#WeAreChristChurch

The sermon explores the concept of profitability, not in a worldly sense, but as a reflection of a life pleasing to God. It contrasts the efforts of the self-righteous, who attempt to earn favor through works and rituals, with the humility of those who acknowledge their need for grace and forgiveness through faith in Christ. The message emphasizes that true profitability involves investing one's resources – time, talent, and finances – with courage and conviction, recognizing that God's blessings extend to those who fear the Lord and diligently steward their gifts, ultimately leading to a life of purpose and eternal reward.

The sermon traces the decline of American Christianity, arguing it began in the early 1800s with the rise of Arminianism and its emphasis on man-centered salvation over God's sovereignty, leading to practices like emotional revivalism and the altar call. This shift, influenced by figures like Charles Finney and later exacerbated by secular philosophies and government-controlled education, fostered a dualistic worldview separating the sacred and secular and ultimately resulted in a diminished understanding of Christ's dominion over all of life. The speaker advocates for a return to reformed theology, rejecting these trends and embracing a holistic vision of Christ's kingdom advancing in all areas of society.

The lecture traces the English Reformation's complex history, beginning with Henry VIII's desire for a male heir and culminating in the establishment of the Church of England as a distinct institution. It highlights the shift from Roman Catholicism, the influence of key figures like Thomas Cranmer and William Tyndale, and the eventual development of the 39 Articles as a foundational doctrinal standard. The speaker emphasizes the legacy of the English Reformation, particularly its impact on shaping Anglican identity and its role as a significant part of the speaker's own ecclesiastical heritage, while also acknowledging the wide range of theological perspectives within the Anglican tradition today.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of diligence and conscientiousness as virtues reflecting godly stewardship, drawing from Proverbs 12:27 and passages in Ephesians and John. It contrasts the wasteful habits of the slothful, who squander resources like time, money, and spiritual nourishment, with the promise of "precious wealth"—wisdom, influence, and lasting fruit—for those who faithfully manage what God has entrusted to them. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to examine their own habits, seek God's grace, and cultivate a mindset of intentionality in all aspects of life, recognizing that faithfulness with little leads to greater responsibility and kingdom impact.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness and mental fortitude in the Christian life, drawing parallels to the virtuous woman's diligent work ethic and unwavering resolve. It cautions against complacency and passivity, particularly during the summer months when distractions and temptations abound, urging listeners to actively cultivate faith through prayer and engagement with Scripture to resist spiritual attacks and fulfill their callings. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to embrace a posture of vigilance and strength, girding themselves with the belt of faith to face life's challenges and steward their blessings responsibly.

The sermon explores the conclusion of Genesis, focusing on Joseph's handling of his father Jacob's death and burial, emphasizing the importance of honoring the body and the theological significance of burial practices. Drawing on historical and cultural context, the speaker contrasts Christian perspectives on burial and cremation, advocating for honoring the body as a testament to the resurrection and a witness to the gospel. The narrative highlights themes of God's sovereignty in redemption, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the enduring hope for a future return to the promised land, ultimately underscoring the importance of faith and the enduring legacy of Israel.

The sermon cautions against the pursuit of outward appearances and pretentious displays of wealth, contrasting them with the enduring value of genuine financial stability and wisdom. Drawing from Proverbs and Matthew, it critiques the hypocrisy of those who prioritize impressing others, believing wealth equates to divine favor, while neglecting true stewardship and long-term prosperity. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to cultivate a spirit of contentment, invest wisely, and prioritize multi-generational wealth over fleeting trends, recognizing that true glory and justification come from God, not from external validation.

The sermon emphasizes that while nature and experience offer valuable lessons, true wisdom and certainty originate from God's revealed word, particularly the Proverbs. It argues that observations of the world, even through scientific inquiry, cannot provide unshakable truth or definitive guidance for life's challenges, such as parenting or financial decisions. Instead, the speaker encourages listeners to ground their understanding and decision-making in scripture, viewing it as a solid foundation and refuge from the uncertainties of life, ultimately finding assurance and direction through the teachings of the Proverbs.

The sermon emphasizes the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 not as an unattainable ideal, but as a representation of Christ and a guide for cultivating Christian virtue. It highlights the importance of patience, skill, and long-term investment—both financially and in character—as essential components of a life dedicated to excellence and faithfulness. The message encourages listeners to emulate the virtuous woman's diligence, frugality, and strategic planning, viewing these qualities as vital for building a legacy of prosperity and spiritual impact for future generations, ultimately reflecting God's promise of abundance and dominion.

The sermon explores the prophetic blessings Jacob bestows upon his sons, detailing their future roles and destinies within the lineage of Israel. Drawing from Genesis 49, the message emphasizes the significance of covenantal promises, particularly highlighting Judah's role as the line from which the Messiah will emerge, bringing victory and obedience from all nations. The speaker connects these ancient prophecies to the Christian faith, advocating for a hopeful eschatology and encouraging listeners to root their lives and families in the promises of God, even amidst present challenges, and to embrace a future-oriented perspective grounded in faith and legacy.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of generosity and abundance as principles aligned with God's economy, contrasting them with the pitfalls of hoarding and scarcity. Drawing from Proverbs, it explores the blessings that come from freely giving, both materially and spiritually, and cautions against exploiting others' needs. The message highlights the transformative power of a mindset focused on life-giving influence, encouraging listeners to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and discretion in their interactions, ultimately aiming to attract others to truth and righteousness through acts of kindness and the demonstration of God's love.

