Sunday Sermons

Everyone is welcome in the Kingdom, but The King expects total commitment from every citizen. We find true life by trading the illusion of control for the truth and true freedom in Christ. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Stories Like That Speaker: John Pryor Audio/Video Credit: Frodo saves Sam from drowning. FAIR USE : Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. All the Rights in This Content Belong to Their Respective Owner/s.

Almost all the Kingdom stories include a process that requires time, patience, wisdom, and relentless pursuit of a goal. The King wants us to trust and obey—and keep trusting and obeying! Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Stories Like That Speaker: John Pryor

The majority of Jesus's stories tell us how to prepare for the ultimate, perfect, eternal kingdom that will begin when He returns. All of them tell us how to relentlessly build His kingdom on earth. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Stories Like That Speaker: John Pryor

Almost all the Kingdom stories communicate purpose and responsibility: work gets done, resources are shared, lost things are found, investments yield returns, and living things produce fruit. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Speaker: John Pryor Series: Stories Like That

The Kingdom of Heaven is designed to keep growing and seeking and restoring anyone who wanders away. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of this, but He asks all of us to play our part and CRAM Worldwide plays their part well. Here to speak is their Director of Communications, Ky Schreiber, for an update on this organization's impact on the world. Speaker: Ky Schreiber Series: Stories Like That

The King of Heaven is far too kind to give us what we truly deserve; instead, He gives us grace, love, and purpose—and expects us to pass these blessings along, working together as His team. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Audio/Video Credit: The Lord Of The Rings - The Coronation Of Aragorn HD Series: Stories Like That Speaker: John Pryor

In the Kingdom of Heaven, old divisions become irrelevant. Enemies become friends, friends become family, and family becomes a team that lives, worships, and serves together—no matter the cost. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Audio/Video Credit: LOTR The Return of the King - "I Can't Carry It For You... But I Can Carry You" Frodo saves Sam from drowning. Series: Stories Like That Speaker: Caleb Wright

Jesus told stories about a Kingdom where the servant of all is the greatest, the last are first, and all the citizens unite to accomplish His will. Everyone is invited, but they must fully commit. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Stories Like That Speaker: John Pryor

In the final chapters of Judges, there are no clear leaders. Right and wrong are such distant memories that unspeakable horrors are accepted and even their attempts at seeking God are chaotic and hypocritical. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: No More Kings Speaker: John Pryor

Samson's life demonstrates how sins of omission (not doing what we need to do) and sins of commission (doing what we should not do) can not only prevent us from accomplishing much but totally destroy our lives. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: No More Kings Speaker: John Pryor

Jepthah desperately prays for God's help, hoping to defeat the Ammonites and become Israel's leader. He doesn't know God at all, and his guesses about God's character and what is “right” cost him dearly. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: No More Kings Speaker: David Pryor

Barak was willing to do God's will—if someone came with him. Deborah was willing to do the right thing, and Jael was willing to do whatever it took to eliminate the enemy that was oppressing her people. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: No More Kings Speaker: John Pryor

When Gideon accepted how God saw him as his identity and trusted God Himself for the victory—no matter the odds—he became creative and successful. Then he lost his integrity holding on to power. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: No More Kings Speaker: Billy Knieriem

Ehud and Shamgar both delivered Israel in unlikely, unexpected ways. They used tools others took for granted and never found time to use. With God's help—and all He's already provided—we CAN get the job done. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: No More Kings Speaker: John Pryor

With some help from Othniel (the first judge), Caleb claims the land God promised him from the legendary giants that scared Israel off 45 years earlier. With God's help, he and his family do “the impossible.” Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: No More Kings Speaker: John Pryor

Joshua took most of the Promised Land as a direct act of obedience to God. One generation away, they still see themselves as the rightful owners of their “God-given” land, but that's just their excuse for selfishness. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Speaker: John Pryor Series: No More Kings

