Preaching Christ with Rev. Dr. C. H. E. Sadaphal

This message talks about ten features of wickedness based upon Psalm 10, which gives us a "perfect representation of iniquity" (Luther). Dr. Sadaphal explains that the most dangerous form of evil is apostasy, or the enemy within that is actually close to Him but then rejects Him. This is the individual who is knowledgeable about God but then renounces Him (because of hatred) and now lives a life doing the exact opposite of what God says. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 10:1-11. (From the series Preaching Through the Psalms, a verse-by-verse exposition of the Psalms.)

This message talks about disruptive change, or change that is not on your terms. This type of change tends to unsettle people, leaving them afraid, confused and uncertain. Dr. Sadaphal explains that through Christ, even in the midst of disruptive change, He is the One who provides comfort, clarity and confidence because change never disturbs an unchangeable God. Our Scripture focus will be Joshua 3:4.

In this personal message, Dr. Sadaphal remembers his father who went home to be with the Lord six days before this message was preached. His father was also a preacher, and this sermon was given to the church that his father taught for 26 years. The topic was his father's favorite: heart condition, or the condition of a man's heart before God. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 51:10.  

Psalm 10 is a cry of the oppressed in a time of trouble. In a time of adversity, because the psalmist does not understand why things are happening this way, he begins crying to God by saying, "Why, God? Why?" In this sermon, Rev. Sadaphal will provide multiple reasons why God allows His children to suffer, but ultimately concludes that why we suffer is not as relevant as the suffering Christ endured for us on the Cross. He is the One who subsequently strengthens our hearts to endure in times of trouble. Would you rather have an explanation or an eternal God who lifts you up in the suffering? Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 10:1. (From the series Preaching Through the Psalms, a verse-by-verse exposition of the Psalms.)

Habakkuk may be a "minor" prophet but his book has a major message in the Bible: that those who are declared righteous will have one mode of living—by faith. If the righteous will live by faith, what does that life look like? What does that life feel like? How does one live the life of faith in a world that nudges you to live by sight? This sermon will provide clarity and meaningful answers to these questions. Our Scripture focus will be Habakkuk 2:4.

The kingdom of God is here, and the King who reigns uses His power to bring people into the kingdom. Jesus never recruits by force, but transforms men so that they see God for who He really is, and then see themselves for who they really are. Ironically, when a person therein feels the least deserving of God's grace, that is when the Lord extends the most mercy and pulls them close. In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus and Peter go fishing. Jesus "catches" Peter and then commissions Peter to "catch men" alive. (From the series The Gospel of Luke, a verse-by-verse exposition of the third gospel.)

The people of Nazareth rejected Jesus, but the Lord subsequently traveled to Capernaum, where His ministry was not only impersonal in public but also personal in private. Here, Jesus exercises His authority in the physical realm to make well Simon's mother-in-law. This text tells us that ultimate power rests in the hands of Christ, who uses His power to compassionately touch and heal those who are afflicted. The kingdom of God is here, and the King who reigns uses His power to bring people into the kingdom. Our Scripture focus will be Luke 4:38-44. (From the series The Gospel of Luke, a verse-by-verse exposition of the third gospel.)

The people of Nazareth rejected Jesus, but the Lord subsequently traveled to Capernaum, where He performed a miracle and demonstrated His power in the spiritual realm. Here, Jesus exercises His authority not only in word but also in deed in that He casts out a demon, setting free a man who was held in bondage. This text tells us that ultimate power rests not in the hands of unclean, evil spirits but in the hands of the pure and holy God who delivers people from bondage. Our Scripture focus will be Luke 4:31-37. (From the series The Gospel of Luke, a verse-by-verse exposition of the third gospel.)

Psalm 9 is a hymn of hope that teaches us how to hope in God's justice. In this sermon, Dr. Sadaphal provides seven key insights on how the church can pray for the Lord's perfect justice. God's justice will finally be fulfilled in the end, but that does not preclude His saints from praying for acute intervention in the midst of present injustice. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 9:13-20. (From the series Preaching Through the Psalms, a verse-by-verse exposition of the Psalms.)

Who are we? Who are the people of God? What is our collective identity, our communal function, and our unified purpose? In I Peter 2:9-10, the apostle of hope (Peter) answers these questions and in doing so, gives us seven reasons to hope. Our hope is vibrant and real because the source of our hope is Christ, who is risen, eternal and unshakeable. In short, the people of God are living stones and members of a spiritual house whose cornerstone is Jesus Christ. Because the elect are all connected to Him, we are also connected to one another. Our spiritual identity transcends natural allegiances and labels, and radically transforms how we see ourselves and how we engage with the world. In the end, the church can only function as God has called it to if those in the church know who God has called them to be. Our Scripture focus will be I Peter 2:9-10.

