Christian Life Center :: Sermon Audio

Grace Expectations

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:02:44 GMT

The Christmas story is perhaps one of the most familiar scripture texts for both believers and potential believers. While to many it is the “same old story” to be read on Christmas Eve along with our other traditional practices, the story from Luke’s Gospel never fails to touch the hearts of those who listen to the Spirit that breathes life into the written word. As we seek new insight into this age-old truth, God never fails to bring His redeeming love and life-saving truth to light. As we consider God’s grace-filled gifts this Christmas, we find that God has designed our lives to be lived with “grace expectations”. We find several examples of those who experienced grace-filled encounters as God interrupted their everyday routine with a dramatic message and an opportunity to participate in His divine work. For each one, the divine visitation began with a message to “fear not” and ended in a great blessing for them and for all of us!

Gifts of Grace

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:28:02 GMT

The Advent Season has the fingerprints of God’s grace on it everywhere we look. As we examine the Advent history in the Gospel of Luke, we find God’s grace expressed to an aging priest, Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth. A devout couple without children was blessed with a child, John, the Baptist, who would lead the way for the coming ministry of Jesus Christ. For a young girl named Mary, a visit from an angel was just the beginning of the “favor” (Luke 1:30) that Mary would experience in bearing God’s only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The gift of God’s grace was experienced by Anna and Simeon in their Temple ministry, and grace was even extended to the Magi from the East who were seeking the Truth concerning God’s King. This same grace that we see in the First Advent is really what we celebrate today. God’s grace (His unmerited favor) is the gift that we receive everyday in our relationship with Jesus Christ, and it is that same gift that we are to give away this Season and in all seasons. Peter encourages us to recognize the gift of grace we have received (v. 10) and then compels us to share that gift with others. Let each one of us become capable administrators of the “variegated grace of God”.

Gifts Given...Gifts Received

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:09:07 GMT

When we think of the celebration of the Advent of Jesus Christ, we immediately think of the giving and receiving of gifts. Our text highlights the giving of the gift of grace (v. 10) and identifies the changes that the gift of grace has brought about in our lives (vv. 2, 6). The challenge that Peter lays at our feet is the responsibility to be “a good steward” of God’s grace in its various forms. In other words, each one of us has “received a gift (grace)” and we are called upon to “administer” the gift of grace that we have been entrusted with. One translation renders verse 10 this way: “faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms”. We have had gifts given to us both in the natural sense and also supernaturally by the Holy Spirit and we are to be faithful stewards of those gifts. There is a long standing misconception in church practice that limits ministry to one or two people (pastors) in the local church. One of the main biblical principles in our text today is the fact that all believers have received gifts from God and that all believers are to administer those gifts.

Jesus > The Old Man

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:32:48 GMT

In Colossians 2:18-23 Paul was addressing issues of Asceticism within the church at Colossae. Asceticism is this idea that we as Christians can obtain a high(er) spiritual standing by abstaining from certain actions or by participating in some certain action. I have quoted verse 23 above because Paul comes to the conclusion there that asceticism looks good to neighbors, and row mates at church, and friends at work but God sees through the façade and to him its still puffed up prideful flesh. Why? Because when WE produce righteousness it leads to pride. So what now? That is the question Paul seeks to answer today as he gives us three keys to sanctification in Colossians 3:1-10.

A Ministry Model

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:09:42 GMT

Because of the ministry of Jesus Christ we now have access to God and can approach His Throne without fear. We will consider the ministry of Jesus Christ and the ministry of Noah as a model for the ministry of every believer. We live in a world that is much like the world of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39) and from the example of Jesus Christ and Noah we find what we are called to be, “preachers of righteousness” (II Peter 2:5).

Called to Be

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:04:01 GMT

Our text begins with a “finally” that is Peter’s way of saying that it is time to sum things up. Peter wrote this letter to prepare believers for the “fiery trials” of persecution (I Peter 4:12) but his approach is both optimistic and positive. While his last segment laid down the principles of submission, he now opens the subject of “suffering when we do good” (v. 17) and how we, as believers, are to respond to it. In the atmosphere of a loving fellowship with believers and in the world outside we are to respond to injustice and suffering as Jesus Christ did.

