ARCC Sermons

As we approach the cross we can begin to see why it would end up being a stumbling block and offensive to so many. We see why it would never seem like a practical solution to any problem much less the problem of evil. Why would God choose the death of His Son on a cross to be the climax of His grand story?

Additional Scripture References:

Psalm 37:4; 1 Corinthians 1:20-25; Luke 6:20-26

What we learn from Jesus’ human frailty.

Additional Scripture References:

Hebrews 5:7; 4:15-16; Matthew 6; Luke 6:20-26

Jesus had an incredible message for His disciples when He was telling them of their future failure. Because they were all trapped on the vicious cycle of trying to morally outdo one another they were blinded. God graciously ordains failure in our life in order to show us this incredibly freeing truth of His grace.

Additional Scripture References:

Zechariah 13:7-9; Isaiah 53:5

Observing the Lord’s Supper or Communion is remembering the high price that was paid in order to offer a free gift of infinite worth. Let us feel the humility, the gratitude, and the hope that comes with the observance of WHAT was purchased through Christ’s blood on the cross: A BETTER COVENANT WITH BETTER PROMISES.

Additional Scripture References:

Isaiah 53:5; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 8:6-12; Exodus 19:5-8; Titus 3:4-7; Jeremiah 31:31-33; 32:38-40; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26-27; Hebrews 13:20-21; Revelation 19:6-9; 1 Corinthians 11

God is making His appeal in and through those whom He has claimed for Himself! If you are in Christ then you have been raised up for a purpose.

Additional Scripture References:

Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 3:20; 23-25; Colossians 213-15; Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Last week you have this “beautiful thing…” done by a woman and we celebrate it as being a part of the preparations of the death of Christ. This week we see a horrific thing and yet we are to celebrate it as being a part of the preparations of the death of Christ. If you are boasting in the cross of Christ then you are celebrating God and His sovereign hand that brought ALL of it to pass.

Additional Scripture References:

Ephesians 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Exodus 21; Isaiah 14:24-27; 46:9-11; Job 23:13; Luke 22:22, 37; Isaiah 53:12; John 13:17-19; John 17:12; Acts 1:16; 4:27-28; John 3:16; Romans 9:19

The turning point of all of history was days away. Jesus, the Passover Lamb, would have his body, the unleavened bread, broken for our sins. While in Bethany, Mary (Martha’s sister) prepares Jesus for burial in advance by pouring an outrageous amount of expensive perfume over his head. Judas, along with other onlookers, condemn her for the waste. But how could preparing the God of the universe for the most important event in all of history be a waste, even if it cost a year of wages?

Additional Scripture References:

Exodus 4:21, 11:4, 11:9-10, 12:12-13, 12:17-18, 12:29-31, 12:37-39; Matthew 26:1-13; John 11:45-12:8

Oh how bad the curse we feel. Oh the glories His coming will reveal. He’s coming back and He has commanded us to stay awake and be ready for His return. Are you ready?

Additional Scripture References:

Isaiah 14:12-13; 24:18-22; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Isaiah 25:6-9; John 6:63; Deuteronomy 32:47; John 4:34; 6:38; John 17:1; Philippians 2:6-8; 1 Corinthians 9:27

When Christianity is literally life and death there is no room for gray areas. It is in these times when it is clearest who the “sheep” are that Jesus speaks of in John 10.

Additional Scripture References:

John 10:25-30; Romans 8:6-10; Galatians 6:17

Jesus is wanting to encourage His disciples to equate "the end" with running harder than ever, striving after His word and His promises, and pursuing righteousness like never before. Ultimately, Christ is calling on us to rest in the bitter-sweetness of our insufficiency that brings to light God's gracious, sovereignty.

Additional Scripture References:

Mark 9:35; 12;36; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-15: 2 Corinthians 4:17; Colossians 1:5-6; Ephesians 1:4; 13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Corinthians 1:22