Jesus restored our shattered relationship with God and gave us all we need to restore and grow human relationships on a personal, small group, big group, and worldwide level. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Speaker: John Pryor Series: LOVE/LIFe

Jesus always made a tangible difference in people's lives, and He showed us a love that did even more than it said it would do. The point was LOVE, not self-denial; He accepted and encouraged extravagant displays of love. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Speaker: John Pryor Series: LOVE/LIFE

Jesus created memorable scenes, stories, and sacraments that connected and kept reminding people about the truths He had shared with them and the real, ongoing change He had helped them embrace. He taught us to methodically work love into our daily, weekly, and annual rhythms. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Speaker: Billy Clark Series: LOVE/LIFE

Jesus broke traditions, crossed barriers, and risked His own reputation and life to heal outsiders and help others reboot their lives. He served even when He needed rest and comfort Himself. To Him, Life = Showing Love. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: LOVE/LIFE Speaker: John Pryor

Jesus's message rebooted the whole Old Testament with a message of rebirth and real change. His example showed us how to put God and others first—not as a list of rules, but as a heart-and-soul lifestyle of love. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: LOVE/LIFE Speaker: John Pryor

noun 1. What something means and the degree of distinctness. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Speaker: John Pryor Series: Definition

noun 1. King of Kings, Lord of Lords. 2. Messiah, Savior. 3. The Lion. 4. The Lamb. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Speaker: John Pryor Series: Definition

noun 1. People devoted to a specific person, cause, or activity. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Speaker: John Pryor Series: Definition

adjective 1. Prepared, empowered, armed 2. Supported Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Speaker: John Pryor Series: Definition

adjective 1. Committed, loyal, faithful, relentless. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Definition Speaker: John Pryor

adverb 1. Completely, purely, with clear purpose and deliberate focus. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Definition Speaker: John Pryor

verb 1. The process of starting over and truly changing. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Definition Speaker: John Pryor

verb, noun 1. The act of empowering others to do something. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Definition Speaker: John Pryor

The first Sunday of 2021 is here and we are casting a vision for the new year! You are offically invited to join us as we become more focused than ever before on what God is calling us to do for His Kingdom! Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Twenty Twenty Speaker: John Pryor

Let's take a minute and look at the year 2020 in hindsight. We all know it was hard, but was it all bad? Let's celebrate how God moved! Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Twenty Twenty Speaker: John Pryor

As we celebrate the newborn Messiah, the crucified Christ, and the returning King, our worship must express—not replace—His love languages: obedience, justice, and holiness. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: 40 Speaker: John Pryor

The 40 days between Jesus's resurrection and ascension reveal His grace and patience—but also an intense sense of purpose. He still does all He can to empower His disciples to change the world. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: 40 Speaker: John Pryor

In God's concept of peace, we choose to unite around truths and relationships that matter more than anything we fight over; we also experience clarity and joy when we focus on Him and others. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: 40 Speaker: John Pryor

God tells His people very little but just enough about the future; we know all we need to know to make strategicy choices today. These include both speaking and living out the truth in love. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: 40 Speaker: John Pryor

God guides and provides when we trust and obey. That sounds a lot simpler and easier than it actually is, but we do experience this when we put all our hope in Christ and do whatever it takes to obey Him. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: 40 Speaker: John Pryor

As we begin this season of seeking God and blessing others, we
 will expect transformation. For 40 days, we will use all the spiritual disciplines make it easier for the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in us. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: 40 Speaker: David Pryor

YOUTH SUNDAY! No Sermon Outline or Life Group Questions are available yet. Stay tuned! Speaker: Caleb Wright Series: Youth Sunday

The word Jesus used for “church” included a sense of responsibility and accountability to “outsiders.” We grow exponentially when we team up and relentlessly pursue HIS purposes together. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Moving Out Speaker: John Pryor

