Garden Way Church Sermons

This message considers how the ancient Hebrew festival of Pentecost, which became so significant for the 1st century Christians, is relevant for 21st century Christ-followers. We trace the history of Pentecost, and especially God's Holy Spirit from the Old Testament, through the time between the Old & New Testament, represented by John The Baptist, right

Missionary Guests Ron & Jacqui Whisler with Wycliffe Bible translators in Indonesia bring a report about their work and an inspiring message about praying for the harvest. (Luke 10:1-3)

In this message guest speaker Dexter Macauley explores the definition, the reality, and the application of true Biblical faith in the life of a Christ-follower (Hebrews 11:1-3).

This message consider the third and final part of the GWC Motto, To Share Him.  As followers of Jesus, we have received a precious gift - As we come to first Know Him, and then grow in our Love for Him, we then receive the serious responsibility To Share Him with those around us.  Neighbors,

There is nothing more powerful than the love of Jesus Christ.  In our greatest moments and in our deepest sorrows and in every place in-between, His love remains constant, it draws us to Know Him more and To Love Him more... this is our goal and purpose at Garden Way Church. (Matthew 22:34-38)

“To Know” as it is used by Jesus in John 17 describes life as more than just knowing facts about God and Jesus; true eternal life is rooted in a relationship with The LORD and a reliance on His Spirit in everyday life. (John 17:1-3)

When the Resurrection took place, the witnesses knew it was true news. But it took a while for them to understand that it was good news. It's important to understand that there is a back story to this idea of resurrection.  It's a powerful reason for understanding that this resurrection of Jesus really did happen.

This message explores what a life of contentment looks like for the Christ-follower - how we love this life He gives us now, while remaining fully connected to the life to come that is promised by our LORD. (Philippians 4:10-20)

Nearing the end of his letter Paul teaches the Philippian church how to allow the peace of God into their hearts and into the church. What Paul writes to the Philippian church can help us, too… should we find that we're not at peace with a brother or sister in our church family.  Philippians 4:2-10

Life today is meaningful because of where we are headed tomorrow. This message explores what it looks like to live a meaningful, purposeful life today in preparation for the tomorrow that The LORD has prepared for us. (Philippians 3:12-4:1)

In this text Paul wants us to understand that Jesus is the real treasure, and that He that is worth sacrificing everything else for.  Christianity is not a quick fix to our self-made problems or a magic salve for our guilty conscience.  Rather, it is a chosen path, following in the footsteps of The LORD.

This message considers how followers of Jesus are called to work out their salvation, because it is God who is at work in them to accomplish His will. This formula places the initiative and the power for our salvation and Christian maturity in God's work, while still requiring our participation in the process. (Philippians 2:12-18)

This text is really at the heart of the epistle to the Philippians... Paul shows us the beauty of sacrifice and how we can be motivated and passionate to pursue a life of serving others.  This message examines 3 key attitudes that help us to walk the downward path of greatness modeled by Jesus. (Philippians

In this text The Apostle Paul highlights both the difficulty of his own circumstances and his joy in the midst of them.  The attitudes Paul models in the midst of extreme hardships can help us to have confidence to face our own storms of life. (Philippians 1:12-30)

Are we Jesus-filled, or merely Jesus-flavored?  Partnership and Prayer… these are two key elements necessary for growing, healthy followers of Jesus.  Spending time in community with God, and with His people, may these be our goal and our purposeful participation, as we pursue a better life together.  (Philippians 1:1-11)

Peter uses this final section of his letter to remind us that this Earth and this life will not last forever - The Day of the Lord will come. Are we ready for The Day?  In this text Peter provides some insight for how we can be prepared now for what is to come then.

Peter challenges us to develop a pattern of wholesome thinking — to learn to think rightly about this world and the life to come.  Many people travel through life with misconceptions about the world we live in.  In this passage Peter wants to insure that followers of Jesus Christ think clearly and correctly about this

In chapter two Peter carries a high regard for the Truth of Scripture into a discussion about false teachers… those who come into God's family, the church, peddling ideas, philosophies and activities that oppose Biblical truth, all the while ignoring the Consequences of choosing that path. (2 Peter 2:1-22)

The Word of God is a treasure trove. It's not a fairy tale or make-believe made my men. Rather, it is the message of the living God to us. The more that we read it, travel through it, embrace it, and apply it... the more we will discover a growing trust and an immeasurable reward

After spending the first 11 verses of this letter explaining the beauty and power of the Gospel to save us, sustain us and sanctify us - now Peter takes time to remind us of some basic promises to strengthen our faith. (2 Peter 1:12-19)  

If The Apostle Peter had a marketing strategy, it would be to challenge Christ followers to a life of joy and obedience.  In this 2nd letter Peter calls his readers (us!) to actively participate in our salvation in response to what God has already done.  The LORD is calling us to the joy that comes

In the introduction to his second letter The Apostle Peter makes a startling and profound claim: in Christ we have everything we need for life! (2 Peter 1:1-4)

The song of Isaiah 9 previews the story of Christmas, the story of moving out of the darkness and into The Light.  Each day we make a choice to walk in the light or remain in the darkness. (Isaiah 9:1-7)  

Peter knows that, like him, we all stumble. We all get knocked down and fooled by the crafty, schemes and counterfeit truths of the Devil. But when we trust in The LORD for help and forgiveness, we can experience the true grace of God. (1 Peter 5:8-14)

How should the local church function when it is sensing that the world around is unfriendly, harsh or even antagonistic towards the Christian faith?  With Biblical leaders, humble followers and a focus on better times ahead as we live in God's loving care!  (1 Peter 5:1-7)

