The Wheat and the Tares

January 7, 2024 • Bro. Chris Carter • Matthew 13:24–30

Contemporary Service (Sunday Morning, 11 am)

December 24, 2023

Sermon: Jesus as the Christ, Pt. 1 Series: Advent 2023 Scripture: Luke 2:11 Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler In this special sermon taken from our Christmas Eve morning service, Pastor Paul Lawler examines the significance of the title "Christ" in relation to Jesus. He explores Luke 2:11, which declares, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD." https://www.buzzsprout.com/641797/11931025, Pastor Paul discussed the term "Savior," and this year, we shift our focus to the word "Christ" and its incredible implications. Is this designation significant, and if so, how much does it truly matter? As we celebrate Christmas and the birth of our Savior, take a moment to reflect on the profound meaning behind the title "Christ" and its impact on your faith journey.  Throughout the New Testament, the term "Christ" is used a staggering 569 times, with 65 appearances in the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Rome. But what's even more remarkable is that this title was foretold in the Old Testament, written hundreds to thousands of years before Jesus's birth. Join us as we explore: The Meaning of "Christ": Uncover the Greek origin of the word "Christos" and its connection to the Messiah. Jesus as The Messiah: Understand how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and the profound role he plays in the fabric of the Old Testament. Threefold Anointing: Explore how Jesus takes on the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King—all in one person. The Significance of His Anointing: Discover the incredible power, presence, and authority that come with accepting Jesus as the Christ. The Life-Changing Message: Learn how the belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, can transform your life. Merry Christmas!

The Gift of Awe Before a Holy God | Pastor Paul (Contemporary Service, Sunday Morning, 11 am)

December 17, 2023

Sermon: The Gift of Awe Before a Holy God Series: Advent 2023 Scripture: Multiple Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler Awe is a powerful emotion—a blend of reverence, respect, fear, and wonder—and it's a feeling that can be ignited when we contemplate the grandeur of creation. Our spiritual exploration draws from the wisdom of ancient scriptures, such as Psalm 19:1, which proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of the Lord," and the awe-inspiring birth of Christ as recorded in Luke 2:9-15. In this sermon, Rev. Paul Lawler focuses on the angels—the first beings to praise God when Christ was born. These angels, sinless and without need for a Savior, offer us a profound lesson in praise. They praise Jesus for who He is—the image of the invisible God, the Creator, and the upholder of the universe. In contrast to the heavenly hosts, we discover that God often chooses to reveal His glory to those society considers outcasts. The shepherds, with their less-than-stellar reputations, were the first to receive the good news of Jesus' birth. This tells us that God's message is intentional and powerful: He came for sinners, for those in need of His grace and redemption. Pastor Paul explores the parallels between the shepherds and ourselves—outcasts in need of a Savior. He reflects on the beauty of creation, the praise of angels, and the transformative power of God's message to the outcasts. As you listen, may you find inspiration to awaken your own sense of awe and wonder before the majesty of our Holy God. Remember, there are no coincidences in God's plan, and this sermon is a testament to His intentional and redemptive love.