TICF Sermons

Eli Moyer on Psalm 1: We kick off our series on Christ in the Psalms with the first of two Psalms of Orientation. When times are good we find ourselves praising God and aligning ourselves to God through his Son Jesus Christ...our True North.

Jeff Hendrix on Psalms: As we start a new sermon series we try to understand how to balance the context of the songs and poems of Old Testament artists with the now-complete fulfillment of the scriptures that came through Jesus Christ.

Jeff Hendrix on I Corinthians 15:19-26: We wrap up our sermon series on Character & Calling by pronouncing victory on this Easter Sunday morning. We are connected with Christ's death and his resurrection. While the final battle is yet to be fought...victory is assured and we get to live with the hope of death's defeat. He is Risen!

Tony Hanmer on Philippians 2:5-11. We continue our Lenten series on Character & Calling. This week we look at how Paul describes the humbleness of Christ. While he was God he did not think of equality with God but gave himself away. We too must give away our lives to serve others in the same way.

Jeff Hendrix on Philippians 3:4b-14: As we continue the sermon series Character & Calling we approach Paul's teaching on Faith. A faith that drives him toward the finish line. Desiring to participate with Christ in his death so he can experience the awesome power that raised Christ from the dead.

Robbie Becker on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21: Paul paints a clear picture of what it looks like to have considered Christ in the worldly, or fleshly, form but now we no longer doing so. We have now been reconciled unto God through Christ Jesus and have become ambassadors of that reconciliation.

Luke Baldwin on 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. In our third week of the Character & Calling series we look at the topic of Holiness. It's not an easy choice to pursue holiness but the alternative is to pursue sin and that leads to death. Finally, taking comfort in the reminder that God will not let you be tempted beyond your endurance and will always provide an escape plan.

Jeff Hendrix on Philippians 3:17-4:1. As we continue our Lenten series on Character & Calling we look at the role that discipline plays in our Christian lives.

Jeff Hendrix on Romans 10:5-13 As we begin our preparation for Easter we start a new series on Character & Calling. This week we look at belief as our very basis for our faith. Paul shows us his variation on Deuteronomy 30 as he looks at the idea of confession of Jesus as Messiah, recognition that God raised him from the dead and moving into a Deuteronomy 30 life of blessings.

Eli Moyer on Colossians 3:1-16: As we wrap up our series on Love Made Visible: The Church as Christ's Body, we dive into what it looks like to get rid of the old life and entering into the new life as a union with Christ.

Jeff Hendrix on 1 Peter 2:1-10: As we continue the sermon series on Love Made Visible: The Church as Christ's Body, Peter instructs us to put aside the evil ways and crave spiritually nourishing things. We are being built into the living stones and royal priesthood of God's kingdom...but what does that really mean for us today?

Marcus Figueiredo on Acts 2:22-27. As we continue or series on the Church as Christ's Body. We see a snapshot of the early church and what kept them searching after God's Heart. We as church need to be reading his word, gathering together in community, discipling and being discipled. Only then can we see a church that is truly seeking after God's own heart.

Jeff Hendrix on 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13. Continuing our series on the church as Christ's Body we take a deep dive into one of the most well known passages in the New Testament. Recognizing Love as something gifted and taught by the Holy Spirit. Getting away from a checklist of characteristics of love and moving toward understanding them as the outcomes of a Spirit-filled life.

Jeff Hendrix on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31: In this part of our series on the Church as Christ's body, we look at the importance of diversity and unity in the Church. We will find that Paul is calling us to uplift each other as we uplift the Church.

Jeff Hendrix on Hebrews 10:19-25. As we begin a series on The Church as Christ's Body, today we find the author of Hebrews, "The preacher", telling us about a party. Christ has done all the preparations, allowing us to enter into the presence of the Most High. We just need to enter in together. Welcome to the party.

Jeff Hendrix on John 2:1-11: At the moment when the wedding party comes to a screeching halt by running out of wine, Jesus steps in and brings New Life to the party and to all of humanity.

Jeff Hendrix on Isaiah 43:1-7: In the midst of ongoing exile, the Children of Israel hear a new kind of message. On this Sunday that commemorates the Baptism of Jesus we hear the same message in Christ's baptism story...God is with us and He loves us deeply. His presence is always near and he desires to pour out his love into our lives.

Sean Lashell on Galatians 3:23-4:7. On this first Sunday after Christmas we look at what Christ's freedom can look like in our lives.

Jeff Hendrix on Mark 12:28-31. This is the fourth Sunday of Advent. (Scripture reading at first in Arabic Luke 2:1,3-7 and Afrikaans Luke 2:8–16.) When a teacher of the law asks Jesus what is the greatest commandment, Jesus gives us a model for taking God's love and using it as something that the world really wants to see. Love that shines like a light in a dark place.