For the Lord's Sake

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:42:40 GMT

The “likewise” in verses 1 and 7 point back to I Peter 2:13 where the focus is on the “mutual submission” to every authority of man “for the Lord’s sake”. The purpose of the submission for the wife is for the general necessity of divine order and as an evangelistic appeal for the unbelieving husband. This divinely intended manner of life for the wife inspires the “incorruptible inner beauty” that is precious both in God’s sight and the husband’s. Peter concludes with instructions to the husband to “give honor” to his wife and to submit to Jesus Christ in such a way that the wife will willingly follow him any where!

The Guardian

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:36:38 GMT

Peter concludes his teaching on submission to authority with a straightforward address concerning the Servant Jesus. This passage is very likely an adaptation of an early Christian hymn about Christ. It suits Peter’s theme beautifully as, in close dependence upon Isaiah 53, it describes how Jesus, the Suffering Servant of the Lord, submitted to suffering in this world because of His obedience to His heavenly Father. Being obedient to His Father did not deliver Him from suffering, but led Him straight to it! Through His suffering we have found forgiveness, restoration, peace and healing.

Underwriters

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:08:52 GMT

Peter goes on to emphasize the need for “patient endurance” when we suffer wrongfully because that patient endurance is “pleasing to God” (v. 20), it follows the example of Jesus Christ (v. 21), and it displays the outworking of our redemption. Peter sums up his appeal by calling the believer to become an “underwriter” of Jesus Christ and to conduct ourselves in such a way that we draw people into relationship with Him. Jesus is the watchful Shepherd and our Overseer (employer/director) of our souls.

Voluntary Ordination

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:43:39 GMT

The central thought here is that of a Christian who does not seek his own interests but rather assumes a “voluntary ordination” of himself to God and to others. A true believer submits himself to authority because he is, first of all, submitted to Christ and then he uses his freedom as a tool to proclaim God’s praise (v. 9), an example to others that glorifies God (v. 11) and a means of silencing foolish critics (v. 15).

The Believer's Duty

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:20:08 GMT

Christians are only in the world, not of it, for our true destiny in the renewed and redeemed earth in which the righteous will dwell. Therefore, we are not to derive our values from what is transitory but to embrace those values which are eternal. So Peter warns us of the “passions” (sinful desires) that “war against the soul” and divert us from living God’s way. Instead, Christians are to live a noble lifestyle in this hostile world drawing unbelievers to take notice of the “good works” and “glorifying God” and ultimately come to repentance.

The Example of Christ

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:11:44 GMT

Philippians 2:5-11 Bible, Paul gives us a pattern of service to glorify God. Christ, the Creator, took on flesh in the likeness of His creation. This act makes it possible for us “wretched” sinners to be redeemed by the blood of Christ, but He also lays out the example of how to serve in such a way as to bring glory to God!

God's Special People

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:50:16 GMT

. As we “come to Jesus” – touching the Living Stone – we live and touch others and so the “spiritual house” is built. We serve in His courts as “a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God”. Believers whose lives are built upon the “chief cornerstone” fulfill a role of ministry to both God and to the world. This role is described in our text today – we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” and the “people of God”.

David West - Beating the Odds

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:10:44 GMT

Nehemiah 11:1-2 Now the leaders of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other cities. 2 And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.

Living Stones

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:50:57 GMT

Solomon was amazed at God’s gracious condescension in dwelling among His people in a temple built by men. So much more gracious, now, is the presence of God being resident in the believer, “living stones” that make up the “spiritual house” (v. 5) that Jesus is building. Peter goes further to identify believers as a “holy priesthood” that offer up “spiritual sacrifices” (v. 5) acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. The great truth Peter states here is that “through(by) Jesus Christ” every Christian is part of a new priestly order with full access to God, a ministry in which to function, and something to offer to God and His Church

Biblical Growh Enhancement

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:27:00 GMT

As we drink the “sincere milk of God’s Word” (v. 2) we enhance the growth process that takes place in our lives. We grow in our understanding and realization of God’s purpose for our lives and experience a fulfillment that comes from “participating” (II Peter 1:4) in the very life of Christ.

