Sermon from October 26

Gird Up the Loins of Your Mind

1 Peter 1: 13 – 25

1. We should be mentally alert, self-controlled, and focused on Jesus’ will for our lives.
2. Christians are not just God’s children, we are God’s obedient children.
3. To be holy means we are set apart from everyone else.
4. This pleases God, builds the church, and shows the world that we are different.
5. Our salvation is the most expensive gift ever given. It was always God’s plan to redeem us.
6. We have sincere love for each other because we will be together forever. A bond stronger than any other.

Sermon from Oct 19

Tested and Purified by Fire

1 Peter 1: 1 - 9

1. God knew that you would be a Christian before you were born. God knows everything you will ever do before it happens. Psalm 139: 16
2. A Christian is obedient to God and made holy by Jesus’ blood.
3. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we can be born again. We can rest assured that God has a plan for our lives and that He loves us like children.
4. Our inheritance is guaranteed and kept secure by God’s power.
5. Before we receive our inheritance, we are tested by fire. These tests prove to us that our faith is genuine and keep us pure.
6. Our trials also bring glory to God because they make us more like Jesus. Romans 8:29

Sermon from October 12

Esther
Or Cross God and Hang Higher than Haman

Esther 4: 12 - 5: 8

1. Esther was in a difficult spot. She was an exile in a foreign land, without parents.
2. God gave her the gift of beauty for a reason. The gifts God blesses us with are for Him, not just us.
3. When she was given the royal position, she might have been concerned with her own safety, but she risked her life to save her people.
4. She didn’t rush in to beg the king. She called for fasting and praying first.
5. Then she carefully orchestrated her request.
6. Because of this terrible ordeal, the Jews received blessings and victory.

Sermon from September 28

The Armor of God, Part 2

Ephesians 6: 10 - 20

1. The day of evil may mean when temptation comes. We are tempted to turn from God, turn to sin, take matters into our own hands, lose faith, or abandon our hope.
2. Our next armor piece is shoes of readiness. Being a witness helps us win over temptation because it strengthens our faith and opens God’s power in our lives.
3. Faith is our shield. Hold it firm.
4. The helmet goes on our heads so that we know we are saved. 1 John 5:13
5. The only offensive weapon is the Word of God. Matthew 4: 1 - 10
6. Paul says to pray 5 times in this passage.

Sermon from September 21

The Armor of God

Ephesians 6: 10 - 20

1. We have an enemy. If we don’t believe it or just ignore it, that doesn’t change the fact.
2. The enemy is searching for weaknesses in our defense.
3. His plan is to knock us off our feet.
4. Our enemy is not a person, so our defense must be in the spiritual realm.
5. Satan’s first weapon is lying. We must know the truth and the only way to know it is faith in Christ and studying God’s Word.
6. When we act in an unrighteous way, we are vulnerable to attack.

Sermon from September 14

A Desperate Faith

Mark 10: 46 - 52

1. Don't let the noise of the crowd keep you from hearing the voice of God.
2. Don't let cultural standards keep you from coming to Christ or praying to him.
3. Don't let your material possessions come between you and Jesus.
4. Boldly ask God what you need and believe he will give it to you.
5. When God performs a miracle in your life, follow him wherever he goes.

Sermon from September 7

A Faith Without Limits

Luke 17: 1 – 10

1. We don't put limits on our good behavior

2. We don't put limits on our forgiveness.
3. We don't put limits on our faith
4. We don't put limits on our service.
5. We don't put limits on our obedience.
6. God doesn't put limits on his love for us.