The Laborers in the Vineyard (Traditional 8:30 am)
May 5, 2024 • Paul Lawler • Matthew 20:1–16
Sermon: The Laborers in the Vineyard
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler
In the Parables of Jesus series finale, Pastor Paul Lawler exposes four key revelations embedded in this parable:
1) The Dark Side of Our Echo Chambers: He explores how our preconceived notions of fairness can blind us to the grace of God, leading us to rebel against His sovereign generosity.
2) The Pitfalls of Unhealthy Comparison: Lawler unpacks the dangers of comparing ourselves to others, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's grace rather than clinging to our own sense of justice.
3) Clarity Surrounding the Gospel: He highlights how self-interest can obscure our gratitude and compassion, urging listeners to embrace a mindset of thankfulness and generosity.
4) The Supreme Love of Christ: Lawler concludes by emphasizing the centrality of grace in God's kingdom, reminding listeners that all rewards are gifts of grace bestowed according to His divine standards.
This sermon challenges listeners to examine their motives, attitudes, and understanding of God's grace. Whether you're wrestling with questions of fairness or seeking a deeper appreciation for God's abundant generosity, this sermon offers profound truths to ponder and apply to your journey.
The Laborers in the Vineyard (Traditional 11:00 am)
May 5, 2024 • Nathan Cook • Matthew 20:1–16
Sermon: The Laborers in the Vineyard
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16
Teacher: Nathan Cook
In this sermon, Nathan Cook, Christ Methodist missions pastor, explores the parable from the gospel of Matthew, shedding light on the Kingdom of Heaven and the nature of God's generosity. He invites listeners to examine their own perspectives on labor, entitlement, and God's abundant blessings.
Understanding God's Kingdom: Delve into the parable of the laborers in the vineyard and uncover the layers of meaning behind God's fairness and generosity.
Challenges of Human Nature: Explore the tendencies towards entitlement, comparison, and jealousy that can obscure our view of God's blessings.
Identity as Laborers: Discover the truth of being called an ambassador for Christ, laboring in His vineyard to represent His love and grace in the world.
Expectations and Rewards: Reflect on the promises of persecution and God's enduring presence as we faithfully labor for His Kingdom.
The Laborers in the Vineyard
May 5, 2024 • Paul Lawler • Matthew 20:1–16
Sermon: The Laborers in the Vineyard
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler
In the Parables of Jesus series finale, Pastor Paul Lawler exposes four key revelations embedded in this parable:
1) The Dark Side of Our Echo Chambers: He explores how our preconceived notions of fairness can blind us to the grace of God, leading us to rebel against His sovereign generosity.
2) The Pitfalls of Unhealthy Comparison: Lawler unpacks the dangers of comparing ourselves to others, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's grace rather than clinging to our own sense of justice.
3) Clarity Surrounding the Gospel: He highlights how self-interest can obscure our gratitude and compassion, urging listeners to embrace a mindset of thankfulness and generosity.
4) The Supreme Love of Christ: Lawler concludes by emphasizing the centrality of grace in God's kingdom, reminding listeners that all rewards are gifts of grace bestowed according to His divine standards.
This sermon challenges listeners to examine their motives, attitudes, and understanding of God's grace. Whether you're wrestling with questions of fairness or seeking a deeper appreciation for God's abundant generosity, this sermon offers profound truths to ponder and apply to your journey.
The Pharisee and Publican (Traditional 8:30 am)
April 28, 2024 • Paul Lawler • Luke 18:9–14
Sermon: The Pharisee and Publican
Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler
There are two common deceptions that ensnare us in our spiritual journeys:
1) Deception through comparison
2) Deception through self-righteousness
Drawing from the Pharisee's prayer, Pastor Paul explains the dangers of comparing ourselves with others and relying on our own deeds for righteousness. But amidst these deceptions, the parable unveils four life-giving truths for contemplation.
Through the lens of the repentant Publican, Pastor Paul guides listeners to recognize their unworthiness before God, embrace repentance, acknowledge their sinfulness, and earnestly seek God's mercy. He illustrates how humility before God leads to true justification and exaltation.
