August 18, 2024 • Jake Schwein • Romans 3:23–24, 1 John 1:9, Luke 18:9–14, Proverbs 3:5–6, Ephesians 2:8–9
"The Pharisee’s trouble was that he was self-righteous, believing that he was righteous in himself. He was not, as we say, ‘justified by faith’, but by works—his own works. He went to the temple to inform God how good he was, and thus went home unjustified." — John Stott, "The Message of the Sermon on the Mount.”
Good Samaritan
August 11, 2024 • Josh Weaver • Galatians 5:13–15, John 1:14, Luke 10:25–37
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” How do we not lose our convictions and even advocate for our convictions but still love those whom we strongly disagree with?
The Lost
August 4, 2024 • Mike Tatlock • Matthew 10:7–8, Luke 15:6–20, Luke 17:20–32, Ezekiel 36:26, 2 Corinthians 7:10
Kingdom Investment
July 28, 2024 • Mike Tatlock • Matthew 16:26, Matthew 25:14–30, Ephesians 2:2, Matthew 13:45–46, Matthew 13:44
In this week’s sermon, we learn about the Parable of the Talents. The story reinforces the truth that each of us is uniquely equipped with natural abilities and resources given to us for use in God’s kingdom. The key is learning to apply our special, God-given talents to make an eternal difference in the lives of those around us. There are many things we prioritize in life, such as food, wealth, or social status. The only thing that truly matters, however, is our eternal status. Are there ways you can use your time, skills, influence, or other resources to make an eternal impact? Whether your mission field is your home, community, at the national level, or around the globe, Ephesians 5:15–16 tells us to live wisely, “making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” There has never been a better time in history than now to learn what the Bible says about the days in which we are living. Then, go and share it with someone.
The Sower
July 21, 2024 • Skyler Rodolph • Matthew 9:37–38, Matthew 13:3–8, Matthew 13:14–15, Matthew 13:18–20, Matthew 13:21–22
As we continue our deep dive into the Parables, Jesus explains in the Parable of the Sower that the Word of God is like seeds sown in different types of hearts, representing varying responses to the message. God desires all His children to receive His Word and bear fruit, regardless of how fertile our spiritual background is. Pure and open hearts, free from distractions and the weeds of sin, are ripe to nurture a relationship with God and truly understand His Word. By emulating the faithful Sower, we can cultivate spiritual maturity and sow seeds of faith in others with the life-giving message of God's kingdom.
Already/Not Yet
July 14, 2024 • Jen McCourt • Matthew 25:1–13, Matthew 24:4–8, Matthew 24:36–39, Matthew 24:42–44
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Jen examines the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25. In the story, five of the ten virgins ran out of oil while waiting for the bridegroom’s appearance. They weren’t prepared. As they went to buy more oil, the five wise virgins went into the banquet hall and the door was locked. The days we live in are uncertain, yet we have eternal hope in Jesus. As we live in the end times, how are you waiting? In expectant preparation? Are you using the time wisely, preparing for Jesus’ return? Or are you hoping you’ll have time to clean yourself up before Jesus gets here? What about in relation to others—are you spending the days sharing the Good News so that others can be prepared as well? Equip your hearts and minds with this encouraging message.
Forgiveness
July 7, 2024 • Mike Tatlock • Matthew 24:10, Proverbs 18:19, Ephesians 4:26–27, Matthew 18:21–35
In the "Forgiveness" sermon from the Parables series, Pastor Mike emphasizes the central theme of the importance of liberating oneself via forgiveness.
Marking the commencement of the summer series on Jesus's parables, Mike delves into the parable showcasing the struggle between the power of forgiveness over bitterness and its practical implications in our lives. He motivates us to examine our own hearts and responses to personal instances of betrayal and offense in our lives and determine whether we are genuinely leading a life dominated by forgiveness or resentment.
Unfolding the essence of His teaching, Jesus used parables to convey Kingdom principles and apply their relevance to our day-to-day lives. Focusing on the parable of the unforgiving servant portrayed in Matthew 18:23-35, we hear Jesus tell a parable about a servant pardoned by his master for an enormous debt who, in return, is harsh and unforgiving towards someone who owed him a small debt by comparison. Contrasting the master and servant’s behaviors, the story highlights the importance of forgiveness, which is a choice made consciously—not driven by emotion.
Forgiveness means releasing the transgressor’s control over the heart of the victim and breaking the strongholds of unforgiveness—far different than approving of the offender's actions or reinstating trust in them. The benefits of forgiveness include healthier relationships, better mental health, and boosted self-esteem. Living your best life means finding forgiveness for those who have wronged us and for ourselves. Each of us is encouraged to examine our motivations and adopt a posture of forgiveness in our hearts.
Though forgiveness may not seem fair, it esteems individuals and their needs over what they deserve. Communion is an opportunity to commemorate Jesus's forgiveness in our own lives as we extend the same to others around us.
