Living out the Radical Call of Jesus
Series Resumes Sunday, February 3, 2008
In this series of messages from The Gospel of Matthew, all persons are encouraged to embrace the claims of Christ and believers are challenged to live out the radical call of Jesus, to crown Him King in all of life. Persons who embrace Christ and who follow His call find life to be a truly fulfilling experience.
Sermon Text for Sunday, February 3, 2008: Matthew 9:9-13 (NKJV)
[9] As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. [10] Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. [11] And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” [12] When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
What is the Lord showing you from this passage? Your observations and insights into the text are welcomed and encouraged.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
January 13, 2008 Matthew 5:43-48
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Sermon Text: Matthew 5:43-48 (NKJV)
[43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ [44] But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? [48] Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
CROWN HIM KING! Living out the Radical Call of Jesus
In this series of messages from the Gospel of Matthew, all persons are encouraged to embrace the claims of Christ and believers are challenged to live out the radical call of Jesus, to crown Him king in all of life. Persons who embrace the claims of Christ and who follow His call find life to be a truly fulfilling experience. Plan on joining us for this series of messages as together we discover what it means to Crown Him King!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sermon Text: Matthew 5:43-48 (NKJV)
[43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ [44] But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? [48] Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
CROWN HIM KING! Living out the Radical Call of Jesus
In this series of messages from the Gospel of Matthew, all persons are encouraged to embrace the claims of Christ and believers are challenged to live out the radical call of Jesus, to crown Him king in all of life. Persons who embrace the claims of Christ and who follow His call find life to be a truly fulfilling experience. Plan on joining us for this series of messages as together we discover what it means to Crown Him King!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sunday, December 16, 2007
December 23, 2007 Luke 2:21-35
CHRISTMAS THROUGH THEIR EYES
Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas
This Week's Sermon Text: Luke 2:21-35 (NKJV)
[21] And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
[22] Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord [23] (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”), [24] and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
[25] And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. [26] And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. [27] So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, [28] he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
[29] “ Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
[30] For my eyes have seen Your salvation
[31] Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
[32] A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.” [33] And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. [34] Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against [35] (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
What is God showing you this week? Your observations and insights into this passage are welcomed.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas
This Week's Sermon Text: Luke 2:21-35 (NKJV)
[21] And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
[22] Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord [23] (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”), [24] and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
[25] And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. [26] And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. [27] So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, [28] he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
[29] “ Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
[30] For my eyes have seen Your salvation
[31] Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
[32] A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.” [33] And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. [34] Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against [35] (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
What is God showing you this week? Your observations and insights into this passage are welcomed.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sunday, December 9, 2007
December 16, 2007 Luke 2:8-20
CHRISTMAS THROUGH THEIR EYES
Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas
This Week's Sermon Text: Luke 2:8-20 (NKJV)
[8] Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. [10] Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. [11] For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: [14] “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
[15] So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” [16] And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. [17] Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[c] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. [18] And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. [19] But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. [20] Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
What is God showing you this week? Your observations and insights into this passage are welcomed and appreciated.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas
This Week's Sermon Text: Luke 2:8-20 (NKJV)
[8] Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. [10] Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. [11] For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: [14] “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
[15] So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” [16] And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. [17] Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[c] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. [18] And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. [19] But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. [20] Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
What is God showing you this week? Your observations and insights into this passage are welcomed and appreciated.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sunday, December 2, 2007
December 9, 2007 Luke 1:26-38
December 9, 2007
CHRISTMAS THROUGH THEIR EYES
Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas
The Christmas season is a wonderful time to invite family, friends, and coworkers to experience the true meaning of Christmas. Each Sunday in December leading up to Christmas we will take a fresh look at the Christmas story through the eyes of the people who first experienced the “good news” of Jesus’ birth. Invite a friend to join you for worship and Bible study this week. Make this a Christmas to remember – a Christmas of faith, hope, and changed lives.
This Week's Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV)
[26] Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, [27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. [28] And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” [29] But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. [30] Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. [32] He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. [33] And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” [34] Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” [35] And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. [36] Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. [37] For with God nothing will be impossible.” [38] Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
What is God showing you this week? Your observations and insights into this passage are welcomed and appreciated.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
CHRISTMAS THROUGH THEIR EYES
Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas
The Christmas season is a wonderful time to invite family, friends, and coworkers to experience the true meaning of Christmas. Each Sunday in December leading up to Christmas we will take a fresh look at the Christmas story through the eyes of the people who first experienced the “good news” of Jesus’ birth. Invite a friend to join you for worship and Bible study this week. Make this a Christmas to remember – a Christmas of faith, hope, and changed lives.
