mother. More broadly, we are called to honor those who are in authority over us.

The fourth word is not a prohibition; rather, it is instruction on how to observe the Sabbath. For us, it is all about finding rest in the Lord.

The third word prohibits the misuse of God's name, calling us instead to honor His name in how we speak and how we live.

The second word is closely related but distinct from the first word. With this word, God calls us away from worshiping a version of God that is anything less than God. It is a call to undiminished worship.

The first word not only begins the Ten Commandments, but it sets the tone for all that will follow. In a somewhat surprising introduction, God calls us to an undivided allegiance.

Before diving into each of the Ten Commandments, we first consider the law of God. Where did it come from? What was its purpose? What does it mean for us today? Our goal in this series is deeper than mere obedience, but delight in God's law.

This Sunday sermon, preached by Pastor Andrew and his son Aidan, is the conclusion of our Youth DNow weekend. The theme was Irreplaceable, speaking of the one and only Jesus. If we are going to follow Him as the Bible calls us to, we have to know who He is. In the gospel of John, Jesus makes 7 "I Am" statements to help us understand exactly who He is. In this sermon, we see Jesus as the light of the world.

The final five psalms all begin and end with the Hebrew word, Hallelujah, translated as "praise the Lord." These are a call to praise the Lord!

Psalms of Wisdom are similar to the ``Wisdom" books of the Old Testament (think Proverbs or Ecclesiastes). These psalms provide instruction, both specifically and broadly, on how to live life and exist in relationship with God.

Psalms of Remembrance retell the history of God's presence in humanity, focusing on acts of salvation and redemption in the past. These psalms turn our hearts toward gratitude as we remember God's grace in his specific actions, the miraculous, and major historical events.

Psalms of Kingship present a king as the major focus. This can be directed at a humanly king, or God as the heavenly King of all creation.

Psalms of Confidence describe the author's trust and faith in God, typically with a central image or theme. Psalm 23 is the primary example, where David compares God to his shepherd.

Psalms of Thanksgiving are similar to Psalms of Praise, in that they celebrate God. In doing so however, they share narratives of God's goodness and typically honor specific things that He has done. This can include heard and answered prayers, stories of deliverance, and God-given victories.

Psalms of Lament are songs and prayers given to God in times of pain - when we feel distant from God, hurting, or abandoned. Though each Lament begins in a generally negative position, each one turns back to God in trust and thanksgiving by its end (excluding Psalm 88). Psalms of Lament can be cries of desperation, petitions for aid, or pleas for justice.

Psalms of Praise, otherwise known as hymns, are songs of pure praise to God. These songs are sung when our orientation and relationship with God is stable, calm, and untroubled. Psalms of Praise can be general calls to worship, address God's rule as creator, or exist as an author's personal moments of adoration.

As the book of Acts concludes, Jesus is fulfilling His word and promise to build His Church by His Holy Spirit through his witnesses. Though the book ends with Paul imprisoned in Rome, the story of God continues through us today. God is with us to the end, as He sends us to the end of the earth.

As Paul's return journey from his third missionary journey, he landed in Miletus where he called the Ephesian elders to come to him. In this farewell address, he speaks of his own personal example as he exhorts them in their leadership. Here we see the heart of Paul and what he values most.

Paul enters Ephesus on his third missionary journey, and his time there is marked by the word "disturbance." In Acts 19, we see several disruptive episodes of activity amongst the Ephesians. Though we often view disturbances as irritants, God often uses them to move us out of the status quo. This is God's gracious work in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ.

In order to get the gospel to the ends of the earth, God establishes gospel partnerships. The mission of God cannot be accomplished alone. In Acts 18, as Paul brings the gospel to Corinth, God forms multiple alliances to advance the gospel. We can rejoice that God brings us into relationship with others who will further the work of God not only in the world, but in us.

As the second missionary journey continues through Europe, Paul and friends come through Thessalonica and Berea before finally landing in Athens. It is here at Mars Hill where Paul addresses the pagan unbelievers with the simple message of the gospel. This was something strange and new to them, but it was a story with the power to give them new life.

Following the Jerusalem Council's verdict, Paul makes his second missionary journey. Along with his team, they move into Macedonia to establish the gospel on European soil. As we see all throughout the book of Acts, God is orchestrating events to accomplish His purposes, and He uses those who follow His lead.

When Paul and Barnabas returned from their first missionary journey, they came back to a church dispute around the doctrine of salvation. In other words, what is required for a person to do in order to receive the forgiveness of their sins? The apostles and elders form the Jerusalem Council, which comes to a decisive conclusion, a truth that impacts all of us: salvation is by grace alone.

Paul takes his first missionary journey out of Antioch in Syria. In Acts 13, he preaches a sermon in another Antioch (of Pisidia). He preaches the same gospel we see preached by the apostles throughout Acts - which makes for a great Easter sermon! The Easter message is the gospel message: Jesus has power over sin & death.

In a transitional time in the formation of the church, the base of operations moves from Jerusalem to Antioch. From here, a new church is birthed and missionaries are sent out. This church at Antioch becomes the prototypical New Testament church and is a model for churches on mission.

In Acts 10, the church takes a significant stride forward as the gospel reaches the Gentiles in Caesarea. Not only are Cornelius, his household, and many Gentiles converted, but Peter's heart is "converted" in the process. Because of God's work here in this chapter of history, there is neither Jew nor Greek...for we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28-29).

God uses more than just apostles and leaders to get the gospel out; He uses everyday, Spirit-filled men and women. In Acts 9, we see one of the most important transformations as Saul of Tarsus is interrupted on the road to Damascus.

Following the execution of Stephen, another faithful servant steps up and continues to preach the Word. Dr. Luke (author of Acts) calls him Philip the evangelist, and we see his willing, obedient heart in Acts 8. His ministry gives us an example of how to live on mission.