Sermons from 2018 (Page 6)
“The Beatitudes” (Luke 6:20-23)
Introduction Andy Stanley Here’s what the Jerusalem Council was saying to the Gentiles: “You’re not accountable to the 10 Commandments. You’re not accountable to the Jewish Law. We’re done with that. God has done something new…Thou shalt not obey the 10 Commandments because those aren’t your commandments.” Likewise, many have questioned the relevance of the Sermon on the Mount. Does Jesus reenforce Old Testament law, or does he “unhitch” it from his teaching? After selecting apostles > teaching and healing.…
“The Left-Handed Assassin” (Judges 3:12-31)
Introduction If you’re new here, you should be aware that we have no shortage of boys running around with various toy weapons after every service. We try to contain them somewhat, but we also want them to know they can remain boys at Church. Boys, if you aren’t running around with daggers strapped to your right thigh or held in your left hand, calling yourselves Ehud this morning – I will have failed. This is an exciting account. It certainly…
The Healing Power of Jesus (Luke 6:17-19)
Introduction Now that Jesus has called his apostles he returns to his teaching and healing ministry. There was never a lack of ministry opportunities. Everywhere Jesus went, within a short amount of time, crowds gathered around him. Why did crowds gather around Jesus? It wasn’t because he made an announcement that he was coming. Those who had heard him, or been healed by him, brought others. There are plenty of people in your own life who need to experience the…
The Paradigmatic Hero (Judges 3:7-11)
Introduction So far we’ve seen two introductions. The first detailed the political decline of Israel. The second detailed the religious decline of Israel. What preserved Israel during this downward spiral was the discipline of the Lord. The Lord’s kindness is evident even in his chastisement. God is accomplishing his redemptive purposes through intentional acts of discipline (Hebrews 12:11). Chastisement is ultimately followed by rescue in the form of judges who served as (1) Civil Magistrates and (2) Deliverers. Othniel serves…
The Religious Decline of Israel (Judges 2:1-3:6)
Introduction Have you ever felt so trapped in a cycle of sin that you questioned your salvation? Octavius Winslow “If there is one consideration more humbling than another to a spiritually-minded believer, it is, that, after all God has done for him, – after all the rich displays of his grace, the patience and tenderness of his instructions, the repeated discipline of his covenant, the tokens of love received, and the lessons of experience learned, there should still exist in…
The Twelve Apostles of Jesus (Luke 6:12-16)
Introduction This morning, we considered the notion that many of us feel like frauds. This afternoon, we will consider the notion that many of us feel useless. We may feel inadequate, unprepared, or disqualified. But, regardless of the underlying cause, we feel unproductive. The gospel accounts of Jesus’s ministry can often feel like added helpings of guilt and shame. Considering the gathering interest in the healing ministry of Jesus and the growing hostility of his opposition, how would Jesus ever…
