Year: 2015

Sermon: “Christians (Having Received the Word)

Theme: We have heard the word and now seek to live it faithfully as the Body of Christ in fellowship with one another.

Purpose: The congregation will commit itself to living as Christ calls us to live.

Scriptures:
Acts 11:19-30 The name “Christian” is first given to people who followed the example of the Anointed one.
John 13:33-35 By your love, everyone will know that you are followers of Christ.

Questions:
What does it mean to be Christ-like? Do we raise to the measure of being people who are seen for our love for one another and for all of the world? Do we show that we have received God’s word by our love? What do people think of when they hear about Christians? Why are some who claim to be Christian so prone to be resentful, hostile, and negative? How do we reclaim the meaning of the word Christian from those who have caused it to be associated with judgmentalism and hypocrisy?

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Sermon:           “They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love”

Theme:            The measure of the health and nature of the Body of Christ is love above all else.

Purpose:          The congregation will affirm the need to practice our love of Christ.

Scriptures:       1 Corinthians 13          Love is patient, love is kind, love does not seek its own way.

Matthew 25:34-40      Then the king will say, “When I was hungry you fed me…”

Questions:

As the Body of Christ, in what ways are we demonstrating that we are Christians? How do we stand against the definition of love given in 1 Corinthians 13? Are we arrogant, boastful, and rude? Or are we patient, kind, loving, and willing to accept each other? Is our love in practice so that we will stand the test of Matthew 25 (feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, visiting the stranger, the prisoner, and those who are alone)?  Do we take the command to love as our first and most important assignment as the body of Christ?

11/8/2015       Ears that Listen

Sermon:           “Christians (Having Received the Word)

Theme:            We have heard the word and now seek to live it faithfully as the Body of Christ in fellowship with one another.

Purpose           The congregation will commit itself to living as Christ calls us to live.

Scriptures:

Acts 11:19-30  The name “Christian” is first given to people who followed the example of the Anointed one.

John 13:33-35  By your love, everyone will know that you are followers of Christ.

Click HERE to listen to the message.

Sermon: “Running to Share Christ’s Peace”

Theme: We are equipped to take peace to people who are troubled and afraid, in need of peace.

Purpose: The congregation will become aware of the need to carry Christ to people who are struggling with conflict and fear.

Scriptures: Isaiah 52:7-10 How beautiful are the feet of the messenger who announces peace and brings the gospel.
Ephesians 6:10-18 For shoes, put on what will make you ready to share the gospel of peace.
Questions:
Are we enthusiastic to serve by sharing God’s word and peace? Are we more interested in being the center of attention and being noticed or are we more invested in seeing that the message gets to people who are struggling and in need? How do we become more invested in sharing the love of Christ than in our own status or significance? How do we deal with those who are more concerned about their personal importance than about being a part of serving Christ? In what ways is humility necessary for reaching out in love? How do we learn and grow to share that humility together?

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Sermon: “Thinking for Peace”

Theme: We have to choose to direct our mind and thoughts towards forgiveness and peace.

Purpose: The congregation will pay attention to their thoughts and focus towards peace.

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Wisdom that comes from God versus wisdom of the world.
James 3:13-18 The wisdom of God is peaceable and gentle.

Questions:
How do we share the wisdom of our relationship with God, especially in a world that is oriented around a completely different set of values? In what ways does being wise and understanding as Christians put us out of step with people whose values are oriented around personal gain or self-importance? Are there ways in which we try and compromise, holding onto the wisdom of personal gain and self-importance, while still trying to live by the wisdom of holiness and relationship with Christ? How do we develop the humble wisdom of living in Christ?

10/25/2015 Foot (Humbly going to others)
Sermon: “Running to Share Christ’s Peace”
Theme: We are equipped to take peace to people who are troubled and afraid, in need of peace.
Purpose: The congregation will become aware of the need to carry Christ to people who are struggling with conflict and fear.
Scriptures: Isaiah 52:7-10 How beautiful are the feet of the messenger who announces peace and brings the gospel.
Ephesians 6:10-18 For shoes, put on what will make you ready to share the gospel of peace.

Click HERE to listen to the message.

Sermon: “Consider Before You Speak”
Theme: The manner in which we control our speech is the clearest and most significant sign of spiritual growth.
Purpose: The congregation will seek to be sensitive to what they choose to say.
Scriptures: Matthew 15:3-13 It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles but that which comes out.
James 3:2-13 The tongue is a powerful member, and can do good or harm.

Questions:
How do we manage our communications as the body of Christ? In what ways does our manner of speaking to one another affect the way people see the body of Christ? In what ways has rude, harsh, and disrespectful communication within the body of Christ caused people to turn away from the Christianity and the Church as a resource for healing, help, and spiritual growth? How do we change the way in which we behave towards one another? What is hypocrisy? What do we do in order to be joyful healthy Christians together?

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Sermon: “The Discipline of an Open Heart”

Theme: God calls us to open our hearts and be willing to receive all people with love and acceptance.

Purpose: The congregation will reconsider their preconceptions about others and seek to be open to all people.

Scriptures: Ephesians 1:15-23 With the eyes of your heart enlightened you may have a spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Mark 12:28-33 Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, and strength, love your neighbor as yourself.

Questions:
What does the Apostle Paul mean by the “eyes of the heart” being “enlightened?” What does our heart have to do with having strength and power to serve Christ? What does it mean for us to have our hearts open to Christ’s guidance and serving? What is meant by the commandment to “Love God with all of our heart, mind, and soul?” How does that type of love affect the Body of Christ? How is the love for God related to our love for others in the world? How does our ability to learn to love fully affect the Body of Christ?

Click HERE to listen to the Message.