Summary of the MessageGod’s economy is not based on human effort but is instead entirely fueled by divinegrace. In the provocative Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, Jesus shows Godgracious generosity to those who need him and respond to his call to the kingdom. Thisis particularly encouraging for those who feel that God’s grace has passed them by.Jesus makes clear that far from that, grace i...  Read More

Summary of the MessageGod’s vision for the church is grounded in his calling her to be a theological statement about his own glory and wisdom. Indeed, the power of the gospel is seen most keenly in the character of the church. Because of this grand purpose, Christ himself supplies his church with the resources to change the saints into servants with hearts like his so they can serve one another, h...  Read More

Summary of the MessageThe Scriptures are the single most important literary resource for the Christian. Yet statistically, many seem to only experience the sacred words of God in an unmethodical way. In a world of constant devices gnawing at our spirit man/woman, we see that the greatest antidote is not based on a set of rules or practices but on how the scriptures help bolster the Christian into ...  Read More

Summary of the MessageSacred spaces and practices, such as temples or churches, and the ways we serve God there, help us to both encounter and understand the distinctive holiness of God. Sacred spaces enable us to approach God properly, and more than that, as embodied human beings they provide us with concrete ways to experience and worship him. Key Sermon Points1. Sacred spaces and practices are ...  Read More

Summary of the MessageWhen we encounter the loss of fruitfulness and the experience of grace due to God’s discipline, if we humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and repent, he promises to forgive and spiritually restore us. We should be mindful of this during both spiritual success & lows. Key Sermon Points1. HumilityHumility is about subduing one’s pride in self-denying loyalty to God & his w...  Read More

Summary of the Message2 Chronicles 16:9 tells us that the Lord relentlessly searches the earth to give His strength to those who are fully committed to Him. What does it look like to be one of those who the Lord will find to be whole-heartedly committed? The 41 year reign of King Asa recorded in 2 Chronicles 14-16 helps answer that question by providing helpful examples of both faithfulness and fa...  Read More

Summary of the MessageIn Romans 12:1, Paul exhorts his readers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord as the only reasonable response to the rich mercy he has lavished on us. Romans 12:2 shows us that we are able to do such an extreme act by having our minds renewed and becoming like the mind of Christ. Key Sermon Points1. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transf...  Read More

Summary of the MessageGod has been abundantly merciful to us through the grace he has extended to us by his Son. That mercy includes his justifying us when we were guilty, empowering us to be freed from bondage when we were sinful, and promising us that he will use all things in our lives as expressions of those abundant mercies. Therefore, let us consecrate our lives fully to him. Key Sermon Poin...  Read More

Summary of the MessageThe reality of the judgment is something every Christian should be mindful of, and all ofChristian ministry is intended to prepare us for that day. In our passage, Paul prays for his Philippian readers to be ready for that by developing discernment or the ability to practically approve spiritual excellence. Key Sermon Points1. Paul prays for abundant loveWe should recall that...  Read More

Summary of the MessageDespite the good faculties God has given human beings as his image bearers, human giftedness and wisdom are not sufficient faculties for understanding God's values and aims in this world. We can only adequately understand the gospel and its implications for us through the enlightening and teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. Key Sermon Points1. The gospel and spiritual truth...  Read More

Summary of the MessageThe key to being a transformational church is having a gospel culture that is grounded in the priority of peace that leads to expressions of praise and gratitude. This requires decisive work, but when the church fruitfully pursues peace and allows the gospel to set the agenda for its fellowship, it will be a light that leads people to Jesus and their trusting in him. Key Serm...  Read More

Summary of the MessageDespite the common experience of Christians struggling with sin, we are assured by God's word that we can practically defeat sin. That doesn't mean that we will be sinless, but by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, sin can be weakened and utterly put to death in the life of the Christian. Key Sermon Points1. My being raised with Christ does not eradicate my earthly na...  Read More