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Adult sermon guides.
Sermon
November 24th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Holy Longing (Pre Advent II)
Title: It’s Good to Long
Text: Psalm 13
Campus: Rivermont
Advent is a season of celebrating Christ’s birth, looking forward to his future return, and considering his presence with us now.
At their source, our longings are holy because they are ultimately from God and for God, who is Holy.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me?Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death.My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,” and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.
Psalm 13
What should we do with our longings?
1. Pay attention to our longings; name them (vv. 1–2)
The longings we have are ultimately longings for the Garden of Eden, for God himself.
2. Invite God into our longing (vv. 3–4)
If we look for the fulfillment of our longings apart from God, we will never be fully satisfied.
Unfulfilled longing can lead to despair, or they can be redeemed by God, and the result is deliverance.
3. Praise God for his faithfulness and ultimate deliverance (vv. 5–6)
Our deliverance doesn’t simply come in the form of fulfilled desires, it is found when we surrender our desires to God.
Hope, love, peace, and joy aren’t simply virtues of a good life; this is the fruit of a life that is secure with Christ.
If we pay attention to our longings, and pour our hearts out in prayer and worship to God, this will lead us to a place of fresh encounter with God.
My heart and my flesh may fail, but you are the strength of my heart, my portion forever...as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge (Psalm 73)
As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Mark 14:22-25 (CSB)
_____________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: A Holy Longing (Pre-Advent Part 2)
Title: It’s Good to Long
Text: Psalm 13
Campus: College Hill
What do you want?
At their source, our longings are holy because our longings are ultimately for God, who is holy.
As those who are made in the image of God, the deepest parts of us are made to be filled with the fullness of God, and nothing else will do.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me?Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death.My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,” and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.
Psalm 13 (CSB)
This is God’s Word, Thanks be to God.
CORE (DIVINE) NEEDS: SAFE, SEEN, SOOTHED, SECURE.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me?Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death.My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,” and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.
Psalm 13:3
SAFETY → HOPE.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me?
Psalm 13:1
“Joy is being with someone who is glad to be with you.”
~ Cyd Holsclaw
SEEN → JOY.
How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day?How long will my enemy dominate me?
Psalm 13:2
SOOTHED → PEACE.
But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.
Psalm 13:5
Hesed (Psalm 13:5) = Covenant, secure love.
Sacred Journey: from Crisis, to Encounter, then Renewal.
But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.
Psalm 13:5-6
Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him.He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God.Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge.
Selah
Psalm 62:5-8
_______________________________________________________
Series: Holy Longing (Pre Advent II)
Title: It’s Good to Long
Text: Psalm 13
Campus: Rivermont
Advent is a season of celebrating Christ’s birth, looking forward to his future return, and considering his presence with us now.
At their source, our longings are holy because they are ultimately from God and for God, who is Holy.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me?Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death.My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,” and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.
Psalm 13
What should we do with our longings?
1. Pay attention to our longings; name them (vv. 1–2)
The longings we have are ultimately longings for the Garden of Eden, for God himself.
2. Invite God into our longing (vv. 3–4)
If we look for the fulfillment of our longings apart from God, we will never be fully satisfied.
Unfulfilled longing can lead to despair, or they can be redeemed by God, and the result is deliverance.
3. Praise God for his faithfulness and ultimate deliverance (vv. 5–6)
Our deliverance doesn’t simply come in the form of fulfilled desires, it is found when we surrender our desires to God.
Hope, love, peace, and joy aren’t simply virtues of a good life; this is the fruit of a life that is secure with Christ.
If we pay attention to our longings, and pour our hearts out in prayer and worship to God, this will lead us to a place of fresh encounter with God.
My heart and my flesh may fail, but you are the strength of my heart, my portion forever...as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge (Psalm 73)
As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Mark 14:22-25 (CSB)
_____________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: A Holy Longing (Pre-Advent Part 2)
Title: It’s Good to Long
Text: Psalm 13
Campus: College Hill
What do you want?
At their source, our longings are holy because our longings are ultimately for God, who is holy.
As those who are made in the image of God, the deepest parts of us are made to be filled with the fullness of God, and nothing else will do.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me?Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death.My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,” and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.
Psalm 13 (CSB)
This is God’s Word, Thanks be to God.
CORE (DIVINE) NEEDS: SAFE, SEEN, SOOTHED, SECURE.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me?Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death.My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,” and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.
Psalm 13:3
SAFETY → HOPE.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me?
Psalm 13:1
“Joy is being with someone who is glad to be with you.”
~ Cyd Holsclaw
SEEN → JOY.
How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day?How long will my enemy dominate me?
Psalm 13:2
SOOTHED → PEACE.
But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.
Psalm 13:5
Hesed (Psalm 13:5) = Covenant, secure love.
Sacred Journey: from Crisis, to Encounter, then Renewal.
But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.
Psalm 13:5-6
Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him.He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God.Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge.
Selah
Psalm 62:5-8
_______________________________________________________
November 17th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Holy Longing (Pre-Advent Part 1)
Title: Coming Home
Text: Luke 15:11-22; Psalm 73
Campus: Rivermont
What do you want?
At their source, our longings are holy because our longings are ultimately for God, who is holy.
As those who are made in the image of God, the deepest parts of us are made to be filled with the fullness of God, and nothing else will do.
“God enflames our hearts with holy desire.”
~ Ignatius of Loyola
Advent is about longing for Christ and his return and the experience of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love in his presence even as we ache while we wait.
He also said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them.”
Luke 15:11-12
What the heart desires the will chooses, and the mind justifies.
Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything. When he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.”’
Luke 15:13-19
So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24
“Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
“Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’
“‘Son,’ he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:25-31
"We are like those whose hearts belong to a city where we have not yet been (Augustine)."
But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.
Luke 15:32
We tend to do what we want to do. What the heart desires, the will chooses, and the mind justifies. And we pursue just about anything else but God to go and get what we want.
Can we hear God saying to us: What do you want?
God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.
For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed.
They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people.
Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment.
Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression.
They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.
Therefore his people turn to them and drink in their overflowing words.
The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?”
Look at them—the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth.
Psalm 73:1-12
Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?
For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people.
When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless
Psalm 73:13-16
until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.
Psalm 73:17
When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded,
I was stupid and didn’t understand; I was an unthinking animal toward you.
Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me up in glory.
Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.
Psalm 73:21-28
Be Curious: What do I want and where am I going to get it?
“Jesus, as for me, your presence is my good.
Have my whole heart.”
______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Holy Longing, (Pre-Advent Part 1)
Title: Coming Home
Text: Luke 15
Campus: College Hill
Advent is a season of celebrating Christ’s birth and looking forward to his future return.
At their source, our longings are holy because our longings are ultimately from God and for God, who is Holy.
He also said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
“Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’
“‘Son,’ he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:11-32 (CSB)
The invitation of today’s text is to pay attention to our desires and understand how God the Father relates to us.
It’s easy for our mind to justify what our heart wants without slowing down to consider what’s happening beneath the surface.
He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything.
Luke 15:16
We are all looking for fulfillment, and joy, but find it hard to find.
The Bible teaches us that all human beings are on a journey home.
The longings that all of us have are ultimately longings for the Garden of Eden, they’re longing for God himself.
When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’
But the father told his servants, "Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!" So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:17-24 (CSB)
Where are you?
We want to invite the Holy Spirit to expose our counterfeit pursuits and to let the ache of unfulfilled desires lead us back to Jesus.
____________________________________________________
Series: Holy Longing (Pre-Advent Part 1)
Title: Coming Home
Text: Luke 15:11-22; Psalm 73
Campus: Rivermont
What do you want?
At their source, our longings are holy because our longings are ultimately for God, who is holy.
As those who are made in the image of God, the deepest parts of us are made to be filled with the fullness of God, and nothing else will do.
“God enflames our hearts with holy desire.”
~ Ignatius of Loyola
Advent is about longing for Christ and his return and the experience of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love in his presence even as we ache while we wait.
He also said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them.”
Luke 15:11-12
What the heart desires the will chooses, and the mind justifies.
Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything. When he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.”’
Luke 15:13-19
So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24
“Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
“Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’
“‘Son,’ he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:25-31
"We are like those whose hearts belong to a city where we have not yet been (Augustine)."
But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.
Luke 15:32
We tend to do what we want to do. What the heart desires, the will chooses, and the mind justifies. And we pursue just about anything else but God to go and get what we want.
Can we hear God saying to us: What do you want?
God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.
For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed.
They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people.
Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment.
Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression.
They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.
Therefore his people turn to them and drink in their overflowing words.
The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?”
Look at them—the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth.
Psalm 73:1-12
Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?
For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people.
When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless
Psalm 73:13-16
until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.
Psalm 73:17
When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded,
I was stupid and didn’t understand; I was an unthinking animal toward you.
Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me up in glory.
Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.
Psalm 73:21-28
Be Curious: What do I want and where am I going to get it?
“Jesus, as for me, your presence is my good.
Have my whole heart.”
______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Holy Longing, (Pre-Advent Part 1)
Title: Coming Home
Text: Luke 15
Campus: College Hill
Advent is a season of celebrating Christ’s birth and looking forward to his future return.
At their source, our longings are holy because our longings are ultimately from God and for God, who is Holy.
He also said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
“Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’
“‘Son,’ he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:11-32 (CSB)
The invitation of today’s text is to pay attention to our desires and understand how God the Father relates to us.
It’s easy for our mind to justify what our heart wants without slowing down to consider what’s happening beneath the surface.
He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything.
Luke 15:16
We are all looking for fulfillment, and joy, but find it hard to find.
The Bible teaches us that all human beings are on a journey home.
The longings that all of us have are ultimately longings for the Garden of Eden, they’re longing for God himself.
When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’
But the father told his servants, "Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!" So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:17-24 (CSB)
Where are you?
We want to invite the Holy Spirit to expose our counterfeit pursuits and to let the ache of unfulfilled desires lead us back to Jesus.
____________________________________________________
November 10th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Tim Moroz
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Witness & Honor
Text: Mark 15:40-16:8
Campus: Rivermont
"I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible."
~ Chuck Colson
“The resurrection is a fact better attested than any event recorded in any history, whether ancient or modern.”
~ Charles Spurgeon
In Jesus’ lowest moment, it was not the disciples, or even his closest friends that bear witness and honor him, it’s the secondary characters.
There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. In Galilee these women followed him and took care of him. Many other women had come up with him to Jerusalem.
Mark 15:40-41 CSB
Samaritan Woman
Woman who touches Jesus’ robe
Mary and Martha
Joseph of Arimathea
When it was already evening, because it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had already died. When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph. After he bought some linen cloth, Joseph took him down and wrapped him in the linen. Then he laid him in a tomb cut out of the rock and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.
Mark 15:42-46 CSB
that they could go and anoint him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” Looking up, they noticed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away.
Mark 15:47-16:4 CSB
When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him.
Mark 16:5-6 CSB
And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Mark 16:6-8 CSB
The Making of the Bible - Tim Mackie
“I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me according to your word…”
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Mark 15-16
Text: Mark 15:42-16:8
Campus: College Hill
“Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14-15
We have an enduring King whose reign will never end and whose Kingdom is defined by love and bears the fruit of joy.
Repentance and faith aligns us with God’s plan for human flourishing.
If you’re not always experiencing the joy and power of the resurrection, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the story isn’t true or that your faith isn’t real.
When it was already evening, because it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had already died. When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph. After he bought some linen cloth, Joseph took him down and wrapped him in the linen. Then he laid him in a tomb cut out of the rock and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching where he was laid.
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they could go and anoint him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” Looking up, they noticed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away.When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’”They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.
Mark 15:42-16:8 (CSB)
What happens at the end of Mark?
Why does this matter?
What do we do with this?
Mark notes two important things:
in v. 46, a stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb,
in v. 47, two women saw where Jesus was buried.
v. 6 they’re “alarmed” – can be translated as fear and wonder, astonishment and distress.
“They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.” (v.8)
The first response to the first Easter is: astonishment and fear.
The reality of the resurrection doesn’t magically dispel weakness and fear.
Why does this matter?
An encounter with the kingdom of God produces a faith that not even death can take from us.
This faith sustains my friend Lesya.
This faith somehow sustains my new friend Casticado (The Punisher).
This faith sustains my friend Sergii.
What do we do with this?
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Witness & Honor
Text: Mark 15:40-16:8
Campus: Rivermont
"I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible."
~ Chuck Colson
“The resurrection is a fact better attested than any event recorded in any history, whether ancient or modern.”
~ Charles Spurgeon
In Jesus’ lowest moment, it was not the disciples, or even his closest friends that bear witness and honor him, it’s the secondary characters.
There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. In Galilee these women followed him and took care of him. Many other women had come up with him to Jerusalem.
Mark 15:40-41 CSB
Samaritan Woman
Woman who touches Jesus’ robe
Mary and Martha
Joseph of Arimathea
When it was already evening, because it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had already died. When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph. After he bought some linen cloth, Joseph took him down and wrapped him in the linen. Then he laid him in a tomb cut out of the rock and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.
Mark 15:42-46 CSB
that they could go and anoint him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” Looking up, they noticed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away.
Mark 15:47-16:4 CSB
When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him.
Mark 16:5-6 CSB
And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Mark 16:6-8 CSB
The Making of the Bible - Tim Mackie
“I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me according to your word…”
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Mark 15-16
Text: Mark 15:42-16:8
Campus: College Hill
“Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14-15
We have an enduring King whose reign will never end and whose Kingdom is defined by love and bears the fruit of joy.
Repentance and faith aligns us with God’s plan for human flourishing.
If you’re not always experiencing the joy and power of the resurrection, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the story isn’t true or that your faith isn’t real.
When it was already evening, because it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had already died. When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph. After he bought some linen cloth, Joseph took him down and wrapped him in the linen. Then he laid him in a tomb cut out of the rock and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching where he was laid.
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they could go and anoint him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” Looking up, they noticed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away.When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’”They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.
Mark 15:42-16:8 (CSB)
What happens at the end of Mark?
Why does this matter?
What do we do with this?
Mark notes two important things:
in v. 46, a stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb,
in v. 47, two women saw where Jesus was buried.
v. 6 they’re “alarmed” – can be translated as fear and wonder, astonishment and distress.
“They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.” (v.8)
The first response to the first Easter is: astonishment and fear.
The reality of the resurrection doesn’t magically dispel weakness and fear.
Why does this matter?
- The gospel story is God’s story from beginning to end, and every part of it depends on the power of God.
- God works in the lives of fallible people, and he uses the lives of fallible people to make himself known.
An encounter with the kingdom of God produces a faith that not even death can take from us.
This faith sustains my friend Lesya.
This faith somehow sustains my new friend Casticado (The Punisher).
This faith sustains my friend Sergii.
What do we do with this?
- We need to embrace the gospel story with honesty and humility and let it shape our lives.
- Our calling is to abide in Jesus and find our rest in him, our mission is to follow Jesus and tell others about him.
November 3rd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Title: The Crucified King
Text: Mark 15:21-39
Campus: Rivermont
Where is God in our suffering?
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far from my deliverance
and from my words of groaning? My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, by night, yet I have no rest.
Psalm 22:1-2
is the singular, comprehensive solution to every human need.
At the beating heart of the Gospel of Jesus are the three key events of the crucifixion (death), burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
They led him out to crucify him. They forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’s cross. He was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull). They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.
Mark 15:20-23
Then they crucified him and divided his clothes, casting lots for them to decide what each would get.
Mark 15:24
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far from my deliverance and from my words of groaning?
My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, by night, yet I have no rest.
But you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you; they trusted, and you rescued them.
They cried to you and were set free; they trusted in you and were not disgraced.
But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by people.
Everyone who sees me mocks me; they sneer and shake their heads:
“He relies on the Lord; let him save him; let the Lord rescue him, since he takes pleasure in him.”
It was you who brought me out of the womb, making me secure at my mother’s breast.
I was given over to you at birth; you have been my God from my mother’s womb.
Don’t be far from me, because distress is near and there’s no one to help.
Many bulls surround me; strong ones of Bashan encircle me.
They open their mouths against me—lions, mauling and roaring.
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed; my heart is like wax, melting within me.
My strength is dried up like baked clay; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You put me into the dust of death.
For dogs have surrounded me; a gang of evildoers has closed in on me; they pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones; people look and stare at me.
They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing.
But you, Lord, don’t be far away. My strength, come quickly to help me.
Rescue my life from the sword, my only life from the power of these dogs.
Psalm 22:1-20
Now it was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge written against him was: The King of the Jews. They crucified two criminals with him, one on his right and one on his left.
Mark 15:25-27
Those who passed by were yelling insults at him, shaking their heads, and saying, “Ha! The one who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself! Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with him taunted him.
Mark 15:29-32
When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Mark 15:33-34
What if the promise of God in our suffering, God’s answer to where is he in our pain, is not whether or not we are spared from the pain, but sustained through it?
Save me from the lion’s mouth, from the horns of wild oxen. You answered me! I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters; I will praise you in the assembly.
For he has not despised or abhorred the torment of the oppressed. He did not hide his face from him but listened when he cried to him for help.
Psalm 22:21-22, 24
Suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but in the Gospel suffering is actually redeemed and is now the path to resurrection life, not a detour. The fruit of the Spirit is not painless comfort, but peace, joy, and love even amidst suffering, in ways that surpass understanding and defy our imagination.
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “See, he’s calling for Elijah.”
Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, fixed it on a stick, offered him a drink, and said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down.”
Mark 15:35-36
Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed his last. Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 3When the centurion, who was standing opposite him, saw the way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
Mark 15:37-39
My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…And as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge.
Psalm 73:26, 28
The Good News of the Gospel: Christ is sufficient for what is deficient in us.
My heart and flesh may fail, but you are enough, you are the strength of my life. And as for me, your presence is my good.
Psalm 73
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Text: Mark 15:20-41
Campus: College Hill
They led him out to crucify him. They forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’s cross. He was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull). They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. Then they crucified him and divided his clothes, casting lots for them to decide what each would get. Now it was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge written against him was: The King of the Jews. They crucified two criminals with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by were yelling insults at him, shaking their heads, and saying, “Ha! The one who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself! Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with him taunted him. When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “See, he’s calling for Elijah.” Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, fixed it on a stick, offered him a drink, and said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down.” Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed his last. Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing opposite him, saw the way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. In Galilee these women followed him and took care of him. Many other women had come up with him to Jerusalem.
Mark 15:20-41
Leader: This is the word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
The crucifixion exposes the depth of human sin and reveals the vastness of Jesus’ love.
“They led Him out to crucify Him”
They forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’s cross. He was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
Mark 15:21
They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull). They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.
Mark 15:22-23
Then they crucified him and divided his clothes, casting lots for them to decide what each would get. Now it was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge written against him was: The King of the Jews. They crucified two criminals with him, one on his right and one on his left.
Mark 15:24-27
Those who passed by were yelling insults at him, shaking their heads, and saying, “Ha! The one who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself! Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with him taunted him.
Mark 15:29-32
Jesus going to the cross shows us that God is always working His plan for His glory and the good of His people, even when we don’t understand it.
He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6
When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until 3. At three, Jesus cried out with a loud voice: Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Mark 15:33-34
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “See, he’s calling for Elijah.” Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, fixed it on a stick, offered him a drink, and said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down.”
Mark 15:35-36
Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
Mark 15:37-38
Jesus, in His great love for us, made Himself the sin offering on our behalf. God tore down the curtain of the temple, proclaiming that the fullness of access to Himself is open to all who would come through Jesus.
When the centurion, who was standing opposite him, saw the way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
Mark 15:39
Click here to see image: Court of the Gentiles
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Jesus we might become the righteousness of God.
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
The cross is a reminder that our hope is not in this life alone; our hope is in Jesus
Communion:
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Title: The Crucified King
Text: Mark 15:21-39
Campus: Rivermont
Where is God in our suffering?
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far from my deliverance
and from my words of groaning? My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, by night, yet I have no rest.
Psalm 22:1-2
is the singular, comprehensive solution to every human need.
At the beating heart of the Gospel of Jesus are the three key events of the crucifixion (death), burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
They led him out to crucify him. They forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’s cross. He was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull). They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.
Mark 15:20-23
Then they crucified him and divided his clothes, casting lots for them to decide what each would get.
Mark 15:24
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far from my deliverance and from my words of groaning?
My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, by night, yet I have no rest.
But you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you; they trusted, and you rescued them.
They cried to you and were set free; they trusted in you and were not disgraced.
But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by people.
Everyone who sees me mocks me; they sneer and shake their heads:
“He relies on the Lord; let him save him; let the Lord rescue him, since he takes pleasure in him.”
It was you who brought me out of the womb, making me secure at my mother’s breast.
I was given over to you at birth; you have been my God from my mother’s womb.
Don’t be far from me, because distress is near and there’s no one to help.
Many bulls surround me; strong ones of Bashan encircle me.
They open their mouths against me—lions, mauling and roaring.
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed; my heart is like wax, melting within me.
My strength is dried up like baked clay; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You put me into the dust of death.
For dogs have surrounded me; a gang of evildoers has closed in on me; they pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones; people look and stare at me.
They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing.
But you, Lord, don’t be far away. My strength, come quickly to help me.
Rescue my life from the sword, my only life from the power of these dogs.
Psalm 22:1-20
Now it was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge written against him was: The King of the Jews. They crucified two criminals with him, one on his right and one on his left.
Mark 15:25-27
Those who passed by were yelling insults at him, shaking their heads, and saying, “Ha! The one who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself! Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with him taunted him.
Mark 15:29-32
When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Mark 15:33-34
What if the promise of God in our suffering, God’s answer to where is he in our pain, is not whether or not we are spared from the pain, but sustained through it?
Save me from the lion’s mouth, from the horns of wild oxen. You answered me! I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters; I will praise you in the assembly.
For he has not despised or abhorred the torment of the oppressed. He did not hide his face from him but listened when he cried to him for help.
Psalm 22:21-22, 24
Suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but in the Gospel suffering is actually redeemed and is now the path to resurrection life, not a detour. The fruit of the Spirit is not painless comfort, but peace, joy, and love even amidst suffering, in ways that surpass understanding and defy our imagination.
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “See, he’s calling for Elijah.”
Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, fixed it on a stick, offered him a drink, and said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down.”
Mark 15:35-36
Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed his last. Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 3When the centurion, who was standing opposite him, saw the way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
Mark 15:37-39
My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…And as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge.
Psalm 73:26, 28
The Good News of the Gospel: Christ is sufficient for what is deficient in us.
My heart and flesh may fail, but you are enough, you are the strength of my life. And as for me, your presence is my good.
Psalm 73
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Text: Mark 15:20-41
Campus: College Hill
They led him out to crucify him. They forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’s cross. He was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull). They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. Then they crucified him and divided his clothes, casting lots for them to decide what each would get. Now it was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge written against him was: The King of the Jews. They crucified two criminals with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by were yelling insults at him, shaking their heads, and saying, “Ha! The one who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself! Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with him taunted him. When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “See, he’s calling for Elijah.” Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, fixed it on a stick, offered him a drink, and said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down.” Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed his last. Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing opposite him, saw the way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. In Galilee these women followed him and took care of him. Many other women had come up with him to Jerusalem.
Mark 15:20-41
Leader: This is the word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
- Our sin is worse than we realize.
- Jesus’ love is greater than we can imagine.
The crucifixion exposes the depth of human sin and reveals the vastness of Jesus’ love.
“They led Him out to crucify Him”
They forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’s cross. He was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
Mark 15:21
They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull). They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.
Mark 15:22-23
Then they crucified him and divided his clothes, casting lots for them to decide what each would get. Now it was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge written against him was: The King of the Jews. They crucified two criminals with him, one on his right and one on his left.
Mark 15:24-27
Those who passed by were yelling insults at him, shaking their heads, and saying, “Ha! The one who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself! Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with him taunted him.
Mark 15:29-32
Jesus going to the cross shows us that God is always working His plan for His glory and the good of His people, even when we don’t understand it.
He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6
When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until 3. At three, Jesus cried out with a loud voice: Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Mark 15:33-34
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “See, he’s calling for Elijah.” Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, fixed it on a stick, offered him a drink, and said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down.”
Mark 15:35-36
Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
Mark 15:37-38
Jesus, in His great love for us, made Himself the sin offering on our behalf. God tore down the curtain of the temple, proclaiming that the fullness of access to Himself is open to all who would come through Jesus.
When the centurion, who was standing opposite him, saw the way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
Mark 15:39
Click here to see image: Court of the Gentiles
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Jesus we might become the righteousness of God.
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
The cross is a reminder that our hope is not in this life alone; our hope is in Jesus
Communion:
- Am I placing my hope in anything other than Jesus?
- Confess any sin and idols in your heart.
- Rejoice in the forgiveness you have received!
October 27 Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Love, Judgment, & Grace
Text: Mark 14:66-15:20
Campus: Rivermont
“Justice is what love looks like in public”
~ Dr. Cornell West
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
In the Kingdom of God, strength often looks like weakness & victory often looks like defeat. That which seems foolish will confound the wisdom of the world.
This is the way of Jesus.
They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes assembled. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the high priest’s courtyard. He was sitting with the servants, warming himself by the fire.
Mark 14:53-54
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, stating, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another not made by hands.’”
Yet their testimony did not agree even on this.
Then the high priest stood up before them all and questioned Jesus, “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?”
But he kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 14:55-62
Those who abuse their power and cooperate with Evil, without repentance, without changing their hearts and minds when given the chance, will be judged by God.
Either make the tree good and its fruit will be good, or make the tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. A good person produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil person produces evil things from his storeroom of evil. I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
Matthew 12:33-37
Q: How can we as followers of Jesus know if our hearts are being corrupted, and if we are straying from the Kingdom?
A: If we are grasping for power in order to get what we want and compromising our integrity along the way.
Q: What is the antidote?
A: Christ-like humility, the way of the Cross, that is, of sacrificial love.
As soon as it was morning, having held a meeting with the elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin, the chief priests tied Jesus up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.
So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
He answered him, “You say so.”
And the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate questioned him again, “Aren’t you going to answer? Look how many things they are accusing you of!” But Jesus still did not answer, and so Pilate was amazed.
At the festival Pilate used to release for the people a prisoner whom they requested. There was one named Barabbas, who was in prison with rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion. The crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do for them as was his custom. Pilate answered them, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?” For he knew it was because of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd so that he would release Barabbas to them instead. Pilate asked them again, “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call the king of the Jews?”
Again they shouted, “Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them, “Why? What has he done wrong?”
But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!”
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them; and after having Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.
Mark 15:1-15
While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the high priest’s maidservants came. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.”
But he denied it: “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about.” Then he went out to the entryway, and a rooster crowed.
When the maidservant saw him again, she began to tell those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.”
But again he denied it. After a little while those standing there said to Peter again, “You certainly are one of them, since you’re also a Galilean.”
Then he started to curse and swear, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about!”
Immediately a rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered when Jesus had spoken the word to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Mark 14:66-72
The soldiers led him away into the palace (that is, the governor’s residence) and called the whole company together. They dressed him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” They were hitting him on the head with a stick and spitting on him. Getting down on their knees, they were paying him homage. After they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple robe and put his clothes on him.
They led him out to crucify him.
Mark 15:16-20
There is no evil that will go unaccounted for, and there is no failure that cannot be forgiven.
The Cross: God’s judgment of Evil and God’s grace for failure.
After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way:
Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples were together.
“I’m going fishing,” Simon Peter said to them.
“We’re coming with you,” they told him. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus. “Friends,” Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?”
“No,” they answered.
“Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish. The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea. Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish.
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
“Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”
“Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”
“Shepherd my sheep,” he told him.
He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
“Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”
John 21:1-19
Or do you think it’s without reason that the Scripture says: The spirit he made to dwell in us envies intensely?
But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says: “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
James 4:5-10
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Jesus & Barabbas: Redefining Power
Text: Mark 15:1-20
Campus: College Hill
As soon as it was morning, having held a meeting with the elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin, the chief priests tied Jesus up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.
So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
He answered him, “You say so.”
And the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate questioned him again, “Aren’t you going to answer? Look how many things they are accusing you of!” But Jesus still did not answer, and so Pilate was amazed
Mark 15:1-5 (CSB)
The accounts of Jesus’ trial, death, and resurrection repeatedly fulfills prophecy stated by Jesus as well as from Old Testament prophets.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth.
Isaiah 53:7 (CSB)
The allure of earthly power never escaped Jesus, and yet it never ensnared him either.
3 Soul Pressures:
At the festival Pilate used to release for the people a prisoner whom they requested. There was one named Barabbas, who was in prison with rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion. The crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do for them as was his custom. Pilate answered them, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?” For he knew it was because of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd so that he would release Barabbas to them instead. Pilate asked them again, “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call the king of the Jews?”
Again they shouted, “Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them, “Why? What has he done wrong?”
But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!”
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them; and after having Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.
Mark 15:6-15 (CSB)
Even in our most sacred moments, we too are tempted to make choices that lead us back into bondage.
Christ Frees us:
Barabbas enslaves us to:
The soldiers led him away into the palace (that is, the governor’s residence) and called the whole company together. They dressed him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” They were hitting him on the head with a stick and spitting on him. Getting down on their knees,they were paying him homage. After they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple robe and put his clothes on him.
Mark 15:16-20 (CSB)
Jesus redefines what power looks like
Jesus did not use his power:
Consider:
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Love, Judgment, & Grace
Text: Mark 14:66-15:20
Campus: Rivermont
“Justice is what love looks like in public”
~ Dr. Cornell West
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
In the Kingdom of God, strength often looks like weakness & victory often looks like defeat. That which seems foolish will confound the wisdom of the world.
This is the way of Jesus.
They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes assembled. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the high priest’s courtyard. He was sitting with the servants, warming himself by the fire.
Mark 14:53-54
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, stating, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another not made by hands.’”
Yet their testimony did not agree even on this.
Then the high priest stood up before them all and questioned Jesus, “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?”
But he kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 14:55-62
Those who abuse their power and cooperate with Evil, without repentance, without changing their hearts and minds when given the chance, will be judged by God.
Either make the tree good and its fruit will be good, or make the tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. A good person produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil person produces evil things from his storeroom of evil. I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
Matthew 12:33-37
Q: How can we as followers of Jesus know if our hearts are being corrupted, and if we are straying from the Kingdom?
A: If we are grasping for power in order to get what we want and compromising our integrity along the way.
Q: What is the antidote?
A: Christ-like humility, the way of the Cross, that is, of sacrificial love.
As soon as it was morning, having held a meeting with the elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin, the chief priests tied Jesus up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.
So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
He answered him, “You say so.”
And the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate questioned him again, “Aren’t you going to answer? Look how many things they are accusing you of!” But Jesus still did not answer, and so Pilate was amazed.
At the festival Pilate used to release for the people a prisoner whom they requested. There was one named Barabbas, who was in prison with rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion. The crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do for them as was his custom. Pilate answered them, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?” For he knew it was because of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd so that he would release Barabbas to them instead. Pilate asked them again, “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call the king of the Jews?”
Again they shouted, “Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them, “Why? What has he done wrong?”
But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!”
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them; and after having Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.
Mark 15:1-15
While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the high priest’s maidservants came. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.”
But he denied it: “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about.” Then he went out to the entryway, and a rooster crowed.
When the maidservant saw him again, she began to tell those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.”
But again he denied it. After a little while those standing there said to Peter again, “You certainly are one of them, since you’re also a Galilean.”
Then he started to curse and swear, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about!”
Immediately a rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered when Jesus had spoken the word to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Mark 14:66-72
The soldiers led him away into the palace (that is, the governor’s residence) and called the whole company together. They dressed him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” They were hitting him on the head with a stick and spitting on him. Getting down on their knees, they were paying him homage. After they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple robe and put his clothes on him.
They led him out to crucify him.
Mark 15:16-20
There is no evil that will go unaccounted for, and there is no failure that cannot be forgiven.
The Cross: God’s judgment of Evil and God’s grace for failure.
After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way:
Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples were together.
“I’m going fishing,” Simon Peter said to them.
“We’re coming with you,” they told him. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus. “Friends,” Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?”
“No,” they answered.
“Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish. The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea. Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish.
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
“Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”
“Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”
“Shepherd my sheep,” he told him.
He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
“Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”
John 21:1-19
Or do you think it’s without reason that the Scripture says: The spirit he made to dwell in us envies intensely?
But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says: “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
James 4:5-10
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Jesus & Barabbas: Redefining Power
Text: Mark 15:1-20
Campus: College Hill
As soon as it was morning, having held a meeting with the elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin, the chief priests tied Jesus up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.
So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
He answered him, “You say so.”
And the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate questioned him again, “Aren’t you going to answer? Look how many things they are accusing you of!” But Jesus still did not answer, and so Pilate was amazed
Mark 15:1-5 (CSB)
The accounts of Jesus’ trial, death, and resurrection repeatedly fulfills prophecy stated by Jesus as well as from Old Testament prophets.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth.
Isaiah 53:7 (CSB)
The allure of earthly power never escaped Jesus, and yet it never ensnared him either.
3 Soul Pressures:
- Be productive
- Be powerful
- Be popular
At the festival Pilate used to release for the people a prisoner whom they requested. There was one named Barabbas, who was in prison with rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion. The crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do for them as was his custom. Pilate answered them, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?” For he knew it was because of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd so that he would release Barabbas to them instead. Pilate asked them again, “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call the king of the Jews?”
Again they shouted, “Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them, “Why? What has he done wrong?”
But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!”
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them; and after having Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.
Mark 15:6-15 (CSB)
Even in our most sacred moments, we too are tempted to make choices that lead us back into bondage.
Christ Frees us:
- From our sin, fear, and shame
- To love and to live purposefully
Barabbas enslaves us to:
- sinful habits
- fear and anxiety
- bitterness/unforgiveness
- materialism
- self-reliance & pride
The soldiers led him away into the palace (that is, the governor’s residence) and called the whole company together. They dressed him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” They were hitting him on the head with a stick and spitting on him. Getting down on their knees,they were paying him homage. After they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple robe and put his clothes on him.
Mark 15:16-20 (CSB)
Jesus redefines what power looks like
Jesus did not use his power:
- For political ambition
- To defend himself
- To resist temptation
- In washing his disciples’ feet
- To avoid suffering
Consider:
- What type of Barabbas have you chosen over Jesus?
- What does Jesus’ countercultural model of authority and power look like in our own lives?
October 20th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Kevin Richard
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Text: Mark 14:53-72
Campus: Rivermont
They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes assembled. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the high priest’s courtyard. He was sitting with the servants, warming himself by the fire.
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, stating, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another not made by hands.’” Yet their testimony did not agree even on this.
Then the high priest stood up before them all and questioned Jesus, “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?” But he kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision?” They all condemned him as deserving death.
Then some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to beat him, saying, “Prophesy!” The temple servants also took him and slapped him
Mark 14:53-65
What is the Gospel?
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)
Setting the Context
Daniel’s Night Visions
As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.
Daniel 7:9-10
A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.” (ESV)
I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
Daniel 7:13-14
And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” (ESV)
Jesus Before the Council
And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire.
Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” Yet even about this their testimony did not agree.
Mark 14:53-59
And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
Mark 14:60-61
Mark’s carefully layered plot gradually elaborates the mystery surrounding the identity of Jesus. In the early chapters of the story, he is a powerful, wonder-working figure who seems comparable to Elijah or one of the prophets of old (6:15)
At various points in the tale, his words and actions seem to correspond typologically to the words and actions of Moses or Jeremiah. And as the plot moves toward its climax in Jerusalem, there are abundant hints that Jesus is the bearer of David’s legacy as king of Israel. Each of these accounts of Jesus’ identity illumines some facet of his mission and identity, yet they all remain tentative, partial, and inadequate.
Jesus remains elusive and avoids direct speech about the secret of his own personhood, except in his cryptic utterances about the Son of Man. The revelatory declaration of Mark 14:62, the capstone of these Son of Man sayings, seems to divulge the secret at last.” - Richard Hayes
And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 14:62-65
And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.
Mark 14: 63-65
So…what now?
The Creation Mandate: Bring order out of chaos
What is the Gospel? In Jesus, the Kingdom of God has been established!
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Text: Mark 14:52-72
Campus: College Hill
Mark illustrates the faithfulness of Jesus in the face of suffering, against the backdrop of human failure.
How does this part of Christ’s journey to the cross shape our faith and how does the gospel equip us to successfully navigate our own failure?
They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes assembled. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the high priest’s courtyard. He was sitting with the servants, warming himself by the fire.
Mark 14:53-54 (CSB)
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree.
Mark 14:55-65
Jesus models endurance and grace.
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth.”
Isaiah 53:7
Jesus isn’t hiding who he really is, even though it will cost him his life.
We could be so committed to our religion, that it causes us to miss the presence of God.
The reason that Jesus was able to endure unjust suffering without retaliation was because he trusted in God’s ultimate justice.
While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the high priest’s maidservants came. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.”
But he denied it: “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about.” Then he went out to the entryway, and a rooster crowed.
When the maidservant saw him again, she began to tell those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.”
But again he denied it. After a little while those standing there said to Peter again, “You certainly are one of them, since you’re also a Galilean.”
Then he started to curse and swear, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about!”
Immediately a rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered when Jesus had spoken the word to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Mark 14:66-72
The first word “know” tends to denote theoretical knowledge, the second word “know or understand” denotes practical knowledge (v. 68)
Insecurity leads to fear, and fear often fuels unfaithfulness.
The pain of failure, when embraced with humility and paired with grace, can lead to a transformational relationship with God.
When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”
“Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”
“Shepherd my sheep,” he told him.
He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
“Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”
John 21:15-19 (CSB)
God’s grace is greater than our weakness.
To receive grace, we must humble ourselves, repent, and invite God’s grace to wash over us.
__________________________________________________
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Text: Mark 14:53-72
Campus: Rivermont
They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes assembled. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the high priest’s courtyard. He was sitting with the servants, warming himself by the fire.
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, stating, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another not made by hands.’” Yet their testimony did not agree even on this.
Then the high priest stood up before them all and questioned Jesus, “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?” But he kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision?” They all condemned him as deserving death.
Then some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to beat him, saying, “Prophesy!” The temple servants also took him and slapped him
Mark 14:53-65
What is the Gospel?
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)
Setting the Context
Daniel’s Night Visions
As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.
Daniel 7:9-10
A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.” (ESV)
I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
Daniel 7:13-14
And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” (ESV)
Jesus Before the Council
And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire.
Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” Yet even about this their testimony did not agree.
Mark 14:53-59
And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
Mark 14:60-61
Mark’s carefully layered plot gradually elaborates the mystery surrounding the identity of Jesus. In the early chapters of the story, he is a powerful, wonder-working figure who seems comparable to Elijah or one of the prophets of old (6:15)
At various points in the tale, his words and actions seem to correspond typologically to the words and actions of Moses or Jeremiah. And as the plot moves toward its climax in Jerusalem, there are abundant hints that Jesus is the bearer of David’s legacy as king of Israel. Each of these accounts of Jesus’ identity illumines some facet of his mission and identity, yet they all remain tentative, partial, and inadequate.
Jesus remains elusive and avoids direct speech about the secret of his own personhood, except in his cryptic utterances about the Son of Man. The revelatory declaration of Mark 14:62, the capstone of these Son of Man sayings, seems to divulge the secret at last.” - Richard Hayes
And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 14:62-65
And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.
Mark 14: 63-65
So…what now?
The Creation Mandate: Bring order out of chaos
What is the Gospel? In Jesus, the Kingdom of God has been established!
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Mark: Christ, the Servant King
Text: Mark 14:52-72
Campus: College Hill
Mark illustrates the faithfulness of Jesus in the face of suffering, against the backdrop of human failure.
How does this part of Christ’s journey to the cross shape our faith and how does the gospel equip us to successfully navigate our own failure?
They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes assembled. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the high priest’s courtyard. He was sitting with the servants, warming himself by the fire.
Mark 14:53-54 (CSB)
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree.
Mark 14:55-65
Jesus models endurance and grace.
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth.”
Isaiah 53:7
Jesus isn’t hiding who he really is, even though it will cost him his life.
We could be so committed to our religion, that it causes us to miss the presence of God.
The reason that Jesus was able to endure unjust suffering without retaliation was because he trusted in God’s ultimate justice.
While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the high priest’s maidservants came. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.”
But he denied it: “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about.” Then he went out to the entryway, and a rooster crowed.
When the maidservant saw him again, she began to tell those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.”
But again he denied it. After a little while those standing there said to Peter again, “You certainly are one of them, since you’re also a Galilean.”
Then he started to curse and swear, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about!”
Immediately a rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered when Jesus had spoken the word to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Mark 14:66-72
The first word “know” tends to denote theoretical knowledge, the second word “know or understand” denotes practical knowledge (v. 68)
Insecurity leads to fear, and fear often fuels unfaithfulness.
The pain of failure, when embraced with humility and paired with grace, can lead to a transformational relationship with God.
When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”
“Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”
“Shepherd my sheep,” he told him.
He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
“Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”
John 21:15-19 (CSB)
God’s grace is greater than our weakness.
To receive grace, we must humble ourselves, repent, and invite God’s grace to wash over us.
__________________________________________________
October 13th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Stay Awake & Pray
Text: Mark 14:27-52
Campus: Rivermont
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will fall away, because it is written:
‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.’
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
Mark 14:27-28
Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered… I will put the remnant through the fire; I will refine them as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’, and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.
Zechariah 13:7, 9
Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away, I will not.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
But he kept insisting, “If I have to die with you, I will never deny you.” And they all said the same thing.
Mark 14:29-31
“Crisis precedes renewal” (Mark Sayers). Suffering, failure, and pain expose the insufficiency of self-will, and the all-sufficiency and exquisite beauty of God and his will.
Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”
Mark 14:32-42
He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.”
He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.”
Mark 14:34-36
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until we can surrender to what God wants.
Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 14:37-38
God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not send me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until we want what he wants.
Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”
Mark 14:39-42
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. With him was a mob, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had given them a signal. “The one I kiss,” he said, “he’s the one; arrest him and take him away under guard.” So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. They took hold of him and arrested him. One of those who stood by drew his sword, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear. Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”
Then they all deserted him and ran away. Now a certain young man, wearing nothing but a linen cloth, was following him. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.
Mark 14:43-52
Even the most courageous of the warriors will flee naked on that day— this is the Lord’s declaration.
Amos 2:16
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until our hearts break for what breaks the heart of God.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, (stay awake!) serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, enduring in prayer.
Romans 12:11-12
Devote yourselves to enduring in prayer, stay awake and be thankful.
Colossians 4:6
Jesus,
Here’s my heart.
Break it for what breaks yours.
And give it voice now in prayer.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Christ the Servant King
Title: Mark
Text: Mark 14:27-52
Hope for those who’ve felt the pain of betrayal and for those who have been unfaithful to Jesus
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will fall away, because it is written:
‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.‘
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away, I will not.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
But he kept insisting, “If I have to die with you, I will never deny you.” And they all said the same thing.
Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. With him was a mob, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had given them a signal. “The one I kiss,” he said, “he’s the one; arrest him and take him away under guard.” So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. They took hold of him and arrested him. One of those who stood by drew his sword, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear.
Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”
Then they all deserted him and ran away. Now a certain young man, wearing nothing but a linen cloth, was following him. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.
Mark 14:27-52
1. Prediction of the disciples' abandonment (Mark 14:27-31)
2. Prayer at Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42)
3. Betrayal and Arrest (Mark 14:43-52)
1. Prediction of the disciples' abandonment (Mark 14:27-31)
Jesus doesn’t just give them a prediction of betrayal; he wants them to have a vision of renewal.
When we argue with God about the way things are going to go, it’s hard to remain surrendered and trust his leadership in our lives.
2. Prayer at Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42)
Jesus seeks the presence of God and fully submits himself to the will of God.
3. Betrayal and Arrest (Mark 14:43-52)
Jesus understands what it’s like to be abandoned and betrayed, and He wants us to understand the nature of His character and kingdom.
God’s kingdom cannot be destroyed by human failure.
Prayer (travailing prayer) aligns our hearts with the kingdom (heart) of God.
Prayer conforms us to God's leadership; we discover God’s will for our lives.
Prayer builds endurance and helps us focus on a hopeful future. (Rom. 12:11-12).
___________________________________________
Series: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Stay Awake & Pray
Text: Mark 14:27-52
Campus: Rivermont
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will fall away, because it is written:
‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.’
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
Mark 14:27-28
Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered… I will put the remnant through the fire; I will refine them as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’, and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.
Zechariah 13:7, 9
Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away, I will not.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
But he kept insisting, “If I have to die with you, I will never deny you.” And they all said the same thing.
Mark 14:29-31
“Crisis precedes renewal” (Mark Sayers). Suffering, failure, and pain expose the insufficiency of self-will, and the all-sufficiency and exquisite beauty of God and his will.
Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”
Mark 14:32-42
He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.”
He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.”
Mark 14:34-36
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until we can surrender to what God wants.
Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 14:37-38
God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not send me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until we want what he wants.
Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”
Mark 14:39-42
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. With him was a mob, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had given them a signal. “The one I kiss,” he said, “he’s the one; arrest him and take him away under guard.” So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. They took hold of him and arrested him. One of those who stood by drew his sword, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear. Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”
Then they all deserted him and ran away. Now a certain young man, wearing nothing but a linen cloth, was following him. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.
Mark 14:43-52
Even the most courageous of the warriors will flee naked on that day— this is the Lord’s declaration.
Amos 2:16
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until our hearts break for what breaks the heart of God.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, (stay awake!) serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, enduring in prayer.
Romans 12:11-12
Devote yourselves to enduring in prayer, stay awake and be thankful.
Colossians 4:6
Jesus,
Here’s my heart.
Break it for what breaks yours.
And give it voice now in prayer.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Christ the Servant King
Title: Mark
Text: Mark 14:27-52
Hope for those who’ve felt the pain of betrayal and for those who have been unfaithful to Jesus
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will fall away, because it is written:
‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.‘
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away, I will not.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
But he kept insisting, “If I have to die with you, I will never deny you.” And they all said the same thing.
Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. With him was a mob, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had given them a signal. “The one I kiss,” he said, “he’s the one; arrest him and take him away under guard.” So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. They took hold of him and arrested him. One of those who stood by drew his sword, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear.
Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”
Then they all deserted him and ran away. Now a certain young man, wearing nothing but a linen cloth, was following him. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.
Mark 14:27-52
1. Prediction of the disciples' abandonment (Mark 14:27-31)
2. Prayer at Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42)
3. Betrayal and Arrest (Mark 14:43-52)
1. Prediction of the disciples' abandonment (Mark 14:27-31)
Jesus doesn’t just give them a prediction of betrayal; he wants them to have a vision of renewal.
When we argue with God about the way things are going to go, it’s hard to remain surrendered and trust his leadership in our lives.
2. Prayer at Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42)
Jesus seeks the presence of God and fully submits himself to the will of God.
3. Betrayal and Arrest (Mark 14:43-52)
Jesus understands what it’s like to be abandoned and betrayed, and He wants us to understand the nature of His character and kingdom.
God’s kingdom cannot be destroyed by human failure.
Prayer (travailing prayer) aligns our hearts with the kingdom (heart) of God.
Prayer conforms us to God's leadership; we discover God’s will for our lives.
Prayer builds endurance and helps us focus on a hopeful future. (Rom. 12:11-12).
___________________________________________
October 6th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Christ, the Servant King
Title: The First Last Supper
Text: Mark 14:12-26
Campus: Rivermont
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
Mark 14:12
So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”
The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
Mark 14:13-16
When evening came, he arrived with the Twelve.
Mark 14:17
While they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
They began to be distressed and to say to him one by one, “Surely not I?”
He said to them, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping bread in the bowl with me. For the Son of Man will go just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born.”
Mark 14:18-21
Click here to see image: Lord’s Supper
Click here to see image: Paris Olympics
As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them,and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Mark 14:22-26
“I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again.”
John 10:17-18
As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them,and said, “Take it; this is my body
Mark 14:22
He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves. He kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Everyone ate and was satisfied.
Mark 6:41-42
Taking the seven loaves, he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people. So they served them to the crowd. They also had a few small fish, and after he had blessed them, he said these were to be served as well. They ate and were satisfied.
Mark 8:6-8
God is love…and this is how we know what love is: not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:7, 10
Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Mark 14:23-25
_________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Christ the Sevant King
Title: The Last Supper
Text: Mark 14:12-26
Campus: College Hill
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”
The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
Mark 14:12-16 (CSB)
When evening came, he arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
They began to be distressed and to say to him one by one, “Surely not I?”
He said to them, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping bread in the bowl with me. For the Son of Man will go just as it is written about him,but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born.”
Mark 14:17-21 (CSB)
Is it I, Lord?
So, then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself; in this way let him eat the bread and drink from the cup. For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.
1 Corinthians 11:27 (CSB)
"Holy and righteous God, we confess that we are a people of unclean lips, unclean hands and unclean hearts. We have broken your law times without number, and are guilty of pride, unbelief, self-centeredness and idolatry. Reveal to our hearts with the severity of our sin and the glory of your righteousness as we now acknowledge our sins in your holy presence.
We have had other gods before you.
We have taken your name in vain.
We have often destroyed our neighbor with our tongues.
We have committed adultery with our eyes.
We have stolen what is not ours and coveted what belongs to others.
We have lied to you and to others.
O God, we have sinned against your mercy times without number. If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, who could stand? How shall we answer you? We have no answer to your righteous wrath and just judgment. We have no answer.
But God Himself has mercifully provided one for us. We proclaim the name of Jesus."
Reflection & Confession: Is it I, Lord?
As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them,and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Mark 14:22-25 (CSB)
Click here to see image: Lord’s Supper
Celebrate what Jesus has forgiven & Pray with one another
_______________________________________________________
Series: Christ, the Servant King
Title: The First Last Supper
Text: Mark 14:12-26
Campus: Rivermont
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
Mark 14:12
So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”
The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
Mark 14:13-16
When evening came, he arrived with the Twelve.
Mark 14:17
While they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
They began to be distressed and to say to him one by one, “Surely not I?”
He said to them, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping bread in the bowl with me. For the Son of Man will go just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born.”
Mark 14:18-21
Click here to see image: Lord’s Supper
Click here to see image: Paris Olympics
As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them,and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Mark 14:22-26
“I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again.”
John 10:17-18
As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them,and said, “Take it; this is my body
Mark 14:22
He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves. He kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Everyone ate and was satisfied.
Mark 6:41-42
Taking the seven loaves, he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people. So they served them to the crowd. They also had a few small fish, and after he had blessed them, he said these were to be served as well. They ate and were satisfied.
Mark 8:6-8
God is love…and this is how we know what love is: not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:7, 10
Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Mark 14:23-25
_________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Christ the Sevant King
Title: The Last Supper
Text: Mark 14:12-26
Campus: College Hill
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”
The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
Mark 14:12-16 (CSB)
When evening came, he arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
They began to be distressed and to say to him one by one, “Surely not I?”
He said to them, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping bread in the bowl with me. For the Son of Man will go just as it is written about him,but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born.”
Mark 14:17-21 (CSB)
Is it I, Lord?
So, then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself; in this way let him eat the bread and drink from the cup. For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.
1 Corinthians 11:27 (CSB)
"Holy and righteous God, we confess that we are a people of unclean lips, unclean hands and unclean hearts. We have broken your law times without number, and are guilty of pride, unbelief, self-centeredness and idolatry. Reveal to our hearts with the severity of our sin and the glory of your righteousness as we now acknowledge our sins in your holy presence.
We have had other gods before you.
We have taken your name in vain.
We have often destroyed our neighbor with our tongues.
We have committed adultery with our eyes.
We have stolen what is not ours and coveted what belongs to others.
We have lied to you and to others.
O God, we have sinned against your mercy times without number. If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, who could stand? How shall we answer you? We have no answer to your righteous wrath and just judgment. We have no answer.
But God Himself has mercifully provided one for us. We proclaim the name of Jesus."
Reflection & Confession: Is it I, Lord?
As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them,and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Mark 14:22-25 (CSB)
Click here to see image: Lord’s Supper
Celebrate what Jesus has forgiven & Pray with one another
_______________________________________________________
September 29th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Beauty Will Save the World
Text: Mark 14:1-11
Campus: Rivermont
“Beauty will save the world.”
~ the Prince in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s, The Idiot.
It was two days before the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a cunning way to arrest Jesus and kill him. “Not during the festival,” they said, “so that there won’t be a riot among the people.”
Mark 14:1-2
“April is the cruelest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.”
~ In The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot
While he was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper,[a] as he was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured it on his head.
Mark 14:3
But some were expressing indignation to one another: “Why has this perfume been wasted? For this perfume might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they began to scold her.
Mark 14:4-5
Happy is one who is considerate of the poor; the Lord will save him in a day of adversity.
The Lord will keep him and preserve him; he will be blessed in the land. You will not give him over to the desire of his enemies.
The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed; you will heal him on the bed where he lies.
I said, “Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
My enemies speak maliciously about me: “When will he die and be forgotten?”
When one of them comes to visit, he speaks deceitfully; he stores up evil in his heart; he goes out and talks. All who hate me whisper together about me; they plan to harm me.
“Something awful has overwhelmed him, and he won’t rise again from where he lies!”
Even my friend in whom I trusted, one who ate my bread, has raised his heel against me.
But you, Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up; then I will repay them.
By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy does not shout in triumph over me.
You supported me because of my integrity and set me in your presence forever.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and amen.
Psalm 41:1-13
Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a noble thing for me. You always have the poor with you, and you can do what is good for them whenever you want, but you do not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body in advance for burial.
Mark 14:6-8
For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, “Open your hand willingly to your poor and needy brother in your land.”
Deuteronomy 15:11
Greek: kalos (καλός) = Beautiful, of whole & good inward nature, manifesting in the external demonstration of beauty, goodness, and truth.
Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.
Mark 14:9
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. And when they heard this, they were glad and promised to give him money. So he started looking for a good opportunity to betray him.
Mark 14:10-11
“The Holy Spirit is (like) the direct seizure, the grasping of Beauty.”
