ARCC Sermons

Additional Scripture References:

2 Timothy 3:7; 1 Corinthians 1:20-31; Luke 14:26

Christmas Celebration 2012

Each year around December, people everywhere are telling others to remember the "reason for the season." However, these efforts are often still exhorting something less than the Advent of Christ. Perhaps in foresight of this, the Apostle John begins his gospel telling us that the Word, who was in the beginning, became flesh and dwelt among us. To us today, this is a reminder that when Jesus was born, God had come to us. This is the reason, the rest are implications.

Additional Scripture References:

1 Corinthians 2:6-12, Colossians 1:15-16, John 8:12-19, John 8:58

The heart of advent is that there truly would be a weightiness and a gravity placed on us as we reflect on the moment Christ made His first appearance in this world. It Is our desire here at ARCC that "advent" season would be a reminder of how truth of Christ's Incarnation and the truth of His expected return is to play Itself outIn our lives every day of our lives.

It is a very worthy question to ask. Jesus is implying that to be saved or to be a follower of Him is to be in relationship with God, the rest of the redeemed, and with those who are not redeemed. Jesus gives both our motivation for asking the question in His picture of heaven and hell as well as the benchmarks to come to a satisfactory answer.

Additional Scripture References:

Rev. 7:9; 1 Co. 12:13, 25-26; Rom. 12:15, 1:8-15; Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; Ps. 42:1-2; Ps. 139:23-24; Gal. 6:14-17; Col. 4:6; Eph. 4:29

Once again we find Jesus sharing with His disciples about His impending death and resurrection. The disciples fail to engage Jesus in this discussion because of their lack of understanding, their fear based on past rebuke, and because there is simply just something else on their mind. Jesus, the great teacher, uses this as an opportunity to teach them the significance of what is going to happen to Him. Jesus is hitting the same nail from a different perspective. What happens to Jesus will have immediate and lasting effects on the lives of each one of the disciples. The "good news" of Jesus isn't to be spoken only, but lived out as well.

Additional Scripture References:

2 Samuel 24:14; 1 Chronicles 21:13; Romans 12:10; Matthew 25:40-45; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5; James 1:27; Matthew 10:22

Praise God for seasons. Praise God for new days. We have two constants. The first is that God never changes and the second is that the world is constantly changing. If you are a follower of Christ you should come to expect change. A work has begun in you. God will be faithful to complete it. The reality of this is that difficult times will pass, but the flip side of the coin is that good things pass as well. To embrace this is to embrace the life with Christ! Change in our lives is God’s grace that allows us to be reminded that we are a part of something greater than ourselves.

Additional Scripture References:

Exodus 24:16; Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 2:9; John 1:45; Deuteronomy 18:15; Malachi 4:5-6; Exodus 33:20; 1 Corinthians 15:35-36; 2 Kings; Isaiah 53; Mark 6:14-29; 2 Cor. 4:9-12; Philippians 3:10-11

The concept of the sovereignty of God is in no way God forcing unwilling people kicking and screaming to do something they don't want to do. Likewise, God shuts the door on no man who is desiring Him. So, therefore, Jesus isn't dragging anyone into this deal. In fact, Jesus is doing the opposite of a sales pitch. This is just an invitation by One who is sold out to being a part of God's sovereign plan and purpose. The only way a man ever chooses, however, to sell out to following Christ is by God's sovereign power and glory and mercy and grace that draws him irresistibly into glad submission. THAT is the Kingdom coming in power!

Additional Scripture References:

Ephesians 5:24-25; Ephesians 6:1-4; Ephesians 4; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 6:12-13; 19-20

To have our hearts and minds set on the things of God means that we are going to experience the pain and pricking of truth upon our lives. It also means we will possibly experience the consequences of living life previously set on the things of this world. To walk through such humiliating a path is also to end in the open, loving, gracious arms of Christ. It is to be reminded of His everlasting love and acceptance of us. In the end, this is an experience often needed to bring us back to being what we were called to be…”mathetes” or disciples of Christ.

Additional Scripture References:

Revelation 3:16-19