Jesus > Asceticism

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:22:30 GMT

Colossians 2:18-23 Asceticism – The doctrine that a person can attain a high spiritual and moral state by practicing self-denial, self-mortification, and the like. In the mind of some restricting pleasure is a sign of godliness. Still others will say that how “holy” you are is determined by whether or not you engage in certain activities. Paul will put the axe to the root of all these issues in this passage pointing to pride as the issue and the outcome of this kind of living. Paul contrasts two sources and their outcomes in Colossians 2:18-23

Jesus > Moralism

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:59:45 GMT

Article can be found here: ~~~> http://bit.ly/15fZcl Colossians 2:11-17 If the prosperity “gospel” is the most prevalent false teaching in our churches today then Moralism (or more fully: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, which doesn’t make a very good sermon title) is the pervading misconception about our relationship to and with God. The religious temperature of our culture as described by Christian Smith and his team of researchers from UNC is, Moralistic Therapeutic Deism consisting of beliefs like these: 1. "A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth." 2. "God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions." 3. "The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself." 4. "God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem." 5. "Good people go to heaven when they die." Colossians and the rest of Scripture totally invalidate these and other misconceptions about who God is and how he relates to us! In Colossians 2:11-17 Paul offers us three proofs that Jesus > Moralism.

Jesus > False Teachers pt. 2

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:43:17 GMT

Colossians 2:1-10 Jesus promises us that the Gospel will always have enemies. Some of them will be blatantly obvious, for example those who persecute and kill our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. Whether those attackers be government sanctioned or religious zealots in the 1st Century or the 21st it is easy to see how they would be considered and enemy of the Gospel. Others however are more subtle. In the Apostle Paul’s day it was the Gnostics claiming that flesh is bad and the spirit is good therefore Jesus couldn’t be both Man and God at the same time. If he wasn’t both man and God simultaneously He couldn’t have lived the sinless life and been able to offer himself in our place for our sin. In our day we wrestle with the Prosperity Gospel (aka Health and Wealth Gospel, Word of Faith Movement, or the Faith Healing movement) and its preachers. Today I hope make that point that “you complete in (Jesus), who is the head of all principality and power” (vs. 10) and not in the status symbols of our day!

Jesus > False Teachers pt. 1

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:44:27 GMT

Jesus promises us that the Gospel will always have enemies. Some of them will be blatantly obvious, for example those who persecute and kill our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. Whether those attackers be government sanctioned or religious zealots in the 1st Century or the 21st it is easy to see how they would be considered and enemy of the Gospel. Others however are more subtle. Today we wrestle with the Prosperity Gospel (aka Health and Wealth Gospel, Word of Faith Movement, or the Faith Healing movement) and its preachers. Today I hope make that point that “you complete in (Jesus), who is the head of all principality and power” (vs. 10) and not in the status symbols of our day!

The Enduring Word

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:56:21 GMT

This love relationship is brought about by several factors that Peter emphasizes here. The first and foremost influence in our lives is the “living” and “enduring” Word of God. We need to pay attention to what takes place in our lives “since” (v. 22) we have been purified by “obeying the Truth (Gospel)”.

Reverence... A Lifestyle

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:10:03 GMT

He calls upon us to live in reverence because “we know” that we are redeemed and “we know” that we were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The highest motivation for holiness and reverence for God is the love that Jesus Christ has for us. We are called to live in reverence for God because of the “grace that was brought to us” (v. 13) the “Holy One who called us” (v. 15), the “One who judges us impartially” (v. 17) and the “One who redeemed us with His own precious blood” (v. 19). As we consider this incredible truth we are humbled before God and our response is reverence for Him.

The Lifestyle of the Saved

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:13:56 GMT

In the light of the salvation we are experiencing, there is (or should be) a corresponding lifestyle of holiness, reverence, and love that results. For the believer the lifestyle is not only different (holy) from his/her past way of live but it also different (holy) from the lifestyle of the unbeliever. Peter presents the reader with several spiritual incentives to encourage and to maintain a different (holy) lifestyle in a polluted world.

An Encouraging Word Part 3: The Present Joy

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:47:18 GMT

Without using any future verbs, Peter draws a sharp contrast between the present and the future. We, as believers, may be suffering now, but we will soon rejoice. We are engaged in life’s warfare now (“guarded by the power of God”) but we will soon be victorious. Our faith is being tested now, but soon it will prove itself purer and more precious than gold.