Those who know God trust Him, and those who know God know that He is a God of justice. The elect can therefore trust and hope in God's justice because it is right, it is true, and it will never be denied. This is comforting cognizant that we live in a world filled with injustice, enmity and evil. In this broad-reaching sermon, Dr. Sadaphal shows the elect seven ways how they can hope in God's justice; this includes a discussion of modern ideas of what is "just" including the social justice movement. It also includes a real-life analysis of the problem of evil, the rest found in God, and how to think about martyrdom in the context of God's grand design. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 9:3-12. (From the series Preaching Through the Psalms, a verse-by-verse exposition of the Psalms.)

Life is not a highlight reel; rather, life has ups and downs. So how do we hope in the midst of vexations, injustice, and the supposed triumphs of evil? Psalm Nine provides answers in that it teaches us how to hope in God's justice. King David begins this Psalm praising God, so in this sermon, Reverend Sadaphal explains what seven marks of powerful praise are. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 9:1-2. (From the series Preaching Through the Psalms, a verse-by-verse exposition of the Psalms.)

Without the resurrection, the Christian faith would not exist; neither would Christians or the Church. At the end of Matthew's gospel, we read about one of the resurrection narratives. So what is God trying to tell us in raising His Son from the dead? What does the resurrection mean, why does it matter, and what does it require of us? What is the "Great Commission" and why is it so radically important? This sermon provides clarity and meaningful answers to all these questions. Our Scripture verses will be Matthew 28:11-20.

Without the resurrection, the Christian faith would not exist; neither would Christians or the Church. At the end of Matthew's gospel, we read about one of the resurrection narratives. So what is God trying to tell us in raising His Son from the dead? What does the resurrection mean, why does it matter, and what does it require of us? This sermon provides clarity and meaningful answers to all these questions. Our Scripture verses will be Matthew 28:1-10.

God had one Son (Jesus) and He called His Son to be a preacher and a Bible teacher. In Jesus's first sermon, the topic was the gospel or the "good news." The response, however, to Christ's first sermon was not good; it was hostile and violent. Why? Because in explaining the gospel message, Jesus declared that God is sovereign. The sovereignty of God is the most offensive doctrine in the Bible, and it still produces hostile reactions in rebellious hearts today. In this sermon, learn what the sovereignty of God is and how it applies to everyday life. Our Scripture focus will be Luke 4:22-30. (From the series The Gospel of Luke, a verse-by-verse exposition of the third gospel.)

God had one Son (Jesus) and He called His Son to be a preacher and a Bible teacher. In Jesus's first sermon, the topic was the gospel or the "good news." Hearing the gospel is what turns sinners to Christ and being able to communicate the gospel is a responsibility of all Christians. In this sermon, learn why the good news is good, and also learn the content of the announcement. Our Scripture focus will be Luke 4:14-21. (From the series The Gospel of Luke, a verse-by-verse exposition of the third gospel.)

A rut is a season when you feel discouraged; it refers to a time when you feel frustrated, run down, or crippled without hope. The Bible tells us that all Christians go through ruts. In fact, what defines a mature believer is not the absence of ruts, but how they persevere and navigate out of ruts. The question then is: how do you get out of a rut? This sermon provides clarity and seven meaningful answers. Our Scripture focus will be I Kings 19:1-18.  

Who is God? This is a question that triggers a consideration of, and a meditation on, the Almighty. Answering this question is important because knowing who God is explains what He requires of us. Identity is theological, so answering this question is also important because a thorough understanding of who God is will also tell us who we are. In this sermon, Rev. Sadaphal explores many answers to the "God question." Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 8:1-9. (From the series Preaching Through the Psalms.)

Who are you? This is a question that triggers a search for identity, that non-disposable sense of self that stays with you for life. Answering this question is important because how you respond animates how you with interact with reality. Dr. Sadaphal explores several alternative answers before arriving at the biblical answer to the "man question." Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 8:1-4. (From the series Preaching Through the Psalms.)

Regeneration is synonymous with being "born again" and marks the true beginning of the Christian life on earth. Regeneration is the reason why anyone is a Christian, and Jesus explains that being regenerated is a necessary condition for seeing the kingdom of God. Regeneration is therefore critically important and absolutely necessary. So what is it, why does it matter and how is it relevant? This sermon provides clarity and meaningful answers to these questions. Also discussed are the five leaves of Calvin's T.U.L.I.P. (Total depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints). Our Scripture focus will be John 3:1-3.

In this Christmas message, learn what Christmas is really about. Our Scripture verses will be from Luke 1:26-33. There, the angel Gabriel tells the virgin Mary that she will conceive a baby boy in her womb. The angel also makes five prophecies about baby Jesus that look into His life, His public ministry and into the end of time. Jesus is the Son of the Most High then, now and forever. (From the series The Gospel of Luke, a verse-by-verse exposition of the third gospel.)

