Eagle's Landing Sermons

Episoder

• The Great Commission 07.08.2022

  “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” — Matthew 28:18-20 1. The purpose of man. “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” — Matthew 28:18-20 What is the mission of God? The mission of God is to restore a fallen/broken people back to Himself. Our role is to love and obey the King. The Great Commission is not merely a suggestion from a friend; it’s a royal edict from the King. When we obey Jesus’ command: - Our obedience humbles us. - Our obedience is an expression of our love for Him. Going is not an option. 2. The power and presence of God. “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…’” — Matthew 28:18 “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20 You are not alone in your going. Application 1. The God of the Bible is a God on mission. He calls us to His mission. The Kingdom of God is going to be built by our obedience in going. 2. As children of God, we are saved and sent to be messengers of God. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 If we are only interested in loving people who are deserving, then the reality is that we are not motivated by a love for God, but a love for self.
• The Great Commandment 14.08.2022

  “But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’” — Matthew 22:34–36 “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.’” — Matthew 22:37-40 1. What does it mean to love God? Loving God is about prioritizing Him above everything else. Love God with all your heart. JESUS FIRST Love God with all your soul. Love God with all your mind. The things you put in your mind will become the things that rule your heart. The process of loving God with our minds: Step 1: Bible Intake Step 2: Clear and Correct Thinking About God Step 3: An Emotional Embrace of God 2. What does it mean to love people? “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11 The reason many of us don’t love like God is because many of us have not been affected by the love of God. - The love of God is undeserving. - The love of God is self-sacrificing. - The love of God is forgiving. - The love of God is incarnational. “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” — 1 John 4:12
• We Are The Movement 21.08.2022

  The church is a movement of God. “In the first book, O Theophilus…” — Acts 1:1a “…I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.” — Acts 1:1-2 “He [Jesus] presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” — Acts 1:3 “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” — Acts 1:4-5 The most dangerous (and pointless) thing we can do is try to do God’s work without God’s Spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 “So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’” — Acts 1:6 “He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” — Acts 1:7-8 Their hearts were gripped by the gospel. They were surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit. They were completely devoted to the mission. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 The Kingdom of God moves through the witness of His people. The church is not a cruise ship; it’s an aircraft carrier. When my heart is full, my mouth will sing. We cannot minimize the necessary role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We Need to Know: - The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin. - The Holy Spirit dwells in believers permanently. - The Holy Spirit illuminates Christ to his people. God wants to do a work IN and THROUGH His people.
• Filled With The Spirit 28.08.2022

  The church is a movement of God. We can’t do God’s work apart from God’s Spirit. “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.” — Acts 2:1 “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.” — Acts 2:2 “And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.” — Acts 2:3 “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” — Acts 2:4 “Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound he multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.” — Acts 2:5-6 “And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?” — Acts 2:7-8 “Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” — Acts 2:9-11 “And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others mocking said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’” — Acts 2:12-13 1. The Holy Spirit is the gift given to all believers. Every believer is a missionary. 2. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive all of him. “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.” — Acts 2:2 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” — Acts 2:4 The Holy Spirit in you makes a difference, and the outsider can detect that difference.
• The Gospel of King Jesus 04.09.2022

  God sent the Holy Spirit to send us to proclaim the Gospel of King Jesus. 1. God has fulfilled his promises [Acts 2:14–21] A Spirit-filled church will be a Word-filled church. When God’s word is preached, it demands our attention. Being Spirit-filled results in the gospel being on the tip of your tongue. 2. God’s Son, Jesus, is the reigning King who offers salvation [Acts 2:22–36] 3. God’s Spirit is the King’s generous gift to his people [Acts 2:33] 4. We must respond to the Gospel of King Jesus [Acts 2:37–41]
• A Spirit-Filled Church - Pt. 1 11.09.2022

  “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… — Acts 2:42 “…praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:47 Undeniable Characteristics of a Spirit-Filled Church: 1. They were intimate with God. They were intimate with God through the Word. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” — Acts 2:42 The Holy Spirit’s presence leads to an obsession with the Holy Spirit’s book. They were intimate with God through prayer. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” — Acts 2:42 “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Be constant in prayer, always…” — Romans 12:12 2. They were involved with one another. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” — Acts 2:42 People are looking for a place to belong. We GROW together as a family. 3. They were imparting the gospel to the world. We must show and tell the world who Jesus is.
• The Spirit Filled Church - Pt. 2 18.09.2022