A Walk Worthy of Citizenship

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:35:40 GMT

Paul leaves the Philippian Church with a challenge to walk worthy of the Gospel, in unity, in courage, and in joy despite the hardships!

The Father's Gift

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:35:38 GMT

These three verses are the key note of Peter’s Epistle. It begins with an outburst of praise to God, the Father, for his initiative in raising Jesus Christ from the dead and bringing opportunity for a new birth. Peter expresses praise for God’s abundant mercy in giving this new birth to all who will believe and accept His gift of salvation

An Encouraging Word Part 2

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:27:36 GMT

The letter reflects a pastor’s heart for his people who not only shared a common faith in Jesus Christ but also a common struggle. The difficulty faced by these “scattered saints” (“pilgrims of the Dispersion”) is a difficulty that we still face today. The basic problem is how to maintain the integrity and power of a positive testimony as we live for Jesus Christ in the midst of a society that is ignorant of Biblical Truth and doubtful of the God who gave us the Truth (Jesus Christ).

This is the NEW Covenant

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:24:50 GMT

In this strongly worded statement of Jesus Christ we have a pivotal moment in our understanding of the theology of the Lord’s Supper (Communion). Jesus introduces the long anticipated New Covenant that He was about to establish

An Encouraging Word

Sun, 31 May 2009 15:19:24 GMT

The basic problem is how to maintain the integrity and power of a positive testimony as we live for Jesus Christ in the midst of a society that is ignorant of Biblical Truth and doubtful of the God who gave us the Truth (Jesus Christ).

Jesus > Our Circumstances

Sun, 24 May 2009 23:17:21 GMT

In our text today we see the abandoned apostle in jail for the crime of carrying out God’s mission for his life. And yet he continues to rejoice and at one point identifies with Jesus’ own suffering in life as a source of comfort in his own life

Jesus > Our Sins

Sun, 17 May 2009 20:31:49 GMT

In Colossians, as Paul continuously seeks to point to Jesus on the throne, he systematically dismantles false and neutered views of Jesus. Our text today is no different. The Colossians had been led to believe that Jesus was either not really a man or not really God both of which would have disqualified him from fulfilling the requirements for our salvation.

Jesus > Church Politics

Sun, 10 May 2009 23:13:33 GMT

Too often in the church we think that we are in control. Church leaders often get the idea that the church belongs to them and that they are the ones calling the shots. Paul resonating with Peter is putting the leadership of the church directly on the shoulders of the one who is THE Senior Pastor (1 Peter 5:4). The opinion of many new and non-Christians is that the church is too political and in many cases they are correct. The job of every Christian is to follow THE Chief Shepherd (Jesus) and allow the life that He lives out corporately through us to reflect his Love, Grace, Truth, and Mission. Jesus promised to build His Church on Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Son of God. As Christians we are not building our church or our Kingdom we are merely following Jesus as He builds his Church through us!

Jesus > Uncertainty

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:10:16 GMT

Jesus > Uncertainty vs. Jesus

Holistic Christian Living

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:06:13 GMT

Are there sections in our lives? Is there a time for church and a time for work? Do we “work God in to our schedule?” Do we give him a percentage of our time in the busy pie-chart that is our lives? Today I would like for all of us to see that the point isn’t trying to give God a majority of our time or more time than any other one thing in the pie chart. Rather we must be always only about living in communion with the Trinity and displaying the very life of Christ to those around us.

An Easter Encounter

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:59:35 GMT

The story of the encounter of Jesus Christ with two travelers on the Emmaus road is not just another story of an appearance of Jesus Christ after He rose from the dead. Rather, it is a real life story pointing to how the risen Lord Jesus Christ continues to encounter people traveling along life’s highway.

Good Friday - The Cross... A Necessity?

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:55:05 GMT

Have you ever wondered “Why?” Have you ever questioned the cross? Have you ever wondered if it was truly necessary? I think this question and questions like it stem from the pride that is so innate in who we are as humans. We want to take credit for our own salvation. We want to earn it. Tonight we will examine a deep and heavy portion of scripture we will by no means exhaust the depths of this text. However I believe that Everyone of us can understand the absolute necessity of the Cross of Jesus Christ by examining three aspects of our unrighteousness from Romans 3:21-28.

