Woodland Christian Church Sermons | Biblical Teaching

When God wants to make a point, He doesn’t use capitalization, italics, underlining, or bold, but He does use repetition. We can look for situations in Scripture that are repeated to learn important lessons God has for us. One situation that’s repeated is people confess their sins but they don’t repent! They say the words, “I have sinned," and look sorry, but their words weren’t accompanied by repentance.

Sidney is a missionary who shared at our Sunday night service.

The believer’s position with Christ leads to their relationship with Christ.  The believer’s relationship with Christ leads to their identity in Christ.  And the believer’s identity in Christ leads to their eternal glory with Christ.

This meeting took place after the special service on "Protecting Our Children."

This sermon is going to be a little different in that it is going to involve critical church business from a Biblical perspective. The revision of the Children’s Protective Policy is a major part of the changes that we are seeking to make with the interest of safety at the forefront. This actually started several months ago when this became a topic that had some lengthy discussion between me and the pulpit committee. It was evident that the leaders here at WCC had a burden to see children protected coming to church. They had the transparency to see that they could improve the current policy and wondered, if I would be willing to help them with these changes. This was a critical piece for Jill and I to consider before coming on board with WCC. Though you are listening to my voice this morning, I want you to know with certainty that you are hearing the unified heart of this church’s elders. Overall, our desire for this Sunday is to share with you our vision for the church in two major areas that are related. a)                First, the front end is to solidify the protection of children b)               Second, on the back end, we want to have in place means to minister to both victims and perpetrators Before I go into what we are envisioning this looking like or what has been worked on and where we are at, I want us to turn to God’s Word. a)                This Book promises to… ·                  Give us direction as a church ·                  Give us our value as a person ·                  And be our authority b)               Without this book… ·                  We are lost to our destiny ·                  We are uncertain in our true value (i)              As Created in the image of God (ii)             As a New Creation in Christ ·                  We are baseless in what we look to as our authority that would provide to us security What are we as a church to provide? It should be…. I.             Refuge For the Children – Ps 127, Neh 4:13-15, Pro 21:31, Matt 18:1-6, Mark 10:13-14 II.            Recovery for the Sinner – 1 Cor 6:9-11, 2 Cor 5:18-20, Matt 5:13, 1 Cor 5:9-10

I.             Mary’s Caring of Jesus – Luke 1:26 – 38 A.           She was Chaste – v. 27 B.           She was Committed – v. 27 C.           She was Commended – v. 28 – 30 D.           She was Commissioned – v. 31 – 33 E.           She was Convinced – vs. 34-37 F.           She was Compliant – v. 38 II.            The Shepherd’s Sharing of Jesus – Luke 2:8-18 A.          Their Profession – v. 8 B.          The Proclamation – vs. 9-14 C.          Their Purpose – vs. 15-16 D.          Their Privilege – v. 16 E.          Their Publication – v. 17 F.          Their Impact – v. 18

This chapter opens up with the people desiring to have the Law read to them. The Law of Moses was written for the children of Israel when they rebelled against God. The intent was to have a record, an authority for Israel to go back to (Deuteronomy 31:24-27). The day that the Law was read was the same time they were to practice the feast of tabernacles. Appropriately, the feast of tabernacles was the celebration of their rest and possession of the land after passing through the wilderness. The booths marked that they had been under tents as pilgrims. Just like their wilderness travels, their captivity was temporary and designed to chasten Israel and prepare them to live in the Promised Land. So too was their captivity designed to be a punishment and as well as a chastening for them to be compliant to the Word of God. Completing the wall gave them unity. Reckoning them to the genealogy gave them identity. Hearing of the Law gave them security, the security of God’s covenant to them. When the Jews understood the Law that was given to them they responded to it with joy and not sorrow. Therefore every Christian must have a right response to the Word of God. How?   By… I.             Being Eager for God’s Word—v.1-6 A.            They Had an Appetite for God’s Word – v. 1 B.            They Were Abiding with God’s Word – v. 3 C.            They Were Attentive to God’s Word – v.3, 7 II.            By  Being Engaging toward God’s Word. – vs. 5-8 A.            A Show of Respect for the Word of God B.            A Show of Reverence for the God of the Word. – v. 6 III.          By Being Educated in God’s Word. – vs. 7-8, 13 A.            Obligation of the teachers B.            Obligations of leaders C.            Obligation of the listener IV.          By Enacting God’s Word. – v.13-18 A.            Promise of Security B.            Promise of Blessing C.            Promise of Success

