Witnesses
The Model
March 10, 2024 • Chris Meads • John 4:7–42
In this powerful sermon, Interim Pastor Chris Meads dives into the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. He emphasizes how Jesus intentionally crosses cultural barriers, offering the woman "living water" - a symbol of the life she was created for in God. Chris challenges the congregation to model Jesus' example as the ultimate faithful witness by tearing down walls with those different from them, reframing the Gospel as a gift to be offered instead of facts dispensed, and realigning priorities to make space for joyfully engaging the spiritual harvest of unbelievers who desperately need Jesus. He calls them to prayerfully commit to moving towards specific individuals with the life-giving message of Christ.
The Preparation
March 3, 2024 • Chris Meads • 1 Peter 1:3–5, 1 Peter 3:13–17
Interim Pastor Chris Meads teaches on how to prepare to live as an effective witness for Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the key preparation is not trying to anticipate every possible scenario, but rather enthroning Christ as holy in one's heart through worship. When Christ is supremely exalted, believers will naturally be willing and eager to speak about Him and give a reason for their hope with gentleness and respect, even in the face of mistreatment or reviling. The world desperately needs to hear and see the transformative hope believers have in Christ and their eternal inheritance. True preparedness comes not from intellect or skills, but from a heart postured in fervent worship of Christ as Lord.
The Power
February 25, 2024 • Chris Meads • Luke 24:46–49
In this sermon, interim pastor Chris Meads emphasizes the need for Christians to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, not themselves, in order to courageously fulfill Jesus's Great Commission to be his witnesses. He highlights three expressions of the Spirit's power seen in Scripture - boldness, knowledge of God's Word, and miracles - while warning against pursuing spiritual manifestations for their own sake. Chris challenges all believers to humbly pray for fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit rather than self-sufficiently relying on their own abilities as they seek to make disciples. Christians need the Spirit's supernatural power to live out their witness.
The Message
February 18, 2024 • Hayden Moore • Titus 3:1–7
In this sermon, Pastor Hayden Moore emphasizes the importance of Christians living as compelling witnesses to the gospel message. He analyzes Titus 3:1-7, highlighting the indicatives (facts) and imperatives (commands) related to the gospel. First, the passage describes the dire universal human condition of depravity. But the good news is that God in His mercy has saved us through Christ, regenerating and renewing us by grace through the Holy Spirit, adopting us as heirs of eternal life. This gospel reality should lead to a marked distinction in how Christians speak and act toward all people with grace and truth. As those captivated by Christ’s redemptive work, we are called to make disciples and faithfully proclaim this hope-filled message that testifies to God’s goodness and loving-kindness.
The Mission
February 11, 2024 • Chris Meads • Matthew 28:16–20, Acts 1:8
In this sermon, Interim Pastor Chris Meads asserts that all Christians are called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ in their everyday lives. He explains that being a witness is the God-given identity and calling of every believer, not just a select few. Meads exhorts the church to embrace opportunities to share the gospel even though it may feel uncomfortable at times. He acknowledges that Christians often fall short in living out their calling due to misplaced priorities and affections. Ultimately, Meads calls the church to reorder their lives around proclaiming the message of salvation through Christ to a lost world. This calling applies to every single Christian, so we must see our daily encounters as divine appointments and step out in courage to speak the truth.