Jesus ... Our Liberator

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 22:51:29 GMT

We, as believer and non-believers, must realize that we are all engaged in a cosmic conflict as well as a real and earthly conflict.

The Lord Will Provide Part 4

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:43:57 GMT

No other story in Genesis (or in the Old Testament) compares with this text in its haunting beauty or its theological depth. It is a profoundly shocking story that has challenged students of God’s Word and at the same time inspired them with it’s powerful impact. While our minds revolt against the command of God to Abraham to offer up his promised son, Isaac, in sacrifice, we are at the same time moved by the depth and tenderness of God’s relationship with Abraham in making the request

The Lord Will Provide Part 3

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:40:39 GMT

The Lord Will Provide Part 2

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:32:40 GMT

The Lord Will Provide Part 1

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:48:32 GMT

An Inspiring Example Part 2

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:46:26 GMT

The fervent prayer of the church was answered with a new refreshing of he Holy Spirit’s power. The church that depends upon believing prayer will know the blessing of the Holy Spirit in its ministry.

An Inspiring Example

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:35:52 GMT

A Fervent Prayer

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:10:14 GMT

Our text today is the prayer of the church that was born out of the witness and service of Peter and John. The church did not pray for easy lives or a change of circumstance. This prayer, rather, centered around a petition for God to empower the church to make the best use of their circumstances and to accomplish what God had already determined [Acts 4:28].

What Makes a Great Church

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:28:46 GMT

When asked to explain the secret of his remarkable ministry, the British preacher, Charles Spurgeon replied, â€œMy people pray for me.â€ Warren Wiersbe states that prayer is not an escape from responsibility; it is our response to Godâ€™s ability. Our text presents an historical account of the persecution that resulted from the ministry of the early church. The Council (Sanhedrin) opposed the preaching of the Gospel because it had â€œgreatâ€ impact upon the people and that impact â€œgreatly disturbedâ€ them (vv. 2, 16). The Apostles defended the name of Jesus Christ with a â€œliving exampleâ€ of its power to save (v. 10). The Council in Jerusalem brought pressure to bear in an effort to silence the witnesses. In response to this persecution the church (v. 23) united once again in prayer and the Lord Jesus Christ responded to their prayer and praise with the â€œgreatâ€ things that God gives to those who ask. What makes a great church? A great church is made up of believers that are united in heart and soul (v. 32), united in worship and prayer, focused in presenting the Truth, and living witnesses of the great things that result in the Christ-centered life.

Excellence: Living a Life of Worship

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:00:14 GMT

It is absolutely essential for us to understand, individually and corporately, our separation from the â€œOld Manâ€ and joining with the â€œNew Manâ€ in order that we may live out, individually and corporately, the â€œNew Lifeâ€ in which â€œwhatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.â€ This is a life lived individually and corporately that leads others to want Jesus, rather than choke him down like bad medicine!

Peter...In Conclusion

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 15:57:16 GMT

God had a plan for the salvation of mankind from eternity, and, yet, He never forces us to respond to it. Man, in his free will, may embrace it fully or he may act in opposition to it. Regardless of the response of man, God will always accomplish His divine will and purpose for His creation.

Declaring God's Glory pt. 4

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:48:01 GMT

Acts 3:11-26 The healing of the lame beggar drew a crowd around Peter and John and set the stage for Peterâ€™s second sermon. Here on Solomonâ€™s Porch, where the early church would often meet for worship, Peter again sets a standard for the preaching of the Gospel. Peter begins his sermon by identifying the source of the miracle and develops the truth that, now, God Himself, has glorified His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The sermon centers on Godâ€™s Servant, Jesus Christ, whom Israel had disowned and crucified and whom God had raised from the dead. Peter stresses the various titles of Jesus and identifies â€œthe name of Jesusâ€ as the powerful agent in the miracle and â€œthe name of Jesusâ€ as the source of forgiveness and Salvation. In Peterâ€™s call to repentance, he identifies the far-reaching grace of God that will even bring forgiveness for Israelâ€™s sin of crucifying the â€œthe Prince of Lifeâ€ and transform the lives of those who believe in Him. Peter goes on to identify the beauty of Godâ€™s salvation through faith in Jesus by pointing to the â€œtimes of refreshing that come from the presence of Jesusâ€ and the future hope of â€œthe times of restoration of all thingsâ€.