~ Fyodor Dostoevsky
“Late have I loved you, beauty so ancient and so new. Late have I loved you! But there you were, inside, and I was outside–and there I searched for you, and into those shapely things you made, my misshapen self went sliding. You were with me, but I wasn’t with you. Those things which wouldn’t exist unless they existed in you, held me back, far from you. You called and shouted and shattered my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you put my blindness to flight. You smelled sweet, and I drew breath, and now I breathe only for you. I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, and now I hunger and thirst for you. You came near and I burst into flame with desire for your presence.”
~ St. Augustine, Confessions (Book 10, Chapter 38)
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Christ, the Servant King
Text: Mark 14:1-11 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
It was two days before the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a cunning way to arrest Jesus and kill him. “Not during the festival,” they said, “so that there won’t be a riot among the people.”
While he was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured it on his head. But some were expressing indignation to one another: “Why has this perfume been waste For this perfume might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they began to scold her.
Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a noble thing for me. You always have the poor with you, and you can do what is good for them whenever you want, but you do not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body in advance for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. And when they heard this, they were glad and promised to give him money. So he started looking for a good opportunity to betray him.
Mark 14:1-11.
Common ways people relate to Jesus:
1) Rejection (vv. 1-2)
Jesus challenges our status quo.
We reject Jesus when we allow our own comfort and stability to drown out the righteousness of God.
Common ways people relate to Jesus:
2) Devotion (vv. 3-9)
Any sacrifice that we make with a heart of love that’s dedicated to King Jesus is worth it.
Jesus is worth it: knowing him and making him known is worth it.
Common ways people relate to Jesus:
3) Betrayal (v. 10)
Knowing about Jesus is not enough to change our hearts.
Our own response to Jesus is often shaped by our relationship with grace.
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
James 4:6
____________________________________________
Series: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Beauty Will Save the World
Text: Mark 14:1-11
Campus: Rivermont
“Beauty will save the world.”
~ the Prince in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s, The Idiot.
It was two days before the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a cunning way to arrest Jesus and kill him. “Not during the festival,” they said, “so that there won’t be a riot among the people.”
Mark 14:1-2
“April is the cruelest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.”
~ In The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot
While he was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper,[a] as he was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured it on his head.
Mark 14:3
But some were expressing indignation to one another: “Why has this perfume been wasted? For this perfume might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they began to scold her.
Mark 14:4-5
Happy is one who is considerate of the poor; the Lord will save him in a day of adversity.
The Lord will keep him and preserve him; he will be blessed in the land. You will not give him over to the desire of his enemies.
The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed; you will heal him on the bed where he lies.
I said, “Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
My enemies speak maliciously about me: “When will he die and be forgotten?”
When one of them comes to visit, he speaks deceitfully; he stores up evil in his heart; he goes out and talks. All who hate me whisper together about me; they plan to harm me.
“Something awful has overwhelmed him, and he won’t rise again from where he lies!”
Even my friend in whom I trusted, one who ate my bread, has raised his heel against me.
But you, Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up; then I will repay them.
By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy does not shout in triumph over me.
You supported me because of my integrity and set me in your presence forever.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and amen.
Psalm 41:1-13
Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a noble thing for me. You always have the poor with you, and you can do what is good for them whenever you want, but you do not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body in advance for burial.
Mark 14:6-8
For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, “Open your hand willingly to your poor and needy brother in your land.”
Deuteronomy 15:11
Greek: kalos (καλός) = Beautiful, of whole & good inward nature, manifesting in the external demonstration of beauty, goodness, and truth.
Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.
Mark 14:9
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. And when they heard this, they were glad and promised to give him money. So he started looking for a good opportunity to betray him.
Mark 14:10-11
“The Holy Spirit is (like) the direct seizure, the grasping of Beauty.”
~ Fyodor Dostoevsky
“Late have I loved you, beauty so ancient and so new. Late have I loved you! But there you were, inside, and I was outside–and there I searched for you, and into those shapely things you made, my misshapen self went sliding. You were with me, but I wasn’t with you. Those things which wouldn’t exist unless they existed in you, held me back, far from you. You called and shouted and shattered my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you put my blindness to flight. You smelled sweet, and I drew breath, and now I breathe only for you. I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, and now I hunger and thirst for you. You came near and I burst into flame with desire for your presence.”
~ St. Augustine, Confessions (Book 10, Chapter 38)
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Christ, the Servant King
Text: Mark 14:1-11 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
It was two days before the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a cunning way to arrest Jesus and kill him. “Not during the festival,” they said, “so that there won’t be a riot among the people.”
While he was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured it on his head. But some were expressing indignation to one another: “Why has this perfume been waste For this perfume might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they began to scold her.
Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a noble thing for me. You always have the poor with you, and you can do what is good for them whenever you want, but you do not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body in advance for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. And when they heard this, they were glad and promised to give him money. So he started looking for a good opportunity to betray him.
Mark 14:1-11.
Common ways people relate to Jesus:
1) Rejection (vv. 1-2)
Jesus challenges our status quo.
We reject Jesus when we allow our own comfort and stability to drown out the righteousness of God.
Common ways people relate to Jesus:
2) Devotion (vv. 3-9)
Any sacrifice that we make with a heart of love that’s dedicated to King Jesus is worth it.
Jesus is worth it: knowing him and making him known is worth it.
Common ways people relate to Jesus:
3) Betrayal (v. 10)
Knowing about Jesus is not enough to change our hearts.
Our own response to Jesus is often shaped by our relationship with grace.
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
James 4:6
____________________________________________
September 22nd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Mark: Christ the Servant King
Title: It’ll Be A Day Like This One (When The World Caves In)
Text: Mark 13:1-37
Campus: Rivermont
As he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What massive stones! What impressive buildings!”
Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another—all will be thrown down.”
While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”
Jesus told them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and they will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed; these things must take place, but it is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
“But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to local courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them. And it is necessary that the gospel be preached to all nations. So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of my name, but the one who endures to the end will be saved.
“When you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. A man on the housetop must not come down or go in to get anything out of his house, and a man in the field must not go back to get his coat. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days!
“Pray it won’t happen in winter. For those will be days of tribulation, the kind that hasn’t been from the beginning of creation, which God created, until now and never will be again. If the Lord had not cut those days short, no one would be saved. But he cut those days short for the sake of the elect, whom he chose.
“Then if anyone tells you, ‘See, here is the Messiah! See, there!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect. And you must watch! I have told you everything in advance.
“But in those days, after that tribulation: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
“Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize[e] that he[f] is near—at the door.
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
“Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son —but only the Father.
“Watch! Be alert![g] For you don’t know when the time is coming.
“It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!”
Mark 13:1-37
As he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What massive stones! What impressive buildings!”
Mark 13:1
Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another—all will be thrown down.”
Mark 13:2
While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”
Jesus told them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and they will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed; these things must take place, but it is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
Mark 13:3-8
“But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to local courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them. And it is necessary that the gospel be preached to all nations. So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:9-11
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 You will be hated by everyone because of my name, but the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Mark 13:12-13
“When you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Mark 13:14
A man on the housetop must not come down or go in to get anything out of his house, and a man in the field must not go back to get his coat. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days!
“Pray it[d] won’t happen in winter. For those will be days of tribulation, the kind that hasn’t been from the beginning of creation, which God created, until now and never will be again. If the Lord had not cut those days short, no one would be saved. But he cut those days short for the sake of the elect, whom he chose.
“Then if anyone tells you, ‘See, here is the Messiah! See, there!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect. And you must watch! I have told you everything in advance.
Mark 13:15-23
Apocalypse: Greek, “apocalupsis” = revelation, unveiling.
Examples of Apocalyptic Books/Chapters in the New Testament:
“But in those days, after that tribulation: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
“Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize that he is near—at the door.
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Mark 13:24-31
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Mark 13:31
“Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son —but only the Father.
“Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.
“It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!”
Mark 13:32-37
In the same way, when you see these things happening, recogniz that he is near—at the door.
Mark 13:29
It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert.
Mark 13:34
I continued watching in the night visions, and suddenly one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him.
He was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13-14
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
He grew up before him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at him, no appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him.
Isaiah 53:1-3
Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.
Isaiah 53:4-5
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Follow me and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find renewal for your souls. For my way is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
__________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Mark: Christ the Servant King
Text: Mark 13
Campus: College Hill
As he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What massive stones! What impressive buildings!”
Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another—all will be thrown down.”
While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”
Jesus told them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and they will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed; these things must take place, but it is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
“But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to local courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them. And it is necessary that the gospel be preached to all nations. So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of my name, but the one who endures to the end will be saved.
“When you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. A man on the housetop must not come down or go in to get anything out of his house, and a man in the field must not go back to get his coat. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days!
“Pray it won’t happen in winter. For those will be days of tribulation, the kind that hasn’t been from the beginning of creation, which God created, until now and never will be again. If the Lord had not cut those days short, no one would be saved. But he cut those days short for the sake of the elect, whom he chose.
“Then if anyone tells you, ‘See, here is the Messiah! See, there!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect. And you must watch! I have told you everything in advance.
“But in those days, after that tribulation: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
“Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize that he is near—at the door.
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
“Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son —but only the Father.
“Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.
“It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!”
Mark 13:1-37
Two common mistakes when approaching “end-times” conversations:
Christ’s teaching about the end-times equips us to stay spiritually vigilant and grounded in the hope of the gospel.
Christ’s instructions about the end-times:
I. Pay attention to the source of your stability and hope (vv. 1-2)
II. Use discernment around global unrest and self-proclaimed saviors (vv. 5-8)
III. No matter how strange, complicated, or painful things get, stay rooted in the hope of the gospel (vv. 9-27)
IV. Live with a sense of urgency and expectation (vv. 32-37)
Christ’s teaching about the end times equips us to stay spiritually vigilant and grounded in the hope of the gospel.
Application:
Series: Mark: Christ the Servant King
Title: It’ll Be A Day Like This One (When The World Caves In)
Text: Mark 13:1-37
Campus: Rivermont
As he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What massive stones! What impressive buildings!”
Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another—all will be thrown down.”
While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”
Jesus told them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and they will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed; these things must take place, but it is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
“But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to local courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them. And it is necessary that the gospel be preached to all nations. So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of my name, but the one who endures to the end will be saved.
“When you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. A man on the housetop must not come down or go in to get anything out of his house, and a man in the field must not go back to get his coat. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days!
“Pray it won’t happen in winter. For those will be days of tribulation, the kind that hasn’t been from the beginning of creation, which God created, until now and never will be again. If the Lord had not cut those days short, no one would be saved. But he cut those days short for the sake of the elect, whom he chose.
“Then if anyone tells you, ‘See, here is the Messiah! See, there!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect. And you must watch! I have told you everything in advance.
“But in those days, after that tribulation: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
“Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize[e] that he[f] is near—at the door.
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
“Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son —but only the Father.
“Watch! Be alert![g] For you don’t know when the time is coming.
“It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!”
Mark 13:1-37
As he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What massive stones! What impressive buildings!”
Mark 13:1
Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another—all will be thrown down.”
Mark 13:2
While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”
Jesus told them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and they will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed; these things must take place, but it is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
Mark 13:3-8
“But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to local courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them. And it is necessary that the gospel be preached to all nations. So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:9-11
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 You will be hated by everyone because of my name, but the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Mark 13:12-13
“When you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Mark 13:14
A man on the housetop must not come down or go in to get anything out of his house, and a man in the field must not go back to get his coat. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days!
“Pray it[d] won’t happen in winter. For those will be days of tribulation, the kind that hasn’t been from the beginning of creation, which God created, until now and never will be again. If the Lord had not cut those days short, no one would be saved. But he cut those days short for the sake of the elect, whom he chose.
“Then if anyone tells you, ‘See, here is the Messiah! See, there!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect. And you must watch! I have told you everything in advance.
Mark 13:15-23
Apocalypse: Greek, “apocalupsis” = revelation, unveiling.
Examples of Apocalyptic Books/Chapters in the New Testament:
- The Revelation of Jesus Christ
- Ephesians
- Mark 13
“But in those days, after that tribulation: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
“Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize that he is near—at the door.
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Mark 13:24-31
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Mark 13:31
“Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son —but only the Father.
“Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.
“It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!”
Mark 13:32-37
In the same way, when you see these things happening, recogniz that he is near—at the door.
Mark 13:29
It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert.
Mark 13:34
I continued watching in the night visions, and suddenly one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him.
He was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13-14
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
He grew up before him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at him, no appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him.
Isaiah 53:1-3
Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.
Isaiah 53:4-5
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Follow me and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find renewal for your souls. For my way is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
__________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Mark: Christ the Servant King
Text: Mark 13
Campus: College Hill
As he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What massive stones! What impressive buildings!”
Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another—all will be thrown down.”
While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”
Jesus told them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and they will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed; these things must take place, but it is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
“But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to local courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them. And it is necessary that the gospel be preached to all nations. So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of my name, but the one who endures to the end will be saved.
“When you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. A man on the housetop must not come down or go in to get anything out of his house, and a man in the field must not go back to get his coat. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days!
“Pray it won’t happen in winter. For those will be days of tribulation, the kind that hasn’t been from the beginning of creation, which God created, until now and never will be again. If the Lord had not cut those days short, no one would be saved. But he cut those days short for the sake of the elect, whom he chose.
“Then if anyone tells you, ‘See, here is the Messiah! See, there!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect. And you must watch! I have told you everything in advance.
“But in those days, after that tribulation: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
“Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize that he is near—at the door.
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
“Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son —but only the Father.
“Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.
“It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!”
Mark 13:1-37
Two common mistakes when approaching “end-times” conversations:
- we obsess over the end times,
- we ignore the end times.
Christ’s teaching about the end-times equips us to stay spiritually vigilant and grounded in the hope of the gospel.
Christ’s instructions about the end-times:
I. Pay attention to the source of your stability and hope (vv. 1-2)
II. Use discernment around global unrest and self-proclaimed saviors (vv. 5-8)
III. No matter how strange, complicated, or painful things get, stay rooted in the hope of the gospel (vv. 9-27)
IV. Live with a sense of urgency and expectation (vv. 32-37)
Christ’s teaching about the end times equips us to stay spiritually vigilant and grounded in the hope of the gospel.
Application:
- Observe where there might be fear around things that feel unknown or unstable.
- Ask God to help you apply the hope of the gospel to every part of your life and to give you opportunities to share this hope with others.
September 15th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Christ the Servant King
Title: Wisdom in the Secret Place
Text: Mark 12:35-44
Campus: Rivermont
*Please Stand as we read God’s Word if you are able*
All: Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit that dwells within us, open all of our senses to encounter your Son Jesus, the living Word as we open Your written Word now. Amen.
While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he asked, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself says by the Holy Spirit:
The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies under your feet.’
David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How, then, can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.
He also said in his teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who want greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher judgment.”
Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had —all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:35-44
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
If you could ask God one question, what would you ask?
Jesus was asked 187 questions, asked over 300, and directly answered only 8 (some scholars argue 3).
My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of thieves!
Mark 11:17
They came again to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came and asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do these things?”
Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Mark 11:27-29
Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus to trap him in his words. When they came, they said to him, “Teacher, we know you are truthful and don’t care what anyone thinks, nor do you show partiality but teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
Mark 12:13-14
Why are you testing me?
Mark 12:15
In the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be, since the seven had married her?”
Mark 12:23
Jesus spoke to them, “Isn’t this the reason why you’re mistaken: you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God?”
Mark 12:24
One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, teacher. You have correctly said that he is one, and there is no one else except him. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question him any longer.
Mark 12:28-34
While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he asked, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself says by the Holy Spirit:
The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies under your feet.’
David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How, then, can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.
Mark 12:35-37
The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Ecclesiastes 1:1
The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and write words of truth accurately. The sayings of the wise are like cattle prods, and those from masters of collections are like firmly embedded nails. The sayings are given by one Shepherd.
But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:10-14
He also said in his teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who want greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher judgment.”
Mark 12:38-40
Click here to see image: Secret Place of Thunder
You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the secret place of thunder.
Psalm 81:7
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Psalm 51:6
...your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:3
Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had —all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Christ the Servant King
Text: Mark 12:38-44
Campus: Rivermont
The call to repentance and faith is an invitation to spiritual and personal transformation.
Is our Christian discipleship more like the corrupt earthly systems or is it more like the way of Jesus?
He also said in his teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who want greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher judgment.”
Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had —all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:38-44 (CSB)
The currency of God’s kingdom is different from our earthly value systems.
Test #1: Pharisees – the question of taxation (vv. 13-17)
Test #2: Sadducees – the question of the resurrection (vv. 18-27)
Text #3: scribes – the question of scriptural interpretation (vv. 28-40)
By contrasting the scribes with the poor widow, Jesus helps us to see that God isn’t looking for outward religious adherence but for genuine and generous faith.
For Jesus, the value of a gift is not the amount given, but the cost to the giver.
Model of discipleship – no gift that we authentically give to God, whether it’s time, money, or talent is too insignificant to give.
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29 (CSB)
_____________________________________________
Series: Christ the Servant King
Title: Wisdom in the Secret Place
Text: Mark 12:35-44
Campus: Rivermont
*Please Stand as we read God’s Word if you are able*
All: Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit that dwells within us, open all of our senses to encounter your Son Jesus, the living Word as we open Your written Word now. Amen.
While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he asked, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself says by the Holy Spirit:
The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies under your feet.’
David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How, then, can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.
He also said in his teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who want greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher judgment.”
Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had —all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:35-44
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
If you could ask God one question, what would you ask?
Jesus was asked 187 questions, asked over 300, and directly answered only 8 (some scholars argue 3).
My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of thieves!
Mark 11:17
They came again to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came and asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do these things?”
Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Mark 11:27-29
Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus to trap him in his words. When they came, they said to him, “Teacher, we know you are truthful and don’t care what anyone thinks, nor do you show partiality but teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
Mark 12:13-14
Why are you testing me?
Mark 12:15
In the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be, since the seven had married her?”
Mark 12:23
Jesus spoke to them, “Isn’t this the reason why you’re mistaken: you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God?”
Mark 12:24
One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, teacher. You have correctly said that he is one, and there is no one else except him. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question him any longer.
Mark 12:28-34
While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he asked, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself says by the Holy Spirit:
The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies under your feet.’
David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How, then, can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.
Mark 12:35-37
The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Ecclesiastes 1:1
The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and write words of truth accurately. The sayings of the wise are like cattle prods, and those from masters of collections are like firmly embedded nails. The sayings are given by one Shepherd.
But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:10-14
He also said in his teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who want greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher judgment.”
Mark 12:38-40
Click here to see image: Secret Place of Thunder
You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the secret place of thunder.
Psalm 81:7
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Psalm 51:6
...your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:3
Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had —all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Christ the Servant King
Text: Mark 12:38-44
Campus: Rivermont
The call to repentance and faith is an invitation to spiritual and personal transformation.
Is our Christian discipleship more like the corrupt earthly systems or is it more like the way of Jesus?
He also said in his teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who want greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher judgment.”
Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had —all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:38-44 (CSB)
The currency of God’s kingdom is different from our earthly value systems.
Test #1: Pharisees – the question of taxation (vv. 13-17)
Test #2: Sadducees – the question of the resurrection (vv. 18-27)
Text #3: scribes – the question of scriptural interpretation (vv. 28-40)
By contrasting the scribes with the poor widow, Jesus helps us to see that God isn’t looking for outward religious adherence but for genuine and generous faith.
For Jesus, the value of a gift is not the amount given, but the cost to the giver.
Model of discipleship – no gift that we authentically give to God, whether it’s time, money, or talent is too insignificant to give.
- Does our Christian discipleship look more like corrupt earthly systems, or does it look more like the way of Jesus?
- Does our Christianity look more like the first-century religious establishment or like the poor widow?
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29 (CSB)
_____________________________________________
September 8th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Come and See
Title: Come and See Christ the Servant King
Text: Mark 1:1, 14-15, 8:27-9:1, 10:45
Campus: Rivermont
Jesus’ invitation to discipleship begins with “Come & See” and then culminates in “Follow Me”;
~ from Encounter to Discipleship.
Come & See Christ the Servant King.
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight!”
John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.
He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”
Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.
Mark 1:1-13
Click here to see image: Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark is written to Christians who are in the cultural minority who are now realizing that being a disciple of Jesus is going to cost them greatly.
Click here to see image: Worship, Prototype, Imagination
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”
Mark 1:1, 11
Click here to see image: worship
Click here to see image: prototype
Click here to see image: imagination
Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. 1He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.
Mark 1:12-13
Core Theme: The Urgency and Mystery of Discipleship (Immediately).
After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14-15
And he said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.”
Mark 1:38
8 Core Essentials of Discipleship according to Jesus in Mark’s Gospel*:
SURRENDER: MARK 8:31-37
Following Jesus > Self-actualization
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concern but human concerns.”
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life?
Mark 8:31-37
Click here to see image: Henri Nouwen: The Selfless way of Christ
The call to follow Jesus is a call to surrender self-will and control over our identity and the outcomes of our lives.
HUMILITY AND SERVICE: MARK 10:35-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them.
They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.”
Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We are able,” they told him.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:35-45
Sacrificial generosity:
"Moved by the heart of God, we are present to the needs of others and determined to become generous in all things. With our time, talent, and treasure we will meet the needs of others, resist consumerism, and remain committed to giving all we have for the glory of God and the good of others. We are those who have found our lives by laying them down for the sake of others."
Scripture: Proverbs 11:24-26, Matthew 6, Matthew 23:23, Luke 12:13-21, Mark 8:34-37, Galatians 2:10, 1 Timothy 6:3-10, Hebrews 13:1-6, Philippians 4:10-20, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, James 1:17
Who is Jesus to me?
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Come and See
Title: Come and See Christ the Servant King
Text: : Mark 1:15, 10:35-44
Campus: College Hill
Sacrificial generosity.
“Moved by the heart of God, we are present to the needs of others and determined to become generous in all things.
With our time, talent, and treasure we will meet the needs of others, resist consumerism, and remain committed to giving all we have for the glory of God and the good of others.
We are those who have found our lives by laying them down for the sake of others.”
Scripture: Proverbs 11:24-26, Matthew 6, Matthew 23:23, Luke 12:13-21, Galatians 2:10, 1 Timothy 6:3-10, Hebrews 13:1-6, Philippians 4:10-20, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, James 1:17
After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.”
Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 1:14-20 (CSB)
The good news of Jesus’ presence and the good news of Jesus’ message (Mark 1:14-15).
1) God has fulfilled his Messianic promises.
2) There is a new way of being.
Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:42-45 (CSB)
Jesus didn’t come to demand sacrifice but to become the sacrifice.
Jesus is calling every follower to radical surrender in the context of our ordinary lives.
Sacrificial generosity.
“Moved by the heart of God, we are present to the needs of others and determined to become generous in all things.
With our time, talent, and treasure we will meet the needs of others, resist consumerism, and remain committed to giving all we have for the glory of God and the good of others.
We are those who have found our lives by laying them down for the sake of others.”
How can each of us begin to reflect sacrificial generosity and what kind of fruit would this bear?
_______________________________________
Series: Come and See
Title: Come and See Christ the Servant King
Text: Mark 1:1, 14-15, 8:27-9:1, 10:45
Campus: Rivermont
Jesus’ invitation to discipleship begins with “Come & See” and then culminates in “Follow Me”;
~ from Encounter to Discipleship.
Come & See Christ the Servant King.
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight!”
John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.
He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”
Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.
Mark 1:1-13
Click here to see image: Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark is written to Christians who are in the cultural minority who are now realizing that being a disciple of Jesus is going to cost them greatly.
Click here to see image: Worship, Prototype, Imagination
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”
Mark 1:1, 11
Click here to see image: worship
Click here to see image: prototype
Click here to see image: imagination
Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. 1He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.
Mark 1:12-13
Core Theme: The Urgency and Mystery of Discipleship (Immediately).
After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14-15
And he said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.”
Mark 1:38
8 Core Essentials of Discipleship according to Jesus in Mark’s Gospel*:
- Surrender (Mark 8:31-9:1)
- Faith (Mark 1:16-28)
- Prayer (Mark 1:35, Mark 9:14-29)
- Cultivating the Soil of the Heart (Mark 4:1-20, 7:14-23)
- Humility and Service (Mark 10:35-45)
- Forgiveness (Mark 2:5-12, 11:25)
- Paying Attention to what has our Attention (Mark 13:32-37)
- Demonstrating & Declaring the Gospel (Mark 1:14-15, 3:14-15)
SURRENDER: MARK 8:31-37
Following Jesus > Self-actualization
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concern but human concerns.”
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life?
Mark 8:31-37
Click here to see image: Henri Nouwen: The Selfless way of Christ
The call to follow Jesus is a call to surrender self-will and control over our identity and the outcomes of our lives.
HUMILITY AND SERVICE: MARK 10:35-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them.
They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.”
Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We are able,” they told him.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:35-45
Sacrificial generosity:
"Moved by the heart of God, we are present to the needs of others and determined to become generous in all things. With our time, talent, and treasure we will meet the needs of others, resist consumerism, and remain committed to giving all we have for the glory of God and the good of others. We are those who have found our lives by laying them down for the sake of others."
Scripture: Proverbs 11:24-26, Matthew 6, Matthew 23:23, Luke 12:13-21, Mark 8:34-37, Galatians 2:10, 1 Timothy 6:3-10, Hebrews 13:1-6, Philippians 4:10-20, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, James 1:17
Who is Jesus to me?
- Have I encountered the real and living Jesus, or have I settled for knowing about him or rejecting him from afar?
- Is it possible that I might have settled for a form of Cultural Christianity instead of pursuing authentic discipleship to Jesus?
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Come and See
Title: Come and See Christ the Servant King
Text: : Mark 1:15, 10:35-44
Campus: College Hill
Sacrificial generosity.
“Moved by the heart of God, we are present to the needs of others and determined to become generous in all things.
With our time, talent, and treasure we will meet the needs of others, resist consumerism, and remain committed to giving all we have for the glory of God and the good of others.
We are those who have found our lives by laying them down for the sake of others.”
Scripture: Proverbs 11:24-26, Matthew 6, Matthew 23:23, Luke 12:13-21, Galatians 2:10, 1 Timothy 6:3-10, Hebrews 13:1-6, Philippians 4:10-20, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, James 1:17
After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.”
Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 1:14-20 (CSB)
The good news of Jesus’ presence and the good news of Jesus’ message (Mark 1:14-15).
1) God has fulfilled his Messianic promises.
2) There is a new way of being.
- God’s kingdom is mysterious.
- God’s kingdom grows.
- God’s kingdom involves sacrifice.
- There is a future expression, future fulfillment, of God’s kingdom.
- God’s kingdom requires a response.
Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:42-45 (CSB)
Jesus didn’t come to demand sacrifice but to become the sacrifice.
Jesus is calling every follower to radical surrender in the context of our ordinary lives.
Sacrificial generosity.
“Moved by the heart of God, we are present to the needs of others and determined to become generous in all things.
With our time, talent, and treasure we will meet the needs of others, resist consumerism, and remain committed to giving all we have for the glory of God and the good of others.
We are those who have found our lives by laying them down for the sake of others.”
How can each of us begin to reflect sacrificial generosity and what kind of fruit would this bear?
_______________________________________
September 1st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Tim Moroz
Series: Come and See
Title: Walking with Jesus
Text: Luke 24:13-25 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
There is a connection between revelation and receptivity.
Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
Luke 24:17–24
More often than not, evangelism is about questions, not answers.
Presence & Interest
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
Luke 24:25–27
“They, like everybody else in Israel, had been reading the Bible through the wrong end of the telescope. They had been seeing it as the long story of how God would redeem Israel from suffering, but it was instead the story of how God would redeem Israel through suffering;”
~ NT Wright
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:28–35
“Our homes are to be hospitals—refuges of healing radiating the light of heaven. And our dinner tables are to be operating tables—the place where broken souls are made whole again. When we lower our defenses, when we remove our façades and our peepholes, and we begin to be truly present with one another—then the healing power of the gospel can begin its work.”
~ Skye Jethani
Trust > Curiosity > Openness > Seeking > Following
“The slow, sad dismay at the failure of human hopes; the turning to someone who might or might not help; the discovery that in scripture, all unexpected, there lay keys which might unlock the central mysteries and enable us to find the truth; the sudden realization of Jesus himself, present with us, warming our hearts with his truth, showing us himself as bread is broken. This describes the experience of innumerable Christians, and indeed goes quite a long way to explaining what it is about Christianity that grasps us and holds us in the face of so much that is wrong with the world, with the church, and with ourselves.”
~ NT Wright
Click here to see image: Taste of Alpha
Click here to see image: Tuesday Prayer
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Come & See
Title: Burning Hearts
Text: Luke 24:13-35
Campus: College Hill
Goal:
Preaching edge: That our hearts would burn within us for the presence and person of Jesus in our lives
Teaching edge: Presenting practical tools, insights, and approaches for engaging our modern world with the Gospel of Jesus
Click here to see image: Trends
Click here to see image: Graph
Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:13-35 (CSB)
Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them.
Luke 24:13-15
The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened.
Luke 24:19b-21
But they were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
Luke 24:16-18
“This concealment represents the spiritual blindness of humanity without divine grace. He writes that Christ’s hiddenness and subsequent revelation to the disciples signify the mystery of faith—Christ is not recognized by physical sight but by spiritual insight, given by grace.”
~ St. Augustine
“This was not due to any change in Jesus’ appearance, but rather a spiritual blindness on their part. He suggests that this blindness represents the condition of those who are slow to believe the full message of the Gospel or those who are preoccupied with earthly concerns.”
~ Charles Spurgeon
Two observations:
Personal Lens: A focus on the crucifixion as the end of Jesus' mission shows a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' messiahship. (lack of resurrection power)
Evangelism Lens: This may symbolize the gradual unveiling of spiritual truths that often requires a process. Just as evangelism often involves a journey of discovery, where individuals gradually come to understand who Jesus is, this passage shows that recognizing Jesus is both a spiritual and relational process.
Jesus meets you and will meet (x) person no matter where you are, where they have been, and no matter the lack of understanding or spiritual blindness within an individual.
The 5 levels of communication:
Dangers of moving too quickly in communication:
We build trust by developing habits that foster stability instead of suspicion
Creating stability in relationships:
This is how we create suspicion in our relationships:
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
Luke 24:25-27
“Jesus, in explaining the Scriptures to the disciples, provides the key to understanding all of Scripture—Himself. This is a lesson that Scripture must be interpreted Christocentrically; every part of the Bible points to Christ. When the Lord expounded the Scriptures, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he was himself revealed through the sacred writings. The hearts of the disciples were set on fire, because Jesus was revealing himself to them.”
~ Augustine
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:28-32
“Christ does not always force his gifts upon us, unsought and unsolicited. He loves to draw out our desires, and to compel us to exercise our spiritual affections, by waiting for our prayers.” The Lord enjoys being sought and desired, He’s pulling out of us our truer and deeper desire for him.”
~ J.C. Ryle
The disciples’ story is one of “post-crucifixion” confusion and hopelessness, to one of “post-resurrection” enlightenment, and mission.
Response:
Series: Come and See
Title: Walking with Jesus
Text: Luke 24:13-25 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
There is a connection between revelation and receptivity.
Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
Luke 24:17–24
More often than not, evangelism is about questions, not answers.
Presence & Interest
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
Luke 24:25–27
“They, like everybody else in Israel, had been reading the Bible through the wrong end of the telescope. They had been seeing it as the long story of how God would redeem Israel from suffering, but it was instead the story of how God would redeem Israel through suffering;”
~ NT Wright
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:28–35
“Our homes are to be hospitals—refuges of healing radiating the light of heaven. And our dinner tables are to be operating tables—the place where broken souls are made whole again. When we lower our defenses, when we remove our façades and our peepholes, and we begin to be truly present with one another—then the healing power of the gospel can begin its work.”
~ Skye Jethani
Trust > Curiosity > Openness > Seeking > Following
“The slow, sad dismay at the failure of human hopes; the turning to someone who might or might not help; the discovery that in scripture, all unexpected, there lay keys which might unlock the central mysteries and enable us to find the truth; the sudden realization of Jesus himself, present with us, warming our hearts with his truth, showing us himself as bread is broken. This describes the experience of innumerable Christians, and indeed goes quite a long way to explaining what it is about Christianity that grasps us and holds us in the face of so much that is wrong with the world, with the church, and with ourselves.”
~ NT Wright
Click here to see image: Taste of Alpha
Click here to see image: Tuesday Prayer
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Come & See
Title: Burning Hearts
Text: Luke 24:13-35
Campus: College Hill
Goal:
Preaching edge: That our hearts would burn within us for the presence and person of Jesus in our lives
Teaching edge: Presenting practical tools, insights, and approaches for engaging our modern world with the Gospel of Jesus
Click here to see image: Trends
Click here to see image: Graph
Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:13-35 (CSB)
Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them.
Luke 24:13-15
The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened.
Luke 24:19b-21
But they were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
Luke 24:16-18
“This concealment represents the spiritual blindness of humanity without divine grace. He writes that Christ’s hiddenness and subsequent revelation to the disciples signify the mystery of faith—Christ is not recognized by physical sight but by spiritual insight, given by grace.”
~ St. Augustine
“This was not due to any change in Jesus’ appearance, but rather a spiritual blindness on their part. He suggests that this blindness represents the condition of those who are slow to believe the full message of the Gospel or those who are preoccupied with earthly concerns.”
~ Charles Spurgeon
Two observations:
Personal Lens: A focus on the crucifixion as the end of Jesus' mission shows a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' messiahship. (lack of resurrection power)
Evangelism Lens: This may symbolize the gradual unveiling of spiritual truths that often requires a process. Just as evangelism often involves a journey of discovery, where individuals gradually come to understand who Jesus is, this passage shows that recognizing Jesus is both a spiritual and relational process.
Jesus meets you and will meet (x) person no matter where you are, where they have been, and no matter the lack of understanding or spiritual blindness within an individual.
The 5 levels of communication:
- Cliché Conversation
- Reporting Facts About Others
- My Ideas and Judgments
- My Feelings (Emotions) or “Gut-Level”
- Peak Communication
Dangers of moving too quickly in communication:
- Misalignment in communication levels
- Relationships Strain
We build trust by developing habits that foster stability instead of suspicion
Creating stability in relationships:
- We deliver on what we say we will do
- We say we’re sorry when we can’t follow through
- We forgive and release someone who says they are sorry
- When our expectations are unmet, we communicate face-to-face
- We do put in effort when relationships break down.
This is how we create suspicion in our relationships:
- We attribute negative motives to people before we speak with them
- We speak passive-aggressively about people when we’re disappointed with them
- We abandon relationships that are difficult to maintain
- We hide big choice we’re making
- We don’t follow up with someone when they don’t show up
- We avoid those who are different in opinion or culture
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
Luke 24:25-27
“Jesus, in explaining the Scriptures to the disciples, provides the key to understanding all of Scripture—Himself. This is a lesson that Scripture must be interpreted Christocentrically; every part of the Bible points to Christ. When the Lord expounded the Scriptures, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he was himself revealed through the sacred writings. The hearts of the disciples were set on fire, because Jesus was revealing himself to them.”
~ Augustine
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:28-32
“Christ does not always force his gifts upon us, unsought and unsolicited. He loves to draw out our desires, and to compel us to exercise our spiritual affections, by waiting for our prayers.” The Lord enjoys being sought and desired, He’s pulling out of us our truer and deeper desire for him.”
~ J.C. Ryle
The disciples’ story is one of “post-crucifixion” confusion and hopelessness, to one of “post-resurrection” enlightenment, and mission.
Response:
- Pray on behalf of a non-believer
- Pray that your own heart would burn for the presence of Jesus
August 25th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series/Title: Come and See
Text: John 1:29-51
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see Bumper Video
Prayer of Illumination:
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Fill us with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Amen.
The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?”
They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come and you’ll see,” he replied.
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.
John 1:35-39
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks Be to God
Those who have encountered Jesus go and tell what they’ve seen and heard, and then invite others to come and see Jesus for themselves.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ I didn’t know him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”
And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he rested on him. I didn’t know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The one you see the Spirit descending and resting on—he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
John 1:29-34
I must decrease, he must increase.
John 3:30
The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?”
John 1:35-38a
Jesus was asked 187 questions, asked over 300, and directly answered only 8 (some scholars argue 3).
Click here to see image: Taste of Alpha
https://storage2.snappages.site/MK36D3/assets/images/16490353_640x640_2500.jpg
Q: What is alpha?
A: Alpha is a radically hospitable environment for people to ask questions and encounter the living Jesus.
They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.
John 1:38b-39
Click here to see image: “Unreasonable Hospitality”
Hospitality (Gk): Philo = sibling love + xenia = stranger. Loving the stranger like your own family.
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus.
John 1:40-42
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. He found Philip and told him, “Follow me.”
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him.
John 1:43-46
Question:
Have I encountered the living Jesus, or have I settled for mere intellectual ascent or religious affiliation?
Invitation:
Come and See.
Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.
“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered.
“Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!”
Jesus responded to him, “Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” Then he said, “Truly I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
John 1:47-51
________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Tim Moroz
Series: Come and See
Title: Journey of Faith
Text: John 1:29-51
Campus: College Hill
Four Vignettes
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ I didn’t know him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”
John 1:29-31 (CSB)
Trust > Curiosity > Openness > Seeking > Following
“There is something spiritually liberating when we admit and declare what is beyond us and where we are powerless. We cannot create life. It is impossible for us to predict why some of our friends will choose Jesus and why others just won’t. We don’t know how to change hearts… This lesson has freed us from the modern temptation to view conversion as mostly a psychological phenomenon, an inner event that can be controlled and manipulated and triggered if we preach the gospel just right…”
~ Don Everts
A whopping 79% of non-Christians surveyed said, “If a friend of mine really values their faith, I don’t mind talking about it with them
Three Reasons We Don’t Share Our Faith
Series/Title: Come and See
Text: John 1:29-51
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see Bumper Video
Prayer of Illumination:
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Fill us with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Amen.
The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?”
They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come and you’ll see,” he replied.
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.
John 1:35-39
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks Be to God
Those who have encountered Jesus go and tell what they’ve seen and heard, and then invite others to come and see Jesus for themselves.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ I didn’t know him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”
And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he rested on him. I didn’t know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The one you see the Spirit descending and resting on—he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
John 1:29-34
I must decrease, he must increase.
John 3:30
The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?”
John 1:35-38a
Jesus was asked 187 questions, asked over 300, and directly answered only 8 (some scholars argue 3).
Click here to see image: Taste of Alpha
https://storage2.snappages.site/MK36D3/assets/images/16490353_640x640_2500.jpg
Q: What is alpha?
A: Alpha is a radically hospitable environment for people to ask questions and encounter the living Jesus.
They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.
John 1:38b-39
Click here to see image: “Unreasonable Hospitality”
Hospitality (Gk): Philo = sibling love + xenia = stranger. Loving the stranger like your own family.
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus.
John 1:40-42
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. He found Philip and told him, “Follow me.”
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him.
John 1:43-46
Question:
Have I encountered the living Jesus, or have I settled for mere intellectual ascent or religious affiliation?
Invitation:
Come and See.
Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.
“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered.
“Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!”
Jesus responded to him, “Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” Then he said, “Truly I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
John 1:47-51
________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Tim Moroz
Series: Come and See
Title: Journey of Faith
Text: John 1:29-51
Campus: College Hill
Four Vignettes
- Andrew & a disciple
- Peter
- Phillip
- Nathaniel
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ I didn’t know him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”
John 1:29-31 (CSB)
Trust > Curiosity > Openness > Seeking > Following
“There is something spiritually liberating when we admit and declare what is beyond us and where we are powerless. We cannot create life. It is impossible for us to predict why some of our friends will choose Jesus and why others just won’t. We don’t know how to change hearts… This lesson has freed us from the modern temptation to view conversion as mostly a psychological phenomenon, an inner event that can be controlled and manipulated and triggered if we preach the gospel just right…”
~ Don Everts
- Millennial Christians know more unbelievers than older generations.
- Almost every single one of them believes sharing the Gospel is a part of their the Christian faith (96%).
- Most confident in being able to share their faith compared to other generations (73%).
- And yet… 47% believe that it’s wrong to share one’s personal beliefs with someone of a different faith in hopes that they will one day share that faith.
A whopping 79% of non-Christians surveyed said, “If a friend of mine really values their faith, I don’t mind talking about it with them
Three Reasons We Don’t Share Our Faith
- Fear of negatively affecting relationship.
- Fear of Rejection.
- Uncertainty with how to invite / when to speak up.
August 18th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Eric Blais
Series: Come and See
Title: Living Water
Text: John 4:1-42
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see Alpha video
Click here to see image: Taste of Alpha
Please Stand for the Reading of God's word:
Prayer of illumination:
Holy Spirit, Come.
Open my eyes,
open my ears,
Awaken all my senses to encounter You now.
Amen.
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
John 7:37-38
Leader: This is the Word of the God
Together: Thanks be to God
Motif
a distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition.
You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away, that you might comfort me.
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
“Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 12:1-6
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.
Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
Isaiah 55:1-5
for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:13
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
Revelation 21:5-6
LIVING WATER = THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.
John 4:1-6
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
John 4:7-9
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.”
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
John 4:10-15
Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”
The woman answered him, “I have no husband.”
Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.”
Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”
Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”
John 4:16-26
Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him.
John 4: 27-30
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
John 7:37-38
_______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: Come and See (part 2)
Text: John 4:1-42
Campus: College Hill
Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the water; and you without silver, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without silver and without cost! Why do you spend silver on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and you will enjoy the choicest of foods.
Isaiah 55:1-2
When Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard he was making and baptizing more disciples than John (though Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were), he left Judea and went again to Galilee. He had to travel through Samaria; so he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar near the property that Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. “Give me a drink,” Jesus said to her, because his disciples had gone into town to buy food.
“How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.
John 4:1-9
What barriers do we allow to get in the way of showing the love of Christ?
Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.”
“Sir,” said the woman, “you don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do you get this ‘living water’? You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and livestock.”
Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.”
“Sir,” the woman said to him, “give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and come here to draw water.”
John 4:10-15
“Go call your husband,” he told her, “and come back here.”
“I don’t have a husband,” she answered.
“You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’” Jesus said. “For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
John 4:16-18
When we encounter the living Jesus, He exposes our hearts. But in Jesus, it’s not an exposure that leads to shame, it’s an uncovering that leads to freedom.
“Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”
John 4:19-20
Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. (Jesus was born into the Jews.) But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”
The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.
Jesus told her, “I, the one speaking to you, am he.”
John 4:21-26
Just then his disciples arrived, and they were amazed that he was talking with a woman. Yet no one said, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They left the town and made their way to him.
John 4:27-30
Convincing someone to give their life to Jesus is the job of the Holy Spirit. Our call is to invite someone to Come and See this Jesus, to give them a taste of the living water that we get to drink freely from.
In the meantime the disciples kept urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.”
But he said, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.”
The disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought him something to eat?”
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work,” Jesus told them.
John 4:31-34
“Don’t you say, ‘There are still four more months, and then comes the harvest’? Listen to what I’m telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest. The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap what you didn’t labor for; others have labored, and you have benefited from their labor.”
John 4:35-38
Now many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of what the woman said when she testified, “He told me everything I ever did.”
So, when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. Many more believed because of what he said. And they told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, since we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”
John 4:39-42
COME TO ME, AND DRINK. THIS WATER IS FREE AND IS THE ONLY SOURCE THAT BRINGS LIFE. AND LIFE TO THE FULL.
Who is God putting on your heart to pray for their salvation?
Will you commit to praying for them for the next 21 days?
_______________________________________________
Series: Come and See
Title: Living Water
Text: John 4:1-42
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see Alpha video
Click here to see image: Taste of Alpha
Please Stand for the Reading of God's word:
Prayer of illumination:
Holy Spirit, Come.
Open my eyes,
open my ears,
Awaken all my senses to encounter You now.
Amen.
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
John 7:37-38
Leader: This is the Word of the God
Together: Thanks be to God
Motif
a distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition.
You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away, that you might comfort me.
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
“Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 12:1-6
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.
Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
Isaiah 55:1-5
for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:13
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
Revelation 21:5-6
LIVING WATER = THE PRESENCE OF GOD
- Access is free
- It's for everyone
- Its the only thing that can truly satisfy our souls.
Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.
John 4:1-6
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
John 4:7-9
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.”
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
John 4:10-15
Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”
The woman answered him, “I have no husband.”
Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.”
Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”
Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”
John 4:16-26
Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him.
John 4: 27-30
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
John 7:37-38
_______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: Come and See (part 2)
Text: John 4:1-42
Campus: College Hill
Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the water; and you without silver, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without silver and without cost! Why do you spend silver on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and you will enjoy the choicest of foods.
Isaiah 55:1-2
When Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard he was making and baptizing more disciples than John (though Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were), he left Judea and went again to Galilee. He had to travel through Samaria; so he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar near the property that Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. “Give me a drink,” Jesus said to her, because his disciples had gone into town to buy food.
“How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.
John 4:1-9
What barriers do we allow to get in the way of showing the love of Christ?
Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.”
“Sir,” said the woman, “you don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do you get this ‘living water’? You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and livestock.”
Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.”
“Sir,” the woman said to him, “give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and come here to draw water.”
John 4:10-15
“Go call your husband,” he told her, “and come back here.”
“I don’t have a husband,” she answered.
“You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’” Jesus said. “For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
John 4:16-18
When we encounter the living Jesus, He exposes our hearts. But in Jesus, it’s not an exposure that leads to shame, it’s an uncovering that leads to freedom.
“Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”
John 4:19-20
Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. (Jesus was born into the Jews.) But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”
The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.
Jesus told her, “I, the one speaking to you, am he.”
John 4:21-26
Just then his disciples arrived, and they were amazed that he was talking with a woman. Yet no one said, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They left the town and made their way to him.
John 4:27-30
Convincing someone to give their life to Jesus is the job of the Holy Spirit. Our call is to invite someone to Come and See this Jesus, to give them a taste of the living water that we get to drink freely from.
In the meantime the disciples kept urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.”
But he said, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.”
The disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought him something to eat?”
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work,” Jesus told them.
John 4:31-34
“Don’t you say, ‘There are still four more months, and then comes the harvest’? Listen to what I’m telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest. The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap what you didn’t labor for; others have labored, and you have benefited from their labor.”
John 4:35-38
Now many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of what the woman said when she testified, “He told me everything I ever did.”
So, when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. Many more believed because of what he said. And they told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, since we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”
John 4:39-42
COME TO ME, AND DRINK. THIS WATER IS FREE AND IS THE ONLY SOURCE THAT BRINGS LIFE. AND LIFE TO THE FULL.
Who is God putting on your heart to pray for their salvation?
Will you commit to praying for them for the next 21 days?
_______________________________________________
August 11, 2024
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Come and See
Title: One Thing
Text: Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 27:4, 8
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see image: QR Code: Evangelism Survey
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScym-gyxWCjAW58rIpdNBxqGsEDgX6HfA9edgdrUAA9UdlufQ/viewform
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Amen.
I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord
and seeking him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4
My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.”
Lord, I will seek your face.
Psalm 27:8
While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
Reader: This is God’s Word
All: Thanks be to God
Click here to see image: “The Anxious Generation”
https://storage2.snappages.site/MK36D3/assets/images/16409655_5712x4284_2500.jpeg
Click here to see image: Monastery
https://storage2.snappages.site/MK36D3/assets/images/16409671_1890x1410_2500.png
Whatever has our attention has everything to do with who we are and whether we are becoming more or less whole.
The One Thing: the presence and person of Jesus the living Jesus.
I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple.
My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.” Lord, I will seek your face.
Psalm 27:4, 8
Click here to see image: Abbey of Gethsemane
Whatever we put at the center of our lives to give us meaning, purpose, and significance is what we worship.
Those who make them become just like them, as do those who trust in them.
Psalm 115:8
I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple.
My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.” Lord, I will seek your face.
Psalm 27:4, 8
Whatever we put at the center of our lives to give us meaning, purpose, and significance is what we worship. And for followers of Jesus, the organizing principle of our lives is this - the presence of God changes everything. This is the one thing.
I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple.
My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.” Lord, I will seek your face.
Psalm 27:4, 8
While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy and at your right hand are pleasures evermore.
Psalm 16:11
The hope of the Come & See series is to recapture the wonder of Jesus again in a way that reorients our imagination, renews our hearts, and reorganizes our lives.
Evangelism in the New Testament is bearing witness to what we have seen and heard from Jesus.
Core Values: Knowing & Being Known (Radical Hospitality) + Dependence on the Holy Spirit (The Presence of God)
Value: Knowing & being known.
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus. We will practice radical & intentional hospitality as we love strangers like they are our own family, thus becoming the new kind of family that Jesus promised to create.
Being and making disciples of Jesus cross-culturally is at the heart of how we envision and practice community.
Value: Dependence on the Holy Spirit.
In full dependence on the Holy Spirit and unrelenting in prayer, we embrace the gifts, power, and presence of the Spirit for everyday life, mission, and relationships. Because we believe that prayer moves the hand and heart of God, we are committed to passionate, Holy Spirit-filled prayer and worship being the fuel that ignites the engine of all we do.
Click here to see image: Alpha
Q: What is alpha?
A: Alpha is a radically hospitable environment for people to ask questions and encounter the living Jesus.
Jesus was asked 187 questions, asked over 300, and directly answered only 8 (some scholars argue 3).
Psalm 27:8a. - My heart says this about you, “seek his face”... (desire)
Psalm 27:8b. - Lord, I will seek your face. (decide)
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Come and See (Part 1)
Text: Matthew 26:26-30 CSB
Campus: College Hill
Click here for Evangelism Survey QR Code
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScym-gyxWCjAW58rIpdNBxqGsEDgX6HfA9edgdrUAA9UdlufQ/viewform
Last (Lord’s) Supper is a reminder of the gospel story and an invitation into the presence of Jesus.
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:26-30 CSB
The background: The Passover - God’s rescue of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
The elements: bread and wine (juice).
The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of the sacrifice and salvation of Jesus.
The Lord’s Supper is an invitation into God’s presence and kingdom, a kingdom that is both here and one that is coming.
The Lord’s supper is a declaration of peace between God and man.
"evangelism" comes from the Greek word εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion), which means "good news" or "gospel."
it’s derived from two Greek roots: "eu-" meaning "good" and "angelion" meaning "message" or "news."
Alpha is designed around hospitality and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Series: Come and See
Title: One Thing
Text: Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 27:4, 8
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see image: QR Code: Evangelism Survey
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScym-gyxWCjAW58rIpdNBxqGsEDgX6HfA9edgdrUAA9UdlufQ/viewform
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Amen.
I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord
and seeking him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4
My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.”
Lord, I will seek your face.
Psalm 27:8
While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
Reader: This is God’s Word
All: Thanks be to God
Click here to see image: “The Anxious Generation”
https://storage2.snappages.site/MK36D3/assets/images/16409655_5712x4284_2500.jpeg
Click here to see image: Monastery
https://storage2.snappages.site/MK36D3/assets/images/16409671_1890x1410_2500.png
Whatever has our attention has everything to do with who we are and whether we are becoming more or less whole.
The One Thing: the presence and person of Jesus the living Jesus.
I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple.
My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.” Lord, I will seek your face.
Psalm 27:4, 8
Click here to see image: Abbey of Gethsemane
Whatever we put at the center of our lives to give us meaning, purpose, and significance is what we worship.
Those who make them become just like them, as do those who trust in them.
Psalm 115:8
I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple.
My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.” Lord, I will seek your face.
Psalm 27:4, 8
Whatever we put at the center of our lives to give us meaning, purpose, and significance is what we worship. And for followers of Jesus, the organizing principle of our lives is this - the presence of God changes everything. This is the one thing.
I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple.
My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.” Lord, I will seek your face.
Psalm 27:4, 8
While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy and at your right hand are pleasures evermore.
Psalm 16:11
The hope of the Come & See series is to recapture the wonder of Jesus again in a way that reorients our imagination, renews our hearts, and reorganizes our lives.
Evangelism in the New Testament is bearing witness to what we have seen and heard from Jesus.
Core Values: Knowing & Being Known (Radical Hospitality) + Dependence on the Holy Spirit (The Presence of God)
Value: Knowing & being known.
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus. We will practice radical & intentional hospitality as we love strangers like they are our own family, thus becoming the new kind of family that Jesus promised to create.
Being and making disciples of Jesus cross-culturally is at the heart of how we envision and practice community.
Value: Dependence on the Holy Spirit.
In full dependence on the Holy Spirit and unrelenting in prayer, we embrace the gifts, power, and presence of the Spirit for everyday life, mission, and relationships. Because we believe that prayer moves the hand and heart of God, we are committed to passionate, Holy Spirit-filled prayer and worship being the fuel that ignites the engine of all we do.
Click here to see image: Alpha
Q: What is alpha?
A: Alpha is a radically hospitable environment for people to ask questions and encounter the living Jesus.
Jesus was asked 187 questions, asked over 300, and directly answered only 8 (some scholars argue 3).
Psalm 27:8a. - My heart says this about you, “seek his face”... (desire)
Psalm 27:8b. - Lord, I will seek your face. (decide)
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Come and See (Part 1)
Text: Matthew 26:26-30 CSB
Campus: College Hill
Click here for Evangelism Survey QR Code
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScym-gyxWCjAW58rIpdNBxqGsEDgX6HfA9edgdrUAA9UdlufQ/viewform
Last (Lord’s) Supper is a reminder of the gospel story and an invitation into the presence of Jesus.
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:26-30 CSB
The background: The Passover - God’s rescue of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
The elements: bread and wine (juice).
The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of the sacrifice and salvation of Jesus.
The Lord’s Supper is an invitation into God’s presence and kingdom, a kingdom that is both here and one that is coming.
The Lord’s supper is a declaration of peace between God and man.
"evangelism" comes from the Greek word εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion), which means "good news" or "gospel."
it’s derived from two Greek roots: "eu-" meaning "good" and "angelion" meaning "message" or "news."
Alpha is designed around hospitality and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
______________________________________________________________________________________
August 4th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: James Hobson
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 133
Campus: Rivermont
Like Heaven
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!"
Revelation 7:9-10
Supernatural Unity
Uninhibited Worship
How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony! It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard onto his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord has appointed the blessing—life forevermore.
