Other Sermons
One Thing I Do
December 27, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. 2020 NEVER FORGET A. Impeachment, Covid-19, Riots, Destruction B. Economy, Unemployment, Election Debacle C. Turn To Scripture & Apostle Paul I. vs 13a - “FORGETTING WHAT LIES BEHIND…” A. Leave Behind Struggles, Successes, Sins B. Do Not Live In Or Be Dominated By The Past 1. Learn From And Move On 2. Put Past Into God’s Perspective - I Pet.1:6-7 C. Lay Aside Every Weight & Sin - Heb.12:1 II. vs 13b-14 - REACH TOWARD YOUR FUTURE - I PET.1:3-5 A. Remember Our Future Is In Christ Jesus B. Press On, Do Not Quit X Jesus > Cross - Lk.9:51, Heb.12:2 C. Vs 12 - Be All Jesus Saved You To Be III. WHAT SHOUD BE OUR GOAL 2021? - vs 10 A. My Determined Purpose For 2021 Is… 1. ‘Know’ Him More Completely, Closely 2. Grow In Wonder Of His Character/Grace B. Know His Presence In The Holy Spirit 1. Ro.8:11 - Same Life, Same Power 2. ‘Know’ In Fellowship Of Suffering - Lk.9:23 3. ‘Know’ Him In Transformation - Ii Cor.3:18 IV. HOW IS THIS ACCOMPLISHED? BY COOPERATING A. Faith, Word, Obey, H.S., Worship, Body Life CLOSE: COMMIT TO KNOW HIM IN 2021 PRESENCE A. Would You Give Him A Whole Year? B. Our Pursuit/Goal Is His Presence
The Promise, Part 4
December 20, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
I. GEN.3:15 - XCHRISTMAS > ANXIOUS FOR GIFTS A. Carol “Long Lay The World In Sin …” B. Gal.4:4-5 - Right Time (Jews & World Waiting) 1. Giver Of Law Born Under Law Why? - Jn.1:29 C. Everlasting, Prince Of Peace - Is.9:6-7 1. Jn.1:14, Phil.2:6-8, Col.1:15-17 D. Freed Us From Sin & Satan - Col.2:13-14 II. LK.2:8-9 - BIRTH ANNOUNCED TO SHEPHERDS X Love & Respect For The Common Man A. Shepherds Were Bottom Socially 1. Denied Civil Rights, Disallowed In Court B. Jesus Came For All Men, For Each Of Us C. Identified As Good Shepherd - Jn.10:11 III. LK.2:10-14 - MESSAGE ANGELS BROUGHT: A. Do Not Be Afraid, Bring You Good News B. Peace To And For All Men C. God & Sinners Reconciled (God Did It) Still D. God Has Good Will Toward Men 1. God Is Not Against Us, We Turned Away IV. LK.2:15-20 - RESPONSE OF SHEPHERDS: A. No Delay, Acted On Knowledge Given B. They Pursued Jesus & They Found Him! C. Told Everyone, First Evangelists In Nt CLOSE: 2020 A VERY ROUGH YEAR A. Jesus Offers Peace, Real Peace - Jn.14:27 B. Like The Shepherds Pursue Jesus Christ C. Simply Said, Just Believe - Ac.16:31
The Promise, Part 3
December 13, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. - GEN.3:15 - SEED OF PROMISE A. History Reveals God’s Preparation B. Is.11:1-2 - Root/Jesse - Gal.4:4-5 C. Can See The Tree Of Salvation Developing I. 26-33 - MARY FAVORED/CHOSEN BY GOD: A. Marriageable/Child Bearing B. Lineage Of David - Is.9:7 C. Virgin - Is.7:14 35 = Son Of God > 31-33 1. Jesus The God/Man Hb.10:5, Phil.2:5-8 D. Lk.2:25 - Simeon/ Mary > For Consolation ** God Had A Plan For Mary/ For You II. 34–38 - HOW CAN THIS BE? A. Not Doubt But Wonder, Amazement 1. Ever Wondered How God Work Things Out? B. Angel Does Not Rebuke But Answers 1. 35 > Is.9:7 - Zeal Will ‘Overshadow’ X Cloud 1 Tabernacle 2 Transfiguration C. 37 - Nothing Impossible With God ** He Would Accomplish By His Power D. Suspend Laws Of Nature If Need Be III. 38 - MARY ACCEPTS ‘WORD’ OF GABRIEL: A. Mary’s Response Should Be Ours As Well B. Not Full Understanding But Faith/Trust ** God Works Through Surrendered Lives CLOSE: PART 1 “GOD HAS A FUTURE FOR YOU” A. Experienced Only In Surrender B. Begins With Surrender To Jesus Christ
The Promise, Part 2
December 6, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. PROMISE OF SAVIOR - GEN.3:15 A. Battle Of Ages Began (Souls) B. Savior Would Come OT 322 Prophecies I. HIS LIFE FORETOLD MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION A. Gen.3:15 - Woman ( Not General Idea Of God) B. Virgin Birth - Is.7:14, Col.2:9 1. God/Man - Near Kinsman C. Birth Place - Mic.5:2 Bethlehem D. Is.9:7 - Son Of David E. His Death - Is.53:12, Ps.22 F. Resurrection - Ps.16:10, Ro.1:3-4 II. HIS CHARACTER/NATURE A. IS.9:6-7 - Amazing Individual 1. Wonderful = Beyond Our Understanding 2. Counselor = Divine Wisdom For Our Needs 3. Mighty God - John 1:1-3, Jn.1:14 Creator 4. Everlasting Father = Father’s Love 5. Prince Of Peace - Jn.14:27 Only Peace B. Nature: Zeal, Love, Compassion, Truth, Etc III. HIS MISSION SPECIFICALLY - IS.61:1 MT.1:21 A. To Do Battle With Satan For Us - Jn.12:31 B. Death On The Cross - Jn.10:17-18 Victory X Line In Sand, Red Line Forces Gathered C. Which Side Of The Cross?