Jeff Hendrix on Ephesians 2:11-22. On this second Sunday of Advent we look at Paul's explanation of how Christ came to bring unity and peace. In this time of conflict and discontent, the Christ child comes, brings peace and moves us into better relationship with those around us.

Tony Hamner On Luke 1:39-55: On the First Sunday of Advent we find our hope of the world placed in the womb of a young girl. Her courage and her faith show us an example of a faith that cannot rust. (Note: The photograph Tony uses in the sermon is the cover art for this podcast)

Jeff Hendrix on Luke 24:13-35. In this final sermon in the Luke series, we join two disciples that find themselves walking away from Jerusalem in the aftermath of Jesus' death...Christ reveals himself to them (and us) in an unusual yet powerful way...at the table.

Jeff Hendrix on Luke 23:33-43: After suffering the physical and emotional abuse that lead up to his crucifixion, Jesus is confronted by a criminal hanging beside him who asks for mercy. In the same way he spent his whole ministry, Jesus offers not only mercy but assures this man that he will be with Jesus in paradise.

Luke Baldwin on Luke 22:39-54. It's Jesus last night of freedom and he chooses to spend it with his followers and his Father. While Jesus' contemplates his father's will, his disciples are asleep. Jesus does what we all find so hard. He chooses obedience to God.

Sean Lashell on Luke 21:5-36: In a day and age when we're surrounded by war and insurrection...what do Jesus words about the end times mean to us today?

Jeff Hendrix on Luke 20:1-8. The entire Gospel message hinges on Jesus authority. In whose authority does he doe all these things? Jesus doesn't answer but instead gives us a template by which to judge God's authority against this world's authority.

Jeff Hendrix on Luke 19:28-44. When an unpredictable king rides an unpredictable beast into an unpredictable city, you never know what will happen.

Jeff Hendrix on Isaiah 55:1-13. In this prophetic announcement of God's kingdom we find not only the invitation to partake in the abundance of God's salvation message, but also an invitation to participate in the fulfillment of that message.

Jeff Hendrix on 2 Kings 4:38-44. When it comes to service in the local church, God can take our scarce resources and turn them into abundance.

Luke Baldwin on Luke 16:19-31 The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. It's not about being rich or being poor when it comes to the Kingdom of God. It's whether you love money or you love God.

Jeff Hendrix on Luke 15: In this passage we see Jesus give us three parables about the importance of seeking out the lost in our world and celebrating in their return. (Sorry, there is a glitch in the recording during the scripture reading. The reading is Luke 15:1-10)

Jeff Hendrix on Luke 14:15-24: In this passage, Jesus' give us a parable about a great feast that is thrown but no one shows up. What should we be doing to prepare for the Great Banquet in the Kingdom of God.

Jeff Hendrix on Luke 12:49-59. In the final verses of Luke chapter 12 we hear a very different message from Jesus. He reminds us that he did not come to bring peace but instead, division. He wants to watch the world burn.