1. This chapter starts us off with Nehemiah’s delegation of power to his brother and to Hananiah to rule Jerusalem. This act confirmed Nehemiah’s honest intention, whereas Sanballat accused him of building Jerusalem’s walls in order to be its king. 2. What is also interesting is that there was a certain quality that Hananiah had that qualified him to be a leader of the city. a) He was faithful b) He feared God 3. Nehemiah now feels the moving of God to take a census of the people. Remember, this book is not about simply building walls. It is about a people rediscovering who they are in God. 4. Clearly these people are still lacking in complete social and economic independence. But it was more important to God to reestablish their identity rather than their security. 5. Before you may see God bless in other areas of your life, you might consider what God is trying to do in your life. 6. Therefore, every Christian must reckon themselves to the Scriptures. Why? I. For Your Godly Heritage     A. God’s record is for our benefit. – 1 John 5:11-13     B. The Holy Spirit is witness to God’s record. – Romans 8:16-17 II. For Your Freedom from Sin—Romans 6:5-11 III. For Your Victory Over the Enemy – Revelation 12:10-11

CHARGE: EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST HAVE FAITH THROUGH EVERY STORM OF LIFE. How? I. By Being Obedient to God’s Word—vs.22      A. Example of Paul      B. Example of Jesus II. By Being Patient for God’s Working—vs. 23-25      A. Jesus’ Prayer      B. The Disciples’ Progress      C. The Disciples’ Persistence      D. The Disciples’ Pain      E. God’s Purpose III. By Being Encouraged by God’s Presence—vs. 26-27      A. The Unusual Presence      B. The Unmistakable Pronouncement      C. The Unshakable Position IV. By Being Courageous for God’s Way—vs. 28-29      A. Peter’s Request      B. Christ’s Response      C. Peter’s Reaction V. By Being Doubtless in God’s Will—vs. 30-31      A. Peter’s Distracted Focus lead to a Diminished Faith.      B. Our Determined Focus leads to a Dependable Faith

How were Old Testament saints saved? There are a lot of varied opinions, but we have Paul's inspired words in the book of Romans to show us the answer. Paul uses the example of Abraham to establish the model of salvation by grace through faith both before the cross and after.

1. This chapter starts us off with Nehemiah’s delegation of power to his brother and to Hananiah to rule Jerusalem. This act confirmed Nehemiah’s honest intention, whereas Sanballat accused him of building Jerusalem’s walls in order to be its king. 2. What is also interesting is that there was a certain quality that Hananiah had that qualified him to be a leader of the city. a) He was faithful b) He feared God 3. Nehemiah now feels the moving of God to take a census of the people. Remember, this book is not about simply building walls. It is about a people rediscovering who they are in God. 4. Clearly these people are still lacking in complete social and economic independence. But it was more important to God to reestablish their identity rather than their security. 5. Before you may see God bless in other areas of your life, you might consider what God is trying to do in your life. 6. Therefore, every Christian must reckon themselves to the Scriptures. Why? I. For Your Godly Heritage     A. God’s record is for our benefit. – 1 John 5:11-13     B. The Holy Spirit is witness to God’s record. – Romans 8:16-17 II. For Your Freedom from Sin—Romans 6:5-11 III. For Your Victory Over the Enemy – Revelation 12:10-11

