Sermons

Sermon Notes - Philemon - A Call for ForgivenessMain Point: Just as Jesus forgave our sins so we should forgive others.-Greeting (1-2)-Establishing Rapport (3-7)-Persuading Acceptance (8-16)-Forgiving Actions (17-22)

Sermon Notes - Zephaniah 3:8-20 - Sing We the Song of EmmanuelMain Point: God's plan to judge and save the world leads to our sanctification and his satisfaction.-God's Plan of Judgment and Salvation (8-10)  -We are to wait for the Lord for: (8a)  -He will judge the nations (8b)  -He will save the nations (9-10)-Salvation Means Our Sanctification (11-13)-Interlude of Praise (14-15)-Salvation Means God's Satisfaction (16-20)

Sermon Notes - Psalm 98 - Sing!Main Point: The whole world is to sing praise to the Lord!-Sing to the Lord for he has saved us (1-3)-Sing to the Lord for he is the King (4-6)-Sing to the Lord for he judges in righteousness (7-9)-Other Reasons to Sing to the Lord:  -God created us to sing  -God commands us to sing  -God compels us to sing  -God's community needs us to sing

Sermon Notes - Micah 5:1-5a - O Little Town of BethlehemMain Point: God's deliverance comes from an unexpected source in the midst of unexpected circumstances-The Desperate Need for Deliverance (1)-The Unexpected Promise of Deliverance (2)-The Difficult Wait for Deliverance (3a)-The Glorious Deliverer (3b-5a)  -He Unites (3b)  -He Shepherds (4a)  -He Secures (4b)  -He is Peace (5a)

Sermon Notes - Isaiah 55 - O Come All Ye FaithfulMain Point: God invites everyone to come to him and receive his salvation.-Everyone is Invited (1-3a)-God's Promise is Certain (3b-5)-Repentance is Required (6-9)-God's Word is Unfailing (10-11)-Salvation is Everlasting (12-13)

Sermon Notes - John 6:59-71 - Jesus: His True vs. False DisciplesMain Point: Who Jesus is and what he has done divides true disciples from false disciples.-False disciples reject Jesus because of what he says (59-66)  -They followed the crowds, not Jesus  -They wanted what Jesus could do more than Jesus himself  -They were unwilling to give up control of their lives to Jesus  -They did not really believe in Jesus-True disciples remain with Jesus because of who he is (67-71)  -Jesus has the words of eternal life  -Jesus is the Holy One of God

Sermon Notes - John 6:22-58 - Jesus: The Bread of LifeMain Point: Jesus is the bread of life - when we believe in him and come to him, we will live in him.-Believe (22-35)-Come (36-48)  -The Father gives his people to the Son  -His people come to the Son because the Father draws them  -The Son keeps his people and will raise them on the last day-Live (49-58)

Sermon Notes - John 5:16-47 - Jesus: The Lord of the SabbathMain Point: Jesus is God, so let us believe in him and have eternal life.-The Claim (16-18)-The Explanation (19-30)  -Jesus is the Son of God  -Jesus gives life  -Jesus judges  -Jesus is the Son of Man-The Witnesses (31-47).  -John the Baptist  -The Father   -The Works   -The Word  -Indictment

Sermon Notes - John 5:1-15 - Jesus: The Lord of the SickMain Point: Because of who he is, Jesus can heal us - and his healing, especially of our souls from sin, is always by grace alone.-The Setting: We can trust the Bible (1-3)-The Sign: Jesus can heal the sick (5-9a)-The Sabbath: True rest can be found in Christ alone (9b-15

Sermon Notes - John 4:43-54 - Jesus: The Life-Giving WordMain Point: Jesus gives new life to those who truly believe in him.-An Unexpected “Welcome” (43-45)-An Unexpected Answer (46-48)-An Unexpected Response (49-50)-An Unexpected Result (51-54)  -Healing in Christ is because of God, not us  -Healing in Christ is a matter of when, not if  -Healing in Christ is for God's glory through our belief

Sermon Notes - John 4:27-42 - Jesus: The Savior of the WorldMain Point: Jesus calls us to join him in his work: bringing eternal life to the world.-Act I: The Woman's Testimony (27-30)-Interlude: The Disciples' Call (31-38)-Act II: The Savior's Word (39-42)

Sermon Notes - John 4:1-26 - Jesus: The Source of Living WaterMain Point: In Christ alone, all people can receive the living water that leads to eternal life.-Jesus meets her where she is (1-9)-Jesus offers her what she needs (10-15)-Jesus confronts her on her sin (16-18)-Jesus centers her worship on him (19-26)  -Where to worship (19-22)  -How to worship (23-24)  -Who to worship (25-26)