Bart Byl on Revelation 22:1-5,12-13,16-17,20-21. In the Bible's final chapter, we are reminded of the ultimate end of our journey, where all our toils and sacrifices will be met with the eternal reward of Christ's presence in the New Jerusalem. Here, the curse will be broken, and we will experience the fullness of God's love and glory, with no more suffering or pain, but eternal joy and peace. As we labor and wait, we hold onto the promise of His coming, praying for the grace and strength to persevere until we are welcomed into His eternal embrace. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on Luke 16:1-12. In his parable of the dishonest steward who leveraged his resources and relationships to build security for himself after he lost his job, Jesus teaches his disciples to act shrewdly with what in light of the coming kingdom. In this present age, which is rapidly passing away, we must cunningly leverage our earthly resources for heavenly impact. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on Romans 1:1-17. What is the Gospel, according to St. Paul? In the opening verses to his great (and often misunderstood) letter to the Romans, the apostle defines and describes the gospel of God that has claimed his life. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on Hebrews 9:11-14, 23-26. When Jesus ascended into heaven, he entered the true heavenly sanctuary as both High Priest and perfect sacrifice, securing our eternal access to God's presence. This pivotal event calls us to reflect on Christ's ongoing intercession for us and our role as a royal priesthood, joining in the heavenly worship and service to our living God. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Eli Moyer on Luke 9:1-6, 10-20. Series: Snapshots of Jesus: Taken by Luke --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on Galatians 3:26-4:7. In the fullness of time, God sent His Son to redeemus, so that we might receive adoption as sons. God has also sent the Spirit of His Son into the hearts of believers, enabling them to cry out to God as their Father. And so we are no longer slaves but sons and heirs of God, enjoying the privileges and security of belonging to His family forever. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on Jude 1-4, 17-25. Series: Discipleship on the Edge Jude, eager to write about salvation, instead urges believers to contend for the faith due to emerging threats from within the Christian community. He warns against ungodly individuals who distort grace into a license for immorality and encourages believers to build each other up in faith, keep themselves in God's love, and show mercy to those led astray. His closing doxology reminds the faithful of God's power to keep them from stumbling and present them blameless with great joy. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Jeff Hendrix on Ephesians 1:15-23. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul acknowledges their strong faith and love but prays for them to grow in hope. This hope comes from understanding God's calling, the riches of his inheritance, and the incomparable greatness of his power. By relying on the Holy Spirit and recognizing Christ's authority over all things, believers can live with a transformative hope that impacts the world around them. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on John 20:19-31. Though his followers had abandoned him at his crucifixion, the risen Jesus appears to them, offering peace and commissioning them to announce the forgiveness of sins in his name. Even the most skeptical disciple, Thomas, is transformed by his encounter with the risen Lord into a bold witness who would carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. [Caravaggio's painting The Incredulity of Saint Thomas can be viewed here.] --- ⁠Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship⁠ is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on Colossians 1:15-23. The apostle Paul declares the cosmic supremacy of Christ, emphasizing his role as the creator, sustainer, and ultimate purpose of all things. Through his death on the cross, Christ reconciled all things to God, who took the initiative to restore the relationship between sinful humanity and their Creator. We now stand before God without blemish or accusation, having been freed from the powers of sin and death, sharing in Christ's ministry of reconciliation. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on 3 John. Series: Discipleship on the Edge In his third letter, the apostle John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality towards traveling missionaries. However, he also condemns Diotrephes for his selfish ambition, gossiping, and refusal to welcome fellow believers. These contrasting examples of moral behaviour prompt us to ask ourselves: are we ambitious for ourselves, or for the glory of the Name? --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on 2 John. Series: Discipleship on the Edge As soon as a fledgling church begins to sprout, Satan sends false teachers to draw it away from Christ. Because he knows that when we abandon or neglect Christ, we've lost touch with life itself. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Marcus Figueiredo on Luke 7:11-17. Series: Snapshots of Jesus: Taken by Luke In this moving story, Jesus Christ stands as a beacon of compassion and power. Jesus not only reveals His ability to conquer death but also showcases His deep empathy for the suffering. As we reflect on this miraculous encounter, we are invited to place our trust in the One who holds power over life and death, offering hope and renewal to all who believe. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on 2 Peter 3⁠. Series: Discipleship on the Edge The apostle Peter warns that in the last days, scoffers will mock the promise of Christ's return, deliberately forgetting the divine origin and end of all things. However, God is not slow in keeping his promise, but patient, desiring all to come to repentance before the day of the Lord arrives. Therefore, we ought to live holy and godly lives, making every effort to be found spotless and blameless, growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. --- ⁠Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship⁠ is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on Philemon. Series: Discipleship on the Edge Paul's letter to Philemon addresses a delicate situation involving Onesimus, a slave who had left his master and then becomes a Christian under Paul's guidance. Paul urges Philemon, Onesimus's master, to welcome him back not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ, encouraging him to forgive and welcome him. The letter highlights the transformative power of the gospel, challenging societal norms and creating new relationships of love within the Christian community. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Eli Moyer on Luke 6:1-11 Series: Snapshots of Jesus: Taken by Luke Jesus confronts the Pharisees' strict Sabbath interpretations, demonstrating through his actions (like healing the man with a withered hand) that mercy and doing good supersede legalistic restrictions. Christian ethics involve more than just outward obedience to rules; it's about embodying God's love and holiness in every aspect of life. Because true miracles in Christianity may not always be dramatic signs and wonders, but often are the profound transformations of heart that lead to genuine love for God and others. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on Titus 1:1-4; 2:11-3:8. Series: Discipleship on the Edge As we struggle with the frustrating human condition, the letter to Titus offers profound insights. Anchored in the promise of eternal life, Paul emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace, urging us to embrace a life of godliness while we await the fullness of our inheritance in the age to come. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bart Byl on 1 Timothy 4:1-5. Series: Discipleship on the Edge In the last days, the Spirits warns, deceitful teachers will appear in the church teaching the doctrine of demons: forbidding marriage and forcing people to abstain from certain foods. Paul urges us to resist this distortion of Christian asceticism by practicing gratitude and enjoyment of God's creation as acts of worship. The best defense against the Enemy's hatred of creation is a childlike simplicity of heart that finds joy in God's gifts. In doing so, believers fulfill their priestly role in unifying the spiritual and material, highlighting the ultimate goal of all creation being offered back to God in Christ. --- Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centred family of believers in Tbilisi, Georgia.