Slander is a weaponized lie. It refers to language people use that is designed to hurt someone and their reputation. The lions of ungodliness get into a rage when they pick up the scent of godliness, and the intent of the beasts is to destroy. Thus, slander is an expected part of the Christian experience and it can harm not only you, but your reputation, church and organization. So how do you defend against it biblically? This sermon will provide seven practical steps. Our Scripture verses will be from Psalm 7:1-17. (From the series Preaching Through the Psalms.)

Temptation refers to being enticed to sin. Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, but He never fell into Satan's trap; Jesus passed the test. This tells us that Christ is our key to victory in temptation since He is the One who successfully resisted. Hence, this sermon will answer three questions: (1) What is temptation? (2) How does the devil tempt? (3) How do you resist temptation? Our Scripture verses will be from Luke 4:1-13.

"Waiting on God" is a phrase that is frequently used but biblically speaking, what does waiting on the Lord actually mean? In this sermon, gain seven actionable insights on how you can move from gloom to glory in pursuit of a deeper intimacy with the Lord. Our Scripture verses will be Habakkuk 2:1-4.

Wrestling with God means asking God, "Why?" It means expressing troubled doubts and trying to comprehend God's ways in the world. In this sermon, gain five actionable strategies on how you can gain clarity and move from gloom to glory in pursuit of a resilient trust in the Lord. Our Scripture verses will be Habakkuk 1:1-17.

Where are you? This question is important because it is the first question God asked to humanity and it is the first question God asked to a fallen sinner. So where are you? This question has several important applications to understanding why you are the way that you are, why the world is the way that it is and where you stand in your relationship with God. This simple question will forever change the way you see yourself and reality. Our Scripture verses will be Genesis 3:9.

The baptism of Jesus wasn't really about His baptism; rather it was about the anointing of the Holy Spirit so that Jesus was equipped for His public ministry. Get clarity and meaningful answers about the crucial role the Spirit plays in your everyday Christian life and how Jesus unlocked the window of heaven for the outpouring to happen. Our Scripture verses will be from Luke 3:21-22.

John the Baptist set the stage for the Messiah, Jesus. How did he do that? By preparing the people to meet Jesus. In this sermon Rev. Dr. Sadaphal asks the critical question, "Are you prepared to meet Jesus?" and provides one crucial answer: "Then repent." There are seven important applications of this doctrine. Our Scripture verses will be from Luke 3:7-17.

John the Baptist set the stage for the Messiah, Jesus. How did he do that? By preparing the people to meet Jesus. In this sermon Rev. Dr. Sadaphal asks the critical question, "Are you prepared to meet Jesus?" and provides three crucial answers. Our Scripture verses will be from Luke 3:1-6.

Spiritual depression is what happens when you experience the felt separation from God. Spiritual depression is real and has a spiritual cause, meaning a pill won't help you. In this sermon Rev. Dr. Sadaphal explains seven steps to cure spiritual depression. He also clarifies that for the whole person to be well, one must treat the whole person—this means spirit, soul and body. Our Scripture verses will be from Psalm 6:1-10.

The gospel of Luke contains something very special: the only historical record of what Jesus said and did when he was a boy, before His public ministry began. This short, exclusive narrative gives us insight into who the Messiah really is. In this sermon Rev. Dr. Sadaphal asks several probing questions that challenges the assumption that you know the real Jesus and what your identity is in Christ. Our Scripture verses will be from Luke 2:41-52.

The gospel of Luke contains something very special: the only historical record of what Jesus said and did when he was a boy, before His public ministry began. This short, exclusive narrative gives us insight into who the Messiah really is. In this sermon Rev. Dr. Sadaphal asks several probing questions that challenges the assumption that you know the real Jesus. Our Scripture focus will be Luke 2:41-46.

Psalm 5 is a text that many preachers stay far away from. Why? Because it raises some difficult questions: Does God hate? How can a loving God hate anything? What is an imprecation? Aren't imprecations un-Christian? Is vengeance wrong? Where does the Christian turn to seek vengeance in the midst of an unjust world? This sermon covers much territory and provides meaningful answers to all these questions. Our theme verses will be Psalm 5:4-12.

How does the godly person navigate life in the midst of an ungodly age? Where do we turn when the wickedness of the world frustrates us or makes us fearful? Psalm 5 has many answers. In this sermon, Rev. Sadaphal exposits the steps King David makes before he prays—that is, his steps of prayer preparation. All of these steps apply to prayer in general and will equip and assist you in your prayer life. Our theme verses will be Psalm 5:1-3.

