North Boulevard Church of Christ Sermons
North Boulevard Church of Christ
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Weekly sermons from ministers and guest speakers at North Boulevard Church of Christ.
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Nov 26, 2023
He Lifts the Needy 3
We have established that God cares for those in need. This week, we will focus on the needs of the sick, the aging, and the widow. And we'll discuss what we can do as followers of Christ to offer love and support to these people.
David Young interviews our on-staff Pastoral Care Minister, Tim Haddock, who offers insight into the needs and ways we can serve this population.
Key Text: Mark 1:29-34
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Nov 19, 2023
He Lifts the Needy 2
The opposite of love is not hate. Actually, hate could be considered an offshoot of love because you are still concerning yourself with another person. The true opposite of love is selfishness — when you stop thinking about others and only focus on yourself.
This week, David Young interviews his wife, Julie, about her experience in helping the homeless in our community find homes and share ideas on how we can all show love to this vulnerable group of people.
Key Text: Isaiah 58:1-12
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Nov 12, 2023
He Lifts the Needy 1
Our God cares deeply for people who are in vulnerable positions and in need of proper care. And if He cares, then we should care too!
This Sunday, David Young interviews Andrea Bell and Abby Rosser on their experiences with adoption and foster care.
If you would like to learn more about caring for children in your community and beyond, here are some places to start: https://boulevard.to/s/orphancareresources
Key Text: Psalm 68
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Nov 5, 2023
Power Up Sunday (2023)
Power Up Sunday is a nation-wide movement of churches going out into their local communities and praying over schools, neighborhoods, government offices, first responders, non-profits, businesses, and other churches.
On this day, our small groups prayed over nearly 100 locations in our county and the people who work/play/learn/live in those places. After our time of prayer, we came together to celebrate the greatness of our God, the power of prayer, and the importance of fellowship among believers.
If you are a member of another church, you can learn more about hosting your own Power Up Sunday event at https://www.newdayresources.org/powerup
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Oct 29, 2023
What I'd Believe if I Didn't Believe
Everyone has faith. Even if they aren't religious, they have faith because to have faith means to put your trust in SOMETHING be it God, another deity, or the absence of a higher power altogether.
So, the question is... in WHOM do you put your trust? And where will that trust lead you?
Key Text: 1 Tim. 2
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Oct 22, 2023
The Problem of Suffering
"How can an all-powerful, all-good God exist, when there is so much evil and suffering in the world?" This is one of the most popular arguments raised against the existence of God in the West.
Today, we'll analyze this argument as presented by a couple of thinkers, then demonstrate why suffering actually points us to God. And we will also discuss what we as believers can say when we're suffering. What should we ask for? Where is God when we're afraid, discouraged, or in pain?
Key Text: Psalm 121
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Oct 15, 2023
He Is Who the Bible Says He Is
Who is Jesus? Is he a man? Is he God? Is he both?
People all throughout history have debated the identity of Jesus. But we look to Scripture – where Jesus' own words about himself are recorded – to find the truth.
The challenge to the church is to be firm in their commitment to the identity of Jesus and to proclaim His identity to the masses.
Key Text: Matthew 16:13-17
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Oct 8, 2023
It Is What It Says It Is
The Bible is accurate, without error, and holds authority. And today we're going to talk about the proof!
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Oct 1, 2023
Why We Must Seek God
For the last 3 weeks, we've discussed the classic "evidences" that assume someone is searching for meaning, transcendence, and truth. But how do we talk about God to people who no longer care those things?
They might ask things like: If God is everywhere, why do we have to seek Him? If it's so obvious that God exists, why do we need evidence? Why are there so many smart atheists, and why is being a Christian a challenge even for good people? Why do we doubt?
There are many ways to respond to these questions, but today we will focus on three truths:
1) We are weakened by sin, failing to see obvious truths
2) Scripture tells us that we MUST seek God in order to find Him
3) If living in an unbelieving community leads to faithLESSness, then living in a believing community leads to faithFULnes.