Psalm 133 (CSB)
Now bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who stand in the Lord’s house at night! Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
Psalm 134:1-3
Like Harmony
Psalm 133
yahad YA-HEAD
Harmony
The value of Metaphor’s and Similes in art and poetry
“Satan’s a snake in the grass and Jesus is mowing the lawn”
“Oil is bars for harmony”
“Our harmony is like the divine anointing of God”
“Our harmony is as rich as God pouring out His Spirit on the great priest Aaron”
“Do you pray for unity as much as you pray for the anointing of God?”
“There’s nothing worse than a Christian who speaks in tounges on Sunday, but cuss you out on Monday”
Unity is just as precious to me as the food in my stomach.
You cannot get Christianity without Church.
Like Harmony
Like Worship
Psalm 134
Barak BAH-REK
Real Worship requires Real Relationship
Spirit Truth
Worship is for priests and Levites!
Worship is a team sport
Real worship costs
We worship because He’s worthy.
Like Heaven
Supernatural Unity
Uninhibited Worship
______________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 133
Campus: College Hill
How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!
It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard onto his robes.
It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord has appointed the blessing—life forevermore.
Psalm 133 (CSB)
Psalm 133 addresses the blessing of unity and shows what we miss when we neglect to pursue and prioritize unity in the family of God.
The blessing and beauty of God-centered unity: a unity that reflects the character of God and draws people to Christ.
Unity among God’s people is sacred: it is a blessing, and it invites God's blessing and abundance.
Godly unity leads to abundance and refreshing (v.3).
If we want the blessing and abundance of God, we must value, pursue, and protect God-centered unity in a deeply divided world.
Godly unity reflects the nature of God and it affects our Christian witness.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3
Counter-cultural unity draws people to Christ.
Barriers to Christian unity:
God’s presence in helps us grow in humility and wisdom.
John 17
____________________________________________________________________
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 133
Campus: Rivermont
Like Heaven
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!"
Revelation 7:9-10
Supernatural Unity
Uninhibited Worship
How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony! It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard onto his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord has appointed the blessing—life forevermore.
Psalm 133 (CSB)
Now bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who stand in the Lord’s house at night! Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
Psalm 134:1-3
Like Harmony
Psalm 133
yahad YA-HEAD
Harmony
The value of Metaphor’s and Similes in art and poetry
“Satan’s a snake in the grass and Jesus is mowing the lawn”
“Oil is bars for harmony”
“Our harmony is like the divine anointing of God”
“Our harmony is as rich as God pouring out His Spirit on the great priest Aaron”
“Do you pray for unity as much as you pray for the anointing of God?”
“There’s nothing worse than a Christian who speaks in tounges on Sunday, but cuss you out on Monday”
Unity is just as precious to me as the food in my stomach.
You cannot get Christianity without Church.
Like Harmony
Like Worship
Psalm 134
Barak BAH-REK
Real Worship requires Real Relationship
Spirit Truth
Worship is for priests and Levites!
Worship is a team sport
Real worship costs
We worship because He’s worthy.
Like Heaven
Supernatural Unity
Uninhibited Worship
______________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 133
Campus: College Hill
How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!
It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard onto his robes.
It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord has appointed the blessing—life forevermore.
Psalm 133 (CSB)
Psalm 133 addresses the blessing of unity and shows what we miss when we neglect to pursue and prioritize unity in the family of God.
The blessing and beauty of God-centered unity: a unity that reflects the character of God and draws people to Christ.
Unity among God’s people is sacred: it is a blessing, and it invites God's blessing and abundance.
Godly unity leads to abundance and refreshing (v.3).
If we want the blessing and abundance of God, we must value, pursue, and protect God-centered unity in a deeply divided world.
Godly unity reflects the nature of God and it affects our Christian witness.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3
Counter-cultural unity draws people to Christ.
Barriers to Christian unity:
- Historical and theological barriers.
- Cultural and social barriers.
- Personal and relational barriers.
God’s presence in helps us grow in humility and wisdom.
John 17
____________________________________________________________________
July 28th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 132
Campus: Rivermont
The invitation of Psalm 132:
Psalm 132 connects the deepest longings of our hearts to the satisfying presence of God – and to the salvation of God.
Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured, and how he swore an oath to the Lord, making a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
“I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
We heard of the ark in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. Let’s go to his dwelling place; let’s worship at his footstool. Rise up, Lord, come to your resting place, you and your powerful ark. May your priests be clothed with righteousness, and may your faithful people shout for joy. For the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one. The Lord swore an oath to David, a promise he will not abandon:
“I will set one of your offspring on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I will teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his home:
“This is my resting place forever; I will make my home here because I have desired it. I will abundantly bless its food; I will satisfy its needy with bread. I will clothe its priests with salvation, and its faithful people will shout for joy. There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown he wears will be glorious.”
Psalm 132 (CSB)
Part 1: David’s promise to God and a hunger for the presence of God (vv. 1-10)
Part 2: God’s promise to David and the implications of that promise for all of creation (vv. 11-18)
“Ark of the Covenant”:
The deepest longing of every soul is to be back in the garden of Eden, back in the presence of God.
God’s promise to David and the implications of that promise for all of creation (vv. 11-18)
“If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I will teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”
Psalm 132:12 (CSB)
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of those who hate us. He has dealt mercifully with our ancestors and remembered his holy covenant—the oath that he swore to our father Abraham.
Luke 1:68-73a
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:3-16 (CSB)
Psalm 132 begins with a look backward at the faithfulness of God, but concludes with a look forward to Jesus and beyond.
Where do you need the reminder of God’s faithfulness or his promise of human flourishing to lead you to repentance and to fuel your journey “home?”
The only enemies that Jesus has are those who reject his love and his Kingdom, but there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . (Rom. 8:1)
____________________________________
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 132
Campus: College Hill
There is nothing so difficult in this life where being in the presence of God is not the answer. All of life for the Chrsitian is longing to be back in the Garden in the presence of God.
Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured, and how he swore an oath to the Lord, making a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
“I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
We heard of the ark in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. Let’s go to his dwelling place; let’s worship at his footstool. Rise up, Lord, come to your resting place, you and your powerful ark. May your priests be clothed with righteousness, and may your faithful people shout for joy. For the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one. The Lord swore an oath to David, a promise he will not abandon:
“I will set one of your offspring on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I will teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his home:
“This is my resting place forever; I will make my home here because I have desired it. I will abundantly bless its food; I will satisfy its needy with bread. I will clothe its priests with salvation, and its faithful people will shout for joy. There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown he wears will be glorious.”
Psalm 132 (CSB)
David’s Promise to God (vv.1-10)
God’s Promise to David (vv.11-18)
Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured, and how he swore an oath to the Lord, making a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob.
Psalm 132:1-2
Reflection:
When was the last time you asked God to remember your past troubles?
These are opportunities to ask God to turn these moments into worship and form us into people of character.
Click here to see image: Ark
The Lord swore an oath to David, a promise he will not abandon:
“I will set one of your offspring on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I will teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”
Psalm 132:11-12
The bookends of the Christian life begin and end with God dwelling with man. From the Garden of Eden in Genesis to eventually a more glorious Garden city that is the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation.
The desire and willingness to have something is in direct proportion to what you’re willing to sacrifice and give up. For God, it took the death of His son to be with us.
All life-changing love is a substitutionary sacrifice.
“You can make the sacrifice, or they’re going to make the sacrifice. It’s them or you. Either you suffer temporarily and in a redemptive way, or they are going to suffer tragically, in a wasteful and destructive way. It’s at least partly up to you. All real, life changing love is substitutionary sacrifice.”
~ Tim Keller
The same Spirit that hovered over the waters at creation when the earth was formless and empty. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is this same Spirit who delights to make His home in you, which gives us the power to face life’s challenges.
Reflection:
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 132
Campus: Rivermont
The invitation of Psalm 132:
- be encouraged in the faithfulness of God
- journey in this world in the presence of God
- look forward to the ultimate salvation of God
Psalm 132 connects the deepest longings of our hearts to the satisfying presence of God – and to the salvation of God.
Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured, and how he swore an oath to the Lord, making a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
“I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
We heard of the ark in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. Let’s go to his dwelling place; let’s worship at his footstool. Rise up, Lord, come to your resting place, you and your powerful ark. May your priests be clothed with righteousness, and may your faithful people shout for joy. For the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one. The Lord swore an oath to David, a promise he will not abandon:
“I will set one of your offspring on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I will teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his home:
“This is my resting place forever; I will make my home here because I have desired it. I will abundantly bless its food; I will satisfy its needy with bread. I will clothe its priests with salvation, and its faithful people will shout for joy. There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown he wears will be glorious.”
Psalm 132 (CSB)
Part 1: David’s promise to God and a hunger for the presence of God (vv. 1-10)
Part 2: God’s promise to David and the implications of that promise for all of creation (vv. 11-18)
“Ark of the Covenant”:
- 10 commandments (given by God to Moses)
- Aaron’s rod
- a pot of manna
- “Ark” = God’s presence, God’s covenant, and communion with God
The deepest longing of every soul is to be back in the garden of Eden, back in the presence of God.
God’s promise to David and the implications of that promise for all of creation (vv. 11-18)
“If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I will teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”
Psalm 132:12 (CSB)
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of those who hate us. He has dealt mercifully with our ancestors and remembered his holy covenant—the oath that he swore to our father Abraham.
Luke 1:68-73a
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:3-16 (CSB)
Psalm 132 begins with a look backward at the faithfulness of God, but concludes with a look forward to Jesus and beyond.
Where do you need the reminder of God’s faithfulness or his promise of human flourishing to lead you to repentance and to fuel your journey “home?”
The only enemies that Jesus has are those who reject his love and his Kingdom, but there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . (Rom. 8:1)
____________________________________
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 132
Campus: College Hill
There is nothing so difficult in this life where being in the presence of God is not the answer. All of life for the Chrsitian is longing to be back in the Garden in the presence of God.
Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured, and how he swore an oath to the Lord, making a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
“I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
We heard of the ark in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. Let’s go to his dwelling place; let’s worship at his footstool. Rise up, Lord, come to your resting place, you and your powerful ark. May your priests be clothed with righteousness, and may your faithful people shout for joy. For the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one. The Lord swore an oath to David, a promise he will not abandon:
“I will set one of your offspring on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I will teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his home:
“This is my resting place forever; I will make my home here because I have desired it. I will abundantly bless its food; I will satisfy its needy with bread. I will clothe its priests with salvation, and its faithful people will shout for joy. There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown he wears will be glorious.”
Psalm 132 (CSB)
David’s Promise to God (vv.1-10)
God’s Promise to David (vv.11-18)
Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured, and how he swore an oath to the Lord, making a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob.
Psalm 132:1-2
Reflection:
When was the last time you asked God to remember your past troubles?
These are opportunities to ask God to turn these moments into worship and form us into people of character.
Click here to see image: Ark
The Lord swore an oath to David, a promise he will not abandon:
“I will set one of your offspring on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I will teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”
Psalm 132:11-12
The bookends of the Christian life begin and end with God dwelling with man. From the Garden of Eden in Genesis to eventually a more glorious Garden city that is the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation.
The desire and willingness to have something is in direct proportion to what you’re willing to sacrifice and give up. For God, it took the death of His son to be with us.
All life-changing love is a substitutionary sacrifice.
“You can make the sacrifice, or they’re going to make the sacrifice. It’s them or you. Either you suffer temporarily and in a redemptive way, or they are going to suffer tragically, in a wasteful and destructive way. It’s at least partly up to you. All real, life changing love is substitutionary sacrifice.”
~ Tim Keller
The same Spirit that hovered over the waters at creation when the earth was formless and empty. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is this same Spirit who delights to make His home in you, which gives us the power to face life’s challenges.
Reflection:
- When was the last time I sensed and was aware of the presence of God in my life?
- What did that look like?
- How do I get back to that?
July 21st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Hope in Suffering
Text: Psalm 130-131
Campus: Rivermont
“Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice; let your ears be attentive to my cry for help.
Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in his word.
I wait for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning — more than watchmen for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord. For there is faithful love with the Lord, and with him is redemption in abundance.
And he will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.”
Psalms 130 : 1 - 8 CSB
“Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too wondrous for me. Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forever.”
Psalms 131: 1 - 3 CSB
1. The cry for HELP
2. The reason for HOPE
3. Our posture of HUMILITY
The Cry for Help
“Help, God—I’ve hit rock bottom! Master, hear my cry for help! Listen hard! Open your ears! Listen to my cries for mercy. If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that’s why you’re worshiped. I pray to God—my life a prayer— and wait for what he’ll say and do.”
Psalms 130: 1-5 MSG
“The Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth Maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion and sin.”
Exodus 34:6-7 CSB
Suffering in the presence of our sin can be seen as a wake up call from God to turn us from our crooked ways and fall into the loving arms of a Father who is quick to forgive when we run to him.
To suffer is to be human.
“My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death,”
Philippians 3: 10 CSB
“The Son of God suffered unto the deaths, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like his.”
~ George MacDonald
The Reason for Hope
“I wait for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning — more than watchmen for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the Lord. For there is faithful love with the Lord, and with him is redemption in abundance. And he will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.”
Psalms 130:6-8 CSB
Hope in God is a CONFIDENCE and GUARANTEE!
Our hope comes from outside of ourselves
“But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, ‘Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!’ Yes, you came when I called; you told me, ‘Do not fear.’”
Lamentations 3: 55 - 57 NLT
“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.”
Psalms 34: 17 - 19 NLT
Hope is a sure thing!
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5: 1 - 5 CSB
“Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’”
Lamentations 3: 21- 24 NLT
“And this of course, is why we are able to face, acknowledge, accept and live through suffering: we know that it can never be ultimate, it can never constitute the bottom line. God is at the foundation and God is at the boundaries. God seeks the hurt, maimed, wandering and lost. God woos the rebellious and confused.”
~ Eugene Peterson
Our Posture of Humility
“Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too wondrous for me. Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forever.”
Psalms 131: 1 - 3 CSB
As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we are launched out into our life-calling by the Holy Spirit, while always having a safe place to run to in the arms of our loving Heavenly Father.
“Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4: 16 - 18 CSB
Reflection Questions:
Sermon Notes: Christiana Boyer
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: The Refrain of the Humble and Hopeful
Text: Psalm 130 and 131
Campus: College Hill
Hope in the Lord
Put your hope in the Lord
The reality of our need for rescue
“Out of the depths I call to you, Lord! Lord, listen to my voice; let your ears be attentive to my cry for help.”
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. For he knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.”
Psalm 103:11-14
What is your need for rescue today?
Take a moment to name it and ask the Lord for help.
"I pray to God—my life a prayer— and wait for what he’ll say and do. My life’s on the line before God, my Lord, waiting and watching till morning, waiting and watching till morning. O Israel, wait and watch for God—with God’s arrival comes love, with God’s arrival comes generous redemption. No doubt about it—he’ll redeem Israel, buy back Israel from captivity to sin."
Psalm 130: 5-8 (MSG)
The Position of our Waiting:
active and expectant (hope-filled)
3 reasons to hope
“Israel, put your hope in the Lord. For there is faithful love with the Lord, and with him is redemption in abundance. And he will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.”
Psalm 130:7-8 (CSB)
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
“Our hope is in the Lord”
“Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too wondrous for me.”
“Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child.”
Psalm 131:2 (CSB)
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you…[I will build you…joyful dancing]”
Jeremiah 31:3
HOPE is the testimony of a sinner forgiven: humbled by the mercy of God and at peace within.
Freedom from guilt and regret:
What does it mean for me to no longer define myself by my sin?
Freedom from hopelessness:
How would my life change if I was filled with hope?
"Help, God—I’ve hit rock bottom! Master, hear my cry for help! Listen hard! Open your ears! Listen to my cries for mercy. If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that’s why you’re worshiped. I pray to God—my life a prayer— and wait for what he’ll say and do. My life’s on the line before God, my Lord, waiting and watching till morning, waiting and watching till morning. O Israel, wait and watch for God—with God’s arrival comes love, with God’s arrival comes generous redemption. No doubt about it—he’ll redeem Israel, buy back Israel from captivity to sin."
Psalm 130 1-8
"God, I’m not trying to rule the roost, I don’t want to be king of the mountain. I haven’t meddled where I have no business or fantasized grandiose plans. I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a baby content. Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always!"
Psalm 131 1-2
__________________________________________________
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Hope in Suffering
Text: Psalm 130-131
Campus: Rivermont
“Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice; let your ears be attentive to my cry for help.
Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in his word.
I wait for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning — more than watchmen for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord. For there is faithful love with the Lord, and with him is redemption in abundance.
And he will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.”
Psalms 130 : 1 - 8 CSB
“Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too wondrous for me. Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forever.”
Psalms 131: 1 - 3 CSB
1. The cry for HELP
2. The reason for HOPE
3. Our posture of HUMILITY
The Cry for Help
“Help, God—I’ve hit rock bottom! Master, hear my cry for help! Listen hard! Open your ears! Listen to my cries for mercy. If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that’s why you’re worshiped. I pray to God—my life a prayer— and wait for what he’ll say and do.”
Psalms 130: 1-5 MSG
“The Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth Maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion and sin.”
Exodus 34:6-7 CSB
Suffering in the presence of our sin can be seen as a wake up call from God to turn us from our crooked ways and fall into the loving arms of a Father who is quick to forgive when we run to him.
To suffer is to be human.
“My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death,”
Philippians 3: 10 CSB
“The Son of God suffered unto the deaths, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like his.”
~ George MacDonald
The Reason for Hope
“I wait for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning — more than watchmen for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the Lord. For there is faithful love with the Lord, and with him is redemption in abundance. And he will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.”
Psalms 130:6-8 CSB
Hope in God is a CONFIDENCE and GUARANTEE!
Our hope comes from outside of ourselves
“But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, ‘Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!’ Yes, you came when I called; you told me, ‘Do not fear.’”
Lamentations 3: 55 - 57 NLT
“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.”
Psalms 34: 17 - 19 NLT
Hope is a sure thing!
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5: 1 - 5 CSB
“Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’”
Lamentations 3: 21- 24 NLT
“And this of course, is why we are able to face, acknowledge, accept and live through suffering: we know that it can never be ultimate, it can never constitute the bottom line. God is at the foundation and God is at the boundaries. God seeks the hurt, maimed, wandering and lost. God woos the rebellious and confused.”
~ Eugene Peterson
Our Posture of Humility
“Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too wondrous for me. Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forever.”
Psalms 131: 1 - 3 CSB
As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we are launched out into our life-calling by the Holy Spirit, while always having a safe place to run to in the arms of our loving Heavenly Father.
“Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4: 16 - 18 CSB
Reflection Questions:
- Where are you looking for help?
- What does hope mean to you?
- Where is there pride in your life that needs to be replaced with humble dependence on God?
Sermon Notes: Christiana Boyer
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: The Refrain of the Humble and Hopeful
Text: Psalm 130 and 131
Campus: College Hill
Hope in the Lord
- The reality of our need
- The position of our waiting
- The posture of our heart
Put your hope in the Lord
The reality of our need for rescue
“Out of the depths I call to you, Lord! Lord, listen to my voice; let your ears be attentive to my cry for help.”
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. For he knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.”
Psalm 103:11-14
What is your need for rescue today?
Take a moment to name it and ask the Lord for help.
"I pray to God—my life a prayer— and wait for what he’ll say and do. My life’s on the line before God, my Lord, waiting and watching till morning, waiting and watching till morning. O Israel, wait and watch for God—with God’s arrival comes love, with God’s arrival comes generous redemption. No doubt about it—he’ll redeem Israel, buy back Israel from captivity to sin."
Psalm 130: 5-8 (MSG)
The Position of our Waiting:
active and expectant (hope-filled)
3 reasons to hope
- Jesus is coming to rescue us and restore all things
- God is with us in the waiting
- His promises and faithful love will sustain us
“Israel, put your hope in the Lord. For there is faithful love with the Lord, and with him is redemption in abundance. And he will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.”
Psalm 130:7-8 (CSB)
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
“Our hope is in the Lord”
- The reality of our need
- The position of our waiting
- The posture of our heart
“Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too wondrous for me.”
“Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child.”
Psalm 131:2 (CSB)
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you…[I will build you…joyful dancing]”
Jeremiah 31:3
HOPE is the testimony of a sinner forgiven: humbled by the mercy of God and at peace within.
Freedom from guilt and regret:
What does it mean for me to no longer define myself by my sin?
Freedom from hopelessness:
How would my life change if I was filled with hope?
"Help, God—I’ve hit rock bottom! Master, hear my cry for help! Listen hard! Open your ears! Listen to my cries for mercy. If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that’s why you’re worshiped. I pray to God—my life a prayer— and wait for what he’ll say and do. My life’s on the line before God, my Lord, waiting and watching till morning, waiting and watching till morning. O Israel, wait and watch for God—with God’s arrival comes love, with God’s arrival comes generous redemption. No doubt about it—he’ll redeem Israel, buy back Israel from captivity to sin."
Psalm 130 1-8
"God, I’m not trying to rule the roost, I don’t want to be king of the mountain. I haven’t meddled where I have no business or fantasized grandiose plans. I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a baby content. Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always!"
Psalm 131 1-2
__________________________________________________
July 14th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 129
Campus: College Hill
To conform our lives to the person of Jesus is to press into our humanity. To rebel and live in selfishness is to rob ourselves of our humanity.
Moments of affliction and pain are personal invitations by God to worship Him. To worship is to anchor our hope on God who is devoted to our good. Worship has always had a way of recalibrating our hearts in the midst of difficulty and affliction.
Since my youth they have often attacked me—let Israel say—since my youth they have often attacked me, but they have not prevailed against me.
Plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long.
The Lord is righteous; he has cut the ropes of the wicked.
Let all who hate Zion be driven back in disgrace.
Let them be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it grows up and can’t even fill the hands of the reaper or the arms of the one who binds sheaves.
Then none who pass by will say, “May the Lord’s blessing be on you. We bless you in the name of the Lord.”
Psalm 129
Psalm 129 is teaching us what it means to patiently endure and persevere in the midst of affliction. It’s teaching us what it means to have a resilient faith in a world filled with sin and pain.
1. God is calling us to patiently endure through pain by trusting His righteousness (vv.1-4)
2.God is calling us to trust and believe that He will take care of our enemies (vv.5-8)
“Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured, 2 and how he swore an oath to the Lord, making a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:” (Psalm 129:1-2)
The world and culture that we live in is not working for but against what we believe is right, true, and holy.
“The spiritual atmosphere where we live erodes faith, it dissipates hope and corrupts love.”
~ Eugene Peterson
Click here to see image: Furrows
The righteousness of God can never be separated from his faithfulness and covenant to His people. Patiently enduring the furrows of affliction is not a result of the strength of our will but a result of God’s faithfulness.
Furrows (wounds) can unexpectedly produce the most beautiful fruit. There are stories in our scars that highlight the redemptive power of Jesus.
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. So then, death is at work in us, but life in you.
2 Corinthians 4:7-12
“I’ve often been devastated when he tells me no, but as I submit to his will in those situations—even with disappointment and tears—he assures me he’s working for my good. I see only part of the picture. He has a purpose in his denials. The Father said no to the Son [in Gethsemane]. And that no brought about the greatest good in all of history. God is not capricious. If he says no to our requests, he has a reason—perhaps ten thousand. We may never know the reasons in this life, but one day we’ll see them all. For now, we must trust that his refusals are always his mercies to us.”
~ Vaneetha Risner
The Christian life is first a life of weakness and death before a resurrection takes place. The resurrection is always coupled with death, which means that God tends to work through weakness and hardship.
Jesus not only endured the furrows upon his back for us but he also cut the cords of the wicked to free us.
The same power that is with you in these personal moments of difficulty is the same power that will one day eliminate the earth of all sin, affliction, suffering, and evil.
The furrows that the Lord Jesus bore on his back ultimately brought redemption for us. The wounds that He carried brought life to us.
______________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Rebecca Coe
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 129
Campus: College Hill
Pilgrims - “people who spend our lives going someplace, going to God, and whose path to getting there is the Way, Jesus Christ” (John 14:5-6)
~ Eugene Peterson
1. Remembrance of the Reality of Persecution (vv. 1-3)
Since my youth they have often attacked me–let Israel say…
Plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long (v.3a)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens
Ephesians 6:12
Experiencing opposition as the people of God is nothing new. In fact, it’s to be expected, because the world and the forces of spiritual darkness hate God. What does it mean if we’re surprised by it? How does this affect our view of God or how God sees us when we’re suffering? Just food for thought. Unpack that with the Lord later. (Band of Brothers show, WWII)
“You’re going to be surrounded.” “We’re paratroopers, Lieutenant, we’re supposed to be surrounded.”
The enemy nations that the Psalmist talks about in Psalm 129, not one of has prevailed
2. Rescue from Persecution
The Lord is righteous
Why righteous? Why not good or loving or caring–although all these are true attributes of God?
A righteous person is “someone who is true to their promises.” Many NT scholars will translate the word righteous as “faithful” or “conforming to a standard.”
And this is the proof that He fulfills His promise: God cut the ropes of the wicked
So before we move on to the back half of this chapter, we see:
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
Request in the Midst of Persecution (vv. 5-8)
Let all who hate Zion be driven back in disgrace.
Let them be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it grows up and can’t even fill the hands of the reaper or the arms of the one who binds sheaves.
Then none who pass by will say, “May the Lord’s blessing be on you. We bless you in the name of the Lord.”
Psalm 129:5-8
For a physical enemy:
For our spiritual enemy:
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 129
Campus: College Hill
To conform our lives to the person of Jesus is to press into our humanity. To rebel and live in selfishness is to rob ourselves of our humanity.
Moments of affliction and pain are personal invitations by God to worship Him. To worship is to anchor our hope on God who is devoted to our good. Worship has always had a way of recalibrating our hearts in the midst of difficulty and affliction.
Since my youth they have often attacked me—let Israel say—since my youth they have often attacked me, but they have not prevailed against me.
Plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long.
The Lord is righteous; he has cut the ropes of the wicked.
Let all who hate Zion be driven back in disgrace.
Let them be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it grows up and can’t even fill the hands of the reaper or the arms of the one who binds sheaves.
Then none who pass by will say, “May the Lord’s blessing be on you. We bless you in the name of the Lord.”
Psalm 129
Psalm 129 is teaching us what it means to patiently endure and persevere in the midst of affliction. It’s teaching us what it means to have a resilient faith in a world filled with sin and pain.
1. God is calling us to patiently endure through pain by trusting His righteousness (vv.1-4)
2.God is calling us to trust and believe that He will take care of our enemies (vv.5-8)
“Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured, 2 and how he swore an oath to the Lord, making a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:” (Psalm 129:1-2)
The world and culture that we live in is not working for but against what we believe is right, true, and holy.
“The spiritual atmosphere where we live erodes faith, it dissipates hope and corrupts love.”
~ Eugene Peterson
Click here to see image: Furrows
The righteousness of God can never be separated from his faithfulness and covenant to His people. Patiently enduring the furrows of affliction is not a result of the strength of our will but a result of God’s faithfulness.
Furrows (wounds) can unexpectedly produce the most beautiful fruit. There are stories in our scars that highlight the redemptive power of Jesus.
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. So then, death is at work in us, but life in you.
2 Corinthians 4:7-12
“I’ve often been devastated when he tells me no, but as I submit to his will in those situations—even with disappointment and tears—he assures me he’s working for my good. I see only part of the picture. He has a purpose in his denials. The Father said no to the Son [in Gethsemane]. And that no brought about the greatest good in all of history. God is not capricious. If he says no to our requests, he has a reason—perhaps ten thousand. We may never know the reasons in this life, but one day we’ll see them all. For now, we must trust that his refusals are always his mercies to us.”
~ Vaneetha Risner
The Christian life is first a life of weakness and death before a resurrection takes place. The resurrection is always coupled with death, which means that God tends to work through weakness and hardship.
Jesus not only endured the furrows upon his back for us but he also cut the cords of the wicked to free us.
The same power that is with you in these personal moments of difficulty is the same power that will one day eliminate the earth of all sin, affliction, suffering, and evil.
The furrows that the Lord Jesus bore on his back ultimately brought redemption for us. The wounds that He carried brought life to us.
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Sermon Notes: Rebecca Coe
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 129
Campus: College Hill
Pilgrims - “people who spend our lives going someplace, going to God, and whose path to getting there is the Way, Jesus Christ” (John 14:5-6)
~ Eugene Peterson
1. Remembrance of the Reality of Persecution (vv. 1-3)
Since my youth they have often attacked me–let Israel say…
Plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long (v.3a)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens
Ephesians 6:12
Experiencing opposition as the people of God is nothing new. In fact, it’s to be expected, because the world and the forces of spiritual darkness hate God. What does it mean if we’re surprised by it? How does this affect our view of God or how God sees us when we’re suffering? Just food for thought. Unpack that with the Lord later. (Band of Brothers show, WWII)
“You’re going to be surrounded.” “We’re paratroopers, Lieutenant, we’re supposed to be surrounded.”
The enemy nations that the Psalmist talks about in Psalm 129, not one of has prevailed
2. Rescue from Persecution
The Lord is righteous
Why righteous? Why not good or loving or caring–although all these are true attributes of God?
A righteous person is “someone who is true to their promises.” Many NT scholars will translate the word righteous as “faithful” or “conforming to a standard.”
And this is the proof that He fulfills His promise: God cut the ropes of the wicked
So before we move on to the back half of this chapter, we see:
- I am not alone.
- There’s nothing new.
- We’re not going to lose.
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
Request in the Midst of Persecution (vv. 5-8)
Let all who hate Zion be driven back in disgrace.
Let them be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it grows up and can’t even fill the hands of the reaper or the arms of the one who binds sheaves.
Then none who pass by will say, “May the Lord’s blessing be on you. We bless you in the name of the Lord.”
Psalm 129:5-8
For a physical enemy:
- God’s justice is never void of His love
- God is Creator, so He gets final say in how to deal with them
- Man’s anger doesn’t accomplish the righteousness of God
For our spiritual enemy:
- God is more powerful than whatever could come against us or Him
- God gets the final word
July 7th Church in the Park Sermon Guide
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 127
Campus: Church in the Park
Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.
In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food—yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves.
Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, offspring, a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.
They will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate.
Psalm 127 (CSB)
Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.
Genesis 1:28
Psalm 127 helps us re-evaluate our earthly efforts and re-establish dependence on God.
Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.
In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food— yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves.
Psalm 127:1-2
You can spend your whole life pursuing wealth and success, but if we do that apart from God – all of our efforts will lack the blessing of God.
The presence of God and the blessing of God that leads to flourishing.
Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself until it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.
John 15:5
I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:11
Complete joy comes from the safety and satisfaction of living a surrendered life with Jesus – a life of complete dependence on God the Father and a life led by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
What would it look like to let God lead our lives, for the Lord to build our homes and families, and to go to sleep each night knowing that God is in control – and he is sufficient?
Click here to see image
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Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 127
Campus: Church in the Park
Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.
In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food—yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves.
Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, offspring, a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.
They will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate.
Psalm 127 (CSB)
Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.
Genesis 1:28
Psalm 127 helps us re-evaluate our earthly efforts and re-establish dependence on God.
Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.
In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food— yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves.
Psalm 127:1-2
You can spend your whole life pursuing wealth and success, but if we do that apart from God – all of our efforts will lack the blessing of God.
The presence of God and the blessing of God that leads to flourishing.
Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself until it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.
John 15:5
I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:11
Complete joy comes from the safety and satisfaction of living a surrendered life with Jesus – a life of complete dependence on God the Father and a life led by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
What would it look like to let God lead our lives, for the Lord to build our homes and families, and to go to sleep each night knowing that God is in control – and he is sufficient?
Click here to see image
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June 30th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: John Estavez
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Joyful People
Text: Psalm 126
Campus: College Hill
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Our mouths were filled with laughter then, and our tongues with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord had done great things for us; we were joyful.
Restore our fortunes, Lord, like watercourses in the Negev.
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves.
Psalm 126 (CSB)
When all these things happen to you—the blessings and curses I have set before you—and you come to your senses while you are in all the nations where the Lord your God has driven you, and you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and all your soul by doing everything I am commanding you today, then he will restore your fortunes, have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you.
Deuteronomy 30:1-3
Past Joy
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Our mouths were filled with laughter then, and our tongues with shouts of joy. [v1-2a]
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
James 5:16
Though confession is painful, it is the door to grace and the first movement toward renewal, restoration, and healing.
Joyful People
Then they said among the nations, “The Lord, has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we were joyful [v2b-3]
You are to celebrate the Festival of Shelters (Booths, tabernacles, tents) for seven days when you have gathered in everything from your threshing floor and winepress. Rejoice during your festival—you, your son and daughter, your male and female slave, as well as the Levite, the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow within your city gates. You are to hold a seven-day festival for the Lord your God in the place he chooses, because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, and you will have abundant joy.
Deuteronomy 16:13-15
A Present Need
Restore our fortunes, Lord, like watercourses in the Negev. [v4]
“They’re back in the land, but the land itself is needy.”
~ Rhett Dodson
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a small child and had him stand among them.
“Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:1-4 (CSB)
Prayer is the door to living life in the kingdom of God and the means by which we experience the abundance we have inherited as His children.
Long Obedience
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of Joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves. [v5-6]
“the kingdom of God is like this, he said. A man scatters seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how. The soil produces a crop by itself – first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. As soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Mark 4:26-29 (CSB)
Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you. In that day you will not ask me anything. Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. Until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
John 16:20-24 (CSB)
So, what would it look like for us as the children of God to take him at his word?
“In the spiritual life, the word discipline means, ‘the effort to create some space in which God can act’… space in which something can happen that you hadn’t planned or counted on.”
~ Henri Nouwen
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June 23rd Sermon Guide
In a turbulent and unpredictable world, the safest place to be is with Jesus.
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.
The mountains surround Jerusalem and the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.
The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, so that the righteous will not apply their hands to injustice.
Do what is good, Lord, to the good, to those whose hearts are upright.
But as for those who turn aside to crooked ways, the Lord will banish them with the evildoers.
Peace be with Israel.
Psalm 125 (CSB)
God always surrounds us with his love and, one day, all the wrongs will be made right.
A declaration of trust in the steadfast presence of God (Vv. 1-2).
A reminder: a life built on justice and righteousness will outlast the schemes of the unjust (v. 3).
A prayer for blessing and justice (vv. 4-5).
The Biblical idea of peace (shalom) is not so much the absence of conflict or pain, but it’s a way of being where human beings can flourish even in the midst of discouraging circumstances.
God always surrounds us with his love and, one day, all the wrongs will be made right.
Pray According to Psalm 125
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.
The mountains surround Jerusalem and the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.
The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, so that the righteous will not apply their hands to injustice.
Do what is good, Lord, to the good, to those whose hearts are upright.
But as for those who turn aside to crooked ways, the Lord will banish them with the evildoers.
Peace be with Israel.
Psalm 125 (CSB)
God always surrounds us with his love and, one day, all the wrongs will be made right.
A declaration of trust in the steadfast presence of God (Vv. 1-2).
A reminder: a life built on justice and righteousness will outlast the schemes of the unjust (v. 3).
A prayer for blessing and justice (vv. 4-5).
The Biblical idea of peace (shalom) is not so much the absence of conflict or pain, but it’s a way of being where human beings can flourish even in the midst of discouraging circumstances.
God always surrounds us with his love and, one day, all the wrongs will be made right.
Pray According to Psalm 125
- Ask the Lord to increase our faith so it can be said that our entire church are among those who trust in the Lord.
- Ask the Lord to bind the enemy and carry out His justice.
- Pray for God to bless those who know and love Him in such a way that they can be a blessing to those around them.
- Pray for Shalom.
June 16th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 124
Campus: Rivermont
The Psalms of Ascent reminded God’s people of their true home, cultivated a longing for home, and were companions along the way.
If the Lord had not been on our side—let Israel say—if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us.
Then the water would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us; the raging water would have swept over us.
Blessed be the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s net; the net is torn, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124 (CSB)
When we take time to remember, and name, specific instances of God’s goodness and deliverance – it gives us a greater sensitivity to his presence in our lives and confidence of his deliverance in the future.
Can you think of a situation that was painful or uncomfortable – maybe you didn’t see a way forward, but God led you through?
God has been faithful in the past, he is present, and we can trust him with our future deliverance.
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Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Igniting Renewal Through Testimony
Text: Psalm 124
Campus: College Hill
if the Lord had not been on our side— let Israel say — if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us.
Then the water would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us; the raging water would have swept over us.
Blessed be the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s net; the net is torn, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124 (CSB)
Two External Challenges:
Psalm of Ascent:
Songs sung and recited by the people of God as they made pilgrimage up to the Temple in Jerusalem for feasts and worship. These are songs for followers of Jesus who are on the way with Jesus.
“In western societies, by and large, the most important entity is the individual person. A person’s identity is found in the way that they distinguish themselves from the people around them. There are many cultures (collectivist) who would scoff at even the idea of individuality, interpreting their identity through their community, their family, their tribe or village. Self-expression and its importance is submitted to the fight for harmony among the community.”
~ Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes
Jesus expands every culture’s views and understandings of “Family.”
If our cultural blind spots keep us from reading the Bible correctly, then they can also keep us from applying the Bible as it was intended.
Two External Challenges:
Expressive Individualism:
“A mantra of liturgies that set the terms for how we think about ourselves and our world today. It is the notion that every person is constituted by a set of inward feelings, desires, and emotions. The real “me” is that person who dwells inside my body and thus I am most truly myself when I am able to act outwardly in accordance with those feelings. Where this becomes exceptionally dangerous to our spiritual lives and journeys is when we start to identify ourselves by our desires.”
~ Carl Trueman (Crisis of Confidence)
Christian Creed:
Summaries of Scriptures teachings and testimonies of the good news of Jesus.
They are not supplemental to scripture, but rather they summarize what Scripture already teaches.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
~ The Apostles Creed
Click here to see image
God wants to release you from your loneliness
“The essence of giving praise is not just that you are offering sacrifice to God, but that in giving praise and sacrifice, God is actually giving himself to you.”
~ C.S. Lewis
Testify! Share a testimony about God with your neighbor
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Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Psalm 124
Campus: Rivermont
The Psalms of Ascent reminded God’s people of their true home, cultivated a longing for home, and were companions along the way.
If the Lord had not been on our side—let Israel say—if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us.
Then the water would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us; the raging water would have swept over us.
Blessed be the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s net; the net is torn, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124 (CSB)
- Express how close the community came to destruction and attributes their salvation to God (vv. 1-3).
- Offer specific images of escape and highlight the miraculous nature of their deliverance (vv. 6-7).
- Concludes with a reaffirmation of trust in God, who is the creator of heaven and earth (v. 8).
When we take time to remember, and name, specific instances of God’s goodness and deliverance – it gives us a greater sensitivity to his presence in our lives and confidence of his deliverance in the future.
Can you think of a situation that was painful or uncomfortable – maybe you didn’t see a way forward, but God led you through?
God has been faithful in the past, he is present, and we can trust him with our future deliverance.
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Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Igniting Renewal Through Testimony
Text: Psalm 124
Campus: College Hill
if the Lord had not been on our side— let Israel say — if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us.
Then the water would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us; the raging water would have swept over us.
Blessed be the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s net; the net is torn, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124 (CSB)
Two External Challenges:
- Context
Psalm of Ascent:
Songs sung and recited by the people of God as they made pilgrimage up to the Temple in Jerusalem for feasts and worship. These are songs for followers of Jesus who are on the way with Jesus.
“In western societies, by and large, the most important entity is the individual person. A person’s identity is found in the way that they distinguish themselves from the people around them. There are many cultures (collectivist) who would scoff at even the idea of individuality, interpreting their identity through their community, their family, their tribe or village. Self-expression and its importance is submitted to the fight for harmony among the community.”
~ Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes
Jesus expands every culture’s views and understandings of “Family.”
If our cultural blind spots keep us from reading the Bible correctly, then they can also keep us from applying the Bible as it was intended.
Two External Challenges:
- Context
- Expressive Individualism
Expressive Individualism:
“A mantra of liturgies that set the terms for how we think about ourselves and our world today. It is the notion that every person is constituted by a set of inward feelings, desires, and emotions. The real “me” is that person who dwells inside my body and thus I am most truly myself when I am able to act outwardly in accordance with those feelings. Where this becomes exceptionally dangerous to our spiritual lives and journeys is when we start to identify ourselves by our desires.”
~ Carl Trueman (Crisis of Confidence)
Christian Creed:
Summaries of Scriptures teachings and testimonies of the good news of Jesus.
They are not supplemental to scripture, but rather they summarize what Scripture already teaches.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
~ The Apostles Creed
Click here to see image
God wants to release you from your loneliness
“The essence of giving praise is not just that you are offering sacrifice to God, but that in giving praise and sacrifice, God is actually giving himself to you.”
~ C.S. Lewis
Testify! Share a testimony about God with your neighbor
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June 9th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Where are You Looking?
Text: Psalm 123
Campus: Rivermont
I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven.
Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand, like a servant girl’s eyes on her mistress’s hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until he shows us favor.
Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt.
We’ve had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
Psalms 123:1-4 (CSB)
I look to you, heaven-dwelling God, look up to you for help. Like servants, alert to their master’s commands, like a maiden attending her lady, We’re watching and waiting, holding our breath, awaiting your word of mercy. Mercy, God, mercy! We’ve been kicked around long enough, Kicked in the teeth by complacent rich men, kicked when we’re down by arrogant brutes.
Psalm 123:1-4 (MSG)
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
~ Henry David Thoreau
Looking Up:
I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven. Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand, like a servant girl’s eyes on her mistress’s hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until he shows us favor.
Psalms 123:1-2 (CSB)
What you look at matters!
God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.
For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed.
If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people.
When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary.
Then I understood their destiny. Indeed, you put them in slippery places; you make them fall into ruin.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.
Psalms 73:1-4; 15-18; 26-28 (CSB)
"Where your eyes lead, your heart will follow."
~ Sid Goodloe
Looking down:
Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt.
We’ve had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
Psalm 123:3-4 (CSB)
How we look at someone and how we are looked at, MATTERS!
Contempt—the feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn.
Scorn—the feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or despicable; contempt.
“Contempt comes from a place of superiority and makes the other feel inferior. Deep down, it stems from a sense of feeling unappreciated and unacknowledged in the relationship. It can take the form of verbal or non-verbal language, which can include sarcasm, mockery, and facial gestures…It is no more about the issue that started the argument, but an attack on the worthiness of a person—almost like saying, ‘You are insignificant.’”
~ Jinashree Rajendrakumar
“When contempt begins to overwhelm your relationship you tend to forget entirely your partner’s positive qualities, at least while you’re feeling upset. You can’t remember a single positive quality or act. This immediate decay of admiration is an important reason why contempt ought to be banned from marital interactions.”
~ Gottman
When pride is replaced with humility, you can truly see one another
Being Seen:
Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt.
Psalm 123:3 (CSB)
My hand made all these things, and so they all came into being. This is the Lord’s declaration. I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and trembles at my word.
Isaiah 66:2 (CSB)
The Lord-- the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth
Maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion and sin.
Exodus 34:6-7 (CSB)
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
Psalm 123
"I raise my eyes and see you, Lord,
Who dwells in the heavens and who is also here.
As the eyes of servants follow
The hands of their masters,
And the maid the movements of her mistress,
So these eyes watch for you
Until your mercy visits us.
Give me grace after grace, Lord,
For these hands have held their portion
Of scorn and more. I know the cold
Contempt of those at ease
And the easy way the proud
Deride the ones who wait for you."
~ Paraphrase by Andy Patton
Reflection Questions:
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: The Favor of God
Text: Psalm 123
Campus: College Hill
Psalm 123, home is to experience the favor of God in difficult circumstances.
I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven. Like a servant’s eyes on their master’s hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God, until he shows us favor. Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt. We’ve had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
Psalm 123:1-4
Who do we look to?
I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven. Like a servant’s eyes on their master’s hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God.
Who do we look to?
We keep our eyes fixed on the Lord our God, King of the universe.
What troubles us?
we’ve had more than enough contempt. We’ve had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
Psalm 123:4
We don’t serve a God who asks us to provide perfect prayers. We serve a God who listens to His people and is near to them in their distress.
What do we ask for?
Our eyes are on the Lord our God….until he shows us favor. Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt.
Psalm 123:2-3
God’s favor is most represented by His presence with us
What do we ask for?
We ask for God’s presence to be with us.
For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:14-17
If God’s favor is most represented by His presence, then we now have the fullness of the favor of God through Jesus.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us …. we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:18, 23-25
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.
Romans 8:29-30
What is the good that He works together? What’s the point?
To be formed into the image of Christ.
What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
Romans 8:31
In Christ, God is for you. God’s favor and grace is given to you. He is for you.
What troubles do you need to name and give to God? Where are you at the end of your rope?
God, how do you want to pick up my broken pieces and make me more like Jesus in this? Where I am blind to your working, help me to see. Where I lack faith and doubts arise, help me to believe.
If you have not trusted Jesus as your savior, the full favor and grace of God is available to you if you would surrender to Jesus.
___________________________________________________
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Where are You Looking?
Text: Psalm 123
Campus: Rivermont
I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven.
Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand, like a servant girl’s eyes on her mistress’s hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until he shows us favor.
Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt.
We’ve had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
Psalms 123:1-4 (CSB)
I look to you, heaven-dwelling God, look up to you for help. Like servants, alert to their master’s commands, like a maiden attending her lady, We’re watching and waiting, holding our breath, awaiting your word of mercy. Mercy, God, mercy! We’ve been kicked around long enough, Kicked in the teeth by complacent rich men, kicked when we’re down by arrogant brutes.
Psalm 123:1-4 (MSG)
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
~ Henry David Thoreau
Looking Up:
I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven. Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand, like a servant girl’s eyes on her mistress’s hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until he shows us favor.
Psalms 123:1-2 (CSB)
What you look at matters!
God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.
For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed.
If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people.
When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary.
Then I understood their destiny. Indeed, you put them in slippery places; you make them fall into ruin.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.
Psalms 73:1-4; 15-18; 26-28 (CSB)
"Where your eyes lead, your heart will follow."
~ Sid Goodloe
Looking down:
Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt.
We’ve had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
Psalm 123:3-4 (CSB)
How we look at someone and how we are looked at, MATTERS!
Contempt—the feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn.
Scorn—the feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or despicable; contempt.
“Contempt comes from a place of superiority and makes the other feel inferior. Deep down, it stems from a sense of feeling unappreciated and unacknowledged in the relationship. It can take the form of verbal or non-verbal language, which can include sarcasm, mockery, and facial gestures…It is no more about the issue that started the argument, but an attack on the worthiness of a person—almost like saying, ‘You are insignificant.’”
~ Jinashree Rajendrakumar
“When contempt begins to overwhelm your relationship you tend to forget entirely your partner’s positive qualities, at least while you’re feeling upset. You can’t remember a single positive quality or act. This immediate decay of admiration is an important reason why contempt ought to be banned from marital interactions.”
~ Gottman
When pride is replaced with humility, you can truly see one another
Being Seen:
Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt.
Psalm 123:3 (CSB)
My hand made all these things, and so they all came into being. This is the Lord’s declaration. I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and trembles at my word.
Isaiah 66:2 (CSB)
The Lord-- the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth
Maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion and sin.
Exodus 34:6-7 (CSB)
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
Psalm 123
"I raise my eyes and see you, Lord,
Who dwells in the heavens and who is also here.
As the eyes of servants follow
The hands of their masters,
And the maid the movements of her mistress,
So these eyes watch for you
Until your mercy visits us.
Give me grace after grace, Lord,
For these hands have held their portion
Of scorn and more. I know the cold
Contempt of those at ease
And the easy way the proud
Deride the ones who wait for you."
~ Paraphrase by Andy Patton
Reflection Questions:
- Where are you looking?
- How are you looking at those around you?
- Do you believe in a God that sees you for who you are and delights in you?
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: The Favor of God
Text: Psalm 123
Campus: College Hill
Psalm 123, home is to experience the favor of God in difficult circumstances.
I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven. Like a servant’s eyes on their master’s hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God, until he shows us favor. Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt. We’ve had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
Psalm 123:1-4
Who do we look to?
I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven. Like a servant’s eyes on their master’s hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God.
Who do we look to?
We keep our eyes fixed on the Lord our God, King of the universe.
What troubles us?
we’ve had more than enough contempt. We’ve had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
Psalm 123:4
We don’t serve a God who asks us to provide perfect prayers. We serve a God who listens to His people and is near to them in their distress.
What do we ask for?
Our eyes are on the Lord our God….until he shows us favor. Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt.
Psalm 123:2-3
God’s favor is most represented by His presence with us
What do we ask for?
We ask for God’s presence to be with us.
For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:14-17
If God’s favor is most represented by His presence, then we now have the fullness of the favor of God through Jesus.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us …. we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:18, 23-25
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.
Romans 8:29-30
What is the good that He works together? What’s the point?
To be formed into the image of Christ.
What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
Romans 8:31
In Christ, God is for you. God’s favor and grace is given to you. He is for you.
What troubles do you need to name and give to God? Where are you at the end of your rope?
God, how do you want to pick up my broken pieces and make me more like Jesus in this? Where I am blind to your working, help me to see. Where I lack faith and doubts arise, help me to believe.
If you have not trusted Jesus as your savior, the full favor and grace of God is available to you if you would surrender to Jesus.
___________________________________________________
June 2nd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling & Emily Woody
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Text: Psalm 23
Campus: Rivermont
I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23 (ESV)
Corporate Prayer:
Do not be distant, O Lord, lest I find this burden of loss too heavy, and shrink from the
necessary experience of my grief.
Give me strength, O God, to feel this grief deeply, never to hide my heart from it. And give me also hope enough to remain open to surprising encounters with joy.
Amidst the pain that lades these days, give me courage, O Lord;
courage to live them fully, to love and to allow myself to be loved,
to remember, grieve, and honor what was, to live with thanksgiving in what is,
and to invest in the hope of what will be.
Be at work mending these long heartbreaks with the advent of new joys, good friendships, true fellowships, unexpected delights. Remind me again and again of your goodness, your presence, your promises.
For this is who we are: a people of The Promise—a people shaped in the image of the God whose very being generates all joy in the universe, yet who also weeps and grieves its brokenness.
So we, your children, are also at liberty to lament our losses, even as we simultaneously rejoice in the hope of their coming restoration.
Let me learn now, O Lord, to do this as naturally as the inhale and exhale of a single breath:
To breathe out sorrow, to breathe in joy.
To breathe out lament, to breathe in hope.
To breathe out pain, to breathe in comfort.
In one hand I grasp the burden of my grief, while with the other I reach
for the hope of grief ’s redemption.
And here, between the tension of the two, between what was and what will be,
let my heart be surprised by, shaped by, warmed by, remade by,
the same joy that forever wells within and radiates from your heart, O God.
Amen.
~ Adapted from "Every Moment Holy."
______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Long Obedience
Text: Psalm 121
Campus: College Hill
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.
The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Psalm 121 (CSB)
The Songs of Ascent create a longing for home and a longing for change.
Psalm 121 - home looks like “the desire for protection.”
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.
The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Psalm 121 (CSB).
This Psalm reassures God’s people of God’s unwavering presence, protection, and care
This song is meant to be sung in the middle of the storm.
God does not have the same limitations that we do.
This Psalm teaches us that we can be honest about the reality of our painful lives and we can trust our lives to the care of a good and present God.
This Psalm ends by emphasizing a sense of enduring security and divine oversight throughout this life – and the life to come.
Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit[a] gives life[b] because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through[c] his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:10-11
Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35, 37-39
Do not be distant, O Lord, lest I find this burden of loss too heavy, and shrink from the
necessary experience of my grief.
Let me neither ignore my pain, pretending all is okay when it isn’t, nor coddle and magnify my pain, so that I dull my capacity to experience all that remains good in this life.
So give me strength, O God, to feel this grief deeply, never to hide my heart from it. And give me also hope enough to remain open to surprising encounters with joy.
Amidst the pain that lades these days, give me courage, O Lord; courage to live them fully, to love and to allow myself to be loved, to remember, grieve, and honor what was, to live with thanksgiving in what is, and to invest in the hope of what will be.
Be at work mending these long heartbreaks with the advent of new joys, good friendships, true fellowships, unexpected delights. Remind me again and again of your goodness, your presence, your promises.
For this is who we are: a people of The Promise—a people shaped in the image of the God whose very being generates all joy in the universe, yet who also weeps and grieves its brokenness.
So we, your children, are also at liberty to lament our losses, even as we simultaneously rejoice in the hope of their coming restoration.
Let me learn now, O Lord, to do this as naturally as the inhale and exhale of a single breath:
To breathe out sorrow, to breathe in joy.
To breathe out lament, to breathe in hope.
To breathe out pain, to breathe in comfort.
In one hand I grasp the burden of my grief, while with the other I reach for the hope of grief ’s redemption.
And here, between the tension of the two, between what was and what will be, let my heart be surprised by, shaped by, warmed by, remade by, the same joy that forever wells within and radiates from your heart, O God.
Amen.
~ Adapted from "Every Moment Holy."
Prayer for the Matice family (groups)
Name our sorrow and grief (personally)
Declare our hope (corporately)
*If you or someone you know is struggling w/ untreated mental illness, if you ever struggle w/ suicidal thoughts – please reach out to our team so that we can connect you to someone who can help.
_________________________________________________
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Text: Psalm 23
Campus: Rivermont
I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23 (ESV)
Corporate Prayer:
Do not be distant, O Lord, lest I find this burden of loss too heavy, and shrink from the
necessary experience of my grief.
Give me strength, O God, to feel this grief deeply, never to hide my heart from it. And give me also hope enough to remain open to surprising encounters with joy.
Amidst the pain that lades these days, give me courage, O Lord;
courage to live them fully, to love and to allow myself to be loved,
to remember, grieve, and honor what was, to live with thanksgiving in what is,
and to invest in the hope of what will be.
Be at work mending these long heartbreaks with the advent of new joys, good friendships, true fellowships, unexpected delights. Remind me again and again of your goodness, your presence, your promises.