1. Feel the Weight of the Watchman's Responsibility (vv. 1-6)2. Heed the Words of the Watchman (vv. 33:7-9)3. Fulfill the Calling God Has Given You: a. Be the Profit b. Be the Watchman c. Turn from your sinfulness and turn to Christ

Sermon Notes - John 3:22-36 - Jesus: He Must IncreaseMain Point: Because of who Jesus is, he must increase - because of who we are, we must decrease.-Jesus Must Increase (22-30)  -The Setting (22-24)  -The Debate (25-26)  -The Response of John (27-30)   -The Perspective of John (27)   -The Witness of John (28)   -The Joy of John (29)   -The Conclusion of John (30) -Why Jesus Must Increase (31-36)  -The Supremacy of Christ (31)  -The Testimony of Christ (32-34)  -The Authority of Christ (35)  -The Necessity of Christ (36)

Sermon Notes - John 2:12-25 - Jesus: The True TempleMain Point: As the true temple, Jesus is where we meet God and have our sins forgiven.-Jesus Cleanses the Temple (12-17)-Jesus Is the Temple (18-22)-Jesus Knows All People (23-25)

Sermon Notes - John 2:1-11 - Jesus: Provides the True WineMain Point: Anticipating the ultimate wedding, Jesus turns water into wine to manifest his glory and draw us into belief in him.-No Wine: Jesus and His Mother (1-5)-New Wine: Jesus and His Servants (6-10)-True New Wine: Jesus and His Followers (11)

Sermon Notes - John 1:19-34 - Jesus: The Lamb of GodMain Point: John the Baptist bears witness to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.-The Identity of John the Baptist (19-28)  -Not the Christ  -Not Elijah  -Not the Prophet  -The Voice.  -The Humble Baptizer-The Identity of Jesus (29-34)  -The Lamb of God Who Takes Away the Sin of the World  -The One on Whom the Spirit Remains  -The Son of God

Sermon Notes - John 1:1-18 - Jesus: The WordMain Point: As the Word, Jesus has come to reveal God and give life to His children.-The Word is God (1-2)-The Word is Creator (3-5)-The Word is Revealed (6-15)-The Word Reveals God (16-18)

Psalm 127 - God is Sovereign Over ALL things!1) Because God is sovereign, He can be trusted in the day by day. (1-2)2) Because God is sovereign, He can be trusted with our family. (3-5)

Sermon Notes - Psalm 84 - Our Happy PlaceMain Point: Long to be where God is, because that is the only place of true satisfaction and blessing. - What is your happy place and why?- The Superscript- Blessed are those who Dwell in God's Presence (v1-4)- Blessed are those whose Strength is in God (v5-8)- Blessed are those who trust in God (v9-12)

Sermon Notes - Psalm 69 - Magnify the Lord!Main Point: We can magnify God no matter what, because Jesus saves us no matter what.1. Prayers of Rescue (1-21)  -Deep Waters (1-4, 13-18)  -Zealous Reproach (5-12, 19-21)2. Prayers of Imprecation (22-28)  -Judgment  -Justice3. Prayers of Praise (29-36)  -Commitment to Praise (29-33)  -Call to Praise (34-36)

Sermon Notes - Malachi 3:13-4:6 - Message 6: On Fearing GodMain Point: In the end, God will judge the wicked and bless the righteous - there are no other options.1. The Futility of Serving God? (3:13-15)  -"What We Do Doesn't Matter"  -"What Evildoers Do Doesn't Matter"2. The Faithfulness of the God-Fearers (3:16-18)3. The Future Judgment/Blessing of God (4:1-3)  -The Judgment of the Wicked  -The Blessing of the Righteous4. The Foremost Question About God (4:4-6)  -Look Back to the Law of Moses  -Look Forward to the Ministry of Elijah  -Look to the Salvation of God

Sermon Notes - Malachi 3:6-12 - Message Five: On GivingMain Point: Faithfulness to God means faithfulness in giving to God.1. A Call to Repent (6-7a)  -Who God Is (6)  -What God's People Need (7a)2. A Call to Give (7b-12)  -The Problem: Greedy Robbing of God (7b-9)  -The Solution: Generous Giving to God (10-11)  -The Result: Global Recognition of God's Glory (12)

Sermon Notes - Malachi 2:17-3:5 - Message Four: On JusticeMain Point: God's justice is displayed in his Messenger.1. Justice in Question (2:17)2. Justice in Action (3:1-5)  -The Lord's Messenger(s) (1)  -The People's Purification (2-4)  -The Wicked's Judgment (5)