Key Text: Acts 17:16-31, Paul on the Aeropagus.
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Sep 24, 2023
The Evidence From Natural Law
We all have an internal, or "natural," desire for justice. That is, when something "wrong" happens, we want something to be done to make it "right."
In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul makes something of a natural law argument (we have the law written on our hearts). So, the fact (truth) that we naturally believe in human rights, justice, ethics, right and wrong, and the like demands that we believe in a higher power to give us these standards. And of course, that higher power is God.
Key Text: Romans 2:14-15
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Sep 17, 2023
The Evidence From Design
The universe we live in is exquisite and exponentially complex! From the vast beauty of outer space to the minuscule, intricate details of atoms... these elements are simply incapable of having evolved randomly over time, and it all points to the existence and intent of an intelligent designer.
Key Texts: Psalm 19:1-6 and Psalm 139:14
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Sep 10, 2023
The Evidence From Cause and Effect
Does God exist? It's a simple, but profound question.
For the next 8 weeks, we will explore the evidence, and today, we will focus on the logic of simple cause and effect. From the very fact that there is a creation, we can infer that there must be a creator. There really is no other conclusion we can derive when we consider all the evidence! It is far more reasonable to believe than it is not to believe.
Key Texts: Isaiah 40:26 and Romans 1:18-20
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Sep 3, 2023
Remembering the Death of Christ
Every week, our church partakes in eating a small wafer of bread and a sip of grape juice. Sometimes we call it Communion, other times we call it The Lord's Supper, and there's a handful of other names that we use to refer to this ritual as well.
Why do we do that? Why is it important to us? Let's talk about it!
Key Text: Matthew 26:26-30
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Aug 27, 2023
All You Need Is Love
We use the word "love" to describe the way we feel about all sorts of things. Of course, we love our family and our friends. And we also love shopping sprees or NASCAR or penguins or Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
But what is love? REAL love?
Why we should we love?
Is there a right way – and a wrong way – to express love?
Today we'll take a look at God's definition of love, given to us in Scripture. And we'll challenge ourselves to choose love as the base line for everything in our lives.
Key Text: 1 John 4:7-12
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Aug 20, 2023
No Small Thing
In John 6:1-13, we are told about a young boy who brought fish and loaves to eat while listening to Jesus preach, and how God used that small meal to feed thousands of people. One reason this story is told (in all four Gospels!) is to remind us that God can take small things and use them for something great.
You can trust that God can use your life — including the small and seemingly unimportant parts — and make something worthwhile of them. God can use you and your efforts to effect great things. Trust Him.
Key Text: John 6:1-13
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Aug 13, 2023
Let’s Shake Up the World!
This Sunday, we are kicking off (in earnest) our Month of the Young Adult. For the rest of the month of August, we're challenging our church to pray for our 18–30+ age group. We are asking that God provide us with the wisdom and resources to make a major impact with college students, young professionals, and young marrieds at North Boulevard and in the surrounding community.
Prayer is a prelude to God moving in such a big way. In Acts 1:12-14, we see the disciples of Jesus obediently waiting in Jerusalem for the promised power of the Holy Spirit. While they waited for a power that would shake the world, they engaged in prayer.
We want to become part of what God wants to do in shaking the world! And the first step is to pray!
Key Text: Acts 1:12-14
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Aug 6, 2023
ExtraOrdinary Faith
Today we are celebrating the grand opening of the new building for our West Campus! This is their first Sunday to worship in the new building, and we are so excited to see how God will use this space to bless our community. Like the birth of a child, new beginnings like this are full of joy, but these beginnings are also a reminder of a very real challenge we face.
When Israel finally conquered the land of promise, Joshua gave his farewell speech, and everyone said the right thing. But, within two generations, things had fallen apart in Israel. We are always only one generation from wasting the precious treasure handed us by others.
Together, let's renew our faith and look on the horizon for the next opportunity God has placed before us all, repenting of sin and standing firm throughout our lifetime.