  Characteristics of a Spirit-filled Church 1. They were obsessed with the presence of God. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” — Acts 2:42 Are you obsessed with the presence of God? 2. They were filled with the power of God. “And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” — Acts 2:43 The signs and wonders in Scripture are connected to the redemptive work of Christ. “To encounter the living, holy, and all-gracious God truly means that we cannot contain ourselves. He is not a truth to be known unaffectedly, or a good to be received listlessly. Seen clearly, the dazzling beauty and splendor of God must cause our hearts to quake.” — Michael Reeves, Rejoice and Tremble When the Spirit of God fills the people of God, the power of God is made visible. 3. They were sold out for God’s people. “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts…” — Acts 2:44-46 “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” — Hebrews 3:13 “Do not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some…” — Hebrews 10:25 God’s people are designed for community. If we want to become a Spirit-filled church, we must move from being guests to becoming a family. We GROW together as a family. “And all who believed were together and had all things in common.” — Acts 2:44 4. They were marked by the favor of God. “…praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:47 The Spirit-filled church is one characterized by joy and gladness.
• The Miracles and Message in the Movement 02.10.2022

  Miracles display the power of God for the purpose of verifying and advancing the message of God. “Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s.” — Acts 3:1-11 1. God can move in a BIG way in routine situations. God wants to use the routines of your life as an arena for a great move of God! 2. Our job is not to give people what they want, but to give them what they need. “And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ ” — Acts 3:4-6 “…he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” — Acts 3:8 3. We can miss God work when we’re comfortable. Q1: Does God still do miracles today? Q2: Why does God do miracles? - Sometimes God heals as an act of compassion. - God heals as a sign of the coming Kingdom of God. - Sometimes God heals as a witness to non-Christians (both as warnings and invitation). - Sometimes God heals to motivate Christians to worship. Q3: Will everyone who prays in faith receive healing? - Some will be healed immediately. - Some will be healed eventually. - All will be healed ultimately.
• Yes, God Can Do It Again 09.10.2022

  When the people of God are filled with the Spirit of God it leads to a movement of God…but the movement will always have opposition. “By what power or by what name did you do this?” — Acts 4:7 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” — Acts 4:8a The Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold. “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man…’” — Acts 4:8-9a When you live for God, you can expect criticism for doing good. “…by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.” — Acts 4:9b-10 The greatest evidence of the power of God is a changed life. “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:11-12 “The stone which the builders have rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” — Psalm 118:22 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” — Acts 4:13 “But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, ‘What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.’ So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” — Acts 4:14-18 “But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot (help) but speak of what we have seen and heard.’” — Acts 4:19-20 Responses to Opposition: 1. Personal Testimony. 2. Prayer. “And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old. When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.” — Acts 4:21-23 “And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit…’” — Acts 4:24-25a A right perspective elevates your faith. “Lord God, who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm, there is nothing too hard for you…” — Jeremiah 32:17 “…Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” — Acts 4:25b-31 You have done great things. Do it again!
• All In 16.10.2022

  “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property…” — Acts 5:1 “For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.” — Acts 4:34-35 As followers of Jesus, we ought to be the most generous people on earth. The more we fix our eyes on Jesus, the more generous we will become. “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” — Acts 5:1-2 “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” — Acts 5:3-4 When the people of God are filled with the enemy of God the movement of God is hindered. “When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.” — Acts 5:5-6 “After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, ‘Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.’” — Acts 5:7-8a “And she said, ‘Yes, for so much.’ But Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.’ Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.” — Acts 5:8b-11 1. Giving should not be done out of duty, but delight. “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 2. Beware of what rules your heart. 3. We can hide from people, but we cannot hide from God. 4. God takes sin seriously.
• Deacons Save The Church 23.10.2022

  “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.” — Acts 6:1 1. The church is experiencing growing pains. Growth brings a perceived lack of care. Complaints are the gateway to division. Growth leads to unrealistic expectations of leadership. 2. The church is experiencing a cultural conflict. “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.’” — Acts 6:2 New challenges/problems call for new leadership. “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” — Acts 6:3-4 “And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.” — Acts 6:5 “These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.” — Acts 6:6 “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” — Acts 6:7 The appointment of deacons has missional impact. DEACON A servant of Christ who demonstrates the character of Christ, follows the wisdom of Christ, and serves the needs of the Body of Christ. “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 3:8-13 We need to support and appoint church leaders (deacons). We must do whatever it takes to reach the lost. Small Things Lead to Big Things. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Acts 1:8
• Jesus is King 30.10.2022

  The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. — Matthew 1:1
• 32: An Anniversary Celebration 06.11.2022

