PV Sermons

We continue our series through Ruth. Pastor Sean breaks down chapter 2:14-23 this week.

As we continue through Ruth, we see God's providence throughout. Pastor Sean looks at how God' character is reflected in Ruth in her sense of honor, sacrifice, work ethic, humility and gratitude, as well as in Boaz as he is seen as generous, compassionate and God focused. God works out their meeting using their own choices for His divine purposes providentially. How well do we understand the character of God through the scriptures? How well do we reflect his character in our lives and interactions with others? Do we trust Him in all circumstances?

As we finish chapter 1 of Ruth, Pastor Sean dives into three major themes... 1. God's providence 2. The Lamenting of Naomi 3. The Loyalty of Ruth. As we look at Ruth, we need to be reminded of our God. What we know about God will determine how we see Him in our circumstances both good and bad, and our beliefs are revealed during times of testing, tragedy, and trials. What does God have to say about Himself in His word? He doesn't change... do you know Him through His word? Do you trust Him?

As we begin our series through Ruth, we look at some background information, seeing similarities to other themes in the Bible. Although these first few verses are filled with tragedy, we see God's providence in this situation and how we can relate that to our lives. Taking a brief look forward we see how God works all things out for His glory. He still does that with us today!

We look at Proverbs 31:10-31 to look at a mother's wisdom for her son as he looks to find a good wife. This familiar passage has a lot for all of us to glean from!

We finish our study through Galatians this week. Pastor Sean unpacks the emphasis Paul brings to the SIMPLE GOSPEL. Paul in his last words calls out the ways the Galatians are being disobedient and have a false faith. He returns to the point of the entire letter, have you put your faith in Jesus? There is absolutely nothing we can do to accomplish our salvation; we must respond to His work on our behalf. Paul tells us in Romans 10:9 "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Have you confessed your belief in Jesus?

Paul continues to build upon his words ending in chapter 5 verses 25 and 26, "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." In light of this, Pastor Sean looks at how the Gospel Community works together for restoration, protection, sowing, and persevering. Are we sowing to the flesh or the Spirit?

Looking at 1 Corinthians 15:12-22, We look at what Paul tells us are the consequences if there is no resurrection of the dead. Pastor Sean breaks down the seven consequences Paul outlines in today's passage. Praise God that this is simply a what if question! He is Risen... He is risen indeed. Do you have the hope of the resurrection?

Pastor Sean breaks down this passage into four parts. 1. The Battle vs. 16-18 2. The Flesh vs. 19-21 3. The Spirit vs. 22-23 4. The Call vs. 25-26.  The stakes could not be higher in the battle between our flesh and the Spirit, it is life and death. Jesus won the battle for us. Through repentance, we move from the works of the flesh to the seeing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, which is the call for Christians. Living life in the Spirit is the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10. Have you trusted in Jesus?

Pastor Sean points toward three key takeaways in today's passage. First, Paul urges the Galatians to stand in their freedom. Second, Theology matters for all who trust in Jesus for salvation... not just the pastor and elders. Third, Paul explains the reason and importance for holy living. Our freedom in Christ and theology from His word should lead us to live as Jesus told His disciples in John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."

Pastor Sean breaks this passage down looking at... 1. The Story 2. The Argument 3. The Application. Paul corrects what many were teaching; that we believe, then we obey and are accepted. Using the story from Genesis 14-17; he reminds them that Jesus taught that we believe in faith, are accepted by God through Christ, and we obey as a result.  If we look to anything other than Jesus for our acceptance, we are just like the Judaizers in Galatia! Are we trusting in Jesus?

Pastor Sean has 3 takeaways from today's passage. We look at the heart of the Galatians, the heart of the shepherd, and the heart of God.  As the gospel community we get to practice what God does for us for each other as we grow in our faith towards having the heart of God. Where is your heart?

Paul continues to explain what it means to be an heir in today's passage. Pastor Sean breaks down the analogy Paul used about slaves and sons; he looks at the reality that we are different, we WERE slaves to sin....but Christ; and we are marked as Christians and have been made free! How much work do you put into your relationship with Jesus? Do you know Him? Do you trust Him? Do you talk to Him?

We continue through our series in Galatians this week we see how the law made us see how desperate we are for a savior. Jesus is that savior... we should put our faith in Him!

This week Sean further unpacks the relationship Paul gives us between the law and faith. The law acted as a guardian or teacher but faith in Jesus makes us sons and heirs which gives us an inheritance! The question is... Are you living as a student of the law or have you been adopted through faith as son and heir?