In this text Peter gives us five reasons for God's people to rejoice, even in the midst in suffering. (1 Peter 4:12-19)

In this text Peter teaches us to aim for big things by means of the smallest obedience. There are four specific duties that Peter calls Christ followers to -- in light of his significant goal of magnifying the glory of God in our midst. (1 Peter 4:7-11)

This section of text from 1 Peter reminds us that God will call us to be obedient to Him and sometimes it will lead to suffering. May we remember when that happens, that He is working out His purposes in our lives, and that we can actually find benefit in our suffering. (1 Peter 4:1-6)

In the midst of the twists and turns of life many of us know we are to be a blessing to those who mistreat us.  But what does that really look like?  And why is it so important that we do this?  In thus text Peter shares that our suffering may actually be the opportunity

This message addresses marriage, as well as other significant relationships in our life, and how our faith and standing as citizens of God's kingdom should shape those relationships.  Specifically the theme is submission within these relationships. (1 Peter 3:1-7)

In this text Peter exhorts the believer – whether a citizen under an oppressive government or a slave under an oppressive master – toward Gospel-centered submission, in such a way that points our oppressors toward Jesus and brings glory to God's name. (1 Peter 2:13-25)

Nick and Lindale Adams have served in Zimbabwe for nearly 30 years with A to Z Christian Mission.  Their focus is on training up church leaders within local churches and teaching Bible classes in local public high schools.

Christians are called to be different... different in such a way that we make a difference in a world that is broken, rebellious and in decay.  What does it look like to be a faith community that is surrounded by those who are opposed to the things of God? (1 Peter 2:1-12)

God's people are empowered by God's grace to represent Him as light in this dark and rebellious world, reflecting Grace Empowered Holiness.  Holiness is not a product of our works, it is a product of Gods' grace in the lives of His children. (1 Peter 1:13-25)

Like the ancient believers that Peter encouraged to “hang in there,” we too experience hardships, trials and difficulties.  So we ask the question, “As people who have been given a new birth into a living hope, what can we expect as we endure these struggles?" (1 Peter 1:3-12)

Much like ancient Rome in the time of Peter, the world around us is wrecked by the effects of sin that lead to brokenness, despair, and death, but, as Christ followers, we take courage in the fact that this world is not our ultimate home. The letters of Peter speak a message of unity, hope,

A message focusing on the importance of removing the fences that keep us separate from each other as followers of Christ and members of the Family of God. (Hebrews 10:22-26)

For most American Christians—persecution is the exception and not the rule— so Jesus' words are a reality check. They are a reminder that this world is not our home.  And that, perhaps, we should be less focused on maintaining our rights and privileges, and more focused on praying for those around us who are enduring

Peace doesn't just happen; Kingdom citizens are called to make peace. Our focus is not on having a peaceful personality but on the action of peacemaking. The blessed ones are the children of God who reflect the peace of their heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:9)

Sincerity with God and others... Cleansing, not of our own deeds, but through the blood of Christ... Transformation, as we cooperate with His plan and purpose for us.  These are the keys to the blessed pure heart that will allow us to one day fully see God. (Matthew 5:8)

True mercy, received by the merciful, does not happen by chance or accident.  It is a certainty; a spiritual principle of The Kingdom of Christ, established by the one true God.  But, if we're honest, we sometimes struggle with extending mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

Guest speaker Matt Shively shares an inspiring personal perspective on hungering & thirsting for spiritual truth while overcoming the difficulties this life often brings. (Matthew 5:6)

Kingdom citizens are called to be faithful and reliable, to live with strength under control, and in full acceptance of our LORD and His plans and purposes.  As we do, we will experience true blessedness... the divine joy and spiritual reality of our inheritance in God's Kingdom. (Matthew 5:5)

Who wants to mourn?  I don't want to mourn; I want to be happy.  Strangely, Jesus says these two emotions are related.  How can that make sense?  In order to respond to what Jesus means here, we need to understand three truths about mourning. (Matthew 5:4)

Jesus teaches that, when it comes to the spiritual realm, the kingdom life -- it is better to have less than more.  In the economy of the Kingdom of Heaven... less is more. To those of us who have lived most of our lives in prosperity, this is strange math; and it was pretty strange

The Apostle Paul offers Christ followers a recipe for how we can live with extraordinary strength as we Protect Our Minds.  This mind protection begins from a position, a place, and a preference for living in peace. (Philippians 4:4-9)

Guest speaker and Missionary Zach Lewis gives an update on the Lewis family move to Africa to work with tribal refugee groups, and shares an important message regarding prayer as the believer's first and best resource, not a last resort!

Minister Rob Carney and Associate Minister Nan Girvin examine God's perfect Father Heart and examine how the relationships we all have with earthly Father figures can impact our understanding of our Heavenly Father. (Psalm 103:8-13)

Giving up “our way” is how we lose our mind-- in order to pursue the mind or attitude of Christ.  In this text we'll see that The Mind of Christ is exhibited in three distinct virtues which we are called to pursue in our life.  (Philippians 2:5-9)

Renewing your mind means interpreting life through the lens of God's Word and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, rather than through the lens of our experience, trauma, preferences, or the opinions of others.  It's a fundamental shift toward seeing the world, ourselves, others, God, and especially what's possible from a Kingdom perspective. (Romans 12:1-8)

In this text we find The Apostle Paul issuing a mandate for believers, an instruction to “Set your minds on things above...”  He follows up his command language by telling us why this important, and then even gives us a couple of practical lists of attitudes and actions to put aside, and a second list