  Celebrating 32 years of ministry at Eagle's Landing.
• Do You Adore Jesus? 04.12.2022

  “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and we have come to worship him.’” — Matthew 2:1-2 1. Who are the wise men? “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem…” — Matthew 2:1 “There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers…” — Daniel 5:11 2. What did the wise men do? “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” — Matthew 2:2 They ascribe majesty to Him. “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” — Matthew 2:2 “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled…” — Matthew 2:3 “…and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.”
— Matthew 2:4 They worshiped Him. “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” — Matthew 2:2 “…and they fell down and worshiped him.”
— Matthew 2:11 3. How did the wise men do it? “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:10-11 “they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” (v. 10) “they fell down and worshiped him.” (v. 11) “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.” — Matthew 2:11 “they offered him gifts.” (v. 11) "…then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:11
• A Gift of Grace 11.12.2022

  Our greatest need is the gift of God’s grace! “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the LORD said, ‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” — Genesis 6:5-8 1. We are created to love and adore God. Your love for God shapes your living for God. 2. We chase other lovers. “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” — Genesis 6:5 “What’s the greatest commandment? To love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22 “Christ died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” — 2 Corinthians 5:15 So the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” — Genesis 6:7 3. Our greatest need is the gift of God’s grace. “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” — Genesis 6:8
• A Life of Adoration 18.12.2022

  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 We See The Christmas Story in These Four Names of Jesus: 1. Wonderful Counselor 2. Mighty God 3. Everlasting Father 4. Prince of Peace
• Life in Christ 01.01.2023

  Life change happens best in meaningful relationships. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.“ — 2 Corinthians 5:17 “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” — 2 Corinthians 5:18 1. We belong to God. “You once were not a people, and now you are the people of God.” — 1 Peter 2:10 Our new identity is found in Christ. To grow stronger in your walk with God: - You must see God for who He is. - You must understand how God sees you. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” — Ephesians 2:19 “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” — 1 John 3:1 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 2. We belong to each other. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:10 We share the same assignment.
• Living in Gospel Community 08.01.2023

  Living together in gospel-centered community requires commitment. 1. We must be committed to Jesus and his people (vs. 1–2) “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:1-2 Building gospel-centered community that lasts takes time and commitment. 2. We must be committed partners in the gospel (vs. 3–8) “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:3–8 Gospel partnership produces gratitude (vs. 3–5) Gospel partnership produces confidence (v. 6) Gospel partnership produces affection (vs. 7-8) 3. We must be committed to growing in Christlikeness (vs. 9–11a) “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ…” — Philippians 1:9–11a Full of Christ’s Love (v. 9) Full of Christ’s Righteousness (v. 11a) 4. We must be committed to the glory of God (v. 11b) “…to the glory and praise of God.” — Philippians 1:11b The glory of self is the greatest opponent to the glory of God.
• Life of Generosity 15.01.2023

  Life change happens best in meaningful relationships. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Luke 12:32-34 1. Generosity begins with trusting God. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” — Luke 12:32 We amplify Christ when we fully trust Him with our “little.” When Trusting God, We Are Revealing: 1. Our greatest treasure is God; the good Shepherd. “The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23 When Trusting God, We Are Revealing: 2. Our greatest treasure is God, the good Father. “For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.” — Luke 12:30 Beware of prescribing to God what you think you “need”. Instead, trust that He knows what you really need. When Trusting God, We Are Revealing: 3. Our greatest treasure is God; the good King. 4. Our greatest treasure is God, the most generous Giver. 5. Our greatest treasure is God, the source of our joy. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” — Matthew 7:11 Generosity is trusting that God can do more with your 90% than you can do with your 100%. 2. Generosity leads to heavenly vision. “Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.” — Luke 12:33 3. Generosity transforms the heart. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Luke 12:34 “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” — Luke 16:13 The greatest example of generosity is the life of Christ.
• A Life of Service 22.01.2023

  “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” — Philippians 2:1-2 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” — Philippians 2:3-5 “…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:6-11 1. A servant is sacrificial. “…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…” — Philippians 2:6 All that Jesus has in His divinity became a channel of giving rather than a conduit for getting. 2. A servant becomes less so others can become more. “…but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” — Philippians 2:7 3. A servant is obedient no matter the cost. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” — Philippians 2:8 Being an obedient servant is more about being than it is about doing. 4. A servant who seeks the glory of his Master will be rewarded. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:9-11 Deacons help with the practical work of ministry as delegated by the elders of the church. “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 3:8–13 Not all of us are called to become Deacons (the office), but all are called to deacon (serve).