Declaring God's Glory pt. 3

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:49:55 GMT

We have considered the declaration of Godâ€™s glory from several perspectives. We witnessed the â€œfavorâ€ of God in Maryâ€™s life and her willingness to embrace the message of Gabriel and participate in Godâ€™s redemptive plan. We also considered Godâ€™s grace and glory declared and experienced by the â€œranch handsâ€ (shepherds) of the Bethlehem hills. Of course, the greatest declaration of Godâ€™s glory was found in the revelation of Jesus Christ as Maryâ€™s â€œfirst bornâ€ from heaven who came to save us from our sins. Today we will see Godâ€™s glory manifested from several very different sources. It is interesting to find that the incredible glory of God declared to a group of scholars from Persia led to the fulfillment of prophecy and extended Godâ€™s salvation to the Gentile world. We find that Godâ€™s salvation not only reached the lowest of the low (shepherds) but also the elite of the elite in our world (Wise Men). These wealthy and influential students of history, science, and astronomy discovered Godâ€™s glory and pursued it at great cost. The end result of their long and arduous search brought them to Jesus Christ the Lord and the Savior of all mankind. It was at His feet that these men, societyâ€™s elite, bowed in humble and meaningful worship of Godâ€™s Son and the Worldâ€™s Savior.

Declaring the Glory of God Pt. 2

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:51:07 GMT

Within the Gospel of Luke we find the familiar story of the birth of Jesus Christ. In each of its varying scenes we see and hear the declaration of Godâ€™s glory both by supernatural beings as well as human beings. Into this simple and delicate narrative Luke weaves deep and profound theological meaning. Last week we considered the theological â€œsummitâ€ of the Incarnation and the favor of God we experience when Jesus Christ is born in our hearts. This week we will attempt to scale another theological â€œsummitâ€ as we consider Maryâ€™s â€œâ€first-bornâ€ Son. We celebrate the occasion of Maryâ€™s first-born as the supreme event in history, the central act of God for the redemption of Mankind. We must detach ourselves from the local and the historical and see this birth of Godâ€™s first-born as the incredible demonstration of Godâ€™s glory that it isâ€¦ timeless, eternal, and far reaching in both scope and impact. As we consider Jesus Christ, Godâ€™s â€œfirst-bornâ€, we begin to realize and better understand the love of God for His Creation and His desire for His redeemed sons and daughters.

Ranch Hands

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 21:49:35 GMT

These were men like the cowboys of our more recent history. This was a motley crew, hard, independent, rough cut, day laborers, here today and off somewhere else tomorrow. It was to these men that God sent an angel, first to announce Jesusâ€™ birth and then a choir to sing of the glory, and grace that would come through His life, ministry, death and resurrection.

Declaring the Glory of God

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:46:35 GMT

Isaiah wrote that all of the blessings of God are designed to lead to the declaration of Godâ€™s glory (Isaiah 60:21). . . . as a witness let us live in such a way that our lives declare the glory of God!

The Comfort of Christmas

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:42:55 GMT

The Comfort of Christmas Isaiah 40:1-31 The celebration of Christmas stands out in stark contrast to the circumstances and conditions that exist in our world. Even as we approach the winter solstice when the sun is at the greatest distance from the equator and ushers in the dark days of winter, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ adds the light and sparkle to our hearts and lives. For many at Christmas the thoughts of joy, peace and plenty seem like far-fetched dreams in the light of the conflict, hatred and desperation that we find in the world. Even the closer personal reality of the stress, pressure and business of the season belies the purpose for the celebration. We find little joy or peace in the rush to celebrate and we are left exhausted and depressed. Iâ€™m sure that it will come as no surprise that we will find no lasting joy or peace when we are pressed to celebrate Christmas as our society does. We must look higher and deeper into the realm of the Spirit [Godâ€™s reality] in order to find what we are seeking. The reason for Christâ€™s coming into this world was, in fact, to offer us the hope of deliverance from our human dilemma. Jesus came to release us from the bondage and curse of sin. He came to lighten our darkness, ease our burdens, to save us from the sin and death that plague our lives. We celebrate His birth, His purpose, His sacrifice, His life, death, and resurrection, our salvation, and therein we discover the joy, peace, and blessing that is ours in Jesus Christ.

