Franklin Crossroads Baptist Church Sermons

Giving

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Psalm 23

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Easter Sunday

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The Humble King

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Luke 19:28-44

The Divinity of a King

The Peace of a King

The Worship of a King

The Forgiveness of a King

Ordination Service Spring 2026

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

1 Timothy 3

Main Point: to instruct and encourage our church to keep on thriving through right relationships with Elders and Deacons.

1 Timothy 3 (and other passages) issue CHARGES…

… to Elders

… to Deacons

… to the Congregation

You Follow the King

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

MAIN IDEA: to be of any help to others we must focus on our own discipleship first.

POINTS (yup… only two):

Distraction is the Enemy of Discipleship

Precision is the Friend of your Profession

Breakfast with the King

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

no matter the circumstances or season of your Christian life, fellowship with Christ is a matter of spiritual life and death.

FUTILITY is a FACT

FRUSTRATIONS FLUCTUATE

FOLLOWERS need FELLOWSHIP

The King is MY Lord and MY God

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Christ's relentless and patient love overcomes everything that would paralyze us in doubt and disbelief.

Wounded Faith

Habitual Fear

Gracious Focus

-- Jesus Comes FOR Thomas

-- Thomas's SHOCKING profession

Blessed Faith

The King's Peace

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The resurrected Christ gives us peace through the power of the Holy Spirit working through us to go out on mission.

Peace from Proof

Peace of Presence

Peace for Proclaiming

The King is Alive

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This sermon was preached at a special Saturday worship gathering which we scheduled to avoid impending severe winter weather that would've canceled our Sunday gathering.

The Sermon's Message in a Nutshell:

Let us keep our zeal stirred up by continually learning and applying Scripture to our lives.

THE INITIAL EXCITEMENT AT HEARING GOOD NEWS

THE INCESSANT DISTRACTIONS THAT SQUELCH EXCITEMENT

THE INCREASING BELIEF THAT'S BETTER THAN EXCITEMENT

Who Can Come Near?

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Right living is the key indicator your soul is pursuing the True Treasure

What IS the True Treasure of Life? (v1)

Who’s QUALIFIED to Own the Treasure? (v2a)

What Will a Qualified Person’s Life LOOK LIKE?

Right Speech (vv2b-3)

Right Sense of Justice (v4ab)

Right Sincerity (vv4c-5ab)

Right Steadiness (v5c)

The King is Buried

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

True Christians reckon with the literal death of Christ both openly and personally.

Christ Truly Died

Christians are Truly Devoted

The King is Dead

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

As Christ finished his work, let us finish ours.

Christ Loved Them to the End

Christ Finished His Work

The King Crucified

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

a Cross

a Caption

some Clothing

A King Rejected

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Christ is King; EVERY person bows to him or rejects him… there is NO middle stance… and that choice affects EVERYTHING ELSE in your life… FOREVER.

Behold the Man (19:1-6)

Man or God? (19:7-9)

God’s Authority (19:9b-11)

Behold Your King (19:12-16a)

Another King?

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Where is Trust?

Where is Truth?

Where is Justice?

Real Power

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Real power is found in submission to God’s good will

HUMAN POWER -- three kinds: power of...

… schemes (Judas)

… intimidation (Soldiers)

… bluster (Peter)

DIVINE POWER -- five "layers"; power...

… of knowledge

… displayed but controlled

… to save

… to fulfill every promise

… to drink the cup of suffering

Working Together for God's Glory

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

in John 17, Jesus prays about…

The World

The Word

Our Witness

Glory

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus prays that all believers would be unified for the glory of God

The Son Glorifies the Father by Obeying

The Father Glorifies the Son by Giving him Authority

The Father Glorifies the Son by Exalting Him

We Glorify God by Evangelizing the World

Unity

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What IS this Unity for which Jesus Prays?