For this is who we are: a people of The Promise—a people shaped in the image of the God whose very being generates all joy in the universe, yet who also weeps and grieves its brokenness.
So we, your children, are also at liberty to lament our losses, even as we simultaneously rejoice in the hope of their coming restoration.
Let me learn now, O Lord, to do this as naturally as the inhale and exhale of a single breath:
To breathe out sorrow, to breathe in joy.
To breathe out lament, to breathe in hope.
To breathe out pain, to breathe in comfort.
In one hand I grasp the burden of my grief, while with the other I reach
for the hope of grief ’s redemption.
And here, between the tension of the two, between what was and what will be,
let my heart be surprised by, shaped by, warmed by, remade by,
the same joy that forever wells within and radiates from your heart, O God.
Amen.
~ Adapted from "Every Moment Holy."
______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Long Obedience
Text: Psalm 121
Campus: College Hill
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.
The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Psalm 121 (CSB)
The Songs of Ascent create a longing for home and a longing for change.
Psalm 121 - home looks like “the desire for protection.”
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.
The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Psalm 121 (CSB).
This Psalm reassures God’s people of God’s unwavering presence, protection, and care
This song is meant to be sung in the middle of the storm.
God does not have the same limitations that we do.
This Psalm teaches us that we can be honest about the reality of our painful lives and we can trust our lives to the care of a good and present God.
This Psalm ends by emphasizing a sense of enduring security and divine oversight throughout this life – and the life to come.
Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit[a] gives life[b] because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through[c] his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:10-11
Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35, 37-39
Do not be distant, O Lord, lest I find this burden of loss too heavy, and shrink from the
necessary experience of my grief.
Let me neither ignore my pain, pretending all is okay when it isn’t, nor coddle and magnify my pain, so that I dull my capacity to experience all that remains good in this life.
So give me strength, O God, to feel this grief deeply, never to hide my heart from it. And give me also hope enough to remain open to surprising encounters with joy.
Amidst the pain that lades these days, give me courage, O Lord; courage to live them fully, to love and to allow myself to be loved, to remember, grieve, and honor what was, to live with thanksgiving in what is, and to invest in the hope of what will be.
Be at work mending these long heartbreaks with the advent of new joys, good friendships, true fellowships, unexpected delights. Remind me again and again of your goodness, your presence, your promises.
For this is who we are: a people of The Promise—a people shaped in the image of the God whose very being generates all joy in the universe, yet who also weeps and grieves its brokenness.
So we, your children, are also at liberty to lament our losses, even as we simultaneously rejoice in the hope of their coming restoration.
Let me learn now, O Lord, to do this as naturally as the inhale and exhale of a single breath:
To breathe out sorrow, to breathe in joy.
To breathe out lament, to breathe in hope.
To breathe out pain, to breathe in comfort.
In one hand I grasp the burden of my grief, while with the other I reach for the hope of grief ’s redemption.
And here, between the tension of the two, between what was and what will be, let my heart be surprised by, shaped by, warmed by, remade by, the same joy that forever wells within and radiates from your heart, O God.
Amen.
~ Adapted from "Every Moment Holy."
Prayer for the Matice family (groups)
Name our sorrow and grief (personally)
Declare our hope (corporately)
*If you or someone you know is struggling w/ untreated mental illness, if you ever struggle w/ suicidal thoughts – please reach out to our team so that we can connect you to someone who can help.
_________________________________________________
May 26th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Lunceford
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Where My Help Comes From
Text: Psalm 121
Campus: Rivermont
The Psalms of Ascent help us make the long journey home - Psalm 121 speaks to the longing of the human heart for safety and protection of home while on the long journey of obediance.
There is an apparent tension that arises for the believer along the journey when peril arises, this is a psalm for when we find ourselves in need of help.
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Psalms 121:1-8 CSB
Along the journey of obedience we will find ourselves in need of help, our help comes from the all-sufficient Lord who created everything. (v1-2)
The Lord is constantly attentive to our needs along the journey, we are not required to earn His attention, He will not neglect us. (v3-4)
The Lord is intimately present with us every step of the way, protecting us from anything that may threaten to overwhelm us. (v5-6)
The Lord’s protection extends to every area of our lives. (v7-8)
“The promise of the psalm - and both Hebrews and Christians have always read it this way - is not that we shall never stub our toes but that no injury, no illness, no accident, no distress will ever have evil power over us, that is, will be able to separate us from God’s purposes in us.”
~ Euguene Peterson
In the midst of difficulty we can find help in the Lord our protector who stands by our side and will not allow any evil to separate us from His perfect love.
The mistake that Psalm 121 prevents us from making is thinking that God’s interest and involvement in our lives is determined by our spiritual condition and obedience.
The ultimate destination of long obedience is reunion with Christ in our forever home but Christ is not waiting for us to make it to Him. He has come to us and is walking along with us every step of the way supporting us with His perfect love and presence.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 CSB
Questions to consider:
Prayer Prompt:
May God increase our awareness of His presence as our constant shelter and support throughout the entire journey of obedience.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Long Obedience
Text: Psalm 120
Campus: College Hill
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
“Lord, rescue me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.”
What will he give you, and what will he do to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows with burning charcoal!
What misery that I have stayed in Meshech, that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!
I have dwelt too long with those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
Psalm 120 (CSB)
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
The Psalms (Songs) of Ascent create a longing for home; they create a longing for change and inspire the pilgrim to make the journey home.
Psalm 120 - home looks like “peace.”
Psalm 120 addresses the issue of authenticity and the importance of truth.
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
“Lord, rescue me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.”
What will he give you, and what will he do to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows with burning charcoal!
What misery that I have stayed in Meshech, that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!
I have dwelt too long with those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
Psalm 120 (CSB)
1. A note of confidence and a complaint (vv. 1-2)
2. The unfaithful and the deceivers will be held accountable (vv. 3-4)
3. The craving for home and authentic community (vv. 5-6)
4. Contrasting ways of being (v. 7)
“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
~ C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
The sincerity, fidelity, and constancy that we long for is found in Christ.
_________________________________________________________
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Where My Help Comes From
Text: Psalm 121
Campus: Rivermont
The Psalms of Ascent help us make the long journey home - Psalm 121 speaks to the longing of the human heart for safety and protection of home while on the long journey of obediance.
There is an apparent tension that arises for the believer along the journey when peril arises, this is a psalm for when we find ourselves in need of help.
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Psalms 121:1-8 CSB
Along the journey of obedience we will find ourselves in need of help, our help comes from the all-sufficient Lord who created everything. (v1-2)
The Lord is constantly attentive to our needs along the journey, we are not required to earn His attention, He will not neglect us. (v3-4)
The Lord is intimately present with us every step of the way, protecting us from anything that may threaten to overwhelm us. (v5-6)
The Lord’s protection extends to every area of our lives. (v7-8)
“The promise of the psalm - and both Hebrews and Christians have always read it this way - is not that we shall never stub our toes but that no injury, no illness, no accident, no distress will ever have evil power over us, that is, will be able to separate us from God’s purposes in us.”
~ Euguene Peterson
In the midst of difficulty we can find help in the Lord our protector who stands by our side and will not allow any evil to separate us from His perfect love.
The mistake that Psalm 121 prevents us from making is thinking that God’s interest and involvement in our lives is determined by our spiritual condition and obedience.
The ultimate destination of long obedience is reunion with Christ in our forever home but Christ is not waiting for us to make it to Him. He has come to us and is walking along with us every step of the way supporting us with His perfect love and presence.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 CSB
Questions to consider:
- When trouble arises where do you turn to first for help?
- Are you guilty of treating God as a last resort when you can’t “fix it” or reserving Him for only the significant problems?
- How can you invite the God who created the heavens and the earth into the “mundane” parts of your life this week?
Prayer Prompt:
May God increase our awareness of His presence as our constant shelter and support throughout the entire journey of obedience.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: Long Obedience
Text: Psalm 120
Campus: College Hill
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
“Lord, rescue me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.”
What will he give you, and what will he do to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows with burning charcoal!
What misery that I have stayed in Meshech, that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!
I have dwelt too long with those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
Psalm 120 (CSB)
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
The Psalms (Songs) of Ascent create a longing for home; they create a longing for change and inspire the pilgrim to make the journey home.
Psalm 120 - home looks like “peace.”
Psalm 120 addresses the issue of authenticity and the importance of truth.
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
“Lord, rescue me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.”
What will he give you, and what will he do to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows with burning charcoal!
What misery that I have stayed in Meshech, that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!
I have dwelt too long with those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
Psalm 120 (CSB)
1. A note of confidence and a complaint (vv. 1-2)
2. The unfaithful and the deceivers will be held accountable (vv. 3-4)
3. The craving for home and authentic community (vv. 5-6)
4. Contrasting ways of being (v. 7)
“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
~ C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
The sincerity, fidelity, and constancy that we long for is found in Christ.
_________________________________________________________
May 19th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Pentecost Sunday
Text: Psalm 120
Campus: Rivermont
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
“Lord, rescue me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.”
What will he give you, and what will he do to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows with burning charcoal!
What misery that I have stayed in Meshech, that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!
I have dwelt too long with those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
Psalm 120 (CSB)
Christianity is not intended to be an extra thing in our busy lives;
it’s intended to be the operating system for our lives.
“The essential thing ‘in heaven and earth’ is … that there should be long obedience in the same direction; there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living.”
~ Fredrich Nietzche
The Psalms of Ascent help us make the long journey home.
The Psalms of Ascent are a reminder that we’re not home yet, and they’re intended to stir a longing for home in the context of community.
Psalm 120 addresses the issue and the importance of truth (authenticity).
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
“Lord, rescue me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.”
What will he give you, and what will he do to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows with burning charcoal!
What misery that I have stayed in Meshech, that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!
I have dwelt too long with those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
Psalm 120 (CSB)
1. A note of confidence and a complain (vv. 1-2)
2. The unfaithful and the deceivers will be held accountable (vv. 3-4)
3. The craving for home and authentic community (vv. 5-6)
4. Contrasting ways of being (v. 7)
How can we begin to respond to this Psalm?
Sermon Notes: Jeff Boyer and Zach Foster
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: The Power of God’s Presence
Text: Acts 2:1-4
Campus: College Hill
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. So Moses thought, “I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn’t the bush burning up?”
When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!”
“Here I am,” he answered.
“Do not come closer,” he said. “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he continued, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.
Exodus 3:1-6
But Moses asked God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
He answered, “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I am the one who sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.”
Exodus 3:11-12
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you.
Isaiah 43:2
You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:9-11
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”
But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.”
Acts of the Apostles 8:18-23
But now I am going away to him who sent me, and not one of you asks me, “Where are you going?” Yet, because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.
John 16:5-7, 13
Reflection Questions:
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Pentecost Sunday
Text: Psalm 120
Campus: Rivermont
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
“Lord, rescue me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.”
What will he give you, and what will he do to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows with burning charcoal!
What misery that I have stayed in Meshech, that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!
I have dwelt too long with those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
Psalm 120 (CSB)
Christianity is not intended to be an extra thing in our busy lives;
it’s intended to be the operating system for our lives.
“The essential thing ‘in heaven and earth’ is … that there should be long obedience in the same direction; there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living.”
~ Fredrich Nietzche
The Psalms of Ascent help us make the long journey home.
The Psalms of Ascent are a reminder that we’re not home yet, and they’re intended to stir a longing for home in the context of community.
Psalm 120 addresses the issue and the importance of truth (authenticity).
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
“Lord, rescue me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.”
What will he give you, and what will he do to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows with burning charcoal!
What misery that I have stayed in Meshech, that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!
I have dwelt too long with those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
Psalm 120 (CSB)
1. A note of confidence and a complain (vv. 1-2)
2. The unfaithful and the deceivers will be held accountable (vv. 3-4)
3. The craving for home and authentic community (vv. 5-6)
4. Contrasting ways of being (v. 7)
How can we begin to respond to this Psalm?
- Be honest about who we are, and the challenges that we face living in a world that is fundamentally broken.
- We must come to our senses and be willing to make a change; to go on a journey toward truth, repentance, and renewal that is found in Christ.
Sermon Notes: Jeff Boyer and Zach Foster
Series: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Title: The Power of God’s Presence
Text: Acts 2:1-4
Campus: College Hill
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. So Moses thought, “I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn’t the bush burning up?”
When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!”
“Here I am,” he answered.
“Do not come closer,” he said. “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he continued, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.
Exodus 3:1-6
But Moses asked God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
He answered, “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I am the one who sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.”
Exodus 3:11-12
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you.
Isaiah 43:2
You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:9-11
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”
But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.”
Acts of the Apostles 8:18-23
But now I am going away to him who sent me, and not one of you asks me, “Where are you going?” Yet, because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.
John 16:5-7, 13
Reflection Questions:
- What in your life needs to be burned away by the refining fire of God?
- Where can you testify of the power of God’s presence in your life?
- Like embers on the wind, where is God calling you to ignite a fire around you or even far away?
Happy Mother's Day 2024
We will have Family Dedications at both campuses today.
You can see them online at gospelcc.org/locations
Mother's Day image, click here
You can see them online at gospelcc.org/locations
Mother's Day image, click here
May 5th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Kirk Rowland
Series: Margin for Mission
Title: Give for Margin for Mission
Text: Acts 4:32-34, Mark 6
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see image: Kirk and Family
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
A Gospel Community Church Value
SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY
Moved by the heart of God, we are present to the needs of others and determined to become generous in all things. With our time, talent, and treasure we will meet the needs of others, resist consumerism, and remain committed to giving all we have for the glory of God and the good of others. We are those who have found our lives by laying them down for the sake of others.
Scripture: Proverbs 11:24-26, Matthew 6, Matthew 23:23, Luke 12:13-21, Galatians 2:10, 1 Timothy 6:3-10, Hebrews 13:1-6, Philippians 4:10-20, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, James 1:17
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place, but many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they ran on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.
When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.
When it grew late, his disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy themselves something to eat.”
“You give them something to eat,” he responded.
They said to him, “Should we go and buy two hundred denarii[b] worth of bread and give them something to eat?”
He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”
When they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he instructed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves. He kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Everyone ate and was satisfied. They picked up twelve baskets full of pieces of bread and fish. Now those who had eaten the loaves were five thousand men.
Mark 6:30-44
Some points to Ponder:
1. Jesus never did life outside of the direction of the Father.
2. In the midst of sacrificial giving, Jesus taught the Disciples to “bring it to me”.
3. God’s economy: God's way of managing resources defies human understanding.
Reflection Questions:
1 .How is God inviting you to give space for sacrificial giving? What is he prompting you to give of share?
2. How can we foster a way of life that truly embodies giving sacrificially?
____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: Margin for Mission
Title: Giving for Margin on Mission
Text: Acts 4:32-35 and Matt. 6:19-21
Campus: College Hill
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed
that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With
great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great
grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who
owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the
apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where
thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth
nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
United in Belief—They were of one heart and mind.
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed
that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.
Acts 4:32
The local church at Jerusalem was united in the belief that God was the true owner of their
possessions.
“When we know it all belongs to God, we manage it according to what HIS desires are.
Christians who experience the renewal of God through Christ are empowered by the Holy Spirit
to hold loosely to their earthly possessions and to hold tightly to their Savior.”
~ A. Moroz
United in Purpose
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and
great grace was on all of them.
Acts 4:33
The Lord takes his place in court and presents his case against his people. The Lord comes
forward to pronounce judgment on the elders and rulers of his people: “You have ruined Israel,
my vineyard. Your houses are filled with things stolen from the poor. How dare you crush my
people, grinding the faces of the poor into the dust?” demands the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s
Armies.
Isaiah 3:13-15 NLT
When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not
listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. Wash yourselves and be
clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help
the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Isaiah 1:15-17 NLT
Epistle to Diognetus
They display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their
own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and
yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and
every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all [others]; they beget
children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a
common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on
earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time
surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown
and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life. They are poor, yet make many
rich; they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all.
United in Generosity
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses
sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was
then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:34-35
SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY
Moved by the heart of God, we are present to the needs of others and determined to become
generous in all things. With our time, talent, and treasure we will meet the needs of others,
resist consumerism, and remain committed to giving all we have for the glory of God and the
good of others. We are those who have found our lives by laying them down for the sake of
others.
● What are the needs within the church?
● What are the needs within the community?
● How can I use my finances to spread the gospel around the world?
“Giving away means not keeping for yourself. Which will always change your life. But it also
changes your heart!
You know that Jesus is precious to you when nothing else is.”
— C.H. Spurgeon
Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be
blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. Light shines in
the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to
those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be
overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad
news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can
face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good
deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. The wicked will see this
and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes
thwarted.
Psalms 112:1-10 NLT
And the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my
word will come true for you or not.”
Numbers 11:23
Come and see what our God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
Ps. 66:5 NLT
Reflection Questions:
● Do you believe that the hand of God is too short?
● Where do you feel yourself being pulled in generosity?
● Where do you need to “come and see what our God has done”?
__________________________________________________________________________
Series: Margin for Mission
Title: Give for Margin for Mission
Text: Acts 4:32-34, Mark 6
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see image: Kirk and Family
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
A Gospel Community Church Value
SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY
Moved by the heart of God, we are present to the needs of others and determined to become generous in all things. With our time, talent, and treasure we will meet the needs of others, resist consumerism, and remain committed to giving all we have for the glory of God and the good of others. We are those who have found our lives by laying them down for the sake of others.
Scripture: Proverbs 11:24-26, Matthew 6, Matthew 23:23, Luke 12:13-21, Galatians 2:10, 1 Timothy 6:3-10, Hebrews 13:1-6, Philippians 4:10-20, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, James 1:17
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place, but many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they ran on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.
When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.
When it grew late, his disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy themselves something to eat.”
“You give them something to eat,” he responded.
They said to him, “Should we go and buy two hundred denarii[b] worth of bread and give them something to eat?”
He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”
When they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he instructed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves. He kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Everyone ate and was satisfied. They picked up twelve baskets full of pieces of bread and fish. Now those who had eaten the loaves were five thousand men.
Mark 6:30-44
- The Disciples were commissioned by Jesus to go throughout the villages and countryside. Through the power of Jesus they gave themselves to the intensity of ministry.
- When the Disciples returned to Jesus, they were met with more ministry need. It was a continued flurry of activity.
- Even as the Disciples were called away to be with Jesus, their location was found out and more people came. The people were in need and Jesus had compassion on them.
- The Disciples ask Jesus to send the people away. They were worn out, tired & hungry.
- Jesus asks the impossible of an exhausted leadership team. The Disciples were asked to feed the many. Mark 6:37 “Jesus replied, “You give them something to eat.”
- Matthew 14:18 Jesus asked his disciples to bring the food to him
Some points to Ponder:
1. Jesus never did life outside of the direction of the Father.
2. In the midst of sacrificial giving, Jesus taught the Disciples to “bring it to me”.
3. God’s economy: God's way of managing resources defies human understanding.
Reflection Questions:
1 .How is God inviting you to give space for sacrificial giving? What is he prompting you to give of share?
2. How can we foster a way of life that truly embodies giving sacrificially?
____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: Margin for Mission
Title: Giving for Margin on Mission
Text: Acts 4:32-35 and Matt. 6:19-21
Campus: College Hill
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed
that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With
great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great
grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who
owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the
apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where
thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth
nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
United in Belief—They were of one heart and mind.
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed
that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.
Acts 4:32
The local church at Jerusalem was united in the belief that God was the true owner of their
possessions.
“When we know it all belongs to God, we manage it according to what HIS desires are.
Christians who experience the renewal of God through Christ are empowered by the Holy Spirit
to hold loosely to their earthly possessions and to hold tightly to their Savior.”
~ A. Moroz
United in Purpose
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and
great grace was on all of them.
Acts 4:33
The Lord takes his place in court and presents his case against his people. The Lord comes
forward to pronounce judgment on the elders and rulers of his people: “You have ruined Israel,
my vineyard. Your houses are filled with things stolen from the poor. How dare you crush my
people, grinding the faces of the poor into the dust?” demands the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s
Armies.
Isaiah 3:13-15 NLT
When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not
listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. Wash yourselves and be
clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help
the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Isaiah 1:15-17 NLT
Epistle to Diognetus
They display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their
own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and
yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and
every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all [others]; they beget
children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a
common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on
earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time
surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown
and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life. They are poor, yet make many
rich; they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all.
United in Generosity
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses
sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was
then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:34-35
SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY
Moved by the heart of God, we are present to the needs of others and determined to become
generous in all things. With our time, talent, and treasure we will meet the needs of others,
resist consumerism, and remain committed to giving all we have for the glory of God and the
good of others. We are those who have found our lives by laying them down for the sake of
others.
● What are the needs within the church?
● What are the needs within the community?
● How can I use my finances to spread the gospel around the world?
“Giving away means not keeping for yourself. Which will always change your life. But it also
changes your heart!
You know that Jesus is precious to you when nothing else is.”
— C.H. Spurgeon
Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be
blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. Light shines in
the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to
those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be
overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad
news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can
face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good
deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. The wicked will see this
and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes
thwarted.
Psalms 112:1-10 NLT
And the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my
word will come true for you or not.”
Numbers 11:23
Come and see what our God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
Ps. 66:5 NLT
Reflection Questions:
● Do you believe that the hand of God is too short?
● Where do you feel yourself being pulled in generosity?
● Where do you need to “come and see what our God has done”?
__________________________________________________________________________
April 28th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Margin for Mission
Title: Living with Margin for Mission
Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Campus: Rivermont
No one can serve two masters, since you will either hate the one and love the other, be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Mammon.
Matthew 6:24
Mammon (money) is transactional and creates disconnection.
“The more time we spend in the world that money makes, the more we are conformed to its image”
~ Andy Crouch
Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands.
They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell.
They have hands but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk.
They cannot make a sound with their throats.
Those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them.
Psalm 115:4-8
Having more money won’t make us more generous, happier, more at peace. Having more of something like money only makes us more of what we already are and are becoming.
“Money seduces us with this promise: Abundance without dependence”
~ Andy Crouch
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.
1 Timothy 6:6-7
Live with margin for mission.
If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:8-10
But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:11-12
In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you to keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will bring this about in his own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:13-16
Live modestly, stay free of debt. Be generous, develop a financial strategy for your future, and be wary of those who try to buy your favor. (Gordon MacDonald, The View From 80)
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Does the way I live my life form my heart for love of God and love of neighbor?
Is the way I am using and thinking about money forming my heart for love of God and love of neighbor or not?
Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:18
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Kirk Rowland
Series: Margin for Mission
Title: Live With Margin for Mission
Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Campus: College Hill
Click here to see image: Kirk and family
Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:6-11
Gospel Community Church Value: BEING BEFORE DOING
We seek to order our days with a way of life that brings beneath-the-surface transformation and forms us into people who know how to abide in Jesus. We slow down our pace of life to be with Jesus, ourselves, and others.
We embrace ancient, Biblical practices of prayer, Scripture, silence, solitude, and sabbath in order for the Holy Spirit to recover our humanity in the image of Jesus and heal our souls in our hurried and exhausted world.
Scripture: John 15, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 131, Mark 6:31-32, Luke 10:38-42, Matthew 4:1-11, Acts 4:13, Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:1-17
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place, but many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they ran on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.
When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.
When it grew late, his disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy themselves something to eat.”
“You give them something to eat,” he responded.
They said to him, “Should we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”
He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”
When they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he instructed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves. He kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Everyone ate and was satisfied. They picked up twelve baskets full of pieces of bread and fish. Now those who had eaten the loaves were five thousand men.
Mark 6:30-44
Some points to Ponder:
Reflection Questions:
Series: Margin for Mission
Title: Living with Margin for Mission
Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Campus: Rivermont
No one can serve two masters, since you will either hate the one and love the other, be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Mammon.
Matthew 6:24
Mammon (money) is transactional and creates disconnection.
“The more time we spend in the world that money makes, the more we are conformed to its image”
~ Andy Crouch
Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands.
They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell.
They have hands but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk.
They cannot make a sound with their throats.
Those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them.
Psalm 115:4-8
Having more money won’t make us more generous, happier, more at peace. Having more of something like money only makes us more of what we already are and are becoming.
“Money seduces us with this promise: Abundance without dependence”
~ Andy Crouch
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.
1 Timothy 6:6-7
Live with margin for mission.
If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:8-10
But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:11-12
In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you to keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will bring this about in his own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:13-16
Live modestly, stay free of debt. Be generous, develop a financial strategy for your future, and be wary of those who try to buy your favor. (Gordon MacDonald, The View From 80)
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Does the way I live my life form my heart for love of God and love of neighbor?
Is the way I am using and thinking about money forming my heart for love of God and love of neighbor or not?
Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:18
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Kirk Rowland
Series: Margin for Mission
Title: Live With Margin for Mission
Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Campus: College Hill
Click here to see image: Kirk and family
Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:6-11
Gospel Community Church Value: BEING BEFORE DOING
We seek to order our days with a way of life that brings beneath-the-surface transformation and forms us into people who know how to abide in Jesus. We slow down our pace of life to be with Jesus, ourselves, and others.
We embrace ancient, Biblical practices of prayer, Scripture, silence, solitude, and sabbath in order for the Holy Spirit to recover our humanity in the image of Jesus and heal our souls in our hurried and exhausted world.
Scripture: John 15, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 131, Mark 6:31-32, Luke 10:38-42, Matthew 4:1-11, Acts 4:13, Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:1-17
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place, but many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they ran on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.
When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.
When it grew late, his disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy themselves something to eat.”
“You give them something to eat,” he responded.
They said to him, “Should we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”
He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”
When they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he instructed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves. He kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Everyone ate and was satisfied. They picked up twelve baskets full of pieces of bread and fish. Now those who had eaten the loaves were five thousand men.
Mark 6:30-44
- The Disciples were commissioned by Jesus to go throughout the villages and countryside. Through the power of Jesus they experienced the intensity of ministry.
- When the Disciples returned to Jesus, they were met with more ministry need. It was a continued flurry of activity.
- Even as the Disciples were called away to be with Jesus, they’re location was found out and more people came. They were in need and Jesus had compassion on them.
- The Disciples ask Jesus to send the people away. They were worn out, tired & hungry.
- Jesus asks the impossible of an exhausted group. The Disciples were asked to feed the many. Mark 6:37 “Jesus replied, “You give them something to eat.”
- Matthew 14:18 Jesus asked his disciples to bring the food to him,
Some points to Ponder:
- Jesus never did life outside of the strength of the Father
- Jesus taught the Disciples to “bring it to me”.
- God’s economy: God's way of managing resources defies human understanding.
Reflection Questions:
- How is God inviting us to live with margin by His strength and not ours?
- How can we foster a way of life that truly embodies the mindset of having more than enough?
April 21st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes
Series: Global Focus
Title: GO
Text: Romans 10: 9-17; Revelation 7:9-12
Campus: Rivermont
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always.
God, would you do whatever you want in my heart this morning?
I want to give you my full yes in whatever you ask of me, and please help me if I’m not there yet.
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb! All the angels stood around the throne, and along with the elders and the four living creatures they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 7:9-12
People Group:
distinct ethnic group with their own culture, language, barriers, and history
click here to see image
Where are we headed?
We will be together in heaven, with people from every people group, praising Jesus in the greatest multicultural worship gathering of all time.
Where are we now?
40% of people in the world have no access to the Gospel today.
Click here to see image
Unreached people groups:
people groups who have not been reached with the good news of Jesus.
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
This is the message of faith that we proclaim: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. But not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.
Romans 10: 9-17
How do we get to our heaven song in Revelation?
God calls His church to raise up and send people to the ends of the earth. He does this by calling some to Go and everyone to Send.
I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum [modern day croatia/slovenia]. My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, but, as it is written, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you whenever I travel to Spain. For I hope to see you when I pass through and to be assisted by you for my journey there, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while.
Romans 15:19b-24
We need people to GO take the Gospel to the unreached people groups of the world, because this is God’s plan for reaching the ends of the earth. We need people to SEND workers to the field, because cross-cultural missions is difficult and requires spiritual, financial, and emotional support.
Will you give God your “yes” in whatever part He wants you to play in reaching the nations?
Click here to see image: QR Code the intirety of the Q&A time
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Global Focus
Title: SEND
Text: Acts 2:41-47, Acts 13:1-5
Campus: College Hill
Gospel Community Church is committed to the glory of God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out to others with the love of Christ.
To be a Christian, and to be a member of GCC, means that we collectively embrace God’s mission, and we actively contribute to God’s mission.
So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 (CSB)
Generosity is a mark of a healthy Christian and a healthy church.
Christians who experience the renewal of God through Christ are empowered by the Holy Spirit to hold loosely to their earthly possessions and to hold tightly to their Savior.
Generosity is the fruit of renewal and revival – it blesses the church and the city, and it fuels the mission.
A renewed and missional church is a generous and multiplying church.
Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks[a] also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
Acts 11:19-21 CSB
Four distinctives of the Church in Antioch:
1) Generosity (Acts 11:27-30)
In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the reign of Claudius. Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea. They did this, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.
2) Diversity (Acts 13:1)
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
3) Dependence (Acts 13:2)
As they were worshiping[a] the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
4) Multiplication (Acts 13:3)
Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.
Generosity and multiplication are fruits of renewal.
Reflection questions:
-How is God inviting us to respond to his mission?
-How can we cultivate a more generous life that reflects the generosity of God the Father, Son, and Spirit?
_________________________________________________________
Series: Global Focus
Title: GO
Text: Romans 10: 9-17; Revelation 7:9-12
Campus: Rivermont
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always.
God, would you do whatever you want in my heart this morning?
I want to give you my full yes in whatever you ask of me, and please help me if I’m not there yet.
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb! All the angels stood around the throne, and along with the elders and the four living creatures they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 7:9-12
People Group:
distinct ethnic group with their own culture, language, barriers, and history
click here to see image
Where are we headed?
We will be together in heaven, with people from every people group, praising Jesus in the greatest multicultural worship gathering of all time.
Where are we now?
40% of people in the world have no access to the Gospel today.
Click here to see image
Unreached people groups:
people groups who have not been reached with the good news of Jesus.
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
This is the message of faith that we proclaim: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. But not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.
Romans 10: 9-17
How do we get to our heaven song in Revelation?
God calls His church to raise up and send people to the ends of the earth. He does this by calling some to Go and everyone to Send.
I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum [modern day croatia/slovenia]. My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, but, as it is written, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you whenever I travel to Spain. For I hope to see you when I pass through and to be assisted by you for my journey there, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while.
Romans 15:19b-24
We need people to GO take the Gospel to the unreached people groups of the world, because this is God’s plan for reaching the ends of the earth. We need people to SEND workers to the field, because cross-cultural missions is difficult and requires spiritual, financial, and emotional support.
Will you give God your “yes” in whatever part He wants you to play in reaching the nations?
Click here to see image: QR Code the intirety of the Q&A time
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Global Focus
Title: SEND
Text: Acts 2:41-47, Acts 13:1-5
Campus: College Hill
Gospel Community Church is committed to the glory of God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out to others with the love of Christ.
To be a Christian, and to be a member of GCC, means that we collectively embrace God’s mission, and we actively contribute to God’s mission.
So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 (CSB)
Generosity is a mark of a healthy Christian and a healthy church.
Christians who experience the renewal of God through Christ are empowered by the Holy Spirit to hold loosely to their earthly possessions and to hold tightly to their Savior.
Generosity is the fruit of renewal and revival – it blesses the church and the city, and it fuels the mission.
A renewed and missional church is a generous and multiplying church.
Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks[a] also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
Acts 11:19-21 CSB
Four distinctives of the Church in Antioch:
1) Generosity (Acts 11:27-30)
In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the reign of Claudius. Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea. They did this, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.
2) Diversity (Acts 13:1)
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
3) Dependence (Acts 13:2)
As they were worshiping[a] the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
4) Multiplication (Acts 13:3)
Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.
Generosity and multiplication are fruits of renewal.
Reflection questions:
-How is God inviting us to respond to his mission?
-How can we cultivate a more generous life that reflects the generosity of God the Father, Son, and Spirit?
_________________________________________________________
April 14th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Global Focus 2024
Title: Sent Ones
Text: Acts 1:8, John 20:19-22
Campus: Rivermont
“Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.”
~ Charles Spurgeon’s Sermon: A Sermon and a Reminiscence, 1873
A renewed church is a fruitful, generous, & multiplying church.
When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
John 20:19-22
After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While he was[a] with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:3-8
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
John 20:21-21
Followers of Jesus go, like Jesus, into the world laying our lives down in sacrificial love.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
To be a witness of Jesus means to go and tell what you’ve seen and heard. And this begins with come and see.
“We delight to praise that which we love.”
~ C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Jerusalem: Comfort Zone
Judea: Like the suburb of Jerusalem, uncomfortable
Samaria: Complex. We feel anxious, and out of place
The end of the Earth: The nations
Population: 8.00 Billion
Population in Unreached: 3.40 Billion
% of Population in Unreached: 42.4%
Click here to see image
Unreached Peoples:
defined as those without access to the gospel, unless someone goes out of their way to go and tell them what they have seen and heard.
joshuaproject.net
God, where are you sending me?
Is God sending me to the unreached people of the world? _______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes
Series: Global Focus 2024
Title: Go
Text: Romans 10:13-15, 15:14-22; Revelation 7:9-12
Campus: College Hill
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always.
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb! All the angels stood around the throne, and along with the elders and the four living creatures they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 7:9-12
So who will be at this gathering in heaven for eternity? People from every nation, tribe, people group, and language.
People Group:
distinct ethnic group with their own culture, language, barriers, and history
Click here to see image
What will we be doing? Worshipping our Savior with one voice in the greatest multicultural gathering of all time.
But who can sing this song today? 40% of people have no access to the Gospel in the world today.
Click here to see image
Unreached people groups:
people groups who have not been reached with the good news of Jesus.
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
This is the message of faith that we proclaim: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10: 9-13
How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. But not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.
Romans 10:14-17
God invites us to obey Him, join Him on His mission, and take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, no matter the cost. He does this by calling some to Go and everyone to Send.
I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum [modern day croatia/slovenia]. My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, but, as it is written, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you whenever I travel to Spain. For I hope to see you when I pass through and to be assisted by you for my journey there, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while.
Romans 15:19b-24
We need people to GO take the Gospel to the unreached people groups of the world, because this is God’s plan for reaching the ends of the earth. We need people to SEND workers to the field, because cross-cultural missions is difficult and requires spiritual, financial, and emotional support.
Would you just simply ask God if He wants you to go?
________________________________________________
Series: Global Focus 2024
Title: Sent Ones
Text: Acts 1:8, John 20:19-22
Campus: Rivermont
“Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.”
~ Charles Spurgeon’s Sermon: A Sermon and a Reminiscence, 1873
A renewed church is a fruitful, generous, & multiplying church.
When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
John 20:19-22
After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While he was[a] with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:3-8
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
John 20:21-21
Followers of Jesus go, like Jesus, into the world laying our lives down in sacrificial love.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
To be a witness of Jesus means to go and tell what you’ve seen and heard. And this begins with come and see.
“We delight to praise that which we love.”
~ C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Jerusalem: Comfort Zone
Judea: Like the suburb of Jerusalem, uncomfortable
Samaria: Complex. We feel anxious, and out of place
The end of the Earth: The nations
Population: 8.00 Billion
Population in Unreached: 3.40 Billion
% of Population in Unreached: 42.4%
Click here to see image
Unreached Peoples:
defined as those without access to the gospel, unless someone goes out of their way to go and tell them what they have seen and heard.
joshuaproject.net
God, where are you sending me?
Is God sending me to the unreached people of the world? _______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes
Series: Global Focus 2024
Title: Go
Text: Romans 10:13-15, 15:14-22; Revelation 7:9-12
Campus: College Hill
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always.
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb! All the angels stood around the throne, and along with the elders and the four living creatures they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 7:9-12
So who will be at this gathering in heaven for eternity? People from every nation, tribe, people group, and language.
People Group:
distinct ethnic group with their own culture, language, barriers, and history
Click here to see image
What will we be doing? Worshipping our Savior with one voice in the greatest multicultural gathering of all time.
But who can sing this song today? 40% of people have no access to the Gospel in the world today.
Click here to see image
Unreached people groups:
people groups who have not been reached with the good news of Jesus.
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
This is the message of faith that we proclaim: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10: 9-13
How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. But not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.
Romans 10:14-17
God invites us to obey Him, join Him on His mission, and take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, no matter the cost. He does this by calling some to Go and everyone to Send.
I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum [modern day croatia/slovenia]. My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, but, as it is written, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you whenever I travel to Spain. For I hope to see you when I pass through and to be assisted by you for my journey there, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while.
Romans 15:19b-24
We need people to GO take the Gospel to the unreached people groups of the world, because this is God’s plan for reaching the ends of the earth. We need people to SEND workers to the field, because cross-cultural missions is difficult and requires spiritual, financial, and emotional support.
Would you just simply ask God if He wants you to go?
________________________________________________
April 7th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Global Focus
Title: Our Great Commission
Text: Matthew 28:16-20
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see video
A renewed church is a fruitful, generous, & multiplying church.
The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God
Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you
Genesis 12:1-3
Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
Make disciples of all nations: Practice the way of Jesus and invite others along, keeping the whole world in mind.
For followers of Jesus, baptism was a public declaration of allegiance to Jesus and his Kingdom.
Teaching the way of Jesus: Be with Jesus, do what he did, become like him.
Have we settled for knowing about Jesus rather than knowing Jesus personally?
The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.
Matthew 28:16-17
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…and surely, I am with you always until the end.
Matthew 28:18, 20
When the anxious energy of doubt is converted into a hunger and thirst for the Living God, then we are poised for a work of renewal, worship, and delight.
In commanding us to glorify him, God is inviting us to enjoy him. _______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Global Focus
Title: The Great Commission
Text: Matthew 28:18-20
Campus: College Hill
The resurrection story isn’t meant simply to be celebrated; it’s intended to be shared with others.
The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20 CSB
The Command:
“Go and make disciples.”
Where do we make disciples?
ALL NATIONS.
How do we make disciples?
1) Baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2) Teaching the way of Jesus.
Locally rooted and globally engaged.
“We are a sacrificial and risk-taking community fiercely committed to the Great Commission of Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations in our homes, communities, and world. Sharing the good news about Jesus starts with our neighbors and extends to the nations, and drives our impulse to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.”
Barriers to embracing and embodying the Great Commission:
1. Lack of understanding or urgency
2. Fear
3. Lack of confidence or training
4. Prioritization of other activities
Overcoming barriers to the Great Commission:
1. Intimacy with God
2. Training and practice
3. Learning to do mission “along the way”
4. Equipping and supporting full-time workers
Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 CSB
How can we begin to embody the Great Commission?
__________________________________________________
Series: Global Focus
Title: Our Great Commission
Text: Matthew 28:16-20
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see video
A renewed church is a fruitful, generous, & multiplying church.
The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God
Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you
Genesis 12:1-3
Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
Make disciples of all nations: Practice the way of Jesus and invite others along, keeping the whole world in mind.
For followers of Jesus, baptism was a public declaration of allegiance to Jesus and his Kingdom.
Teaching the way of Jesus: Be with Jesus, do what he did, become like him.
Have we settled for knowing about Jesus rather than knowing Jesus personally?
The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.
Matthew 28:16-17
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…and surely, I am with you always until the end.
Matthew 28:18, 20
When the anxious energy of doubt is converted into a hunger and thirst for the Living God, then we are poised for a work of renewal, worship, and delight.
In commanding us to glorify him, God is inviting us to enjoy him. _______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Global Focus
Title: The Great Commission
Text: Matthew 28:18-20
Campus: College Hill
The resurrection story isn’t meant simply to be celebrated; it’s intended to be shared with others.
The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20 CSB
The Command:
“Go and make disciples.”
Where do we make disciples?
ALL NATIONS.
How do we make disciples?
1) Baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2) Teaching the way of Jesus.
Locally rooted and globally engaged.
“We are a sacrificial and risk-taking community fiercely committed to the Great Commission of Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations in our homes, communities, and world. Sharing the good news about Jesus starts with our neighbors and extends to the nations, and drives our impulse to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.”
Barriers to embracing and embodying the Great Commission:
1. Lack of understanding or urgency
2. Fear
3. Lack of confidence or training
4. Prioritization of other activities
Overcoming barriers to the Great Commission:
1. Intimacy with God
2. Training and practice
3. Learning to do mission “along the way”
4. Equipping and supporting full-time workers
Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 CSB
How can we begin to embody the Great Commission?
__________________________________________________
March 31st - Resurrection Sunday
Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Resurrection Sunday 2024
Title: Hope is Our Story
Text: Luke 24
Campus: Rivermont
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12).
Hopelessness is the condition of being certain that a future good is not possible and will never come.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” And they remembered his words.
Luke 24:1-8
Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.
Luke 24:9-11
Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.
Luke 24:12
Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having[e] with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:13-25
Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
Luke 24:26-27
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:30-32
That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts?
Luke 24:33-38
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me;
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind but now I see.
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish,[g] 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.
He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for[i] forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”
Luke 24:39-49
Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven. After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple praising God.
Luke 24:50-53
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead…
Ephesians 1:18-20
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Resurrection Sunday 2024
Campus: College Hill
Resurrection Sunday means that God is writing a new story through Jesus.
In God’s story, suffering has a purpose – and death is not the end.
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.
The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Matthew 28:1-10 (CSB)
Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.
Luke 24:9-11 (CSB)
As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”
Luke 24:36-49 (CSB)
God doesn’t force faith on us, but in Christ – he invites us to come close.
Do you want to experience Jesus?
1) be honest about the way sin has affected your life, name your need for God.
2) name your desire to know God and to receive the forgiveness that is offered through Jesus Christ.
_____________________________________________________
Series: Resurrection Sunday 2024
Title: Hope is Our Story
Text: Luke 24
Campus: Rivermont
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12).
Hopelessness is the condition of being certain that a future good is not possible and will never come.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” And they remembered his words.
Luke 24:1-8
Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.
Luke 24:9-11
Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.
Luke 24:12
Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having[e] with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:13-25
Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
Luke 24:26-27
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:30-32
That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts?
Luke 24:33-38
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me;
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind but now I see.
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish,[g] 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.
He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for[i] forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”
Luke 24:39-49
Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven. After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple praising God.
Luke 24:50-53
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead…
Ephesians 1:18-20
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Resurrection Sunday 2024
Campus: College Hill
Resurrection Sunday means that God is writing a new story through Jesus.
In God’s story, suffering has a purpose – and death is not the end.
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.
The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Matthew 28:1-10 (CSB)
Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.
Luke 24:9-11 (CSB)
As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”
Luke 24:36-49 (CSB)
God doesn’t force faith on us, but in Christ – he invites us to come close.
Do you want to experience Jesus?
1) be honest about the way sin has affected your life, name your need for God.
2) name your desire to know God and to receive the forgiveness that is offered through Jesus Christ.
_____________________________________________________
March 24th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Renewal as a Way of Life
Text: John 19:16-30
Campus: Rivermont
Lent is intended to help us follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
HOLY WEEK:
John 12: Palm Sunday.
John 13: Maundy Thursday.
John 18: trial before the Jewish high priest.
John 19: Good Friday.
John 20: Easter Sunday.
Goal: We’re going to consider how Christ’s finished work on the cross shapes a way of life where we’re free and constantly renewed by the gospel.
The finished work of Christ shapes a way of life where the love of God is constantly renewing us.
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on his head, and clothed him in a purple robe. And they kept coming up to him and saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” and were slapping his face.
Pilate went outside again and said to them, “Look, I’m bringing him out to you to let you know I find no grounds for charging him.” Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”
When the chief priests and the temple servants[a] saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”
Pilate responded, “Take him and crucify him yourselves, since I find no grounds for charging him.”
“We have a law,” the Jews replied to him, “and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.”
When Pilate heard this statement, he was more afraid than ever. He went back into the headquarters and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not give him an answer. So Pilate said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?”
“You would have no authority over me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
From that moment Pilate kept trying[b] to release him. But the Jews shouted, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!”
When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside. He sat down on the judge’s seat in a place called the Stone Pavement (but in Aramaic,[c] Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for the Passover, and it was about noon.[d] Then he told the Jews, “Here is your king!”
They shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them, “Should I crucify your king?”
“We have no king but Caesar!” the chief priests answered.
Then he handed him over to be crucified.
The Crucifixion
Then they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him and two others with him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had a sign made and put on the cross. It said: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The king of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the king of the Jews.’”
Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.”
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, a part for each soldier. They also took the tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to see who gets it.” This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled that says: They divided my clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing. This is what the soldiers did.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.
John 19:1-30 (CSB)
Perfectly loving and perfectly righteous, God paid the penalty for our sins.
Jesus wasn’t willing to “opt out” of this wilderness.
God will never waste our wilderness experiences.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19:25-27 (CSB)
After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.
John 19:28-30 (CSB)
“tetelestai” – “It is finished.”
“He had done all that he came to do; he had fought the battle, and won it; he had finished the transgression, made an end of sin, and brought in everlasting righteousness."
~ C. Spurgeon
What is finished, and what is complete?
1) Prophecy has been fulfilled.
2) Jesus’ mission was complete.
3) God’s plan of salvation and victory over sin and death has been secured.
4) Jesus initiated a new covenant.
Lent is a season to reflect on our lives, to confess sin, and turn back to God, knowing that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
There is no death that we will face on this side of eternity that hasn’t already been defeated by the victory of Jesus Christ.
Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life. The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son. But the cowards, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Revelation 21:5-8 (CSB)
_____________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Renewal as a Way of Life
Text: John 19:16-30
Campus: College Hill
The Wilderness is a furnace of transformational encounters with God. Here, access to our usual means of comfort, distraction, or meaning are limited for a time and we learn to depend on the presence of God for our every need, every day.
The cry for personal renewal is
“Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see Jesus.”
Click here to see image: Mind’s Eye
Click here to see image: Enlightened Eye
The Wilderness is a furnace of transformational encounters with God, but it’s also a place of temptation and encounters with the Devil
The cry of the heart for household renewal is “God, consecrate my household as an altar for your presence.”
“Jesus, you are wanted in our church. Purify and renew your church and send us out as witness to Jesus, empowered by the Spirit.”
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until our hearts are first surrendered to God what God wants, then until we want what God wants, and ultimately until our hearts break for what breaks God’s heart.
The cry of the heart for renewal in the city is “Father, give us your heart for the city. Your kingdom come, your will be done in Lynchburg as it is in heaven.”
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Then he handed him over to be crucified.
Then they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him and two others with him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had a sign made and put on the cross. It said: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The king of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the king of the Jews.’”
Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.”
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, a part for each soldier. They also took the tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to see who gets it.” This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled that says: They divided my clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing. This is what the soldiers did.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.
John 19:16-30
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God
While God’s work of transformation in us is ongoing and unfinished, God’s work for us is finished.
To follow Jesus is to continually be renewed by the love of God manifested in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2 Peter 1:5-7
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-34
Then he handed him over to be crucified.
Then they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him and two others with him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.
John 19:16-18
Jesus
Break my heart for what breaks yours
And give it a voice now in prayer.
________________________________________________________________
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Renewal as a Way of Life
Text: John 19:16-30
Campus: Rivermont
Lent is intended to help us follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
HOLY WEEK:
John 12: Palm Sunday.
John 13: Maundy Thursday.
John 18: trial before the Jewish high priest.
John 19: Good Friday.
John 20: Easter Sunday.
Goal: We’re going to consider how Christ’s finished work on the cross shapes a way of life where we’re free and constantly renewed by the gospel.
The finished work of Christ shapes a way of life where the love of God is constantly renewing us.
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on his head, and clothed him in a purple robe. And they kept coming up to him and saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” and were slapping his face.
Pilate went outside again and said to them, “Look, I’m bringing him out to you to let you know I find no grounds for charging him.” Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”
When the chief priests and the temple servants[a] saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”
Pilate responded, “Take him and crucify him yourselves, since I find no grounds for charging him.”
“We have a law,” the Jews replied to him, “and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.”
When Pilate heard this statement, he was more afraid than ever. He went back into the headquarters and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not give him an answer. So Pilate said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?”
“You would have no authority over me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
From that moment Pilate kept trying[b] to release him. But the Jews shouted, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!”
When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside. He sat down on the judge’s seat in a place called the Stone Pavement (but in Aramaic,[c] Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for the Passover, and it was about noon.[d] Then he told the Jews, “Here is your king!”
They shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them, “Should I crucify your king?”
“We have no king but Caesar!” the chief priests answered.
Then he handed him over to be crucified.
The Crucifixion
Then they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him and two others with him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had a sign made and put on the cross. It said: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The king of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the king of the Jews.’”
Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.”
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, a part for each soldier. They also took the tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to see who gets it.” This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled that says: They divided my clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing. This is what the soldiers did.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.
John 19:1-30 (CSB)
Perfectly loving and perfectly righteous, God paid the penalty for our sins.
Jesus wasn’t willing to “opt out” of this wilderness.
God will never waste our wilderness experiences.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19:25-27 (CSB)
After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.
John 19:28-30 (CSB)
“tetelestai” – “It is finished.”
- in the original Greek, "tetelestai" is the perfect tense of the verb "teleo," which means "to bring to an end," "to complete," or "to accomplish."
- the perfect tense indicates that an action has been completed in the past with ongoing results into the present.
“He had done all that he came to do; he had fought the battle, and won it; he had finished the transgression, made an end of sin, and brought in everlasting righteousness."
~ C. Spurgeon
What is finished, and what is complete?
1) Prophecy has been fulfilled.
2) Jesus’ mission was complete.
3) God’s plan of salvation and victory over sin and death has been secured.
4) Jesus initiated a new covenant.
Lent is a season to reflect on our lives, to confess sin, and turn back to God, knowing that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
There is no death that we will face on this side of eternity that hasn’t already been defeated by the victory of Jesus Christ.
Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life. The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son. But the cowards, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Revelation 21:5-8 (CSB)
_____________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Renewal as a Way of Life
Text: John 19:16-30
Campus: College Hill
The Wilderness is a furnace of transformational encounters with God. Here, access to our usual means of comfort, distraction, or meaning are limited for a time and we learn to depend on the presence of God for our every need, every day.
The cry for personal renewal is
“Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see Jesus.”
Click here to see image: Mind’s Eye
Click here to see image: Enlightened Eye
The Wilderness is a furnace of transformational encounters with God, but it’s also a place of temptation and encounters with the Devil
The cry of the heart for household renewal is “God, consecrate my household as an altar for your presence.”
“Jesus, you are wanted in our church. Purify and renew your church and send us out as witness to Jesus, empowered by the Spirit.”
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until our hearts are first surrendered to God what God wants, then until we want what God wants, and ultimately until our hearts break for what breaks God’s heart.
The cry of the heart for renewal in the city is “Father, give us your heart for the city. Your kingdom come, your will be done in Lynchburg as it is in heaven.”
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Then he handed him over to be crucified.
Then they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him and two others with him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had a sign made and put on the cross. It said: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The king of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the king of the Jews.’”
Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.”
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, a part for each soldier. They also took the tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to see who gets it.” This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled that says: They divided my clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing. This is what the soldiers did.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.
John 19:16-30
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God
While God’s work of transformation in us is ongoing and unfinished, God’s work for us is finished.
To follow Jesus is to continually be renewed by the love of God manifested in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2 Peter 1:5-7
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-34
Then he handed him over to be crucified.
Then they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him and two others with him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.
John 19:16-18
Jesus
Break my heart for what breaks yours
And give it a voice now in prayer.
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March 17th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: City Renewal
Text: Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 11:1, 5-13, Romans 8:22-27
Campus: Rivermont
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:22-27
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God
Click here to see image: Charlotte
Click here to see image: William
Click here to see image: Theodore
Travailing & Groaning as in labor in the Bible:
My children, I am again suffering as if in labor pains (travailing) for you until Christ is formed in you.
Galatians 4:19
He was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”
Luke 11:1
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
Luke 11:11-13
The wilderness is not only a furnace of transformational encounters with God, is it also a place of travailing in prayer, waiting for God to birth something new in us that we cannot manufacture on our own.
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.”
Matthew 26:36-38
Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Matthew 26:39
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until we can surrender to what God wants.
Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:40-41
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until we want what he wants.
Again, a second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And he came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open.
Matthew 26:42-43
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until our hearts break for what breaks the heart of God.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, enduring in prayer.
Romans 12:11-12
After leaving them, he went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? See, the time is near. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”
Matthew 26:44-46
“Intercessory prayer is being in the presence of God on behalf of another.”
~ Ruth Haley Barton
Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
Psalm 126:5
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Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Jesus in the Garden (Travailing Prayer); City Renewal
Text: Mark 14:32-42
Campus: College Hill
How do we set the table for God to bring renewal to our city and world?
Renewal is the intensification of the ordinary operations of the Holy Spirit.
Travail: a painful, laborous effort
Travailing prayer: Desperate, dependent, contending, fervent, laboring prayer
As Jesus makes His way to the wilderness of the cross, He first stops in a garden to travail in prayer with the Father.
“Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’
He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.’
He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, ‘Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.’
An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? 38 Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’
Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open and were exhausted from their grief. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.’”
(Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:43-44 in italics)
How does Jesus Pray?
He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
Mark 14:33-35
Jesus prays honestly. Jesus prays desperately. Jesus prays fervently and often. We can follow His example and pray honestly to our father, desperate for Him to work in our home/community/world, coming to Him passionately and often.
What temptation’s face us?
Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.”
After praying for a while he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open and were exhausted from their grief. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come.
Mark 14:33-41
Our constant temptation: Distraction from God’s work
What distractions is God asking you to let go of in order to spend more time with Him?
What does Jesus pray?
He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.”
Mark 14:35-36
Abba, Father:
God is our good, perfect, father, whom we can cry out to.
All things are possible for you:
God is all powerful, with no limitations, we can trust Him with any request.
Take this cup away from me:
Make your desires known. Be honest. If Jesus can be honest with the Father about this, you too can be honest with Him about anything.
Nevertheless, Not my will, but Your will be done:
Prayer is not just about God doing what we want, it also leads to our transformation, our surrender, our increasing in trust and dependence on God.
