Harmony - The Gospels Series
In Him All Things Hold Together
May 9, 2021 • Collin Monger
Scriptures Cited: Colossians 1:17; Matthew 4:11-12; John 20:30; Hebrews 1:4, 8:6; John 1:1, 14, 3:13, 6:38, 41; Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Kings 2:11; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 49:9; Psalm 23:6; Luke 2:47; Matthew 13:54; John 3:16; John 18:37; John 4:18-19; John 1:11, 3:19; John 15:18; Romans 1:16; Hebrews 1:3; Romans 8:28; Matthew 8:27; Acts 2:38; Philippians 3:12; Isaiah 40:10; Luke 4:18-19; Philippians 4:19; Psalm 55:22; John 17:12
The Wedding Gift
March 7, 2021 • Collin Monger
Scriptures Cited: Psalm 104:15; Ecclesiastes 9:7; Matthew 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40; Ecclesiastes 3:1; John 13:1; John 17:1; 2 Peter 3:9; Habakkuk 2:3; Matthew 15:1-20; Isaiah 66:1; Psalm 97:9; Psalm 47:2; Ephesians 3:20; Ecclesiastes 3:11; John 4:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:3; John 14:6
The Picture of Discipleship
February 28, 2021 • Collin Monger
Scriptures Cited: Genesis 2:18; John 21:3; Philippians 2:13; Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 9:9; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Matthew 15:8; Matthew 7:16; John 13:17; John 20:21; John 16:33; John 17:15; John 15:4; 2 Corinthians 1:8; Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:38; John 18:9; Ephesians 1:13; Psalm 51:10; John 20:29; Hebrews 11:3; Romans 1:20; Romans 8:18
The Nature of Discipleship
February 21, 2021 • Collin Monger
Scriptures Cited: Luke 9:23; Matthew 28:19; John 20:5; Genesis 12:1; John 6:26; John 2:23; John 16:33; Leviticus 10:1; John 14:6; Matthew 7:22-23; Isaiah 43:1; John 9:1-3; Exodus 4:10-11 Introduction • “Ask not what your country can do for you…” (John F. Kennedy) • Many in the world look to the government for life necessities: It’s become more about “what the country can do for me” • Many in the evangelical church don’t understand discipleship: ‘What does the church have for me?’ is a common question (Music / sermons / programs / parking / etc.) • Being a disciple requires denying one’s self and following Jesus I. Decision (vs 37) • The disciples intentionally decided to follow Jesus • Being a Christian requires a personal, intentional, decision to follow • People have a hard time following; We like being in charge of our lives • Discipleship requires we make a choice to follow Jesus II. Question (vs 38) • Jesus asks “what are you seeking?” • What are your motives in faith? o People have all sorts of motives when it comes to Jesus o “Some preach Christ out of selfish ambition” (Phil 1:17) • Any motive that is not of God will not stand the tests of life III. Submission (vs 39) • The disciples were looking for an easy answer to their curiosity o Many are looking for easy Christianity o Faith that doesn’t require any change in life • Jesus called them to follow, not watch from a distance; Christianity can’t be done at a distance; it isn’t easy • The disciples submitted – “and they came.” The only way to experience Christ is to do it His way IV. Recognition (vs 48) • “Saw,” in Greek, means personal perception; Intimate understanding of someone or something • Jesus personally understands (“sees”) you o He knows our strengths and weaknesses o He calls us “by name” (Isaiah 43:1 Closing • Discipleship isn’t easy, despite what the world has turned it into • The result is a personal relationship with a Savior who knows you
The Battle of Temptation, Part II
February 14, 2021 • Collin Monger
Scriptures Cited: Ephesians 6:12; James 1:14; Ephesians 6:11; Genesis 3:1; 2 Peter 3:16; 1 John 2:16; Genesis 3:6; Psalm 19:12; Genesis 2:18; James 5:14; Hebrews 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 3:17; Introduction Our faith is spiritual but temptation is physical All of us deal with real battles in our faith We need to be prepared physically for battles fought spiritually The Enemy Doesn’t Fight Fair Jesus fasted 40 days and Satan tempted him with bread Satan will use the things you’re weakest towards Temptation doesn’t work if it’s not something you want The Enemy Will Twist the Truth Satan knows and twists scripture to cause doubt and temptation He twisted scripture with Jesus (vs. 6) He twisted scripture with Eve (Gen. 3:1-5) If we’re not sure of what the Bible says, it’s easy to get confused C.S. Lewis: “Screwtape Letters” Knowing the gospel equips you to resist these attacks Jesus knew the gospel (vs. 4, 7, 10) The Enemy Will Attack On All Sides Satan attacks Jesus in three ways (body, mind, soul) 1 Jn 2:16 is the “threefold of temptation” Eve faced similar temptation All temptation will happen in one of these ways It’s important to be on guard in all areas Relationships with other believers will help No One Fights Alone Dealing with battles of temptation can be lonely People feel shame, guilt, etc., and resist help We’re not alone Relationships in the church provide support God promises to never leave us Jesus wasn’t alone (vs. 11) Victory Is Possible / Closing Jesus was able to overcome this attack Through his strength, so can we Notice it got harder before it was over Keep going – you may be closer to victory than you think
The Battle of Temptation, Part I
January 31, 2021 • Collin Monger
Scriptures Cited: Genesis 3:15; Ephesians 6:12; Psalm 55:18; Hebrews 2:18, 4:15; 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:17; 1 Peter 5:8; Galatians 6:1-2; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 12:2; Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 29:11; 1 Corinthians 6:12; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 2:15