Podcasts about element church

Paul presents Timothy and Epaphroditus as living examples of the Christian humility he has been teaching. After discussing concepts like humility, unity, and pouring out our lives for Christ, Paul now provides concrete examples of what these principles look like in action. • Timothy demonstrates genuine concern for others' welfare rather than self-interest. • Epaphroditus literally risked his life in service to Paul and the Gospel. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Mothers are a gift! Thank you, mothers, for the care and support you provide to your children. Your time, encouragement, wisdom, and prayer for your kids is a blessing – whether you receive a ‘thank you' or not! May God give you peace and joy today. All of us, mothers particularly, have numerous expectations placed on us and some that we place on ourselves. These expectations develop from life experiences, from comparing ourselves to others, from all sorts of sources – and they create for us an ideal picture of what we think our lives should look like. For mothers this might include expectations of having well-behaved, well-mannered kids who are successful in their social, sport, academic, and other endeavors (and are always happy and healthy too). For others, our personal expectations may have to do with financial or relationship goals or career milestones or… the list goes on. Whatever they may be, the expectations we have for our personal lives can drive us away from the good life God has for us. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Today we will focus on Paul's words in Philippians 2:17-18, being “poured out like a drink offering,” as well as how we are to “shine like lights” in the world. Paul likens the darkness of the world to what we witness at night; we—with Christ in us—are to shine brightly amidst the brokenness all around us. When sailors were lost at sea, they used the stars to orient themselves and know their place in the world. In the same way, we, as God's people, are to shine into this dark world. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

As usual, our Easter message will not be a typical Easter message. We are reflecting back to a series we did last year on the Parables of Jesus. Today you will see Jesus use two short parables to illustrate the immense value of the Kingdom of God. In the first, a man discovers a treasure hidden in a field, then joyfully sells everything he has to buy that field. In the second, a merchant finds a pearl of great value and likewise sells all he has to acquire it. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

As usual, our Easter message will not be a typical Easter message. We are reflecting back to a series we did last year on the Parables of Jesus. Today you will see Jesus use two short parables to illustrate the immense value of the Kingdom of God. In the first, a man discovers a treasure hidden in a field, then joyfully sells everything he has to buy that field. In the second, a merchant finds a pearl of great value and likewise sells all he has to acquire it. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

In Philippians 2:12 Paul says a line that has caused much speculation today: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This line is in the midst of an entire letter that starts and ends elsewhere. Paul has already told us about how God's family is meant to live with one another. Paul uses the word “therefore” to remind us that he is basing what he is saying on what he has already shared about Jesus: Phil 2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ—it starts with Jesus! WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

We live in an age of reality TV, YouTube ‘vloggers,' and social media influencers who keep telling us about their “lives” or their “inmost thoughts,” but what you get is only what they want you see. In Philippians today, we get the ultimate revelation of Jesus. We not only get a picture of who Jesus is and what He did, but we get to see His heart as well. He was God, but He was also man. He became a servant and died on a cross. This text not only tells us about Him, but it tells us His mindset. (Phil 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…) I think God shows us what He does today in order to transform our mind and melt our hearts. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Last week we talked about having “one mind” that is to be “centered in Christ.” One mind isn't like invasion of the body-snatchers where the hive mind takes over. It refers to the unity that is borne out of being centered on the Gospel. There will be many places we see things differently, but we unify around the essentials of who Christ is and our salvation in Him alone. Jesus is Lord and we surrender ourselves to His grace. Looking not to our own interests, but to others, comes from a humility that understands how Jesus saves us. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

In Philippians chapter 1 we saw Paul detailing his hardship and how he continued to persevere…until verse 26 where Paul speaks about his struggle and how he defined life: for me to LIVE is Christ (meaning every breath he takes was because of God's goodness)…and then he says TO DIE is gain (that if this fleshly existence ended, Jesus is still faithful and in control). In verse 26, Paul stops focusing on his own trials and starts to talk about the Philippians' trials. It's important to remember Paul's letters did not originally have chapter or verse breaks. Chapter 2 is not a new thought; it is a continuation. Paul starts with the word “so” Phil 2:1-2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Paul starts the first part of Philippians by talking about his emotions and struggles; he will then spin it back to talk about the Philippians' struggle (which is actually the same struggle). Paul has idea stacked on idea stacked on idea that points to our life in Christ, our life with one another, and the Kingdom of God. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Paul has spoken to the Philippians about his suffering and hardship. We saw how Paul walked through and defined what real life truly is (Phil 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain). Paul may only see a glimmer of what God is doing, but he also doesn't expect to see the whole picture; he knows God is so much higher and greater than he could imagine. In the first 26 verses of Chapter 1, Paul has been talking about his own struggle and feelings. Starting in verse 27, Paul turns the tables and says, “This is no longer about my suffering…it is about yours.” WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Paul writes the letter to the Philippian church while chained to guards in Rome. He reminds the Philippians how to find joy even in difficult circumstances. He will demonstrate that with the right definition of life (“to live is Christ”), any circumstance can be transformed by God into something meaningful. Like an alchemist turning lead to gold, God uses our trials both for His glory and our spiritual growth. Paul shows that true joy comes not from our circumstances, but from having Christ as our ultimate purpose and prize. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

