Midlands Church

After being silent for at least nine months, Zechariah speaks a prophecy concerning his son, John. In it, he describes how God has provided salvation for his people and, in His mercy, has revealed His peace that follows the forgiveness of their sins.

Following the revelation that she would bear a son who would be the Son of God, Mary visits her relative Elizabeth. The response of Elizabeth and her baby to Mary's arrival reaffirms the fulfillment of what Gabriel revealed to Mary. Mary's Song of Praise puts the emphasis where it belongs. Not on Mary, but on her Lord and Savior.

Life is filled with ‘how can this be moments?'. Those moments where you're shocked by the events unfolding around you and you're left asking ‘how can this be?' In the opening verses of Luke's gospel, Luke records 2 of these moments. Both Zechariah and Mary are visited by the angel Gabriel and receive incredible news that leaves them asking ‘how can this be?' At first glance, their responses seem similar. But upon more careful consideration we see one is rooted in doubt which produces unbelief, while the other is rooted in trust, which produces obedience.

In a remarkably ordinary passage, Ezra leads a second group from Babylon back to Jerusalem. The good hand of the Lord was on them every step of the way. In this ordinary chapter, we are reminded that God works in ordinary ways to accomplish his extraordinary purposes of advancing His kingdom. As Christians, we therefore want to strive to be faithful in the ordinary moments of life, knowing that God uses those moments for His glory.

In a remarkably ordinary passage, Ezra leads a second group from Babylon back to Jerusalem. The good hand of the Lord was on them every step of the way. In this ordinary chapter, we are reminded that God works in ordinary ways to accomplish his extraordinary purposes of advancing His kingdom. As Christians, we therefore want to strive to be faithful in the ordinary moments of life, knowing that God uses those moments for His glory.

The exiles get an unexpected letter from king Darius. Through God's providence and prophets, the temple is finished. We observe that God's grace often comes to His people in an unexpected way. As God works in unexpected ways, He increases His people's joy in Him.

As the rebuilding of the house of God begins anew, the leaders are confronted with the question, “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?” The response to that question led to the completion of the task at hand. This story reminds Christians today that we have been given a task and the authority has been given by Jesus Christ Himself.

For 16 years the temple sat unfinished. The exiles had grown comfortable in their disobedience. God sent them the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to call them to repentance. By looking at the message of repentance preached by the prophets we will see that God still calls us to repent by returning to Him empowered by the Holy Spirit, comforted that God will return to us through Jesus Christ.

As the exiles break ground on rebuilding the temple, they begin by rebuilding the alter. In so doing, the exiles tells us worship is most important. God's mission is advanced through the white-hot, self-sacrificing, God-exalting, unified praise of His people.

Ezra 2 is one of those chapters that we normally skip. Genealogies, however, are a feature in the Bible. As God re-gathers His people, we are reminded that there are no nameless people before God. More importantly, in Christ, God gives His children a new name, by which they display His glory.

As promised, after seventy years in exile, the Lord stirs up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia. Cyrus issues a decree and puts it in writing, making provision for the exiles to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Lord's temple. Ezra 1 reminds us that the Lord is always working behind the scenes for the good of His people and the display of His glory.

We conclude our Sing A New Song series in Psalm 148, a psalm exploding with praise! It commands and invites everyone and everything in all creation to praise the Lord. Psalm 148 teaches us that worshipping the Lord fulfills our moral duty as humans, satisfies our deepest light as individuals, and it is made acceptable through Jesus Christ, the deliverer for God's people.

Psalm 119 has much to teach about the words of God. It is a Psalm celebrating the word and work of God through His instructions in the life of the author. In Sunday's message we will seek to discover how the psalmist can lead us to truth, knowledge and delight through God's laws.

Psalm 137 begins with remembering the past glory of Zion and the terrible sorrow of its destruction. Yet, these exiles refuse to capitulate to tormenting demands of their captors. Instead they remember their joy found in true worship of God and His ultimate conquest over His enemies. Believers today are reminded that they are in exile, waiting for the return of Jesus, and continue to set their joy on God in true worship.

Psalm 98 is about rejoicing in the Lord. Like the other enthronement Psalms, it calls on all of creation, both heaven and nature, to sing praises to God, our Creator, King, Savior, and Judge.