1. Last time we learned about need for forgiveness. Remember that to forgive is to value the person higher than the offense against you. 2. In this chapter Nehemiah is going to face personal attacks. If you recall, the enemy threatened the people. Now they are gunning for the Nehemiah the fulcrum of this revival. 3. The enemy was trying to destroy Nehemiah’s integrity. This chapter is put here for our edification for the tactics of our enemy have never changed. 4. Therefore, every Christian must maintain his integrity! How? By being aware of their… I. Insidious Intentions—v. 2-4    A. Man’s disobedience was couched in deception – Gen 3:1-6; 2 Cor 11:3    B. Satan and his ministers have the same quality—2 Corinthians 11:13-15    C. Jesus warned against this tactic and how to avoid it—Matthew 7:15-20    D. Paul warned against it—Galatians 2:4    E. Nehemiah’s Response – v.3 II. Adulterated Allegations—v. 5-9    A. John’s and Christ’s intentions were twisted—Matthew 11:18-19    B. Paul’s intentions were twisted—Acts 21:27-28    C. Nehemiah’s Response – vs. 8-9 III. Risky Recommendation—v. 10-14    A. Deceivers can be compelling in their swaying messages—Jeremiah 27:1-17; 28:1-17    B. Deceivers can be coercive by their swelling masses —1Kings 22:1-18    C. Nehemiah’s Response – v. 14 Conclusion:    A. Integrity expresses itself in dependency on God and not on self.    B. Integrity leads to joy-filled confidence.    C. Integrity is bold through adversity    D. Integrity speaks to the working of God

1. Last time we learned about need for forgiveness. Remember that to forgive is to value the person higher than the offense against you. 2. In this chapter Nehemiah is going to face personal attacks. If you recall, the enemy threatened the people. Now they are gunning for the Nehemiah the fulcrum of this revival. 3. The enemy was trying to destroy Nehemiah’s integrity. This chapter is put here for our edification for the tactics of our enemy have never changed. 4. Therefore, every Christian must maintain his integrity! How? By being aware of their… I. Insidious Intentions—v. 2-4    A. Man’s disobedience was couched in deception – Gen 3:1-6; 2 Cor 11:3    B. Satan and his ministers have the same quality—2 Corinthians 11:13-15    C. Jesus warned against this tactic and how to avoid it—Matthew 7:15-20    D. Paul warned against it—Galatians 2:4    E. Nehemiah’s Response – v.3 II. Adulterated Allegations—v. 5-9    A. John’s and Christ’s intentions were twisted—Matthew 11:18-19    B. Paul’s intentions were twisted—Acts 21:27-28    C. Nehemiah’s Response – vs. 8-9 III. Risky Recommendation—v. 10-14    A. Deceivers can be compelling in their swaying messages—Jeremiah 27:1-17; 28:1-17    B. Deceivers can be coercive by their swelling masses —1Kings 22:1-18    C. Nehemiah’s Response – v. 14 Conclusion:    A. Integrity expresses itself in dependency on God and not on self.    B. Integrity leads to joy-filled confidence.    C. Integrity is bold through adversity    D. Integrity speaks to the working of God

Nehemiah Series Rebuilding the Walls of Your Life Nehemiah 5 1. Nehemiah is now turning his attention to dangers within the walls. There is a bit of turmoil because the poor of the land or those who had debt were being put under the heel of their brethren. This was a hindrance to the work because walls were meant to keep out the enemy not cage them in with you! 2. Notice the following about the bondage of this debt          a) It was legitimate to incur.               • Bare essentials (v.2)               • Paying taxes (v.4)          b) It was leading to injury               • Anguish – v. 1               • Loss of Resources – v. 3-4               • Los of Relations – v.5 3. Nehemiah took up the charge to make right what was wrong. He reminded the people that they were delivered from bondage and that they not need to enslave one another. v. 8 4. He also reminded them that is was a poor testimony of their love for God to the heathen without. v. 9 5. He also made them take an oath to restore their brethren. vs. 12-13 6. Every Christian must forgive his brother. Why? Because of… I. The Command To Forgive     A. Christ’s commandment - Matthew 5:23-24     B. Duration of forgiveness - Matthew 18:21-22     C. Example of forgiveness - Ephesians 4:31-32 II. The Consequences Of Unforgiveness      A. God will judge unforgiveness - Matthew 18:23-35      B. God will not forgive you - Matthew 6:15 & Psalms 66:18 C. Fellowship is broken - Hebrews 12:14-15      D. A brother can be lost - 2 Corinthians 2:4-8      E. Satan gets advantage - 2 Corinthians 2:8-11 III. The Consolation For Forgiveness A. God will forgive - Matthew 6:14 B. Fellowship is restored - Matthew 18:15