From prison in Rome, Paul writes about how his imprisonment has actually served to advance the Gospel. Through being chained to rotating guards from the elite Praetorian Guard, Paul had unique opportunities to share Christ. Even when others began preaching Christ from wrong motives like envy and rivalry, Paul still rejoiced because Christ was being proclaimed. His response demonstrates putting the Gospel's advance above personal comfort or recognition, showing how to find joy in Christ being made known regardless of circumstances. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

There is a lot in today's message as we explore Paul's deep affection for the Philippian church and his prayer for their spiritual growth. There are three types of affection Paul demonstrates and four aspects of prayer for the church. Paul's relationship with the Philippians exemplifies true gospel partnership, showing how Christian love combines deep affection with growing knowledge and wisdom. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Paul has a profound confidence in God's continuing work in believers' lives. God's grace isn't just for salvation's beginning, but it carries through to completion. Paul's certainty rests not in human effort, but in God's faithful character and promises. As one writer says, “Imperfect people who dare to believe in the grace and mercy of God are the very ones who have the credibility to say these things to others.” WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Today we will explore the theme of true Christian joy as revealed in Philippians. Paul demonstrates that authentic joy isn't dependent on circumstances but flows from our relationship with Christ. Paul wrote to the Philippians with joy despite having experienced persecution and imprisonment in their city. Paul's joy comes from understanding God's grace and our position in Christ, not from our performance or circumstances. Joylessness in Christians has often damaged the perception of Christianity; we are called to display Christ's joy as we partner together in the Gospel. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Today we will take another look at a new way of life “in Christ.” There is a transformative power that comes from God's grace that results in peace in our lives. Paul's greeting isn't just a formal introduction but encapsulates the essence of the Christian experience. Grace is defined as favor granted to an undeserving person by an unobligated giver, while peace (shalom) represents complete harmony with God, others, and creation. We can understand God's grace by seeing both the depth of our sin and the height of God's mercy. This dual vision creates a spiritual explosion in our lives, breaking down barriers of self-righteousness and enabling us to extend grace to others. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Servants is the word for slave, and saint means “set apart ones.” The introduction to Philippians leads us to ask what should a Christian life look like (or what is a Christian). Many answers to that question tend to be very self-centered or works centered. The true answer is that we are saved by the sheer grace of God, we are Servants and Saints. People will use this phrase, “A Christian is a sinner saved by grace,” and while true, there isn't a place in the Bible where we are told to first and foremost identify ourselves as a “sinner.” That is not our identity. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

As we start this series looking at the letter to the Philippian church, we have to start with Paul's first encounter with the city as found in Acts 16. Philippi was known as “The Little Rome” and was a privileged Roman colony that prided itself on Roman culture and customs. They stylized their city after Rome, followed all Roman decrees, and wanted to be Rome. Part of their special privileges was that they were exempt from paying the heavy taxes that citizens in other cities paid. They were also excused from certain military service while receiving military protection, since Philippi was an outpost for Roman soldiers and many retired there. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

We know Christmas was last week, but we are still working through our series on “The Carols.” Today we will look at O Come, All Ye Faithful. In a world of uncertainty, Peter's epistle reveals a profound message of joy rooted in Christ's victory. Christians are “elect exiles” - chosen by God and living in a challenging world, yet called to rejoice with an “inexpressible joy” that transcends circumstances. God knows His people, sanctifies them through the Holy Spirit, redeems them through Jesus Christ, and provides an eternal inheritance. Unlike fleeting worldly happiness, this joy is anchored in Christ's complete victory over sin and death. Believers are invited to place Jesus at the center of their worship, experiencing a joy that comes from God's eternal grace. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