Sermon Notes - Malachi 2:10-16 - Message Three: On FaithlessnessMain Point: We are to guard against faithlessness, especially in marriage, for the sake of our relationships with others and the Lord.1. Charges of Faithlessness:  -In the Community  -In Worship2. Examples of Faithlessness:   -Faithless Marriages  -Faithless Divorces

Sermon Notes - Malachi 1:6-2:9 - Message Two: On WorshipMain Point: God deserves and demands our absolute best - anything less is unacceptable to him.1. God's Charge and Israel's Questions: Dishonor (1:6-7)2. God's Answer to the People: Unacceptable Worship (1:8-14)3. God's Answer to the Priests: False Teaching (2:1-9)

Sermon Notes - Malachi 1:1-5 - Message One: On LoveMain Point: God shows his love for his people in his unconditional and glorious salvation of them.1. An Introduction to Malachi (v. 1)2. God's Charge: Love (v. 2a)3. Israel's Question: How (v. 2b)4. God's Answer: Election (v. 2c-5)  -God's Unconditional Choice (v. 2c-3a)  -Edom's Certain Destruction (v. 3b-4)  -God's Limitless Glory (v. 5)

Sermon Notes - Discipleship: In the HomeMain Point: When Jesus is our top priority, we will prioritize discipleship in the home.1. Connections (Titus 2:1-8)  -The Church's Influence  -The Parent's Influence  -Modeling2. Comforts (Matthew 28:18-20)  -You Can Start Today  -You Cannot Save Anyone  -Christ Has Saved You3. Challenges (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)  -Time: Intentional Family Worship  -Moments: Everyday God-Sightings  -Milestones: Significant Commemorations

Main Idea: Commit to following Christ as His disciples—even if it costs us everything—because He is worth it.A disciple is not… (v25) - A disciple is not merely a part of the crowd, but a committed follower.  - A disciple is not a super-Christian, but a Christian. A disciple is… (v26) - A disciple is one who puts Christ over all things. - A disciple is one who follows Christ in all circumstances.Consider the cost of discipleship (v27-33).Consider the cost that Christ paid for us.

Sermon Notes - James 5:13-20 - Faith and SalvationMain Point: We are to live out our faith through prayer and care for one another.1. Prayer (13-18)  -The Prevalence of Prayer (13-15)   -Pray in All Seasons (13)   -Pray in Sickness (14-15)  -The Power of Prayer (16-18)   -Our Powerful Prayer (16)   -Elijah's Powerful Prayer (17-18)2. Care (19-20)  -Those Who Wander   -How They Wander   -The Results of Their Wandering  -Those Who Care   -How They Care   -The Results of Their Care

Sermon Notes - James 5:7-12 - Faith and PatienceMain Point: We are to endure suffering with patience because of what awaits us in Christ.

Sermon Notes - James 4:13-17 - Faith and PresumptionMain Point: In all things we are to trust in God, not ourselves.-The Issue at Hand (13)-Our Uncertainty About Life (14)  -Limited  -Temporary-God's Sovereignty Over Life (15)-Our Presumption About Life (16)-God's Call on Our Lives (17)

Sermon Notes - James 4:1-12 - Faith and FaithfulnessMain Point: God demands complete faithfulness to him, but gives us the grace needed for it, if we have the humility to receive it.1. The Problem of Sinful Passions (1-3)2. The Problem of Sinful People (4-10)  -The Heart of the Matter (4-5)  -The Hope of the World (6)  -The How-To of Humility (7-10)3. The Problem of Sinful Proclamations (11-12)

Sermon Notes - James 3:13-18 - Faith and WisdomMain Point: True wisdom is from above and leads to righteousness - false wisdom is from below and leads to wickedness.-An Introduction to True Wisdom (13)-False Wisdom (14-16)  -Source  -Marks  -Results-True Wisdom (17-18)  -Source  -Marks  -Results

Main Point: The Lord breaks us to make us to be servants for His glory.Point one:The Lord breaks us…Luke 22:54-62Point two:To make us to be servants…John 21:15-17Point three:For His glory….John 21: 18-19

Sermon Notes - James 2:1-13 - Faith and PartialityMain Point: Show no partiality.1. The What (1)2. The Example (2-4)3. The Why (5-13)  -Spiritual (5-6a)  -Social (6b-7)  -Scriptural (8-13)   -Love over partiality (8-9)    -Consistency over partiality (10-11)   -Mercy over partiality (12-13)