Charge: Every parent must bring their child to Jesus for life-change. I. The Motivation for This Hope A. Because of our Inability to change the outcome (vs. 21 – 22) B. Because of others’ Inability to change the outcome (vs.17 – 18, 28-29) C. Because only Jesus can change the outcome (vs. 25 - 27) 1. His Purpose Declared 2. His Power Demonstrated II. The Means for This Hope A. Acknowledging Jesus’ Person – v. 15, 17 B. Arriving at Jesus’ Presence – v.15, 17 C. Accepting Jesus’ Prescription – v. 19, 23, 29

Jesus heals the man born lame and in so doing exposes the real sickness of mans soul = unbelief

Nehemiah Series Rebuilding the Walls of Your Life Nehemiah 5 1. Nehemiah is now turning his attention to dangers within the walls. There is a bit of turmoil because the poor of the land or those who had debt were being put under the heel of their brethren. This was a hindrance to the work because walls were meant to keep out the enemy not cage them in with you! 2. Notice the following about the bondage of this debt          a) It was legitimate to incur.               • Bare essentials (v.2)               • Paying taxes (v.4)          b) It was leading to injury               • Anguish – v. 1               • Loss of Resources – v. 3-4               • Los of Relations – v.5 3. Nehemiah took up the charge to make right what was wrong. He reminded the people that they were delivered from bondage and that they not need to enslave one another. v. 8 4. He also reminded them that is was a poor testimony of their love for God to the heathen without. v. 9 5. He also made them take an oath to restore their brethren. vs. 12-13 6. Every Christian must forgive his brother. Why? Because of… I. The Command To Forgive     A. Christ’s commandment - Matthew 5:23-24     B. Duration of forgiveness - Matthew 18:21-22     C. Example of forgiveness - Ephesians 4:31-32 II. The Consequences Of Unforgiveness      A. God will judge unforgiveness - Matthew 18:23-35      B. God will not forgive you - Matthew 6:15 & Psalms 66:18 C. Fellowship is broken - Hebrews 12:14-15      D. A brother can be lost - 2 Corinthians 2:4-8      E. Satan gets advantage - 2 Corinthians 2:8-11 III. The Consolation For Forgiveness A. God will forgive - Matthew 6:14 B. Fellowship is restored - Matthew 18:15

At this point, Nehemiah and the Jews have gone underway to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They have experienced the power of unity! But they are about to discover that there is an enemy that wants to impede their progress. It is no different for the Christian. The things that Nehemiah has faced are the same kinds of things that we will face when trying to rebuild our lives. Here are a list of them: Enemies a) Your adversaries are numerous (2-3) b) Your adversaries are familiar (7) c) Your adversaries are ruthless (7-8) Efforts a) Your efforts will be mocked (1-3): b) You efforts will be threatened (7-8, 11-12): c) Your efforts will be weakened (10): When we face adversity, it is a good indication that we are on the right path doing the right thing! Therefore, every Christian must have endurance through adversity! How? By… I. Praying to God—v.4-5, 9 A. Prayer of protection B. Prayer for strength II. Equipping Yourself—v.13-14, 16-18, 21 A. The  Ephesian armor B. The Thessalonian armor III. Resorting for Protection—v.19-20, 22 A. Protection in God B. Protection in church

At this point, Nehemiah and the Jews have gone underway to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They have experienced the power of unity! But they are about to discover that there is an enemy that wants to impede their progress. It is no different for the Christian. The things that Nehemiah has faced are the same kinds of things that we will face when trying to rebuild our lives. Here are a list of them: Enemies a) Your adversaries are numerous (2-3) b) Your adversaries are familiar (7) c) Your adversaries are ruthless (7-8) Efforts a) Your efforts will be mocked (1-3): b) You efforts will be threatened (7-8, 11-12): c) Your efforts will be weakened (10): When we face adversity, it is a good indication that we are on the right path doing the right thing! Therefore, every Christian must have endurance through adversity! How? By… I. Praying to God—v.4-5, 9 A. Prayer of protection B. Prayer for strength II. Equipping Yourself—v.13-14, 16-18, 21 A. The  Ephesian armor B. The Thessalonian armor III. Resorting for Protection—v.19-20, 22 A. Protection in God B. Protection in church

