September 17, 2023

Clearwater Community Church - FL

Sermons App

September 17, 2023

Simple Obedience and Family Relationships Pt. 1

September 17, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 18:1–9

Theme: Simple Obedience and Family Relationships Pt. 1

Passage: Matthew 18:1–9

Two truths concerning God’s response to the treatment of His children.

1. God elevates the one who exhibits childlike faith (1–5).

How to exhibit childlike faith:

a. Humble yourself.

b. Welcome brothers and sisters.

2. God severely judges the one who leads others to sin (6–7).

a. The fallen world

b. The person that spiritually harms

Command: Take extreme measures to avoid causing others to sin (8–9).

Main Idea: Christ’s followers need to lower self to pursue the growth of their spiritual siblings.

Application Questions:

· In what ways are you tempted to pursue greatness? Why is this a problem?

· What attributes of children do you think Jesus’ was wanting us to emulate?

· What should Jesus’ command to humble yourself (lower yourself) call you to do in your life presently?

· What extreme measures is this passage impressing on you to do pursue in your actions toward your spiritual brothers and sisters?

· How are you going to lower self this week in response to this passage?

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 28:16–20

Theme: Simple Obedience to Jesus’ Commission Passage: Matthew 28:16–20 Jesus’ Great Commission to His Followers: 1. Jesus’ plan comes to followers who ... a. Respond (16), b. Worship (17a), c. Yet, Doubt (17b). 2. Jesus’ plan calls His followers to make disciples of the nations. a. Why? Jesus possesses complete authority over everything (18). b. How? (19–20a) i. Get started (19a). ii. Call people to follow (19b). iii. Teach them to obey Christ’s commands (20a). c. What about ...? Jesus will empower you to the very end (20b). Main Idea: Christ followers make followers of Christ. Application Questions: · As a follower, where are you doubtful or weakest in following Christ? What step can you take this week to begin to address this? · What does it mean that Christ has “been given all authority in heaven and on earth?” How does this impact your life and decision-making? · Is Christ’s plan optional for each of his followers? Why do many Christians not involve themselves in His plan to make disciples? · With the gifts and abilities Christ has given you, how are you helping (how can you help) others follow Christ? If you are not involved helping others follow Christ, what can you do to get started?

November 19, 2023

November 19, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 26:47–57

Passage: Matthew 26:47–57 Theme: Simple Obedience and Violence Realities of Following Christ: · Betrayal · Violence done against Christ · Injustice Command: “Put your sword back in its place”: There is no place for violence in Christ’s Kingdom Community (51). Reasons for Non-Violent Response: 1. Violence destroys the violent (52). 2. Violent response betrays trust in God’s ability to protect (53). 3. Violent retaliation misses God’s greater purposes for His suffering Servants(s) (54). Main Idea: Christ followers should respond to betrayal, violence, and injustice by displaying Christ through their nonviolent actions. Application Questions: · Why is it that even as believers we are drawn toward violence and violent responses when wronged? What might this indicate about violence and us? · Are there occasions when Christians should respond with violence or act violently? Provide NT examples or teaching. · How does the cross bring about justice for the Christ follower as well as the one who rejects Christ? (See 1 Peter 2:18–25) · How should we apply Jesus’ teaching here to believers regarding self-defense and military service? · What are you doing to counter injustice by displaying Christ through loving actions?

November 12, 2023

November 12, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 26:31–46

Passage: Matthew 26:31–46 Theme: Simple Obedience and Failure No matter our intestinal fortitude and spiritual resolve, we will fail on our desire to perfectly follow Christ. Why? 1. Distraction from readiness 2. Lack of prayer 3. Weakness of Flesh Good News: 1. God knows this. 2. He sent his Son to experience this and overcome it for us. Commands: Look to Christ’s example: 1. Remain watchful for Christ (38) 2. Persist in prayer (41) 3. Join Jesus in facing the tests God has allowed in your life (46) Main Idea: Christ followers overcome temptation, opposition, suffering, and even their own failures by repeatedly returning to Christ. Application Questions: · What are the ways or areas in which you think of yourself as a spiritual failure as a Christ follower? · Which reason for failure to follow Christ do you struggle with the most? How do you plan with and through the power of the Holy Spirit in you to address this? · How do (or can) you persist in prayer? What steps do you need to take to create a space for prayer in your daily routine? · How can you help create a culture of readiness and prayer with the believers in your life? · The next time you fail or begin thinking that you are failing in your following Christ, what are you going to do to counter those thoughts? What actions are you going to take to return to Christ?