Frontline Church NC Sermons

This message from 1 Timothy 3:1–7 calls the church to embrace Jesus-shaped leadership, where authority is a sacred stewardship meant to bless, not harm. Elders are called to know, feed, lead, and protect the church with character marked by faithful home leadership, maturity, relational health, and spiritual vitality. Ultimately, the health of the church rests not on human leaders, but on the faithfulness of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus, who gave His life for His bride.

Pastor John Murphy explored how God's design for the family and the church brings order to chaos and leads to generational flourishing. Paul's letter to Timothy serves as a blueprint for restoring both home and church, with distinct yet equally valuable roles for men and women, rooted in creation—not culture. The message offered hope for the single, the hurting, and those with broken family stories, reminding us that God redeems and invites everyone to help build His household through faith in Christ.

In a culture deeply confused about womanhood, 1 Timothy 2:8–15 offers a restorative vision rooted in godly character, humility, and faith. Paul calls women to embrace their God-given design not as a burden, but as a high and holy calling, marked by influence, strength, and dignity. For every woman who feels weary or unworthy, the hope of the gospel is not in perfection but in surrender to Jesus, who is faithful to make us whole.

This sermon from 1 Timothy 2:1-8 explores the call for faithful men in the church, highlighting the cultural confusion surrounding manhood and the biblical vision for godly leadership. While society has distorted masculinity—either portraying men as oppressive or irrelevant—God's design calls men to depend on Him through prayer, pursue purity in heart and action, and foster peace rather than pride-fueled conflict. Faithful men create safety, strengthen the church, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Though none are perfect, Jesus—the true faithful man—calls men to surrender, be transformed by His Spirit, and lead with courage, humility, and love.

Pastor Matt Polk from Frontline OKC challenges us to expand our vision of God's heart for all people, emphasizing that Jesus is at the center of 1 Timothy 2:1-7, which calls us to pray for everyone—even our enemies. Using the metaphor of a lighthouse, he warns against churches becoming too comfortable rather than mission-focused. This message urges us to lift our eyes beyond our immediate circles, fixing them on Jesus, whose love transforms our prayers, relationships, and evangelism as we embrace God's desire for all to be saved.

This sermon from 1 Timothy 1:12-20 focuses on the amazing grace of God that saves even the worst of sinners, illustrated through the life of John Newton, author of Amazing Grace, and the apostle Paul. Newton, once a rebellious and cruel slave trader, was transformed by God's grace, just as Paul—once a fierce persecutor of Christians—was radically changed when he encountered Jesus. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, calls himself the foremost of sinners, yet he received mercy so that God's perfect patience could be displayed as an example for all. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and His grace overflows like Niagara Falls—never running dry, always offering more. No one is beyond redemption, and the same grace that saved Paul and Newton is available to all who trust in Christ.

In 1 Timothy 1:5-11, Paul urges Timothy to pursue sound doctrine that leads to love, while warning against false teachings that distort the gospel and distract believers. The law, though unable to save or change us, reveals our sin and points us to our need for Jesus. Through Christ, we are no longer condemned but set free to live as beloved children of God, walking in gratitude and obedience.

The sermon highlights the need to balance truth and love, warning against false teachings and fruitless discussions that distract from God's plan to cultivate faith and love. This message stresses that right teaching should not only guard against error but shape believers into people marked by Christlike love, growing through the Spirit's work. Matt Murphy invites us to rely not on our own knowledge or efforts but on Christ's grace, finding renewal and transformation through His sacrifice.

1 Timothy is a blueprint for building a faithful, resilient church rooted in Christ, addressing real struggles like false teaching, cultural pressure, and weary believers. Paul's transformed life shows that God can use anyone, while his encouragement to Timothy reminds us that we don't need to have it all together to be part of God's plan. This letter invites us to engage Scripture personally, build a lasting foundation for future generations, and trust that Christianity is about being rescued by Jesus, not earning His grace.

Jesus pursues those trapped in darkness, has the power to bring freedom, and commissions those he saves to push back darkness. In Mark 5, we see Jesus intentionally stepping into a broken situation, demonstrating his authority over evil, and sending the healed man to proclaim what God had done for him. As followers of Jesus, our mission is the same—to proclaim and demonstrate the kingdom of God wherever he has placed us. This means recognizing what Jesus has saved us from, embracing our calling, and living as ambassadors rather than passive spectators. Faithful followers don't just receive the gospel; they are sent by it, impacting the world through their obedience to Christ's mission.