The sermon explores the deceptive nature of seemingly benevolent actions, arguing that the "mercy of the wicked is cruel," and ultimately harmful. Drawing from Proverbs 12:10 and referencing historical and contemporary examples like Reagan's call to tear down the wall, Planned Parenthood, Black Lives Matter, and universal healthcare, the message cautions against vague appeals to love and compassion that mask underlying agendas. The speaker emphasizes the importance of discerning true righteousness, which extends to demonstrating care and mercy towards all of God's creatures, including animals, as a reflection of a compassionate heart and a reliable character.

The sermon explores the concept of discretion, particularly as it relates to women, using the biblical proverb about a beautiful woman lacking it as a central illustration. It argues that while beauty is valued, true worth lies in wisdom, grace, and moral character, emphasizing that superficial attractiveness without these qualities can be grotesque and ultimately detrimental. Drawing on relatable examples from personal experience and cultural references, the message encourages thoughtful consideration of modesty, communal perceptions of beauty, and the importance of receiving correction, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes inner virtue and thoughtful action over mere outward appearance.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of virtuous living, drawing from Proverbs to illustrate the qualities of a virtuous woman as a model for husbands, wives, and all individuals. It explores the concept of justice, particularly in how one treats those in positions of less power, such as indentured servants, advocating for compassionate and equitable treatment rooted in a recognition of inherent dignity and reflecting God's character. Ultimately, the message encourages a proactive, diligent, and humble approach to daily life, marked by service, fairness, and a commitment to rendering to others what is rightfully due, fostering a community characterized by shalom and reflecting God's love.

The sermon explores God's sovereign orchestration of events, exemplified by the story of Joseph in Egypt, to preserve and revive the church. It highlights how God strategically positioned Israel in Goshen, a place of abundance and protection, shielding them from the world while allowing them to multiply and maintain their distinct identity. The narrative emphasizes God's faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant, promising prosperity and inheritance, and foreshadows the eventual coming of Jesus, mirroring Israel's journey and ultimately establishing a kingdom where faith and divine promise prevail over worldly power and tyranny.

The sermon explores the concept of holiness and God's covenantal relationship with families, particularly focusing on the status conferred upon non-believing spouses and children within Christian households. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 7:14, it argues that an unbelieving husband married to a believer is made holy, and similarly, children of even one believing parent possess a certain status before God, marked by ritualistic holiness akin to baptism. The message emphasizes the responsibilities of Christian parents to raise their children in the Lord, with the congregation committing to support them in this calling, culminating in the baptism of a child as a visible sign of God's covenant and blessing.

The sermon emphasizes the virtue of diligence, drawing from Proverbs 31 to illustrate the qualities of a virtuous woman. It argues that true humanity and spiritual fulfillment are found not in idle pursuits, but in actively engaging in meaningful work, whether it's crafting furniture like Jesus or performing everyday tasks with willing hands. The message connects labor to worship, asserting that diligent work, performed with readiness and a cheerful spirit, allows individuals to feel God's pleasure and contribute to the well-being of others, ultimately sanctifying even the most mundane activities.

The sermon explores the narrative of Joseph in Genesis, highlighting God's sovereign orchestration of events to preserve his church and ultimately bring about the Messiah. It emphasizes the themes of divine providence, corporate sin, and the need for repentance, illustrating how God uses hardship and testing to reveal truth and drive individuals toward reconciliation. The preacher underscores the importance of confronting guilt, demonstrating the parallels between Joseph's actions and the gospel message, and ultimately showcasing the restoration of unity and blessing through faith and obedience, drawing connections to the need for boldness and pressure in evangelism.

The lesson emphasizes the importance of precision and fairness in all aspects of life, drawing from Proverbs and Leviticus to highlight God's aversion to deceit and unjust practices, including shrinkflation and fiat currency. It argues that obedience to God's law, rather than mere sentimentality, is the path to genuine blessing and prosperity, warning against the self-destructive nature of sin and the allure of worldly ambitions, ultimately advocating for a life of righteousness and adherence to God's standards as the key to avoiding spiritual and material ruin.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of virtuous living, drawing from Proverbs 31 to illustrate the qualities of a woman who embodies wisdom and strength. It highlights foresight, prudence, and initiative as essential virtues, arguing that true stewardship involves anticipating future needs, making sound decisions, and actively pursuing solutions rather than passively waiting for others. The message connects these virtues to a godly perspective, suggesting that Christians should emulate Joseph's proactive approach to leadership and actively seek to positively impact their communities through diligent planning and action, ultimately reflecting God's wisdom and care.

The sermon explores the story of Joseph, drawing parallels between his life and the gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's sovereign work through suffering and providence. It highlights Joseph's journey from adversity to exaltation, portraying him as a savior figure who provides sustenance and ultimately leads to reconciliation and redemption, mirroring the promise to Abraham and foreshadowing the salvation of all nations. The message underscores the importance of trusting God's plan, even amidst trials, and recognizing that obedience and humility are essential for receiving His grace and ultimately experiencing His blessings, both individually and within the broader context of faith and community.

The graduation commencement address for Christ Church academy in 2025. This was our first senior graduation.