We know Christmas was last week, but we are still working through our series on “The Carols.” Today we will look at O Come, All Ye Faithful. In a world of uncertainty, Peter's epistle reveals a profound message of joy rooted in Christ's victory. Christians are “elect exiles” - chosen by God and living in a challenging world, yet called to rejoice with an “inexpressible joy” that transcends circumstances. God knows His people, sanctifies them through the Holy Spirit, redeems them through Jesus Christ, and provides an eternal inheritance. Unlike fleeting worldly happiness, this joy is anchored in Christ's complete victory over sin and death. Believers are invited to place Jesus at the center of their worship, experiencing a joy that comes from God's eternal grace. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Merry Christmas Eve! Tonight we will explore the somewhat controversial significance of “The 12 Days of Christmas” carol. The song, which seems like a silly list of expensive gifts (totaling over $200,000 in 2023), may actually contain deep theological meaning. Though the song's exact interpretations may vary, its purpose was to teach Christian faith fundamentals. Most importantly, it points to how God never forgets us, even when we forget Him. WATCH MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE

Today we will look at the theological depth of the Christmas carol “O Come O Come Emmanuel” through the lens of Matthew 1:22-23. We will focus on the understanding of “Immanuel” (God with us) and its significance in God's redemptive plan. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, came to rescue us from sin and adopt us into God's family. The incarnation shows us that we weren't created to serve a distant God but to walk with a loving Father. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Today we will look at the theological depth behind “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and its scriptural foundations. The angels' announcement to shepherds show God's pattern of subverting power dynamics by revealing Himself to the broken and outcast. Through Christ's birth, work, life, death, and resurrection God reconciles sinners to Himself, making us new creations. The good news is that God knew all our failures yet chose, loved, and called us anyway, bringing true reconciliation and peace through Christ. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Today we look at the profound truth that Jesus is the eternal King who never ceases to reign by connecting verses in the book of Matthew to the carol “We Three Kings.” The story of the wisemen and Herod's response to Jesus' birth are two completely different responses to Christ's kingship. True fulfillment comes only through submitting to Christ's eternal kingship, not through pursuing temporary satisfaction to other “kings” of our lives (career, relationships, success). WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Today we look at the connection between Psalm 98 and the Christmas carol “Joy to the World.” While originally written with Christ's second coming in mind, this hymn captures the profound joy that comes from both Christ's first arrival and anticipated return. Praise propels us toward mission, as our authentic joy becomes a witness to others. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

In today's parable, Jesus talks about wicked tenants, speaking to the deep-seated human tendency to reject God's authority. The parable illustrates how we often act as if we're the owners of our lives, rather than tenants entrusted with God's gifts. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

An important factor in the context of today's parable was Jesus' growing popularity and influence, which made certain religious leaders jealous. Jesus was invited to dinner at a religious leader's home on the Sabbath and put to a test: a crippled man was brought to Jesus—would He heal him on the holy day of rest? Jesus heals the man (and before they can get too offended) launches into a parable about a party and how people jockey for the best position rather than live in humility. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Today's parable throws many people off track. We tend to think that Jesus is saying one thing when He is really saying something else entirely. The important part of the parable of the “shrewd manager” can be easily misunderstood without the cultural context of who Jesus is talking to. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Abraham Heschel wrote, “The real issue with prayer is how one understands God.” It's not about the words, the form, the structure, or the formula; people have a hard time with prayer because we fail to have a proper view of God. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Jesus tells a parable about an unjust judge and a persistent widow to teach His disciples about prayer and persistence. The judge, who neither fears God nor cares about people, repeatedly ignores a widow's plea for justice. However, due to her relentless persistence, he eventually grants her request to avoid being bothered further. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Jesus tells a parable about two men who went to the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee, considered righteous by society, prays confidently, thanking God that he's not like other sinners. He lists his good deeds, such as fasting twice a week and tithing everything he gets. In contrast, the tax collector, despised by society, stands at a distance, not even lifting his eyes to heaven. He beats his chest and prays, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