This Week's Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV)
[26] Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, [27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. [28] And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” [29] But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. [30] Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. [32] He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. [33] And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” [34] Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” [35] And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. [36] Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. [37] For with God nothing will be impossible.” [38] Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
What is God showing you this week? Your observations and insights into this passage are welcomed and appreciated.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, November 26, 2007
December 2, 2007 International Mission's Emphasis
December 2, 2007 International Mission's Emphasis Sunday
This Sunday, I will be sharing a mission's message that ties in with our yearly International Mission's emphasis. This year's Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions theme is "Tell Me the Story of Jesus."
I will be using a variety of texts to support this theme, some of them are listed below in the New International Version. Our church's mission's offering goal for 2007 is $10,000. Would you pray about your involvement in missions and what you might give this year to this worthy offering?
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Psalm 67
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us,
Selah
2 that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth.
Selah
5 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
6 Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.
7 God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Isaiah 9:2“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Acts 1:8“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 5:42
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
[14] For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. [15] And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
What is God showing you this week? Your observations and insights into these passages and sermon theme are welcomed and appreciated.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
This Sunday, I will be sharing a mission's message that ties in with our yearly International Mission's emphasis. This year's Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions theme is "Tell Me the Story of Jesus."
I will be using a variety of texts to support this theme, some of them are listed below in the New International Version. Our church's mission's offering goal for 2007 is $10,000. Would you pray about your involvement in missions and what you might give this year to this worthy offering?
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Psalm 67
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us,
Selah
2 that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth.
Selah
5 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
6 Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.
7 God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Isaiah 9:2“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Acts 1:8“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 5:42
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
[14] For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. [15] And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
What is God showing you this week? Your observations and insights into these passages and sermon theme are welcomed and appreciated.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, November 19, 2007
UPDATED! November 25, 2007 Colossians 4:7-18
Dear Readers,
I apologize for my two-week absence from posting my sermon texts. My last several sermons dealing with stewardship were topical in nature and treated a variety of sermon texts. This Sunday, I will conclude the sermon series on the book of Colossians. I hope that you have enjoyed this study as much as I have. On December 2, 2007 I will be preaching on the subject, "Tell Me the Story of Jesus," our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Mission's theme. Beginning December 9, 2007 I will be preaching a brief series on selected biographical passages for Christmas entitled, "Christmas through Their Eyes."
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Sermon Text: Colossians 4:7-18 (NIV)
[7] Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. [8] I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. [9] He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
[10] My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) [11] Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. [12] Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. [13] I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. [14] Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. [15] Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
[16] After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. [17] Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord." [18] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Thoughts on the Text
1. Paul concluded his letter to the Colossians with an extended list of greetings. Ten (10) people, representing a diversity of backgrounds, are mentioned by name.
2. This section may be divided into three parts:
(1) Those who journeyed to the church (4:7-9)
(2) Those who sent greetings (4:10-14)
(3) Those to whom greetings were being sent (4:15-17)
3. Some questions for reflection:
(1) How was the early church instrumental in breaking down barriers between various peoples (e.g., Jew vs. Gentile; Male vs. Female; Slave vs. Freeman)?
(2) What was the source of unity for the early believers?
(3) How was the fellowship of the church nurtured through the various ministry partnerships between believers?
What is God showing you this week? Your observations and insights into this passage are welcomed and appreciated.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
I apologize for my two-week absence from posting my sermon texts. My last several sermons dealing with stewardship were topical in nature and treated a variety of sermon texts. This Sunday, I will conclude the sermon series on the book of Colossians. I hope that you have enjoyed this study as much as I have. On December 2, 2007 I will be preaching on the subject, "Tell Me the Story of Jesus," our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Mission's theme. Beginning December 9, 2007 I will be preaching a brief series on selected biographical passages for Christmas entitled, "Christmas through Their Eyes."
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Sermon Text: Colossians 4:7-18 (NIV)
[7] Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. [8] I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. [9] He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
[10] My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) [11] Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. [12] Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. [13] I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. [14] Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. [15] Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
[16] After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. [17] Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord." [18] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Thoughts on the Text
1. Paul concluded his letter to the Colossians with an extended list of greetings. Ten (10) people, representing a diversity of backgrounds, are mentioned by name.
2. This section may be divided into three parts:
(1) Those who journeyed to the church (4:7-9)
(2) Those who sent greetings (4:10-14)
(3) Those to whom greetings were being sent (4:15-17)
3. Some questions for reflection:
(1) How was the early church instrumental in breaking down barriers between various peoples (e.g., Jew vs. Gentile; Male vs. Female; Slave vs. Freeman)?
(2) What was the source of unity for the early believers?
(3) How was the fellowship of the church nurtured through the various ministry partnerships between believers?
What is God showing you this week? Your observations and insights into this passage are welcomed and appreciated.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
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