Psalm 91 is one of the most hopeful Psalms in the entire Psalter. For the one who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, God promises to protect and to provide for him. Satan used verses 11-12 when he tempted Jesus. By resisting the temptation, Jesus proved that he was in fact the Man spoken of in Psalm 91 as he trampled the head of the Serpent, securing victory for God's people.

Psalm 73 tells the story of a man who falls into sin and is rescued by God. It shows us how important it is to guard our hearts from envy, and it reveals God's goodness to His people. God is faithful despite the apparent prosperity of the wicked, and He is faithful even when we are surrounded by sin and despair.

One commentator writes that there is, "no sadder prayer in the Psalter." It is unique in this respect. Many of us know someone, or will personally experience sorrow beyond words. Psalm 88 reminds us the deep sorrow is real and painful. Yet, we are also reminded that there is a deeper joy for those in Christ; sorrow does not have the last word.

Psalm 41 ends book one in the Psalter. In this Psalm David recalls the blessed man who is sustained by the Lord while he is weak and in need of help, trusting that God's promises would not fail and that he would see healing. This all ends in the unceasing praise of the Lord Almighty.

As we begin our summer sermon series, "Sing A New Song", we begin with Psalms 1 & 2 which serve as an introduction to the Psalms. Psalm 1 contrasts the ways of the Righteous and the wicked. Psalm 2 speaks to the promise of the coming Messiah; a promise fulfilled by the sacrificial life, death, resurrection and reign of Jesus Christ.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || God delivered on His word, and brought Paul safely to Rome. Luke ends Acts declaring that God's word has not failed, salvation will go to the ends of the earth. God's word will not be hindered, whether God's people are free or in chains.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Luke is a meticulous historian. But, he is not just a historian, he is a Christian and he preserved the details of the journey to Rome so that we might catch a better glimpse at the power of God over creation, how utterly committed God is to fulfilling His promises, and how far God will go to reveal His surpassing glory.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Paul appeals to Caesar to hear his case, bringing him closer to Rome. As Paul gives his defense before Agrippa, it is clear that no matter the circumstance and no matter the audience, the Gospel is sufficient and supreme.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || The High Priest brings charges against Paul to the Governor. The arguments made by the Jews, Paul's defense, and Felix's response reveal key ways people resist the gospel, and how we, as Christians, ought to give a defense.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || After being arrested, Paul makes his first two defenses. In response, the Jews grow more enraged with Paul, and some undertake a plot to take his life. God's matchless wisdom is on full display as Paul remembers God's providence in his past, sees His providence in his present, and trusts His providence for his future. Let us live courageously trusting the firm foundation of God's providence toward His people.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Paul continues his journey to Jerusalem, remaining resolved to go there, despite the intense protest he received from his friends. Upon arriving in Jerusalem Paul is arrested. Paul's arrest reminds us living for God's glory and trusting the Holy Spirit are both necessary parts of faithful discipleship.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Paul has set his sights on returning to Jerusalem. On the way there, he encourages the believers by preaching, performing a miracle, and charging the Ephesian elders. Paul exhorts them to remain faithful in their calling by remembering that Jesus is more precious than their life, the church is precious to God, and God's Word is powerful to preserve God's people.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || While in Ephesus, Paul continues proclaiming Jesus is the Way. Some believe and are filled with the Holy Spirit, and many are healed from sickness and demonic possession. But others reject this truth, resulting in a riot in which many of the Ephesians proclaim their allegiance to the false god Artemis.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Paul spends many months in Corinth living, ministering, and working with other believers. Through the power and witness of the Holy Spirit, we can learn to imitate Paul's life as a child of God in a fallen world.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Paul is alone in Athens, but instead of seeing the prized metropolis of antiquity, he sees a city full of idols. So Paul preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is brought before the leading philosophers and men of the Areopagus and with skill and boldness proclaims God's greater glory.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || In Acts 17 we see Paul continue his missionary work as commissioned and strive to share the gospel with all who listen. Paul travels to both Thessalonica and Berea where he proclaims Christ crucified and resurrected, despite persecution.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Paul and Silas start on another missionary journey. The risen Christ directs them to Macedonia, where they preach the Gospel on European soil for the first time. We see Jesus continue his ministry through the Holy Spirit directing, saving, strengthening, and transforming his people.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts ||