Key Texts: Joshua 24:14-15 and Judges 2:6-11
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Jul 30, 2023
Church and State 3
There are certain ways that the church (even the institution of the church) should speak openly about ethics in the market place of ideas. Here are seven areas where we must speak the ethics of the Kingdom: 1. The existence and sovereignty of God
2. The sanctity of life
3. The inviolability of truth
4. Religious freedom for Christians
5. The need to defend the family
6. A preference for the poor and mistreated
7. Care for creation
Key Text: Matthew 5:14-16
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Jul 23, 2023
Church and State 2
Today, we continue our series "Church and State," where David makes the case that churches should have low involvement in government because God has given church and state different tasks. Our mission as the church is not "good governance," but making disciples. So, there may be times that we must speak moral or ethical truth to the government, but as a general rule, the church (as an entity) should avoid getting involved in the political process. Individual Christians, however, should be involved in politics, and the church should prefer such.
Key Text: Mark 12:13-17
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Jul 16, 2023
Church and State 1
With the U.S. Presidential Elections right around the corner, it's important for us to pause and contemplate how we think about politics. We get questions about our politics as well as some pressure to make various political statements. What does the Bible teach us about the church and the state?
In this first lesson of a 3-part sermon series, we will discuss both Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:9-17. Each of these Scriptures gives a brief statement about our orientation towards government. We should recognize that government is a gift from God to assure justice is served. The purpose of government, in a nutshell, is to reward good behavior and to punish bad behavior. Our attitude towards government, then, should be one of support. But, when government fails to serve its purpose, we must choose to follow God instead.
Key Text: Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:9-17
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Jul 9, 2023
Speaking Scripture
In scripture, God has given us the words we need to lead others to salvation, build others up, equip them, and teach them. The problem is we are not regularly speaking the very Word of God. For some of us, we simply aren’t reading the Word enough for it to have an impact on our words. For others, we don’t know how to bring it up, or use the words of scripture in everyday life.
In this lesson we will explore how to use scripture at home, among friends, and even at work so you can speak life into others.
Key Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
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Jul 2, 2023
Out of the Overflow
Your words tell a lot about the state of your heart at any given moment. If you have unresolved bitterness and anger, you can guarantee it’s coming out of your mouth. If you have gratitude in your heart, you can likewise be sure that your words will reflect it. Are you always trying to steer the conversation to be about yourself? That’s selfishness in your heart and it needs to be dealt with.
What are your words telling you right now about your heart? What needs to be uprooted from deep down?
If the words are the fruit, the heart is the root. Taming the tongue is only part of the equation.
In this lesson, we will explore how to notice what your words are revealing, and then how to work on your heart to change your words.
Key Text: Luke 6:43-45
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Jun 25, 2023
Life and Death
It’s easy to forget that your words are powerful, until a moment comes that wakes you suddenly to that reality. Your daughter begins to cry because you didn’t filter your harsh reply to her question. Your friend walks out mid conversation because you were reckless with your comments. Your spouse whispers defeat in an argument that you no longer care about winning because you now see the wound you have created. It’s long since been proven that sticks and stones are not the only things that leave people broken.
Sometimes you remember your words matter because a friend smiles deeply at the encouraging compliment you gave them, promising to never forget the words you spoke. Or you find a little note stuck in your son’s wallet because it meant more to him than you realized it ever would. Your words have the power of life and death, and it’s best to realize that now then in your next conversation. Speak life.
Key Text: Proverbs 18:21
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Jun 18, 2023
Real Men Learn How to Love
Happy Father's Day! Today we conclude our "Faith Matters" series with a close look at Jonathan, son of King Saul, and his friendship with David. Their relationship is a prime example of masculine, brotherly love, and it's from them that we learn about the deep bonds formed between men when they fight or "slay dragons" side by side.
The church is intended to be God's provision for our need to love and be loved by others — we are God's loving family! Be encouraged and take another step into richer relationships that help to influence us for good and to fight against loneliness and the sins it can bring.
