Sermons from September 2018

“A Sinful Woman Forgiven” (Luke 7:36-50)

A Sinful Woman Forgiven Brad Mills / General Luke / Luke 7:36–50   During our Summer Study in 2017 we considered the importance of eating in the ministry of Jesus. We used Tim Chester’s excellent book A Meal With Jesus to spend several weeks talking about the role of meals in the life of Jesus. One of the quotes that stuck was from Robert Karris: In Luke’s Gospel Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming…

“So Great A Salvation” (Judges 12:1-7; Judges 13:1-25)

So Great A Salvation Brad Mills / General Judges: So Great A Salvation / Judges 12:1–7; Judges 13:1–25   We need to wrap up our look at the end of the Jephthah narrative, before going to another controversial figure in the book of Judges. The Samson narrative provides another good opportunity to remind us that the book of Judges is ultimately about how God operates through Israel to bring about redemptive history. Colorful characters should not become central. Yes, they…

“Jesus and John the Baptist” (Luke 7:18-35)

Jesus and John the Baptist (Luke 7:18-35) It’s easy to follow Jesus when we are getting what we want out of life. But what happens when that’s not the case? How do you respond when everything you touch seems to fall apart? What do you do when you are hindered from achieving your goals? Do you turn to God? Can you be honest in prayer about how you’re feeling? Or, do you shut down? Our response to Jesus, including how…

Jephthah’s (Not So) Tragic Vow – Pt.2 (Judges 11:29-12:7)

1. Jephthath’s  Character  (10:17-11:28) Allow me to briefly remind you what we covered last week. We noted the way Jephthah was despised and rejected by his half-brothers as they drove him out of Gilead, ensuring he would not receive any portion of their father’s inheritance. Yet, when no one was willing to lead their military against the Ammonites, they went back to Jephthah offering to make him their head. Their self-serving ambitions were evident, but we can often relate struggling with our…

Jephthah’s (Not So) Tragic Vow – Pt. 1 (Judges 10:17-12:7)

Introduction In an article for marthastewartwedding.com, Taysha Murtaugh, provides several examples of modern wedding vows that couples can make in order change things up from the boring religious and traditional vows we’re so used to hearing. Murtaugh writes, We’d expect nothing less than super-cool vows from this California couple, who threw a chic picnic-party wedding. The groom’s self-penned script included the funny phrase, “I love putting the toothpaste on your toothbrush, I’m yours for eternity.” Honestly, after reading all ten…

“Looking to Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Some of you have come this evening in a state of confusion. Others of you are weighed down by burdens so great you thought twice about staying home. Marriages are on thin ice. Children are living in rebellion. There are conflicts and tensions in families, as well as discord and division within the local church (or even between sister churches). Many of us feel beaten up emotionally. Our lives are messy. Our hopes have been shattered. We’ve came to church…

“Why Be Thankful?” Colossians 1:3-8

Sermon Lesson: Give thanks to God for the spiritual fruit which He has graciously and powerfully imparted to you through His ministers of the gospel.Outline: Give thanks to God (v.3) Give thanks for your spiritual fruits (v.4-5a) Give thanks for a gracious and powerful gospel (v.5b-6) Give thanks for His ministers of the gospel (v.7-8)