New Beginnings Church, Lynnwood

A lesson on the offensive nature of the Gospel, and the temptation to change the message for the sake of pleasing men. The sermon emphasizes the critical importance of prioritizing God's approval over the consensus of the world, particularly when it comes to upholding the purity of the gospel. Drawing from Galatians 1:10, the message highlights the exclusivity of allegiance—either serving God or serving man—and cautions against the temptation to compromise biblical truth to gain acceptance. It underscores that true servanthood demands unwavering faithfulness to Christ, rejecting the notion that works or human consensus can contribute to justification, and instead embracing the grace and righteousness secured through faith alone in Jesus Christ.

A lesson on the danger of false teachers infiltrating the church, who distort the gospel, and whose end is the condemnation of their own soul and any who would follow them. The sermon emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to the true gospel of Jesus Christ, warning against even slight deviations that can lead to eternal condemnation. It cautions against being swayed by charismatic teachers or seemingly orthodox messages that add works or other requirements to faith alone, highlighting the danger of embracing false gospels that distort the message of salvation through grace. The preacher underscores that the gospel is a non-negotiable truth, and any departure from it, even if presented by an angel, is a grave error, urging listeners to steadfastly believe in Christ alone as the sole basis for justification and to reject any alternative message.

A lesson on what the Gospel is and why it must never be tampered with or altered. The sermon emphasizes the centrality of the gospel of grace, highlighting Jesus' willing sacrifice and resurrection as the foundation for salvation, not human effort or adherence to the law. It warns against the dangers of compromising this message with philosophies that blend faith and works, particularly those that undermine the complete sufficiency of Christ's atonement. The speaker underscores the importance of recognizing the gospel as God's initiative, a message that liberates believers from sin's power and ultimately glorifies God, urging vigilance against subtle deviations that threaten the purity of this essential truth and the Gospel message, which alone has the power to save.

A lesson on finding true lasting meaning, fulfillment, significance, and joy in life. The sermon explores the inherent vanity of earthly pursuits, drawing from Ecclesiastes to highlight the fleeting nature of life and the ultimate futility of seeking fulfillment in material possessions, achievements, or even legacy. It emphasizes that while human experience is marked by cyclical patterns and a constant desire for novelty, true meaning and lasting satisfaction are found not in chasing worldly things, but in turning to God and embracing the promise of a new creation through Christ, who offers a perspective that transcends the limitations of the temporal world and provides a foundation for genuine contentment and purpose.

A lesson on living a life that leads to life and salvation, and a warning against the things that would lure a person to the broad road. The sermon emphasizes the critical importance of discerning truth and aligning one's life with Christ's teachings, warning against the allure of false prophets and the deceptive promise of self-righteousness. It underscores that true salvation is found solely through faith in Christ, not through works or worldly wisdom, illustrating this with the analogy of a house built on rock versus sand. Ultimately, the message calls for a commitment to the narrow path of obedience, recognizing that eternity hinges on making the right choice between the broad way of lawlessness and the life-giving path of faith in Christ alone.

A lesson on the importance of prayer as a means of receiving the sustaining, nourishing grace that we need for the Christian life. The sermon emphasizes the centrality of prayer in the Christian life, drawing from the Sermon on the Mount and the teachings of historical figures like Martin Luther and Thomas Watson. It highlights the importance of approaching God with confidence, recognizing His sovereignty and willingness to provide grace, not as a means of manipulating outcomes, but as a pathway to aligning with His will and growing in Christ-likeness. The message underscores that persistent prayer, rooted in a humble understanding of human dependence and God's boundless generosity, ultimately leads to a life of love and service to others, reflecting the divine character revealed in Jesus.

A lesson on confronting a brother or sister who is in sin in a way that leads to restoration of fellowship. This sermon emphasizes the importance of self-examination and discernment in Christian life, warning against hypocritical judgment and urging believers to prioritize personal holiness before attempting to correct others. Drawing from Matthew 7, the message highlights the absurdity of focusing on minor faults in others while ignoring significant sins in ourselves, advocating for a balanced approach to confronting sin with gentleness and wisdom, and ultimately protecting the integrity of the gospel by strategically engaging with those receptive to its message while withdrawing from those who persistently reject it.

The sermon addresses the pervasive issue of anxiety in contemporary society, tracing its roots to a cultural shift away from God and a loss of confidence in reason, exacerbated by technology. It refutes the notion that worry can add anything to one's life, instead emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's providential care and seeking His kingdom above all else. Drawing from nature and Scripture, the message encourages listeners to relinquish control and find solace in God's sovereignty, recognizing that He faithfully provides for all needs, ultimately freeing them to live a life that glorifies Christ.

The sermon examines the dangers of prioritizing earthly possessions and anxieties over a steadfast devotion to God, drawing from Matthew 6. It cautions against storing up treasures on earth, vulnerable to loss and corruption, and instead encourages investing in heavenly treasures—righteous deeds and spiritual growth—that endure eternally. Through the illustration of a sports card collector and the parable of the rich young ruler, the message underscores that true wealth lies not in material accumulation but in aligning one's heart and priorities with God's will, ultimately warning against the illusion of treasure and the necessity of single-minded devotion to Christ.

A lesson on the effects of sin, and God's mercy to cleanse and turn us from it, for His glory. As we conclude our study through 2nd Samuel today, the book ends with a fitting message: the cost of sin is great, but God's mercy is greater. His judgement reveals our sin, but His mercy invites our repentance, worship, and praise. The sermon concludes a study of 2 Samuel, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on human understanding, echoing Proverbs 3:5-6. It highlights David's example, acknowledging his imperfections while showcasing his reliance on God, and contrasts this with Saul's disobedience. The narrative underscores God's sovereignty, even in judgment, and celebrates His mercy, offering forgiveness and reconciliation through a mediator, ultimately pointing to Christ's atoning sacrifice and inviting listeners to embrace God's grace and find joy in fellowship with Him.

The sermon explores the consequences of misplaced trust, using the story of King David to illustrate the importance of relying on God rather than human understanding or statistics. Drawing parallels to historical events like the Protestant Reformation and Bloody Mary's persecution, it emphasizes that even in judgment, God reveals mercy and sovereignty, calling believers to entrust themselves to His promises. The message highlights the necessity of humility and repentance, acknowledging that while sin may bring temporal consequences, God's grace and the sacrifice of Christ offer forgiveness and restoration, ultimately urging listeners to seek God's will and live in light of His unwavering love and faithfulness.

A lesson on trusting in God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, and finding our hope in that rather than anything else. The sermon explores David's final words, emphasizing the importance of hope and trust in God amidst life's uncertainties, particularly when facing mortality. It highlights David's humble beginnings and God's sovereign choice of him, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's covenant promises and the ultimate source of hope and righteousness. The message underscores the necessity of faith in Christ alone for salvation, contrasting the secure hope of those in covenant with God with the impending judgment faced by those who rely on their own works, urging listeners to embrace God's grace and find assurance in His unwavering faithfulness.

A lesson on the blessings, benefits, and motivations for fasting to the glory of God.

A lesson on our need to look to Christ for salvation, and how God provides all that we need to live the Christian life.

a lesson on seeing God as a Savior and Deliverer who rescues His people in Christ Jesus in accordance with His steadfast love.

A lesson on God's faithfulness to providentially accomplish His purposes through His servants, even against giants that seem overwhelming. As we continue in our study through 2nd Samuel today, we continue observing the epilogue which highlights David's life of continual warfare. In a period of weariness for himself and his men, they had to face multiple incursions against literal giants in some cases. Recall how Goliath, just one giant, struck such fear into the hearts of Israel. Nevertheless, God provided the grace, strength, and skill for victory through His servants. In the very same way, we live our Christian walk by grace as well. In and of ourselves we are utterly unable to win the battle against the flesh, the world, and the devil. But even against such mighty foes, God's grace is greater. And because His Son has overcome them all, we have victory through Him by faith. So keep your eyes on Him, and you will walk in victory.

A lesson on the seriousness of covenants, and the high cost of atonement. As we continue in our study through 2nd Samuel today, we encounter an epilogue which takes place outside the main account, wherein we witness the effects of a covenant Saul broke between Israel and the Gibeonites, which brought God's reproach upon Israel. It was up to David to settle the account; the cost of atonement being the death of seven of Saul's descendants. The lesson to gleam from this difficult passage is that God takes covenants seriously, and that the cost of sin and breaking of oaths is very high. But unlike us, God keeps His covenants perfectly and faithfully. And He Himself restores mercy through costly atonement, by the blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

A lesson on our need for God to protect us from the snares and temptations of the evil one.

A lesson on the importance of humility in the Christian walk, particularly when differences and conflicts arise, and the importance of living out the peace that we have in Christ.

a lesson on the way that Christ reconciles sinners to God: by seeking them out and pouring out His grace upon them.

A lesson on managing our lives wisely by obeying God's commands, entrusting all things into His hands, and treasuring His word in our hearts that we might feel and reason rightly.

A lesson on the sure hope we have to obtain an eternal inheritance and resurrection because of the finished work our Lord Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to save sinners like us.

A lesson that reminds us that God is sovereign over our trials, able to confound, influence, and even over-ride the decisions of man as a means of carrying forth His sovereign plans.

A lesson that reminds us of our need to come to God in daily prayer, looking to Him and relying on Him to provide our daily sustenance - both physically and spiritually.

A lesson on trusting in God to work out His glory and our good, even amidst the most tumultuous circumstances.

A lesson on trusting in God's sovereignty over our trials, and leaning on Him by faith to see us through the storms of life, according to His will.

A lesson on the dangers of pursuing greatness by the world's standards, and a reminder of Christ's words: "It is not this way among you" (Matt. 20:26).

A lesson that warns us about acting in haste to reconcile and restore in the absence of true repentance.

A lesson on praying to God as a Father who loves to bless us, in eager anticipation of the fulfilling of His plans and purposes for human history.

A lesson on trusting in God's promise to vindicate His people, rather than taking matters of justice into our own hands.

a lesson on the foolishness and the consequences of neglecting to train our children in the ways of God.

A lesson on how we should respond when God's answer to our prayers is "no."

A lesson on praying with the right motivation: to God, for God, through Jesus Christ as our Mediator, by the Holy Spirit.

A lesson on the way that God's grace toward us sometimes means being disciplined as a means of bringing about true repentance.

A lesson on the way that sin always takes us further than we initially think that it will. While it often initially gives the illusion of being something we can control, it has the ability to draw us deeper and further into sin than we ever could have predicted if our pride isn't kept in check.

a lesson on the deceitfulness of sin, the sinful desires that remain within us, and the God's means that God has ordained for forgiving those who sin against Him.

A lesson on giving unto God in a way that results in God being pleased and in the unbelieving world giving glory to God.

a lesson on desiring and pursuing God as our top priority in life, knowing that only His love for us in Christ Jesus is worth more than life itself.

a story that illustrates the foolishness and the consequences of rejecting God's kindness, which is intended to provoke our repentance, in Christ Jesus.

A lesson in which the Gospel is clearly illustrated and foreshadowed by the story of a king who was faithful to his covenant promises and a crippled man who was born at enmity with the king and could do nothing to change his condition.

a lesson on looking to Christ our conquering Warrior-King who has defeated death and sin for every helpless sinner who believes on Him.

A lesson on what we have to be thankful unto God for, and how to pray with thanksgiving.

A systematic study of the Davidic Covenant, how it fits into the history of God's Covenants, and what that means for us and the assurance those in Christ Jesus have in Him.

A lesson on the importance of not only having the right motivation to please and glorify God, but for our worship and all of our good deeds, as Christians, to be shaped by what His word instructs.

A lesson that teaches us to be good and generous stewards who aren't bent on vengeance or retaliation.

A lesson on how Christians are to live their lives coram Deo: in the presence of God, under the authority of God, for the glory of God.

A lesson on understanding and living in accordance with the holiness of God.

A lesson on finding peace and hope in the midst of life's ups and downs.