Hold Fast

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:31:25 GMT

Paul is in the worst prison in the world, a place where people go to die or be killed, and he is writing to his apprentice to encourage Him to stay the course!

Exhibit A

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:12:12 GMT

On one hand, the Church must faithfully witness of the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ and, on the other hand, it must resist all efforts by the world to compromise its message and its moral integrity. If the Church is to witness faithfully, it must proclaim a message of courageous warning touched with sensitivity and compassion.

Favor; God's Divine Influence

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:21:51 GMT

Our responsibility as believers is to faithfully witness and God builds the church.

The "State" of the Church

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:30:35 GMT

Luke offers us the "state" of the individual believer and the corporate church and those unique qualities that resulted in consistent growth spiritually. As we read and assimilate this information, we realize that Luke is presenting us with a pattern for ministry that was designed to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ until He comes again.

The Response to God's Word

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:29:52 GMT

Our text opens with a question that comes in response to Peter's message concerning Jesus Christ. The response [˜they were cut to the heart (v. 37)] is an anguished cry from people who just came to grips with their desperate need for salvation. Peter's response to their question came to his hearers as the best good news that they had ever heard far better than they deserved or could have hoped for!

A Lesson in Ontological Theology

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:01:37 GMT

Peter places the emphasis upon the life and character of Jesus Christ, not for biological reasons, but to flesh out his preaching with the all important truth that Jesus Christ was the cause, the focus, the function, and the finality of Godâ€™s redemptive plan.

This is THAT!

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 22:08:30 GMT

Peter first responded to the questions that were raised by the phenomenon of the sound, the fire, and the languages that the people had witnessed. He, then, explains the prophetic significance of the occa-sion and emphasizes the fact that they have witnessed the fulfillment of Old Testament prophetic scripture. Finally, he deals with Jesus Christâ€™s ministry, death and resurrection, highlighting the sovereignty of God (v. 23) and the timeless deity of Jesus Christ (vv. 24-31).

The Purpose of Pentecost

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:13:55 GMT

In one sweeping move Godâ€™s Holy Spirit was given and now indwells the believerâ€™s lifeâ€¦ fulfilling promises, clearing up confusion, presenting Truth,and transforming lives.

The Church Aflame pt. 2

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:13:36 GMT

A new dynamic force, the Holy Spirit, moved men and women beyond themselves and inspired each of them to communicate the â€œwondrous works of Godâ€ in a miraculous way. May the Lord set our hearts aflame with this same Holy Spirit that we, too, can share the powerful message of life-change in Jesus Christ.

The Church Aflame

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:40:04 GMT

Acts 2:1-13 In four short verses, Luke describes the miracle of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. This text is remarkable not only for its detail but also for its significant shades of meaning for the reader. It is not by accident that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit occurred on the Day of Pentecost. While Judaism commemorated the giving of the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai (and its subsequent renewals), the Christian Church celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church. On another plane, we see Luke comparing the baptism of Jesus Christ and the Spiritâ€™s ascending upon Him for an empowered ministry with this miracle. By making this comparison, Luke is identifying the mission of the church with that of Jesus Christ â€“ one fully dependent upon the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. Luke alone connects John the Baptistâ€™s prophecy of a baptism â€œwith the Holy Spirit and with fireâ€ with the miracle of Pentecost. Like Jesus Christ, the early church was empowered by the Holy Spirit in its mission to reach the world. Our text describes a people who were â€œignitedâ€ by the Spirit of God for ministry. That same Spirit is present and available for every believer today that desires a Spirit â€œignitedâ€ life and ministry.

Becoming the Missional Church

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:19:54 GMT

Acts 2:41-47 Missional? What does that mean? If you take a noun and add â€“al to the end you get an adjective! So you and your adversary have and adversarial relationship. So to be a missionary in your community means that you live missionally. We have spent 5 of the last 6 times I have had the privilege of speaking to you talking about what it means to be a missionary in our own town. For far too long the church in America has failed to think missionally. We have assumed that if they were interested in church they would attend. We have assumed that our neighbors had friends and relatives around better suited to meet their needs. We have assumed that our community knows where we are and will find us if they are in need. But when we look at our Missionary God we donâ€™t see him waiting for us to reach out or waiting for our friends to serve us. We see him coming, sending, serving, reaching and pursuing. So what has been the big idea of these five sermons and what is the big idea behind Missiology (the study of missions) and missional thinking? For us this is the big idea : We are a community of servants sent by God to allow Jesus to pursue our neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers through us. Now let us look at what this looks like when an entire church is committed to being on mission with Jesus!