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || The conflict between Gentile Christians and Jewish Christians finally comes to a head. A council is called, a decision made, and a decree issued. Salvation is by faith alone, and Christians are called on to consider one another before themselves.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || After reaching the Gentiles with the Gospel, Paul revisits each city to build them up as the church. He strengthens the churches by instructing them that Christians enter the kingdom of God through tribulation.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Luke records Paul's first sermon in Acts 13. Like Peter's first sermon, Paul focuses on the faithfulness of God in providing to Israel their promised Savior. Some rejoice in the Gospel, while others reject the Gospel. Paul then turns to the Gentiles, bringing salvation to the ends of the earth.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || After the death of Herod Agrippa I, the narrative in Acts shifts back to the Apostles. The Holy Spirit instructs the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work He has called them to do. And the church obeys, sending them off on the first missionary journey. Barnabas and Paul boldly proclaim the gospel, even in the face of adversity.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || In Acts 12 James is killed and Peter is imprisoned. But in response to this persecution we see the people of God respond in faith. And we are reminded that the Kingdom of God is not hindered by opposition. God remains enthroned, and his kingdom continues to advance.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || The Holy Spirit is poured out on Cornelius and his household. The Gospel has come to the Gentiles. We see that the Holy Spirit is the gift of the New Covenant, who adopts, establishes unity and equality, and makes Christians like Christ through His indwelling presence.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Jesus told the apostles that they would be His witnesses "in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." In a vision, God tells Peter that he should not call that unclean, what God has made clean. Peter proceeds to go to Cornelius and proclaim the message of peace to them. Truly, a new stage in God's redemptive plan unfolds.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Peter takes advantage of the peace among the churches and travels to build up the saints in nearby cities. Along the way, he heals Aeneas and raises Dorcas back to life. Through these two healings we are reminded that for Christians, even in times of sickness, hope remains unshaken. The bedrock of Christian hope is the resurrection of Christ.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || In an unlikely turn of events, Jesus meets Saul on the Damascus Road. It was an encounter that forever changed Saul's life and the life of the Christian Church. We see a powerful display of God's grace, and we are reminded of the wonderful, initiating, sovereign grace of God.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Prompted by the Spirit, Philip travels down an old, unused desert road. While on this road he happens upon an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah. Philip approaches the eunuch and is able to explain how the text (and all of scripture) points to Jesus. The eunuch believes, is baptized, and returns home with this good news, and Philip continues traveling to city after city proclaiming the gospel. This text is an encouraging reminder that the God who calls us to go and make disciples, is always going before his people and sovereignly preparing the way for us.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Stephen's death sparked widespread persecution in Jerusalem. It was, however, also a spark that propelled the Gospel forward from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria. True Christians loved Jesus more than their own life, while Simon loved his life more than Jesus.

Stand Alone Sermon || Psalm 1 introduces to us the major themes developed throughout the book of Psalms. In this chapter two paths are laid before us; the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. These two paths look very different from each other. They have two different world views and two different eternal destinations.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || At the end of Acts 6 Stephen is brought before the council and falsely accused. In chapter 7 we read his response. But rather than defend himself, Stephen, who was full of the Spirit, gives a history lesson that focuses on God's faithfulness despite Israel's unfaithfulness. At the end of this speech, he turns the tables on his stiff-necked accusers, confronting them with their rejection of the Spirit and their murdering of the long-awaited Messiah.

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || The growing church in Jerusalem faces another threat. This time, the threat comes by way of distraction. But we see the early church saints, who were full of faith, labor to continue proclaiming God's Word. And we're given Stephen as one example of these saints full of faith. But we find that Stephen's remarkable faith comes from a remarkably common means; a devotion to God's word. As you consider your New Year's Resolutions, may reading God's Word be one of them.

The Family Tree (Advent 2021) | The child conceived in Mary was to be named Jesus, and he was to save His people from their sins. In Jesus, God took on flesh. In Jesus, His people are united to God. Truly, His people have nothing to fear; there is peace on earth.

The Family Tree (Advent 2021) | The world tempts us with its pleasures and tells us it can give us real joy. But this joy is temporary and fleeting. As we continue our study of Jesus' family tree we consider the life of David and how he exemplifies true joy based on faith in God and not the world.

The Family Tree (Advent 2021) | The story of King David's great grandmother, Ruth's experience following God from Moab to Bethlehem shows us the ways that God's love is poured out on His children. Through her story we see God's love removes idols, produces righteousness, and builds a kingdom.