WHY Does Jesus Pray so Passionately for Unity?

because worldly disunity threatens the invade the Church

because the miraculous unity of the Church empowers our witness

Words

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus's words give us peace

PRAYER IS MUTUAL LOVE

SELF-TALK IS OFTEN MISLEADING

TALKING TRUTH BRINGS PEACE IN TRIBULATION

a Little While

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Though we face CONFUSING circumstances, we face them with a COMPASSIONATE savior by our side through every CRISIS that comes along, and as we endure, we grow more and more in our relationship with this wonderful COMPANION. This little while of difficulty while the world spins wild and Jesus is not here bodily seems like a LONG while, but it's not a second too long.

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

living under the ministry of the Holy Spirit is better for Christians in this age than having Jesus present bodily on Earth

Ministry Advantage vv5-7

Ministry of Conviction vv8-11

Ministry of Guidance vv12-15

Falling Away

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What Does it Mean to Fall Away?

How Does Jesus Keep Us from Falling Away?

The Fool

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

it is utterly foolish to live as if there is no God.

Four Questions to ask of Psalm 14:

WHAT IS A FOOL?

WHAT DOES THE FOOL DO?

WHAT DOES THE FOOL FEEL?

IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR THE FOOL?

Get Out of Your Head

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Tears are Temporary

Turn from Terror

Trust in the Trustworthy

TAKEAWAYS:

Be Saved

Sing

Satisfy Yourself in Him

Share the Supper

Where's the Rule Book?

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

the right response to the wickedness of this world is to keep turning to the righteous God

A Foolish Man's Advice

A Wise Man's Argument

The Righteous God's Affection

All the Time, Everywhere

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

let us praise God everywhere, all the time, because he's come down to save us through Christ.

PRAISE THE LORD (because)

THE LORD IS HIGH ABOVE EVERYTHING (and)

THE LORD HAS REACHED FAR DOWN TO RAISE MAN.

The Lord is Near

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

TRUST THAT THE LORD IS A GOOD KING

TRUST THAT THE LORD IS NOT DISTANT

TRUST THE LORD THROUGH PRAYER

What is Man?

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

the magnificence of humanity reveals and exalts the greater magnificence of God our Creator.

we see man's magnificence in that...

MAN IS CAPABLE OF WORSHIP

MAN IS CROWN OF CREATION

MAN IS CARETAKER OF THE UNIVERSE

BUT...

CHRIST IS THE PERFECT MAN

SO...

resist cynicism

silence enemies of God with incessant praise

practice faithful dominion

be kind to others

Branches Bear Witness

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus is the vine; we are the branches; healthy branches bear fruit; the fruit is new believers won through gospel witness. To be effective evangelists, we must...

ANTICIPATE THE HATRED

EMBRACE THE HEAVINESS

RELY ON THE HELPER

Friendship

Sun, 25 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

if we are abiding in Christ's love by obeying his commandments,...

WE'LL HAVE JOYFUL HEARTS

WE'LL HAVE MANY FRIENDS

WE'LL HAVE ONE GREAT FRIEND

WE'LL HAVE CONFIDENCE OUR LIFE MATTERS

Fruit

Sun, 18 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Producing

Cleaning

Abiding

Love and Obedience

Sun, 11 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Love is the Motivation for Obedience

the Holy Spirit gives the Power for Obedience

Peace is the Result of Obedience

Seeing is Believing?

Sun, 04 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In Jesus, Man Has Seen the Father

IDENTITY, INDWELLING, INSPIRATION, INSTIGATION

In Jesus, Man Does the Works of the Father

THROUGH faith, the indwelling Holy Spirit, prayer

Battling Heart Trouble

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus here gives us “a precious remedy against an old disease—That disease is trouble of heart. That remedy is faith… Faith in the Lord Jesus is the only sure medicine for troubled hearts” (JC Ryle, Thoughts on the Gospel of John, pg 36-37).