Pastor John Murphy preaches that God designed us for deep, meaningful relationships with Him and one another, creating us to be known and loved. But the fall shattered this design, leading to isolation, shame, and division. Through Jesus, God restores our relationship with Him and calls us to pursue reconciliation and authentic community. While no relationship is perfect in this life, Christ is actively redeeming what sin has broken, and we live in the hope of complete restoration in Him.

Pastor Allen Smith's sermon, Bible Focused, emphasizes the authority, power, and sufficiency of God's Word, drawing from Psalm 1 to highlight the blessings of delighting in Scripture. The Bible is divinely inspired, eternal, and a specific revelation from God that brings wisdom, renewal, and faith, made alive by the Holy Spirit. True faith is not just knowing Scripture but knowing God, calling believers to prioritize His Word in daily life and preaching for lasting transformation and joy in Him.

What does it mean to live a Spirit-empowered life? In this message, we explore the incredible truth that the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, giving us the presence and power of God for life and ministry. From Jesus' promise of the Spirit to the early church's boldness, we'll see how the Spirit brings comfort, conviction, truth, and supernatural gifts. Discover how to yield to the Spirit's work, experience His presence, and walk in His power for God's glory and your joy.

This sermon "Faithful Followers" centered on being Gospel-Centered, focuses on the transformative power of the Gospel, defined as the good news of Jesus taking our place and His mission to restore all things. Pastor John Murphy highlighted the Gospel as the unshakable foundation of our lives and ministry, providing present assurance, future hope, and the freedom to embrace our need for grace. This powerful message calls us to repent, believe, and stay deeply rooted in the Gospel, rejecting judgmentalism, impatience, and self-reliance while boldly sharing the hope of Jesus with the world.

The message focuses on the call to be faithful, resilient, and rooted in Christ as we face the uncertainties of life. Drawing from Colossians 1:9-14, Pastor John Murphy emphasizes the need for knowledge of God, holiness, and spiritual power to walk faithfully with Him. Faithfulness leads to resilience, enabling us to endure trials and show grace with joy and gratitude, trusting in God's strength rather than our own. This resilience is possible because we are rooted in Christ, who has rescued, redeemed, and forgiven us, giving us a new identity and purpose. The invitation is to rely on His power and faithfulness, whether as seekers or followers, and to reflect on how we respond to sin, trials, and relationships, allowing His Spirit to transform us.

In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus emphasizes the enduring significance of the Old Testament, declaring he came not to abolish the Law and Prophets but to fulfill them. Our Student Director, Aidan Sims, preaches that the Old Testament reveals God's character and points to Jesus as the culmination of his redemptive plan, as seen in God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12) and the prophecy of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). Jesus fulfills the promises of a new land, people, and blessing, and through his death and resurrection, he provides the righteousness we cannot achieve on our own. This passage challenges us to trust in Christ's righteousness, not our own, and to read the Old Testament with faith and expectation, seeing it as a story that leads us to the crucified and risen Savior.

Experience the hope and joy of Christmas with us as you watch our Christmas Eve Service! Together, we'll celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, through heartfelt worship and a powerful message about the coming of our King. Be inspired and reminded of the hope, peace, and love that entered the world on that holy night. Let this Christmas be a time of renewal and celebration as we honor the true meaning of the season.

This sermon reflects on Simeon's encounter with Jesus in Luke 2, where he declares that seeing the Savior is enough to bring peace and fulfillment. It explores how Jesus reveals the thoughts of our hearts, exposing our need for salvation by contrasting His perfection with our sinfulness. Simeon's response shows that true satisfaction comes from Christ alone, who is both the light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel, fulfilling God's promises to bring salvation to all. The message challenges us to let go of competing desires, embrace Jesus as our all, and live in the hope and joy of His promises, trusting in His Spirit to transform us.

The angels' song, set against the backdrop of a superficial and fragile worldly peace (Pax Romana), proclaims the eternal glory of God and the true peace that Jesus brings through His life, death and resurrection. Like the shepherds, we are called to let this song linger in our lives—beholding God's glory in Christ, receiving His peace through faith, and sharing the story of His grace with others.

This message explores the biblical concept of hope through Zechariah's song in Luke 1. Unlike the fragile, uncertain hope of the world, biblical hope is a confident expectation rooted in God's character and faithfulness. Zechariah's story shows us that hope is a journey: it sometimes falters in the face of doubts, but it is restored when we anchor ourselves in God's faithfulness. True hope looks back to remember God's fulfilled promises, sees His present work in our lives, and looks forward to the future promises He has promised to accomplish. This Advent season, we are invited to bring our doubts to God, recount His faithfulness, celebrate His work today, and trust Him for what is to come. Biblical hope is grounded, unshakable, and transformative—it carries us through life's uncertainties with confidence in God's unfailing promises.