The ark was the only vessel of refuge from the flood, a universal instrument of judgment on a world that forgot about God. The parable of the Ark teaches us that salvation is of the Lord because the Ark=Christ=salvation. Rev. Sadaphal exposits the ark narrative and details crucial insights into how salvation works, why it works that way, and Who mediates it. The Scripture focus will be Genesis 6:14-7:5.

The flood was a universal instrument of judgment on a world that forgot about God. Does that imply that God is mean? Cruel? Unjust? In this sermon, Dr. Sadaphal exposits the setup to the flood narrative and details three crucial insights into the character and nature of God. The Scripture focus will be Genesis 6:5-14.

Christmas is a time where many things are celebrated, but the real meaning of Christmas is bigger than trees, gifts or any natural festivities. In this sermon, learn who the Prince of Peace is, why He was born, what He came to do, and why the birth of the Messiah was the day when truly heavenly joy was born. Our Scripture Focus will be Luke 2:8-14

Where does the Christian obtain their confidence? What is their source of boldness in the midst of persecution? What is the doctrine of election and how does it give us eternal security? In this sermon, gain answers to all these questions and learn about the path to peace as navigated by King David when he was the target of deception, slander and lies. Our theme verses will come from Psalm 4:1-8.

What is transformation and how can your life forever be changed for the glory of God? In this sermon, learn seven steps to the renewing of your mind based on Romans 12:2. Learn how to conquer habitual sin, get a strategy for how to discern God's will, and know what God requires of you. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind and your life will forever be changed.

What is the invisible war for the Christian mind? Why does it matter, who are we fighting against, and what is at stake? In this sermon, discover relevant answers to these questions and much more. You will not think about reality the same again. Our Scripture focus will be Proverbs 23:7.

How can you triumph in trials? This sermon will answer this question by following the map King David illustrated for us in Psalm 3. You will learn three keys to victory in the midst of adversity and have a clear idea of how to think about your situation and God in tough times. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 3:4-8.

How can you endure trials? This sermon will answer this question by following the map King David illustrated for us in Psalm 3. You will learn the key to persevering in the midst of adversity and be equipped with three crucial and actionable insights for navigating tough times. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 3:1-3.

This sermon is an urgent plea to the undecided, those who are not sure about God and what their eternal fate is. Rev. Dr. Sadaphal provides several answers to the crucial question, "How do you know who God really is?" through an exposition of I Kings 18, where the prophet Elijah asks a confrontational but famous question.

Do you know Christ? This sermon provides three distinct answers. Learn what sonship means in the Bible, why the popular Jesus is a fraud and how Christ is your greatest hope. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 2:7-9.

Do you know God? This sermon provides three distinct answers. Discover the grace of God in some unsuspecting places, learn what to do with anger, and hear the life-or-death question that all Christians must ask themselves. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 2:4-6

Why are people hostile to the idea of God? This sermon provides a distinct answer. Get fresh new insight into why people take a stand against the Lord, why God is an all-or-none 'package deal' and how modern culture resisting against God is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. This sermon closes with a word of encouragement and prayer for all those who stand for the truth of the Bible. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 2:2-3.

Why are people hostile to the idea of God? This sermon provides two distinct answers. Get fresh new insight to interpret reality in the 21st century through a Biblical lens on atheism, sexuality, culture-at-large, and personal responsibility. Our Scripture focus will be Psalm 2:1.

How do you know your faith is authentic? This sermon will answer this question by providing two separate answers. Get actionable advice on (1) the controversy that God has with modern Christians and (2) how your own heart can do a fantastic job of fooling yourself. Our Scripture reference will come from Psalm 1:3-6, where we will examine the tree and the chaff, symbols respectively used for the godly and ungodly person.

How do you know your faith is authentic? This sermon will answer this question by providing three separate answers. Get actionable advice on (1) how having many options actually hurts you (2) why depth beneath the surface is more important that external circumstances and (3) how to navigate suffering. Our Scripture reference will come from Psalm 1:3, where we will examine the tree, a symbol used for the blessed person.

The Way refers to the righteous path and this course of life informs us that right now counts forever. Because eternity matters more than the present, the way compels us to recognize that we should think about forever right now. This sermon will answer two questions: (1) What is the secret to prayer that transforms lives? (2) What is the key to spiritual growth? Our Scriptural focus will be on Psalm 1:1-2.

The Way refers to the righteous path and this course of life informs us that right now counts forever. Because eternity matters more than the present, the way compels us to recognize that we should think about forever right now. This sermon will answer three questions: (1) What practical advice has God given us for everyday life? (2) How can you become blessed? (3) How can you be sure that you are being formed by Christ? Our Scriptural focus will be on Psalm 1:1-2.