Faith in the Father

Future of Fellowship

Follow the Foundation

When Someone Holds a Grudge

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Pray for Rescue from Danger

Check Yourself for Guilt

Pray for Justice

Call Out the Guilty

Praise God for Justice

a New Commandment

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

an Unwanted Change

an Unheard Command

an Uncomfortable Correction

God's Glory is God's Goal

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

to Glorify is to Treasure and Promote

the Father and the Son Glorify Each Other

Giving Grace is God’s Greatest Glory

And It Was Night

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

A Painful Prediction

Troubling Treason

Continuing Confusion

What Do You Know?

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

we need to know...

How Great a Servant Jesus Is

How Kind a Teacher Jesus Is

How Broad and Deep Our Servanthood Should Be

Why Deacons are a Blessing

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Wisely chosen deacons are a blessing to the church when they serve well.

Five Ways Deacons are a Blessing...

Solve Problems

Strategic Leadership

Spiritually Qualified

Set Apart by Ordination

Strengthen Growth

Dealing with Deep Discouragement

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

We can live in joy even in difficult times because God gives us grace and purpose.

Sometimes Sufferings come from Sins

God relieves Grief because of Grace

Christians can be Confident that God Cares

Why Human Life is Sacred

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

We must help others because people matter

People need more than just a helping hand

All of this if ultimately for God's glory

God Gives Joy to the Troubled Who Pray

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

God Listens to the Prayers of the Troubled (vv1-3)

God is Just toward Troublers in (vv4-6)

God is Gracious to the Troubled (vv7-8)

God is Glorified in Punishing Troublers (vv9-10)

God Gives JOY to the Troubled Made Righteous by Grace (vv11-12)

Who is the Light of the World?

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

God is the Light who shines through his people on the whole world

REFLECTED LIGHT (Creeks)

Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; 60:1-3, 19-22

ILLUMINATING LAMB (River)

Luke 2:21-38

ETERNAL LAMP (Ocean)

Revelation 21:22-22:5

Great Grace and Glory

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Every Christian is meant to do great things by God’s grace, for God’s glory

GOD'S GLORY

GOD'S GRACE

GOD'S GOSPEL

Baby Pictures

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

God unexpectedly conquers through humble conquerers.

a Soft and Thankful Heart

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

GET LOUD

GET LOW

GET LEVEL

Judged by the Word

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus was sent by the Father to speak divine Truth

God’s Truth is Light that saves from darkness

We must leave the darkness through obedient faith

Unbelief

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

OBVIOUS UNBELIEF

OBSCURED UNBELIEF

What Shall I Say?

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The purpose of our very existence is to glorify God and enjoy him forever

A CHOICE

A VOICE

REJOICE

A CHOICE

Seeing Jesus

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

to really see Jesus we must stop looking at ourselves

THE GREEKS' BOLD REQUEST

THE SON OF MAN'S BEAUTIFUL RESPONSE

The Crowds

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Although the number of "Christians" has consistently increased, we must not assume or neglect a right biblical understanding of Christianity.

Jesus Draws CROWDS that...

GROW IN NUMBER

GROW IN UNDERSTANDING

GROW THROUGH WITNESSING

GROW DESPITE PERSECUTION

Lavish Worship

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

three kinds of responses to Jesus

UNREMARKABLE ADMIRATION

UNHINDERED ADORATION

UNRESTRAINED ABOMINATION

All or Nothing

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Discipleship is a calling to pursue the Lord all out… all the time…

SIX IMPERATIVES:

Devote Yourself to Corporate Worship

Do Not Neglect Your Spiritual Gifts

Do Practice Your Spiritual Gifts

Dive Deep into Progress

Detect Potential Problems

Do Not Quit

the Disciple's Dependence

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

this truth is for...

DISCIPLES

who must do our Christian...

DUTY

without forgetting our need for...

DEPENDENCE

the Disciple's Discipline

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

three FACETS of Distinctive Discipleship:

the Prize

the Process

the Person

TakeAways:

Choose one spiritual discipline and focus on it daily this week (bible reading/ scripture memory, prayer, worship, giving, evangelism).