God's dream has always been that we treat everyone with equal respect and kindness withing networks that provide for each other. Since the fall, His plan has included forgiveness, grace, and hope and help for real change. These are only possible when we see ourselves and others from God's perspective and working together to accomplish His purposes on earth. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Moving Out Speaker: John Pryor

God makes us holy—He sets His people apart—for His specific purposes. We must create and restore justice wherever we are, not create spiritual bunkers and hide in them. What Jesus has in mind is a mindset: His followers are always fulfilling the Great Commission. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Moving Out Speaker: John Pryor

Like Jesus, we must go where others are and love them as they are--then lead them into the kingdom they were created to help build. We must love each other enough to accept and forgive them as they are--AND to help them grow and reach their full potential. Together, we can create the kind of neighborhood everyone needs and longs for. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Moving Out Speaker: John Pryor

We don't have to follow all the "notes" others give us, but God's script should guide every part of our lives. We must stay open, humble, and courageous enough to keep asking honest questions and following wherever the truth leads--always learning and growing. Whether He's talking about personal salvation or holiness, evangelism, or anything else, Jesus expects us to start where we are and move out. Sermon Outline Life Group Questions Series: Moving Out Speaker: John Pryor

We only experience supernatural levels of peace when we completely trust God and humbly practice justice and mercy in our daily lives with others. The peace we can each experience through Christ empowers us to be peacemakers--working together to create order out of chaos and live in a purpose-based unity the world can't imagine. Series: Peace That Passes Understanding Speaker: John Pryor Notes: Rejoice in the Lord always. We can't fully understand or explain the supernatural levels of peace God gives His people, but we experience it when we completely trust Him and humbly practice justice and mercy. “The Lord is near” refers to God's promises to be with us in times of trouble and Jesus's promise to return. Colossians 3:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:4-5, John 16:33, Psalm 145:18, Obadiah 1:15 Do not be anxious…present your requests to God. God guides and provides when we trust and obey. We must choose to live day by day, moment by moment, with eternity in mind. Wisdom helps a lot but worry destroys us. Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 12:12, Matthew 6:25-34 Let your gentleness be evident to all. Unimaginable levels of strength, wisdom, and peace in the face of trouble can terrify those who are not experiencing them. Never forget that making disciples never stops being our job, no matter the circumstances. Philippians 4:4 & 8, Matthew 23:23 Whatever you have learned…put it into practice. All of our perspectives, questions, experiences, etc. are never going to be the same, but the body of Christ can work together to bring real healing. Philippians 4:9, Matthew 5:9 Lord, I will…

Biblically speaking, peace is a side-effect of total trust in God and living life justly and fairly. Only Jesus can give us peace with God, but it's our choice to let peace rule over the other voices in our heads or not--to listen to our sinful nature or to the Holy Spirit in us. Jesus made it clear that we will face trouble in life, but He is with us. Series: Peace That Passes Understanding Speaker: John Pryor Notes: We can only find true peace in Jesus. Biblically speaking, peace is a side-effect of total trust in God and living life justly, fairly—in healthy relationships with God and others. Only Jesus can make this possible. John 16:33 & 14:6, 27, Romans 5:1 & 8:6 In this world, we will have trouble. God hears and rescues people much more than He shields them from any and all harm. Jesus made it clear to us that we will face trouble—but that's not the end of the story. Psalm 34:15-19, Mark 4:23-27, Ephesians 6:15 Jesus has overcome the world. The peace of Christ can “rule in our hearts” no matter the circumstances. God uses suffering and even the devil's attacks to make us stronger and more like Him. John 20:21, Romans 16:19-20, Colossians 3:15 Take heart. We experience peace that nobody fully understands when we fix our thoughts on what Jesus calls good and build our actions on His teachings, regardless of whatever else is happening. Acts 9, Psalm 119:165, Proverbs 1:33, Philippians 4:4-9, 2 Corinthians 13:11 Lord, I will…