This sermon explores Jesus' response to the Pharisees and scribes who criticized Him for eating with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus answers with three parables: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. The focus is primarily on the parable of the Prodigal Son. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Last week we did a quick look through this passage about Zacchaeus. Today, we will take this real story and turn it into a parable for us and our life in the Kingdom of God. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Zacchaeus was despised by his community, yet Jesus sought him out and initiated relationship. This visible act of grace precedes any visible change in Zacchaeus' behavior, highlighting a crucial aspect of the Gospel: God's acceptance is not a reward for our righteousness, but the very power that enables our transformation. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Parables are (very broadly), “a fictitious narrative that would generally refer to something that might naturally occur, by which spiritual and moral matters might be conveyed.” There is no end to the speculation that centers on the parable that Jesus tells today. People get caught up in various theories, asking, “Is it really a parable or a true story? Is Jesus trying to tell us what the afterlife looks like? Is this a commentary about wealth and poverty being reversed in the future life?” This is not a parable (primarily) about riches and poverty, though there are many things in Luke 16 that can relate to how we see our money and stuff. There is more going on and we must take a step back and look at the picture language and ultimately Jesus' own work in the world. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Jesus didn't teach in parables because He couldn't figure out a better way to preach. These narrative form illustrations and stories have been used by rabbis for ages. The Jews called storytelling used to illustrate a message AGGADAH; it was creating word pictures to bring a deeper understanding of God and the world. Aggadah, to the Hebrews, were known as parables to the Greeks. Even a short statement by Jesus [“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin…” (Luke 12:27)] was considered Aggadah. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

As Paul brings his first letter to Timothy to a close, he reminds Timothy that this life will feel like—and is—a battle. We are not to run after our own glorification, but to flee those things and pursue righteousness. Paul wants Timothy to see the difference between a Gospel culture and a religious culture. While we have peace with God because of the Gospel, our lives are currently in the midst of a battle. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Money (wealth) is one of the hardest things for most people to get their heads and hearts around. Greed is insidious, and we often don't notice when it gains control over our lives. Jesus will even remind us to “watch out” in regard to money, because he knows of our blindness. 1 Tim 6:6-10 seems to address people who don't have a lot of money yet want it, and 1 Tim 6:17-19 seems to be for people who do have a lot of money and still think they need more. Money, by either its absence or presence, can poison our life—not because money in itself is good or bad, but because of our focus upon it. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Today Paul moves into how we live and honor one another in the body of Jesus. A proper doctrine—set of beliefs—honors those around us. Defining honor, in how Paul discusses, it would simply mean: ascribing worth through action. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

When the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to be an example, Timothy was in a tough spot. As a young man, he was pastoring a church—that most likely had not called him—of people who despised his youth and inexperience. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

When it comes to correct doctrine and Biblical reasoning, it is important to understand that we (humankind) brought sin into the world and through the Gospel, God—who made the world in the first place—is remaking it through Jesus. We are never called to abandon our humanity, but rather to celebrate its rescue, redemption, and remaking. Today we can easily forget humanity has brought a fallenness to the world. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

1 Tim 3:16 is a short poem that is full of doctrine. It captures the richness of early Christianity in the way it challenged both the popular ‘mysteries' and the rule of Caesar. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

We believe that God has taught us through the Scriptures (continually), through His Spirit (presently), and that the proclamation of the Good News will go on for eternity. What we believe is important, because it will affect how we live every moment of our lives. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Paul writes what he does in 1 Timothy because he understands what the Bible says about sin and grace. Only the Gospel deals with us—as we are—and leads us to grace at the same time. Because of Jesus, we can acknowledge our sin and yet not be destroyed by it. Paul tells Timothy to continue to contend and celebrate the Gospel. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Doctrine is about what God has handed down to us—ultimately pointing to the good news of what Jesus did and is continuing to do. Proper doctrine will translate into how we live our lives, how we interact with others, how we worship God, and how we pray. Prayer is more than asking for things, but today we want to look at what we should be asking for: Healthy churches will pray for the advancement of the Gospel. God's desires should be our prayers. We learn God's desires by looking at the Scripture, understanding correct doctrine, and abiding in Jesus. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

In the first part of Paul's letter, he doesn't talk about all the details of false teaching, but the implications of it for the Church. False teaching always undermines the true Gospel. Jesus + anything is not the Gospel. The Gosfeedpel is that Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Paul ends all his talk about the armor of God by focusing us on prayer. He ends with “finally” as he winds up his letter and reminds us of how to walk in God's strength. This is a reminder that our strength comes from God, as He is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine. The armor we wear is God's armor and not our own. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Last week in Ephesians, we explored spiritual warfare and what it means to be strong “in the Lord.” Some people think that it takes a lot of faith to believe in the spiritual realm, but not believing in it requires just as much faith. Christianity is not superstitious in that there are demons behind every problem; many of our issues are self-caused (due to our sinfulness). WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

As Paul rounds out the book of Ephesians, he ends with the word “finally.” He has one more thing of vital importance he wants to tell the Ephesians (and by extension, us): Eph 6:10-11 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE