In this sermon, Pastor Chris Meads tackles the sensitive topic of submission to authority. He presents five biblical reasons why Christians should submit to governing authorities and other God-ordained leadership structures. Meads emphasizes that all authority comes from God, and resisting authority is tantamount to resisting God Himself. Romans 13:1-7 teaches that governing authorities are God's servants, enacting wrath on evildoers, and submitting to them with a clear conscience is an expression of obedience to Christ. While acknowledging potential exceptions for disobedience to unbiblical commands, Meads exhorts the congregation to exhibit humility, respect, and prayerful support for leaders, even those with whom they disagree, as a witness to the submissive obedience modeled by Jesus.
Submission
April 28, 2024 • Chris Meads • Romans 13:1–7
Love
April 21, 2024 • Hayden Moore • 1 John 4:7–12
Pastor Hayden Moore preaches on what it means to demonstrate true Christian love. He exposits 1 John 4:7-12, explaining that biblical love (agape) is radically different - an unmerited, sacrificial love that seeks others' wellbeing regardless of behavior, just as God loved sinners by sending Christ as a propitiation. Hayden exhorts believers to grasp God's lavish love for them and to then love others distinctively, even enemies, through care, forgiveness, generosity, and sharing the gospel. This difficult yet crucial calling to manifest supernatural love displays God's power and draws the watching world to glorify Him.
Generosity
April 14, 2024 • Chris Meads • 2 Corinthians 9:6–11, Philippians 4:18–19, 2 Corinthians 9:12–15
In this sermon, Interim Pastor Chris Meads emphasizes the importance of joyful, gospel-centered generosity in the life of a Christian. He explains that unlike human organizations seeking funding, God is self-sufficient and does not need anything from His creation. Instead, He invites believers to participate in His generosity as a means of transforming their hearts and bringing glory to Himself. Chris contrasts this with the "prosperity gospel" teaching, which wrongly promises material blessings in return for giving. Instead, the biblical principle is that God will sustain and empower those who give cheerfully, out of gratitude for the gospel. Chris challenges the congregation to examine their motivations and find their joy in the act of giving, reflecting the heart of the generous God who gave His own Son.