1. We have seen Nehemiah come from the capital of his captors to the capital of his people. We have seen the proper attitude and action taken thus so far. 2. In this chapter, Nehemiah is narrating the beginning of the actual work of building the walls. 3. There are some fascinating elements that must be addressed before zeroing in on the challenge. a) First, there was more than one person building it. b) Second, there were many different people building it (1) Difference in vocation: Priests v.1; goldsmiths v.8; apothecaries v.8; political leaders v.9, 12; (2) Difference in Status—v.5 4. Rebuilding our lives often requires the aid of others. 5. Therefore, every Christian must exercise Unity to rebuild our lives. How? By Recognizing… I. The People of Unity A. Priests B. Nobles C. Merchants D. Extra Hard workers E. Neighbors F. Strangers G. Families II. The Purpose of Unity A. For Christ’s Glory B. For the Church’s Gain C. For Our Celebrative Good III. The Pattern of Unity A. Worship – Patterned After Christ B. Community Hospitality – Early Church C. Complementary Roles – growing church Conclusion A. It is not about comparing goals. It is about completing goals. B. It is not a reflection on status. It is a reflection on purpose.

Lesson 1: There are at ________  ____ and at ______ ____ destinies for every person. Lesson 2: Our first destiny is ______________.  (Hosea 1:2-9, Psalm 58:3, Proverbs 16:4, Psalm 37:10) Lesson 3: God’s pursuit to _________ our first destiny is ___________. (Hosea 2:2-7) Lesson 4: Our second destiny is ____________________.  (Hosea 2:14-23) Lesson 5: God is glorified first and foremost in _____  ____ _____, not _______ ____ _____. (Hosea 2:23)

This second miracle recorded in the Gospel of John is meant to reveal how God saves. It is not the miracles of Christ which bring salvation but it is the Words of Christ which save. His Word reveals who He is and what He has done as our savior. The question posed to us is, will we be sign seekers or savior seekers? Will we respond to the works of Christ by loving the person of Christ?

This describes the first miracle that Jesus ever performed and why he performed it at that time.

1. We have seen Nehemiah come from the capital of his captors to the capital of his people. We have seen the proper attitude and action taken thus so far. 2. In this chapter, Nehemiah is narrating the beginning of the actual work of building the walls. 3. There are some fascinating elements that must be addressed before zeroing in on the challenge. a) First, there was more than one person building it. b) Second, there were many different people building it (1) Difference in vocation: Priests v.1; goldsmiths v.8; apothecaries v.8; political leaders v.9, 12; (2) Difference in Status—v.5 4. Rebuilding our lives often requires the aid of others. 5. Therefore, every Christian must exercise Unity to rebuild our lives. How? By Recognizing… I. The People of Unity A. Priests B. Nobles C. Merchants D. Extra Hard workers E. Neighbors F. Strangers G. Families II. The Purpose of Unity A. For Christ’s Glory B. For the Church’s Gain C. For Our Celebrative Good III. The Pattern of Unity A. Worship – Patterned After Christ B. Community Hospitality – Early Church C. Complementary Roles – growing church Conclusion A. It is not about comparing goals. It is about completing goals. B. It is not a reflection on status. It is a reflection on purpose.

Three principles: When a king issues a decree or law, it can’t be revoked. For it to be prevented, there must be the issuing of another decree or law. The first law results in something negative; in many instances it results in death. The second law results in something positive; in many instances life. The two laws coexist. They’re in operation at the same time. The second law trumps the first, but doesn’t nullify it. Instead, the second law provides a way to avoid the first law. We see this take place a few times in the Old Testament as it prefigures the Old Covenant (Law=death) and New Covenant (Grace=life).