The Promise, Part 1
November 29, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. BACK TO BEGINNING - GEN.3 A. Creation ‘Very Good – The Fall B. Death = Spiritual Instant Separation C. Death = Established - Ez.18:20 1. Ro.8:20 - Futility, Death Spread Ro.5:12 D. In This Tragedy Promise Of Savior - Gen.3:15 E. When Did The Promise Begin? I. GEN.3:21 - HE WILL COVER THEIR SIN - RO.4:7-8 A. Not A Work Of Man B. Note: Provided After Curse - Gen.3:15 C. God Saves From Our Sin - Mt.1:21 * Jesus Covers Our Guilt Before God II. JESUS PROVIDES REDEMPTION A. Ransom Paid There Is A Transfer B. Ransom Price Paid To Buy Back C. Must Be Paid By Near Kinsman Lev.25 D. Price In Our Case - I Pet.1:18-19 * ‘Transfers’ Us From Darkness To Light III. HOLY SPIRIT POWERS OUR RESTORATION A. Joel 2:25, II Cor.3:18, I Cor.13:12 B. Ps.23 ‘Restore’ = To End And Begin New 1. Mind, Will, Emotion, A Future * Restores What Was Stolen, > To Father CLOSE: HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? - I JN.1:8-9
Count Your Blessings
November 22, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. 2020 DIFFICULT YEAR? A. IMPEACHMENT, PANDEMIC, LOCKDOWN, B. BUSNESS, JOBS, VIOLENT MOBS, C. ELECTION DEBACLE, DOCS SHREDDED D. COMPARE WITH PILGRIMS 1620-21 E. PAUL PRISON > ROME - EPH.5:20 F. NEED TO ‘CULTIVATE’ ATTITUDE OF THANKS I. THANKFUL FOR WHAT GOD PROVIDES - PHIL.4:11-12 X WEALTHY FAMILY V. PIROCHS > RICH - EPH.3:8 A. RICH & RESTLESS V. POOR & CONTENT B. SATISFIED? PREOCCUPIED WITH ‘MORE’? II. THANKFUL FOR PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES A. TEND TAKE FOR GRANTED THOSE NEAREST: 1. FAMILY, SPOUSE, PARENTS, CHILDREN, BOSS B. HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND? - PHIL.1:3-7 C. CULTIVATE APPRECIATION, RESPECT, HONOR III. THANKFUL FOR DIFFICULTIES, ‘PERSECUTION’ A. JA.1:2-3, IPET.1:6-7, COL.1:24 B. GOD KNOWS SITUATIOIN AND IS AT WORK IV. THANKFUL FOR SALVATION GREATEST WORK A. EPH.2:8-9, ACTS 16:30-31 B. SALVATION IS JUST THE BEGINNING! C. PRESENCE AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 1. JN.7:38, II COR.3:18 - AGENT OF CHANGE
Emphasis of FLCC Thru 2021
August 2, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. ABOUT YEAR AGO ‘CHURCH WAY TOO BUSY’ A. Weakening Families Trying To Strengthen B. Ps.23:1-2 & Ez.34:13-15 C. So the Direction of FLCC I. FOCUS: REFRESHING FAMILIES A. Want to Emphasize Family Faith B. FABS Monthly Teaching, Enact Lessons (Family Action Bible Studies) C. Live Out the Teaching of Jesus II. AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN FAITH A. Great Need of Younger Generation ‘Show Me State’ ‘Don’t Tell Me’ ‘Show Me’ B. See Faith In Action, Real Difference in Life III. CONCENTRATE ON DOING LIFE TOGETHER A. As a Family Unit B. As a Church Family (Effort) C. Must Include the Singles CLOSE - TURN TO PASTOR BEN: I. Small Groups / Connect Groups – A rich way to do life together as families and as the family of God - Acts 2:44,46, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common… And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts” A. They did met together as a big group, big church, then they met together regularly in homes, as small groups B Small group methods 1. Many home based/family based, not all are / need to be 2. Variety of focuses, music, service ideas, bible studies, marriage studies, etc. II. Focuses of doing life together in small groups A. Nourishing spiritually and relationally 1. When we come, we get fed 2. Community B. Meeting needs. They did life together and naturally met each other’s needs in the passage. 