Sermons
The Great Commission or The Great Omission?
Discover the true meaning of mission beyond distant lands—it’s about living out Christ’s teachings in daily life. This article explores the Great Commission, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and practical ways to put faith into action through compassion, obedience, and service to those around you.
Practicing Our Faith
This sermon explores the concept of devotion and abiding in Christ, emphasizing the importance of practicing faith through dedication to God’s word, fellowship, communion, and prayer. I draw parallels between devotion in daily life and spiritual commitment, and urge you to examine your priorities and deepen your relationship with Christ. The message underscores the transformative power of abiding in Christ’s love and the fruitfulness that results from this connection.
The Way, The Truth, And The Life
Every book in the Bible reveals and points towards Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the center of time and sovereign over it.
We are all drawn to God because it is our created nature to be drawn to Him.
We were not created to be separated from God; separation is a result of sin.
Death and condemnation are our default settings because of sin.
It has always been God’s plan to save His people from their sins.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
The penalty of sin has been paid (Romans 5:8-11).
The power of sin has been disconnected (Romans 6:20-23).
The presence of sin will ultimately be removed (2 Peter 3:1-13).
We cannot walk two different directions at once; we are either walking towards sin or walking towards Jesus.
It is by God’s grace that we can repent and be reoriented towards Jesus.
God’s grace frees us from the penalty, power, and presence of sin.
It is by God’s grace that we are saved.
Body Building
Love must be the foundation that we build from. Spiritual gifts without love are worthless.
When love for each other is pursued, the Holy Spirit acts freely in our lives and spiritual gifts abound.
Love enables us to fully receive edification (even correction) from others.
Spiritual gifts are given by God to whom He chooses when He chooses.
The gifts are given to us to:
– equip each other for ministry
– build up the Body
– mature our faith
– grow us in the likeness of Christ
– serve others
– speak God’s words
– glorify God through Jesus Christ in everything
The spiritual growth and health of the Church is dependent on the whole Body, not just the pastors, elders, and ministry leaders.
Some spiritual gifts seem common among all believers but are given in extra measure to some (e.g. evangelism, faith, giving, hospitality, mercy, discernment).
A More Excellent Way
Paul’s lists of spiritual gifts are not exhaustive.
In His perfect sovereignty, God distributes spiritual gifts to the Church.
We don’t get to choose which gift(s) God gives us.
The Church is meant to be both diverse and unified as the Body of Christ.
It is good to desire spiritual gifts, but we are not meant to chase after them or their benefits.
Spiritual gifts are given to members of the Church for the edification of the Body.
Spiritual gifts are worthless without love.
We ought to chase after love and utilize the gifts that God gives us from a place of love for one another.
An inability to love your brother or sister is a symptom of not abiding in the love of the Father.