Sermons
All Sermons > Sermons tagged "idolatry"
Sermon:
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:9
Date: October 14, 2012
It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that money can be the answer to all of life’s difficulties. We believe that if we acquire enough money, we can satisfy our desires for influence, pleasures, and security.
In 2 Corinthians 8, the Bible alludes to a group of Christian in Macedonia who did not consider the acquisition of wealth their primary purpose in life. Instead, they found joy in sharing what God had given them in order to see God’s Kingdom plan advance.
Sermon:
Text: Esther 7
Date: October 7, 2012
This Sunday, we begin a series of sermons that will consider the objects in this world that we have a tendencey to exalt to the status of God. If you would like to read a good book on this topic, I highly recommend Timothy Keller’s book, Counterfeit Gods.
Haman is a character in the book of Esther who love power. However, his pursuit of power led to his personal downfall. His life is a demonstration that the insatiable desire for power cannot be satisfied.
Sermon Preview:
Text: Matthew 7:24-27
Date: September 30, 2012
Listen to audio: September 30, 2012 AM Sermon
In the final section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He uses an illustration from home building. He tells His followers that His words are not merely to be heard and admired, but understood and applied to daily lives. In fact, if we merely hear and admire, we are as foolish as someone who goes to great lengths to build a new house, but neglects the important step of establishing a solid foundation of the home.
Hearing may be good and necessary, but to experience the benefits of Christ’s wisdom, we are called to put His teaching into practice.
Sermon Preview:
Text: Mark 4:1-20
Date: September 23, 2012
On Sunday, September 23, Rev. Ben Meyer will lead our worship service. Ben and his family serve as missionaries in Mexico. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper this morning.
Sermon:
Text: Matthew 7:21-23
Date: September 16, 2012
Listen to audio: September 16, 2012 AM Sermon
Sermon Preview:
Text: Matthew 7:12-20
Date: September 9, 2012
Listen to audio: September 9, AM Sermon
Sermon Preview:
Text: Matthew 7:1-6
Date: September 2, 2012
Listen to audio: September 2, 2012 AM Sermon
Even though pearls can be precious and valuable, their beauty is something that pigs miss. If you give a pig a pearl, he will probably want to eat it. And when the pig tries to eat it, he will probably get angry at you because you gave him something that he didn’t want in the first place – in spite of your good intentions.
When teaching His disciples about confronting others, he uses a strange illustration that involved pigs and pearls. Jesus is teaching us to use our words carefully. Even when we have the best of intentions, people may not appreciate the wisdom and insights that you share.
Sermon:
Text: Matthew 6:16-18
Date: August 28, 2012
Listen to audio: August 26, 2012 AM Sermon
Jesus did not want His followers to be individuals who made a big show of their righteousness, in order to impress the people around him. He taught them that when they fasted, it was not supposed to be evident to others, but rather, a time for personal reflection and drawing nearer to God.
Fasting may seem strange to people who live in a time when many of our needs are met so conveniently. Why would we skip a meal when we don’t have to. Jesus’ teaching helps us see that when we voluntarily sacrifice a pleasure, it’s purpose should be centered on seek God’s blessing, rather than the approval of others.
Sermon:
Text: Matthew 6:1-6
Date: August 12, 2012
Listen to Audio August 19, 2012 AM Sermon
We usually want to showcase our strengths and hide our weaknesses. We want to get attention for our accomplishments. In this part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He challenges His disciples to practice their faith in quiet ways – not to impress the people around us, but in order to grow nearer to God.
Sermon:
Text: Matthew 5:43-48
Date: August 5, 2012
Listen to Audio: August 5, 2012 AM Sermon
Sometimes it is difficult to act lovingly toward the people you treasure the most. In the midst of disagreements and daily stresses, to show love seems like a high calling – even towards someone you genuinely like.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us a higher challenge than merely showing love to people we treasure. He tells us that love is to be a characteristic of the way we act towards all people – even our enemies.
On Sunday, August 5, we will consider Jesus’ instruction to love our neighbor, and explore its ramifications for our lives.