Key Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-4, Jonathan
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Jun 11, 2023
A Different Perspective
Everyone's heard of the famous faith-filled clash between David and Goliath, but there is more to this story than the allegorical tale of an underdog overcoming unbeatable odds! THIS is the story of what happens when someone has audacious faith in the delivering power of God.
To find such a pocket of faith requires that we see all challenges of life through spiritual lenses, which the Holy Spirit makes possible in the life of the believer.
Key Text: 1 Samuel 17, David
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Jun 4, 2023
Obedience Brings Life
Today, we're taking a crash course on King Saul, whose life was something like a Greek tragedy. Saul started as a regular man in the tribe of Benjamin. God selected him to be the first king of Israel when the people begged for a ruler to be appointed over them. Saul was strong, good looking, and everything the people wanted in a king... until he disobeyed God's instructions on how he should deal with a very wicked enemy.
When God sends Samuel to confront Saul about his actions, he explains that God desires obedience over sacrifice. From this text we learn that obedience is important and disobedience is often tragic.
The Holy War Notes that David referenced can be found in the Choose Life Sermon Series, Lesson 8: "Am I Good Enough?" here: https://www.northboulevard.com/sermon/08-am-i-good-enough%3F
Find David's Book "Resilient" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Resilient-Standing-Firm-Hostile-World/dp/1959467050
Key Text: 1 Samuel 15:1-28
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May 28, 2023
Answering the Call
Samuel grew up serving the Lord, training to be a priest in the temple. Then, God called him to the even larger role of prophet. And his first task was to bring some devastating news to the man who had trained him.
God has a calling for each of us, but how do we know what that calling is? And once we understand our calling... how do we follow through with it as obedient followers of Christ?
Key Text: 1 Samuel 3, Samuel
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May 21, 2023
Passing Down the Faith
Raising the next generation to know and love the Lord is the most important thing any of us can do with our lives. For many, it might look like discipling a friend or younger Christian. For parents, that looks like intentionally discipling their children at home.
We all play a role in passing down the faith, and this is a responsibility we must take seriously. In today's lesson, we learn from the story of Eli the priest what can happen if we don't.
Key Text: 1 Samuel 2, Eli
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May 14, 2023
It’s Out of My Hands
Happy Mother's Day! Today, we begin our new series, "Faith Matters," and while this is not a mother-specific sermon, we will be talking about how a woman named, Hannah, dealt with a very difficult and emotional situation and eventually became a mother.
After yearly torment and taunting from her husband's second wife, Peninnah, Hannah approached God by faith and in prayer, asking Him to put His hands on a situation that was out of her hands. She specifically asked God for a son, whom she vowed to give back to Him in the process.
Hannah beautifully exemplifies how we should deal with our own “impossible” situations. She shows us why faith really matters!
Key Text: 1 Samuel 1,
Hannah
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May 7, 2023
Rise Up and Say Yes
Today's sermon is a follow-up to "The New You" sermon series, where we will take a look at the book of Philemon, which is only 1 chapter long.
Philemon was a member of the church in Colossae, and he was a good friend of the apostle Paul. In this brief letter, Paul specifically asks Philemon to do something quite extraordinary — to receive a runaway slave back as a brother and a "man" (an important concept, since Romans did not always consider slaves as "men" or "women").
Many of us have a call from God to do something extraordinary, too ... perhaps extraordinarily hard. For the Kingdom to flourish, and for us to grow, we must do the hard thing. Forgive someone who deeply hurt us. Reconcile with someone we haven't seen in years. Start that ministry that we've dreamed about. Give generously to some initiative. Give up some sin.
Whatever your calling is, you will be blessed when you step into it.
Key Text: Philemon 8-21
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Apr 30, 2023
Honoring Paul as He Follows Jesus
Why did Paul feel that the letters he wrote to one church should be shared with other churches? How did those letters become canonized in the Bible? How do we know that things Paul wrote are really the Word of God?
Today we will take a glimpse into the mind and work of Paul and the nature of inspiration. We'll discuss the early workings and development of the canon, of which Paul is an important contributor. And we'll remind ourselves of the importance of obedience to the canon Scriptures.