Listeners are invited to reflect on the contrasting postures of the Pharisee and the Publican, recognizing the transformative power of humility and faith. As Pastor Paul draws parallels between the Pharisee's attitude and that of Jesus' disciples, he challenges listeners to embody childlike humility and faith, thus entering into the kingdom of God.
The Pharisee and Publican (Contemporary, 11 am)
April 28, 2024 • Paul Lawler • Luke 18:9–14
Sermon: The Pharisee and Publican
Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler
There are two common deceptions that ensnare us in our spiritual journeys:
Deception through comparison
Deception through self-righteousness
Drawing from the Pharisee's prayer, Pastor Paul explains the dangers of comparing ourselves with others and relying on our own deeds for righteousness. But amidst these deceptions, the parable unveils four life-giving truths for contemplation.
Through the lens of the repentant Publican, Pastor Paul guides listeners to recognize their unworthiness before God, embrace repentance, acknowledge their sinfulness, and earnestly seek God's mercy. He illustrates how humility before God leads to true justification and exaltation.
Listeners are invited to reflect on the contrasting postures of the Pharisee and the Publican, recognizing the transformative power of humility and faith. As Pastor Paul draws parallels between the Pharisee's attitude and that of Jesus' disciples, he challenges listeners to embody childlike humility and faith, thus entering into the kingdom of God.
The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Traditional 8:30 am)
April 14, 2024 • Paul Lawler • Luke 18:1–8
Sermon: The Parable of the Unjust Judge
Scripture: Luke 18:1-8
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler
In Jesus' day, the courtroom was not a grand building but a movable tent, and widows like the protagonist of this parable faced significant obstacles in seeking justice. Pastor Lawler highlights the stark contrast between the unjust judge's indifference and God's unwavering love and justice. Through this parable, we're reminded that God is always attentive to the cries of His children, even more so than an unjust human judge.
Moreover, Pastor Lawler challenges us to adopt a lifestyle of prayer, emphasizing the importance of persistent communion with God. Prayer transforms our perspective and empowers us to navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their prayer lives and to choose prayer over despair, knowing that God hears and responds to His faithful ones. Whether you're new to prayer or seeking to deepen your prayer life, this sermon offers practical insights and encouragement to persevere in seeking God's presence and guidance.
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Traditional 11:00 am)
April 14, 2024 • Rev. Ken Stewart • Luke 18:9–14
Sermon: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
Teacher: Ken Stewart
Series: The Parables of Jesus
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Traditional 11:00 am)
April 14, 2024 • Brad Bogue • Luke 18:9–14
Sermon: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
Teacher: Brad Bogue
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Drawing parallels with unexpected plot twists in stories like Star Wars, Family Ministry Director Brad Bogue delves into the characters of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, contrasting their prayers and revealing profound truths about self-righteousness and grace. Discover how this parable remains relevant and invites us to examine our own hearts and embrace the radical mercy offered by Jesus.
The Parable of the Unjust Judge
April 14, 2024 • Paul Lawler • Luke 18:1–8
Sermon: The Parable of the Unjust Judge
Scripture: Luke 18:1-8
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler
In Jesus' day, the courtroom was not a grand building but a movable tent, and widows like the protagonist of this parable faced significant obstacles in seeking justice. Pastor Lawler highlights the stark contrast between the unjust judge's indifference and God's unwavering love and justice. Through this parable, we're reminded that God is always attentive to the cries of His children, even more so than an unjust human judge.
Moreover, Pastor Lawler challenges us to adopt a lifestyle of prayer, emphasizing the importance of persistent communion with God. Prayer transforms our perspective and empowers us to navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their prayer lives and to choose prayer over despair, knowing that God hears and responds to His faithful ones. Whether you're new to prayer or seeking to deepen your prayer life, this sermon offers practical insights and encouragement to persevere in seeking God's presence and guidance.
The Parable of the Unprofitable Servant (Traditional 8:30 am)
April 7, 2024 • Paul Lawler • Luke 17:1–10
Sermon: The Unprofitable Servant
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Scripture: Luke 17:1-10
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler
What is the transformative power of humility in our lives?