Assess motives “spiritual disciplines are not meant to make you more liked by Jesus but to make you more like Jesus” (Agnew, page 120).

Be patient & consistent

the Disciple's Development

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

development as a disciple shows up in three areas...

HOW WE TALK

HOW WE THINK

WHAT WE TOTE

Take-Aways:

be serious about spiritual gifts

develop in every category of discipleship

let our development increasingly unify our fellowship

if you're developing normally, keep it up!

the Disciple's Doctrine

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

right doctrine has four qualities:

WELDED TO THE WORD

MAJORS ON THE MAJORS

QUENCHES QUARRELS

SHUNS SILLINESS

the Disciple's Disobedience

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Series Week 1: Survey of 6 Categories of Distinctive Discipleship

Series Week 2: digging in to the Disciple's DELIGHT

TODAY's Sermon: digging in to the Disciple's DISOBEDIENCE

REMEMBER YOUR EXAMPLES

READY YOURSELF

RUN YOUR RACE

RELY ON CHRIST

the Disciple's Delight

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

CATASTROPHES

CAUSES

CURE

Distinctive Discipleship

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

An Overview of the six categories of Distinctive Discipleship:

DELIGHT

DISOBEDIENCE

DOCTRINE

DEVELOPMENT

DISCIPLINE

DEPENDENCE

God Will Provide

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Things God Provides

FELLOWSHIP

FRUIT

FULLNESS

FRAGRANCE

What Are We to Do?

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Three possible answers to the question: What are we to do with Jesus?

BELIEVE

DISBELIEVE

tattlers

worriers

braggers

plotters

The Resurrection and the Life

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

PRESUMPTION ABOUT LIFE AND DEATH

PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE AND DEATH

PASSION ABOUT LIFE AND DEATH

PRAYER ABOUT LIFE AND DEATH

POWER OVER LIFE AND DEATH

So That You Might Believe

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The opening sermon on John 11:1-16.

Giving More

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

the main point is NOT "Give more"; it's "beware of the scribes"... beware of a scribal spirit/ attitude of greed & arrogance.

THE SCRIBES' AVARICE

THE WIDOW'S ACTION

JESUS'S ASSESSMENT

TAKE-AWAYS:

for our vote on FCF

for our FCF pledges

the real heart of our work: Helping People Follow Christ

VBS Launch

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

GOD is SOVEREIGN

Creation

Corruption

Catastrophe

Confusion

Christ

Cross

Consummation

GOD is INVISIBLE

GOD is UNIQUE

Following Christ Forward

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Three Principles of Generous Giving

GOD COMMANDS GENEROUS GIVING

GOD PROVIDES FOR GENEROUS GIVING

GOD WORKS THROUGH GENEROUS GIVING

The Father is One with the Good Shepherd

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

levels of resistance...

(Not) REALIZING

RATIONALIZING

REJECTING

Take-Aways:

REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL; BE SAVED!

USE THE BIBLE PROPERLY

EVANGELIZE!

BE WISE IN WHEN TO STAND AND WHEN TO FLEE/ ESCAPE

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the Christ

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus is gathering a people for himself, and he will keep them safe forever.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD IS GATHERING ONE FLOCK

PEOPLE WILL BE DIVIDED OVER THE GOOD SHEPHERD

THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND THE FATHER ARE ONE IN THEIR WORK OF SECURING THE FLOCK

The Lord is My (Good) Shepherd

Sun, 19 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

What the Good Shepherd supplies to his people:

REST

RIGHTEOUSNESS

COMFORT

VINDICATION

HEAVEN

(How to) Rest in Peace

Sun, 12 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

David's Four Steps to Resting in Peace:

PRAY

PLEA

PRAISE

PEACE

Causes of Blindness

Sun, 05 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Spiritual Blindness is caused (and continued) by refusing the DEMANDS of the Christian life. These demands are that the believer will...

