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Wednesday Sermons

Called Out For A Purpose

June 14, 2023 • Vlad Baraniuk • Exodus 19

June 14, 2023 Wednesday Evening Bible Study Sermon Title: Called Out For A Purpose Text: Exodus 19 • God alone is awesome in holiness but is also amazing in His grace • The rescue of God’s people compels them to obedience • The unique identity of God’s people leads them to a unique role in the purposes of God Biblical Encouragements • Worship of God must not be casual or presumptuous • Jesus is our great High Priest and mediator • My identity in Christ leads me to be an ambassador for Christ

Positional & Practical Righteousness

May 24, 2023 • Romans 16

Love the Church

March 1, 2023 • Vlad Baraniuk • 1 Thessalonians 2:17—3:13

Sermon Title:                Love the Church! Text:                1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 The church isn’t: ·      A holy shrine ·      A spectator sport for a superstar personality ·      An avenue for experiential spirituality ·      A club for holy people The church is a new community that is: ·      United together by the Gospel (2:17-20) ·      Challenged under many afflictions (3:1-4) ·      Strengthened by faith in Christ alone (3:5) ·      Standing firm in the victory of Christ (3:6-8) ·      Bound by love for one another (3:9-13) The Bible unapologetically calls each follower of Jesus to be lovingly and fully committed to the local body 

The Word That Speaks

February 22, 2023 • Vlad Baraniuk • 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16, Hebrews 1:1–3, 2 Peter 1:16–21

February 22, 2023 Wednesday Evening Bible Study Title:                The Word that Speaks Text:                1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 (also Hebrews 1:1-3, 2 Peter 1:16-21) The Word of God must be proclaimed (preached) ·      Central theme of God’s revelation is Jesus ·      Revelation – God’s word to biblical authors ·      Inspiration – God’s word from the biblical authors to the written page ·      Illumination – God’s word from the written page applied to my world The Word of God demands a response ·      Rejection of the Word leads to judgment ·      Acceptance of the Word leads to union with Christ The Word of God shapes my worldview ·      Suffering takes on a new meaning ·      My affections take on a new focus – Christ  Cherish the Bible deeply. Study the Bible faithfully. Conform to the Bible completely

Avoiding A Vain Ministry

February 15, 2023 • Vlad Baraniuk • 1 Thessalonians 2

February 15, 2023 Wednesday Evening Bible Study Title:                Avoiding a Vain Ministry Text:                1 Thessalonians 2:1-20 When the gospel flourishes…  ·      There is boldness in the midst of adversity ·      There are pure motives in ministry ·      There is freedom from the love of human acceptance ·      Gentleness among the body is evident ·      There is a sharing of souls ·      The word of God is the transforming work True Gospel ministry flourishes under the bold proclamation of God’s Word, transforming affections of the body of Christ to live intentionally with one another and among unbelievers.

A Gospel That Works

February 8, 2023 • Vlad Baraniuk • 1 Thessalonians 1:2–10

February 8, 2023 Wednesday Evening Bible Study Title:                A Gospel that Works Text:                1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 Genuine conversion begins with the Gospel (1:4-6, 9-10) ·      The gospel reveals my idols ·      The gospel satisfies my heart Genuine discipleship endures because of the Gospel (1:2-3, 8-9) ·      Thankfulness for the church ·      Faith that works ·      Love that labors ·      Confidence that endures ·      Growth that was evident

Grace and Peace

January 25, 2023 • Vlad Baraniuk • 1 Thessalonians 1:1, Acts 17:1–9

January 25, 2023 Wednesday Evening Bible Study Title:                Grace and Peace Text:                1 Thessalonians 1:1, Acts 17:1-9 Acts 17 ·      Gospel proclamation requires a context ·      Gospel proclamation centers on Gospel speech ·      Gospel proclamation will bring about worldly persecution The church is a people that are… (1 Thess. 1:1) ·      Part of a larger community ·      Plugged into a certain context ·      Secure in God as Father ·      Enabled by grace in Christ ·      Transformed by peace to Christ and to each other 

The Cosmic Role of the Church

November 30, 2022 • Vlad Baraniuk • Ephesians 3

November 30, 2022 Wednesday Evening Bible Study Sermon Title: The Cosmic Role of the Church Text: Ephesians 3 The church exists to display the manifold wisdom of God through the revelation of the Gospel and the power of reconciliation, strengthened by the love of God The church is shaped by the Word of God (v. 1-6) ● God’s revelation stands as the foundation ● Church’s reconciliation stands as the witness The church is sharing in the Work of God (v. 7-13) ● We are active stewards of God’s grace ● We are active participants in displaying the Gospel The church is strengthened by the power of God (v. 14-21) ● Access to God involves confidence and humility ● God’s love enables stability and depth in relationships ● Comprehending the extent of God’s love builds unity, godliness, and Christlikeness

