Sun, Mar 29, 2020
Duration: 35 mins 44 secs
The Book of James touches on some timely themes about caring for others. The brother of Jesus writes a scattered church facing hardship. He implores them to put their faith into action by showing love to the most endangered among them. Faith is not merely self-reflection, but godly action, necessary in times of need.
Sun, Mar 15, 2020
Duration: 43 mins 19 secs
God has given each of a platforms to leverage our influence for the benefit of others. We have platforms at work as we elevate our coworkers; at home as we elevate our children; at school where we elevate our classmates; at church where we elevate others believers. God wants us to use our platforms to uplift others not exalt ourselves. This sermon traces Jesus's method of platforming his disciples whose ministry became critical after his ascension.
Sun, Mar 08, 2020
God gives each of us a set of passions, experiences, skills, and abilities. Furthermore, we each have distinct opportunities to use these gifts (or talents) to uplift others. God-given gifts are not a bragging right, but a stewardship matter. This sermon will showcase spiritual gifts and other talents, imploring the church to leverage them for others in the church and everyday life.
Sun, Mar 01, 2020
Duration: 40 mins 58 secs
John receives his seventh and final letter; it's headed to Laodicea. Of all the messages, this is the most scathing. The believers in Laodicea have little to commend. Their arrogance and independence has made Jesus sick to his stomach. He offers them a reality check. They're not as great as they think. Not even close. Their wealth is a shame. Their deeds are a shame. But Jesus is not finished with them yet. The letter serves as a rebuke and invitation to reject the plush life and return to Christ.
Sun, Feb 23, 2020
Duration: 50 mins 11 secs
John receives his sixth letter; it's headed to Philadelphia. Not only is this the youngest of the seven cities, it is the weakest. Earthquakes and aftershocks and government bailouts have hurt them. Fortunately, followers of Jesus have remained true despite their vulnerability. And why? Well, because spiritual strength is less about personal and corporate power than siding with Jesus. This sermon will put you in touch with one of the bigger myths of our age: physical strength equals impact for Jesus.
Sun, Feb 16, 2020
Duration: 50 mins 38 secs
John receives his fifth letter; it's headed to Sardis. This city has seen livelier days, but it still rides on its reputation. Well, that is until Jesus exposes them. Their lack of evangelism and watered down faith have soiled them. This letter is a call to change, to repent, to pay closer attention to Jesus. They don't have to fear his coming if they learn to enjoy his company. This message will challenge us to curb the temptation to coast on our reputation, and learn to practice the presence of Jesus.
Sun, Feb 09, 2020
Duration: 49 mins 15 secs
John receives his fourth letter; it's headed to Thyratira. This city boasted many trade guilds. Buying, selling, and trading goods may have been dependent upon one's willingness to join an idolatrous feast. Sometimes the price we pay to do business can be lethal. Jesus calls us to stay faithful. This no different today. In face, we live in a consumer society, where everything from marriage to church to God, gets turned into a commodity that helps meet personal needs and shape personal identity. Buyers today must beware lest they lose their souls.
Sun, Feb 02, 2020
Duration: 49 mins 29 secs
John receives his third letter; it's headed to Pergamum. This city plays host to many gods. Emperor and idol worship posed real threats to believers; some in the church make compromises. Thus, Jesus warns of dire consequences. Fortunately, the invitation to repent stands, and the promise of intimacy with Jesus remains. While sex is not the only snare for this church, it represents one of our modern day idols. We must guard our sexual appetites, feeding them only as God directs, not as our gluttonous culture tempts us.
Sun, Jan 26, 2020
Duration: 49 mins 32 secs
John writes his second letter to the first church of seven. The church in Smyrna is living under pressure--poverty, slander, imprisonment, and threat of death. Jesus warned his followers there will be a cost. This lovely church heard a loud and clear message from the Risen Lord: Fear Not. No matter the trial, Jesus would uphold them. This promise has proven true for the earliest martyrs and today's persecuted church. And it's true as we face financial, physical, and social pressures of our own.
Sun, Jan 19, 2020
John writes his first letter to the first church of seven. Jesus gives a good word, rebuke, warning, and promise to his followers in Ephesus. These big city dwellers have fought against false teaching well, but in their zeal to defend the truth they forgot their primary task as believers: love one another. He calls them to change their priorities, let love direct them, lest their light go out. In our politically charged, religiously pluralistic, individualistically expressive culture, this message has deep relevance.