Sermon Notes - James 1:19-27 - Faith and ObedienceMain Point: Faithfulness to God means hearing, doing, and living his word.1. Hear the Word (19-21)2. Do the Word (22-25)3. Live the Word (26-27)  -Bridle the Tongue  -Visit the Afflicted  -Keep Unstained from the World

Sermon Notes - James 1:1-8 - Faith and TrialsMain Point: We can face the trials of life with joy through faith in God who always gives us what we need.1. An Introduction to James (1)2. Trials Through Joy (2-4)  -The Reality of our Trials  -The Response to our Trials  -The Result of our Trials3. Wisdom Through Faith (5-8)  -What Wisdom Is  -How God Gives Wisdom  -The Way We Ask for Wisdom

Sermon Notes - Death Is Not Ours to ChooseMain Point: Death is never ours to choose because we are not our own and our pain has purpose.1. Against Choosing Death (Exodus 20:13)  -God's word is clear  -Our world is unclear2. We Are Not Our Own (Genesis 1:26-28)3. Our Pain Has Purpose (John 11)  -Pain and suffering are not to be avoided at all costs  -God will eliminate all suffering without eliminating the sufferer  -Death is never the answer - the one who overcame it is

Sermon Notes - Matthew 13:44-46 - The Treasure of Infinite WorthMain Point: The Kingdom of Heaven is the treasure of infinite worth that requires all you have. 1. The +Kingdom of Heaven+ is the treasure of infinite worth that requires all you have  -Often Hidden  -Joy Producing  -For Everyone2. The Kingdom of Heaven is the +treasure of infinite worth+ that requires all you have3. The Kingdom of Heaven is the treasure of infinite worth that +requires all you have+  -Giving  -Serving  -Discipling  -Loitering  -Neighboring

Sermon Notes - 1 Timothy 4:1-11 - CatechismsMain Point: We must all be shaped by the teachings of God, not the world - and catechisms can help.1. The World's Teaching (1-5)2. God's Teaching (6-11)3. Catechisms  -What They Are  -How They Work

Sermon Notes - 1 Corinthians 13 - Love Came Down at ChristmasMain Point: Love is to always be our first priority because Love came down at Christmas.1. When love is not our first priority: we are merely noise or nothing (1-3)  -Giftedness without love  -Generosity without love2. When love is not our first priority: we are not like Jesus (4-7)   -Love is patient  -Love is kind  -Love does not envy  -Love does not boast  -Love is not arrogant  -Love is not rude  -Love does not insist on its own way  -Love is not irritable  -Love is not resentful  -Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth  -Love bears all things  -Love believes all things  -Love hopes all things  -Love endures all things3. When love is not our first priority: we are missing the point (8-13)

Sermon Notes: (JOY: John 16:16-24)Main point: In fulfilling his mission, Jesus brings us joy.Outline:(1) A Time of Sorrow(2) An Eternity of Joy

Sermon Notes: Hope – 1 Peter 1:3-16 Our Living HopeMain Point: Set your Hope fully on grace to be given to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.Biblical Hope – A confident expectation that God is ready, willing, able, and faithful to do what he said he's going to do, that God is faithful to keep his promises.1. Living Hope / New Birth 3-62. Suffering with Joy – Vs 6-9               3. Incomparably Privileged V10-124. Be Holy V13-16

Sermon Notes - Psalm 136Main Point: Because God's steadfast love endures forever, we ought to respond in worship and thanksgiving.1) Give thanks to God for who He is (v1-3)2) Give thanks to God who created and sustains the universe (v4-9)3) Give thanks to God who delivers His people (v10-15)4) Give thanks to God who keeps His promises (v16-22)5) Give thanks to God whose steadfast love endures, even today (v23-26)

Sermon Notes - Psalms 100Main Point: Because of who God is and what he has done, does, and will do, we should respond to him in thankfulness and praise.1) How we praise: Verses 1 - 22) Who we praise: Verses 3 - 43) Why we praise: Verse 5

Sermon Notes - Genesis 49:29-50:26 - The End of the BeginningMain Point: God will sustain us through everything, even life and death, to the end.1. The End of Jacob (49:29-50:14)2. The End of Joseph (50:15-26) -Acknowledge God's Role -Accept God's Perspective -Apply God's Love3. The End of Genesis

Sermon Notes - Genesis 49:1-28 - Salvation and BlessingsMain Point: God's salvation and blessings are sure in his Messiah - the Lion of Judah.1. The Future of the Other Brothers2. The Salvation from Judah  -Authority  -Might  -Rule  -Prosperity  -Christ3. The Blessings of Joseph