The reason we do not lose hope in travailing: Jesus’ love for us
Keep knocking. Keep asking. Keep travailing in prayer, and invite others into it.
“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23
“May they be made completely one, so that the world may know you have sent me”
If you don’t know the love of God, you can receive it freely from Jesus. Ask Him to bring you from death to life. Surrender to Jesus as Lord.
If you’re in the wilderness, would you keep knocking, keep asking, keep travailing? Pray for personal renewal.
Pray for unity in Christ at GCC and the church of lynchburg, that it would overflow into city renewal.
________________________________________________________________________
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: City Renewal
Text: Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 11:1, 5-13, Romans 8:22-27
Campus: Rivermont
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:22-27
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God
Click here to see image: Charlotte
Click here to see image: William
Click here to see image: Theodore
Travailing & Groaning as in labor in the Bible:
- Waiting on Christ’s return to make all things new, all Creation groans in the pains of childbirth for redemption. (Romans 8:22, Matthew 24:4-8)
- Human beings groan with Creation as we, too, long for Jesus to do something, to finish what he started on the cross and resurrection. (Romans 8:23)
- God the Holy Spirit groans on our behalf as he intercedes for us in prayer. As we cry out to God in our distress, the Spirit sees our hearts and groans in prayer for what we really need, even when we don’t know what to ask for. God’s heart aches for us. God travails for us. (Romans 8:26-27)
My children, I am again suffering as if in labor pains (travailing) for you until Christ is formed in you.
Galatians 4:19
He was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”
Luke 11:1
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
Luke 11:11-13
The wilderness is not only a furnace of transformational encounters with God, is it also a place of travailing in prayer, waiting for God to birth something new in us that we cannot manufacture on our own.
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.”
Matthew 26:36-38
Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Matthew 26:39
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until we can surrender to what God wants.
Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:40-41
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until we want what he wants.
Again, a second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And he came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open.
Matthew 26:42-43
Travailing prayer is staying with God in prayer until our hearts break for what breaks the heart of God.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, enduring in prayer.
Romans 12:11-12
After leaving them, he went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? See, the time is near. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”
Matthew 26:44-46
“Intercessory prayer is being in the presence of God on behalf of another.”
~ Ruth Haley Barton
Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
Psalm 126:5
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Jesus in the Garden (Travailing Prayer); City Renewal
Text: Mark 14:32-42
Campus: College Hill
How do we set the table for God to bring renewal to our city and world?
Renewal is the intensification of the ordinary operations of the Holy Spirit.
Travail: a painful, laborous effort
Travailing prayer: Desperate, dependent, contending, fervent, laboring prayer
As Jesus makes His way to the wilderness of the cross, He first stops in a garden to travail in prayer with the Father.
“Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’
He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.’
He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, ‘Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.’
An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? 38 Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’
Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open and were exhausted from their grief. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.’”
(Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:43-44 in italics)
How does Jesus Pray?
He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
Mark 14:33-35
Jesus prays honestly. Jesus prays desperately. Jesus prays fervently and often. We can follow His example and pray honestly to our father, desperate for Him to work in our home/community/world, coming to Him passionately and often.
What temptation’s face us?
Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.”
After praying for a while he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open and were exhausted from their grief. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come.
Mark 14:33-41
Our constant temptation: Distraction from God’s work
What distractions is God asking you to let go of in order to spend more time with Him?
What does Jesus pray?
He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.”
Mark 14:35-36
Abba, Father:
God is our good, perfect, father, whom we can cry out to.
All things are possible for you:
God is all powerful, with no limitations, we can trust Him with any request.
Take this cup away from me:
Make your desires known. Be honest. If Jesus can be honest with the Father about this, you too can be honest with Him about anything.
Nevertheless, Not my will, but Your will be done:
Prayer is not just about God doing what we want, it also leads to our transformation, our surrender, our increasing in trust and dependence on God.
The reason we do not lose hope in travailing: Jesus’ love for us
Keep knocking. Keep asking. Keep travailing in prayer, and invite others into it.
“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23
“May they be made completely one, so that the world may know you have sent me”
If you don’t know the love of God, you can receive it freely from Jesus. Ask Him to bring you from death to life. Surrender to Jesus as Lord.
If you’re in the wilderness, would you keep knocking, keep asking, keep travailing? Pray for personal renewal.
Pray for unity in Christ at GCC and the church of lynchburg, that it would overflow into city renewal.
________________________________________________________________________
March 10th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Church Renewal
Text: Mark 6:30-52; Matthew 5:13-16 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Goals:
Digital Babylon:
Characterized by rapid technological advancement, interconnectedness through digital communication networks, and the proliferation of information and entertainment online. The term draws a parallel between the ancient city of Babylon, known for its cultural diversity, technological achievements, and societal complexity, and the contemporary digital landscape, which similarly encompasses a wide range of cultures, ideas, and innovations.
Primarily, the world won’t experience deep impact apart from the church experiencing deep impact with God.
He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the road except a staff—no bread, no traveling bag, no money in their belts, but to wear sandals and not put on an extra shirt. He said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place. If any place does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
So they went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons, anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
Mark 6:7-13
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
Mark 6:30-31
“God’s whispers to you will be heard at the depth of your soul, and the deceiver’s whisper will appeal to the shallow places of your ego.”
~ Tyler Staton
The enemy of our soul wins if you are willing to do many great things for God, as long as it serves your own ego and keeps you from resting in the rhythms of the wilderness where your soul is cared for.
The urgency of the kingdom manifests itself in an “upside-down” way:
This urgency is found in the long & slow rhythms of wilderness withdrawal, nurturing our souls to renewal, catching fire in our churches, and branches out into renewal in our homes, our cities, and our world.
It’s in the wilderness experience that the church will be counter formed from the world behind us and be formed for the world ahead of us.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
Context:
You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12
1st Metaphor:
Salt
1st Temptation:
To respond harshly / defensively (fight)
2nd Metaphor:
Light
2nd Temptation:
To hide / remain hidden (flight)
Renewal for the church in the wilderness is about being reminded that you already are “salt” and “light”
Questions to consider:
Prayer Prompt:
May we slow down to the pace and rhythms of the wilderness
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Church Renewal
Text: Mark 6:30-36, 45-46; Matthew 26:26-29 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
God meets us in the wilderness.
What if Lent was a season where old patterns of being were broken, and new patterns of being were established?
What if your faith came alive and you began to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised?
We will not be successful in reaching people if we haven’t encountered the glory of God.
But the news about him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
Luke 5:15-16
We will miss the source of our renewal, and the power for our mission, if we don’t slow down to be with Jesus.
Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
Luke 5:16
Jesus models a way of being for us.
It’s difficult to cultivate intimacy with God and each other when our lives are full of noise and busyness.
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place, but many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they ran on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.
Mark 6:30-33
Our bodies and souls are not designed to be constantly in motion.
Taking time to slow down doesn’t make our ministries less effective, it makes our ministry even more effective – and it keeps our hearts tender.
When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.
When it grew late, his disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy themselves something to eat.”
Mark 6:34-36
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After he said good-bye to them, he went away to the mountain to pray.
Mark 6:45-46
We can be caught up in the busyness of ministry and religious activity, but miss the intimacy and renewal of God.
The church experiences renewal as a community for the sake of mission.
What would it look like for our faith to come alive and to experience the abundant life Jesus promised?
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29
______________________________________________
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Church Renewal
Text: Mark 6:30-52; Matthew 5:13-16 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Goals:
- Why the Church needs the wilderness for renewal (Mark 6:30-52)
- What are some of the fruits of renewal and the temptations that will accompany them? (Matthew 5:13-16)
Digital Babylon:
Characterized by rapid technological advancement, interconnectedness through digital communication networks, and the proliferation of information and entertainment online. The term draws a parallel between the ancient city of Babylon, known for its cultural diversity, technological achievements, and societal complexity, and the contemporary digital landscape, which similarly encompasses a wide range of cultures, ideas, and innovations.
Primarily, the world won’t experience deep impact apart from the church experiencing deep impact with God.
He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the road except a staff—no bread, no traveling bag, no money in their belts, but to wear sandals and not put on an extra shirt. He said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place. If any place does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
So they went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons, anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
Mark 6:7-13
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
Mark 6:30-31
“God’s whispers to you will be heard at the depth of your soul, and the deceiver’s whisper will appeal to the shallow places of your ego.”
~ Tyler Staton
The enemy of our soul wins if you are willing to do many great things for God, as long as it serves your own ego and keeps you from resting in the rhythms of the wilderness where your soul is cared for.
The urgency of the kingdom manifests itself in an “upside-down” way:
This urgency is found in the long & slow rhythms of wilderness withdrawal, nurturing our souls to renewal, catching fire in our churches, and branches out into renewal in our homes, our cities, and our world.
It’s in the wilderness experience that the church will be counter formed from the world behind us and be formed for the world ahead of us.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
Context:
You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12
1st Metaphor:
Salt
1st Temptation:
To respond harshly / defensively (fight)
2nd Metaphor:
Light
2nd Temptation:
To hide / remain hidden (flight)
Renewal for the church in the wilderness is about being reminded that you already are “salt” and “light”
Questions to consider:
- Which temptation are you more likely to succumb to as exiles in our world today: Fight or Flight?
- Are the whispers you listen to serving the surface level of your ego or are they speaking deeply to your soul?
Prayer Prompt:
May we slow down to the pace and rhythms of the wilderness
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Church Renewal
Text: Mark 6:30-36, 45-46; Matthew 26:26-29 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
God meets us in the wilderness.
What if Lent was a season where old patterns of being were broken, and new patterns of being were established?
What if your faith came alive and you began to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised?
We will not be successful in reaching people if we haven’t encountered the glory of God.
But the news about him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
Luke 5:15-16
We will miss the source of our renewal, and the power for our mission, if we don’t slow down to be with Jesus.
Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
Luke 5:16
Jesus models a way of being for us.
It’s difficult to cultivate intimacy with God and each other when our lives are full of noise and busyness.
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place, but many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they ran on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.
Mark 6:30-33
Our bodies and souls are not designed to be constantly in motion.
Taking time to slow down doesn’t make our ministries less effective, it makes our ministry even more effective – and it keeps our hearts tender.
When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.
When it grew late, his disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy themselves something to eat.”
Mark 6:34-36
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After he said good-bye to them, he went away to the mountain to pray.
Mark 6:45-46
We can be caught up in the busyness of ministry and religious activity, but miss the intimacy and renewal of God.
The church experiences renewal as a community for the sake of mission.
What would it look like for our faith to come alive and to experience the abundant life Jesus promised?
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29
______________________________________________
March 3rd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Household Renewal
Text: Matthew 3:16-4:11
Campus: Rivermont
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written:
He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.
Matthew 3:16-4:11
Reader: This is God’s Word
All: Thanks be to God
The Wilderness is a furnace of transformational encounters with God. Here, access to our usual means of comfort, distraction, or meaning are limited for a time and we learn to depend on the presence of God for our every need, every day.
The World, the Flesh, and the Devil are the forces of Evil that conspire together to keep human beings from seeing ourselves, God, or others rightly.
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh…
Ephesians 2:1-3
The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4
When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Matthew 3:16-4:3
The household is one of the most contested spaces in our time. By household, I mean both the actual place and the people, as well as our most intimate thoughts and relationships. From this place, the rest of our life emerges.
Click here to see image: Faith for Exiles
Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:3-4
There is only one God - we will listen to Him.
Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see Jesus - the one who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple,6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written:
He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”
Matthew 4:5-7
There is only one God - we will trust Him.
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.
Matthew 4:8-11
There is only one God - we will love him with all we’ve got.
Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37
The cry of the heart for household renewal: God, make my household an altar for your presence.
There is only one God - we will listen to him.
There is only one God - we will trust him.
There is only one God - we will love him with all we’ve got.
I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music. I will contemplate the way of integrity. Oh, God, when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my household; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I reject the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart will be far from me; I will know nothing of evil…
Psalm 101:1-4
Jesus, take back the contested ground of our most intimate thoughts and relationships. Make our homes holy ground.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Household Renewal
Text: Matthew 4:1-11
Campus: College Hill
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.“
Matthew 4:1-11
Click here to see image
Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”
Matthew 3:13-17
We are all sinners in desperate need of a Savior!!!
But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his son, then how much more, having been reconciled will we be saved by his life.
Romans 5:8-10
Matt. 4:1
Your primary enemy as a follower of Jesus is The Devil
You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because HE IS A LIAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES.
John 8:44
The devil is a liar!
If Satan tried to get Jesus to doubt his position with God, you can be sure he will do the same with you.
Satan would love for you to doubt your secure attachment with God, driving a wedge of lies between you and your Heavenly Father.
Zephaniah 3:17-20 NLT
Ephesians 6:10-12
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Matthew 4:1-2
We need the Spirit of God to illuminate the Word of God.
“Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God. Christian fasting is not only the spontaneous effect of superior satisfaction in God, it is also a chosen weapon against every force in the world that would take that satisfaction away. “
~ John Piper
John 16:33
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39
Reflection
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Household Renewal
Text: Matthew 3:16-4:11
Campus: Rivermont
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written:
He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.
Matthew 3:16-4:11
Reader: This is God’s Word
All: Thanks be to God
The Wilderness is a furnace of transformational encounters with God. Here, access to our usual means of comfort, distraction, or meaning are limited for a time and we learn to depend on the presence of God for our every need, every day.
The World, the Flesh, and the Devil are the forces of Evil that conspire together to keep human beings from seeing ourselves, God, or others rightly.
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh…
Ephesians 2:1-3
The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4
When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Matthew 3:16-4:3
The household is one of the most contested spaces in our time. By household, I mean both the actual place and the people, as well as our most intimate thoughts and relationships. From this place, the rest of our life emerges.
Click here to see image: Faith for Exiles
Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:3-4
There is only one God - we will listen to Him.
Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see Jesus - the one who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple,6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written:
He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”
Matthew 4:5-7
There is only one God - we will trust Him.
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.
Matthew 4:8-11
There is only one God - we will love him with all we’ve got.
Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37
The cry of the heart for household renewal: God, make my household an altar for your presence.
There is only one God - we will listen to him.
There is only one God - we will trust him.
There is only one God - we will love him with all we’ve got.
I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music. I will contemplate the way of integrity. Oh, God, when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my household; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I reject the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart will be far from me; I will know nothing of evil…
Psalm 101:1-4
Jesus, take back the contested ground of our most intimate thoughts and relationships. Make our homes holy ground.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Household Renewal
Text: Matthew 4:1-11
Campus: College Hill
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.“
Matthew 4:1-11
Click here to see image
- The War
Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”
Matthew 3:13-17
We are all sinners in desperate need of a Savior!!!
But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his son, then how much more, having been reconciled will we be saved by his life.
Romans 5:8-10
- The Enemy
Matt. 4:1
Your primary enemy as a follower of Jesus is The Devil
You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because HE IS A LIAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES.
John 8:44
The devil is a liar!
If Satan tried to get Jesus to doubt his position with God, you can be sure he will do the same with you.
Satan would love for you to doubt your secure attachment with God, driving a wedge of lies between you and your Heavenly Father.
- The Front
Zephaniah 3:17-20 NLT
- The Armor
Ephesians 6:10-12
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Matthew 4:1-2
We need the Spirit of God to illuminate the Word of God.
“Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God. Christian fasting is not only the spontaneous effect of superior satisfaction in God, it is also a chosen weapon against every force in the world that would take that satisfaction away. “
~ John Piper
- The Victory
John 16:33
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39
Reflection
- Where do you find yourself in this war?
- Are you in need of a Savior?
- Where is Satan attacking your household?
February 25th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Personal Renewal
Text: Isaiah 6:1-8, 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Campus: Rivermont
All: Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth.”
The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke. Then I said:
“Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Armies.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said:
“Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:
“Who will I send?
Who will go for us?”
I said:
“Here I am. Send me.”
Isaiah 6:1-8
Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting deceitfully or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth. But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. So then, death is at work in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore speak. For we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you. Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Reader: This is God’s Word
All: Thanks be to God
Augustine: God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
The Wilderness is a furnace of transformational encounters with God. Here, access to our usual means of comfort, distraction, or meaning are limited for a time and we learn to depend on the presence of God for our every need, every day.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth.”
The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.
Isaiah 6:1-4
Then I said:
“Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Armies.”
Isaiah 6:5
An encounter with God will often lead to a confrontation with our sin.
1. In the light of God’s presence, I can more clearly see my sin and deep need.
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said:
“Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.”
Isaiah 6:6-7
2. In the light of God’s presence, I can more clearly see his grace and deep love.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:
“Who will I send? Who will go for us?”
I said:
“Here I am. Send me.”
Isaiah 6:8
Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting deceitfully or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake.
2 Corinthians 4:3-5
For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4:7
Click here to see image: Mind’s Eye: Blinded
In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4
For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6
Click here to see image: Eyes of the Heart Enlightened by Jesus
Click here to see image: Life in the Spirit
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. So then, death is at work in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore speak. For we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you. Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:16-18
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Personal Renewal
Text: Isaiah 6:1-8
Campus: College Hill
If Christ is not our most cherished treasure in all of life’s pursuits, then personal renewal is what we need.
Click here to see image: St. Benedict of Nursia
“The wilderness is a place that can keep you from losing your soul to babylon.”
~ John Mark Comer
Invitation:
Show up, Be curious, Be willing
Renewal will be accompanied by an encounter with God’s glory
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth.”
The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke. Then I said:
“Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Armies.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said:
“Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:
“Who will I send? Who will go for us?”
I said:
“Here I am. Send me.”
Isaiah 6:1-8 (CSB)
Holiness:
the invitation to personal renewal is followed by the disruptive presence of God
Being willing to show up with God opens the door for your hurts, pains and sins to be exposed, and for you to be made whole again.
Isaiah had become refined by Holy fire.
Isaiah was experiencing the furnace of transformation.
Roadmap for personal renewal:
Wilderness → Encounter with God → Furnace of Transformation → Renewed & Abundant life
Pattern of God in scripture:
God appears, the people quake in terror, God forgives, heals & transforms, and then God sends.
Some of us are in the business of manufacturing the abundant life by sidestepping the furnace of transformation.
Abundance is found on the other side of Holy fire
Apart from the furnace, the abundance you think you are pursuing is just a distraction that is keeping you from a life of wholeness in Christ.
The good news:
God is inviting you into the furnace: It’s an invitation to the work that will cleanse you and prepare you for a renewed and abundant life.
_____________________________________________________
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Personal Renewal
Text: Isaiah 6:1-8, 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Campus: Rivermont
All: Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth.”
The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke. Then I said:
“Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Armies.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said:
“Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:
“Who will I send?
Who will go for us?”
I said:
“Here I am. Send me.”
Isaiah 6:1-8
Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting deceitfully or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth. But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. So then, death is at work in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore speak. For we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you. Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Reader: This is God’s Word
All: Thanks be to God
Augustine: God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
The Wilderness is a furnace of transformational encounters with God. Here, access to our usual means of comfort, distraction, or meaning are limited for a time and we learn to depend on the presence of God for our every need, every day.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth.”
The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.
Isaiah 6:1-4
Then I said:
“Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Armies.”
Isaiah 6:5
An encounter with God will often lead to a confrontation with our sin.
1. In the light of God’s presence, I can more clearly see my sin and deep need.
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said:
“Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.”
Isaiah 6:6-7
2. In the light of God’s presence, I can more clearly see his grace and deep love.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:
“Who will I send? Who will go for us?”
I said:
“Here I am. Send me.”
Isaiah 6:8
Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting deceitfully or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake.
2 Corinthians 4:3-5
For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4:7
Click here to see image: Mind’s Eye: Blinded
In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4
For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6
Click here to see image: Eyes of the Heart Enlightened by Jesus
Click here to see image: Life in the Spirit
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. So then, death is at work in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore speak. For we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you. Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:16-18
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: Personal Renewal
Text: Isaiah 6:1-8
Campus: College Hill
If Christ is not our most cherished treasure in all of life’s pursuits, then personal renewal is what we need.
Click here to see image: St. Benedict of Nursia
“The wilderness is a place that can keep you from losing your soul to babylon.”
~ John Mark Comer
Invitation:
Show up, Be curious, Be willing
Renewal will be accompanied by an encounter with God’s glory
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth.”
The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke. Then I said:
“Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Armies.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said:
“Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:
“Who will I send? Who will go for us?”
I said:
“Here I am. Send me.”
Isaiah 6:1-8 (CSB)
Holiness:
- The transcendent “otherliness” of God
- Purity, Personal righteousness, wholly perfect
the invitation to personal renewal is followed by the disruptive presence of God
Being willing to show up with God opens the door for your hurts, pains and sins to be exposed, and for you to be made whole again.
Isaiah had become refined by Holy fire.
Isaiah was experiencing the furnace of transformation.
Roadmap for personal renewal:
Wilderness → Encounter with God → Furnace of Transformation → Renewed & Abundant life
Pattern of God in scripture:
God appears, the people quake in terror, God forgives, heals & transforms, and then God sends.
Some of us are in the business of manufacturing the abundant life by sidestepping the furnace of transformation.
Abundance is found on the other side of Holy fire
Apart from the furnace, the abundance you think you are pursuing is just a distraction that is keeping you from a life of wholeness in Christ.
The good news:
God is inviting you into the furnace: It’s an invitation to the work that will cleanse you and prepare you for a renewed and abundant life.
_____________________________________________________
February 18th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: God-Centered Life (Show Us Your Glory)
Text: Exodus 33:12-23, 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”
And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
“If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.”
Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.”
He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.” The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock, and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but my face will not be seen.”
Exodus 33:12-23
As Moses descended from Mount Sinai—with the two tablets of the testimony in his hands as he descended the mountain—he did not realize that the skin of his face shone as a result of his speaking with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face shone! They were afraid to come near him. But Moses called out to them, so Aaron and all the leaders of the community returned to him, and Moses spoke to them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he commanded them to do everything the Lord had told him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever Moses went before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil until he came out. After he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, and the Israelites would see that Moses’s face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil over his face again until he went to speak with the Lord.
Exodus 34:29-35
Now if the ministry that brought death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the Israelites were not able to gaze steadily at Moses’s face because of its glory, which was set aside, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry that brought condemnation had glory, the ministry that brings righteousness overflows with even more glory. In fact, what had been glorious is not glorious now by comparison because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was set aside was glorious, what endures will be even more glorious.
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness. We are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from gazing steadily until the end[a] of the glory of what was being set aside, but their minds were hardened. For to this day, at the reading of the old covenant, the same veil remains; it is not lifted, because it is set aside only in Christ. Yet still today, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at[b] the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
“The whole life of a good Christian is a holy desire for God.”
~ Augustine of Hippo
“The glory of God is at least the full magnitude of all that God is on display.”
~ Tim Keller
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Psalm 34:8.
The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17
“These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me.”
Mark 7:6-7
We tend to do what we want to do (desire)
Our habits direct our hunger.
God, show us Your glory.
God had gotten his people out of Egypt, but he took them into the wilderness to get Egypt out of them.
The wilderness was the place where God’s people would learn to depend solely on the presence of God for their every need, every day.
Desert Mothers & Fathers: The Wilderness is a furnace of transformation.
“If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.”
Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.”
Exodus 33:15-18
The wilderness experience reveals and renews our desires.
Show us your glory.
For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:6
Now if the ministry that brought death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the Israelites were not able to gaze steadily at Moses’s face because of its glory, which was set aside, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry that brought condemnation had glory, the ministry that brings righteousness overflows with even more glory. In fact, what had been glorious is not glorious now by comparison because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was set aside was glorious, what endures will be even more glorious.
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness.
2 Corinthians 3:7-12
We are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from gazing steadily until the end of the glory of what was being set aside, but their minds were hardened. For to this day, at the reading of the old covenant, the same veil remains; it is not lifted, because it is set aside only in Christ. Yet still today, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at[e] the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:13-18
Beholding the glory of God in Christ requires attention. Lent is an invitation to slow down, reduce busy-ness, and make space for God to do something new in us. Lent is about renewal.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Into the Wilderness: Part 1
Text: Exodus 33 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
The wilderness can be a furnace of transformation.
Lent comes from lencten “spring or springtime” and from the West Germanic langitinaz “long-days or lengthening of the day."
“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:19
The wilderness can be a place where we discover the satisfying and sustaining presence of God.
To successfully navigate the wilderness, we can’t take a single step without God.
The Lord spoke to Moses: “Go up from here, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying: I will give it to your offspring. I will send an angel ahead of you and will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hethites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go up with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way.” When the people heard this bad news, they mourned and didn’t put on their jewelry.
Exodus 33:1-4 (CSB)
Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”
Exodus 33:12-13
Whatever we want, no matter how good it is, will fail to satisfy us if we aren’t satisfied by God.
And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14
God loves to bless his people with his presence.
We desperately need God’s peace; we deeply desire true and lasting rest.
“If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.”
Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.”
Exodus 33:15-18
God’s presence affirms his favor and it sets us apart.
the glory of God – the fullness of all that God (his radiant splendor, greatness, and the perfection of His character and attributes).
Christ is the revealed glory of God.
The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us and transforms our hearts and lives to reflect the glory of God.
7 Now if the ministry that brought death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the Israelites were not able to gaze steadily at Moses’s face because of its glory, which was set aside, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.
4 Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting deceitfully or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth. But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:7-8, 17-18, 4:1-6 (CSB)
Where can we simplify, reduce busy-ness and noise in our lives, in order to let God create something new?
_____________________________________________________
Series: Into the Wilderness
Title: God-Centered Life (Show Us Your Glory)
Text: Exodus 33:12-23, 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
All:
Almighty God, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pour out on us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to see the face of Jesus, that we might say, ‘surely our hearts burn within us’ as you speak to us now.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”
And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
“If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.”
Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.”
He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.” The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock, and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but my face will not be seen.”
Exodus 33:12-23
As Moses descended from Mount Sinai—with the two tablets of the testimony in his hands as he descended the mountain—he did not realize that the skin of his face shone as a result of his speaking with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face shone! They were afraid to come near him. But Moses called out to them, so Aaron and all the leaders of the community returned to him, and Moses spoke to them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he commanded them to do everything the Lord had told him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever Moses went before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil until he came out. After he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, and the Israelites would see that Moses’s face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil over his face again until he went to speak with the Lord.
Exodus 34:29-35
Now if the ministry that brought death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the Israelites were not able to gaze steadily at Moses’s face because of its glory, which was set aside, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry that brought condemnation had glory, the ministry that brings righteousness overflows with even more glory. In fact, what had been glorious is not glorious now by comparison because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was set aside was glorious, what endures will be even more glorious.
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness. We are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from gazing steadily until the end[a] of the glory of what was being set aside, but their minds were hardened. For to this day, at the reading of the old covenant, the same veil remains; it is not lifted, because it is set aside only in Christ. Yet still today, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at[b] the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
“The whole life of a good Christian is a holy desire for God.”
~ Augustine of Hippo
“The glory of God is at least the full magnitude of all that God is on display.”
~ Tim Keller
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Psalm 34:8.
The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17
“These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me.”
Mark 7:6-7
We tend to do what we want to do (desire)
Our habits direct our hunger.
God, show us Your glory.
God had gotten his people out of Egypt, but he took them into the wilderness to get Egypt out of them.
The wilderness was the place where God’s people would learn to depend solely on the presence of God for their every need, every day.
Desert Mothers & Fathers: The Wilderness is a furnace of transformation.
“If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.”
Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.”
Exodus 33:15-18
The wilderness experience reveals and renews our desires.
Show us your glory.
For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:6
Now if the ministry that brought death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the Israelites were not able to gaze steadily at Moses’s face because of its glory, which was set aside, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry that brought condemnation had glory, the ministry that brings righteousness overflows with even more glory. In fact, what had been glorious is not glorious now by comparison because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was set aside was glorious, what endures will be even more glorious.
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness.
2 Corinthians 3:7-12
We are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from gazing steadily until the end of the glory of what was being set aside, but their minds were hardened. For to this day, at the reading of the old covenant, the same veil remains; it is not lifted, because it is set aside only in Christ. Yet still today, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at[e] the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:13-18
Beholding the glory of God in Christ requires attention. Lent is an invitation to slow down, reduce busy-ness, and make space for God to do something new in us. Lent is about renewal.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Into the Wilderness: Part 1
Text: Exodus 33 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
The wilderness can be a furnace of transformation.
Lent comes from lencten “spring or springtime” and from the West Germanic langitinaz “long-days or lengthening of the day."
“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:19
The wilderness can be a place where we discover the satisfying and sustaining presence of God.
To successfully navigate the wilderness, we can’t take a single step without God.
The Lord spoke to Moses: “Go up from here, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying: I will give it to your offspring. I will send an angel ahead of you and will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hethites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go up with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way.” When the people heard this bad news, they mourned and didn’t put on their jewelry.
Exodus 33:1-4 (CSB)
Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”
Exodus 33:12-13
Whatever we want, no matter how good it is, will fail to satisfy us if we aren’t satisfied by God.
And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14
God loves to bless his people with his presence.
We desperately need God’s peace; we deeply desire true and lasting rest.
“If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.”
Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.”
Exodus 33:15-18
God’s presence affirms his favor and it sets us apart.
the glory of God – the fullness of all that God (his radiant splendor, greatness, and the perfection of His character and attributes).
Christ is the revealed glory of God.
The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us and transforms our hearts and lives to reflect the glory of God.
7 Now if the ministry that brought death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the Israelites were not able to gaze steadily at Moses’s face because of its glory, which was set aside, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.
4 Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting deceitfully or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth. But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:7-8, 17-18, 4:1-6 (CSB)
Where can we simplify, reduce busy-ness and noise in our lives, in order to let God create something new?
_____________________________________________________
February 11th
Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman and Carley Marcouillier
Series: The Good Life
Title: Rule of Life
Text: Galatians 5:16-26, John 15:1-5, 9-12 (Mark 12:28-34) (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see image: Slow Train Coming
You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You might be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the Devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yeah, you're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the Devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
“Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God and with its fellow-creatures, and with itself. To be the one kind of creature is heaven: that is, it is joy and peace and knowledge and power. To be the other means madness, horror, idiocy, rage, impotence, and eternal loneliness. Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state or the other.”
~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:16-26
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
Click here to see image: Framework of Spiritual Formation
Rule of Life.
What is a Rule of Life (and what is it NOT?)
Why do we need a Rule of Life?
How do we build a Rule of Life?
Click here to see image: Rule of Life
An embodied rhythm for receiving love which anchors our affection and attention to God daily, weekly, and seasonally.
". . . The starting point and foundation of any Rule is a desire to be with God and to love him”
~ Peter Scazzero
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.
John 15:1-5
As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:9-12
“In Christ, all of life is a response to grace.”
~ Dr. Carl Ellis Jr.
“Grace is not opposed to effort, grace is opposed to earning.”
~ Dallas Willard
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.
Galatians 5:16-17
The Great Enemies of God and Humanity:
the World, the Flesh, & the Devil
Practicing an intentional Rule of Life is how we contend with the Spirit against the World, the Flesh, and the Devil.
Practicing an intentional Rule of Life keeps us in the story even when we haven’t the eyes to see it.
Spiritual formation is counter-formation. And intentional Rule of Life is how we embody the Gospel Story and counter the schemes of our modern disenchanted age.
We are all unique but our goal is the same: union with God, transformation into his image, and freeing our hearts from anything that stands in the way of Christ living in and through us.
Click here to see image: Practices
Reminders:
Tool: Rule of Life Builder
https://www.practicingtheway.org/ruleoflifebuilder
Click here to see image: Spiritual Disciplines Survey
Click here to see image: Lent Prayer Days
Click here to see image: Ash Wednesday
Hunger & Hospitality
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Good Life
Title: Rule of Life
Text: Galatians 5
Campus: College Hill
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer and reflection leading into Easter Sunday.
Love was the foundational command when God established his family.
Spiritual practices keep us deeply rooted in God, and the Holy Spirit forms our hearts to love God and others when we stay in step with him.
For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. Take note! I, Paul, am telling you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to do the entire law. You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace. For we eagerly await through the Spirit, by faith, the hope of righteousness.
Galatians 5:1-5 (CSB)
“...what matters is faith working through love.” (Gal. 5:6b)
For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 5:13-14 (CSB)
The Good Life is about a loving union with God, which leads to an outpouring of love toward others.
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.
Galatians 5:16-17 (CSB)
How do you operate when your life isn’t conformed to the Spirit of God?
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 (CSB)
If you and I choose to satisfy our hunger apart from God, we will miss the satisfaction and fulfillment of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-26 (CSB)
Keep in step with the Spirit, and you will bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Spiritual practices keep us deeply rooted in God, and the Holy Spirit forms our hearts to love God and others when we stay in step with him.
A Rule of Life is an intentional support structure that helps us grow up and abide in Christ.
Click here to see image: Love of God
How can we structure our days and weeks in order for there to be a trellis that helps us grow?
The Holy Spirit forms our hearts to love God and others when we stay in step with him.
“…what matters is faith working through love.” (Gal. 5:6)
____________________________________________________
Series: The Good Life
Title: Rule of Life
Text: Galatians 5:16-26, John 15:1-5, 9-12 (Mark 12:28-34) (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see image: Slow Train Coming
You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You might be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the Devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yeah, you're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the Devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
“Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God and with its fellow-creatures, and with itself. To be the one kind of creature is heaven: that is, it is joy and peace and knowledge and power. To be the other means madness, horror, idiocy, rage, impotence, and eternal loneliness. Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state or the other.”
~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:16-26
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
Click here to see image: Framework of Spiritual Formation
Rule of Life.
What is a Rule of Life (and what is it NOT?)
Why do we need a Rule of Life?
How do we build a Rule of Life?
Click here to see image: Rule of Life
An embodied rhythm for receiving love which anchors our affection and attention to God daily, weekly, and seasonally.
". . . The starting point and foundation of any Rule is a desire to be with God and to love him”
~ Peter Scazzero
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.
John 15:1-5
As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:9-12
“In Christ, all of life is a response to grace.”
~ Dr. Carl Ellis Jr.
“Grace is not opposed to effort, grace is opposed to earning.”
~ Dallas Willard
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.
Galatians 5:16-17
The Great Enemies of God and Humanity:
the World, the Flesh, & the Devil
Practicing an intentional Rule of Life is how we contend with the Spirit against the World, the Flesh, and the Devil.
Practicing an intentional Rule of Life keeps us in the story even when we haven’t the eyes to see it.
Spiritual formation is counter-formation. And intentional Rule of Life is how we embody the Gospel Story and counter the schemes of our modern disenchanted age.
We are all unique but our goal is the same: union with God, transformation into his image, and freeing our hearts from anything that stands in the way of Christ living in and through us.
Click here to see image: Practices
Reminders:
- Start Small
- Be Specific
- Consider Season of Life
- It is a Working Document
- Practice in Community
Tool: Rule of Life Builder
https://www.practicingtheway.org/ruleoflifebuilder
Click here to see image: Spiritual Disciplines Survey
Click here to see image: Lent Prayer Days
Click here to see image: Ash Wednesday
Hunger & Hospitality
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Good Life
Title: Rule of Life
Text: Galatians 5
Campus: College Hill
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer and reflection leading into Easter Sunday.
Love was the foundational command when God established his family.
Spiritual practices keep us deeply rooted in God, and the Holy Spirit forms our hearts to love God and others when we stay in step with him.
For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. Take note! I, Paul, am telling you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to do the entire law. You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace. For we eagerly await through the Spirit, by faith, the hope of righteousness.
Galatians 5:1-5 (CSB)
“...what matters is faith working through love.” (Gal. 5:6b)
For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 5:13-14 (CSB)
The Good Life is about a loving union with God, which leads to an outpouring of love toward others.
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.
Galatians 5:16-17 (CSB)
How do you operate when your life isn’t conformed to the Spirit of God?
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 (CSB)
If you and I choose to satisfy our hunger apart from God, we will miss the satisfaction and fulfillment of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-26 (CSB)
Keep in step with the Spirit, and you will bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Spiritual practices keep us deeply rooted in God, and the Holy Spirit forms our hearts to love God and others when we stay in step with him.
A Rule of Life is an intentional support structure that helps us grow up and abide in Christ.
Click here to see image: Love of God
How can we structure our days and weeks in order for there to be a trellis that helps us grow?
The Holy Spirit forms our hearts to love God and others when we stay in step with him.
“…what matters is faith working through love.” (Gal. 5:6)
____________________________________________________
February 4th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: The Good Life
Title: Worship & Scripture: Encountering God
Text: John 5:31-47 (Exodus 20:1-7) (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
“The glory of God is the human being fully alive.”
~ Irenaeus
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
Click here to see image: Framework for Spiritual Formation
Habits orient our hunger.
The Holy Spirit is essential to our spiritual formation because we cannot love that which we do not know, and we cannot know that which we do not continually encounter.
Then God spoke all these words:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.
Do not have other gods besides me.
Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands.
Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.”
Exodus 20:1-7
“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies about me, and I know that the testimony he gives about me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. I don’t receive human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. John was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
“But I have a greater testimony than John’s because of the works that the Father has given me to accomplish. These very works I am doing testify about me that the Father has sent me. The Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You have not heard his voice at any time, and you haven’t seen his form. You don’t have his word residing in you, because you don’t believe the one he sent. You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me. But you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life.
“I do not accept glory from people, but I know you—that you have no love for God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and yet you don’t accept me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, since you accept glory from one another but don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. But if you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe my words?”
John 5:31-47
Click here to see image: Scripture reading
Click here to see image: Sunday worship
The Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You have not heard his voice at any time, and you haven’t seen his form. You don’t have his word residing in you, because you don’t believe the one he sent. You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me. But you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life.
46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me.
John 5:37-40, 46
Worship is about encounters with God that are divinely initiated, oftentimes through God’s Word first.
1. The Bible is a unified, cohesive story told through a collection of books from various authors over thousands of years - and it’s all about Jesus.
Click here to see image: Heart & Soul
2. The key lens (hermeneutic) to help us understand the Bible is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Or, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God. (Key: The Sermon on the Mount).
3. The purpose of reading, studying, preaching, teaching, & learning the Scriptures is to encounter God and to be formed as people of love.
The Heart of worship is a response to Divinely initiated glory and love.
The Practice of worship is about the habits and forms that focus our attention on God’s glory and love.
To practice worship is to put ourselves in the position to be continually renewed in regular encounters with God.
“To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.”
~ Bishop William Temple, Quoted by Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline
The practice of worship is about setting the sails and waiting for the wind of the Spirit to move us.
To practice worship is to plant the seeds, cultivate the soil, and wait for the Spirit to pour out like rain.
To practice worship is to stack the wood, soak it with fuel, and wait for the Spirit to fall like fire.
"At home, in my own house, there is no warmth or vigor in me, but in the church when the multitude is gathered together, a fire is kindled in my heart and it breaks its way through.”
~ Martin Luther
“A quickening Presence pervades us, breaking down some part of the special privacy and isolation of our individual lives and blending our spirits within a superindividual Life and Power. An objective, dynamic Presence enfolds us all, nourishes our souls, speaks glad and unutterable comfort within, and quickens us in depths that had before been slumbering.”
~ Thomas Kelly, Prayer & Worship.
Shift: Prepare for each Worship gathering.
“Prepare for worship by cultivating holy dependency. Holy dependency means that you are utterly and completely dependent upon God for anything significant to happen. There is an inward travail (labor) that evil will weaken and the good will rise up. You look forward to God acting and moving and teaching and wooing and winning. The work is God’s and not yours.”
~ Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
Two Postures: Hunger & Hospitality.
To prepare for worship by cultivating postures of Hunger and Hospitality means: To practice Worship with hearts and eyes expectant and open to God and others, awaiting fresh revelation in both personal devotion and corporate worship. The consistent practice of these things over time forms us - body, mind, heart, and soul - as people of God’s presence, word, and love.
It is the Spirit that gives life (quickens), the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.
John 6:63
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Good Life
Title: Scripture and Worship
Text: John 5:31-47 (Exodus 20:1-7) (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Communion. “Today we’re going to learn about cultivating a fresh vision for God, and how personal encounters w/ God through scripture and worship form our hearts for love.
Jesus said that to love God w/ our whole being and to love our fellow human beings are the two most important commandments in all of scripture.
But He didn’t just teach about love and command us to love, he demonstrated his love. First, in the way that he related to the Father. Second, in the way he treated people – especially the outcasts (women, children, and the sick).
His greatest demonstration of love was the cross.”
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.
Romans 5:1-6 (CSB)
“The kingdom that Jesus established is sealed by his sacrifice.
The table – is a reminder of the gospel and an invitation.
Come…all are welcome. Come to encounter Christ, remember his sacrifice, his resurrection, and the new family of God that you are a part of. Local/global.
You can come as you are, come courageously. But also come humbly, bring your burdens, sins, and needs. Let the love of Christ wash over you.”
At GCC we’re operating w/ the understanding that spiritual formation is a critical part of Christian discipleship.
We don’t become more like Jesus Christ unintentionally.
Richard Lovelace talks about the entropy in human nature which guarantees that the vigor of our spiritual lives will constantly run down unless it’s renewed.
Click here to see image: Truth, Practices, Community
In our paradigm of spiritual formation, we believe that the agent of our renewal is the Holy Spirit … God himself transforms us, as we commit our lives to him.
And we also believe that God uses his truth, spiritual rhythms, and the support and accountability of the Christian community to reorient our lives.
Click here to see image: Reading Scripture
Click here to see image: Sunday Worship
The spiritual practices of scripture reading and corporate worship create space in our lives for fresh encounters with God.
For we did not follow cleverly contrived myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; instead, we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased!” We ourselves heard this voice when it came from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:16-21 (CSB)
3 reasons why we should value Scripture.
1) The Bible is our primary source for understanding Jesus and his gospel story (vv. 16-18).
“Nero fastened the guilt…on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of…Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome…”
~ Tacitus
3 reasons why we should value Scripture.
2) The Bible is the primary way that God communicates with his people (vv. 20-21).
Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 14:36-37
The strongest argument for the divine inspiration of the Bible is the testimony of Jesus.
3 reasons why we should value Scripture.
3) The Bible helps us to navigate our complex lives, allowing Jesus to illuminate our hearts (v. 19)
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (CSB)
The practices of scripture reading and corporate worship are intended to help us experience fresh encounters with God and to grow in our love for God, each other, and those who are far from him.
Could a renewed commitment to reading scripture and corporate worship be one of the best investments in your life and spiritual renewal?
___________________________________________________
Series: The Good Life
Title: Worship & Scripture: Encountering God
Text: John 5:31-47 (Exodus 20:1-7) (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
“The glory of God is the human being fully alive.”
~ Irenaeus
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
Click here to see image: Framework for Spiritual Formation
Habits orient our hunger.
The Holy Spirit is essential to our spiritual formation because we cannot love that which we do not know, and we cannot know that which we do not continually encounter.
Then God spoke all these words:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.
Do not have other gods besides me.
Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands.
Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.”
Exodus 20:1-7
“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies about me, and I know that the testimony he gives about me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. I don’t receive human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. John was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
“But I have a greater testimony than John’s because of the works that the Father has given me to accomplish. These very works I am doing testify about me that the Father has sent me. The Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You have not heard his voice at any time, and you haven’t seen his form. You don’t have his word residing in you, because you don’t believe the one he sent. You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me. But you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life.
“I do not accept glory from people, but I know you—that you have no love for God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and yet you don’t accept me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, since you accept glory from one another but don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. But if you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe my words?”
John 5:31-47
Click here to see image: Scripture reading
Click here to see image: Sunday worship
The Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You have not heard his voice at any time, and you haven’t seen his form. You don’t have his word residing in you, because you don’t believe the one he sent. You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me. But you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life.
46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me.
John 5:37-40, 46
Worship is about encounters with God that are divinely initiated, oftentimes through God’s Word first.
1. The Bible is a unified, cohesive story told through a collection of books from various authors over thousands of years - and it’s all about Jesus.
Click here to see image: Heart & Soul
2. The key lens (hermeneutic) to help us understand the Bible is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Or, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God. (Key: The Sermon on the Mount).
3. The purpose of reading, studying, preaching, teaching, & learning the Scriptures is to encounter God and to be formed as people of love.
The Heart of worship is a response to Divinely initiated glory and love.
The Practice of worship is about the habits and forms that focus our attention on God’s glory and love.
To practice worship is to put ourselves in the position to be continually renewed in regular encounters with God.
“To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.”
~ Bishop William Temple, Quoted by Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline
The practice of worship is about setting the sails and waiting for the wind of the Spirit to move us.
To practice worship is to plant the seeds, cultivate the soil, and wait for the Spirit to pour out like rain.
To practice worship is to stack the wood, soak it with fuel, and wait for the Spirit to fall like fire.
"At home, in my own house, there is no warmth or vigor in me, but in the church when the multitude is gathered together, a fire is kindled in my heart and it breaks its way through.”
~ Martin Luther
“A quickening Presence pervades us, breaking down some part of the special privacy and isolation of our individual lives and blending our spirits within a superindividual Life and Power. An objective, dynamic Presence enfolds us all, nourishes our souls, speaks glad and unutterable comfort within, and quickens us in depths that had before been slumbering.”
~ Thomas Kelly, Prayer & Worship.
Shift: Prepare for each Worship gathering.
“Prepare for worship by cultivating holy dependency. Holy dependency means that you are utterly and completely dependent upon God for anything significant to happen. There is an inward travail (labor) that evil will weaken and the good will rise up. You look forward to God acting and moving and teaching and wooing and winning. The work is God’s and not yours.”
~ Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
Two Postures: Hunger & Hospitality.
To prepare for worship by cultivating postures of Hunger and Hospitality means: To practice Worship with hearts and eyes expectant and open to God and others, awaiting fresh revelation in both personal devotion and corporate worship. The consistent practice of these things over time forms us - body, mind, heart, and soul - as people of God’s presence, word, and love.
It is the Spirit that gives life (quickens), the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.
John 6:63
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Good Life
Title: Scripture and Worship
Text: John 5:31-47 (Exodus 20:1-7) (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Communion. “Today we’re going to learn about cultivating a fresh vision for God, and how personal encounters w/ God through scripture and worship form our hearts for love.
Jesus said that to love God w/ our whole being and to love our fellow human beings are the two most important commandments in all of scripture.
But He didn’t just teach about love and command us to love, he demonstrated his love. First, in the way that he related to the Father. Second, in the way he treated people – especially the outcasts (women, children, and the sick).
His greatest demonstration of love was the cross.”
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.
Romans 5:1-6 (CSB)
“The kingdom that Jesus established is sealed by his sacrifice.
The table – is a reminder of the gospel and an invitation.
Come…all are welcome. Come to encounter Christ, remember his sacrifice, his resurrection, and the new family of God that you are a part of. Local/global.
You can come as you are, come courageously. But also come humbly, bring your burdens, sins, and needs. Let the love of Christ wash over you.”
At GCC we’re operating w/ the understanding that spiritual formation is a critical part of Christian discipleship.
We don’t become more like Jesus Christ unintentionally.
Richard Lovelace talks about the entropy in human nature which guarantees that the vigor of our spiritual lives will constantly run down unless it’s renewed.
Click here to see image: Truth, Practices, Community
In our paradigm of spiritual formation, we believe that the agent of our renewal is the Holy Spirit … God himself transforms us, as we commit our lives to him.
And we also believe that God uses his truth, spiritual rhythms, and the support and accountability of the Christian community to reorient our lives.
Click here to see image: Reading Scripture
Click here to see image: Sunday Worship
The spiritual practices of scripture reading and corporate worship create space in our lives for fresh encounters with God.
For we did not follow cleverly contrived myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; instead, we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased!” We ourselves heard this voice when it came from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:16-21 (CSB)
3 reasons why we should value Scripture.
1) The Bible is our primary source for understanding Jesus and his gospel story (vv. 16-18).
“Nero fastened the guilt…on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of…Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome…”
~ Tacitus
3 reasons why we should value Scripture.
2) The Bible is the primary way that God communicates with his people (vv. 20-21).
Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 14:36-37
The strongest argument for the divine inspiration of the Bible is the testimony of Jesus.
3 reasons why we should value Scripture.
3) The Bible helps us to navigate our complex lives, allowing Jesus to illuminate our hearts (v. 19)
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (CSB)
The practices of scripture reading and corporate worship are intended to help us experience fresh encounters with God and to grow in our love for God, each other, and those who are far from him.
Could a renewed commitment to reading scripture and corporate worship be one of the best investments in your life and spiritual renewal?
___________________________________________________
January 28th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: The Good Life
Title: Prayer & Fasting: Cultivating Hunger
Text: Matthew 6:5-18
Campus: Rivermont
“Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.
“Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into[c] temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
“For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 1But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses.
“Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:5-18
After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”
Mark 9:28-29
Fasting: Abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.
Fasting is both a regular rhythm for God’s people (twice weekly), and also a response to an urgent and desperate need for God to move (i.e. Esther 4, Joel 2, Exodus 34, 1 Kings 19, Nehemiah 1:4, etc).
Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18
There is an order to human love that can make or break us. And when we love the wrong things, or the right things in the wrong order, we shrivel up inside, and we start to malfunction.
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.
Deuteronomy 6:4-6
One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31
1. What we do does something to us.
2. We tend to do what we want to do.
This is what a relationship with Jesus does: it changes our wants, so that we can actually practice the way of Jesus from the heart.
Jesus gives new life but also a new way of life.
What we do does something to us, and we tend to do what we want to do.
Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:5-8
Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18
Spiritual Formation: The process of being formed into the image of Jesus for the sake of others.
Prayer & Fasting Give us 3 Experiences:
1. God as the best Good
Prayer & Fasting is less about suffering and more about savoring.
God is the primary focus of fasting, so worship is the purpose & prayer is the practice.
Christ alone is sufficient for what is deficient in us.
All spiritual formation is counter-formation - reordering our loves.
2. God as our Provider
What we really need, only Jesus has.
After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.
Mark 9:28-29
Any time there is a move of God, God first moves his people to pray.
3. God as our Sustainer
“It will certainly prove humiliating to us, as it reveals to us how much our peace depends upon the pleasures of eating. It may also bring to mind how we are using food pleasure to assuage the discomforts caused in our bodies by faithless and unwise living and attitudes—lack of self-worth, meaningless work, purposeless existence, or lack of rest or exercise. If nothing else, though, it will certainly demonstrate how powerful and clever our body is in getting its own way against our strongest resolves...fasting confirms our utter dependence on God.”
~ Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines, p. 166.
There is no formation without resistance.
“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
Gospelcc.org/TheGoodLife
Am I facing an impossible thing for which I desperately need God’s loving intervention?
Challenge: Contend in prayer. (Mark 9:28-29)
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:9-13 CSB
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz and Christiana Boyer
Series: The Good Life
Title: Prayers and Fasting
Text: Matthew 6:5-18 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31 (CSB)
Human flourishing doesn’t come from working harder or filling our lives with more religious activity, it comes from knowing and loving God with all of our being and loving our neighbors.
Jesus invites us into a life of holiness and love.
Spiritual disciplines (practices) help us to meet with God and grow in love.
Sabbath: A 24-hour period of time set apart for rest and spiritual renewal every week.
Prayer and fasting cultivate a hunger for God, which leads to intimacy with God.
Prayer is spiritual communication between you and God.
Fasting is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live.
Isaiah 55:1-3
Prayer is spiritual communication between you and God.
Fasting is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.
Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:5-18
Intimacy with the Father is birthed in the private places of your life. Anything public should be an overflow of the private, intimate spaces with God not the substance of your spiritual life.
Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us. For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.
Philippians 3:17-21
The spiritual practice/discipline of prayer creates space in our life to encounter and experience the real and active presence of God in supernatural ways.
9 “Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one."
We Fast to:
Seek and draw near to the Lord (Matthew 4:4)
Intercession, mourning, grieving, cry out or pour out (Nehemiah 1:4)
Hear from the Lord (Acts 13:2)
Set something apart for the Lord/consecrate (Acts 14:23)
Be in the presence of the Lord/ receive (Exodus 34:28)
Even now—this is the Lord’s declaration—turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster.
Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind him, so you can offer a grain offering and a drink offering to the Lord your God.
Blow the ram’s horn in Zion! Announce a sacred fast; proclaim a solemn assembly.
Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the infants, even babies nursing at the breast. Let the groom leave his bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber.
Let the priests, the Lord’s ministers, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Have pity on your people, Lord, and do not make your inheritance a disgrace, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
Then the Lord became jealous for his land and spared his people.
Joel 2:12-18
REFLECT
Series: The Good Life
Title: Prayer & Fasting: Cultivating Hunger
Text: Matthew 6:5-18
Campus: Rivermont
“Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.
“Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into[c] temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
“For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 1But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses.
“Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:5-18
After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”
Mark 9:28-29
Fasting: Abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.
Fasting is both a regular rhythm for God’s people (twice weekly), and also a response to an urgent and desperate need for God to move (i.e. Esther 4, Joel 2, Exodus 34, 1 Kings 19, Nehemiah 1:4, etc).
Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18
There is an order to human love that can make or break us. And when we love the wrong things, or the right things in the wrong order, we shrivel up inside, and we start to malfunction.
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.
Deuteronomy 6:4-6
One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31
1. What we do does something to us.
2. We tend to do what we want to do.
This is what a relationship with Jesus does: it changes our wants, so that we can actually practice the way of Jesus from the heart.
Jesus gives new life but also a new way of life.
What we do does something to us, and we tend to do what we want to do.
Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:5-8
Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18
Spiritual Formation: The process of being formed into the image of Jesus for the sake of others.
Prayer & Fasting Give us 3 Experiences:
1. God as the best Good
Prayer & Fasting is less about suffering and more about savoring.
God is the primary focus of fasting, so worship is the purpose & prayer is the practice.
Christ alone is sufficient for what is deficient in us.
All spiritual formation is counter-formation - reordering our loves.
2. God as our Provider
What we really need, only Jesus has.
After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.
Mark 9:28-29
Any time there is a move of God, God first moves his people to pray.