1. Life Giving 2. Not something to suck life from us or simply a duty to go to because it’s good for us. They are something we look forward to, a place where spiritual and relational life is poured into us C. Outward Reaching 1. Dead Sea analogy 2. Learning to reach out to those around us 3. When a community gives life to its people, it’s natural to want to invite others to be a part of its life giving nature. 4. Done Through Relationship / Questions / Pointing them to Christ III. Young Adults Gives me Life A. This group gives me life, love these people, rest with these people, they are the people I love and love being with B. Nourishing for myself relationally and spiritually. We share the word together. C. We naturally take care of each other’s needs D. Naturally we have become outward focusing to young baby Christians, new Christians, coworkers who need Christ IV. Conclusion: Lord seems to be leading us as a church to do life together as families and as the family of God.
Mystery of the Cross
July 5, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. - GAL.6:14 PAUL GLORIED IN THE CROSS A. Cross At Ground Zero – Twin Towers 1. Frank Silecchia > Father Brian Jordan B. Midst Of Man’s Worst Stood The Cross I. PAUL GLORIED IN THE CROSS - I COR.2:2 - ‘NOTHING’ A. Could Have Gloried In Much About Jesus II. PAUL CHOSE TO GLORY IN MYSTERY OF CROSS A. Showed Sin Power/Consequences - Ez.18:20 B. Proved Love Of God - Ro.5:8 - Demonstrated C. Pointed Way Of Salvation - Pv.14:12, Jn.14:6 D. New Life - Jn.3:3, Ii Cor.5:17, II Pet.1:4 E. New Power - Ro.8:11 - ‘Spirit Dwells In You’ F. New Motivation For Life - Gal.2:20 III. DIFFERENT ATTITUDES AT THE CROSS A. Apathetic (Indifference) B. Antagonistic (Mocking, Taunting) C. Skeptics, Doubters (If He Is The King…) D. Centurion (Truly He Was Son Of God) IV. I BELIEVE ALL WANT TO BELIEVE BUT… A. Christ And Cross Call To All People 1. Mt.11:28 - “Come To Me…” B. Way Is Not Easy - Lk.9:23-26 - Count Cost 1. Love Neighbor, Forgive Others CLOSE: HOW DO I COME TO CHRIST - RO.10:9 “If…Confess With Your Mouth The Lord Jesus And Believe In Your Heart God Has Raised Him From The Dead, You Will Be Saved.” A. Fresh Appreciation For Jesus
The Early Church
May 24, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. THE EARLY CHURCH HAD NO… A. N.T. > Buildings > Protections B. Flourished In Spite Of Prejudice & Persecutions C. Question? What Made The Difference? I. BORN OF THE SPIRIT - JN.3:6, ACTS 2:1-4, I COR.6:19 A. Ii Cor. 5:17 - New Creations > Inherent In Dna B. Spirit Flowed From Them In Expressible Ways C. Spirit Should Produce Same Characteristics II. vs 42 - GREAT DESIRE FOR WORD EXPLAINED/ BY APOSTLES A. Transformation v. Information x Being Changed III. vs 42 - ‘FELLOWSHIP’ IDEA OF BELONGING TO A FAMILY A. Same Father & Savior & Spirit > Spiritual Dna B. We Are Essential To Each Other IV. vs 42 - BREAKING OF BREAD = “COMMUNION” A. Celebrate His Provision, Promise, ‘Presence’ V. vs 42 - PRAYER TOGETHER ESSENTIAL PART OF THEIR LIVES A. Many Instances Of Church Prayer In Acts: B. Acts 4 Peter & John > Boldness C. Acts 12 Constant Prayer For Peter/ Deliverance VI. vs 46 - ALL…TOGETHER = NO DISTINCTIONS AMONG THEM A. All Children Of God Learning To Live Together VII. vs 44-45 - ALL …COMMON > NOT COMMUNISM = FORCED A. If They Had Extra They Shared With Needy VIII. vs 46 - DAILY IN TEMPLE “ONE ACCORD” PORTICO PETER A. Corporate Worship Of Living God IX. vs 46 - HOUSE TO HOUSE x AGAPE FEASTS x Grand Mother Church When A Girl X. vs 47 - PRAISING GOD FOR ALL HIS MERCIES