Guest Speaker: Dr. Scott Hanberry

November 16, 2022

God's Heart for the Nations (Part 2)

November 9, 2022 • Vlad Baraniuk • Revelation 5, Revelation 7:9–17

November 9, 2022 Wednesday Evening Bible Study Sermon Title: God’s Heart for the Nations (Pt 2) Text: Revelation 5, 7:9-17 • God’s desire is to bless His people so that He will be praised by all peoples everywhere • God’s gracious purpose is to show His loving and just nature on the cross in order to redeem a people from every tribe, tongue, language, and nation for the sake of His ultimate glory in worldwide worship. • By His power, God holds the destiny of the all nations in His hand • Apart from Christ, every nation is utterly hopeless • As the Conquering Lion and Lamb, Jesus alone is worthy of praise from all peoples • If death could not thwart the Shepherd of the church, then nothing will stop the mission of the church • Key texts from the NT: o Matthew 1:1 o Matthew 2:1 o Mark 1:14-15 o Mark 3:13-14 o Matthew 28:18-20 o Acts 1:8 o Acts 10:45 o Acts 11:18 o Acts 19:10 o Romans 15:19-20 o Ephesians 3:10 o Matthew 24:14

God's Heart for the Nations

November 2, 2022 • Vlad Baraniuk • Psalm 67

November 2, 2022 Wednesday Evening Bible Study Sermon Title: God’s Heart for the Nations Text: Psalm 67 • God’s desire is to bless His people so that He will be praised by all peoples everywhere • It is tempting to disconnect God’s purpose from God’s blessings in my life • Significance in my life is found in devoting myself to a purpose that is larger than my own life • God’s gracious purpose is to show His loving and just nature on the cross in order to redeem a people from every tribe, tongue, language, and nation for the sake of His ultimate glory in worldwide worship. • Key texts from the OT: o Genesis 1:28 o Genesis 3:15 o Genesis 12:1-3 o Exodus 19:5-6 o 2 Samuel 7:12-13 o Psalm 2:8 o Psalm 47 o Psalm 96 o Isaiah 19:21-23 o Isaiah 49:1-6 o Habakkuk 2:14 o Haggai 2:6-7

After the Credits Roll

October 19, 2022 • Vlad Baraniuk • Esther 9—10

October 19, 2022 Wednesday Evening Bible Study Sermon Title:                After the Credits Roll   Text:                Esther 9-10 The Story ·      A great reversal  ·      A unified nation ·      A defensive front  ·      A victorious celebration ·      A national remembrance  ·      An annual festival Reflections ·      God specializes in using evil for His good purposes  ·      Left to ourselves, we are all enemies of God  ·      How we disciple others matters, both in faith and practice ·      We are tempted to forget God’s continued goodness ·      God accomplishes his perfect plans through greatly imperfect people  ·      Greatest hero of the book of Esther: Jesus

Finally, Some Good News

October 12, 2022 • Vlad Baraniuk • Esther 8

Title: Finally, Some Good News Text: Esther 8 The Story • Reward in the palace • Plea in the throne • Defense in the homes • Victory in the streets Reflections • Safety in our own salvation should not lead us to a lack of compassion for others • The Gospel calls me to stand in the gap for others • We fight sin from a victorious position • Discipleship cannot only be in profession, but must be in practice • Through His perfect obedience, Jesus is worthy to be our great Mediator • On this earth, we are not guaranteed a happy ending, but we are guaranteed Jesus

Rise and Fall

October 5, 2022 • Vlad Baraniuk • Esther 7

Title: Rise and Fall Text: Esther 7

Commitment that Leads to Action

September 21, 2022 • Vlad Baraniuk • Esther 5

Sermon Title: Commitment that Leads to Action Text: Esther 5 One Set of Plans… • Developed in prayer • Defined by sacrifice • Elevates people • Results in life Another set of plans… • Developed in secret • Defined by selfishness • Exploits people • Results in death Reflections • Opportunities for obedience is always a call to faith • Delayed obedience is a dangerous strategy • A Gospel-centered worldview is categorized by selflessness and sacrifice • My strongest emotions can often reveal my deepest idols • My ultimate significance is found in the Gospel “Nothing speaks more to your significance than God the Father caring enough to be involved in your situation and sending Jesus to lay down his life in your place and then empower you with His Spirit for the purpose of the Kingdom.” – Landon Dowden

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