This sermon introduces the Advent series, Hymns of Hope, by reflecting on Mary's song in Luke 1, the first Christmas hymn. Advent, a season of waiting and anticipation, centers on the arrival of Jesus and God's faithfulness to His promises. Mary's story exemplifies how God's mindfulness and might collide with human frailty. Despite her humble and vulnerable position, Mary's faith leads her to celebrate God's mercy, justice, and provision. Pastor Blake Burrough draws parallels between Mary's experience and our own, highlighting how God enters into our weakness and fulfills His promises for His glory and our joy. Through Mary's song, we see that God is mindful of the overlooked and mighty for the helpless, inviting us to trust Him fully. 

Pastor John Murphy concludes the Warrior Poet series by exploring King David's wisdom in Psalm 37, where he reflects on a life shaped by battles, mistakes, and victories. David teaches that true wisdom begins and ends with trust in the Lord, demonstrated by not letting fear, anger, or envy rule our lives, but instead patiently waiting on God's justice and promises. Although David's trust was imperfect, the psalm points to Jesus—the ultimate Person of Wisdom—whose perfect life, death, and resurrection secure the promises of God for those who trust Him. This wisdom offers both present hope, as God sustains us in our struggles, and future hope, as we inherit eternal blessings through Christ. The call is to live wisely by trusting in the righteousness of Jesus, shifting from temporal concerns to an eternal perspective.

The sermon focused on 2 Samuel 24, where David's prideful census led to God's judgment on Israel, but also revealed God's mercy through David's repentance and a substitutionary sacrifice. This story highlights the dangers of pride, the gravity of sin, and the need for a tender, confessing heart, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the true sacrifice who absorbs God's wrath and offers forgiveness. Pastor John Murphy emphasized that God's mercy is deeper than our sin, and through Jesus, we can experience a new heart and the fullness of His steadfast love.

The sermon "Facing Your Real Giants" reframes the common idea of personal challenges as "giants" by identifying sin, death, and Satan as our real, ultimate adversaries. Drawing from David's battles in 2 Samuel 21-23, it emphasizes that we cannot defeat these giants ourselves, but Jesus has already conquered them on our behalf. David's final words and song of praise invite us to respond with faith and gratitude, grounded in the hope of Jesus' victory and the promise of our future salvation.

David's return to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion exposes the fractures in his kingdom, revealing his struggle to balance justice, mercy, and leadership. His interactions with figures like Shimei and Mephibosheth showcase both his limitations and Israel's lingering division. This imperfect restoration points us to our deeper need for a true King, fulfilled in Jesus, who brings lasting unity, justice, and redemption.

In this sermon, Pastor John Murphy explores how human desires, from ancient philosophies to modern psychology, often leave us restless and unsatisfied. Using David's example in Psalm 63, it shows that only a deep desire for God's presence and promises can truly satisfy and reshape our reality, even in difficult circumstances. The message encourages believers to aim their desires toward God, who holds them securely, offering eternal hope and fulfillment.

Pastor John Murphy reflects on the chaos in King David's life during Absalom's rebellion, where deception, betrayal, and murder seem to dominate, yet God remains in control. Despite human actions and apparent disorder, God's sovereignty is emphasized, showing that His plans and promises cannot be thwarted, as seen in David's eventual restoration and in the ultimate example of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. The takeaway is to trust in God's control, even in life's most chaotic moments, responding to His grace with obedience and faith.

The sermon examines how David, facing fear and anxiety in Psalm 3, turns to God for strength and protection. Instead of being consumed by fear, David shifts his focus to God as his shield, glory, and the lifter of his head, finding peace even though his circumstances remain unchanged. Pastor John Murphy encourages us to trust in God's care, reminding us that true peace comes from changing our perspective and gaze onto the promises of Jesus, not necessarily our situation.

Pastor Cory Farenkamp examines 2 Samuel 15:1 - 16:14 & explores themes of grief, rebellion, and the consequences of sin through the story of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. This sermon reflects on how grief, whether from personal loss or life's brokenness, is rooted in the human experience of a fallen world. The sermon connects Absalom's betrayal and David's sorrow to the broader consequences of sin, illustrating how human rebellion mirrors our separation from God. Ultimately, it points to the hope of redemption found in Christ, who restores what was lost in Eden.