Easter Sunday
April 12, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. JESUS STANDING AT TEMPLE - JN.2:19 A. Prophesied His Death And Resurrection B. Referring To His Physical Body C. Now The Necessity Of The Resurrection: I. PROVED JESUS PROPHECY WAS CORRECT A. If Not Raised = False Prophet, Lunatic B. Not To Be Believed II. CORE OF CHRISTIANITY A. Ro.1:4 - Proved Son Of God, We Receive Grace B. Jesus Defeated Death - I Cor.15:54-56 C. Many Saw Him After III. JESUS BECAME OUR JUSTIFICATION - RO.5:1 A. Jesus Became Our: 1. Obedience, Punishment, Rebirth B. Made Righteous By Faith - Ro.4:3,13 X Abraham Rt. By Faith Before Law C. “Become Rt. Of God - Ii Cor.5:21 IV. CHURCH WAS BORN (BODY OF CHRIST) I PET.2:9 A. Acts 2:2-4 H.S. Given God A Place To Dwell B. People Of Power By H.S. - Ro.8:11 C. People Of Purpose - Eph.3:9-10 D. People Of Presence - Jn.14:21 V. JESUS WILL RETURN - JN14:3 A. Right To Judge Every Person B. Time Of Return Unknown - Mt.24:36 C. Mt 24:42 – Watch - Mt 24:44 - Be Ready CLOSE: TURN TO JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR
Palm Sunday
April 5, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. PALM = TRIUMPHAL ENTRY > JERUSALEM A. Prophetic, Proclamation, Personal I. PROPHETIC WITNESS TO JESUS AS MESSIAH A. Jesus Very Specific Passover 1. Artax. Command 445bc Restore Jerusalem 2. Dan.9:26 - Messiah ‘Cut Off’ 32ad B. Zech.9:9 - Prophecy Fulfilled C. Prophecies Served As Identifiers / Markers X Identify Myself To Gvt. Offices Name, B-Day, B-Place, Mother, Father D. Identifiers Of Jesus X Birth Place, Virgin, Tri-Entry, Betrayal, 30 Silver, Crucified, Pierced, Bones, Resur E. Jesus In John “My Hour” - Jn.13:1, Jn.17:1 F. Jesus Was/Is Son Of God II. PROCLAMATION ARRIVAL/ PURPOSE PS.118:26-27 A. Comes In Name Of Jehovah = Self-Existent B. He Was/Is The Only Begotten Son Of God C. As Son Of God: 1. He Is Only One To Come In Name Of Lord 2. Deserving Of Worship & Praise, Loyalty 3. In Him God Gave Us Light - Jn.1:4, Jn.8:12 4. “Bind The Sacrifice” - Jn.1:29 III. PERSONAL RESPONSE TO JESUS A. Who Were The People In The Crowd? 1. Enthusiastic, Emotional, Skeptics, 2. Religious, Sincere, Seekers, Sinners All B. Do You See Yourself In This Crowd? B. “All Moved” /Boiling Inside Who Is This? C. How Will You Respond Today To Jesus?
Communion: First Three Hours on the Cross
February 2, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. SEE JESUS IN MIDST OF HIS SUFFERING A. First Three Hours On The Cross B. Many Things Are Going On I. LK. 23:34 - PRAYS TO FATHER TO FORGIVE… A. Heart Of God Is To Forgive - Ii Pet.3:9 B. Those Acting Against Him In Ignorance 1. Not Understanding Who Jesus Was/Is 2. Unaware Of Their Own Need - Ro.3:10-11 C. Jesus Still Intercedes For Us - Hb.7:25 1. This Our Confidence, Comfort II. LK. 23:39-43 - HE LISTENED A. First Man Blasphemed/Cursed 1. Was It Pain, Fear, Anger At God? B. Second Man Came To His Defense 1. Fear God? Condemned, Guilty 2. We Deserve, He Does Not 3. Jesus Had No Personal Sin 4. Remember Me When… III. LK. 23:43 - JESUS’ RESPONSE TO THESE MEN A. First Man Jesus Was Silent 1. No Response, No Rebuke & No Hope - Hb.9:27 2. He Read The Man’s Heart B. Second Man “ This Day You…” - Ii Cor.5:8 1. Heard His Confession, No Denial 2. Heard His Faith “Remember Me…” C. Perhaps You Cannot Articulate So Well D. Jesus Knows Your Heart - Jer. 17:10 CLOSE: MAKE THINGS RIGHT TODAY? A. Anything Out Of Order With God?