Sharon Church | Sermons

The Book of James is a letter to struggling Christians encouraging them to stay faithful in the face of great suffering. It is  full of practical wisdom and truth to help us know and follow God's plan for our flourishing. In this passage, James addresses an issue that he considers to be a serious sin happening among the church communities - favoritism. He sees it as an affront to the Gospel and wants them to see it the same way.

The Book of James is a letter to struggling Christians encouraging them to stay faithful in the face of great suffering. It is  full of practical wisdom and truth to help us know and follow God's plan for our flourishing. In this passage, James is challenging his readers to not stop at hearing but to continue in doing. The promise is that the person who hears AND does will be blessed in his doing. 

The Book of James is a letter to struggling Christians encouraging them to stay faithful in the face of great suffering. It is  full of practical wisdom and truth to help us know and follow God's plan for our flourishing.  In James 1:19-21 the context is clearly about the Word - specifically the Gospel, generally the Word of God. We must be eager to hear what God has to say to us - especially in times of struggle. However, we will often hear things we don't like. We will be challenged and convicted and tempted to grow bitter. James is begging his beloved brothers not to do that but instead to receive the conviction with meekness.

The Book of James is a letter to struggling Christians encouraging them to stay faithful in the face of great suffering. It is  full of practical wisdom and truth to help us know and follow God's plan for our flourishing.  In James 1:13-18, James continues his encouragement to stay faithful during trials but works through the human struggle to see trials not as tests but as temptations. In doing so, we question the goodness of God and James is quick to remind us to look through our circumstances to the One who has our lives in His good and perfect hands.

The Book of James is a letter to struggling Christians encouraging them to stay faithful in the face of great suffering. It is  full of practical wisdom and truth to help us know and follow God's plan for our flourishing.  In James 1:1-12, James introduces himself and gets right into the purpose of his letter to the struggling Christians scattered in the Greco-Roman world in the first century. He wants them to hold on to their faith even in the midst of what they are going through because God has something for their souls in it. He has peace and wholeness and contentment for them - something we all long for - if they will just show some grit and endure. 

For three weeks, we will be studying three monumental moments in the life of Jesus - His crucifixion, His resurrection, & His ascension. Because of His death and resurrection, His ascension becomes His coronation. It is there that He assumes His rightful seat on the throne. This week, we look at the ascension of Jesus. In his gospel account, Luke seems to emphasize the ascension more than the other gospel writers. In fact, Luke makes it sound like Jesus emphasized it Himself. The ascension of Jesus is a crucial piece to the life and purpose of His mission and even today He sits at the right hand of the Father because of His ascension.

For three weeks, we will be studying three monumental moments in the life of Jesus - His crucifixion, His resurrection, & His ascension.Because of His death and resurrection, His ascension becomes His coronation. It is there that He assumes His rightful seat on the throne.This week, we look at the resurrection of Jesus. The great issue around the resurrection is not whether or not we believe a man was raised from the dead. The issue is who we believe Jesus is and why it matters. Belief in the what is not the same as belief in the why.

For three weeks, we will be studying three monumental moments in the life of Jesus - His crucifixion, His resurrection, & His ascension.Because of His death and resurrection, His ascension becomes His coronation. It is there that He assumes His rightful seat on the throne.This week, we look at the crucifixion - or as Jesus calls it, "When I am lifted up." Something miraculous happened on that Good Friday thousands of years ago that opened the door for "whoever" to be saved.

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all. As Paul concludes his letter, he focuses on how we are to use our words - and how they are to line up with our conduct.

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all. In this passage, Paul gets very practical. But these nine verses MUST be read in context with the previous two and half chapters. In this new kingdom of Jesus, there are ways to live in our everyday. When Christians live as if they are truly risen with Christ, everything changes.

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all.As Paul shifts to the "what now" portion of his letter, his focus moves to how the Colossians should live in light of the truth of Christ's pre-eminence. In this passage, he implores the Christians in Colossae to fix their minds on things that are right and true and pure and let their behavior follow.

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all. In this passage we get to the root of the issues in Colossae. The young Christians were being told that the way to grow in faith was through legalism or spiritualism and not through Jesus.  We can find ourselves in the same place, even today. So, what are we to do?

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all.In this passage, Paul begins to deal with some of the false teaching that was impacting the lives of the Christians in Colossae. He appeals to them to walk with Christ in the same way they received Him. He asserts that there is no separation between our salvation and our sanctification.