Key Text: Colossians 4:18
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Apr 23, 2023
Be the Church
Why can't I just follow Jesus in my heart? Why do I have to belong to a church? And if I do become a member, how do I make the most of my time at church?
Today, we will explore how and why the early followers of Jesus formed a tight-knit Christian community. And we'll offer practical ways to immerse yourselves in the life of the church.
Prayer Wall:
Last week, our congregation wrote down the names of people they knew who don't know Jesus and placed them in the rock wall on stage. Our online members were able to submit names via text message
This week, we encouraged church members to come up to the stage after the service in order to take a name and pray for that person.
If you are watching or listening online, you can participate by texting "PRAYER" to the number 615-560-7729. We will respond with the first name of a real person for you to pray for!
Key Text: Colossians 4:7-17
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Apr 16, 2023
Living in an Unbelieving World
We all know that we are called to share the Gospel with the lost, but maybe you're nervous or don't know where to start.
Start with prayer! Prayer is a CRITICAL tool for making disciples. We must make the most of every opportunity since the souls of the world are at stake!
Prayer Wall:
Our congregation was asked to write down the name of a person they know who is lost on a slip of paper. And then we rolled up those pieces of paper and placed them between the rocks in the wall on our stage — similar to the Western "Wailing" Wall in Jerusalem where Jews leave their prayer requests.
If you are watching or listening online, you can participate by texting "PRAYERWALL" to the number 615-560-7729. Then send the first name of one person you know who doesn't know Jesus.
Key Text: Colossians 4:2-6
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Apr 9, 2023
Easter is the Road to a New Creation
It's no secret that we all experience difficulties in our lives. These trials shape us into who we are... either tearing us down or making us stronger. It is BECAUSE we undergo hardship in this life, that we don't know exactly what a person will become.
Jesus was crucified and laid in a tomb, and that appeared to be the end of everything. But then He rose from the grave victorious! In the same way, at the resurrection, we will find all our sorrows undone and the burdens of this life reversed in an eternal act of glory.
Key Text: Colossians 3:1-4
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Apr 2, 2023
The Christian and Homosexuality
As Christians, we are called to love and share the Gospel with our neighbors who live contrary to what we believe. But many of us struggle with HOW to do that. We don't want to say something wrong or offend anyone, so we end up just avoiding the topic altogether.
Our guest speaker, Guy Hammond, personally knows and understands this struggle, and he has helped thousands of Christians bridge the gap between themselves and their neighbors.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear Guy's story and learn how to love and share Christ without compromising true Biblical instruction!
Learn more about Guy's ministry, Strength in Weakness, at https://www.strengthinweakness.org/
Watch Guy's movie "Finding Guy" on YouTube.
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey8BEWOg6Vw
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvtKzTfYwbo
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teApciLVJJw
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Mar 26, 2023
Work as Serving the Lord
When Americans hear the word "slavery," we specifically think of it in terms of a person owning another person as property, which Scripture proclaims is an evil act on the same level as murder!
In the days of the Roman Empire, when the New Testament was being written, the word slavery had multiple, commonplace definitions. For example, a family who owed an enormous debt might agree to serve in the home of a wealthier family in order to work to pay off their debts. That practice, which we would call "indentured servitude" isn't very common today, but in the 1st century, it was referred to as "slavery." Same word, different meanings.
We can still apply the teachings of Paul in Colossians 3:23 to our lives today, though! We are all called to work, and Scripture instructs us to do our work as if we're doing it for Jesus!
Key Text: Colossians 3:22-4:1
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Mar 19, 2023
Building a Christ-like Home
In Colossians 3:18-21, Paul focuses on giving instructions to each member of the family unit, specifying how they are to treat one another.
Today, we will take a practical approach with each of these commands for husbands, wives, and their children, and we will address some of the fears that accompany them. Come be inspired and challenged!