In 2 Samuel 14, Absalom, frustrated after two years of not seeing his father, King David, sets Joab's field on fire to get his attention. This leads to Joab arranging a meeting between Absalom and David. When Absalom is brought before the king, he humbly bows, and David reconciles with him by kissing him. Pastor Allen Smith highlights God's work in a household marred by sin, demonstrating how God's plan, justice, and mercy are at play even in dysfunctional circumstances. Despite Absalom's rebellious actions, David's final act of mercy reflects God's willingness to forgive and restore through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Josh Kouri joins us this week from Frontline Church in Oklahoma as we install Allen Smith to the office of elder. Josh unpacks the who, what, how, and why of eldership in the local church from 1 Peter 5:1-4.

From 2 Samuel 13:23-39, Pastor John Murphy examines the responses of David and Absalom to the injustice of Amnon's assault on Tamar. David's passivity, driven by fear and shame, contrasts with Absalom's unchecked anger, which leads to vengeful rage. John highlights how fear of conflict, shame from past mistakes, and unresolved sadness can lead to paralysis or bitterness. John encourages rejecting passivity and confronting bitterness through the gospel, which offers hope and healing in Christ. Jesus, the true King, brings justice, freeing us to act with courage and process our emotions in light of God's grace.

This sermon focuses on the painful realities of injustice and silence, using the story of Tamar, Amnon, and Absalom from 2 Samuel 13. Tamar's cries for help after being violated by her brother are tragically ignored, first by Amnon and then by her family, illustrating the devastating effects of silence in the face of wrongdoing. Pastor John Murphy challenges listeners to reflect on their own responses to injustice, whether they resonate with Tamar's pain, David's passivity, or even Amnon's wrongdoing. It concludes by offering hope through Jesus, who sees, heals, and brings true justice, offering forgiveness, restoration, and a new identity to all who turn to Him.

Matt Murphy explores the transformative power of self-giving love within the Kingdom of God, using Paul's relationship with the Thessalonians as a model. Reflecting on his own experience of isolating and shallow connections, Matt acknowledges the human tendency to seek "safety" in separation. However, Paul's example in 1 Thessalonians reveals a different way—a life shared deeply with others, marked by gentleness, devotion, faithful presence, and care, much like a family. This sermon emphasizes that true, flourishing relationships require us to look to Christ as the infinite source of love, enabling us to love others without expectation or transaction. It calls the church to embrace this self-giving love, anchored in Christ, as the foundation for genuine, lasting community.

In this sermon, Pastor John Murphy emphasizes the need for a Gospel-centered culture in the church, where doctrine is lived out through constant exposure to the Gospel, a safe environment, and patience for growth over time. True transformation requires a balance of Gospel truth and a supportive community. The message concludes by encouraging us to engage in small groups that focus on community, spiritual formation, and mentorship.

In this sermon, Pastor John Murphy explores the foundation and aim of the scattered church, emphasizing that through Jesus, we have bold access to God and a constant advocate. Based on this foundation, believers are called to draw near to God, hold firmly to their hope, and encourage one another in love and good deeds. We are invited as the church to live out these truths in community, highlighting the importance of small groups and discipleship as vital expressions of our faith in Jesus.

In this sermon, Pastor John Murphy highlights that the church is a community of believers, not just a building, created to live in unity and reflect the love of the Trinity. It stresses that Christians need community to grow and fulfill the commands of Scripture, contrasting this with the isolation and convenience of modern culture. The message encourages believers to engage in both gathering and scattering as a church, living out their faith in Jesus through everyday life.

Pastor John Murphy examines how true happiness, according to Psalm 32, is found in God's forgiveness and a right relationship with Him, rather than in worldly pursuits of security and identity. He highlights David's experience of joy and transformation after confessing his sins, contrasting it with the burden of unconfessed sin. The message concludes by encouraging a response of gratitude, communal confession, and participation in sacraments, emphasizing that God's forgiveness leads to true, lasting happiness.

Pastor John Murphy examines David's story from 2 Samuel 12:13a and Psalm 51:1-4 to define true repentance as appealing to God's character, acknowledging sin against God, taking ownership, and refusing to hide. It contrasts self-punishment with reliance on God's grace, highlighting David's plea for a clean heart and renewed spirit. We are encouraged with the assurance of redemption through Jesus Christ, and to seek forgiveness and embrace our identity as God's children.

Pastor John Murphy examines King David's life, highlighting his triumph over Goliath and his sin with Bathsheba, to illustrate the slow progression and devastating consequences of sin. It emphasizes that sin is a rebellion against God's authority, leading to deception, increased desire, and destruction. Despite David's grave sins, God's presence and grace offer true repentance and forgiveness, urging personal reflection on one's sin and the pursuit of God's grace through Jesus.