SUFFER

SUBMIT

Understanding and Faith

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Understanding and Faith develop in the Christian life. In the man born blind they develop through three stages:

INITIAL ENCOUNTER

INCREASING UNDERSTANDING

INTENSE FAITH

God's Work

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Seven characteristics of God's gospel work:

DIVINE

DIRE

DIRECTIVE

DISTRESSING

DIVISIVE

DYNAMIC

for DISCIPLES

Sin and Suffering

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

to properly understand the relationship between sin and suffering, we need to properly understand...

MAN'S SHALLOW ASSUMPTION

THE FATHER'S DEEPER DESIGN

CHRIST'S GLORIOUS COMPASSION

Jesus (Second Adam)

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

COMMAND

Be perfect

CATASTROPHE & CARNAGE

The Men of Genesis

You and Me

CHRIST

Promise...

Expanded

Clarified

Fulfilled

Applied

Jacob

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

God’s flawless plan to redeem His people for His own glory works even through our sins and weaknesses

COMMAND

Believe and THEN obey

CATASTROPHE

Pilfering

Polygamy

CARNAGE

Esau's Rage

Rebekah and Leah's Rivalry

Laban's Racket

CHRIST

Presence

Perspicuity

Price

Peace

Isaac

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

SERIES Theme: God is working out a flawlessly perfect plan to redeem His people in such a way that He receives maximum glory

Main Point of Today’s Sermon: God’s flawless plan to redeem His people for His own glory is not always dramatic, but it’s always moving

Command

Live a Humble, Quiet, Obedient Life

Catastrophe

Favoritism

Fleshliness

Carnage

Favoritism leads to Rivalry

Fleshliness leads to Rebellion

Christ

… is a Willing Substitute Sacrifice

… Endures Rejection

… Turns Laughter into Laughter

Abraham

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

God’s flawless plan to redeem His people for His own glory is not undone by our fluctuating faith.

COMMAND

Focus the Promise

Face the Problem

Fortify their Place

CATASTROPHE

Selfish

Slippery

Short-Sighted

CARNAGE

Children See

Brothers Strive

Women Suffer

CHRIST

Melchizedek

Isaac

Smoke & Fire

Noah

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

God’s flawless plan to redeem mankind for His own glory cannot be derailed by human wickedness.

COMMAND

God is...

Righteous

Rescuer

CATASTROPHE

CARNAGE

Ham's Shame

Utopia's Sham

CHRIST

God...

Remembers

Re-Enlists

Relates

Repeats

To what are you looking for hope? Better circumstances? Addictive substances/ behaviors? Accomplishments? or CHRIST?

(First) Adam

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

COMMAND

Relationship

Representation

CATASTROPHE

Deception

Doubt

Denial

Devastation

CARNAGE

Cain

Lamech

"Culture of Death"

CHRIST

Eviction from the Garden

Accepting Abel's Sacrifice

Cain's Warning and Mark

Lamech's Better Brother Enoch

The Seed of Woman

Jesus, the Timeless Eternal

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Because Jesus is the Timeless Eternal Son of God, anyone who keeps his word will never see death.

JESUS IS TIMELESS AND ETERNAL

who He's NOT

who He IS

KNOWING AND KEEPING JESUS'S WORDS

Father and Son glorify each other

to honor Father and Son is to keep the Son's Word

those who dishonor the Son and yet claim to love the Father are liars

ESCAPING DEATH

we do NOT earn eternal life from doing good works

what about all the Christians who have died?

Who's Your "Real" Dad?

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

THE BIG IDEA: True children of God are not slaves to sin, but instead, they love and follow Jesus.

... we see this by considering our...

RESIDENCE

Where do you Live?

RELATIONSHIP

Are you a True Son of the Father?

REDEMPTION

Are you still a slave to sin?