Key Text: Colossians 3:18-21
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Mar 12, 2023
Train Yourself to Practice Love
Is it possible to "reprogram" our automatic response to life circumstances? How can we make kindness our first response? How about singing? Gratitude?
When you learn to make the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-17 your response, then the work of the Spirit will flourish in your life!
And we begin by practicing these concepts together in the church community – especially when it's difficult to do so. How do I practice patience when someone makes it hard for me to do my ministry? Or when someone says something ugly about me? Or when someone leaves the church?
Key Text: Colossians 3:12-17
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Mar 5, 2023
Baptize Your Feelings
We were not intended to have ethical vices; instead, we were designed to live virtuous lives! But because of sin, our natural feelings (pain, fear, etc.) become sources of vices (anger, lying, slander, etc.). The work of Christ is to take us back to the "natural" state of humanity (as we were in Eden) through the work of the Holy Spirit.
But how do we allow the Spirit to work this change in our lives? According to Paul, it starts in the mind. The Holy Spirit offers to "reset" our minds, allowing us to react differently to the pains, fears, mistreatments, and deprivations of life.
Key Text: Colossians 3:8-11
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Feb 26, 2023
Be Holy in All You Do
Colossians 3 contains a call to holiness, calling Christians to avoid sexual immorality, greed, rage, and coarse language. (As such, this sermon will deal with mature "PG-13" topics.)
In our culture, we have two major ethical systems that compete with one another — hedonism v. holiness. Both ideologies dictate how people should live their lives. With hedonism, the highest value is placed on seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, and it includes phrases like "if it feels good, do it" and "as long as it makes you happy." On the other hand, biblical holiness is guided by obedience to God's will, whether or not it "feels good" to do in the moment.
God calls us to be holy in all areas of our lives because He designed us to truly thrive within a holy lifestyle. Anything outside of God's plan is subpar and ultimately destructive. When it comes to our finances, our eating habits, our speech, and our relationships, God's plan is divinely superior, and the same is true in our sex lives. He cr…
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Feb 19, 2023
Look Up!
This week we get to the heart of the sermon series title — since Christ is who He is (Colossians 1), and since we will reject heresy (Colossians 2), we can be a new person in Christ. The old has died, the new has come!
As a new person in Christ:
1) We set our hearts—our affections, our loves—on heavenly things
2) We set our minds—our thoughts, concerns, philosophy, interests—on things above, not on things on earth
3) We live longing for the revealing of Christ at the second coming
Key Text: Colossians 3:1-4
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Feb 12, 2023
Inoculate Yourself Against Heresy
Last week, we talked about 2 major heresies that the American church struggles with. This week, we will go over a few practical things that we can do to help us remain faithful to Jesus and avoid falling for heresy.
Key Text: Colossians 2:13-24
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Feb 5, 2023
Resist False Teaching
Just like the Christians in Colossae, our society is also plagued with heresies. And if we do not clearly address and resist them — these false teachings can cost the church it's life and the believer his or her soul.
It's easy to spot a heretical notion by asking a few simple questions:
Does it follow Scripture even when it hurts?
Are sin and salvation the main concerns?
Is Christ (rather than our pleasures) at the center?
Is it self-serving?
David's Book "A Grand Illusion"
https://renew.org/ebook/grand-illusion/
David's Interview with Alisa Childers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R4zPAoY9yw
Key Text: Colossians 2:1-12
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Jan 29, 2023
Spiritual Grown Ups
In our text this week Paul tells us the purpose behind his work in ministry: to present the church MATURE in Christ. To be mature is to be fully grown, complete, and not lacking.
We all start as babies in the faith, but like all living things, we were designed to grow. Starting out as a baby is expected, remaining that way is a tragedy.
Our worst decisions in life are attributed to spiritual immaturity; many of the problems we experience in our relationships can be attributed to spiritual immaturity; and God does not trust the spiritually immature with heaven's resources as he does with the spiritually mature person.
