Sermons from 2015

His Name Is Jesus

Jesus came to meet humanity’s greatest need. Our greatest need is not to address climate change, eliminate the rich/poor gap, or to usher in democracy in every country. Rather the greatest need we have is to be reconciled to a holy and just God who we are born separated from because of our sin. Do you see that? Have you truly encountered the Christ through the power of the gospel? Jesus came to save his people from their sins. What…

Spiritual Leaders of God’s Flock

A repeated theme is seen the the New Testament. God has ordained that a plurality of elders or pastors be the spiritual leaders of God’s flock. Their task is to stand firm in the gospel fix their eyes on the future glory of Jesus Christ and lead the flock to do the same.

Elders and the Congregation in Concert

How are you going to obey the words of God, “Obey your leaders and submit to them”? We must understand this text, the relationship between elders and the congregation, if we are going to see us grow together as a church. God has put order into his creation and into his church. May we humbly be counter-cultural by heeding this word and submitting to God-given authority.

Elders in the Local Church

We look at the qualifications for elders (also called overseers, bishops or pastors) from this text in 1 Timothy. What we see is three main qualifications (a desire for the ministry of oversight; godly character; and the ability to lead and to teach). These qualities must be found in a man if he is to join other godly men in leading the household of God.

A Model for Our Times

Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of his own example and gives them a charge. A three-fold watch to watch themselves, the flock, and false teaching. We learn here what an elder or pastor looks like and what they do.

Flee Sexual Immorality

Sexual immorality is an especially serious sin. What are the tools to fight such sin? Laws? Will power? This passage wonderfully demonstrates how our identity in Christ is the power to fight serious sin. This text reminds us of the future bodily resurrection, our oneness with Christ, our bodies being temples of the Holy Spirit, and that God bought us with a high price. It’s remembering who we are that is going to give us the strength to flee immorality…

Such Were Some of You

We are not to be deceived, those who live immorally will not inherit the kingdom of God. A bold and stark warning. Thankfully this is not the end of the story. God has provided a way of forgiveness, a way of righteousness through Jesus Christ.

Handling Church Grievances

Want to win a fight in church? This this sermon is a must. We learn from this passage on how we are to handle grievances inside the church. Certainly all Christians must practice greater self-denial for the sake of Christ and his church.

Purging Immorality

Why do we and why must we keep the church pure by purging immoral “brothers”? This text is the longest text in the Bible about church discipline.