Lift Up the Son of Man

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

the Distinction between Jesus and Unbelievers

from below / of this world vs from above/ NOT of this world

the Dynamics of Jesus and the Father’s Relationship

Sent

Supported

Submitted

the Destiny of Unbelievers

Sin and Sins

A glorious “unless”

The Son of Man is lifted up

Light and Darkness

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

What Jesus Says about Himself

12: I am the Light of the World

14: I can bear true witness about myself

16: my judgment is true

What Jesus Says about His Opponents

12: they WILL walk in darkness

15: they judge according to the flesh

19: they neither know Jesus nor the Father

What Jesus Says about His Followers

Sanctity of Human Life

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Every human life is sacred because it was fashioned by God for a purpose, therefore everyone, especially every Christian, must value and defend all human life.

BELIEVE RIGHTLY -- God's work is...

Intimate

Impressive

Intricate

Intuitive

BEHAVE RIGHTLY -- we must...

Act in Compassion and Humility

Make the Gospel Central to Everything We Do

Intervene

Check Ourselves for Self-Righteousness

What's In a Name?

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Five Elements of this Christmas Story

A Curious Conception (v18)

A Strange Justice (vv19-20)

A Powerful Name (v21)

A Fulfilled Prophecy (vv22-23)

Precise Obedience (vv24-25)

Shepherds

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Two Actions in this passage:

1) Action of God through Revelation

2) Action of Man through Response

Three Sermon Takeaways:

1) The Lord uses the weak to shame the strong

2) God uses the Christmas story to strengthen our faith

3) We must respond to the revelation we have received

The Intentionality of Prophecy

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Intentionality of Prophecy

1. The Messianic Prophecies are Intentionally Specific

2. God Intentionally Chooses the Receiver of Prophecy to be a Wicked Man because Man is Wicked

3. Christ Intentionally Fulfills the Promised Hope

God Will Send A Shepherd-Ruler

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Micah 5 tells us THREE THINGS God's Shepherd-Ruler will do…

He will Shepherd a Flock into Hostile Lands

He will Expand His Flock into Every Land

He will Deliver His Flock Forever from All Enemies

Confidence in Crisis

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Three practical instructions...

Answer Slander with Praise — vv 1-2, 8

Trust God for Protection and Vindication — vv 3 & 7

Rest in Confident Prayer — vv 4 & 5-6

Dividing, Debating, and Drawing

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

People will keep DIVIDING over WHO Jesus IS (40-43)

The Prophet OR The Christ?

Surely NOT the Christ

People will keep DEBATING over WHAT to DO with Jesus (44-49)

Arrest Him

Hear Him Out

Insult & Threaten

Jesus will keep DRAWING People TO Himself (50-52)

Chief Priests and Pharisees

Officers

Nicodemus

Lady Wisdom's Last Words (Pt 1)

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Life and Death

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Are You Thirsty?

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Are You Listening?

Jesus calls urgently

Jesus calls compassionately

Jesus calls everybody

Are You Thirsty?

Are You Drinking?

What does it MEAN to drink?

WHAT are we drinking?

What HAPPENS when we drink?

Quotations read were from:

The Silver Chair, by CS Lewis

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John, by JC Ryle

Family

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Symptoms of Shallow Faith

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

They’ve Absorbed “Folk” Theology

They’ve Rejected Sovereignty

They’ve Practiced Inadequate Faith

Words

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

We study the power and importance of our speech from verses all across Proverbs 10-31, and the New Testament, ESPECIALLY...

Ephesians 4:29

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

Lessons from the Feast of Booths (Part 2)

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Responses of Jesus's Critics:

Unmet Expectation

The Human Paradigm

Jesus’s Paradigm

Unholy Exaltation

The Result: All Manner of Sin

The Remedy: Obey First

Untrue Exclamation

We Ought to Honestly Assess Our Own Hearts

We Ought to Be Careful What We Say

The Friend

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

We study God's beautiful gift of friendship from verses all over Proverbs.

Lessons from the Feast of Booths (Part 1)

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God is Always on Time

A Long Silent Gap

A Lost Opportunity?

