Kootenai Church: Special Sermons

In this message, Shepley Osman offers a thoughtful study of the thief on the cross. This brief yet powerful Christian life displays conversion, confession, and confidence in Christ. By examining the thief on the cross, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own walk with Christ and the profound truth that salvation is by grace alone. Osman highlights key truths about faith, forgiveness, and God's mercy through this timeless example. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this message, Jeff Williams explores the Logos revealed in John 1:1-18, showing how Jesus Christ is the eternal Creator who entered creation to dwell with humanity and reveal the Father. The revealed Logos confronts Jewish and Greek worldviews and invites us to respond in faith. Williams highlights how this passage magnifies grace and frames our stewardship as believers in light of Christ's divine identity. ★ Support this podcast ★

Colonel Jeff Williams draws from Job 28 and other Scripture to consider the fear of the Lord as the beginning of true wisdom. Emphasizing that human achievement cannot attain divine understanding, he underscores how wisdom is granted only by God's grace. The fear of the Lord is presented not only as the start of knowledge but also as a guiding light for all of life's vocations and decisions.Q1: Did you get a chance to witness to the Russians or others during your space flights?Q2: Did going to space change your relationship with God or affect your faith?Q3: (From the back of the room, summarized as a general question about applying wisdom in a fallen world, possibly in government or vocational settings.) Can Christians effectively live out wisdom in corrupt or difficult environments? ★ Support this podcast ★

In this powerful message, Jim Osman explores the responsibility believers have in passing the torch of faith to the next generation. Teaching from 2 Timothy 2:1–2, he emphasizes the need for strong, faithful, and teachable leaders who will continue the work of the gospel. Passing the torch of faith ensures that biblical truth endures through faithful living, consistent teaching, and intentional discipleship. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jim Osman examines loving church discipline as a biblical act rooted in Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 5. He presents it as obedience to Christ, a pursuit of the sinner's restoration, and a guard for church purity. This sermon highlights loving church discipline as a forsaken yet essential practice, blending sobering truth with redemptive hope for the church. ★ Support this podcast ★

In a world shadowed by sin and guilt, Psalm 32 offers a way out—a path marked by forgiveness and restoration. David Forsyth draws from his own experiences and King David's profound reflections to illuminate the six signposts that guide believers from the darkness of sin into the light of God's forgiveness and joy.The Six Signposts Out of DarknessEscape Is PossibleDavid begins by asserting that forgiveness and freedom from sin are attainable. Quoting verses 1-2, he emphasizes the blessedness of a forgiven life. Forgiveness is rooted in God's mercy, made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice. True happiness is found when sins are forgiven and peace with God is restored.Guilt Is WretchedThe burden of unconfessed sin is heavy. Drawing from verses 3-4, David describes how guilt affects the body and soul. Like King David, who endured God's heavy hand before confessing, guilt is a painful but necessary nudge back to God.Confession Is EssentialVerse 5 reveals the power of confession. To escape sin's misery, one must voluntarily and humbly acknowledge it before God. Confession brings release, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son and echoed in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us."God Is NearVerses 6-7 remind us that God is always present, ready to rescue and preserve those who call on Him. Despite fear or shame, we are assured that He will not cast us away but will surround us with songs of deliverance.Resistance Is FoolishVerses 8-10 caution against stubbornness, likening it to the irrationality of a mule that requires forceful guidance. The path of wisdom is marked by prompt repentance and trust in God's loving-kindness, avoiding the needless suffering caused by resistance. ★ Support this podcast ★

Good King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous rulers, exemplifies faith and reform throughout his life, as recorded in 2 Kings 22–23. Despite a lineage of wickedness, he ascended the throne at age eight and sought the Lord wholeheartedly, rediscovering the Book of the Law and implementing sweeping reforms. Josiah eradicated idolatry, renewed the covenant, and celebrated a historic Passover, reflecting his deep conviction and submission to Scripture. His story underscores timeless lessons on leadership, repentance, and the enduring sovereignty of God, even amidst personal and national challenges. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jeff Miller explores how servant leadership differs radically from worldly power structures in God's kingdom. Through Mark 10:35-45, he reveals Jesus' counter-cultural teaching that true greatness comes through sacrificial service to others. By examining Christ's ultimate example of servant leadership in God's kingdom, believers learn that the path to greatness requires becoming servants and slaves to all. ★ Support this podcast ★