As Christ's body, we must follow His example and relentlessly prepare to serve others, provide what others--especially the rest of the body--need, welcome new people into our family, and empower each other to serve. Since biblical hospitality is focused on those outside the body, we must collectively focus outward. Series: Authentic Faith: Be The Body Speaker: John Pryor Notes: Jesus prepared carefully for His final Passover with His disciples. He made sure everything they needed was provided and welcomed them in a way they would never forget. He included them in the process and empowered them to follow His example. John 13:1-17 We must prepare to serve others. Even our focus on encouraging and building each other up models God's love to the world. Making new disciples must always be a non-negotiable, core purpose for Christ's body. This requires constant preparation. Luke 13-15 & 22, John 13:34-35, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8 We must provide what others need. No matter what other specific will He may have for various parts of His body at any given time, meeting each others needs and working together to meet the needs of others are always part of Christ's will for us. Titus 3:14, Acts 2:42-47, Romans 12, 1 Timothy 5:8 We must welcome others into our home. Biblical hospitality includes showing love to strangers. Jesus commanded us to love our enemies and constantly showed us how to love those others consider less and those He considers lost. Matthew 4:43-48, Titus 1:8, 1 Timothy 3:2, 2 Kings 6:8-23, Romans 12:9-21, Hebrews 13:1-3 We must empower each other to serve. This is why we gather, why we fellowship, why the Holy Spirit spreads the gifts out between everyone in the Body, and why the Body must grow. 1 Peter 4:7-11 Lord, I will show hospitality to _______ by ___________.

One of God's core purposes has always been to set prisoners free. Another has always been to include His people in that process. He is willing to sacrifice or require just about anything for our spiritual, emotional, and relational freedom, and asks us to treat those in prison the way we would like others to treat us. When He says "visit" them, He means to show up and work to set them free. Series: Authentic Faith: Be The Body Speaker: John Pryor Notes: Jesus wants to set us all free. The Messiah's core purposes included setting prisoners free, and God has always wanted His people to be part of this process. While our comfort and happiness at any given moment are not His first priorities, God consistently does and requires anything that can help us experience true freedom. Genesis 39, Matthew 4:12-17, Acts 8-9 & 16, Luke 4:14-30, Isaiah 42 & 61, Psalm 147, Ephesians 2:10 We must visit prisoners. Whether their prison is spiritual, emotional, relational, physical—or any combination of these—we must meet them where they are. “Visit” means show up and go there. It's an action verb. Matthew 5:21-30 & 25:31-46, Jude 20-23 We must work to set prisoners free. Sometimes isolation may be necessary as a means to an end, but it's never innately good or healthy for long periods of time. We must work together to help others become spiritually, emotionally, and relationally free, and help our fellow believers stay that way. Matthew 25:40, Galatians 6:10, Hebrews 13:3, Mark 12:28-34 Lord, I will visit _______ this week.

God does everything from an eternal perspective. While physical sickness and health are not His first priorities, He expects Christ's body to relentlessly offer empathy, comfort, and healing to those who are spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and physically sick. Jesus set a perfect example for us to follow. Series: Authentic Faith: Be The Body Speaker: John Pryor Notes: Play your part, build the body, work together. God designed us to work together—each of us playing the parts the Holy Spirit empowers each of us to play. No matter the circumstances, meeting physical needs must always be one of God's people's highest priorities, and Jesus counts what we do for “the least” as if we do it directly for Him. Matthew 25:35-45, Ephesians 2:8-10, Mark 2:1-17 We must offer empathy, comfort, and healing. God does everything from an eternal perspective, and physical sickness and health are not His first priorities. Like Jesus Himself, we must meet people where they really are and give them what they really need most. John 11 & 5, Acts 3-5, 9:32-42, 19:11-12 & 20:7-12, Galatians 4:13, 1 Timothy 5:23, 2 Timothy 4:20, 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 We must care for the sick. Like Jesus—and from the same eternal perspective—we must relentlessly reach out to the spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and physically sick. Romans 3:23-24, Mark 2:17, Proverbs 18:14, John 14, 1 Corinthians 11:29-30, Acts 2:42-47, Matthew 14, James 5:14-16 Lord, I will offer_____ to _____ .