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all.As Paul begins to move to the body of the letter, he wants to show the Colossian Christians how much their lives and even their suffering matters to God's plan to save the world. 

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all.As Paul continues his introduction, he lays out a bold proclamation - Jesus is God. This truth would have been revolutionary to the Roman world but Paul would not leave it at some sort of cosmic truth, he would explain to the Colossians why that matters to them personally. The same is true for us. Jesus is God. And that matters.

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all.In Chapter One, Paul shares his desire for the Christians in Colossae - that they would truly know the will of God in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. In much the same way, we need the same thing. Our lives are full of situations where we aren't sure what to do but we have all we need in Jesus.

Through Christ's death and resurrection He won the victory over sin and death, defeating the powers of evil. Then...He brought back the spoils of that war and as He ascended to Heaven He dispersed them to His Church. In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul uses an Old Testament Psalm to show us what happened through that victory and how we have been given Gospel Purpose because of it.

If the Gospel is true - and we believe it is - it has the power to transform us. It has the power to create a brand new kind of people. But to live as new people in a world like ours is difficult. So, we need each other. Gospel people need gospel people.

The Gospel is not good advice.  It is not a seven step plan to healthy living. It is the power of God for salvation.  The Apostle Paul knew it first-hand and it made him unashamed to share it and believe it.This Good News changed everything for Paul and for many like him.

We all have a worldview - a way in which we see the world and interpret our circumstances. Throughout the Bible, God has given us His worldview and therefore how we should see the world and interpret our circumstances.This Biblical worldview should determine, then, how we understand the Gospel and therefore how we see ourselves and others. 

Our student pastor, Codi Schutz, shares from 1 Timothy 4 and addresses each of our deep seated insecurities that keep us from doing hard things.

The most important city for the Roman Empire in Asia Minor was Ephesus. It was a port city with great wealth and influence. And their influence largely came from their worship of the goddess Artemis and their practice of magic arts - black magic. Their entire economy was built on idolatry and magic arts. When the Gospel transformed the Christians in Ephesus, the economy felt it. When the church in Ephesus was first founded, they shook the core of the darkness of Ephesus by their bold proclamations and work in the community.Over time, they became less concerned with bringing light to the darkness and instead grew more concerned with protecting their light. In Revelation 2, 45 years after the church in Ephesus was established, Jesus sees what is happening and calls them out on it. He calls them back to the works they did when they were a young church.

As the letter of Revelation makes its way to the church in Smyrna, the Christians there are under intense pressure from all sides. Jesus knows their struggle and suffering, yet His comfort for them is not that it is almost over but that it has just begun.  As Christians, suffering often feels like the anger of God rather than His love and grace but as we see in the narrative of Scripture, there is a point to suffering for the Christian. God is doing something with it and there is joy to be found both in the middle of it and on the other side of it.

For the church in Pergamum, it wasn't the frontal assault of persecution and martyrdom that had Jesus worried for them - it was their handling of the subtle inside job of false teaching and perversion of grace. They were zealous about their faith in Jesus and about salvation but had grown thoughtless in their approach to teaching and learning. This is a call to be mindful, to be transformed in our thinking. We must use our brains when following Jesus.

Over the next four weeks, we will look at four of the seven churches to whom the letter of Revelation was written in light of the season of Advent.This sermon is from the first Sunday of Advent, focused on Hope.In this sermon we are looking at the church in Thyatira. There seems to be much good happening at the church but Jesus is concerned about their willingness to tolerate the spirit of compromise that is seeping into the church. It is in this introduction that Jesus shows His disdain for any sort of false teaching that you can love and worship both God and whatever other god we choose.

As we finish Revelation, we are going back to look at each of the seven churches to whom the letter of Revelation was written. Each city is unique and therefore their introduction to the letter is unique. In this sermon we are looking at the church in Sardis. Sardis was a wealthy, safe, comfortable city along five major trade routes and blessed with a river that produced gold. Its geography kept it safe except for two embarrassing moments when its walls were breeched because they had no one standing guard.Jesus see the church in Sardis in much the same way - comfortable and active, yet dead. They are missing the very thing He offers - the Spirit of God.