Christ's birth, though humble, was the arrival of the long-awaited Davidic King promised in Scripture. The angel Gabriel told Mary her son would be called the Son of the Most High and receive the throne of his father, David, to reign forever. His birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecies of a coming eternal King. The birth of the King inaugurated the kingdom he would establish through his death and resurrection. ★ Support this podcast ★

In Jeremiah 23:1-8, God makes promises that reveal His love for His people. Despite Israel's apostasy and the failure of their kings, God promises to provide a shepherd king from David's line who will care for and rule over His people in the land. This shepherd king is none other than Jesus Christ, the righteous branch, who fulfills these prophecies. He is the Lord our righteousness, who secures salvation for all who trust in Him by His perfect life and death. The birth of Christ is the provision of God's love - a Savior, Shepherd, and King. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jeff Miller explores Jesus' encounter with Simon Peter in Luke 5:1-11, focusing on catching fish and men. He examines how Jesus' miraculous catch of fish leads to Peter's conversion and calling as a disciple. Miller highlights the progression from Peter's reluctant obedience to his illumination, conviction, and ultimate commitment to follow Jesus. The sermon emphasizes how catching fish and men exemplifies Jesus' authority and transformative power. ★ Support this podcast ★

Paul called upon Timothy to be unashamed of Christ, the gospel, and Paul's imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. The passage describes three reasons to be unashamed. An exposition of 2 Timothy 1:8-12). This message was preached for our baptism service. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jim Osman examines the significance of communion in 1 Corinthians 11:18-34, emphasizing its role as a divine institution and a memorial meal that symbolizes the unity of believers. He highlights how the Corinthian church's misuse of the Lord's Supper reflected deeper issues of division and selfishness. The focus is on understanding communion's true purpose and ensuring its observance worthily. The communion significance is essential for the church's unity and reflection on Christ's sacrifice. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jim Osman emphasizes the critical role of elders in protecting the church from false teachers. Drawing from Acts 20:28-32, he explains how Paul warned the Ephesian elders about the ever-present danger of “savage wolves” infiltrating the flock. Osman underscores that guarding the flock is a solemn duty, essential for maintaining the purity and unity of the church. He calls for vigilance, sound doctrine, and unwavering dedication to this spiritual protection. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jim Osman's sermon, “A Pattern for Baptism (Acts),” delves into the scriptural basis and practice of baptism as depicted in the book of Acts. Osman outlines who should be baptized, emphasizing that only those who genuinely believe in Jesus Christ qualify. He discusses various examples from Acts to illustrate the consistent pattern of believer's baptism. This exploration underscores the importance of understanding and following the biblical command for baptism in Acts. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this sermon, Dr. Owen Strachan explores the story of Abigail and David from 1 Samuel 25, highlighting the power of feminine wisdom. He discusses how Abigail's wise intervention prevented bloodshed and demonstrates the significant role of godly women in guiding and influencing men. Strachan emphasizes that feminine wisdom is crucial for maintaining peace and promoting godly decisions. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this sermon, Dr. Owen Strachan delves into the power of the gospel, contrasting it with the pervasive lies of paganism. He emphasizes that the gospel's power transforms lives, highlighting the importance of living by God's truth. Strachan urges Christians to confront the lies of the world and stand firm in their faith, showcasing the gospel's transformative power. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jeff Miller delivers a compelling sermon on Paul's final instructions to Timothy from 2 Timothy 4:9-22. He explores how Paul's guidance emphasizes faithfulness and perseverance. Miller highlights the importance of personal sanctification and handling the Word of God with integrity. By focusing on Paul's final instructions, believers can find inspiration to stay committed to their faith and duties. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jeff Miller's sermon on 2 Timothy 4:6-8 explores the theme of finishing strong in faith. He emphasizes Paul's journey, urging believers to rely on the Holy Spirit and remain steadfast in their spiritual race. Miller highlights the importance of guarding the faith and enduring to the end. Finishing strong in faith is essential for receiving the crown of righteousness from Christ. ★ Support this podcast ★