In these four verses, Paul shows us that the law does not void the covenant God made with Abraham. Pastor Sean looks at the nature of the covenant, how God narrowed the scope of the covenant, the purpose of the law, and the promise that was made. We are saved through the promise and not through the Law. The question we all need to answer is... Do you trust in Jesus?

This week Pastor Sean looked at Galatians 3:10-14 with three key insights; 1. The Curse; 2. The Cross; 3. The Christ. Looking back at Deuteronomy, we see how serious curses were to God and the Hebrews. Paul shows how, through the cross, Christ broke the curse for us by bearing the curse from God so that we might be redeemed. Paul throughout this letter reminds us that the law cannot justify us, but through faith in Christ we can receive the promised Spirit. Do we trust that our faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross has broken the curse that leads to death?

Paul continues to strongly clarify the Gospel in this passage. He reminds them that not only are they justified by faith (vs. 1-2), but they are sanctified by faith as well (vs. 3-5). In light of those truths, Paul confronts them with what they must know to be saved (vs. 6-9). We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone!

Paul uses a personal example to illustrate how justification comes through faith in Christ alone. We must stand firm on our convictions, and we cannot compromise our convictions for convenience. We need to be engaged in our gospel community; confronting sin we see and allowing others to bring correction in our lives. We are all part of God's family because of His grace and mercy being justified through faith alone and we need one another to advance that simple message of salvation to the community around us effectively. After all, if Peter can get confused about things, so can we. So, let's help each other walk out our faith in love.

In our passage this week, Pastor Sean examines how Paul highlights the clarity of the gospel, noting that there is a Pharisee in all of us. While the gospel remains unchanged, our missions differ. We are uniquely gifted by God to form a diverse gospel community, fulfilling different missions with the same focus: the simple gospel.

As we continue to look at Paul's letter to the Galatians, we see that there was a divine call on Paul, there is a divine origin to the gospel preached, and he outlines the scope of the gospel. Pastor Sean challenges us to point others to Jesus with the simple gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work.

Paul addresses one of the greatest threats to the churches in Galatia, which continues to be one of the greatest threats to the church today, which comes from inside the church itself. Pastor Sean looks at how corrupting the true, simple gospel leads to deserting God, the danger comes from within the church and our best defense is to be dedicated to the truth of God's word and allowing the Gospel to be what drives the church.

We begin a new year with a new study through Paul's letter to the Galatians. Looking at Paul's greeting, Pastor Sean looks at how Paul introduces the ideas of justification and sanctification, which Paul will unpack in detail throughout the letter.

As we wrap op our series through Advent looking at Isaiah 9:2-7, Pastor Sean takes a closer look at look at the zeal of the Lord.

For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder,    and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of his government and of peace    there will be no end,on the throne of David and over his kingdom,    to establish it and to uphold itwith justice and with righteousness    from this time forth and forevermore.

As we celebrate the fourth week of Advent, we look at the Prince of Peace. We ask our three questions again. What does it mean to be the Prince of Peace; how is Jesus the Prince of Peace; and what does that mean for us today? Pastor Sean encourages us to rest in His peace, pursue peace with others and proclaim the gospel of peace. Merry Christmas!

As we look at Jesus as our Everlasting father, we ask the same 3 questions as we have each week of Advent. What does Everlasting Father mean; how is Jesus Everlasting Father; What does that mean for us today?

We look at Isaiah 9:2-7 again this week, focusing on Jesus being Mighty God. Sean asks the same questions as last week. What does it mean for Jesus to be mighty God; How is Jesus Mighty God; What does that mean for us?

As we begin to celebrate the Advent season, we look at Isaiah 9:2-7. This week we focus on Jesus as Wonderful Counselor. Pastor Sean answers three questions through the text of scripture: What does that mean; How is Jesus wonderful; and what does that mean for us?

As we finish the Psalms of ascents, we are encouraged to "Bless the Lord," and to be blessed by Him. Pastor Sean unpacks what that looks like this week.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" Pastor Sean looks at the nature, source and blessings of unity. We are left with a tough question we all have to ask ourselves; will I seek and maintain unity?

This Psalm of Ascents looks back at King David from the time of King Solomon, while pointing to the future King Jesus!

Pastor Sean unpacks this short Psalm which shows Davids humility, his security in the Lord and his hope in the Lord. We are reminded that God is sovereign and our hope is in Him alone. 

As we look into Psalm 130, we see the Psalmist cry to God, appeal to God, hope in God, and offer an invitation for Israel to do the same. This applies to us as well. Jesus Christ offers us the only hope we need! "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 

Psalm 129 is very different from the others we have studied in this series. Pastor Sean looks at an uncomfortable truth that the Psalmist expresses to the Lord. Just as we are confident in Gods protection and provision for His own, we are clearly taught that He will punish His enemies. We need to be honest about our relationship with Jesus, be honest about the relationship our loved ones have with the Lord and get busy evangelizing others into faith and discipling and be discipled in our relationship with Jesus.