3. God as our Sustainer
“It will certainly prove humiliating to us, as it reveals to us how much our peace depends upon the pleasures of eating. It may also bring to mind how we are using food pleasure to assuage the discomforts caused in our bodies by faithless and unwise living and attitudes—lack of self-worth, meaningless work, purposeless existence, or lack of rest or exercise. If nothing else, though, it will certainly demonstrate how powerful and clever our body is in getting its own way against our strongest resolves...fasting confirms our utter dependence on God.”
~ Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines, p. 166.
There is no formation without resistance.
“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
Gospelcc.org/TheGoodLife
Am I facing an impossible thing for which I desperately need God’s loving intervention?
Challenge: Contend in prayer. (Mark 9:28-29)
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:9-13 CSB
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz and Christiana Boyer
Series: The Good Life
Title: Prayers and Fasting
Text: Matthew 6:5-18 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31 (CSB)
Human flourishing doesn’t come from working harder or filling our lives with more religious activity, it comes from knowing and loving God with all of our being and loving our neighbors.
Jesus invites us into a life of holiness and love.
Spiritual disciplines (practices) help us to meet with God and grow in love.
Sabbath: A 24-hour period of time set apart for rest and spiritual renewal every week.
Prayer and fasting cultivate a hunger for God, which leads to intimacy with God.
Prayer is spiritual communication between you and God.
Fasting is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live.
Isaiah 55:1-3
Prayer is spiritual communication between you and God.
Fasting is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.
Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:5-18
Intimacy with the Father is birthed in the private places of your life. Anything public should be an overflow of the private, intimate spaces with God not the substance of your spiritual life.
Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us. For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.
Philippians 3:17-21
The spiritual practice/discipline of prayer creates space in our life to encounter and experience the real and active presence of God in supernatural ways.
9 “Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one."
We Fast to:
Seek and draw near to the Lord (Matthew 4:4)
Intercession, mourning, grieving, cry out or pour out (Nehemiah 1:4)
Hear from the Lord (Acts 13:2)
Set something apart for the Lord/consecrate (Acts 14:23)
Be in the presence of the Lord/ receive (Exodus 34:28)
Even now—this is the Lord’s declaration—turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster.
Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind him, so you can offer a grain offering and a drink offering to the Lord your God.
Blow the ram’s horn in Zion! Announce a sacred fast; proclaim a solemn assembly.
Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the infants, even babies nursing at the breast. Let the groom leave his bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber.
Let the priests, the Lord’s ministers, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Have pity on your people, Lord, and do not make your inheritance a disgrace, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
Then the Lord became jealous for his land and spared his people.
Joel 2:12-18
REFLECT
- On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest), how would you rate your hunger for God in this season of your life?
- How might you need to create space in your life (prepare) right now to engage more intentionally in the disciplines of prayer and fasting?
- If you are already regularly practicing the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting, are there ways you sense the Spirit inviting you to renew, refocus, and refresh these practices? Is there anything you need to increase or decrease in this season?
- Will you consider joining the church body of GCC in corporate prayer and fasting in the upcoming season of Lent? Consider your why. Consider how to prepare your heart now.
January 21st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman, Eric & Amber Blais
Series: The Good Life
Title: Sabbath: Rhythms of Rest and Work
Text: Mark 2:23-28 (CSB) (Exodus 20:8, Deuteronomy 5:15)
Campus: Rivermont
[Pause in Silent Prayer]
On the Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to make their way, picking some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”
He said to them, “Have you never read what David and those who were with him did when he was in need and hungry — how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest and ate the bread of the Presence —which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests —and also gave some to his companions?” Then he told them, “The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. So then, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:23-28
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
Exodus 20:8
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
Deuteronomy 5:15
Reader: This is the Word of God.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Do you ever feel pulled in a thousand directions?
The practice of Sabbath is aimed at bringing our scattered selves and attention into wholeheartedness in the presence of God and others.
Jesus answered … “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
Click here to see image: Framework of Spiritual Formation (Sabbath Practice)
What is Sabbath?
A 24-hour period of time set apart for rest and spiritual renewal every week.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
Exodus 20:8
“We rest on the Sabbath so that God will rest on us.”
~ Glen Packiam
Sabbath is a sign of salvation to a watching world and an experience of new creation in our lives. (Exodus 20:8)
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
Deuteronomy 5:15
They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with difficult labor in brick and mortar and in all kinds of fieldwork. They ruthlessly imposed all this work on them.
Exodus 1:13-14
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
To practice Sabbath is to join God in the liberation of the world and our formation as people of wholehearted love, peace, and joy in a world of suffering and sin.
On the Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to make their way, picking some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”
He said to them, “Have you never read what David and those who were with him did when he was in need and hungry — how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest and ate the bread of the Presence —which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests —and also gave some to his companions?” Then he told them, “The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. So then, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:23-28
We practice sabbath so that we might experience spiritual renewal in the presence of God.
STOP: Bring all work, paid and upaid, to an end for 24 hours.
REST: Intentional practices that bring renewal to our heart, soul, mind, and body.
DELIGHT: Feed the soul with beauty and goodness.
WORSHIP: Attend to the presence of God and practice gratitude.
“Spiritual Formation: The process of being formed into the image of Jesus for the sake of others. “
~Robert Mulholland Jr.
PracticingTheWay.org/Sabbath (you can find via gospelcc.org/thegoodlife)
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz and Zach Foster
Series: The Good Life
Title: Sabbath: Rhythms of Rest and Work
Text: Mark 12:29-31; Genesis 2:1-3; Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Campus: College Hill
Spiritual Disciplines Survey.
Jesus gives us a clear vision of God’s design for human flourishing (Mark 12:29-31).
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31 (CSB)
Jesus is inviting us to live a life of holiness and love.
Holiness in the life of a Christian is about living a life of love – with our whole being: heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Spiritual disciplines (practices) help us to abide in Christ and grow in love.
Click here to see image: Framework of Spiritual Formation
What is Sabbath?
A 24-hour period of time set apart for rest and spiritual renewal every week.
The practice of Sabbath is aimed at bringing our scattered selves and attention into wholeheartedness in the presence of God and others.
Sabbath as Rest
So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed. On the seventh day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventy day from all his work that he had done. God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it he rested from all his work of creation.
Genesis 2:1–3
Sabbath as resistance
Be careful to remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy as the Lord your God has commanded you. You are to labor six days and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. Do not do any work— you, your son, or daughter, your male or female slave, your ox or donkey, any of your livestock or the resident alien who lives within your city gates, so that your male and female slaves may rest as you do. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
“Sabbath is first and foremost a day of stopping. To stop is built into the literal meaning of the Hebrew word Sabbath. Yet most of us can’t stop until we are finished with whatever it is we think we need to do. We need to complete our projects and term papers, answer our emails, return all phone messages, complete the balancing of our checkbooks to pay our bills, finish cleaning the house. There’s always one more goal to be reached before stopping.”
~ P. Scazzero
Sabbath as Trust
The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath
Mark 2:27
Four Pitfalls:
How can I make room in my life for the Sabbath?
As we grow in intimacy with God, it allows us to be more sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and to the needs around us.
Resources:
Series: The Good Life
Title: Sabbath: Rhythms of Rest and Work
Text: Mark 2:23-28 (CSB) (Exodus 20:8, Deuteronomy 5:15)
Campus: Rivermont
[Pause in Silent Prayer]
On the Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to make their way, picking some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”
He said to them, “Have you never read what David and those who were with him did when he was in need and hungry — how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest and ate the bread of the Presence —which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests —and also gave some to his companions?” Then he told them, “The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. So then, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:23-28
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
Exodus 20:8
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
Deuteronomy 5:15
Reader: This is the Word of God.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Do you ever feel pulled in a thousand directions?
The practice of Sabbath is aimed at bringing our scattered selves and attention into wholeheartedness in the presence of God and others.
Jesus answered … “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
Click here to see image: Framework of Spiritual Formation (Sabbath Practice)
What is Sabbath?
A 24-hour period of time set apart for rest and spiritual renewal every week.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
Exodus 20:8
“We rest on the Sabbath so that God will rest on us.”
~ Glen Packiam
Sabbath is a sign of salvation to a watching world and an experience of new creation in our lives. (Exodus 20:8)
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
Deuteronomy 5:15
They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with difficult labor in brick and mortar and in all kinds of fieldwork. They ruthlessly imposed all this work on them.
Exodus 1:13-14
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
To practice Sabbath is to join God in the liberation of the world and our formation as people of wholehearted love, peace, and joy in a world of suffering and sin.
On the Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to make their way, picking some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”
He said to them, “Have you never read what David and those who were with him did when he was in need and hungry — how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest and ate the bread of the Presence —which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests —and also gave some to his companions?” Then he told them, “The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. So then, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:23-28
We practice sabbath so that we might experience spiritual renewal in the presence of God.
STOP: Bring all work, paid and upaid, to an end for 24 hours.
REST: Intentional practices that bring renewal to our heart, soul, mind, and body.
DELIGHT: Feed the soul with beauty and goodness.
WORSHIP: Attend to the presence of God and practice gratitude.
“Spiritual Formation: The process of being formed into the image of Jesus for the sake of others. “
~Robert Mulholland Jr.
PracticingTheWay.org/Sabbath (you can find via gospelcc.org/thegoodlife)
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz and Zach Foster
Series: The Good Life
Title: Sabbath: Rhythms of Rest and Work
Text: Mark 12:29-31; Genesis 2:1-3; Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Campus: College Hill
Spiritual Disciplines Survey.
Jesus gives us a clear vision of God’s design for human flourishing (Mark 12:29-31).
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31 (CSB)
Jesus is inviting us to live a life of holiness and love.
Holiness in the life of a Christian is about living a life of love – with our whole being: heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Spiritual disciplines (practices) help us to abide in Christ and grow in love.
Click here to see image: Framework of Spiritual Formation
What is Sabbath?
A 24-hour period of time set apart for rest and spiritual renewal every week.
The practice of Sabbath is aimed at bringing our scattered selves and attention into wholeheartedness in the presence of God and others.
Sabbath as Rest
So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed. On the seventh day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventy day from all his work that he had done. God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it he rested from all his work of creation.
Genesis 2:1–3
Sabbath as resistance
Be careful to remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy as the Lord your God has commanded you. You are to labor six days and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. Do not do any work— you, your son, or daughter, your male or female slave, your ox or donkey, any of your livestock or the resident alien who lives within your city gates, so that your male and female slaves may rest as you do. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
“Sabbath is first and foremost a day of stopping. To stop is built into the literal meaning of the Hebrew word Sabbath. Yet most of us can’t stop until we are finished with whatever it is we think we need to do. We need to complete our projects and term papers, answer our emails, return all phone messages, complete the balancing of our checkbooks to pay our bills, finish cleaning the house. There’s always one more goal to be reached before stopping.”
~ P. Scazzero
Sabbath as Trust
The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath
Mark 2:27
Four Pitfalls:
- Legalism
- Escape
- List of Do’s and Don’ts
- Taking a Break
How can I make room in my life for the Sabbath?
As we grow in intimacy with God, it allows us to be more sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and to the needs around us.
Resources:
- Practicingtheway.org/sabbath
- Gospelcc.org/thegoodlife
January 14th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: The Good Life
Title: Holiness: Building a Life for Love
Text: Mark 12:28-34 (CSB) (Matthew 5:8, Hebrews 12:14)
Campus: Rivermont
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit
One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, teacher. You have correctly said that he is one, and there is no one else except him. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
And no one dared to question him any longer.
Mark 12:28-34
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14
Reader: This is God’s Word.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
“The Glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
~ Irenaeus (2nd Century AD)
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31
You are not far from the kingdom of God.
Mark 12:34
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Holiness: a way of life that forms the heart for love of God and neighbor.
Biblical Love is unconditional, sacrificial devotion and desire.
Spiritual Formation: The process of being formed into the image of Jesus for the sake of others. ~ Invitation to a Journey by Robert Mulholland Jr.
Holiness: a way of life that forms the heart for love of God and neighbor.
"God has designed human beings to be heart, soul, mind, and strength beings made for love."
~ Andy Crouch, The Life You’re Looking For
Click here to see image: Formed for Love
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
Romans 12:1
“Psychology is the care of souls. The care of souls was once the province of the church, but the church no longer provides that care.”
~ Renovated by Jim Wilder
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Click here to see image: Beneath the Surface
Everything we do does something to us.
Q: Who am I becoming?
We tend to do what we want to do.
Q: Where is my attention?
Click here to see image: Framework of Spiritual Formation
“All of the Christian life is a response to grace”
~ Carl Ellis Jr.
“Grace is not opposed to effort, grace is opposed to earning.”
~ Dallas Willard
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Good Life
Title: Holiness: Building a Life for Love
Text: Mark 12:28-34 (CSB) (Matthew 5:8, Hebrews 12:14)
Campus: College Hill
The Kingdom of God isn’t just a future hope, it’s a present reality.
We experience the Kingdom of God now as we journey deeper into a transformational relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jesus gives us a clear vision of God’s design for human flourishing.
One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, teacher. You have correctly said that he is one, and there is no one else except him. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
And no one dared to question him any longer.
Mark 12:28-34
Christian discipleship is the process of following Jesus and inviting others to know and follow Jesus.
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life. Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey.
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (CSB)
God made himself known to his people, and he invited his people to live a life of love.
How do we step into the Kingdom reality now and benefit from the Good Life that God has for us in Christ?
The goal of our faith isn’t more information or more discipline in our religious practices, our goal is love.
Holiness in the life of a Christian is about living a life of love – love of God and love of neighbor.
Spiritual practices help us to abide in Christ and grow in love.
"Discipleship is a process of spiritual formation wherein we are “formed into the image of Jesus for the sake of others” by the power of the Holy Spirit."
~ Robert Mullholland Jr.
Click here to see image: Framework of Spiritual Formation
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
Click here to see image: Formed for Love
Reflection Questions:
Series: The Good Life
Title: Holiness: Building a Life for Love
Text: Mark 12:28-34 (CSB) (Matthew 5:8, Hebrews 12:14)
Campus: Rivermont
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit
One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, teacher. You have correctly said that he is one, and there is no one else except him. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
And no one dared to question him any longer.
Mark 12:28-34
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14
Reader: This is God’s Word.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
“The Glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
~ Irenaeus (2nd Century AD)
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31
You are not far from the kingdom of God.
Mark 12:34
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Holiness: a way of life that forms the heart for love of God and neighbor.
Biblical Love is unconditional, sacrificial devotion and desire.
Spiritual Formation: The process of being formed into the image of Jesus for the sake of others. ~ Invitation to a Journey by Robert Mulholland Jr.
Holiness: a way of life that forms the heart for love of God and neighbor.
"God has designed human beings to be heart, soul, mind, and strength beings made for love."
~ Andy Crouch, The Life You’re Looking For
Click here to see image: Formed for Love
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
Romans 12:1
“Psychology is the care of souls. The care of souls was once the province of the church, but the church no longer provides that care.”
~ Renovated by Jim Wilder
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Click here to see image: Beneath the Surface
Everything we do does something to us.
Q: Who am I becoming?
We tend to do what we want to do.
Q: Where is my attention?
Click here to see image: Framework of Spiritual Formation
“All of the Christian life is a response to grace”
~ Carl Ellis Jr.
“Grace is not opposed to effort, grace is opposed to earning.”
~ Dallas Willard
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Good Life
Title: Holiness: Building a Life for Love
Text: Mark 12:28-34 (CSB) (Matthew 5:8, Hebrews 12:14)
Campus: College Hill
The Kingdom of God isn’t just a future hope, it’s a present reality.
We experience the Kingdom of God now as we journey deeper into a transformational relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jesus gives us a clear vision of God’s design for human flourishing.
One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, teacher. You have correctly said that he is one, and there is no one else except him. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
And no one dared to question him any longer.
Mark 12:28-34
Christian discipleship is the process of following Jesus and inviting others to know and follow Jesus.
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life. Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey.
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (CSB)
God made himself known to his people, and he invited his people to live a life of love.
How do we step into the Kingdom reality now and benefit from the Good Life that God has for us in Christ?
The goal of our faith isn’t more information or more discipline in our religious practices, our goal is love.
Holiness in the life of a Christian is about living a life of love – love of God and love of neighbor.
Spiritual practices help us to abide in Christ and grow in love.
"Discipleship is a process of spiritual formation wherein we are “formed into the image of Jesus for the sake of others” by the power of the Holy Spirit."
~ Robert Mullholland Jr.
Click here to see image: Framework of Spiritual Formation
Jesus’ vision of The Good Life is a call to holiness, which means practicing a way of life designed to form the heart to give and receive love from God and others.
Click here to see image: Formed for Love
Reflection Questions:
- Are you being intentional with your formation (who you’re becoming)?
- Are you being shaped for a life of love?
Testimony Sunday 2024
At GCC we love to begin every new year by dedicating our services to reflect on the past year and share publicly what God has done and will continue to do in our lives!
Below are some questions that will help guide us as we reflect on the past year and prepare our hearts for this Sunday.
- As I look back on 2023 where did I experience joy and flourishing? What was good about this past year?
- As I look back on 2023 where did I experience discouragement and sadness. What was hard about this past year?
- Reflecting on the highs and lows of the year where can I now see God’s presence and power at work in my life?
- What story do I need to tell myself and possibly others about God’s movement in my life in 2023?
Christmas Eve Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: The Wonder of Advent
Title: The Wonder of Christ
Text: Matthew 1:18-2:12
Campus: Rivermont
The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel,”
which is translated “God is with us.”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.
“In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet:
“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah:
Because out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.”
After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
God wants to be known.
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
"See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel, "
which is translated “God is with us.”
Matthew 1:22-23
Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz: “Ask for a sign from the Lord your God—it can be as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven.”
But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the Lord.”
Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God? Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:10-14
God is closer than you think.
I wait for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning – more than watchmen for the morning.
Psalm 130:6
______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Advent
Title: Christ, Our Savior
Text: Luke 2:10-11, John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11
1. Be brave.
2. I've got great news.
3. Someone bigger (than all bad things) has been born!
What if we don't have to be afraid? What if we could be brave?
1. Be brave.
2. I've got great news.
3. One bigger (than all bad things) has been born.
Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Series: The Wonder of Advent
Title: The Wonder of Christ
Text: Matthew 1:18-2:12
Campus: Rivermont
The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel,”
which is translated “God is with us.”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.
“In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet:
“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah:
Because out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.”
After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
God wants to be known.
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
"See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel, "
which is translated “God is with us.”
Matthew 1:22-23
Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz: “Ask for a sign from the Lord your God—it can be as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven.”
But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the Lord.”
Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God? Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:10-14
God is closer than you think.
I wait for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning – more than watchmen for the morning.
Psalm 130:6
______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Advent
Title: Christ, Our Savior
Text: Luke 2:10-11, John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11
1. Be brave.
2. I've got great news.
3. Someone bigger (than all bad things) has been born!
What if we don't have to be afraid? What if we could be brave?
1. Be brave.
2. I've got great news.
3. One bigger (than all bad things) has been born.
Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
December 17th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Advent
Title: The Wonder of Love
Text: Luke 10:30-37
Campus: Rivermont
We are deeply loved by God, and love is the primary calling of every follower of Jesus Christ.
Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day[a] he took out two denarii,[b] gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’
“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.
Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
Luke 10:30-37 (CSB)
What the story of the Good Samaritan teaches us about the love of God:
“Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Romans 5:7-8 (NLT)
2) The love of God is often costly and inconvenient (v. 34)
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
John 15:11-14 (CSB)
3) The love of God is not optional (v. 37)
We are deeply loved by God, and our primary calling is love.
The Advent of Jesus is a promise that love wins.
How can we respond today?
1) Receive his love.
2) Pay attention to opportunities to display God’s love.
3) Follow through.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zach Foster
Series: Advent
Title: The Wonder of Love
Text: Luke 10:25-37
Campus: College Hill
Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?” He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” “You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’ “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
Luke 10:25-37
“In the fullness of time, Christ will return to make all things new. And in the meantime, we are not alone or without God in the world. The experience of God in the waiting produces an enduring hope, an inexplicable peace, and a durable joy. All of this forms us into people who can give and receive the love for which we are made. This is the wonder of Advent”
~ GCC Advent Guide
Part One: Receiving the love of God
The story of the Good Samaritan shows what it is to receive the love of God and give the love of God.
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:1-9
But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion.
Luke 10:33
The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: The Lord — the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
Exodus 34:6-7a
We will never be able to fully love one another until we have fully received the love of God
Part 2: Loving like Jesus
But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him
Luke 10:33-34
Jesus is saying that when you look around, everyone you see is your neighbor.
“He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.
Romans 5:8-10
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
~ C.S. Lewis
When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided his clothes and cast lots.
Luke 23:33-34
Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
Luke 10:36-37
“No one learns to love by trying. Before love is something you give, it is someone you receive. You learn to love by first experiencing love and passing it on.”
~ Tim Keller
Call to response:
Series: Advent
Title: The Wonder of Love
Text: Luke 10:30-37
Campus: Rivermont
We are deeply loved by God, and love is the primary calling of every follower of Jesus Christ.
Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day[a] he took out two denarii,[b] gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’
“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.
Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
Luke 10:30-37 (CSB)
What the story of the Good Samaritan teaches us about the love of God:
- The love of God is counter-cultural (v. 33)
“Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Romans 5:7-8 (NLT)
2) The love of God is often costly and inconvenient (v. 34)
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
John 15:11-14 (CSB)
3) The love of God is not optional (v. 37)
We are deeply loved by God, and our primary calling is love.
The Advent of Jesus is a promise that love wins.
How can we respond today?
1) Receive his love.
2) Pay attention to opportunities to display God’s love.
3) Follow through.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zach Foster
Series: Advent
Title: The Wonder of Love
Text: Luke 10:25-37
Campus: College Hill
Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?” He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” “You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’ “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
Luke 10:25-37
“In the fullness of time, Christ will return to make all things new. And in the meantime, we are not alone or without God in the world. The experience of God in the waiting produces an enduring hope, an inexplicable peace, and a durable joy. All of this forms us into people who can give and receive the love for which we are made. This is the wonder of Advent”
~ GCC Advent Guide
Part One: Receiving the love of God
The story of the Good Samaritan shows what it is to receive the love of God and give the love of God.
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:1-9
But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion.
Luke 10:33
The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: The Lord — the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
Exodus 34:6-7a
We will never be able to fully love one another until we have fully received the love of God
Part 2: Loving like Jesus
But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him
Luke 10:33-34
Jesus is saying that when you look around, everyone you see is your neighbor.
“He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.
Romans 5:8-10
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
~ C.S. Lewis
When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided his clothes and cast lots.
Luke 23:33-34
Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
Luke 10:36-37
“No one learns to love by trying. Before love is something you give, it is someone you receive. You learn to love by first experiencing love and passing it on.”
~ Tim Keller
Call to response:
- Have you seen yourself in need of God’s saving love and fully received that love?
- How is the Holy Spirit calling you to love those around you?
December 10th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: Advent
Title: The Wonder of Joy
Text: Philippians 4
Campus: Rivermont
Joy in scripture is both a felt emotion and a chosen state of being that the Holy Spirit leads us into.
We often express joy when we experience the goodness of that which we love.
All people can experience joy, but only those who follow Jesus can experience the unending joy that satisfies us.
Joy is both the sustaining contentment and the high-spirited celebration that comes from knowing and being in relationship with God and dwelling on His good and gracious gifts.
What are the pathways to experiencing the unending joy that Jesus offers us?
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.
Philippians 4:10-12
Pathway 1 : Spirit-filled community
Pathway 2: Worship
Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Pathway 3: Resurrection
Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ-which is far better-but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
Philippians 1:22-24
Pathway 4: Emmanuel, God with us
True Joy is experienced when we are present to the glory of God around us. He is emmanuel; God with us. He has shown us His glory in being present with us through blessing us with creation, in worship, in community with others, by His very Holy Spirit indwelling our hearts.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: The Wonder of Advent
Title: The Wonder of Joy
Text: Psalm 31
Campus: College Hill
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit
Lord, I seek refuge in you;
let me never be disgraced.
Save me by your righteousness.
Listen closely to me; rescue me quickly.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a mountain fortress to save me.
For you are my rock and my fortress;
you lead and guide me
for your name's sake.
You will free me from the net
that is secretly set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I entrust my spirit;
you have redeemed me, Lord, God of truth.
I hate those who are devoted to worthless idols,
but I trust in the Lord.
I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love
because you have seen my affliction.
You know the troubles of my soul
and have not handed me over to the enemy.
You have set my feet in a spacious place.
Be gracious to me, Lord,
because I am in distress;
my eyes are worn out from frustration-
my whole being as well.
Indeed, my life is consumed with grief
and my years with groaning;
my strength has failed
because of my iniquity,
and my bones waste away.
I am ridiculed by all my adversaries
and even by my neighbors.
I am dreaded by my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street run from me.
I am forgotten: gone from memory
like a dead person-like broken pottery.
I have heard the gossip of many;
terror is on every side.
When they conspired against me,
they plotted to take my life.
But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, "You are my God."
The course of my life is in your power;
rescue me from the power of my enemies
and from my persecutors.
Make your face shine on your servant;
save me by your faithful love.
Lord, do not let me be disgraced when I call on you.
Let the wicked be disgraced;
let them be quiet in Sheol.
Let lying lips
that arrogantly speak against the righteous
in proud contempt be silenced.
How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you.
In the presence of everyone[g] you have acted
for those who take refuge in you.
You hide them in the protection of your presence;
you conceal them in a shelter
from human schemes,
from quarrelsome tongues.
Blessed be the Lord,
for he has wondrously shown his faithful love to me
in a city under siege.
In my alarm I said,
"I am cut off from your sight."
But you heard the sound of my pleading
when I cried to you for help.
Love the Lord, all his faithful ones.
The Lord protects the loyal,
but fully repays the arrogant.
Be strong, and let your heart be courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31
Reader: This is God's Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
"Those who are close to their tears are close to their joy."
~ Frederick Beuchner
If we want to increase our capacity for joy, then we must learn to grieve well.
Grief is a gift.
Two ways we tend to avoid grieving losses:
"As long as you do not own your pain-that is, integrate your pain into your way of being in the world-the danger exists that you will use the other to seek healing for yourself. When you speak to others about your pain without fully owning it, you expect something from them that they cannot give. As a result, you will feel frustrated, and those you wanted to help will feel confused, disappointed, or even further burdened."
~ Henri Nouwen, The Inner Voice of Love
What to do with our losses?
We must mourn our losses. We cannot talk or act them away, but we can shed tears over them and allow ourselves to grieve deeply. To grieve is to allow our losses to tear apart feelings of security and safety and lead us to the painful truth of our brokenness. Our grief makes us experience the abyss of our own life in which nothing is settled, clear, or obvious, but everything is constantly shifting and changing...But in the midst of all this pain, there is a strange, shocking, yet very surprising voice. It is the voice of the One who says: "Blessed are those who mourn; they shall be comforted." That's the unexpected news: there is a blessing hidden in our grief. Not those who comfort are blessed, but those who mourn! Somehow, in the midst of our tears, a gift is hidden. Somehow, in the midst of our mourning, the first steps of the dance take place. Somehow, the cries that well up from our losses belong to our songs of gratitude.
Psalm 31:1-8. - Grieving Prayer (& what to expect)
Lord, I seek refuge in you; let me never be disgraced. Save me by your righteousness.
Psalm 31:1
Listen closely to me; rescue me quickly. Be a rock of refuge for me, a mountain fortress to save me.
Psalm 31:2
For you are my rock and my fortress; you lead and guide me for your name's sake.
You will free me from the net that is secretly set for me, for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I entrust my spirit; you have redeemed me, Lord, God of truth.
Psalm 31:3-5
I hate those who are devoted to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.
Psalm 31:6
I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love because you have seen my affliction.
You know the troubles of my soul and have not handed me over to the enemy. You have set my feet in a spacious place.
Psalm 31:7-8
Psalm 31:9-13, 17-18. - Naming Our Losses
Be gracious to me, Lord, because I am in distress; my eyes are worn out from frustration-my whole being as well.
Psalm 31:9
Indeed, my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my strength has failed because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.
Psalm 31:10
I am ridiculed by all my adversaries and even by my neighbors. I am dreaded by my acquaintances; those who see me in the street run from me.
I am forgotten: gone from memory like a dead person-like broken pottery.
I have heard the gossip of many; terror is on every side. When they conspired against me,
they plotted to take my life.
Psalm 31:11-13
Click here to see image (1)
Click here to see image (2)
Lord, do not let me be disgraced when I call on you. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them be quiet in Sheol.
Let lying lips that arrogantly speak against the righteous in proud contempt be silenced.
Psalm 31:17-18
Psalm 31:14-16, 19-22. - The Act of Defiant Worship
But I trust in you, Lord; I say, "You are my God."
The course of my life is in your power; rescue me from the power of my enemies and from my persecutors.
19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you. In the presence of everyone you have acted for those who take refuge in you.
You hide them in the protection of your presence; you conceal them in a shelter from human schemes, from quarrelsome tongues.
Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his faithful love to me in a city under siege.
In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight." But you heard the sound of my pleading when I cried to you for help.
Psalm 31:14-15, 19-22
Make your face shine on your servant; save me by your faithful love.
Psalm 31:16
Psalm 31:23-24. - Wisdom from those who have walked the Valley
Love the Lord, all his faithful ones. The Lord protects the loyal, but fully repays the arrogant.
Be strong, and let your heart be courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:23-24
Grief Prayer Practice:
What losses might I need to grieve? (List out the moments of pain that come to mind, and name the loss you experienced. Carry this to God in prayer.)
Make your face shine on your servant; save me by your faithful love.
Psalm 31:16
___________________________________________
Series: Advent
Title: The Wonder of Joy
Text: Philippians 4
Campus: Rivermont
Joy in scripture is both a felt emotion and a chosen state of being that the Holy Spirit leads us into.
We often express joy when we experience the goodness of that which we love.
All people can experience joy, but only those who follow Jesus can experience the unending joy that satisfies us.
Joy is both the sustaining contentment and the high-spirited celebration that comes from knowing and being in relationship with God and dwelling on His good and gracious gifts.
What are the pathways to experiencing the unending joy that Jesus offers us?
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.
Philippians 4:10-12
Pathway 1 : Spirit-filled community
Pathway 2: Worship
Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Pathway 3: Resurrection
Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ-which is far better-but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
Philippians 1:22-24
Pathway 4: Emmanuel, God with us
True Joy is experienced when we are present to the glory of God around us. He is emmanuel; God with us. He has shown us His glory in being present with us through blessing us with creation, in worship, in community with others, by His very Holy Spirit indwelling our hearts.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: The Wonder of Advent
Title: The Wonder of Joy
Text: Psalm 31
Campus: College Hill
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit
Lord, I seek refuge in you;
let me never be disgraced.
Save me by your righteousness.
Listen closely to me; rescue me quickly.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a mountain fortress to save me.
For you are my rock and my fortress;
you lead and guide me
for your name's sake.
You will free me from the net
that is secretly set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I entrust my spirit;
you have redeemed me, Lord, God of truth.
I hate those who are devoted to worthless idols,
but I trust in the Lord.
I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love
because you have seen my affliction.
You know the troubles of my soul
and have not handed me over to the enemy.
You have set my feet in a spacious place.
Be gracious to me, Lord,
because I am in distress;
my eyes are worn out from frustration-
my whole being as well.
Indeed, my life is consumed with grief
and my years with groaning;
my strength has failed
because of my iniquity,
and my bones waste away.
I am ridiculed by all my adversaries
and even by my neighbors.
I am dreaded by my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street run from me.
I am forgotten: gone from memory
like a dead person-like broken pottery.
I have heard the gossip of many;
terror is on every side.
When they conspired against me,
they plotted to take my life.
But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, "You are my God."
The course of my life is in your power;
rescue me from the power of my enemies
and from my persecutors.
Make your face shine on your servant;
save me by your faithful love.
Lord, do not let me be disgraced when I call on you.
Let the wicked be disgraced;
let them be quiet in Sheol.
Let lying lips
that arrogantly speak against the righteous
in proud contempt be silenced.
How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you.
In the presence of everyone[g] you have acted
for those who take refuge in you.
You hide them in the protection of your presence;
you conceal them in a shelter
from human schemes,
from quarrelsome tongues.
Blessed be the Lord,
for he has wondrously shown his faithful love to me
in a city under siege.
In my alarm I said,
"I am cut off from your sight."
But you heard the sound of my pleading
when I cried to you for help.
Love the Lord, all his faithful ones.
The Lord protects the loyal,
but fully repays the arrogant.
Be strong, and let your heart be courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31
Reader: This is God's Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
"Those who are close to their tears are close to their joy."
~ Frederick Beuchner
If we want to increase our capacity for joy, then we must learn to grieve well.
Grief is a gift.
Two ways we tend to avoid grieving losses:
- Bypass
- Avoidance
"As long as you do not own your pain-that is, integrate your pain into your way of being in the world-the danger exists that you will use the other to seek healing for yourself. When you speak to others about your pain without fully owning it, you expect something from them that they cannot give. As a result, you will feel frustrated, and those you wanted to help will feel confused, disappointed, or even further burdened."
~ Henri Nouwen, The Inner Voice of Love
What to do with our losses?
We must mourn our losses. We cannot talk or act them away, but we can shed tears over them and allow ourselves to grieve deeply. To grieve is to allow our losses to tear apart feelings of security and safety and lead us to the painful truth of our brokenness. Our grief makes us experience the abyss of our own life in which nothing is settled, clear, or obvious, but everything is constantly shifting and changing...But in the midst of all this pain, there is a strange, shocking, yet very surprising voice. It is the voice of the One who says: "Blessed are those who mourn; they shall be comforted." That's the unexpected news: there is a blessing hidden in our grief. Not those who comfort are blessed, but those who mourn! Somehow, in the midst of our tears, a gift is hidden. Somehow, in the midst of our mourning, the first steps of the dance take place. Somehow, the cries that well up from our losses belong to our songs of gratitude.
Psalm 31:1-8. - Grieving Prayer (& what to expect)
Lord, I seek refuge in you; let me never be disgraced. Save me by your righteousness.
Psalm 31:1
Listen closely to me; rescue me quickly. Be a rock of refuge for me, a mountain fortress to save me.
Psalm 31:2
For you are my rock and my fortress; you lead and guide me for your name's sake.
You will free me from the net that is secretly set for me, for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I entrust my spirit; you have redeemed me, Lord, God of truth.
Psalm 31:3-5
I hate those who are devoted to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.
Psalm 31:6
I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love because you have seen my affliction.
You know the troubles of my soul and have not handed me over to the enemy. You have set my feet in a spacious place.
Psalm 31:7-8
Psalm 31:9-13, 17-18. - Naming Our Losses
Be gracious to me, Lord, because I am in distress; my eyes are worn out from frustration-my whole being as well.
Psalm 31:9
Indeed, my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my strength has failed because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.
Psalm 31:10
I am ridiculed by all my adversaries and even by my neighbors. I am dreaded by my acquaintances; those who see me in the street run from me.
I am forgotten: gone from memory like a dead person-like broken pottery.
I have heard the gossip of many; terror is on every side. When they conspired against me,
they plotted to take my life.
Psalm 31:11-13
Click here to see image (1)
Click here to see image (2)
Lord, do not let me be disgraced when I call on you. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them be quiet in Sheol.
Let lying lips that arrogantly speak against the righteous in proud contempt be silenced.
Psalm 31:17-18
Psalm 31:14-16, 19-22. - The Act of Defiant Worship
But I trust in you, Lord; I say, "You are my God."
The course of my life is in your power; rescue me from the power of my enemies and from my persecutors.
19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you. In the presence of everyone you have acted for those who take refuge in you.
You hide them in the protection of your presence; you conceal them in a shelter from human schemes, from quarrelsome tongues.
Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his faithful love to me in a city under siege.
In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight." But you heard the sound of my pleading when I cried to you for help.
Psalm 31:14-15, 19-22
Make your face shine on your servant; save me by your faithful love.
Psalm 31:16
Psalm 31:23-24. - Wisdom from those who have walked the Valley
Love the Lord, all his faithful ones. The Lord protects the loyal, but fully repays the arrogant.
Be strong, and let your heart be courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:23-24
Grief Prayer Practice:
What losses might I need to grieve? (List out the moments of pain that come to mind, and name the loss you experienced. Carry this to God in prayer.)
Make your face shine on your servant; save me by your faithful love.
Psalm 31:16
___________________________________________
December 3rd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Advent
Title: The Wonder of Peace
Text: Psalm 94
Campus: Rivermont
Pray: Come, Holy Spirit.
Lord, God of vengeance—
God of vengeance, shine!
Rise up, Judge of the earth;
repay the proud what they deserve.
Lord, how long will the wicked—
how long will the wicked celebrate?
They pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers boast.
Lord, they crush your people;
they oppress your heritage.
They kill the widow and the resident alien
and murder the fatherless.
They say, “The Lord doesn’t see it.
The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention.”
Pay attention, you stupid people!
Fools, when will you be wise?
Can the one who shaped the ear not hear,
the one who formed the eye not see?
The one who instructs nations,
the one who teaches mankind knowledge—
does he not discipline?
The Lord knows the thoughts of mankind;
they are futile.
Lord, how happy is anyone you discipline
and teach from your law
to give him relief from troubled times
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
The Lord will not leave his people
or abandon his heritage,
for the administration of justice will again be righteous,
and all the upright in heart will follow[a] it.
Who stands up for me against the wicked?
Who takes a stand for me against evildoers?
If the Lord had not been my helper,
I would soon rest in the silence of death.
If I say, “My foot is slipping,”
your faithful love will support me, Lord.
When I am filled with cares,
your comfort brings me joy.
Can a corrupt throne be your ally,
a throne that makes evil laws?
They band together against the life of the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
But the Lord is my refuge;
my God is the rock of my protection.
He will pay them back for their sins
and destroy them for their evil.
The Lord our God will destroy them.
Psalm 94
Reader: This is God’s Word.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Advent reminds us that we are in a war between Good and Evil and the battleground is the sacred space of our heart.
We ignore both the heart and the need for peace
We aim our warfare at the wrong enemy (God or other human beings)
"Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms. "
~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
We try to fight this battle for peace on our own, without God & according to the strategies of the world
We overestimate our capacity to achieve peace on our own
Lord, God of vengeance—God of vengeance, shine!
Rise up, Judge of the earth; repay the proud what they deserve.
Lord, how long will the wicked—how long will the wicked celebrate?
Psalm 94:1-3
JUST WAR THEORY | AUGUSTINE (4th Century) & AQUINAS (13th Century)
They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up sword against nation, and they will never again train for war.
Isaiah 2:4
They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers boast.
Lord, they crush your people; they oppress your heritage.
They kill the widow and the resident alien and murder the fatherless.
They say, “The Lord doesn’t see it. The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention.”
Psalm 94:4-7
Pay attention, you stupid people! Fools, when will you be wise?
Can the one who shaped the ear not hear, the one who formed the eye not see?
The one who instructs nations, the one who teaches mankind knowledge—does he not discipline?
The Lord knows the thoughts of mankind; they are futile.
Psalm 94:8-11
Lord, how happy is anyone you discipline and teach from your law to give him relief from troubled times until a pit is dug for the wicked.
The Lord will not leave his people or abandon his heritage, for the administration of justice will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Psalm 94:12-15
In order for us to be peacemakers in the Kingdom of God, we must first let the God of peace invade our hearts and minds so that we can be agents of the very peace we’ve received.
There is no soundness in my body because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin.
For my iniquities have flooded over my head; they are a burden too heavy for me to bear.
My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness.
I am bent over and brought very low; all day long I go around in mourning.
For my insides are full of burning pain, and there is no soundness in my body.
I am faint and severely crushed; I groan because of the anguish of my heart.
Lord, my every desire is in front of you; my sighing is not hidden from you.
My heart races, my strength leaves me, and even the light of my eyes has faded
Psalm 38:3-10
Who stands up for me against the wicked?
Who takes a stand for me against evildoers?
If the Lord had not been my helper, I would soon rest in the silence of death.
If I say, “My foot is slipping,” your faithful love will support me, Lord.
19 When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.
22 But the Lord is my refuge; my God is the rock of my protection.
Psalm 94:16-19, 22
(v. 19 translation: “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your comfort delights my soul.”)
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18
He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile
everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross
Colossians 1:18-20
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your comfort delights my soul.
Psalm 94:19
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Advent
Title: The Wonder of Peace
Text: Micah 5:4-5a, Philippians 4:2-9 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
breath prayers: short, six-to-eight-syllable prayers that fit into one inhale and exhale.
“Lord God, help me to rest.”
“Holy Father, still my heart.”
“Fill me, Spirit, with your love.”
“Father, Let me know your peace.”
“Jesus, be my peace.”
“Holy Spirit, give me your peace.”
If we’re looking for peace in perfect, stress-free, circumstances, then we miss the point of the Christian gospel.
The gift that God gives to us is not necessarily a change of circumstances, but the gift is his presence in all circumstances.
Peace is not a state of being – it’s Emmanuel, God with us.
He will stand and shepherd them in the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will extend to the ends of the earth. He will be their peace.
Micah 5:4-5a
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace…
Ephesians 2:13-14a
How do we experience the peace of Christ?
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:2-9 (CSB)
1) If we want to experience the peace of Christ, we must continually bring our circumstances and worries to God through prayer (v. 6)
2) If we want to experience the peace of Christ, we must practice thanksgiving (v. 6)
3) If we want to experience the peace of Christ, we must focus our mind on what is true, beautiful, and good (v. 8)
Jesus is alive and he is near.
Cultivating Advent Peace:
Series: Advent
Title: The Wonder of Peace
Text: Psalm 94
Campus: Rivermont
Pray: Come, Holy Spirit.
Lord, God of vengeance—
God of vengeance, shine!
Rise up, Judge of the earth;
repay the proud what they deserve.
Lord, how long will the wicked—
how long will the wicked celebrate?
They pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers boast.
Lord, they crush your people;
they oppress your heritage.
They kill the widow and the resident alien
and murder the fatherless.
They say, “The Lord doesn’t see it.
The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention.”
Pay attention, you stupid people!
Fools, when will you be wise?
Can the one who shaped the ear not hear,
the one who formed the eye not see?
The one who instructs nations,
the one who teaches mankind knowledge—
does he not discipline?
The Lord knows the thoughts of mankind;
they are futile.
Lord, how happy is anyone you discipline
and teach from your law
to give him relief from troubled times
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
The Lord will not leave his people
or abandon his heritage,
for the administration of justice will again be righteous,
and all the upright in heart will follow[a] it.
Who stands up for me against the wicked?
Who takes a stand for me against evildoers?
If the Lord had not been my helper,
I would soon rest in the silence of death.
If I say, “My foot is slipping,”
your faithful love will support me, Lord.
When I am filled with cares,
your comfort brings me joy.
Can a corrupt throne be your ally,
a throne that makes evil laws?
They band together against the life of the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
But the Lord is my refuge;
my God is the rock of my protection.
He will pay them back for their sins
and destroy them for their evil.
The Lord our God will destroy them.
Psalm 94
Reader: This is God’s Word.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Advent reminds us that we are in a war between Good and Evil and the battleground is the sacred space of our heart.
We ignore both the heart and the need for peace
We aim our warfare at the wrong enemy (God or other human beings)
"Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms. "
~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
We try to fight this battle for peace on our own, without God & according to the strategies of the world
We overestimate our capacity to achieve peace on our own
Lord, God of vengeance—God of vengeance, shine!
Rise up, Judge of the earth; repay the proud what they deserve.
Lord, how long will the wicked—how long will the wicked celebrate?
Psalm 94:1-3
JUST WAR THEORY | AUGUSTINE (4th Century) & AQUINAS (13th Century)
They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up sword against nation, and they will never again train for war.
Isaiah 2:4
They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers boast.
Lord, they crush your people; they oppress your heritage.
They kill the widow and the resident alien and murder the fatherless.
They say, “The Lord doesn’t see it. The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention.”
Psalm 94:4-7
Pay attention, you stupid people! Fools, when will you be wise?
Can the one who shaped the ear not hear, the one who formed the eye not see?
The one who instructs nations, the one who teaches mankind knowledge—does he not discipline?
The Lord knows the thoughts of mankind; they are futile.
Psalm 94:8-11
Lord, how happy is anyone you discipline and teach from your law to give him relief from troubled times until a pit is dug for the wicked.
The Lord will not leave his people or abandon his heritage, for the administration of justice will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Psalm 94:12-15
In order for us to be peacemakers in the Kingdom of God, we must first let the God of peace invade our hearts and minds so that we can be agents of the very peace we’ve received.
There is no soundness in my body because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin.
For my iniquities have flooded over my head; they are a burden too heavy for me to bear.
My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness.
I am bent over and brought very low; all day long I go around in mourning.
For my insides are full of burning pain, and there is no soundness in my body.
I am faint and severely crushed; I groan because of the anguish of my heart.
Lord, my every desire is in front of you; my sighing is not hidden from you.
My heart races, my strength leaves me, and even the light of my eyes has faded
Psalm 38:3-10
Who stands up for me against the wicked?
Who takes a stand for me against evildoers?
If the Lord had not been my helper, I would soon rest in the silence of death.
If I say, “My foot is slipping,” your faithful love will support me, Lord.
19 When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.
22 But the Lord is my refuge; my God is the rock of my protection.
Psalm 94:16-19, 22
(v. 19 translation: “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your comfort delights my soul.”)
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18
He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile
everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross
Colossians 1:18-20
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your comfort delights my soul.
Psalm 94:19
- Where is God calling us to deeper encounters with him and into a slower or more intentional pace of life with him?
- Where do we need the peace of God amidst our own anxieties?
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Advent
Title: The Wonder of Peace
Text: Micah 5:4-5a, Philippians 4:2-9 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
breath prayers: short, six-to-eight-syllable prayers that fit into one inhale and exhale.
“Lord God, help me to rest.”
“Holy Father, still my heart.”
“Fill me, Spirit, with your love.”
“Father, Let me know your peace.”
“Jesus, be my peace.”
“Holy Spirit, give me your peace.”
If we’re looking for peace in perfect, stress-free, circumstances, then we miss the point of the Christian gospel.
The gift that God gives to us is not necessarily a change of circumstances, but the gift is his presence in all circumstances.
Peace is not a state of being – it’s Emmanuel, God with us.
He will stand and shepherd them in the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will extend to the ends of the earth. He will be their peace.
Micah 5:4-5a
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace…
Ephesians 2:13-14a
How do we experience the peace of Christ?
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:2-9 (CSB)
1) If we want to experience the peace of Christ, we must continually bring our circumstances and worries to God through prayer (v. 6)
2) If we want to experience the peace of Christ, we must practice thanksgiving (v. 6)
3) If we want to experience the peace of Christ, we must focus our mind on what is true, beautiful, and good (v. 8)
Jesus is alive and he is near.
Cultivating Advent Peace:
- Prayer (personal)
- Thanksgiving (corporate)
- Setting our mind on Christ (truth, beauty, goodness)
November 26 Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: The Wonder of Advent
Title: The Wonder of Hope
Text: Romans 8:18-25
Campus: Rivermont
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:18-25
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12
Come Thou long expected Jesus / Born to set Thy people free / From my fears and sins, release us / Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel's strength and consolation / Hope of all the Earth Thou art / Dear desire of every nation / Joy of every longing heart
“Of all the seasons of the church year, Advent most closely mirrors the daily lives of Christians and of the church, asks the most important ethical questions, presents the most accurate picture of the human condition, and above all, orients us to the future of the God who will come again.”
~ Fleming Rutledge (Advent: The Once & Future Coming of Jesus Christ )
“Nothing can save us that is possible.”
~ W.H. Auden (A Christmas Oratio)
I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember You…
Psalm 46:6
And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
This is Advent - a season of hopeful longing. Of wonder and waiting.
Because there’s beauty in the world, even in the most unlikely places, there is hope. Beauty is the residue of the presence of God.
For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now.
Romans 8:19-22
Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:23
Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:24-25
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God.
I thirst for God, the living God.When can I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long people say to me, “Where is your God?”
I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts.
Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.
I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your billows have swept over me.
The Lord will send his faithful love by day; his song will be with me in the night—a prayer to the God of my life.
I will say to God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?”
My adversaries taunt me, as if crushing my bones, while all day long they say to me, “Where is your God?”
Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:1-11
_________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Wonder of Advent
Title: The Wonder of Hope
Text: Isaiah 11:1-9 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard.
Psalm 19:1-3
Then their eyes were opened…They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:31-32
Hope provides us with motivation for life, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of purpose.
Hope is a stabilizing force and its fuel for flourishing.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (CSB)
Christian hope is not based on our abilities or circumstances, it’s based on the person and promises of God.
Three reasons Christians anchor their hope in Jesus:
1) Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises (Rom. 15:8).
2) Jesus is a servant leader who heals the divisions that our world exploits (Rom. 15:8-9).
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”
“Truly He taught us to love one another. His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother. And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we. Let all within us praise His holy name”
~ O Holy Night
3) God is not finished establishing his perfect kingdom through Christ (Rom. 15:12, Isa. 11:1-9).
Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
His delight will be in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, he will not execute justice by what he hears with his ears, but he will judge the poor righteously and execute justice for the oppressed of the land.
He will strike the land with a scepter from his mouth, and he will kill the wicked with a command from his lips.
Righteousness will be a belt around his hips; faithfulness will be a belt around his waist.
The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat.
The calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf will be together, and a child will lead them.
The cow and the bear will graze, their young ones will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like cattle.
An infant will play beside the cobra’s pit, and a toddler will put his hand into a snake’s den.
They will not harm or destroy each other on my entire holy mountain, for the land will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the sea is filled with water.
Isaiah 11:1-9 (CSB)
Reflection Questions
Series: The Wonder of Advent
Title: The Wonder of Hope
Text: Romans 8:18-25
Campus: Rivermont
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:18-25
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12
Come Thou long expected Jesus / Born to set Thy people free / From my fears and sins, release us / Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel's strength and consolation / Hope of all the Earth Thou art / Dear desire of every nation / Joy of every longing heart
“Of all the seasons of the church year, Advent most closely mirrors the daily lives of Christians and of the church, asks the most important ethical questions, presents the most accurate picture of the human condition, and above all, orients us to the future of the God who will come again.”
~ Fleming Rutledge (Advent: The Once & Future Coming of Jesus Christ )
“Nothing can save us that is possible.”
~ W.H. Auden (A Christmas Oratio)
I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember You…
Psalm 46:6
And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
This is Advent - a season of hopeful longing. Of wonder and waiting.
Because there’s beauty in the world, even in the most unlikely places, there is hope. Beauty is the residue of the presence of God.
For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now.
Romans 8:19-22
Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:23
Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:24-25
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God.
I thirst for God, the living God.When can I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long people say to me, “Where is your God?”
I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts.
Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.
I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your billows have swept over me.
The Lord will send his faithful love by day; his song will be with me in the night—a prayer to the God of my life.
I will say to God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?”
My adversaries taunt me, as if crushing my bones, while all day long they say to me, “Where is your God?”
Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:1-11
_________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Wonder of Advent
Title: The Wonder of Hope
Text: Isaiah 11:1-9 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard.
Psalm 19:1-3
Then their eyes were opened…They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:31-32
Hope provides us with motivation for life, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of purpose.
Hope is a stabilizing force and its fuel for flourishing.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (CSB)
Christian hope is not based on our abilities or circumstances, it’s based on the person and promises of God.
Three reasons Christians anchor their hope in Jesus:
1) Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises (Rom. 15:8).
2) Jesus is a servant leader who heals the divisions that our world exploits (Rom. 15:8-9).
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”
“Truly He taught us to love one another. His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother. And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we. Let all within us praise His holy name”
~ O Holy Night
3) God is not finished establishing his perfect kingdom through Christ (Rom. 15:12, Isa. 11:1-9).
Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
His delight will be in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, he will not execute justice by what he hears with his ears, but he will judge the poor righteously and execute justice for the oppressed of the land.
He will strike the land with a scepter from his mouth, and he will kill the wicked with a command from his lips.
Righteousness will be a belt around his hips; faithfulness will be a belt around his waist.
The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat.
The calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf will be together, and a child will lead them.
The cow and the bear will graze, their young ones will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like cattle.
An infant will play beside the cobra’s pit, and a toddler will put his hand into a snake’s den.
They will not harm or destroy each other on my entire holy mountain, for the land will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the sea is filled with water.
Isaiah 11:1-9 (CSB)
Reflection Questions
- Where are you lacking hope?
- How can you slow down to encounter God during this Advent season?
- What are some ways that we can be ambassadors of his hope and his kingdom this Advent season?
November 19th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: The Farmer, The Vineyard & The Benevolent Owner
Text: Mark 11:27-12:12
Campus: Rivermont
They came again to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came and asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do these things?”
Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism from heaven or of human origin? Answer me.”
They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’”—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug out a pit for a winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and went away. At harvest time he sent a servant to the farmers to collect some of the fruit of the vineyard from them. But they took him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent another servant to them, and they hit him on the head and treated him shamefully. Then he sent another, and they killed that one. He also sent many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He still had one to send, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenant farmers said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill the farmers and give the vineyard to others. Haven’t you read this Scripture:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
This came about from the Lord
and is wonderful in our eyes?”
They were looking for a way to arrest him but feared the crowd because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. So they left him and went away.
Mark 11:27-12:12 (CSB)
Click here to see image
Questioning authority demands that we willingly become equally transparent, honest and forthcoming about our own lives.
They came again to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came and asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do these things?”
Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism from heaven or of human origin? Answer me.”
They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’”—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Mark 11:27-33
Two Missteps by the Religious Authorities:
1. They viewed Jesus through the lens of earthly authority & earthly powers.
Are there incongruencies in my own life where I fail to recognize & ascribe heavenly authority?
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2
Two Missteps by the Religious Authorities:
1. They viewed Jesus through the lens of earthly authority & earthly powers.
2. They approached Jesus unwilling to ever consider their own spiritual blindness.
For the vineyard of the Lord of Armies is the house of Israel.
Isaiah 5:7a
Parable Points:
How are we using our time, our resources, and our talents that are meant to be cultivating the fruits of God’s vineyard?