In his sermon, Jeff Miller delves into the critical theme of Safeguarding the Gospel, drawing from the poignant context of Paul's imprisonment and his epistles to Timothy. Miller's narrative begins in the grim settings of Paul's captivity, where despite facing imminent death, his commitment to the gospel remains unwavering. He emphasizes the apostle's directives to Timothy, encapsulating the profound essence of transmitting the gospel through steadfast faith and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The sermon outlines the methodologies and spiritual fortitude required to preserve the gospel's integrity amidst persecution and adversity. Miller illustrates how Paul's instructions are not just historical recounting but are actionable commands that Timothy, and by extension, today's Christians, must actively pursue. Through theological insight and practical application, he highlights the continuous need for spiritual strength and resilience, rooted in divine grace, to combat doctrinal corruption and maintain gospel fidelity. As Miller expounded, Paul's urgency and depth of message reflect a blueprint for Christian diligence and are a testament to the enduring power of faith. The sermon ultimately serves as a call to action for believers to embody the courage and commitment exemplified by Paul, ensuring that the gospel is defended and dynamically shared across generations. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this sermon titled "Three Keys to Church Unity," based on Ephesians 4:1-3, David Forsyth discusses the vital role of unity in maximizing the effectiveness of the Great Commission within the church. He outlines three critical elements necessary for fostering this unity: recognizing that unity is created through the gospel, cultivating it through loving tolerance, and maintaining it through diligent effort. Emphasizing the importance of these principles, he illustrates how they can strengthen the church's mission and counteract the divisive forces threatening its spiritual harmony. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jeff Miller delves into the theological and historical context of Paul's letters to Timothy, particularly focusing on 2 Timothy 1:6-14. Paul, facing persecution and nearing the end of his life, urges Timothy to reignite the Holy Spirit's power for effective ministry. The sermon emphasizes the enduring necessity of the Holy Spirit's power for Christian ministry and life, linking this to Paul's comprehensive guidance on confronting challenges and maintaining faithfulness in ministry. This exhortation is grounded in the broader biblical and historical setting of early Christian struggles, particularly under the oppressive reign of Emperor Nero. ★ Support this podcast ★

This sermon delves into the narrative of Acts 23:1-10, focusing on the Apostle Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin, where he astutely highlights his belief in the resurrection to create a division between the Pharisees and Sadducees, thus avoiding condemnation. The discussion emphasizes the centrality of the doctrine of resurrection in the Christian faith and its divisiveness not among believers, who are unified in this belief, but between Christianity and other worldviews. The sermon portrays this doctrine as the core of Christian hope and identity, asserting that belief in Jesus' resurrection is foundational to being a Christian, and further explores the broader implications of resurrection on humanity's eternal destiny. An exposition of Acts 23:1-10. ★ Support this podcast ★

On the night of the Savior's Birth, His arrival was announced to Shepherds out in the fields. An exposition of Luke 2:1-20. ★ Support this podcast ★

In Gabriel's announcement to Mary, we see the themes of Old Testament promises surface once again. The child born to Mary would be both human and divine. The "Seed of the woman" would be conceived apart from the agency of man. He would be a King from David's line who will rule that Kingdom forever. An exposition of Luke 1:26-38. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Old Testament promised a Messiah Who is Immanuel, "God with us." The origin, names, and reign of the Messiah as promised in the Old Testament reveal His divine nature. An exposition of Micah 5:2; Isaiah 9:6-7; and Psalm 2. ★ Support this podcast ★

The humanity of the Redeemer is necessary for our salvation. The Old Testament promised a Messiah who would share fully our humanity. We see His humanity in His lineage, His suffering, and His reign. An exposition of selected Scriptures. ★ Support this podcast ★

This is the first message in a Christmas series for 2023. We begin with the very first promise of a redeemer given to Adam and Even in the garden after their sin. Spoken amid a curse, this promise is filled with hope and mercy. An exposition of Genesis 3:15. ★ Support this podcast ★

Giving thanks should characterize our relationships, our worship, and our service. It is a grace that should be evident in all aspects of Christian living and church life. An exposition of Colossians 3:15-17. ★ Support this podcast ★

Three thrilling and heart-warming realities are inherent in the designation of God as Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is essentially a Father God the Father eternally loves God the Son God the Father is in eternal fellowship with the Son ★ Support this podcast ★

On the day of Pentecost 3,000 souls were converted and added to the Church. Baptism was part of that conversion experience. In this message, we note four things about those who were baptized on the day of Pentecost. An exposition of Acts 2:37-47. ★ Support this podcast ★

Though Paul is writing primarily to combat false teachers threatening that congregation, his pastoral care for this flock is clearly evident in this letter. Since believers in Jesus have new life in Him, all aspects of our lives (our "walk") should clearly demonstrate that fact, including our speech—an exposition of Colossians 4:2-6. ★ Support this podcast ★

Eight reasons to obey the Savior and be baptized. Selected Scriptures. ★ Support this podcast ★