One of the specific things God always wants Christ's Body to do is to meet tangible needs. This is even more important in times of crisis, and we need the whole Body to work together to be effective. What job will you use your gift to accomplish? Series: Authentic Faith: Be The Body Speaker: John Pryor Notes: Play your part. God designed us to work together. We must harmonize; each of us must play the part the Holy Spirit empowers us to play. The senses, the core, and the limbs of a human body form a perfect metaphor for how this works. Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Corinthians 1:10 & 12:27-31 Build the body by working together. This does not mean trying to get all the parts to function the same way and do the same things. We help each other get stronger and more effective by supporting one another as we do things together. Ephesians 4:2-16, Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14 Meet physical needs. Christ expects His Body to provide for each other—and our neighbors—in relevant, tangible ways. We must work together to provide food, drink, shelter, clothing, medical care, and intentional presence. This is always true and even more important in times of crisis. Matthew 25:35-40, James 2 Lord, I will use my gift of _____ to…

The Holy Spirit gives each of us gifts and expects each of us to use them. When we work together, the whole body gets stronger. When we don't, we get weaker. We must encourage one another and build each other up. Series: Authentic Faith: Be The Body Speaker: John Pryor Notes: We are the body of Christ. We were designed to work together—which is why the devil constantly tries to discourage, disconnect, and divide us. We must choose daily to “be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-13, Ephesians 4 The “senses” keep us connected__ Prophecy Communicating God's heart__ Wisdom Applying timeless truths to daily life__ Special Knowledge Providing Divine confirmation__ Mercy Strategically offering more chances__ Discerning Revealing what is objectively true__ Tongues Enjoying a personal, intimate connection__ Interpreting Making a personal connection shareable Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-13, Mark 4:35-41, 1 Corinthians 12:30 and 14:5, 13, & 26-28 The “core” empowers the whole body to serve__ Leading Taking others somewhere__ Teaching Helping others learn and understand__ Giving Sharing what God gave you__ Encouraging Speaking the truth in love Ephesians 4:11-16, Matthew 28:18-20 The “limbs” get the work done__ Faith Trust-based action__ Healing Miraculous restoration__ Miracles Using supernatural power__ Helping Using natural power__ Evangelizing Speaking the truth in love James 1:22, Galatians 5:19-26 Lord, I will encourage others by… Lord, I will build others up by…

Faith (which is trust-based action) extinguishes Satan's flaming arrows--even his three favorites: discouragement, disconnection, and division. God designed us to work together; we must each find the part He designed us to play and then use the gifts He gives us to accomplish His will. Series: Authentic Faith: Be The Body Speaker: John Pryor Notes: Faith extinguishes Satan's flaming arrows. Nothing beats discouragement, disconnection, and division like trust-based action. When we work together, we can protect each other and advance at the same time—no matter the circumstances. Ephesians 6:10-20, Joshua 1:9, Hebrews 10:23-25, 1 Corinthians 1:10, Romans 12:1-2 We must all use the gifts God gives us. God offers salvation, peace, and many other gifts to everyone, but He also expects His people to work together as one body, making His will happen on earth. He expects us to use what He gives us to serve Him, each other, and the world. Romans 3:23-24, John 14:27, Matthew 3:31-32, Romans 12:9-21, 1 Peter 4:8-9, James 1:17, Luke 19:11-27 We must each play our part. God creates and empowers each of us in unique ways, but there are specific gifts that we can expect the Holy Spirit to give every group of believers. It's our job to find out which parts He wants each of us to play—and play them! 1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-31 Lord, as part of Your body, I will… Lord, to clarify the part You created me to play, I will…