Every Christian must consider the Kingdom parable of the Wedding. Why?...Because of the… I. The Possibility of the Wedding Initiated A. Arranged by the Father B. Accepted by the Son II. The Purpose of the Wedding Invitation A. Witness The Cost B. Witness The Commitment C. Witness The Change III. The People for the Wedding Invited A. The Intended Original B. The Insisted Outsiders C. The Impertinent Objector

Nehemiah Series Rebuilding Your Walls     Nehemiah 2 1. Last week, we discovered that having an attitude of repentance is the perfect start to changing your life. 2. The next question is what is the next step? It was something Nehemiah needed to consider. 3. Radical change does not always mean radical action. Sudden, emotional decisions tend to result in sudden relapse. 4. God’s power is not always manifested by the removal of opposition. Rather working through the opposition shows His sovereignty. 5. God still seeks to work in your life the same way. Example: it would have been easier for God to wipe out creation and start over when sin entered in. However, the full power of God’s love and redemptive power was made manifest by working within the established system. 6. We must seek God’s Providence. Why? I. For the Blessings of God—v.1-8 A. The Season of the Blessing – v.1 B. The Specifics of the Blessing – v. 5-8 C. The Sufficiency of the Blessing – v.8-9 II. For the Glory of God—v.10, 17-20 A. Your testimony to believers B. Your testimony to unbelievers (v.10, 19)

Pastor Scott looks at Hebrews 3:7-4:11 to see how the Promised Land and the Sabbath prefigure spiritual rest and find their true and greater reality in Jesus.

Pastor Scott looks at Hebrews 3:7-4:11 to see how the Promised Land and the Sabbath prefigure spiritual rest that finds their true and greater reality in Jesus.

See The Salvation Of The Lord Main Thought: We must look to God for deliverance. How? 1. By                                 the Lord - vs. 12 (Ps 9:12; Ps 69:32; 1 Sam 2:30; Jer 9:23-24; Matt 6:33) 2.  By                                 the Lord - vs. 20 (1 Sam 15:22; Heb 11:1; Jas 2:17-18; Ps 1:2-3; Matt 7:24-27) 3. By                          and                            the Lord - vs. 18-21 (Ps 20:5, 7)

THE SITUATION   Nebuchadnezzar’s Project   Nebuchadnezzar’s Decree THE STANDOFF Stand up (V8 – 12)   Speak up (V13-18) Pay up (v 19-23) THE SALVATION   The only ones who will perish are the unbelievers (V22)   The world will take note of our faith and God’s salvation (V24-25)   God will be glorified and all will confess He is the Lord (V26-28)   People will be saved (V29- chapter 4:1-3)  

Different members of the church presented reports on the last year. The budget for the following year was also included in the discussion.

Pastor Scott looks at Hebrews 3:7-4:11 to see how the Promised Land and the Sabbath prefigure spiritual rest that finds their true and greater reality in Jesus.

The sermon material is taken from Chapter 11 in Israel’s book, Questions God Asks. Joshua 7:10 So the Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face?

In last Sunday's sermon we reached Luke 11:31, which says, “The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.” There are many ways Jesus is greater than Solomon, but the focus in this verse is wisdom. During the sermon I’ll talk about Jesus being wisdom Incarnate, or the embodiment of wisdom, and this is most clearly seen in the Book of Proverbs. There are two locations that clearly reveal Jesus: Proverbs 8:22-31 Proverbs 30:4

In our sermon this morning we’ll reach Luke 11:31, which says, “The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.” There are many ways Jesus is greater than Solomon, but the focus in this verse is wisdom. During the sermon I’ll talk about Jesus being wisdom Incarnate, or the embodiment of wisdom, and this is most clearly seen in the Book of Proverbs. There are two locations that clearly reveal Jesus: Proverbs 8:22-31 Proverbs 30:4

Worldliness 1A.  Introduction 2A.  The Danger of Worldliness 3A.  The Definition of Worldliness (1 John 2:15) 4A.  The Dwelling Place of Worldliness (1 John 2:16) 5A.  The Domains of Worldliness 1B.  Media 1C. Hazard: Thoughtless Watching 2C.  Hazard: Assumed Immunity 3C.  Hazard: Legalism 4C.  Hazard: License 5C.  Cure: Focus on the Grace of God 6C. Cure: Focus on the Fear of the Lord 7C. Tools for Media Evaluation