This morning's lesson provides ten reasons why you should regularly and systematically read your whole bible along with some practical suggestions to help you begin and sustain this life-changing spiritual habit. ★ Support this podcast ★

A survey of John's Gospel, and its teachings regarding God's election, and the security of His elect. An exposition of John 6, 10, 17. ★ Support this podcast ★

Both the younger son (the rebellious prodigal) and the older son (the religious prodigal) are more alike than they are different: They are both opposed to receiving the free goodness and grace of the Father. They are essentially anti-grace prodigals. And so, we must remember not to resist or replace God's grace. An exposition of Luke 15. ★ Support this podcast ★

Imitating God's love and walking in love as Christians. This text emphasizes the importance of demonstrating a love that is distinct from worldly love and imitating God's unconditional and unselfish love. As believers we should emulate God's love by being kind, forgiving, and loving towards one another, highlighting the need to love even those who may be difficult or uncomfortable to love. An exposition of Ephesians 5:1-2. ★ Support this podcast ★

The distinction between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a unique event associated with the birth of the church, characterized by the filling of the Holy Spirit and the speaking of tongues, and it is not a normative experience for present-day believers–the gift of speaking in tongues ceased after the apostolic era. ★ Support this podcast ★

The single truth that will most effectively fix your heart, mind, and affections upon Heaven, our eternal home and reward, is the truth of our future bodily resurrection. Reminding us that our citizenship is in Heaven, Paul describes our eventual transformation at the Resurrection by which we will be made fit for our Heavenly Home. An exposition of Philippians 3:20-21. ★ Support this podcast ★

One week before Passover Jesus and His disciples emerged from seclusion and He publicly rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Why did Jesus come to Jerusalem at that time of year and why was it necessary for Him to come in such a public way?  We will explore these questions and more in our study of the Triumphal Entry on that Palm Sunday 2,000 years ago. An exposition of Matthew 21:1-11;14-17. ★ Support this podcast ★

Paul wrote the church in Colossae to strengthen it against false teachers trying to impose legalistic dietary and religious rules. Using a hymn in two stanzas Paul reminds them of their sufficiency in Christ who is the sovereign Lord of creation, the church, and their salvation. An exposition of Colossians 1:15-20.  ★ Support this podcast ★

This message focuses on four expressions of God's sovereignty over His church so that we will be reminded that it belongs to Him and not us. God's sovereignty is expressed in the fact that He formed the Church according to His plan, He fills the Church according to His pleasure, He fashions the Church according to His prerogative, and He focuses the Church according to His priorities. ★ Support this podcast ★

Christian hospitality has fallen from prominence by the mistaken assumption that it is a spiritual gift. But when we examine the Scriptures we find that hospitality is not a gift but a duty through which we express our love for the brethren. ★ Support this podcast ★

When a large rock is thrown into a pond, the ripple effects can be both dramatic and extensive.  When we understand that “all Scripture is God-breathed” (the sole infallible rule of faith for the people of God) the implications are likewise massive and far-reaching. An exposition of 2 Timothy 3:10-17. ★ Support this podcast ★

We will get a grip on what the sufficiency of Scripture means, in itself, and what it means to us as believers, in personal application. ★ Support this podcast ★

Anger is a powerful emotion, but it can be used for good or evil like dynamite. In Ephesians 4:26-27 the Apostle Paul instructs the believer how to navigate between the extremes of sinful anger and complacency while pointing to the gospel as the ultimate Christian response. If you are struggling to find the proper role for anger in your life this message is for you. An exposition of Ephesians 4:26-27. ★ Support this podcast ★

God and God alone is the active agent in our salvation. Therefore all glory goes to Him for our redemption and deliverance from His wrath. An exposition of Ephesians 2:4. ★ Support this podcast ★

An overview of the Puritans. Who they were, and what they believed. ★ Support this podcast ★

Paul lays out in this text four Holy Spirit-empowered keys that are necessary to unlock the Christian life.  These keys are the basis for fulfilling the ethical imperatives that make up the balance of the letter. An exposition of Romans 12:1-2.

Paul lays out in this text four Holy Spirit-empowered keys that are necessary to unlock the Christian life.  These keys are the basis for fulfilling the ethical imperatives that make up the balance of the letter. An exposition of Romans 12:1-2. ★ Support this podcast ★

Since preaching is one of the primary means of grace for the believer it is critical that we hear and heed the preached word. This message emphasizes three essential activities that we must practice so that we will make the most of the Sunday sermon.