In 2 Samuel 10, David's gesture of sending emissaries to console the new Ammonite king, Hanun, is misinterpreted, leading to humiliation and subsequent conflict. Joab prepares for battle against the Ammonites and their Aramean allies, demonstrating courage and strategic planning, which results in victory despite initial setbacks. The sermon draws lessons on facing adversity with courage, living for a higher purpose, and trusting in God's sovereignty, exemplified by both Joab and Jesus Christ.

In the sermon, Pastor John Murphy highlights how God grants His people power and authority to reflect His glory and extend blessings, contrasting our fascination with revenge. Using David's story from 1 & 2 Samuel, it shows how he used his authority for justice and kindness, particularly in his treatment of Mephibosheth. Believers are challenged to reflect on how they use their own power, emphasizing the importance of blessing others as recipients of God's grace through Jesus.

This sermon explores Psalm 145 as a field guide for praise, highlighting David's transition from lament to joyful songwriting and emphasizing that genuine praise is an overflow of a worshipful heart rooted in honesty and understanding of God's nature. It encourages believers to let their praise reflect God's revealed character, reminding them of His truth and preparing them for future challenges. Ultimately, praise is perfected in Jesus, who embodies and leads true worship.

In this sermon, we explore how everyone holds their own theological views, but approaching God on our terms is dangerous, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:1-7 with Uzzah's death. David's respectful approach to God leads to blessing and joy, highlighting the importance of humility and obedience. The sermon emphasizes receiving God's grace rather than performing for it, culminating in the message that God's plan of grace, fulfilled through Jesus, is far greater than our own efforts or understanding.

In this sermon, Pastor Blake Burrough dives into 2 Samuel 1-5, where after years in the wilderness, David emerges to lead Israel. David's hardships shaped him into a king who blessed his people, highlighting that the king we serve shapes who we become. Just as bad kings lead to bad kingdoms, a good king, shaped by God through trials, leads to a kingdom of blessed people. Ultimately, David's story points to Jesus, the true King and His sacrificial love.

In this sermon, Pastor John Murphy contrasts the lives of Saul and David, focusing on how Saul's fear and incremental compromises led him to consult a witch, demonstrating the dangerous nature of unchecked sin. The sermon urges self-reflection and reliance on Jesus as the true King to avoid spiritual decline. It concludes by connecting Saul's downfall to the gospel, highlighting God's deliverance through the judgment of Jesus.

The sermon explores enduring life's difficulties and seeking God amid struggles, using Psalm 69 and David's example of heartfelt lament. It emphasizes lament as an honest expression of sorrow directed towards God, critiquing cultural tendencies to numb pain or be ruled by emotions. Highlighting Jesus' prayers of lament, the sermon encourages embracing lament, praying the Psalms, and honestly expressing pain to God to find hope and community.

In this sermon, Pastor John Murphy discusses three tests David faces in the wilderness: refraining from killing Saul in a cave, heeding Abigail's wise counsel to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, and resisting the urge to kill Saul again, highlighting the dangers of taking matters into one's own hands, rejecting God's grace, and justifying wrong actions. Each test reveals internal struggles and emphasizes trusting God's timing and wisdom. Parallels are drawn to Jesus' perfect responses to his own wilderness tests, offering believers grace and strength through his example.

The sermon highlights David's journey from being celebrated to fleeing Saul's jealousy, spending a decade in the wilderness where he faces isolation and hardship. This period transforms David, deepening his dependence on God and shifting his concept of refuge from a physical place to a personal relationship with God. The sermon parallels this to personal life struggles, emphasizing that such wilderness experiences, though difficult, are times of profound spiritual growth and preparation for greater purposes, ultimately pointing to the refuge and transformation found in Jesus.

The sermon delves into the ongoing internal & continuous battle against sin within believers, even amidst divine grace, while emphasizing the power of the gospel to redirect hearts towards Jesus. Additionally, the sermon underscores the importance of community in shaping believers' understanding of the gospel, urging honesty and vulnerability among believers to foster genuine transformation rooted in Christ.

The sermon explores the tumultuous dynamic between David and Saul, highlighting Saul's jealousy and God's continuous favor toward David. Amidst adversity, David finds solace in his deep friendship with Jonathan, whose unwavering loyalty serves as a poignant example of sacrificial love. Ultimately, the sermon draws parallels between this earthly friendship and the eternal friendship offered by Jesus Christ, inviting listeners to find fulfillment and solace in friendship with Him.