Sermons from 2014 (Page 4)
Empty Tomb, No More Empty Life
Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ there is no Christian faith, their is no future hope, and we are of all people most to be pitied. However, the fact that the resurrection is true means that the resurrection gives life to our preaching, gives life to our faith, gives life to our gospel proclamation, gives life to those who have died, and gives life to our future hope.
It Is Finished
The last thing Jesus said while on the cross was a shout, he said “It is finished.” These simple words are loaded with precious eternal truth. For followers of Jesus, this phrase functions as a corrective for our own self-justification and a reminder of what our great Savior did for us in history that has everlasting effect.
The Cost of Discipleship
What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus? What does it mean to deny yourself? This sermon examines Jesus’ difficult challenge. Pastor Tim looks at what it meant practically to the first disciples, and how we are called to live it out today.
Ears to Hear, Eyes to See
Jesus continues to demonstrate that he is the Christ, the Son of God by doing the very things that were spoken of the promised Christ long ago. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, but his ability to see Jesus for who he truly is is still blurred. What Peter is missing is that the Christ must suffer and die as a sacrifice for the sins of his people (Isaiah 53). The question for us is, how do we see…
You Know God
Why do all people find the sunset and sunrise beautiful? Why do all people marvel at the stars and planets? Why is music beautiful to our ears? Why do we find artwork pleasing to the eye? Why do we care about justice? Why do we have guilt?The Bible declares that these things demonstrate that we know God. Is that really the case?
The Heart of Man
The religious leaders continue to confront Jesus. This time Jesus demonstrates that their traditions nullify the commandments of God. Not only that, but their traditions expose their faulty view of man. They believe that what defiles a person comes from the outside. Jesus teaches that what defiles a man comes from within. That is, evil is in the heart of man. The only cure for the human heart is found in Jesus Christ. In him we find forgiveness and grace…
Mission and Misunderstanding
When you’re a disciples of Jesus you will go on mission for him. You will be called to suffer for him. You will be reliant on him and his provision in order to be obedient to him. You will go through times of trial that are God ordained to bring you into a closer dependence and greater faith in Jesus. This is discipleship!
Who then is this?
Jesus amazingly commands a storm to cease, casts out demons, and even raises someone from the dead. His disciples ask, “Who then is this?” This is the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, the promised Messiah, the prince of peace, the Son of God himself. Yet Jesus is greeted by both acceptance and rejection. What about you? As this text demonstrates: Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrates the power of God for those who believe.
Teaching in Parables
What are parables and what purpose did they serve in Jesus’ teaching? Jesus said to his disciples, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.” How should we understand what Jesus is saying here? What is the secret of the kingdom of God that Jesus…
The Parable of the Soils
Jesus authority to teach demands that you listen. So what does a good listener look like? Those who hear: take the word and deny the devil’s lies. Those who hear: endure trials and persecutions. Those who hear: overcome the trappings of the world. Those who hear: accept the word and bear its fruit”love, character, and obedience.
Responding to Jesus
The curious crowds flock to Jesus for healing and to see miracles, but their amazement is different from saving faith. Jesus calls his disciples to be with him, and work with him in preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Finally, his family tries to control him and the scribes attribute his work to Satan. But, Jesus cannot be controlled or bound, rather he has bound Satan and has authority over him. Are you curious about Jesus? Are you a skeptic…
Ritual Blindness
Religious rituals like fasting and Sabbath keeping are the concern of skeptics, rather than concern over who Jesus is and what he does and says. Their focus is on religious ritual and they are blind to the presence of God among them. These rituals are made for us, we are not made for them. Even good, God-given things can become bad when they are elevated above their rightful place.