As we look at Psalm 128, we learn about God's blessings. Pastor Sean looks at the foundation of our blessedness, the fruit of our blessedness, and the source of our blessedness. It starts with the fear of the Lord, do we fear Him?

As we look at Psalm 127, Pastor Sean shows how God provides and protects. "Unless the Lord builds the house," is key to understanding what Solomon is telling us in this Psalm. The question for us is, is the Lord the center of what we are building and is He the center of our relationships? 

As we look at these 2 Psalms of Ascents, we ask a tough question about our relationship with God... Do we trust Him in critical areas of our life, not just for our salvation?

As we continue through the Psalms of Ascents in Psalm 124, we see David giving thanks to God for being on Israels side. God never changes, but how we see him changes as we look at Him through different perspectives. He is our provider, our protector and our helper. Let's lean on one another to praise Him at all times... whether we are living through a victory or in times of trouble.

The psalmist looks to the Lord in a time of distress seeking mercy. He shows us how we can look to our Heavenly Father for instructions in the cliffhangers of our lives. As we seek Him during times of uncertainty, He helps us see things clearly and reminds us that He is with us in this season and will be there in the next one too. As we fix our eyes on Him, we will be good with how the cliffhanger ends, no matter what unfolds. Ultimately, God has shown us mercy through Jesus Christ. Have you trusted in Him?

As we look at Psalm 122 through the lens of the new covenant, we see how it instructs us to live in Gospel Community. We need to invite others on our faith journey by sharing the gospel. We should celebrate and give thanks for those who join us as we grow in community to be more like Jesus. We are instructed to pray for peace within our Gospel community, growth for those within the community and resolve to continue sharing the gospel to grow the kingdom! Finally, we need to seek the good of our brothers and sisters in the gospel community! Let's work toward inviting others into a relationship with Jesus, not just to church, pray for each other and for the peace within our church, and finally seek the good for those who are our family in Christ we call Pleasant View.

In this Psalm of ascent, we see the need for a personal relationship with the Lord and with those in our Gospel Community; God's providence is obvious; and our dependence on Him is necessary for us to become more like Jesus. Where do we look for help? Do we look to our own abilities and strength, or like the psalmist, do we look to the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth? Let's look to the Lord...together!

Just like the psalmist, we are on a journey to our heavenly home. Pastor Sean looks at Psalm 120 to see the distress of the psalmist, the direction of his petition, the actual request he makes and the response from the Lord. On our journey home, we are called to become more like Christ. Our takeaways from this passage are watch our tongue; let Jesus change us and to Pursue peace; Let Jesus be our justice!

We look at Paul's letter to Philemon to see an example of what being transformed by the Gospel looks like. Gospel transformation begins with the gospel, it is evident through our obedience, it often requires sacrifice, and it is most effective in a gospel community.

Pastor Sean shares from Luke after returning from Guatemala and reminds us that we are all on mission, and the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few!

The Missionary Church East Central Regions director, Dr. Jeff Kephart, shares lessons from a "God Encounter" from Isaiah 6:1-8. Those who have encountered God have met Him personally, engaged His transforming power, acknowledged their brokenness, embraced His forgiveness, and accepted His mission. So... have YOU encountered God?

Today Kevin looks at worship in Romans 12:1-2. We worship because of His mercy. We worship with everything. We worship at all times and all places. To do this, we need to change our mindset. When we worship well, we walk in His will. How does your worship look?

As Pastor Sean finishes our study through John's gospel, we look at Jesus' question and command of Peter. We are challenged to ask ourselves the same questions... Do we love Jesus and how are we feeding/tending His sheep?

Pastor Sean looks at today's passage and draws out four important points. 1. Our inability on our own apart from God. 2. Our need to listen to and adhere to divine wisdom. 3. Understanding that God is sovereign over all. 4. Intimate fellowship matters in the gospel community with the Lord and each other. As we recognize our weaknesses and listen to His wisdom, knowing He is in control, we will have intimate fellowship with Jesus, which will certainly lead to intimate fellowship with others.

This week we look at Thomas. We see his doubt in his interaction with the other 10 disciples. We see him exposed to the truth when he sees the risen Jesus. We see him express his belief as he proclaims that Jesus is, "My Lord and my God." We finally look at the purpose of John's Gospel. We can see ourselves in the same light. As we have doubts and expose them to the truth of God's word, we strengthen our belief and live out our purpose in Christ.

We continue to go through the gospel of John verse by verse, looking at Jesus' appearance to Mary and the disciples.