Missiology 401: Sent Following Jesus

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:29:01 GMT

Matthew 28:18-20 John 20:21 Matthew 9:9-13 As Christians we have purpose that drives us in everything that we say do and think. That purpose was given to us by Jesus as he was about to ascend back to the Father for the most of the rest of eternity. We are given a mission. As we discussed in the first sermon in this series we are sent by Jesus. We are sent to our own cul-de-sac with a message. In our second and message we discussed over the course of two Sundays that we were sent for the purpose of serving our neighbors friends relatives and co-workers and enemies! Then in the third message we discussed the fact that we cannot effectively live out our mission if we are not all involved and vested in the work of the ministry in our own context. We are a body and cannot â€œgo it aloneâ€ no super-Christians no commandos for Jesus we are weak and incapable apart from depending on Jesus and those around us! Today we are going to look at some specific instances from the life of Jesus. I hope that we will see that the point of Christianity isnâ€™t gathering in a place on a day but that it is to GO and follow Jesus as He reaches out to those around us through us!

A Decision to be Made

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:46:00 GMT

Acts 1:15-26 Our text opens with the Apostle Peter taking the lead among the apostles. His failure and disgrace behind him, this natural leader steps to the front and deals with the empty position left in the twelve by the treachery and suicide of Judas Iscariot. Apparently Peter has been reading his Bible and connecting the prophecies of the Old Testament with their present situation. He addresses the group by quoting Scripture revealing both the prophecy Jesusâ€™ betrayal by Judas (Psalm 41:9) and the imprecatory Scripture (Psalm 69:25; Psalm 109:8) that laid the foundation for his decision to replace Judas in the Twelve. This text not only offers us a complete history of the the betrayer of Jesus Christ but also offers us an incredible example of the beauty and integrity of the Word of God. This decision on the part of the disciples has been the subject of much debate. Should they have waited for the Holy Spiritâ€™s gifting before they made the decision? While the question still remains we do know this. The disciples followed the directives of the Word of God and bathed their decision process with prayer. This is the great lesson that we can learn from this historical account.

The Ascension of Jesus Christ

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:44:26 GMT

Acts 1:9-11 Our text today is an historical account of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the most detailed account, the Ascension of Christ. The Ascension of Jesus Christ means that we now have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. We have a Mediator in Heaven, a great High Priest, who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities and One who is willing and able to minister on our behalf. As the old hymn puts it Lifted up was He to die, It is finished, was His cry, Now in Heaven exalted high, Hallelujah! What a Saviour. Hallelujah! What a Saviour Philip P. Bliss

The Promise of the Father

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:13:44 GMT

It was the Apostle John who best remembered and almost alone recorded, in his Gospel, the Lords long conversations concerning Â€Âœthe Promise of the FatherÂ€Â. John records the very words of Jesus who said I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter that He (the Holy Spirit) may abide with you forever.

Missiology 301: Sent in Community

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:01:43 GMT

The idea of Community is becoming a â€œbuzzâ€ word in our society and in the Church. People talk about wanting to experience â€œAuthentic Relational Community.â€ In the first sermon in this series we talked about the fact that we are called by God into our cul-de-sacs as a mission field as much as missionaries are called to Africa or Europe as a mission field. We also studied in the second sermon in this series how we are sent to serve those around us. Not serving them for the sake of the redemption of our social structure, but to serve them for the opportunity to share Jesus and His Love with them. Now we come to this idea of being sent in community. Or to say it another way we are sent as a unit. Or to put it in Pauline and Biblical terms we are the â€œBody of Christâ€ We are sent together as a family and as a whole to reach out to that Community in which we live. We are here for the betterment of the City. Not the Redemption. Only God can redeem our messed up world. We are only here to live in Loving Authentic Relational Community so that we may have an opportunity to invite those outside the City of CLC in the City of Belle Fourche in to our City of Christian Community and Transparency.