Jesus Knows Exactly When (and How) to Go

People are Usually Out of Sync with God…

Three Wrong Responses to God’s Schedule

Murderous Urge

Mocking Unbelief

Muttering Uncertainty

WHY We Respond These Ways — FEAR

How God Gets the Gospel Out

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God’s Treasure

God’s Jars

God’s Power

Takeaways

--We won’t lose heart (vv1 & 16) despite our difficulties BECAUSE…

--We have a ministry to do (v1), and we’ll refuse to use gimmicks in our ministry (v2).

--We’ll keep in mind that suffering is temporary (vv14-18).

--We’ll keep thanking God (v15).

--We’ll rejoice that our inner man is constantly being renewed (v16) through reading and memorizing and meditating on and studying Scripture, through prayer, through worship, through regular sabbath rest.

The Fear of Man vs The Fear of the Lord, pt 2

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Disciples Grumble about the Bread of Life

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Difficult Divine Truths

Jesus’s Hard Sayings

You Think THAT Was a Hard Saying?…

You Can ONLY Understand by a Work of the Spirit

Many Make Tracks…

Passive Abandonment

Temporary Denial

Complete Apostasy

A Few Fasten Tight

Pouty Jesus?

Two Great Reasons for Faith

The Fear of Man vs The Fear of the Lord

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Jews Grumble About the Bread of Life

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Why the Jews Grumbled

Offended

Perplexed

Convicted

What Jesus Taught

I’m the Way to God

I’m the True Bread From Heaven

You Must Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood

How You Justify Yourself

I’ve Got a History in Church (INADEQUATE justification)

I’ve Got Bible Knowledge / Good Doctrine (INADEQUATE justification)…

I’ve Got Good Morals (INADEQUATE justification)

He Draws me and I Keep Coming (TRUE justification)

The Beginning of Wisdom (Again)

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus is the Bread of Life

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

THREE TRUTHS…

OUR "WORK" IS TO BELIEVE GOD

OUR FAULT IS TO DEMAND PROOF

OUR SECURITY IS IN CHRIST'S GRIP

TAKE-AWAYS:

— COME to Christ!

— KNOW that you will NEVER be lost!

— REST in Christ! … and WORK for his glory!

The Call of Wisdom

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Diners and Disciples

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Disciples want Jesus; Diners only want what Jesus can give; Disciples receive FAR MORE.

Diners want...

Physical Health & Full Bellies (Forever)

Political & Military Liberation

Disciples want (and get)…

Fellowship

Testing (not Tempting)

Provision

Knowledge of who Jesus REALLY IS (He’s God)

The Purity of Wisdom

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Heart of Wisdom

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Ordination Sermon

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Charge to Mike:

Four things to notice about a faithful pastor…

What He Spends

How He Gets Spent

What’s at Stake

His Spirit

Charge to the Congregation:

The Rewards of Wisdom

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Hope of the Nations

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Sermon Outline:

Mutiny (vv1-3)

Process

Purpose

Produce

Mockery (vv4-6)

Scorn

Scowl

Scepter

Messiah (vv7-9)

Incarnation (& Resurrection)

Inheritance

Invasion

Mercy (vv10-12)

Appeal

Award

Affection

The Beginning of Wisdom

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Two Ways to Live

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS

What does it mean to be “Blessed”?

What does the blessed man DO?

He Disconnects from the Wicked

He Connects with God’s Word

He Blesses Many

THE WAY OF THE WICKED

What does it mean to be “Wicked”?

What does the wicked man DO?

He Blesses No One

He is Cast Out

He Perishes

Take a Break (Before You Break)

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Three truths about (not only vocational) ministry…

Fruitful Ministry Excites

Delight or Danger?

A Weird Interruption?

Excited Ministers Need to Rest

Come Away

Neglected Necessities

Rest and Compassion Balance Ministry

The Nature of Ministry

Constant Tension

Movement is Life

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God is My Witness!