Parable Points:
We tend to always point out the spiritual blindness of those who have come before us - our forefathers, but fail to recognize our own spiritual blindness.
Parable Points:
Parable Points:
1. The religious authorities were poor stewards.
2. It’s easier to recognize the sins of those who have come before us.
3. The Son (Christ) is God’s last word and final hope for mankind
4. God’s love is incomprehensible (Insanity)
Which farmer are you now?
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 11:27-12:12
Campus: College Hill
Jesus has authority over all.
Jesus invites us to surrender to His authority and partner with Him.
They came again to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came and asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do these things?
Mark 11:27-28
What authority do you have? And who gave you this authority?
God often exposes the selfish nature of our hearts when we are confronted by an authority that removes us from control and the outcomes we desire.
Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism from heaven or of human origin? Answer me.”
Mark 11:29-30
They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’”—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
Mark 11:31-33
“And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Jesus is capable of defending His own authority
He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug out a pit for a winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and went away. At harvest time he sent a servant to the farmers to collect some of the fruit of the vineyard from them. But they took him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent another servant to them, and they hit him on the head and treated him shamefully. Then he sent another, and they killed that one. He also sent many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He still had one to send, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenant farmers said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill the farmers and give the vineyard to others.
Mark 12:1-9
What does the parable mean at this moment in the story of Mark?
What does it mean for us today?
I will sing about the one I love, a song about my loved one’s vineyard: The one I love had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He broke up the soil, cleared it of stones, and planted it with the finest vines. He built a tower in the middle of it and even dug out a winepress there.
Vineyard = God’s people / the Kingdom
Owner = God
Tenants = the priests and spiritual leaders
Servants = God’s prophets and messengers
Son = Jesus
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came about from the Lord and is wonderful in our eyes?”
They were looking for a way to arrest him but feared the crowd because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. So they left him and went away.
God’s plan has always been for His people to make His name know to all the peoples of the earth.
Fruit = The Good News and the Good Works God has given us to do
We can only steward the Gospel and good works to the capacity that we surrender under the authority of Jesus.
When we humble ourselves before Jesus and have a heart posture that says, “I’ll do anything and go anywhere for you”, Jesus will take our fruit and extend it far beyond what we thought possible.
Jesus uses His authority to lead us as our good shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
In what area of my life do I need to surrender to Jesus’ authority?
How do I need to use the fruit He has given me to invite others into the vineyard?
____________________________________________
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: The Farmer, The Vineyard & The Benevolent Owner
Text: Mark 11:27-12:12
Campus: Rivermont
They came again to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came and asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do these things?”
Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism from heaven or of human origin? Answer me.”
They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’”—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug out a pit for a winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and went away. At harvest time he sent a servant to the farmers to collect some of the fruit of the vineyard from them. But they took him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent another servant to them, and they hit him on the head and treated him shamefully. Then he sent another, and they killed that one. He also sent many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He still had one to send, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenant farmers said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill the farmers and give the vineyard to others. Haven’t you read this Scripture:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
This came about from the Lord
and is wonderful in our eyes?”
They were looking for a way to arrest him but feared the crowd because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. So they left him and went away.
Mark 11:27-12:12 (CSB)
Click here to see image
Questioning authority demands that we willingly become equally transparent, honest and forthcoming about our own lives.
They came again to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came and asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do these things?”
Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism from heaven or of human origin? Answer me.”
They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’”—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Mark 11:27-33
Two Missteps by the Religious Authorities:
1. They viewed Jesus through the lens of earthly authority & earthly powers.
Are there incongruencies in my own life where I fail to recognize & ascribe heavenly authority?
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2
Two Missteps by the Religious Authorities:
1. They viewed Jesus through the lens of earthly authority & earthly powers.
2. They approached Jesus unwilling to ever consider their own spiritual blindness.
For the vineyard of the Lord of Armies is the house of Israel.
Isaiah 5:7a
Parable Points:
- The religious authorities were poor stewards.
How are we using our time, our resources, and our talents that are meant to be cultivating the fruits of God’s vineyard?
Parable Points:
- The religious authorities were poor stewards.
- It’s easier to recognize the sins of those who have come before us.
We tend to always point out the spiritual blindness of those who have come before us - our forefathers, but fail to recognize our own spiritual blindness.
Parable Points:
- The religious authorities were poor stewards.
- It’s easier to recognize the sins of those who have come before us.
- The Son (Christ) is God’s last word and final hope for mankind
Parable Points:
1. The religious authorities were poor stewards.
2. It’s easier to recognize the sins of those who have come before us.
3. The Son (Christ) is God’s last word and final hope for mankind
4. God’s love is incomprehensible (Insanity)
Which farmer are you now?
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 11:27-12:12
Campus: College Hill
Jesus has authority over all.
Jesus invites us to surrender to His authority and partner with Him.
They came again to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came and asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do these things?
Mark 11:27-28
What authority do you have? And who gave you this authority?
God often exposes the selfish nature of our hearts when we are confronted by an authority that removes us from control and the outcomes we desire.
Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism from heaven or of human origin? Answer me.”
Mark 11:29-30
They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’”—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
Mark 11:31-33
“And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Jesus is capable of defending His own authority
He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug out a pit for a winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and went away. At harvest time he sent a servant to the farmers to collect some of the fruit of the vineyard from them. But they took him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent another servant to them, and they hit him on the head and treated him shamefully. Then he sent another, and they killed that one. He also sent many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He still had one to send, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenant farmers said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill the farmers and give the vineyard to others.
Mark 12:1-9
What does the parable mean at this moment in the story of Mark?
What does it mean for us today?
I will sing about the one I love, a song about my loved one’s vineyard: The one I love had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He broke up the soil, cleared it of stones, and planted it with the finest vines. He built a tower in the middle of it and even dug out a winepress there.
Vineyard = God’s people / the Kingdom
Owner = God
Tenants = the priests and spiritual leaders
Servants = God’s prophets and messengers
Son = Jesus
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came about from the Lord and is wonderful in our eyes?”
They were looking for a way to arrest him but feared the crowd because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. So they left him and went away.
God’s plan has always been for His people to make His name know to all the peoples of the earth.
Fruit = The Good News and the Good Works God has given us to do
We can only steward the Gospel and good works to the capacity that we surrender under the authority of Jesus.
When we humble ourselves before Jesus and have a heart posture that says, “I’ll do anything and go anywhere for you”, Jesus will take our fruit and extend it far beyond what we thought possible.
Jesus uses His authority to lead us as our good shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
In what area of my life do I need to surrender to Jesus’ authority?
How do I need to use the fruit He has given me to invite others into the vineyard?
____________________________________________
November 12th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Family and Vision Sunday
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see video
His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent word to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him and told him, “Look, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters are outside asking for you.”
He replied to them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Looking at those sitting in a circle around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
Mark 3:31-35
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come.
Mark 10:29-30
“This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life. Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey.
“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol[b] on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Family Dedication
Leader: Do you give your allegiance to Jesus, and do you commit to follow Him all the days of your life, wherever he leads, no matter the cost?
Parents: We do.
Leader: Will you lead your family as an extension of the spiritual family, the universal and local church, to which you belong in Christ Jesus?
Parents: We will.
Leader: Do you commit to learning how to steward your household so as to host both the presence of God as well friends, neighbors, and strangers?
Parents: We do.
Leader: Will you practice the way of Jesus with your children, both modeling and imparting the gospel of the Kingdom of God?
Parents: We will.
Leader: Finally, raising the next generation is not possible on our own. Each child is their own unique reminder of our own need for the grace of God in our lives. Parents, we don’t lead from our strength, but from our weakness. We are living examples of God’s grace for our kids.
So do you receive again the grace of God, which is sufficient for you in all things, among which is this beautiful responsibility of raising these children along with your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Parents: We do.
Leader: Church family, raising a generation of Christ-followers is our collective responsibility. Church, will you commit to playing your role in supporting these parents, and to play the role of spiritual mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunties and uncles, cousins, and brothers and sisters, in order to declare the glory of God from this generation to the next?
Church: we will.
The church, let us pray for these families.
He also said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don’t have anything to offer him.’ Then he will answer from inside and say, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s shameless boldness,[b] he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
Luke 11:5-12
Come, Holy Spirit
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary and Amy Foster
Title: God’s Family is an Expanding Family
Text: Isaiah 54:1-6
Campus: College Hill
“Rejoice, childless one, who did not give birth; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the site of your tent, and let your tent curtains be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your ropes, and drive your pegs deep. For you will spread out to the right and to the left, and your descendants will dispossess nations and inhabit the desolate cities. “Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; don’t be humiliated, for you will not be disgraced. For you will forget the shame of your youth, and you will no longer remember the disgrace of your widowhood. Indeed, your husband is your Maker — his name is the Lord of Armies — and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of the whole earth. For the Lord has called you, like a wife deserted and wounded in spirit, a wife of one’s youth when she is rejected,” says your God.
Isaiah 54:1-6 CSB
God’s Family is an Expanding Family.
The good news of the gospel is that God longs to bring us back into RIGHT relationship with HIM and with each other!
“Rejoice, childless one, who did not give birth; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the site of your tent, and let your tent curtains be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your ropes, and drive your pegs deep. For you will spread out to the right and to the left, and your descendants will dispossess nations and inhabit the desolate cities. “Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; don’t be humiliated, for you will not be disgraced. For you will forget the shame of your youth, and you will no longer remember the disgrace of your widowhood. Indeed, your husband is your Maker — his name is the Lord of Armies — and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of the whole earth. For the Lord has called you, like a wife deserted and wounded in spirit, a wife of one’s youth when she is rejected,” says your God.
Isaiah 54:1-6 CSB
“Isn’t this the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to ignore your own flesh and blood? Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard. At that time, when you call, the Lord will answer; when you cry out, he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you get rid of the yoke among you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking, and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose water never runs dry. Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the foundations laid long ago; you will be called the repairer of broken walls, the restorer of streets where people live.”
Isaiah 58:6-12
Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.
Isaiah 1:17 CSB
KNOWING & BEING KNOWN
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus. We will practice radical & intentional hospitality as we love strangers like they are our own family, thus becoming the new kind of family that Jesus promised to create. Being and making disciples of Jesus cross-culturally is at the heart of how we envision and practice community.
How is this possible?
Power:
I am the Lord. I have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will hold you by your hand. I will watch over you, and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, in order to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those sitting in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:6-7 CSB
Proximity:
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Matthew 25:34-40 CSB
"Justice CANNOT be done from a distance"
~ Tyler Staton
Prayer:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phil. 4:6
Pray and then go about my day trying to recognize the face of Jesus in my neighbors. THAT IS MY STRATEGY
~ Mother Teresa
Click here to see image 1
Click here to see image 2
Call to Respond:
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27 ESV
Where is God calling you to visit the “least of these”?
____________________________________________
Family and Vision Sunday
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see video
His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent word to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him and told him, “Look, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters are outside asking for you.”
He replied to them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Looking at those sitting in a circle around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
Mark 3:31-35
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come.
Mark 10:29-30
“This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life. Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey.
“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol[b] on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Family Dedication
Leader: Do you give your allegiance to Jesus, and do you commit to follow Him all the days of your life, wherever he leads, no matter the cost?
Parents: We do.
Leader: Will you lead your family as an extension of the spiritual family, the universal and local church, to which you belong in Christ Jesus?
Parents: We will.
Leader: Do you commit to learning how to steward your household so as to host both the presence of God as well friends, neighbors, and strangers?
Parents: We do.
Leader: Will you practice the way of Jesus with your children, both modeling and imparting the gospel of the Kingdom of God?
Parents: We will.
Leader: Finally, raising the next generation is not possible on our own. Each child is their own unique reminder of our own need for the grace of God in our lives. Parents, we don’t lead from our strength, but from our weakness. We are living examples of God’s grace for our kids.
So do you receive again the grace of God, which is sufficient for you in all things, among which is this beautiful responsibility of raising these children along with your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Parents: We do.
Leader: Church family, raising a generation of Christ-followers is our collective responsibility. Church, will you commit to playing your role in supporting these parents, and to play the role of spiritual mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunties and uncles, cousins, and brothers and sisters, in order to declare the glory of God from this generation to the next?
Church: we will.
The church, let us pray for these families.
He also said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don’t have anything to offer him.’ Then he will answer from inside and say, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s shameless boldness,[b] he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
Luke 11:5-12
Come, Holy Spirit
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary and Amy Foster
Title: God’s Family is an Expanding Family
Text: Isaiah 54:1-6
Campus: College Hill
“Rejoice, childless one, who did not give birth; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the site of your tent, and let your tent curtains be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your ropes, and drive your pegs deep. For you will spread out to the right and to the left, and your descendants will dispossess nations and inhabit the desolate cities. “Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; don’t be humiliated, for you will not be disgraced. For you will forget the shame of your youth, and you will no longer remember the disgrace of your widowhood. Indeed, your husband is your Maker — his name is the Lord of Armies — and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of the whole earth. For the Lord has called you, like a wife deserted and wounded in spirit, a wife of one’s youth when she is rejected,” says your God.
Isaiah 54:1-6 CSB
God’s Family is an Expanding Family.
The good news of the gospel is that God longs to bring us back into RIGHT relationship with HIM and with each other!
“Rejoice, childless one, who did not give birth; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the site of your tent, and let your tent curtains be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your ropes, and drive your pegs deep. For you will spread out to the right and to the left, and your descendants will dispossess nations and inhabit the desolate cities. “Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; don’t be humiliated, for you will not be disgraced. For you will forget the shame of your youth, and you will no longer remember the disgrace of your widowhood. Indeed, your husband is your Maker — his name is the Lord of Armies — and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of the whole earth. For the Lord has called you, like a wife deserted and wounded in spirit, a wife of one’s youth when she is rejected,” says your God.
Isaiah 54:1-6 CSB
“Isn’t this the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to ignore your own flesh and blood? Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard. At that time, when you call, the Lord will answer; when you cry out, he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you get rid of the yoke among you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking, and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose water never runs dry. Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the foundations laid long ago; you will be called the repairer of broken walls, the restorer of streets where people live.”
Isaiah 58:6-12
Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.
Isaiah 1:17 CSB
KNOWING & BEING KNOWN
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus. We will practice radical & intentional hospitality as we love strangers like they are our own family, thus becoming the new kind of family that Jesus promised to create. Being and making disciples of Jesus cross-culturally is at the heart of how we envision and practice community.
How is this possible?
- Power
- Proximity
- Prayer
Power:
I am the Lord. I have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will hold you by your hand. I will watch over you, and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, in order to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those sitting in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:6-7 CSB
Proximity:
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Matthew 25:34-40 CSB
"Justice CANNOT be done from a distance"
~ Tyler Staton
Prayer:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phil. 4:6
Pray and then go about my day trying to recognize the face of Jesus in my neighbors. THAT IS MY STRATEGY
~ Mother Teresa
Click here to see image 1
Click here to see image 2
Call to Respond:
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27 ESV
Where is God calling you to visit the “least of these”?
____________________________________________
November 5th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Leahman
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: Jesusology
Text: Mark 11:12-25
Congregation: Rivermont
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit.
The next day when they went out from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to find out if there was anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And his disciples heard it.
They came to Jerusalem, and he went into the temple and began to throw out those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple. He was teaching them: “Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves!”
The chief priests and the scribes heard it and started looking for a way to kill him. For they were afraid of him because the whole crowd was astonished by his teaching.
Whenever evening came, they would go out of the city.
Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”
Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”
Mark 11:12-25
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Mark 11:11
The next day when they went out from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to find out if there was anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And his disciples heard it.
Mark 11:12-14
They came to Jerusalem, and he went into the temple and began to throw out those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple.
Mark 11:15-16
He was teaching them: “Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?[a] But you have made it a den of thieves!”
The chief priests and the scribes heard it and started looking for a way to kill him. For they were afraid of him because the whole crowd was astonished by his teaching.
Whenever evening came, they would go out of the city.
Mark 11:17-19
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19- 22
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells in you?”
1 Corinthians 6:9
The Kingdom of God is about radical inclusion.
“If anyone wants to follow after me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses their life because of me and the gospel will save it.”
Mark 8:34-35
The Kingdom of God is about radical holiness.
Holiness: A way of life that forms the heart for love of God and neighbor.
The extent to which we have experienced the love of God in Christ is the extent to which we will be able to give it to others.
The Kingdom of God is about both radical inclusion and radical holiness.
Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”
Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”
Mark 11:20-25
“Praying most often doesn’t get us what we want but what God wants, something quite at variance with what we conceive to be in our best interests.”
~ Eugene Peterson
“Prayer is not what is done by us, but rather what is done by the Holy Spirit in us.”
~ Henri Nouwen
“I am deeply convinced that the necessity of prayer, and to pray unceasingly, is not as much based on our desire for God as on God’s desire for us. It is God’s passionate pursuit of us that calls us to prayer…God wants to find us more than we want to find him.”
~ Henri Nouwen
The son of Man came to seek and save that which is lost.
Luke 19:10
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
John 3:16 (The Message)
God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is!
If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand;
when I wake up, I am still with you.
Psalm 139:17-18
Who am I that you are mindful of me? What is a human being that you would look after him?
Psalm 8:4
God you are my God; passionately I seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry and desolate, and without water. So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory. My lips with glorify you because your faithful love is better than life.
Psalm 63:1-3
If you are weary, pray.
If you are hurting, pray.
If you are doubting, pray.
If you are without hope, pray.
If you are grieving, pray. (Nouwen: I have come to see that much of praying is grieving.)
If you are healing, pray.
If you are sick, pray.
If you are rejoicing, pray.
If you are hungry, pray.
If there is any impulse or fleeting desire to pray, for any reason, pray.
Prayer is determining to live by faith that God is good, that he is here, that he has not abandoned us, and that his love is more immense than we could ever imagine.
______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 11:12-25
Congregation: College Hill
The next day when they went out from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to find out if there was anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And his disciples heard it.
They came to Jerusalem, and he went into the temple and began to throw out those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple. He was teaching them: “Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves!”
The chief priests and the scribes heard it and started looking for a way to kill him. For they were afraid of him because the whole crowd was astonished by his teaching.
Whenever evening came, they would go out of the city.
Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”
Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”
Mark 11:12-25 (CSB)
God is doing a new thing, and he’s doing it through Jesus.
Our faith in Jesus is intended to be vibrant and fruitful and point people to a living God who can move mountains.
Seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to find out if there was anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And his disciples heard it.
Mark 11:13-14
They came to Jerusalem, and he went into the temple and began to throw out those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple. He was teaching them: “Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves!
Read vv. 15-17.
1) The vendors were hindering people who were far from God from encountering him.
2) Genuine, heartfelt, worship was overshadowed by business transactions.
Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”
Read vv. 22-26
Genuine faith in God had more power than the religious system that was in place – or the ruling authorities.
Our faith in Jesus is intended to be vibrant and fruitful and point people to a living God who can move mountains.
-Are our lives and hearts yielded to God? Is our church yielded to God and practicing a fruitful faith?
-Do we believe in a God who can move mountains? Do we make him known to our neighbors and among the nations?
-Is there anything hindering our relationship with God? Are there barriers to our faith?
____________________________________________________________________________
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: Jesusology
Text: Mark 11:12-25
Congregation: Rivermont
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit.
The next day when they went out from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to find out if there was anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And his disciples heard it.
They came to Jerusalem, and he went into the temple and began to throw out those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple. He was teaching them: “Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves!”
The chief priests and the scribes heard it and started looking for a way to kill him. For they were afraid of him because the whole crowd was astonished by his teaching.
Whenever evening came, they would go out of the city.
Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”
Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”
Mark 11:12-25
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Mark 11:11
The next day when they went out from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to find out if there was anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And his disciples heard it.
Mark 11:12-14
They came to Jerusalem, and he went into the temple and began to throw out those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple.
Mark 11:15-16
He was teaching them: “Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?[a] But you have made it a den of thieves!”
The chief priests and the scribes heard it and started looking for a way to kill him. For they were afraid of him because the whole crowd was astonished by his teaching.
Whenever evening came, they would go out of the city.
Mark 11:17-19
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19- 22
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells in you?”
1 Corinthians 6:9
The Kingdom of God is about radical inclusion.
“If anyone wants to follow after me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses their life because of me and the gospel will save it.”
Mark 8:34-35
The Kingdom of God is about radical holiness.
Holiness: A way of life that forms the heart for love of God and neighbor.
The extent to which we have experienced the love of God in Christ is the extent to which we will be able to give it to others.
The Kingdom of God is about both radical inclusion and radical holiness.
Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”
Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”
Mark 11:20-25
“Praying most often doesn’t get us what we want but what God wants, something quite at variance with what we conceive to be in our best interests.”
~ Eugene Peterson
“Prayer is not what is done by us, but rather what is done by the Holy Spirit in us.”
~ Henri Nouwen
“I am deeply convinced that the necessity of prayer, and to pray unceasingly, is not as much based on our desire for God as on God’s desire for us. It is God’s passionate pursuit of us that calls us to prayer…God wants to find us more than we want to find him.”
~ Henri Nouwen
The son of Man came to seek and save that which is lost.
Luke 19:10
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
John 3:16 (The Message)
God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is!
If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand;
when I wake up, I am still with you.
Psalm 139:17-18
Who am I that you are mindful of me? What is a human being that you would look after him?
Psalm 8:4
God you are my God; passionately I seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry and desolate, and without water. So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory. My lips with glorify you because your faithful love is better than life.
Psalm 63:1-3
If you are weary, pray.
If you are hurting, pray.
If you are doubting, pray.
If you are without hope, pray.
If you are grieving, pray. (Nouwen: I have come to see that much of praying is grieving.)
If you are healing, pray.
If you are sick, pray.
If you are rejoicing, pray.
If you are hungry, pray.
If there is any impulse or fleeting desire to pray, for any reason, pray.
Prayer is determining to live by faith that God is good, that he is here, that he has not abandoned us, and that his love is more immense than we could ever imagine.
______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 11:12-25
Congregation: College Hill
The next day when they went out from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to find out if there was anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And his disciples heard it.
They came to Jerusalem, and he went into the temple and began to throw out those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple. He was teaching them: “Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves!”
The chief priests and the scribes heard it and started looking for a way to kill him. For they were afraid of him because the whole crowd was astonished by his teaching.
Whenever evening came, they would go out of the city.
Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”
Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”
Mark 11:12-25 (CSB)
God is doing a new thing, and he’s doing it through Jesus.
Our faith in Jesus is intended to be vibrant and fruitful and point people to a living God who can move mountains.
Seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to find out if there was anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And his disciples heard it.
Mark 11:13-14
They came to Jerusalem, and he went into the temple and began to throw out those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple. He was teaching them: “Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves!
Read vv. 15-17.
1) The vendors were hindering people who were far from God from encountering him.
2) Genuine, heartfelt, worship was overshadowed by business transactions.
Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”
Read vv. 22-26
Genuine faith in God had more power than the religious system that was in place – or the ruling authorities.
Our faith in Jesus is intended to be vibrant and fruitful and point people to a living God who can move mountains.
-Are our lives and hearts yielded to God? Is our church yielded to God and practicing a fruitful faith?
-Do we believe in a God who can move mountains? Do we make him known to our neighbors and among the nations?
-Is there anything hindering our relationship with God? Are there barriers to our faith?
____________________________________________________________________________
October 29th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: God is Closer Than You Think
Text: Mark 11:1-11
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see image: Calvary
When they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away.’”
Mark 11:1-3
Calling the crowd along with the disciples he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.”
Mark 8:34
So they went and found a colt outside in the street, tied by a door. They untied it, and some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They answered them just as Jesus had said; so they let them go.
They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and he sat on it. Many people spread their clothes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted:
Mark 11:4-7
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
Genesis 49:10-11
Each man quickly took his garment and put it under Jehu on the bare steps. They blew the ram’s horn and proclaimed, “Jehu is king!”
2 Kings 9:13
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Mark 11:9-11
Lord, save us!
Lord, please grant us success!
He who comes in the name of the Lord is blessed.
From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God and has given us light.
Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will give you thanks.
You are my God; I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 118:25-29
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Click here to see image: Entry of Christ into Jerusalem, a 1617 oil painting by Flemish Baroque painter Anthony van Dyck
Click here to see image: James Ensor’s Entry of Christ to Brussels (19th Century Eurpoe) political, cultural commentary.
“It is not God who leaves home, it is us who tend to wander. We are being called home from the noise that is around us to the joys that are with God in silence. Why do we rush about looking for who knows what when God is here, at home with us? What else is there to do then but to draw a little nearer to the God who is already so close?”
~ St. Augustine, 4th Century A.D.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Title: “Hosanna”
Text: Mark 11:1-11
Campus: College Hill
When they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away.’”
So they went and found a colt outside in the street, tied by a door. They untied it, and some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They answered them just as Jesus had said; so they let them go.
They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and he sat on it. Many people spread their clothes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted:
“Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom
of our father David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Mark 11:1-11 (CSB)
Therefore, many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what he did believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and were saying, “What are we going to do since this man is doing many signs? If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans Will come and take away both our place and our nation.”
One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.”
He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God.So from that day on they plotted to kill him.
Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews but departed from there to the countryside near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and he stayed there with the disciples.
Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many went up to Jerusalem from the country to purify themselves before the Passover. They were looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will he?”
The chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it so that they could arrest him.
John 11: 45-57 (CSB)
Then a large crowd of the Jews learned he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests had decided to kill Lazarus also, because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.
John 12:9-11 (CSB)
Click here to see image
A typical “Triumphal” entry:
Jesus’ Triumphal entry:
Significance of the Triumphal entry:
Significance of the Triumphal entry:
Significance of the Triumphal entry:
Significance of the Triumphal entry:
Significance of the Triumphal entry:
“May our prayer for salvation be heard in the heavens. This was not a cry of praise to Jesus, it was a cry to God to break in and save his people now that the Messiah had come.”
~ William Barclay
What in our environment is a perceived threat to our flourishment?
What is so triumphant about this entry?
Jesus comes delivering salvation to our souls
____________________________________________
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: God is Closer Than You Think
Text: Mark 11:1-11
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see image: Calvary
When they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away.’”
Mark 11:1-3
Calling the crowd along with the disciples he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.”
Mark 8:34
So they went and found a colt outside in the street, tied by a door. They untied it, and some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They answered them just as Jesus had said; so they let them go.
They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and he sat on it. Many people spread their clothes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted:
Mark 11:4-7
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
Genesis 49:10-11
Each man quickly took his garment and put it under Jehu on the bare steps. They blew the ram’s horn and proclaimed, “Jehu is king!”
2 Kings 9:13
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Mark 11:9-11
Lord, save us!
Lord, please grant us success!
He who comes in the name of the Lord is blessed.
From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God and has given us light.
Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will give you thanks.
You are my God; I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 118:25-29
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Click here to see image: Entry of Christ into Jerusalem, a 1617 oil painting by Flemish Baroque painter Anthony van Dyck
Click here to see image: James Ensor’s Entry of Christ to Brussels (19th Century Eurpoe) political, cultural commentary.
“It is not God who leaves home, it is us who tend to wander. We are being called home from the noise that is around us to the joys that are with God in silence. Why do we rush about looking for who knows what when God is here, at home with us? What else is there to do then but to draw a little nearer to the God who is already so close?”
~ St. Augustine, 4th Century A.D.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Title: “Hosanna”
Text: Mark 11:1-11
Campus: College Hill
When they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away.’”
So they went and found a colt outside in the street, tied by a door. They untied it, and some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They answered them just as Jesus had said; so they let them go.
They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and he sat on it. Many people spread their clothes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted:
“Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom
of our father David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Mark 11:1-11 (CSB)
- Why was this a Triumphant entry?
- What does this mean for me today?
Therefore, many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what he did believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and were saying, “What are we going to do since this man is doing many signs? If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans Will come and take away both our place and our nation.”
One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.”
He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God.So from that day on they plotted to kill him.
Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews but departed from there to the countryside near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and he stayed there with the disciples.
Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many went up to Jerusalem from the country to purify themselves before the Passover. They were looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will he?”
The chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it so that they could arrest him.
John 11: 45-57 (CSB)
Then a large crowd of the Jews learned he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests had decided to kill Lazarus also, because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.
John 12:9-11 (CSB)
Click here to see image
A typical “Triumphal” entry:
- Conqueror/ruler is escorted into the city by the citizenry or the army of the conqueror
- The procession is accompanied by hymns of victory
- Various elements in the procession symbolically depict the authority of the ruler - plunder, captives…etc.
- The entrance is followed by a ritual of appropriation such as a sacrifice, which would take place in the temple
Jesus’ Triumphal entry:
- Jesus is escorted by his followers, not an army.
- The psalm does not include any type of celebration of conquest or victory.
- Elements of the procession certainly depict Jesus’ authority - the colt, branches and cloaks, but there was no plunder, no gold or silver and things that would attribute “glory.”
- Jesus was the captive
- The Triumphal entry never culminated in a sacrifice - at least for now.
Significance of the Triumphal entry:
- Fulfillment of Prophecy:
Significance of the Triumphal entry:
- Fulfillment of Prophecy:
- Jesus’ First Public Recognition as the Messiah:
Significance of the Triumphal entry:
- Fulfillment of Prophecy
- Jesus’ First Public Recognition as the Messiah
- Confrontation with Religious Authorities
Significance of the Triumphal entry:
- Fulfillment of Prophecy
- Jesus’ First Public Recognition as the Messiah
- Confrontation with Religious Authorities
- Passover & Sacrifice
Significance of the Triumphal entry:
- Fulfillment of Prophecy
- Jesus’ First Public Recognition as the Messiah
- Confrontation with Religious Authorities
- Passover & Sacrifice
- Theological
“May our prayer for salvation be heard in the heavens. This was not a cry of praise to Jesus, it was a cry to God to break in and save his people now that the Messiah had come.”
~ William Barclay
What in our environment is a perceived threat to our flourishment?
What is so triumphant about this entry?
Jesus comes delivering salvation to our souls
____________________________________________
October 22nd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Zach Foster
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: Seeing the Heart of God
Text: Mark 10:46-52
Campus: Rivermont
They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up; he’s calling for you.” He threw off his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. Then Jesus answered him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Rabboni,” the blind man said to him, “I want to see.” Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has saved you.” Immediately he could see and began to follow Jesus on the road.”
Mark 10:46-52
The mission of Jesus was pursuing people’s hearts
The need
They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road.
Mark 10:46
Are we taking our greatest needs to the one who says “Come to me”?
The call
- The call of Bartimaeus
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!”
Mark 10:47-48
He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As usual, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”
Luke 4:16-21
Bartimaeus not only saw Jesus for who HE was, Bartimaeus saw himself for who he really was
Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.”
Exodus 33:18-19
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness”
Exodus 34:6
- Jesus’ Call
Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up; he’s calling for you.”
Mark 10:48-49
Sometimes the interruption IS the mission
The response
- Bartimaeus Responds
He threw off his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. Then Jesus answered him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Rabboni,” the blind man said to him, “I want to see.”
Mark 10:50-51
It’s one thing to know your need, it’s another to act on it.
“Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well there is such a thing as water. IF I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
~ C.S. Lewis
- Jesus responds
Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he could see and began to follow Jesus on the road.
Mark 10:52
- Bartimaeus responds again
Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he could see and began to follow Jesus on the road.
Mark 10:52
Call to respond:
What do you Need?
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 10:45-52
Campus: College Hill
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up; he’s calling for you.”
He threw off his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.
Then Jesus answered him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Rabboni,” the blind man said to him, “I want to see.”
Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he could see and began to follow Jesus on the road.
Mark 10:45-52 (CSB).
In God’s kingdom, we are always seen, and our pain is never wasted.
1) Bartimaeus – tender-hearted sufferer (vv.46-48, 51).
Bartimaeus exercises faith, amid his disability, and before he was healed.
2) Jesus – compassionate savior (vv. 49-52).
There is a connection between the disability and pain, and the inner healing that needed to occur in Bartimaeus’ life.
3) Us – will we be curious and courageous or frustrated and resentful?
We need a source of strength and encouragement that’s resilient enough to guard us, and keep our hearts tender, when we don’t get the answers we want.
What about when God doesn’t heal?
-we can trust that God still loves us and sees us.
-we can trust that God can redeem our pain and disappointment.
-we can trust that it won’t always be this way; God’s people have an ultimate future that is more glorious than our present victories or defeats.
In God’s kingdom, we are always seen and our pain is never wasted.
What do you want Jesus to do for you?
Are you willing to fully trust God with your hopes and desires?
_________________________
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: Seeing the Heart of God
Text: Mark 10:46-52
Campus: Rivermont
They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up; he’s calling for you.” He threw off his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. Then Jesus answered him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Rabboni,” the blind man said to him, “I want to see.” Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has saved you.” Immediately he could see and began to follow Jesus on the road.”
Mark 10:46-52
The mission of Jesus was pursuing people’s hearts
The need
They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road.
Mark 10:46
Are we taking our greatest needs to the one who says “Come to me”?
The call
- The call of Bartimaeus
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!”
Mark 10:47-48
He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As usual, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”
Luke 4:16-21
Bartimaeus not only saw Jesus for who HE was, Bartimaeus saw himself for who he really was
Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.”
Exodus 33:18-19
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness”
Exodus 34:6
- Jesus’ Call
Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up; he’s calling for you.”
Mark 10:48-49
Sometimes the interruption IS the mission
The response
- Bartimaeus Responds
He threw off his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. Then Jesus answered him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Rabboni,” the blind man said to him, “I want to see.”
Mark 10:50-51
It’s one thing to know your need, it’s another to act on it.
“Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well there is such a thing as water. IF I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
~ C.S. Lewis
- Jesus responds
Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he could see and began to follow Jesus on the road.
Mark 10:52
- Bartimaeus responds again
Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he could see and began to follow Jesus on the road.
Mark 10:52
Call to respond:
What do you Need?
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 10:45-52
Campus: College Hill
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up; he’s calling for you.”
He threw off his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.
Then Jesus answered him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Rabboni,” the blind man said to him, “I want to see.”
Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he could see and began to follow Jesus on the road.
Mark 10:45-52 (CSB).
In God’s kingdom, we are always seen, and our pain is never wasted.
1) Bartimaeus – tender-hearted sufferer (vv.46-48, 51).
Bartimaeus exercises faith, amid his disability, and before he was healed.
2) Jesus – compassionate savior (vv. 49-52).
There is a connection between the disability and pain, and the inner healing that needed to occur in Bartimaeus’ life.
3) Us – will we be curious and courageous or frustrated and resentful?
We need a source of strength and encouragement that’s resilient enough to guard us, and keep our hearts tender, when we don’t get the answers we want.
What about when God doesn’t heal?
-we can trust that God still loves us and sees us.
-we can trust that God can redeem our pain and disappointment.
-we can trust that it won’t always be this way; God’s people have an ultimate future that is more glorious than our present victories or defeats.
In God’s kingdom, we are always seen and our pain is never wasted.
What do you want Jesus to do for you?
Are you willing to fully trust God with your hopes and desires?
_________________________
October 15th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Christ the Servant KIng
Text: Mark 10:32-45
Campus: Rivermont
What do we do with power?
Authority: Capacity for meaningful action.
Vulnerability: exposure to meaningful risk.
They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were astonished, but those who followed him were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them the things that would happen to him. “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Gentiles, and they will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him, and he will rise after three days.”
Mark 10:32-34
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.”
Mark 10:35
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them.
They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.
Mark 10:36-37
Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We are able,” they told him.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
Mark 10:38-40
The Christian answer to “what do we do with power?” is, “We use it for the good of others. We steward whatever authority we have so that others can flourish, not for our own comfort or ambitions.”
When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them.
Mark 10:41-42
But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all.
Mark 10:43-44
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
The heart of the gospel message is Jesus, God in the flesh coming for us, and instead of lording his glory over us until we all repent in fear, he lays his life down in a perfect love that casts out all fear.
According to Jesus, this is where the good life & human flourishing are found: in giving your life away in service to others.
_______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: B. G. Stumberg
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Title: Will You be His Servant?
Text: Mark 10:32-45
Campus: College Hill
They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were astonished, but those who followed him were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them the things that would happen to him. “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Gentiles, and they will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him, and he will rise after three days.
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them.
They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.”
Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We are able,” they told him.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:32-45
Jesus’ use of regular repetitive revelation of His coming death and resurrection (vs.32-34)
They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were astonished, but those who followed him were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them the things that would happen to him. “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Gentiles, and they will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him, and he will rise after three days.
Mark 10:32-34
Jesus went out with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”
They answered him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.”
“But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he strictly warned them to tell no one about him.
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this.
Mark 8:27-32a
Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but he did not want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after he is killed, he will rise three days later.” But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.
Mark 9:30-32
Disciple’s requested requirements of Jesus (vs. 35-37)
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them.
They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.”
Mark 10:35-37
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest. Sitting down, he called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.”
Mark 9:33-35
Recognizing their immaturity, Jesus responds with further revelation (vs. 38-40)
Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We are able,” they told him.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
Mark 10:38-40
The rule for kingdom rulership: Service (vs. 41-45)
When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:41-45
____________________________________________
Series: Christ the Servant KIng
Text: Mark 10:32-45
Campus: Rivermont
What do we do with power?
Authority: Capacity for meaningful action.
Vulnerability: exposure to meaningful risk.
They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were astonished, but those who followed him were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them the things that would happen to him. “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Gentiles, and they will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him, and he will rise after three days.”
Mark 10:32-34
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.”
Mark 10:35
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them.
They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.
Mark 10:36-37
Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We are able,” they told him.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
Mark 10:38-40
The Christian answer to “what do we do with power?” is, “We use it for the good of others. We steward whatever authority we have so that others can flourish, not for our own comfort or ambitions.”
When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them.
Mark 10:41-42
But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all.
Mark 10:43-44
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
The heart of the gospel message is Jesus, God in the flesh coming for us, and instead of lording his glory over us until we all repent in fear, he lays his life down in a perfect love that casts out all fear.
According to Jesus, this is where the good life & human flourishing are found: in giving your life away in service to others.
_______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: B. G. Stumberg
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Title: Will You be His Servant?
Text: Mark 10:32-45
Campus: College Hill
They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were astonished, but those who followed him were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them the things that would happen to him. “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Gentiles, and they will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him, and he will rise after three days.
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them.
They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.”
Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We are able,” they told him.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:32-45
Jesus’ use of regular repetitive revelation of His coming death and resurrection (vs.32-34)
They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were astonished, but those who followed him were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them the things that would happen to him. “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Gentiles, and they will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him, and he will rise after three days.
Mark 10:32-34
Jesus went out with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”
They answered him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.”
“But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he strictly warned them to tell no one about him.
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this.
Mark 8:27-32a
Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but he did not want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after he is killed, he will rise three days later.” But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.
Mark 9:30-32
Disciple’s requested requirements of Jesus (vs. 35-37)
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them.
They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.”
Mark 10:35-37
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest. Sitting down, he called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.”
Mark 9:33-35
Recognizing their immaturity, Jesus responds with further revelation (vs. 38-40)
Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We are able,” they told him.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
Mark 10:38-40
The rule for kingdom rulership: Service (vs. 41-45)
When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:41-45
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October 8th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Radicals
Text: Mark 10:17-31
Campus: Rivermont
Congregation: Come, Holy Spirit *Pause*
Reader: Mark 10:17-31
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.”
He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.”
Looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come,[b] follow me.” But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is[c] to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.”
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[d] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Mark 10:17
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone.
Mark 10:18
You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.”
He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.”
Mark 10:19-22
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:23-25
Others are like seed sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the deceitfulness[a] of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And those like seed sown on good ground hear the word, welcome it, and produce fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundred times what was sown.”
He also said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it to be put on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen.” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and more will be added to you. For whoever has, more will be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
“The kingdom of God is like this,” he said. “A man scatters seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how. The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. As soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Mark 4:18-29
The entire narrative of the Bible is trying to get us to see: Every desire, every love, every thing we want with everything we are, that is NOT God, is really all about God.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:10
They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:26-27
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
Mark 10:28
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[a] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:29-31
The outcome of the most radical expression of the way of Jesus is always going to be sacrificial love.
“I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.”
John 6:35
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Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 10:17-31
Campus: Rivermont
In Christ, God has given himself completely to us.
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.”
He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.”
Looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come,[b] follow me.” But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is[c] to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.”
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[d] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:17-31 (CSB)
God’s kingdom reverses the values of the world.
Whatever we give our hearts to, will consume us; it will shape who we are and who we become.
In wealth or in poverty the Bible invites us to cultivate contentment and to trust God with all that we have.
1) What must I do to inherit eternal life? (v. 17),
2) Who can be saved? (v. 26)
You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.
Mark 10:19
Christian faith is about our hearts and what God has already done for us.
Looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Mark 10:21
It’s not about the money, it’s about the heart. Each one of us has different things that our hearts are distracted by.
But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.
Mark 10:22
Wealth is not condemned by Jesus, but it can be a great barrier to faith.
1) What must I do to inherit eternal life? (v. 17)
2) Who can be saved? (v. 26)
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[a] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come.
Mark 10:29-30
Our sacrifices to follow Jesus are nothing compared to the blessings we will receive.
Conclusion:
How do we “follow” Jesus?
1) Identify and lay down our idols.
2) Accept God’s goodness and sufficiency.
3) Commit to Christ’s leadership and Lordship in every area of our lives.
____________________________________________________________________________
Series: Christ, the Servant King
Title: Radicals
Text: Mark 10:17-31
Campus: Rivermont
Congregation: Come, Holy Spirit *Pause*
Reader: Mark 10:17-31
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.”
He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.”
Looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come,[b] follow me.” But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is[c] to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.”
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[d] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Mark 10:17
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone.
Mark 10:18
You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.”
He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.”
Mark 10:19-22
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:23-25
Others are like seed sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the deceitfulness[a] of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And those like seed sown on good ground hear the word, welcome it, and produce fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundred times what was sown.”
He also said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it to be put on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen.” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and more will be added to you. For whoever has, more will be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
“The kingdom of God is like this,” he said. “A man scatters seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how. The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. As soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Mark 4:18-29
The entire narrative of the Bible is trying to get us to see: Every desire, every love, every thing we want with everything we are, that is NOT God, is really all about God.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:10
They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:26-27
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
Mark 10:28
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[a] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:29-31
The outcome of the most radical expression of the way of Jesus is always going to be sacrificial love.
“I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.”
John 6:35
___________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 10:17-31
Campus: Rivermont
In Christ, God has given himself completely to us.
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.”
He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.”
Looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come,[b] follow me.” But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is[c] to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.”
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[d] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:17-31 (CSB)
God’s kingdom reverses the values of the world.
Whatever we give our hearts to, will consume us; it will shape who we are and who we become.
In wealth or in poverty the Bible invites us to cultivate contentment and to trust God with all that we have.
1) What must I do to inherit eternal life? (v. 17),
2) Who can be saved? (v. 26)
You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.
Mark 10:19
Christian faith is about our hearts and what God has already done for us.
Looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Mark 10:21
It’s not about the money, it’s about the heart. Each one of us has different things that our hearts are distracted by.
But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.
Mark 10:22
Wealth is not condemned by Jesus, but it can be a great barrier to faith.
1) What must I do to inherit eternal life? (v. 17)
2) Who can be saved? (v. 26)
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[a] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come.
Mark 10:29-30
Our sacrifices to follow Jesus are nothing compared to the blessings we will receive.
Conclusion:
How do we “follow” Jesus?
1) Identify and lay down our idols.
2) Accept God’s goodness and sufficiency.
3) Commit to Christ’s leadership and Lordship in every area of our lives.
____________________________________________________________________________
October 1st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Text: Mark 10:1-16
Campus: Rivermont
He set out from there and went to the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Then crowds converged on him again, and as was his custom he taught them again.
Some Pharisees came to test him, asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
He replied to them, “What did Moses command you?”
They said, “Moses permitted us to write divorce papers and send her away.”
But Jesus told them, “He wrote this command for you because of the hardness of your hearts. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
When they were in the house again, the disciples questioned him about this matter. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. Also, if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:1-16 (CSB)
God wants your heart, and he wants to renew your heart and change the way we live.
Sitting down, he called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.”
Mark 9:35 (CSB).
In the kingdom of God, significance is not found in status.
God is after our hearts.
1) The hearts of the Pharisees.
2) Heart of God.
God’s intention for marriage is oneness.
Christian marriage reflects God’s covenant love.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
Jeremiah 31:3
“I hate divorce.”
Mal. 2:16
3) The role of the heart in marriage and divorce.
“But if an unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved.”
1 Corinthians 7:15
Marriage is not the highest ideal, union with God is.
Perfect love casts out fear.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Title: Jesus is After Your Heart
Text: Mark 10:1-16
Campus: College Hill
He set out from there and went to the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Then crowds converged on him again, and as was his custom he taught them again. Some Pharisees came to test him, asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He replied to them, “What did Moses command you?”
They said, “Moses permitted us to write divorce papers and send her away.”
But Jesus told them, “He wrote this command for you because of the hardness of your hearts. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
When they were in the house again, the disciples questioned him about this matter. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. Also, if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:1-16
It’s a heart issue
Some Pharisees came to test him, asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He replied to them, “What did Moses command you?”
They said, “Moses permitted us to write divorce papers and send her away.”
But Jesus told them, “He wrote this command for you because of the hardness of your hearts.”
Mark 10:2-5
If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, he may write her a divorce certificate, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. If after leaving his house she goes and becomes another man’s wife, and the second man hates her, writes her a divorce certificate, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house or if he dies, the first husband who sent her away may not marry her again after she has been defiled, because that would be detestable to the Lord. You must not bring guilt on the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.
Deuteronomy 24:1-4
What Jesus said about Marriage
But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Mark 10:6, 8-9
“Are you one-anothering your one and only?”
~ Matt Bradner
“Love is a willing self-sacrifice for the good of another that does not require reciprocation or that the person being loved is deserving.”
~ Keith Simon
"God’s main purpose in marriage is not to make you happy by uniting you with a perfect person, but holy by teaching you to love like him."
~ Gary Thomas
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15
What Jesus said about Divorce
He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. Also, if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
Mark 10:11-12
Provision for divorce does not mean prescription for divorce.
For those who have gone through a divorce, God gives love and grace, not condemnation
Even with kids, it’s about the heart
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16
Look, I am making ALL things new
Revelation 21:5
____________________________________________
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Text: Mark 10:1-16
Campus: Rivermont
He set out from there and went to the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Then crowds converged on him again, and as was his custom he taught them again.
Some Pharisees came to test him, asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
He replied to them, “What did Moses command you?”
They said, “Moses permitted us to write divorce papers and send her away.”
But Jesus told them, “He wrote this command for you because of the hardness of your hearts. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
When they were in the house again, the disciples questioned him about this matter. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. Also, if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:1-16 (CSB)
God wants your heart, and he wants to renew your heart and change the way we live.
Sitting down, he called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.”
Mark 9:35 (CSB).
In the kingdom of God, significance is not found in status.
God is after our hearts.
1) The hearts of the Pharisees.
2) Heart of God.
God’s intention for marriage is oneness.
Christian marriage reflects God’s covenant love.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
Jeremiah 31:3
“I hate divorce.”
Mal. 2:16
3) The role of the heart in marriage and divorce.
“But if an unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved.”
1 Corinthians 7:15
Marriage is not the highest ideal, union with God is.
Perfect love casts out fear.
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Title: Jesus is After Your Heart
Text: Mark 10:1-16
Campus: College Hill
He set out from there and went to the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Then crowds converged on him again, and as was his custom he taught them again. Some Pharisees came to test him, asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He replied to them, “What did Moses command you?”
They said, “Moses permitted us to write divorce papers and send her away.”
But Jesus told them, “He wrote this command for you because of the hardness of your hearts. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
When they were in the house again, the disciples questioned him about this matter. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. Also, if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:1-16
- It’s a heart issue
- What Jesus said about marriage
- What Jesus said about divorce
- Even with kids, it’s about the heart
It’s a heart issue
Some Pharisees came to test him, asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He replied to them, “What did Moses command you?”
They said, “Moses permitted us to write divorce papers and send her away.”
But Jesus told them, “He wrote this command for you because of the hardness of your hearts.”
Mark 10:2-5
If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, he may write her a divorce certificate, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. If after leaving his house she goes and becomes another man’s wife, and the second man hates her, writes her a divorce certificate, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house or if he dies, the first husband who sent her away may not marry her again after she has been defiled, because that would be detestable to the Lord. You must not bring guilt on the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.
Deuteronomy 24:1-4
What Jesus said about Marriage
But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Mark 10:6, 8-9
“Are you one-anothering your one and only?”
~ Matt Bradner
“Love is a willing self-sacrifice for the good of another that does not require reciprocation or that the person being loved is deserving.”
~ Keith Simon
"God’s main purpose in marriage is not to make you happy by uniting you with a perfect person, but holy by teaching you to love like him."
~ Gary Thomas
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15
What Jesus said about Divorce
He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. Also, if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
Mark 10:11-12
Provision for divorce does not mean prescription for divorce.
For those who have gone through a divorce, God gives love and grace, not condemnation
Even with kids, it’s about the heart
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16
Look, I am making ALL things new
Revelation 21:5
____________________________________________
September 24th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Text: Mark 9:33-50
Campus: Rivermont
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”
“Don’t stop him,” said Jesus, “because there is no one who will perform a miracle in my name who can soon afterward speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. And whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ —truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away —it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
“And if your hand causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go to hell, the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to fall away, gouge it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Mark 9:33-50 (CSB)
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Click here to see image: Mark
Click here to see image: Worship
Click her to see image: Prototype
Click here to see image: Imagination
The Call of Discipleship: Three Movements
Click here to see image
Movement I (Mark 1:16-20):
IDENTITY. “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Reorientation of identity & vocation.
Click here to see image
Movement II (Mark 3:13-19):
INTIMACY.
Click here to see image
Movement III (Mark 6:7-13):
INITIATION. Do what Jesus did, the way that he did it.
Click here to see image
The Call to Discipleship:
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. 3He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns[a] but human concerns.”
Mark 8:31-33
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life?
Mark 8:34-37
“I do believe; Help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24
“This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”
Mark 9:29
The way of Jesus is not the way of self-sufficiency, but of radical dependence on Jesus for everything.
Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but he did not want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed[a] into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after he is killed, he will rise three days later.” But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.
Mark 9:30-32
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest.
Mark 9:33-34
Sitting down, he called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.” He took a child, had him stand among them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes[a] one little child such as this in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, but him who sent me.”
Mark 9:35-37
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone[a] driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”
“Don’t stop him,” said Jesus, “because there is no one who will perform a miracle in my name who can soon afterward speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. And whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ —truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
Mark 9:38-41
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away —it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
Mark 9:42
“And if your hand causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go to hell, the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to fall away, gouge it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.
Mark 9:43-48
For everyone will be salted with fire.
Mark 9:49
Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Mark 9:50
Where is my faith wavering and in need of renewal?
Where is my heart hardened toward God and in need of surrender?
What fire of suffering am I facing now, and how might I carry that need to the Lord, so that it might be purifying even in the difficulty?
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 9:33-50
Campus: College Hill
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near: Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:15
Jesus is preparing his disciples and, eventually the church, to live kingdom lives and to share the kingdom message.
In the kingdom of God, the power is found in God himself and we access that power through faith and prayer.
In the kingdom of God…
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”
“Don’t stop him,” said Jesus, “because there is no one who will perform a miracle in my name who can soon afterward speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. And whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ —truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away —it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
“And if your hand causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go to hell, the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to fall away, gouge it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Mark 9:33-50 (CSB)
1) In the kingdom of God: The way up is down.
2) In the kingdom of God: Significance is not found in status.
3) In the kingdom of God: Evil is held accountable.
4) In the kingdom of God: Restoration comes through peace.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
The kingdom of God is not far, it’s here and it’s accessible.
Is there anywhere in my life that God is inviting me to be a servant?
Where, and how, can I honor individuals who are usually neglected or abused?
How can I be a woman or man of peace in a broken/restless world? Good salt?
____________________________________________
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Text: Mark 9:33-50
Campus: Rivermont
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”
“Don’t stop him,” said Jesus, “because there is no one who will perform a miracle in my name who can soon afterward speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. And whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ —truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away —it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
“And if your hand causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go to hell, the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to fall away, gouge it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Mark 9:33-50 (CSB)
Reader: This is God’s Word
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Click here to see image: Mark
Click here to see image: Worship
Click her to see image: Prototype
Click here to see image: Imagination
The Call of Discipleship: Three Movements
Click here to see image
Movement I (Mark 1:16-20):
IDENTITY. “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Reorientation of identity & vocation.
Click here to see image
Movement II (Mark 3:13-19):
INTIMACY.
Click here to see image
Movement III (Mark 6:7-13):
INITIATION. Do what Jesus did, the way that he did it.
Click here to see image
The Call to Discipleship:
- Be with Jesus
- Become like Jesus
- Do what Jesus did
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. 3He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns[a] but human concerns.”
Mark 8:31-33
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life?
Mark 8:34-37
“I do believe; Help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24
“This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”
Mark 9:29
The way of Jesus is not the way of self-sufficiency, but of radical dependence on Jesus for everything.
Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but he did not want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed[a] into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after he is killed, he will rise three days later.” But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.
Mark 9:30-32
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest.
Mark 9:33-34
Sitting down, he called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.” He took a child, had him stand among them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes[a] one little child such as this in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, but him who sent me.”
Mark 9:35-37
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone[a] driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”
“Don’t stop him,” said Jesus, “because there is no one who will perform a miracle in my name who can soon afterward speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. And whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ —truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
Mark 9:38-41
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away —it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
Mark 9:42
“And if your hand causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go to hell, the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to fall away, gouge it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.
Mark 9:43-48
For everyone will be salted with fire.
Mark 9:49
Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Mark 9:50
Where is my faith wavering and in need of renewal?
Where is my heart hardened toward God and in need of surrender?
What fire of suffering am I facing now, and how might I carry that need to the Lord, so that it might be purifying even in the difficulty?
_______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 9:33-50
Campus: College Hill
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near: Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:15
Jesus is preparing his disciples and, eventually the church, to live kingdom lives and to share the kingdom message.