Over the next seven weeks, we will look at each of the seven churches to whom the letter of Revelation was written. Each city is unique and therefore their introduction to the letter is unique. In this sermon we are looking at the church in Philadelphia. Philadelphia was once an important city along a major trade route in Asia Minor. The Greeks saw Philadelphia as an open door to the rest of the world. But over time, Philadelphia became beat down and essentially left for dead. Opportunity seemed to be years in the past. But Jesus has a different perspective. As the One who has the power to open doors and give purpose, Jesus encourages the church in Philadelphia to keep going!

Over the next seven weeks, we will look at each of the seven churches to whom the letter of Revelation was written. Each city is unique and therefore their introduction to the letter is unique.  In this sermon we are looking at the church in Laodicea. Laodicea is known for a few great things but it is ashamed of its water supply. Without their own supply of fresh water, they have to have water brought in via aqueducts and Jesus sees their spiritual state in much the same way. 

With the final chapter of Revelation (and the Bible), we are taken back to the beginning. The Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden appears again, this time alone and in the New Heaven and New Earth. We are being shown that eternal life is not found here on earth. There is no thing, no person, no financial status, no relationship, no job, no diet that will save and satisfy us here. And that is why the cry of Revelation 22 is, "Come, Lord Jesus". 

As the visions John has are coming to a close, the Bible itself is coming to a close, as well. And the Bible ends just like it began. In God's sovereign plan for His creation, God's presence was felt in personal, unfettered access. So, for John's final vision, God shows him a renewed earth full of God's glory but it looks like other models we have seen in Scripture before.

The first ten verses of Revelation 20 are some of the most debated verses in all of Scripture. While the church has disagreed on their interpretation for ages, we actually agree more than with disagree. Either way, Jesus wins. But the sobering truth is what we read in the last five verses of the chapter. Time runs out. So, what is the church to do before that final judgment?

As the book of Revelation reaches its conclusion, John is shown two more visions of Jesus. These two visions reveal the way Jesus is returning at His second coming. He is coming as a groom to take His bride home and to celebrate with a wedding feast. AND He is coming as a victorious warrior king to collect the spoils of the battle He has already won. This is the heart of any prophecy - revealing Jesus. 

As the book of Revelation begins to make its descent to its conclusion, John begins to call back to many of the patterns and pictures he has given us in the book. In this passage, the churches on Asia Minor - under intense persecution from the Roman Empire - are shown what Rome actually is. They have been tempted to give in or give up and John is being shown an image of a woman on the first beast that will show Christians that they need to be careful and have their eyes open. They must not be deceived by the beauty of this woman - she is fallen.

There is coming a day when the wrath of God is finally poured out. Until that day we have a choice to make regarding the finished work of Jesus.

While the dragon and its beasts are after humanity, God has a response - the eternal gospel.

The dragon has two beasts on earth to do his work in pursuit of the Church.

There is a reality that is more real than what we see everyday. There is a war being waged for the souls of mankind. 

How does the Church live as a faithful witness in a world that seems directly opposed to Jesus?

As John's vision continues to unfold, Jesus shows him a glimpse of what God is doing with those who have persecuted the Church.

With the plan of history unfolding, John sees the endurance of the church on full display.

In a moment of despair, John is given hope - but it does not come the way he expected.

There is a vision of Heaven in Revelation 4 that has The Almighty on the throne in the very center of all that is happening. Creation is worshipping, the saints are worshipping. This truth is happening now, in the present and it is the very truth that centers our lives. That throne is the center that everything revolves around. The question is whether or not we believe it and live like it.

As John begins the letter to the seven churches, Jesus tells him what to write from the middle of the churches.

https://chusermedia.s3.amazonaws.com/535170826_8169_Sharon_Podcast_72124.mp3 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 00:00:00 EDT Revelation | The Almighty

In the prologue to Revelation, we get a number of clues that will tell us how we are to study and read this great book of hope for the Church.

After all the searching for meaning and purpose and progress in life, the Preacher has found none. Now, the author concludes by telling the reader what to do with this knowledge - fear God and keep His commandments.

As the Preacher wraps up his lecture on life, he turns his attention to the young listener.

In all his searching, the Preacher has still decided that wisdom is better than folly. It may not be the final solution, but it offers more than folly.

The Preacher comes back to his conclusion that life is hevel - but now gives some tangible ways to respond.

The Preacher has found great power in wisdom...and yet it still leaves him unsatsified. He has looked at the world and found a bitter truth - people are drawn to folly more than wisdom, but it is understandable because they often look so similar.

While we will never find satisfaction in money or honor, they do serve a purpose in our lives. How we steward them can lead us to contentment or vanity.