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Judge Accused — Jesus calls five witnesses to testify for him…

Himself

“Another”

John the Baptist

His Works

Scripture

The Judge’s Attitude — despite being disrespected and doubted, behold…

His Steadfast Desire

His Saving Direction

Our Stubborn Distraction

God, the Son is the Judge

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Three truths about God, the Son, the Judge…

1) The Father Delegates Judgment to the Son

2) Believers are Safe from Judgment because of the Son

3) All People will be Raised to be Judged by the Son

Keepers of the Kingdom

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Living a faithful Christian live is a battle. Doing so,…

Demands the Armor

Strength from God

Spiritual Battle

Sneaky Methods

Stand Firm

Defines the Armor

Belt of Truth

Breastplate of Righteousness

Shoes of the Gospel

Shield of Faith

Helmet of Salvation

Sword of the Spirit / Word of God

Dons the Armor

Pray it On

Proclaim with it On

Prioritize Having it On

Costly Care

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath provokes the opposition of the Jewish leaders. We’ll see how costly it can be to show care for others by following three characters through the story…

The Man — His CHARACTER

A Basic Theology of Sin & Suffering

Clues to This Man’s Sinful State

The Jews — Their CRITICISM

Sabbath Violation?

Blasphemy?

The Lord Jesus — His CARE and CURE

Crisis Faith

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

There are different levels / depths of faith…

Desperate Faith

Desperation Distracts

Desperation Exposes

Even Anemic Faith is Met with Grace

Demonstrated Faith

Deepened Faith

Christ’s POWER is Unlimited!

Christ’s GOODNESS is Unfathomable!

Christ’s ACTIONS are Unignorable

Dispersed Faith

Members ANTICIPATE

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

How are we, the church to live in anticipation of Christ’s return?

WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES

Babylon

Bride

WORSHIP THE RIGHT WAY

Fear the God who Judges Sin

Thank the God who Shows Mercy to Sinners

Bow to God and NOT to His Creation

WATCH AT THE RIGHT TIME

Be Constantly Watchful

Be Free From Anxiety as you Wait

Members DISCIPLINE (Each Other)

Sun, 21 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Membership is a covenant relationship between a Christian and a local church. The church affirms the member’s profession of faith based on the way he or she lives as a disciple in fellowship with other members under each other’s care.

PRINCIPLE

Assurance & Affirmation

Representation

PROCESS

Three Steps

The “Exception”

The Undesired Outcome

PURPOSE

Reverence

Reputation

Restoration

Members DISCIPLE (Each Other)

Sun, 14 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Biblical Church Members work together so that the whole church "builds itself up in love". What will this LOOK LIKE?…

Two Groups (saints and equippers)

One Goal (building up the body of Christ)

Three Gains (unity, knowledge, Christlikeness)

Members LEAD & FOLLOW

Sun, 07 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Qualifications and Ordination of Deacons…

Compare (& Contrast)

Pastors vs Deacons

Character

Dignified

NOT double-tongued

NOT addicted

NOT greedy / dishonest

Knowledgeable of the gospel

Tested & blameless

Familial

Charges

FIRST, to all of us, the Congregation…

SECOND, To Michael

Members LOVE & SERVE

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

DEFINITION of MEMBERSHIP: Membership is a covenant relationship between a Christian and a local church. The church affirms the member’s profession of faith based on the way he or she lives as a disciple in fellowship with other members under each other’s care.

We’ll see THREE THINGS in a local church that is committed to loving and serving…

Covered Sin

Cheerful Hospitality

Charismatic Service

TAKEAWAYS:

LET. IT. GO… SQUASH BEEFS

DISCOVER YOUR GIFTS

FIND (and BE) ROLE MODELS

GENEROUSLY, LOVINGLY USE YOUR GIFTS

Members PARTICIPATE

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

PARTICIPATING in local church life looks like…

Approaching God

Accepting God’s Truth

Attending to Each Other

TAKEAWAYS:

Every Christian is automatically a member of God’s Church Universal

Every Christian should join a specific local church

Every church member should fully participate in the life and ministries of that local church