Sermon from August 26

The Newness of Christ

Matthew 9: 14 - 17

1. While we wait for Jesus' return, this is the time for fasting and praying.
2. New wine expands as it ferments.
3. Jesus doesn't try to patch up your life. Instead he gives you a new one.
----------------------------2 Corinthians 5:17
4. Our challenge is to keep our faith new every day.
5. His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3: 22 - 24
6. Aesop said "familiarity breeds contempt".
7. We must never become so comfortable with God that we fail to fear him.

Sermon from August 19

The Incredible Walk of Faith

Matthew 14: 22 - 33

1. Don't be afraid when Jesus comes walking into your storm.
2. Don't let anything you've learned stop you from coming to Jesus. Romans 3:4
3. It's better to be out in the danger with Jesus, than in a safe spot without him.
4. When you walk on the water you better keep your eyes fixed on Jesus at all times! Hebrews 12:2
5. If you look around you, your faith will begin to leave you.
6. When Jesus accepted the disciples' worship, he claimed to be God.

Sermon from August 12

Ecclesiastes 12

The Conclusion of the Matter

1. What a waste to wait until the end of your life to begin a relationship with God.
2. Too many people live for themselves, intent on giving God their leftovers. Put God first when you are young and strong.
3. It's never too late to accept Christ, but every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.
4. The conclusion of the matter is to fear God and obey his commandments. This is why we were created.
5. Life is not always fair, but enjoy the good gifts from God and know that he will bring every deed to judgment. (Nothing is hidden from him.)

Sermon From August 5

Ecclesiastes 11: 1 - 10

1. The Net Bible says, "Send your grain overseas, for after many days you will get a return. Divide your merchandise among seven or even eight investments, for you do not know what calamity may happen on earth."
2. If we wait until conditions are perfect, we'll never go into business.
3. In business, it is a good idea to diversify. Today, this means go to college and learn more than one skill.
4. Don't forget to secure your eternity.
5. Enjoy every day of your life, but know that God will judge your decisions and that youth is fleeting.

Sermon from July 29

Ecclesiastes 8: 1 - 17


1. God tells us to submit to those in authority over us and to obey the government. Titus 3:1
2. There is a proper protocol for dealing with those God has entrusted to watch over us.
3. With privilege comes resonsibility.
4. Wickedness is like a trap. It will not let us go once it possesses us. John 8:34
5. Punishment is a deterrent against crime.
6. Even if there were no heaven, it would still be better to live for God.
7. We may as well recognize that life isn’t always fair. But one day, God will even the score.

Sermon from July 22

Here is the listening guide from yesterday. I'm continuing my summer poetry series on Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 7: 8 - 22

1. Seeing a project through takes hard work and patience, but is is worth it.
2. We should be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. It is difficult to live a righteous life if we are consumed with anger. James 1: 19, 20
3. The idea that the "old days" were better may be more an illusion than reality. Build on the past, plan for the future, but live for today. Matthew 6:34
4. God is in control in good times and bad, and uses every circumstance for our own good. Romans 8:28
5. Don't be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good. Luke 10:31. God does not want us to sin, but we should realize we are capable of it.
6. In life, we should always seek a balance. But this doesn't mean be lukewarm. Revelation 3:15

Sermon from July 15

Ecclesiastes 5: 1 - 7

1. Come to church with with an open mind, ready to listen and ready to learn.

2. Jesus said to count the cost before deciding to commit to him. Luke 14: 25 - 34

3. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.

4. "God is in heaven..." The idea is that a peasant may only speak to a king if he is invited. God is much higher than we are and our respect for Him must reflect that.

5. It is our mouth that often leads us into sin. James 3: 1 - 6

6. We do well to stand in awe of God; to be still and know that He is God. Psalm 46:10

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I want to discuss something I've seen concerning point number 4. I've heard worship leaders say, "God, we invite you into our presence today." That's backward! A peasant doesn't invite the king into his presence, he is thrilled to be invited into the king's presence.