In the kingdom of God, the power is found in God himself and we access that power through faith and prayer.
In the kingdom of God…
- The way up is down.
- Significance is not found in status.
- Evil is held accountable.
- Restoration comes through peace.
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”
“Don’t stop him,” said Jesus, “because there is no one who will perform a miracle in my name who can soon afterward speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. And whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ —truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away —it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
“And if your hand causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go to hell, the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to fall away, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to fall away, gouge it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Mark 9:33-50 (CSB)
1) In the kingdom of God: The way up is down.
2) In the kingdom of God: Significance is not found in status.
3) In the kingdom of God: Evil is held accountable.
4) In the kingdom of God: Restoration comes through peace.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
The kingdom of God is not far, it’s here and it’s accessible.
Is there anywhere in my life that God is inviting me to be a servant?
Where, and how, can I honor individuals who are usually neglected or abused?
How can I be a woman or man of peace in a broken/restless world? Good salt?
____________________________________________
September 17th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Knowing and Being Known
Title: Welcome & Forgive One Another
Text: Romans 15:7, Colossians 3:12-13
Campus: Rivermont
Come, Holy Spirit
Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself. On the contrary, as it is written, The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.
Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.
Romans 15:1-7
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13
Leader: This is God’s Word.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Knowing & Being Known:
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus. We will practice radical & intentional hospitality as we love strangers like they are our own family, thus becoming the new kind of family that Jesus promised to create. Being and making disciples of Jesus cross-culturally is at the heart of how we envision and practice community.
Click here to see image: 59 One Anothers of the New Testament
Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters.
Romans 14:1
let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.
Romans 14:19
Therefore, welcome one another just as God in Christ has welcomed you to the glory of God.
Romans 15:7
Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
Romans 12:13
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13
The Bible points to two things that make forgiveness seem impossible:
First, the tendency to underestimate God’s love, &
Second, the tendency to overestimate our own goodness relative to the badness of others.
Forgiveness requires a dual reckoning:
Reckoning 1:
Come to grips with the real damage done by the offender. Name it, process it, grieve it - with God in prayer and with others.
Reckoning 2:
Come to grips with the reality that forgiveness is necessary, for my own heart and for the good of others.
Forgiveness:
“A moral virtue. Being good to those who aren’t good to you. Without excusing or forgetting. Forgiveness does not demand reconciliation or justice as a prerequisite.”
~ Dr. Robert Enright.
Three Dimensions of Forgiveness:
ONE:
Experience God’s undeserved and overwhelming love (vertical)
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13
And be kind & compssionate to one another, forgiving one another as God in Christ also forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 7:47-48
He became sin who knew no sin so that we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
TWO:
Transformation of the heart through lament, grief, and processing anger and pain in prayer with God. (Internal)
THREE:
Willingness to act for the good of those who have wronged us, even when they don’t deserve it. (Horizontal)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Knowing and Being Known (week 2)
Text: Colossians 3
Campus: College Hill
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother:
To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers and sisters.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Colossians 1:1-2 (CSB)
The Kingdom of God is the operating system for our earthly lives.
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
Colossians 1:3
So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life.
The Message, Colossians 3:1-3
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:12-17
As God’s people, we live, and we love, this way because this is how God loves us.
Jesus doesn’t just give us self-awareness to identify sin in our lives, he died for our sin – and his resurrection is the power behind our renewal.
God’s grace helps us to respond to each other with:
Forgive:
based on the root word for “grace”; it carries the idea of free, undeserved, and unconditional forgiveness.
“Forgiveness means giving up the right to revenge, the right to repayment from the one who harmed you…forgiveness is a form of voluntary suffering.”
~Tim Keller
Our relationship with Jesus should change the way we see, and treat, people.
Have you received God’s love and forgiveness?
Are you applying God’s love within your relationships, especially in the church?
________________________________________________________
Series: Knowing and Being Known
Title: Welcome & Forgive One Another
Text: Romans 15:7, Colossians 3:12-13
Campus: Rivermont
Come, Holy Spirit
Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself. On the contrary, as it is written, The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.
Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.
Romans 15:1-7
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13
Leader: This is God’s Word.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Knowing & Being Known:
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus. We will practice radical & intentional hospitality as we love strangers like they are our own family, thus becoming the new kind of family that Jesus promised to create. Being and making disciples of Jesus cross-culturally is at the heart of how we envision and practice community.
Click here to see image: 59 One Anothers of the New Testament
Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters.
Romans 14:1
let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.
Romans 14:19
Therefore, welcome one another just as God in Christ has welcomed you to the glory of God.
Romans 15:7
Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
Romans 12:13
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13
The Bible points to two things that make forgiveness seem impossible:
First, the tendency to underestimate God’s love, &
Second, the tendency to overestimate our own goodness relative to the badness of others.
Forgiveness requires a dual reckoning:
Reckoning 1:
Come to grips with the real damage done by the offender. Name it, process it, grieve it - with God in prayer and with others.
Reckoning 2:
Come to grips with the reality that forgiveness is necessary, for my own heart and for the good of others.
Forgiveness:
“A moral virtue. Being good to those who aren’t good to you. Without excusing or forgetting. Forgiveness does not demand reconciliation or justice as a prerequisite.”
~ Dr. Robert Enright.
Three Dimensions of Forgiveness:
ONE:
Experience God’s undeserved and overwhelming love (vertical)
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13
And be kind & compssionate to one another, forgiving one another as God in Christ also forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 7:47-48
He became sin who knew no sin so that we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
TWO:
Transformation of the heart through lament, grief, and processing anger and pain in prayer with God. (Internal)
THREE:
Willingness to act for the good of those who have wronged us, even when they don’t deserve it. (Horizontal)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Knowing and Being Known (week 2)
Text: Colossians 3
Campus: College Hill
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother:
To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers and sisters.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Colossians 1:1-2 (CSB)
The Kingdom of God is the operating system for our earthly lives.
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
Colossians 1:3
So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life.
The Message, Colossians 3:1-3
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:12-17
As God’s people, we live, and we love, this way because this is how God loves us.
Jesus doesn’t just give us self-awareness to identify sin in our lives, he died for our sin – and his resurrection is the power behind our renewal.
God’s grace helps us to respond to each other with:
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Humility
- Gentleness (meekness)
- Patience
Forgive:
based on the root word for “grace”; it carries the idea of free, undeserved, and unconditional forgiveness.
“Forgiveness means giving up the right to revenge, the right to repayment from the one who harmed you…forgiveness is a form of voluntary suffering.”
~Tim Keller
Our relationship with Jesus should change the way we see, and treat, people.
Have you received God’s love and forgiveness?
Are you applying God’s love within your relationships, especially in the church?
________________________________________________________
September 10th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Knowing & Being Known
Title: Bear One Another’s Burdens
Text: Galatians 6:1-2
Campus: Rivermont
Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2 (CSB)
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.
Values: The language and behaviors that shape our culture
Six Core Values:
Knowing & Being Known:
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus. We will practice radical & intentional hospitality as we love strangers like they are our own family, thus becoming the new kind of family that Jesus promised to create. Being and making disciples of Jesus cross-culturally is at the heart of how we envision and practice community.
Click here to see image; One Anothers of the New Testament
Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit] watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
Click here to see image: Rebuilding Equipping Group
Wisdom for bearing one another’s burdens from Galatians 6:1-2:
Click here to see image: Japanese Tea Bowl
Click here to see image:Restoring the bowl
Click here to see image: The Kintsugi bowl
Artist Mako Fujimura: “The Kintsugi bowl is more valuable than it was before it was broken.”
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Knowing & Being Known (week 1)
Title: Carry One Another’s Burdens
Text: Galatians 6:1-2
Campus: College Hill
GCC exists: to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out to others w/ the love of Christ.
Knowing and being known:
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus.
The Bible invites us into a counter-cultural approach to relationships.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2 (CSB)
The church is the new family of God – it’s intended to be a safe place for brokenness to be exposed and for burdens to be lifted.
Christians are encouraged to approach sinful individuals with gentleness, humility, and caution.
Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
We want GCC to be a people who always support each other through life’s challenges and difficulties, people who demonstrate love and empathy.
The church is intended to be a safe place for brokenness to be exposed and for burdens to be lifted.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-25
Grace never expires.
________________________________________________________________
Series: Knowing & Being Known
Title: Bear One Another’s Burdens
Text: Galatians 6:1-2
Campus: Rivermont
Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2 (CSB)
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.
Values: The language and behaviors that shape our culture
Six Core Values:
- Being Before Doing
- Joyful Orthodoxy
- Knowing & Being Known
- Sacrificial Generosity
- Dependance on the Holy Spirit
- Locally Rooted & Globally Engaged
Knowing & Being Known:
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus. We will practice radical & intentional hospitality as we love strangers like they are our own family, thus becoming the new kind of family that Jesus promised to create. Being and making disciples of Jesus cross-culturally is at the heart of how we envision and practice community.
Click here to see image; One Anothers of the New Testament
Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit] watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
Click here to see image: Rebuilding Equipping Group
Wisdom for bearing one another’s burdens from Galatians 6:1-2:
- Start with your own neediness and bring that to Jesus and to others.
- Ask questions, stay curious before jumping to conclusion or offering advice.
- Each one must bear their own burdens. Don’t overfunction, and try to do for others what they can and should do for themselves.
- Flood the system with grace. It’s the kindness of God that leads to repentance, and the goal is restoration.
Click here to see image: Japanese Tea Bowl
Click here to see image:Restoring the bowl
Click here to see image: The Kintsugi bowl
Artist Mako Fujimura: “The Kintsugi bowl is more valuable than it was before it was broken.”
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Knowing & Being Known (week 1)
Title: Carry One Another’s Burdens
Text: Galatians 6:1-2
Campus: College Hill
GCC exists: to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out to others w/ the love of Christ.
Knowing and being known:
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus.
The Bible invites us into a counter-cultural approach to relationships.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2 (CSB)
The church is the new family of God – it’s intended to be a safe place for brokenness to be exposed and for burdens to be lifted.
Christians are encouraged to approach sinful individuals with gentleness, humility, and caution.
Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
We want GCC to be a people who always support each other through life’s challenges and difficulties, people who demonstrate love and empathy.
The church is intended to be a safe place for brokenness to be exposed and for burdens to be lifted.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-25
Grace never expires.
________________________________________________________________
August 27th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman + Interview with Marissa Wilterink
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Reach Out with the Love of Christ
Text: Luke 10:25-37, Colossians 3:1-4, 9-10
Campus: Rivermont
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit.
Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?”
He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”
“You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.”
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’”
“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.
Luke 10:25-37
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.
Colossians 3:9-10
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Our mission is about what we do, where we are going, etc. But it’s also about who we are and who we are becoming.
Our mission is to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your[a] Creator.
Colossians 3:9-10
Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?”
He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”
“You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.”
Luke 10:25-28
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Luke 10:29
“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.
Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
Luke 10:36-37
“The purpose of the local church is not primarily to be one's church home or extended family, though it can be at times. And it is not to survive by obtaining more people for its support base. Its purpose is to invite people to be part of the true mission of the church. Reception into the church is only a threshold to involvement in its mission. The task of the church is not to accumulate attendees. The church is a school for developing agents of the new creation from among those who are the beneficiaries of God's grace.”
~ Peter Steinke
“The movement from hostility to hospitality is hard and full of difficulties. Our society seems to be increasingly full of fearful, defensive, aggressive people anxiously clinging to their property and inclined to look at their surrounding world with suspicion, always expecting an enemy to suddenly appear, intrude and do harm. But still - that is our vocation: to convert the [stranger] to [family], the enemy into a guest, and then create the free and fearless space where brotherhood and sisterhood can be formed and fully experienced.”
~ Henri Nouwen, Reaching Out
Intentional Mission:
Bearing witness to the Jesus where we live, work, and play.
Strategic Mission:
Going out of our way to demonstrate and declare the gospel in specific ways according to our gifts and resources.
________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Reaching Out with the Love of Christ
Text: John 13:35; Hebrews 13:2
Campus: College Hill
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35
Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2
Our Mission:
“ To Glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community and reach out to others with the love of Christ.”
Mindset shift: From Independence to Interdependence
Click here to see image: Pivots
Porches: The space in which you call home (literally your porch, your dining room table, your family’s home)
Pathways: Places in which you frequent the most while on the move (coffee shops, grocery stores, neighborhood walks)
Pivots: These are places in which you frequent often where other people gather (Block parties, Connecting Point, Community gatherings)
______________________________________________________
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Reach Out with the Love of Christ
Text: Luke 10:25-37, Colossians 3:1-4, 9-10
Campus: Rivermont
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit.
Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?”
He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”
“You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.”
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’”
“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.
Luke 10:25-37
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.
Colossians 3:9-10
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Our mission is about what we do, where we are going, etc. But it’s also about who we are and who we are becoming.
Our mission is to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your[a] Creator.
Colossians 3:9-10
Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?”
He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”
“You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.”
Luke 10:25-28
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Luke 10:29
“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.
Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
Luke 10:36-37
“The purpose of the local church is not primarily to be one's church home or extended family, though it can be at times. And it is not to survive by obtaining more people for its support base. Its purpose is to invite people to be part of the true mission of the church. Reception into the church is only a threshold to involvement in its mission. The task of the church is not to accumulate attendees. The church is a school for developing agents of the new creation from among those who are the beneficiaries of God's grace.”
~ Peter Steinke
“The movement from hostility to hospitality is hard and full of difficulties. Our society seems to be increasingly full of fearful, defensive, aggressive people anxiously clinging to their property and inclined to look at their surrounding world with suspicion, always expecting an enemy to suddenly appear, intrude and do harm. But still - that is our vocation: to convert the [stranger] to [family], the enemy into a guest, and then create the free and fearless space where brotherhood and sisterhood can be formed and fully experienced.”
~ Henri Nouwen, Reaching Out
Intentional Mission:
Bearing witness to the Jesus where we live, work, and play.
Strategic Mission:
Going out of our way to demonstrate and declare the gospel in specific ways according to our gifts and resources.
________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Reaching Out with the Love of Christ
Text: John 13:35; Hebrews 13:2
Campus: College Hill
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35
Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2
Our Mission:
“ To Glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community and reach out to others with the love of Christ.”
Mindset shift: From Independence to Interdependence
Click here to see image: Pivots
Porches: The space in which you call home (literally your porch, your dining room table, your family’s home)
Pathways: Places in which you frequent the most while on the move (coffee shops, grocery stores, neighborhood walks)
Pivots: These are places in which you frequent often where other people gather (Block parties, Connecting Point, Community gatherings)
______________________________________________________
August 20th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman & Tim Geisland
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Grow in Community
Text: Mark 12:29-30, John 13:34-35, Acts 2:41-47
Campus: Rivermont
Come Holy, Spirit
Jesus answered, “The most important[a] is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”
Mark 12:29-30
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number[a] those who were being saved.
Acts 2:41-47
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Our mission is about what we do, where we are going, etc. But it’s also about who we are and who we are becoming.
Our mission is to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community and reach out with the love of Christ.
[God] has put a sense of past and future in their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11.
“We are the most in-debt, obese, addicted, and medicated adult cohort in U.S. history”
~ Brene Brown
Click here to image: Epidemic
The most important is, “Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other command greater than these.
Mark 12:29-30
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
Proverbs 20:5
Greater love has no one than this: to lay one’s life down for one’s friends.
John 15:13
Love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12
Click here to see image: 4 Spaces of Belonging
___________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Grow in Community
Text: Hebrews 10:19-25
Campus: College Hill
We exist to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out to others with the love of Christ.
1) God exists in community, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:26; Matt. 28:19; John 10:30; 2 Cor. 13:14)
2) God created companionship and community for our good (Gen. 2:18a)
3) Jesus lived in community (Luke 5:1-11; John 17:22)
4) The early church functioned in community (Acts 2:46-47, 4:32-35)
Click here to see image: 4 Spaces of Belonging
Community groups are long-term groups who commit to love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ together.
DNA groups:
· Discover Jesus in Scripture (Head)
· Nurture the truth of the Gospel in our hearts (Heart)
· Act by the leading of the Holy Spirit (Hands)
The public space is a good place to worship and learn, but the intimate and personal spaces are where genuine love and true transformation is cultivated.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus—he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)—and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:19-25 (CSB)
Motivate one another to acts of love and good works (v. 24)
____________________________________________________________________________
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Grow in Community
Text: Mark 12:29-30, John 13:34-35, Acts 2:41-47
Campus: Rivermont
Come Holy, Spirit
Jesus answered, “The most important[a] is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”
Mark 12:29-30
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number[a] those who were being saved.
Acts 2:41-47
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Our mission is about what we do, where we are going, etc. But it’s also about who we are and who we are becoming.
Our mission is to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community and reach out with the love of Christ.
[God] has put a sense of past and future in their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11.
“We are the most in-debt, obese, addicted, and medicated adult cohort in U.S. history”
~ Brene Brown
Click here to image: Epidemic
The most important is, “Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other command greater than these.
Mark 12:29-30
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
Proverbs 20:5
Greater love has no one than this: to lay one’s life down for one’s friends.
John 15:13
Love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12
Click here to see image: 4 Spaces of Belonging
___________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Grow in Community
Text: Hebrews 10:19-25
Campus: College Hill
We exist to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out to others with the love of Christ.
1) God exists in community, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:26; Matt. 28:19; John 10:30; 2 Cor. 13:14)
2) God created companionship and community for our good (Gen. 2:18a)
3) Jesus lived in community (Luke 5:1-11; John 17:22)
4) The early church functioned in community (Acts 2:46-47, 4:32-35)
Click here to see image: 4 Spaces of Belonging
Community groups are long-term groups who commit to love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ together.
DNA groups:
· Discover Jesus in Scripture (Head)
· Nurture the truth of the Gospel in our hearts (Heart)
· Act by the leading of the Holy Spirit (Hands)
The public space is a good place to worship and learn, but the intimate and personal spaces are where genuine love and true transformation is cultivated.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus—he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)—and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:19-25 (CSB)
Motivate one another to acts of love and good works (v. 24)
____________________________________________________________________________
August 13th Sermon Guides
Speaker: Brenton Lehman
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Love God
Text: I John 4:7-21, Hebrews 12:14, Matthew 5:8
Campus: Rivermont
Come, Holy Spirit.
Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us[a] in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.
I John 4:7-21
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Our mission is about what we do, where we are going, etc. But it’s also about who we are and who we are becoming.
Click here: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
Click here: 01: Discover
Click here: 02: Belong
Click here: Worship Night
Our mission is to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community and reach out with the love of Christ.
Click here: 4 Spaces of Belonging
Recap: Week I - Glorify God by making disciples.
The glory of God is about the transforming presence of God
The glory of God is at least the full magnitude of all that God is on display.
~ Tim Keller
To glorify God, then, is to give & bring attention to God, or in the language of the Bible, to behold him, and to be transformed in his presence. And to glorify God by making disciples in part means to declare the glory of God in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus from one generation to the next among our neighbors and the nations.
The most important is, "Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." There is no other command greater than these.
Mark 12:29-30
The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning
I John 4:8-10
This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
I John 3:16
We love because he first loved us.
I John 4:19
An encounter with the love from God overflows in love for God and love for others.
If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
I John 4:20
- “Pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14.
+ "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8
ALTAR
Altars in the Bible are about the presence of God.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
Romans 12:1
HOLINESS - a way of life that forms the heart for love of God and neighbor in the presence of God.
PRAYER
Creating Altars of our hearts, homes, churches, and region. (Jon Tyson)
Pay attention:
What stokes the fire of love for God and others?
What dims my faith, and dulls my heart toward God and others?
_____________________________________________________
Speaker: Tim Geisland
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Love God
Text: 1 John 4:7-21
Campus: College Hill
The mission of Gospel Community Church is to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.
Love God
There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:18-19
God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10
“Atoning sacrifice” = “punishment - absorbing sacrifice”
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…
Galatians 3:13a
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2
The love of God in Christ drives out fear, freeing us to love God and others!
Click here to see image: 4 Spaces of Belonging
Sunday Gatherings (Public Space)
Gospel Community Church has services every Sunday to be a visible witness of God’s Family. It’s where Jesus’ church gathers regularly for collective worship, teaching of God’s Word, sharing in communion, baptism, and the public proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus.
Mid-size Events (Social Space)
These events provide a place for people to connect and build friendships with the larger Gospel Community body. They also include common missional opportunities where groups work together to reach out with the love of Christ.
Equipping Group (Social Space)
An Equipping Group is a short-term group that meets for the purpose of Biblical instruction and training for life. They typically meet at the church building on Sundays, but not always, and their size varies.
Community Group (Personal Space)
A Community Group is a long-term group of about 10 to 20 people who commit to Love God, Grow in community, and Reach Out with the love of Christ together. More than a weekly meeting, it’s a diverse family of Jesus followers doing life and mission together deeply.
DNA Group (Intimate Space)
Often formed within the context of a Community Group, but not always, a DNA Group is a micro group of 3 to 4 people of the same gender who commit to meet regularly to be known deeply and study the Bible in a way that helps us grow in Christ together.
Why do we call it a DNA Group?
D.N.A. is an acronym that helps us remember 3 important aspects of spiritual formation:
1.Discover Jesus in the Scripture (HEAD)
2.Nurture the truths of the Gospel in our hearts (HEART)
3.Act by the leading of the Holy Spirit (HANDS)
___________________________________________
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Love God
Text: I John 4:7-21, Hebrews 12:14, Matthew 5:8
Campus: Rivermont
Come, Holy Spirit.
Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us[a] in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.
I John 4:7-21
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Our mission is about what we do, where we are going, etc. But it’s also about who we are and who we are becoming.
Click here: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
Click here: 01: Discover
Click here: 02: Belong
Click here: Worship Night
Our mission is to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community and reach out with the love of Christ.
Click here: 4 Spaces of Belonging
Recap: Week I - Glorify God by making disciples.
The glory of God is about the transforming presence of God
The glory of God is at least the full magnitude of all that God is on display.
~ Tim Keller
To glorify God, then, is to give & bring attention to God, or in the language of the Bible, to behold him, and to be transformed in his presence. And to glorify God by making disciples in part means to declare the glory of God in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus from one generation to the next among our neighbors and the nations.
The most important is, "Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." There is no other command greater than these.
Mark 12:29-30
The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning
I John 4:8-10
This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
I John 3:16
We love because he first loved us.
I John 4:19
An encounter with the love from God overflows in love for God and love for others.
If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
I John 4:20
- “Pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14.
+ "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8
ALTAR
Altars in the Bible are about the presence of God.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
Romans 12:1
HOLINESS - a way of life that forms the heart for love of God and neighbor in the presence of God.
PRAYER
Creating Altars of our hearts, homes, churches, and region. (Jon Tyson)
Pay attention:
What stokes the fire of love for God and others?
What dims my faith, and dulls my heart toward God and others?
_____________________________________________________
Speaker: Tim Geisland
Series: Gospel Community Life
Title: Love God
Text: 1 John 4:7-21
Campus: College Hill
The mission of Gospel Community Church is to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.
Love God
There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:18-19
God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10
“Atoning sacrifice” = “punishment - absorbing sacrifice”
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…
Galatians 3:13a
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2
The love of God in Christ drives out fear, freeing us to love God and others!
Click here to see image: 4 Spaces of Belonging
Sunday Gatherings (Public Space)
Gospel Community Church has services every Sunday to be a visible witness of God’s Family. It’s where Jesus’ church gathers regularly for collective worship, teaching of God’s Word, sharing in communion, baptism, and the public proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus.
Mid-size Events (Social Space)
These events provide a place for people to connect and build friendships with the larger Gospel Community body. They also include common missional opportunities where groups work together to reach out with the love of Christ.
Equipping Group (Social Space)
An Equipping Group is a short-term group that meets for the purpose of Biblical instruction and training for life. They typically meet at the church building on Sundays, but not always, and their size varies.
Community Group (Personal Space)
A Community Group is a long-term group of about 10 to 20 people who commit to Love God, Grow in community, and Reach Out with the love of Christ together. More than a weekly meeting, it’s a diverse family of Jesus followers doing life and mission together deeply.
DNA Group (Intimate Space)
Often formed within the context of a Community Group, but not always, a DNA Group is a micro group of 3 to 4 people of the same gender who commit to meet regularly to be known deeply and study the Bible in a way that helps us grow in Christ together.
Why do we call it a DNA Group?
D.N.A. is an acronym that helps us remember 3 important aspects of spiritual formation:
1.Discover Jesus in the Scripture (HEAD)
2.Nurture the truths of the Gospel in our hearts (HEART)
3.Act by the leading of the Holy Spirit (HANDS)
___________________________________________
August 6th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Gospel Community Life: Mission Series
Title: Glorify God & Make Disciples
Text: Psalm 145
Campus: Rivermont
I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever.
The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness. They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might, informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your rule is for all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his actions.
The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed. All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts. The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them. The Lord guards all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked. My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145
Come, Holy Spirit.
“All of the Christian’s life is a response to grace.”
~ Carl Ellis Jr.
A mission is about what we do, where we are going, etc. But it’s also about who we are and who we are becoming.
I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever.
I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever.
The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable.
Psalm 145:1-3
I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works.
They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness.
They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Psalm 145:5-7
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might, informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Psalm 145: 11-12
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the water covers the sea.
Habakkuk 2:14
God’s Glory: “It is at least the combined magnitude of all God’s character and nature put together.”
~ Tim Keller
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made.
Psalm 145:8-9
The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed.
All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts.
The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them.
Psalm 145:14-19
We all, with unveiled faces, are beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.
II Corinthians 3:18
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
The Church is a new humanity that bears witness to a new creation.
One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4
informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your rule is for all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his actions
Psalm 145: 12-13
10/40 window - the region of the world most resistant to the message of Jesus.
10/14 window (GenAlpha), which is not about the nations, but about the next generation, among the least Christian generation in Western culture.
The work of the church is to cultivate communities of safety for the next generation to encounter the living God.
Q: Am I coming to know Jesus, or have I settled for what I think I know about him?
Click here to see image:
A Christian vision of discipleship: As we behold the glory of God together in prayer, worship, community, and our way of being, we are transformed into a new humanity that bears witness to new creation from one generation to the next.
Pray for:
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Gospel Community Life: Mission Series
Title: Glorify God by Making Disciples of All (Gener)NATIONS
Text: Psalm 145
Campus: College Hill
GCC exists: to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out to others w/ the love of Christ.
Knowing and being known:
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus.
God’s love and affection for us fuels our worship and energizes our mission.
I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever.
The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness. They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might, informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your rule is for all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his actions.
The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed. All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts. The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them. The Lord guards all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked. My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145 (CSB)
Our first and primary commitment as a church is to glorify God and to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
glorifying God - giving honor, praise, and recognition to God for who he is.
Our lives can bring glory to God when we live a life that reflects his character and the teachings of Jesus.
The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed.
All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Psalm 145:14-16
One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts.
I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works.
They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness.
They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Psalm 145:4-7
There’s a desire to share God’s glory with the coming generation and for that generation to give glory to God.
Christian discipleship is about knowing the God of the universe and making him known.
My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:21
The church is a healing community for people to encounter and worship God.
When people encounter our church do they encounter a community that exists for the glory of God?
Is this a place, and are we a people, who boldly testify about God’s presence in our lives and world?
Are we creating a safe space for the next generation to encounter God?
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“As the Father has sent me, so also I am sending you.”
John 20:21
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Two practical ways to impact the generations: block party and family ministry (Kid City/GSM).
__________________________________________________
Series: Gospel Community Life: Mission Series
Title: Glorify God & Make Disciples
Text: Psalm 145
Campus: Rivermont
I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever.
The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness. They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might, informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your rule is for all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his actions.
The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed. All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts. The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them. The Lord guards all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked. My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145
Come, Holy Spirit.
“All of the Christian’s life is a response to grace.”
~ Carl Ellis Jr.
A mission is about what we do, where we are going, etc. But it’s also about who we are and who we are becoming.
I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever.
I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever.
The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable.
Psalm 145:1-3
I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works.
They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness.
They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Psalm 145:5-7
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might, informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Psalm 145: 11-12
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the water covers the sea.
Habakkuk 2:14
God’s Glory: “It is at least the combined magnitude of all God’s character and nature put together.”
~ Tim Keller
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made.
Psalm 145:8-9
The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed.
All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts.
The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them.
Psalm 145:14-19
We all, with unveiled faces, are beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.
II Corinthians 3:18
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
The Church is a new humanity that bears witness to a new creation.
One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4
informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your rule is for all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his actions
Psalm 145: 12-13
10/40 window - the region of the world most resistant to the message of Jesus.
10/14 window (GenAlpha), which is not about the nations, but about the next generation, among the least Christian generation in Western culture.
The work of the church is to cultivate communities of safety for the next generation to encounter the living God.
Q: Am I coming to know Jesus, or have I settled for what I think I know about him?
Click here to see image:
A Christian vision of discipleship: As we behold the glory of God together in prayer, worship, community, and our way of being, we are transformed into a new humanity that bears witness to new creation from one generation to the next.
Pray for:
- GenZ (13-25)
- Gen Alpha (13 and younger)
- Parents and primary caregivers
- Teachers & NextGen Leaders
- Churches
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Gospel Community Life: Mission Series
Title: Glorify God by Making Disciples of All (Gener)NATIONS
Text: Psalm 145
Campus: College Hill
GCC exists: to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out to others w/ the love of Christ.
Knowing and being known:
We are committed to category-defying relationships that bridge racial, social, religious, political, and gender barriers in the name of Jesus.
God’s love and affection for us fuels our worship and energizes our mission.
I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever.
The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness. They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might, informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your rule is for all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his actions.
The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed. All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts. The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them. The Lord guards all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked. My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145 (CSB)
Our first and primary commitment as a church is to glorify God and to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
glorifying God - giving honor, praise, and recognition to God for who he is.
Our lives can bring glory to God when we live a life that reflects his character and the teachings of Jesus.
The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed.
All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Psalm 145:14-16
One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts.
I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works.
They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness.
They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Psalm 145:4-7
There’s a desire to share God’s glory with the coming generation and for that generation to give glory to God.
Christian discipleship is about knowing the God of the universe and making him known.
My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:21
The church is a healing community for people to encounter and worship God.
When people encounter our church do they encounter a community that exists for the glory of God?
Is this a place, and are we a people, who boldly testify about God’s presence in our lives and world?
Are we creating a safe space for the next generation to encounter God?
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“As the Father has sent me, so also I am sending you.”
John 20:21
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Two practical ways to impact the generations: block party and family ministry (Kid City/GSM).
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July 23rd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Christ the Servant King
Text: Mark 9:14-32
Campus: Rivermont
When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes disputing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, they were amazed and ran to greet him. He asked them, “What are you arguing with them about?”
Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”
He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father.
“From childhood,” he said. “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you: Come out of him and never enter him again.”
Then it came out, shrieking and throwing him into terrible convulsions. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.
After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”
Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but he did not want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after he is killed, he will rise three days later.” But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.
Mark 9:14-32 (CSB)
We have a God who loves us and a Savior who meets us where we are.
Jesus emphasizes the role of faith and prayer as a channel of God’s power, healing, and grace.
When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes disputing with them.
Mark 9:14
Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”
Mark 9:17-18
Why couldn’t the disciples heal the boy?
The first problem was: Lack of faith (v. 19)
The second problem was: Lack of prayer (v. 29)
We never outgrow our need for God and our need for the renewal of God.
Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
Mark 9:23
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24
We’ll never be able to experience the healing, and the power, of God if we don’t surrender to Jesus in faith.
How should we address unbelief in our lives?
1) Be honest about your unbelief.
How should we address unbelief in our lives?
2) Bring your unbelief to Jesus: allow him to confront and comfort.
How should we address unbelief in our lives?
3) Address your unbelief with prayer and through the power of the resurrection.
Where do you need God to strengthen your faith, help your unbelief, and to display his power?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Dr. Leo Percer
Series: The Gospel of Mark (week 20)
Title: Jesus Helps Our Unbelief
Text: Mark 9:14-32
Campus: Rivermont
Jesus helps us move from unbelief to faithful living in three ways:
1) Discipline,
2) Display, and
3) Discipleship
When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes disputing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, they were amazed and ran to greet him. He asked them, “What are you arguing with them about?”
Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”
He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.”
Mark 9:14-19
Jesus helps our unbelief by Discipline.
He helps us move from unbelief to faithful living by addressing our weaknesses and needs.
“Mature disciples were supposed to be able to carry on in their teacher’s absence; sometimes a teacher would delegate lectures to his advanced pupils. The matter at hand requires a different sort of preparation than lectures did” (9:29)
~ Craig Keener
So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father.
“From childhood,” he said. “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’?[a] Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you: Come out of him and never enter him again.”
Then it came out, shrieking and throwing him into terrible convulsions. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.
Mark 9:20-27
Jesus helps our unbelief by a Display of his power.
He helps us move from unbelief to faithful living by demonstrating his power EVEN when we walk in unbelief.
“Belief in God does not exempt us from feelings of abandonment by God. Praising God does not inoculate us from doubts about God.”
~ Eugene Peterson
After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”
Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but he did not want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed[c] into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after he is killed, he will rise three days later.” But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.
Mark 9:28-32
Jesus helps our unbelief by Discipleship.
He helps us move from unbelief to faithful living by teaching us to focus on him.
“Faith and prayer make a powerful combination. Faith is not just an inner comfort; it changes human reality.”
~ David Garland
How should we respond to these things?
_________________________________________________________________________
Series: Christ the Servant King
Text: Mark 9:14-32
Campus: Rivermont
When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes disputing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, they were amazed and ran to greet him. He asked them, “What are you arguing with them about?”
Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”
He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father.
“From childhood,” he said. “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you: Come out of him and never enter him again.”
Then it came out, shrieking and throwing him into terrible convulsions. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.
After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”
Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but he did not want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after he is killed, he will rise three days later.” But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.
Mark 9:14-32 (CSB)
We have a God who loves us and a Savior who meets us where we are.
Jesus emphasizes the role of faith and prayer as a channel of God’s power, healing, and grace.
When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes disputing with them.
Mark 9:14
Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”
Mark 9:17-18
Why couldn’t the disciples heal the boy?
The first problem was: Lack of faith (v. 19)
The second problem was: Lack of prayer (v. 29)
We never outgrow our need for God and our need for the renewal of God.
Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
Mark 9:23
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24
We’ll never be able to experience the healing, and the power, of God if we don’t surrender to Jesus in faith.
How should we address unbelief in our lives?
1) Be honest about your unbelief.
How should we address unbelief in our lives?
2) Bring your unbelief to Jesus: allow him to confront and comfort.
How should we address unbelief in our lives?
3) Address your unbelief with prayer and through the power of the resurrection.
Where do you need God to strengthen your faith, help your unbelief, and to display his power?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Dr. Leo Percer
Series: The Gospel of Mark (week 20)
Title: Jesus Helps Our Unbelief
Text: Mark 9:14-32
Campus: Rivermont
Jesus helps us move from unbelief to faithful living in three ways:
1) Discipline,
2) Display, and
3) Discipleship
When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes disputing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, they were amazed and ran to greet him. He asked them, “What are you arguing with them about?”
Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”
He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.”
Mark 9:14-19
Jesus helps our unbelief by Discipline.
He helps us move from unbelief to faithful living by addressing our weaknesses and needs.
“Mature disciples were supposed to be able to carry on in their teacher’s absence; sometimes a teacher would delegate lectures to his advanced pupils. The matter at hand requires a different sort of preparation than lectures did” (9:29)
~ Craig Keener
So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father.
“From childhood,” he said. “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’?[a] Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you: Come out of him and never enter him again.”
Then it came out, shrieking and throwing him into terrible convulsions. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.
Mark 9:20-27
Jesus helps our unbelief by a Display of his power.
He helps us move from unbelief to faithful living by demonstrating his power EVEN when we walk in unbelief.
“Belief in God does not exempt us from feelings of abandonment by God. Praising God does not inoculate us from doubts about God.”
~ Eugene Peterson
After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”
Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but he did not want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed[c] into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after he is killed, he will rise three days later.” But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.
Mark 9:28-32
Jesus helps our unbelief by Discipleship.
He helps us move from unbelief to faithful living by teaching us to focus on him.
“Faith and prayer make a powerful combination. Faith is not just an inner comfort; it changes human reality.”
~ David Garland
How should we respond to these things?
_________________________________________________________________________
July 16th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Jeff Boyer
Sermon Series: Christ, the Servant King
Text: Mark 9:2-13
Campus: Rivermont
Then he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.”
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transfigured in front of them, and his clothes became dazzling—extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them. 4 Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—because he did not know what to say, since they were terrified.
A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him!”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept this word to themselves, questioning what “rising from the dead” meant.
Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
“Elijah does come first and restores all things,” he replied. “Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did whatever they pleased to him, just as it is written about him.”
Mark 9:1-13 (CSB)
Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!
Mark 1:15
Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, "The kingdom of God has come near you.”
Luke 10:9
The kingdom of God is in the midst of you.
Luke 17:21
The Kingdom of God is Marked by:
-the Spirit (see Acts 1:8, Gal. 5:22-23, Romans 14:17)
-Authority and Influence (see Matt. 5:13-16, John 16:13, 1 Peter 2:2, 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
-Power over Sin (see Rom. 6:14, Rom. 8:2, 1 John 4:4)
-Miraculous Power and Spiritual Gifts (see 1 Cor. 12:7-11, Acts 14:3, Rom. 15:18- 19)
“he was transfigured in front of them, and his clothes became dazzling–extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them
Metamorphosis - “change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means.”
"The Transfiguration is a sort of a heavenly clue, a vision that says, 'This Jesus is not just another guy in our long list of Jewish prophets. This Jesus is the glorious divine king who stands at the center of God's purposes in the world.'"
~ Tim Mackie
God is Always Intentional
Thanks to the perspective we glean through the Bible and historical records, we are able to see a more complete picture of God’s intentionality and His plans to restore our communion and the physical earth back to what he had intended in the garden of eden.
“The disciples of Jesus Christ are being exposed, in a real and tangible way, to the glorious and beautiful Kingdom of God”.
We can see throughout all of Bible that God’s intentionality doesn’t save us from pain and sorrow- but that his intentionality is always meant for His purposes and our Good.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
For this is what the Lord says: “When seventy years for Babylon are complete, I will attend to you and will confirm my promise concerning you to restore you to this place. For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “I will restore you to the place from which I deported you.” (CSB)
Jeremiah 29: 10-14
Life lived close to Jesus is a Life filled with Power.
The power that unfolded during the transfiguration happens while the disciples spent time with Jesus in PRAYER on the mountain...while they were in close proximity to Jesus.
“The power of a Christian is not in their own strength, but in their surrendered dependence on God’s strength”
”God’s power in your life will always be in proportion to your personal relationship with Him”.
~ Tim Keller
Expecting to have God’s power manifest in your life apart from him… is like expecting to have your lamps turn on without being plugged in.
Holy Spirit, what do you want to speak to me about the truths in this passage?
(listen)
Is there anything that you want me to know about you? About myself?
(listen)
_____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 9:1-13
Campus: College Hill
The disciples of Jesus Christ are exposed in a real, and tangible, way to the glorious and beautiful Kingdom of God.
Then he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.”
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transfigured in front of them, and his clothes became dazzling—extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them. 4 Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—because he did not know what to say, since they were terrified.
A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him!”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept this word to themselves, questioning what “rising from the dead” meant.
Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
“Elijah does come first and restores all things,” he replied. “Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did whatever they pleased to him, just as it is written about him.”
Mark 9:1-13 (CSB)
This event in Jesus’ life emphasizes his glory and power and gives us a window into the Kingdom of God.
What is the Kingdom of God?
“It is God reigning. It’s present wherever what God wants done is done. It is the range of God’s effective will. The news that makes lovely feet is: ‘Your God reigns.’ (Isaiah 52:7).”
~D. Willard
Sin has disrupted God’s beautiful creation and limits our ability to fully live out the reality of God’s Kingdom.
1) The transfiguration of Jesus.
2) The presence of Moses and Elijah.
3) The voice from heaven.
“transfiguration” comes from the Latin, “transfiguratio” which means, “a change in shape.”
2) The presence of Moses and Elijah.
The presence of Moses and Elijah during this encounter points to the fulfillment of God’s Word and God’s promises.
3) The voice from heaven.
God himself is establishing the authority of Jesus, while giving us and the disciples a future, new-creation, reality of his Kingdom.
What does all this mean for us?
Where is God inviting you to pursue transformation?
Where is God inviting you to experience him and his Kingdom, and to share that Kingdom w/ others?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Series: Christ, the Servant King
Text: Mark 9:2-13
Campus: Rivermont
Then he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.”
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transfigured in front of them, and his clothes became dazzling—extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them. 4 Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—because he did not know what to say, since they were terrified.
A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him!”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept this word to themselves, questioning what “rising from the dead” meant.
Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
“Elijah does come first and restores all things,” he replied. “Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did whatever they pleased to him, just as it is written about him.”
Mark 9:1-13 (CSB)
- Jesus’ Identity is Confirmed
- God is Always Intentional
- A Life Lived Close to Jesus is a Life Filled with Power
Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!
Mark 1:15
Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, "The kingdom of God has come near you.”
Luke 10:9
The kingdom of God is in the midst of you.
Luke 17:21
The Kingdom of God is Marked by:
-the Spirit (see Acts 1:8, Gal. 5:22-23, Romans 14:17)
-Authority and Influence (see Matt. 5:13-16, John 16:13, 1 Peter 2:2, 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
-Power over Sin (see Rom. 6:14, Rom. 8:2, 1 John 4:4)
-Miraculous Power and Spiritual Gifts (see 1 Cor. 12:7-11, Acts 14:3, Rom. 15:18- 19)
“he was transfigured in front of them, and his clothes became dazzling–extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them
Metamorphosis - “change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means.”
"The Transfiguration is a sort of a heavenly clue, a vision that says, 'This Jesus is not just another guy in our long list of Jewish prophets. This Jesus is the glorious divine king who stands at the center of God's purposes in the world.'"
~ Tim Mackie
God is Always Intentional
Thanks to the perspective we glean through the Bible and historical records, we are able to see a more complete picture of God’s intentionality and His plans to restore our communion and the physical earth back to what he had intended in the garden of eden.
“The disciples of Jesus Christ are being exposed, in a real and tangible way, to the glorious and beautiful Kingdom of God”.
We can see throughout all of Bible that God’s intentionality doesn’t save us from pain and sorrow- but that his intentionality is always meant for His purposes and our Good.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
For this is what the Lord says: “When seventy years for Babylon are complete, I will attend to you and will confirm my promise concerning you to restore you to this place. For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “I will restore you to the place from which I deported you.” (CSB)
Jeremiah 29: 10-14
Life lived close to Jesus is a Life filled with Power.
The power that unfolded during the transfiguration happens while the disciples spent time with Jesus in PRAYER on the mountain...while they were in close proximity to Jesus.
“The power of a Christian is not in their own strength, but in their surrendered dependence on God’s strength”
”God’s power in your life will always be in proportion to your personal relationship with Him”.
~ Tim Keller
Expecting to have God’s power manifest in your life apart from him… is like expecting to have your lamps turn on without being plugged in.
Holy Spirit, what do you want to speak to me about the truths in this passage?
(listen)
Is there anything that you want me to know about you? About myself?
(listen)
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Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 9:1-13
Campus: College Hill
The disciples of Jesus Christ are exposed in a real, and tangible, way to the glorious and beautiful Kingdom of God.
Then he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.”
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transfigured in front of them, and his clothes became dazzling—extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them. 4 Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—because he did not know what to say, since they were terrified.
A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him!”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept this word to themselves, questioning what “rising from the dead” meant.
Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
“Elijah does come first and restores all things,” he replied. “Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did whatever they pleased to him, just as it is written about him.”
Mark 9:1-13 (CSB)
This event in Jesus’ life emphasizes his glory and power and gives us a window into the Kingdom of God.
What is the Kingdom of God?
“It is God reigning. It’s present wherever what God wants done is done. It is the range of God’s effective will. The news that makes lovely feet is: ‘Your God reigns.’ (Isaiah 52:7).”
~D. Willard
Sin has disrupted God’s beautiful creation and limits our ability to fully live out the reality of God’s Kingdom.
1) The transfiguration of Jesus.
2) The presence of Moses and Elijah.
3) The voice from heaven.
“transfiguration” comes from the Latin, “transfiguratio” which means, “a change in shape.”
2) The presence of Moses and Elijah.
The presence of Moses and Elijah during this encounter points to the fulfillment of God’s Word and God’s promises.
3) The voice from heaven.
God himself is establishing the authority of Jesus, while giving us and the disciples a future, new-creation, reality of his Kingdom.
What does all this mean for us?
- “The Transfiguration teaches us that moments of extraordinary beauty & divine revelation are possible even in the midst of our ordinary lives.” ~ Richard Rohr
- The Transfiguration is evidence of the Kingdom that is already here, but also of the Kingdom to come.
- The Transfiguration invites us to pursue transformation.
Where is God inviting you to pursue transformation?
Where is God inviting you to experience him and his Kingdom, and to share that Kingdom w/ others?
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July 9th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: Messiah: The Suffering Servant
Text: Mark 8:27-38
Campus: Rivermont
Who is Jesus to you
1st half of Mark: Displaying Messianic authority & power
2nd half of Mark: Jesus’ authority to be tested through suffering.
Key Theme: Jesus the Suffering Servant
Jesus went out with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”
They answered him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.”
“But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he strictly warned them to tell no one about him.
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.”
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:27-38 (CSB)
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes,be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.”
Mark 8:31-33 (CSB)
Mark shares three identities of Jesus:
Jesus as mere man (The Masses / The World)
Jesus, the Son of God a part from the story of the cross (Peter & Disciples)
Jesus, the Son of God as Suffering Servant (True Messiah)
Each failure to grasp the significance of Jesus’ death proves that a “wrong view of the Messiah leads to a wrong view of discipleship.”
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:34-38 (CSB)
Jesus’ model of suffering will prove to serve as one of the greatest signs of his deity
The Disciples model of this suffering is essential for discipleship & human flourishing
“The first Christ-suffering which every human being must experience is the call to abandon the attachments of the world.”
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Your greatest weapon is the story of the cross
The resurrection extinguishes the power of death that was once held in the cross.
To identify with Jesus is to endure the cross
To endure the cross is to release the power of the resurrection in & through your life.
Intimacy with one another is a silver lining to this suffering
__________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: The Gospel of Mark (week 18)
Text: Mark 8:27-9:1
Campus: College Hill
Why uproot my life for Jesus?
How do I live this way?
Is it worth it?
He tells us that it’s not just a knowledge of who He is that makes us His disciples, it’s a commitment to follow Him no matter the cost.
Jesus went out with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They answered him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.” “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he strictly warned them to tell no one about him.
Mark 8:27-30
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this.
Mark 8:31-32
Why live my life for Jesus?
Because on our own, we are far worse off than we can imagine, but with Jesus, God’s grace, love, mercy, and plans for us are far greater than we can imagine.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.”
Mark 8:33
How? We shift our perspective to look at life with an eternal lens instead of a temporary one.
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
Mark 8:
So what does it mean to deny ourselves and take up our cross?
“What God says and what God wants is better than what I say and what I want.”
~ Matt Chandler
When Jesus invites us to carry our cross, He invites to share in His suffering, pain, rejection, opposition, shame, and even death that He endured.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:35-38
Jesus offers us life that is timeless over life that is temporary. (v. 35)
The temporary wealth/comfort/praise of the world isn’t worth your soul. (vv. 36-37)
Earthly rejection is far better than eternal rejection. (v. 38)
In Peter’s story we that Jesus never expects us to do it perfectly, His grace is far bigger than we can imagine, and that He works through our weakness.
“Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.”
Trust Him that He is who He says and shows He is, that the best life for you comes through denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Him, and that the life we gain from Him makes it all worth it.
_________________________________________________________________________
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: Messiah: The Suffering Servant
Text: Mark 8:27-38
Campus: Rivermont
Who is Jesus to you
1st half of Mark: Displaying Messianic authority & power
2nd half of Mark: Jesus’ authority to be tested through suffering.
Key Theme: Jesus the Suffering Servant
Jesus went out with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”
They answered him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.”
“But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he strictly warned them to tell no one about him.
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.”
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:27-38 (CSB)
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes,be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.”
Mark 8:31-33 (CSB)
Mark shares three identities of Jesus:
Jesus as mere man (The Masses / The World)
Jesus, the Son of God a part from the story of the cross (Peter & Disciples)
Jesus, the Son of God as Suffering Servant (True Messiah)
Each failure to grasp the significance of Jesus’ death proves that a “wrong view of the Messiah leads to a wrong view of discipleship.”
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:34-38 (CSB)
Jesus’ model of suffering will prove to serve as one of the greatest signs of his deity
The Disciples model of this suffering is essential for discipleship & human flourishing
“The first Christ-suffering which every human being must experience is the call to abandon the attachments of the world.”
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Your greatest weapon is the story of the cross
The resurrection extinguishes the power of death that was once held in the cross.
To identify with Jesus is to endure the cross
To endure the cross is to release the power of the resurrection in & through your life.
Intimacy with one another is a silver lining to this suffering
__________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Series: The Gospel of Mark (week 18)
Text: Mark 8:27-9:1
Campus: College Hill
Why uproot my life for Jesus?
How do I live this way?
Is it worth it?
He tells us that it’s not just a knowledge of who He is that makes us His disciples, it’s a commitment to follow Him no matter the cost.
Jesus went out with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They answered him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.” “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he strictly warned them to tell no one about him.
Mark 8:27-30
Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this.
Mark 8:31-32
Why live my life for Jesus?
Because on our own, we are far worse off than we can imagine, but with Jesus, God’s grace, love, mercy, and plans for us are far greater than we can imagine.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.”
Mark 8:33
How? We shift our perspective to look at life with an eternal lens instead of a temporary one.
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
Mark 8:
So what does it mean to deny ourselves and take up our cross?
“What God says and what God wants is better than what I say and what I want.”
~ Matt Chandler
When Jesus invites us to carry our cross, He invites to share in His suffering, pain, rejection, opposition, shame, and even death that He endured.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:35-38
Jesus offers us life that is timeless over life that is temporary. (v. 35)
The temporary wealth/comfort/praise of the world isn’t worth your soul. (vv. 36-37)
Earthly rejection is far better than eternal rejection. (v. 38)
In Peter’s story we that Jesus never expects us to do it perfectly, His grace is far bigger than we can imagine, and that He works through our weakness.
“Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.”
Trust Him that He is who He says and shows He is, that the best life for you comes through denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Him, and that the life we gain from Him makes it all worth it.
_________________________________________________________________________
June 25th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Matt Willmington
Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: The God of Outcasts and Outer Courts
Text: Mark 7:24-37
Campus: Rivermont
He got up and departed from there to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it, but he could not escape notice. Instead, immediately after hearing about him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she was asking him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she replied to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he told her, “Because of this reply, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.” When she went back to her home, she found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone.
Mark 7:24-30
Again, leaving the region of Tyre, he went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had difficulty speaking and begged Jesus to lay his hand on him. So he took him away from the crowd in private. After putting his fingers in the man’s ears and spitting, he touched his tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”). Immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak clearly. He ordered them to tell no one, but the more he ordered them, the more they proclaimed it.
Mark 7:31-36
They were extremely astonished and said, “He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Mark 7:37
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Sermon Notes: Keith Hoekman
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 7:24-37
Campus: College Hill
And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet.
Mark 7:24-25
Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.”
Mark 7:26-27
But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
Mark 7:28-30
Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue.
Mark 7:31-33
And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
Mark 7:34-35
And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Mark 7:36-37
“God has always cared more about heart transformation than behavior modification.”
~ Andrew Moroz
For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
“Behavior modification doesn’t necessarily change your heart; it doesn’t conform your heart to God’s heart and desires.”
-Andrew Moroz
The two steps of the Christian walk are repentance and faith, repentance and faith, repentance and faith
And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.”
Mark 7:27
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:6,8
And what if he did this to make known the riches of his glory on objects of mercy that he prepared beforehand for glory—on us, the ones he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
As it also says in Hosea,
I will call Not My People, My People,
and she who is Unloved, Beloved.
And it will be in the place where they were told,
you are not my people,
there they will be called sons of the living God.
Romans 9:23-26
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Series: Christ, The Servant King
Title: The God of Outcasts and Outer Courts
Text: Mark 7:24-37
Campus: Rivermont
He got up and departed from there to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it, but he could not escape notice. Instead, immediately after hearing about him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she was asking him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she replied to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he told her, “Because of this reply, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.” When she went back to her home, she found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone.
Mark 7:24-30
Again, leaving the region of Tyre, he went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had difficulty speaking and begged Jesus to lay his hand on him. So he took him away from the crowd in private. After putting his fingers in the man’s ears and spitting, he touched his tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”). Immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak clearly. He ordered them to tell no one, but the more he ordered them, the more they proclaimed it.
Mark 7:31-36
- He includes outcasts and outer court people.
- He heals in the private spaces.
- He is personal, He is powerful.
- He responds to selfless faith.
- He responds to bold humility.
They were extremely astonished and said, “He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Mark 7:37
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Sermon Notes: Keith Hoekman
Series: The Gospel of Mark
Text: Mark 7:24-37
Campus: College Hill
And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet.
Mark 7:24-25
Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.”
Mark 7:26-27
But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
Mark 7:28-30
Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue.
Mark 7:31-33
And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
Mark 7:34-35
And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Mark 7:36-37
“God has always cared more about heart transformation than behavior modification.”
~ Andrew Moroz
For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
“Behavior modification doesn’t necessarily change your heart; it doesn’t conform your heart to God’s heart and desires.”
-Andrew Moroz
The two steps of the Christian walk are repentance and faith, repentance and faith, repentance and faith
And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.”
Mark 7:27
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:6,8
And what if he did this to make known the riches of his glory on objects of mercy that he prepared beforehand for glory—on us, the ones he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
As it also says in Hosea,
I will call Not My People, My People,
and she who is Unloved, Beloved.
And it will be in the place where they were told,
you are not my people,
there they will be called sons of the living God.
Romans 9:23-26
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