On the other hand, your best decisions are on the other side of spiritual maturity. Your sweetest moments in relationships will be enjoyed once you experience more spiritual maturity. And God will begin to entrust you with more responsibility and authority as you mature and prepare yourself to receive from Him.
So how do we become spiritually mature?
In this sermon, D…
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Jan 22, 2023
Your First and Your Best
In our text today, Paul clearly states who Christ is: Jesus is supreme. Jesus is sufficient. All creation (past & present) is made through Him and FOR Him. And through His blood, He is reconciling all things to God the Father.
As Christians, it isn't hard to nod and agree with these statements. Our difficulty is living consistently with what we know to be true about Jesus.
The truth is, Jesus is first. And He deserves our first and our best. Today we'll talk about practical ways we can live out our faith, and give Jesus what He deserves!
Key Text: Colossians 1:15-23
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Jan 15, 2023
Knowing the Will of God
Today we'll explore the difference between knowing about God vs knowing God Himself.
You are invited to have a relationship with him through experience.
Key Text: Colossians 1:9-14
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Jan 8, 2023
Why We Make Disciples
Epaphras was only mentioned in the Bible 3 times, but we know that he was the disciple-maker who shared the Gospel with the people of Colossae and helped establish the church there. When he shared Christ with the Colossians, he broke through their pagan worldview with Christ's virtues of faith, hope, and love.
Our increasingly pagan world still needs that exact same message of faith, hope, and love. That is why each and every one of us must commit to make disciple-making a priority in out lives.
In today's lesson, we'll go over some practical ways that you can do this!
Key Text: Colossians 1:3-8
Key Topics: Disciple-making, church planting, sharing your faith, evangelism
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Jan 1, 2023
Who's Who
This week, we begin a new sermon series on the book of Colossians. This 4-chapter book is an epistle, or letter, written by the Apostle Paul to the church in the small city of Colossae, which was known for mishmashing different religious beliefs and practices together, including Paganism, Christianity, and Judaism.
In his letter, Paul encourages the Colossians to withstand the cultural pressures around them by living as holy followers of Jesus who are fully devoted to one another.
This is still an important message for us today as the world around us becomes increasingly hostile towards us and our values. We cannot compromise or cave, but we must remain holy in all we do. And to help us in this, we stand together as family.
Key Text: Colossians 1:1-2
Key Topics: Colossians, Apostle Paul, holiness, Christian values, stand firm
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Dec 25, 2022
The Cradle that Rocked the World
Isn't it amazing? God can use seemingly insignificant things — a farming town, a poor, foreign widow, and a randomly selected field — all to save humanity!
It was God who brought that poor widow (Ruth) to that farming town (Bethlehem), where she would randomly choose to glean in a filed belonging to Boaz, a distant relative of her late husband, who redeemed her through marriage. And Jesus was born from their lineage as the one who would redeem the world through his sacrifice!
In the same way, God can take the insignificant moments in our life — simple decisions, acts of righteousness or love, even our pain — and do something awesome with them. Since this is true, we can look at the sacredness of all that we do.
God is working ALL things together for our good. Merry Christmas!
Key Text: Ruth 4:13-22
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Dec 18, 2022
The Beauty of Marriage
It's no secret that marriage and family are a high priority for God. Scripture gives us a lot of instruction and anecdote about how marriage and family relations should (and shouldn't) be.
It's particularly important for us, as Christians, to view marriage through the lens of the Spiritual even more than we do through the lens of the physical.
Key Texts: Ruth 4:1-12 & Galatians 5:18-24
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Dec 11, 2022
The Power of Redemption
The words "redemption" and "redeemer" appear many times in Ruth chapter 3. This describes the Israelites' social custom of rescuing family members from poverty, which is what Boaz did when he married Ruth and provided for her and Naomi.
Just think about how beautiful and life changing and that act of faithfulness would be not just for the rescued, but for the rescuer, too!
We still have the opportunity to be redeemers today, with that same life changing effect. We can look beyond our own hurts and struggles to redeem our relationships because we know that God has redeemed us through Jesus!
Key Text: Ruth 3:1-18
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