The Divisive Gospel

Redemption Lakeland

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The Divisive Gospel

Allegiance, Sacrifice, and Resurrection

April 21, 2024 • Matt Burks

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Join us for a powerful sermon based on Matthew 10:34-42, where Jesus unveils the divisive nature of the Gospel and calls believers to wholehearted allegiance, sacrificial living, and the promise of resurrection.

The Message of Division: Explore the profound truth that the Gospel demands our complete allegiance, challenging us to transcend societal norms and embrace the radical call of Christ. In a world of polarization, discover how the Gospel stands as a beacon of truth, love, and transformation.

Crucifying Self-Desires: Delve into Jesus' call to crucify our own desires and will for the sake of His Kingdom. Experience the liberating power of surrendering to God's mission, even amidst potential opposition from those closest to us.

New Life through Resurrection: Encounter the promise of new life and resurrection that awaits those who embrace the Gospel's transformative message. As we die to our old selves, we rise to become ambassadors of God's Kingdom, experiencing true joy and fulfillment in Christ.

The Ultimate Reward: Uncover the ultimate reward offered by the Gospel: salvation and divine acceptance. Gain confidence in sharing the Gospel message, knowing that acceptance or rejection of it is ultimately an acceptance or rejection of God Himself.

Don't miss this compelling message that challenges believers to embrace the divisive yet transformative nature of the Gospel, offering hope, courage, and eternal reward. Join us as we journey deeper into the heart of God's mission and embrace our identity as His beloved children.

Rejecting Jesus

May 5, 2024 • Brannen Padgett • Matthew 11:16–24

In today's sermon, we explored the profound truths presented in the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on the reasons why people reject Jesus Christ despite the clarity and authenticity of His message. Jesus, in Matthew 11, uses the analogy of children playing games to illustrate the irrational rejection He and John the Baptist encountered. He depicted scenarios of a wedding and a funeral, where the expected responses to joyous and somber music were unmet by the people. This indifference highlights a deeper spiritual malaise—the refusal to engage with the truth, whether it comes in the form of joy (Jesus) or repentance (John the Baptist). Further, Jesus pronounced woes upon the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum—cities that had witnessed His miracles but remained unrepentant. This condemnation starkly contrasts with the hypothetical repentance of notoriously wicked cities like Tyre, Sidon, and even Sodom had they witnessed His works. This section of the discourse emphasizes the tragedy of missed opportunities for repentance and the severe consequences of such negligence. The core of our discussion centered on the nature of a hardened heart. A hardened heart is characterized by various attitudes—pride, independence, comfort, and distraction—that lead to the rejection of Jesus. These attitudes are prevalent in our society, where advancements in science and technology, a sense of self-sufficiency, and the pursuit of comfort and entertainment often eclipse the perceived need for a Savior. To counteract the hardening of our hearts, we discussed practical spiritual disciplines. We emphasized the necessity of praying for spiritual sight, as our natural inclination is often blindness to spiritual truths. Regular repentance and active faith are crucial in maintaining a soft heart towards God. This involves not only turning away from sin but also turning towards God and embracing His promises and truths. Confession, both to God and to one another, plays a vital role in this process, fostering transparency and accountability.

Dealing with Doubt

April 28, 2024 • Austin Nesvacil • Matthew 11:1–15

Join us for an enlightening message based on Matthew 1:1-15, as we explore the profound reality that doubt is an inevitable part of our journey with Jesus. Discover how our doubts can either lead to disillusionment or become a catalyst for greater faith, hope, and trust in Christ. Facing Doubt: Delve into the story of John the Baptist, a faithful follower of Jesus who wrestled with doubts amidst difficult circumstances and unmet expectations. Gain insights into the common causes of doubt and how they manifest in our lives. Transforming Doubt into Faith: Experience the transformative power of bringing our doubts to Jesus, aligning our expectations with Scripture, and putting our feelings in their proper place. Learn how to navigate doubt with grace and courage, allowing it to deepen rather than diminish our faith. The Invitation: Discover the invitation extended by Jesus to all who wrestle with doubt – to come to Him and find assurance in the truth of His life, death, and resurrection. Experience the freedom and joy that come from embracing the gospel message and allowing doubts to be transformed into unwavering faith. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of doubt and faith, and to discover how doubt can ultimately lead to a deeper, more vibrant relationship with Jesus. Join us on this journey of transformation and renewal as we navigate the complexities of doubt in light of God's unchanging truth.

Courage in the Face of Opposition

April 14, 2024 • Brannen Padgett • Matthew 10:26–33

Join us for an empowering sermon based on Matthew 10:26-33, where Jesus calls His disciples to find courage in the face of opposition to the Gospel. In a world filled with rejection, imprisonment, betrayal, and martyrdom, Jesus offers profound insights and encouragement to navigate the challenges with unwavering courage. Fear Not, Trust God: Discover Jesus' powerful exhortation not to fear people, even amidst the most daunting trials. Jesus acknowledges the hardships His disciples will face but reminds them to find courage in God's unwavering presence and sovereignty over all things. God's Deep Care: Explore the depth of God's care for His beloved children as Jesus illustrates His meticulous attention to even the smallest details of creation. From the sparrows sold for a mere penny to the numbering of each hair on our heads, Jesus assures us of God's profound care and concern for our well-being. Identification with Jesus: Embrace the transformative power of identifying with Jesus, as He promises to acknowledge and stand by those who boldly proclaim His name before others. As we take a stand for Christ and refuse to compromise, Jesus reciprocates by standing with us before the Father. Soul-Searching Questions: Reflect on soul-stirring questions that invite introspection and action. Where do you need to take a stand for the Gospel? In what areas are you compromising your faith? Where have you been hiding in fear instead of boldly identifying with Jesus? Don't miss this inspiring message that empowers believers to embrace courage in the face of opposition, knowing that God deeply cares for them and stands alongside those who boldly proclaim His name. Join us as we find strength and courage to live fearlessly for Christ in a world filled with challenges.