Drawing from the context of Jesus' interactions with both the Pharisees and his disciples, Pastor Paul unpacks the importance of sensitivity and responsiveness to God coupled with deference for others. Through five key marks of humility, listeners will explore the profound impact of guarding oneself from causing others to sin, offering loving rebuke when appropriate, and extending forgiveness generously.
The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Traditional 11:00 am)
April 7, 2024 • Grant Caldwell • Luke 18:1–8
Sermon: The Parable of the Unjust Judge
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Scripture: Luke 18:1-8
Teacher: Grant Caldwell
In this sermon, Pastor Grant Caldwell explores the Parable of the Persistent Widow from Luke 18, focusing on Jesus' encouragement to pray without losing heart. Pastor Caldwell emphasizes three key aspects: praying motivated by God's character, praying for God's purposes, and trusting in God's timing. Listeners are encouraged to deepen their prayer life and persevere in faith, knowing that God hears, responds, and works all things according to His perfect timing.
The Parable of the Unprofitable Servant (Traditional 11:00 am)
April 7, 2024 • William Merriman • Luke 17:1–10
Sermon: The Parable of the Unprofitable Servant
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Scripture: Luke 17:1-10
Teacher: William Merriman
In this sermon, Director of Student Ministries William Merriman delves into the challenging teachings of Jesus, exploring the common thread of humility that underlies them. Through an examination of Luke 17:1-10, Merriman addresses the weighty responsibility placed on disciples to guide new believers and avoid causing them to stumble. He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, illustrating its transformative power through personal anecdotes and biblical examples. Merriman highlights forgiveness as an act of the will rather than merely an emotion, rooted in the understanding of God's forgiveness towards us. We're encouraged to pursue a life characterized by humility, forgiveness, and stewardship of the faith, reminding believers of the transformative power of God's love and forgiveness in their lives.
The Parable of the Unprofitable Servant
April 7, 2024 • Paul Lawler • Luke 17:1–10
Sermon: The Unprofitable Servant
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Scripture: Luke 17:1-10
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler
What is the transformative power of humility in our lives?
Drawing from the context of Jesus' interactions with both the Pharisees and his disciples, Pastor Paul unpacks the importance of sensitivity and responsiveness to God coupled with deference for others. Through five key marks of humility, listeners will explore the profound impact of guarding oneself from causing others to sin, offering loving rebuke when appropriate, and extending forgiveness generously.
If the Rocks Cry Out (Traditional 8:30 am)
March 24, 2024 • Paul Lawler • Luke 19:28–40
Sermon: If the Rocks Cry Out?
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Scripture: Luke 19:28-40
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler
What does it mean to experience true worship? In this sermon, Pastor Paul Lawler examines the significance of worship through the lens of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem for what's been come to known as Palm Sunday.
As Jesus embarks on his journey towards Jerusalem for Passover, the crowd's enthusiasm reaches a crescendo. But amidst the waving palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna," there lies a deeper message about the nature of worship and its true object.
Drawing parallels between ancient prophecy and contemporary understanding, Lawler guides listeners through the layers of meaning embedded in this pivotal moment. From the symbolism of Jesus riding on a donkey to the misunderstanding of His earthly kingship, every aspect underscores the profound truth about worship.
Lawler challenges conventional notions of worship and invites listeners to consider the heart of true adoration. Touching upon the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, he unpacks the concept of worship in spirit and truth, emphasizing its centrality in the Christian faith.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own understanding of worship and its place in their lives, prompting a deeper engagement with the divine. As Lawler eloquently articulates, worship is not merely a ritualistic exercise but a transformative encounter with the living God.
If the Rocks Cry Out (Traditional 11:00 am)
March 24, 2024 • Jacky Gatliff • Luke 19:33–40
Sermon: If the Stones Cry Out
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Scripture: Luke 19:33-40
Teacher: Rev. Jacky Gatliff
Through Luke 19:28-40, Rev. Jacky Gatliff explores the meaning behind this iconic moment, examining why Jesus chose to ride a humble donkey and the significance of the crowds' reactions. We're invited to reconsider our understanding of Jesus as King and challenged to reflect on our own responses to Jesus. Do we recognize Him as our rightful King, or do we, like the Pharisees, resist His authority?