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Series:  Above & Beyond
Part 2:  Giving First Fruits to God
Sermon by: Bro. Chris Carter

In this sermon, which is part of a Stewardship Series, Bro. Chris Carter discusses the importance of giving first fruits to God. He emphasizes that handling money is a test from God and reflects our priorities, loyalties, and affections. The sermon identifies three patterns of life-giving firsts:

1. The Pattern of the Firstborn: According to Exodus 13:2, the firstborn belongs to God and must be consecrated or redeemed. This principle extends to giving God the first of one's time, as well.

2. The Pattern of First Fruits: Exodus 23:19a and Proverbs 3:9-10 emphasize bringing the best of the first fruits of one's crops to the house of the Lord. This act of honoring God with one's wealth leads to blessings.

3. The Pattern of the Tithe: The word "tithe" means a tenth, and it refers to giving the first 10% of one's income. Tithing demonstrates faith in God to provide and acknowledges Him as first in one's life.

The sermon underscores that what is given to God is not lost but redeemed, while what is withheld from God leads to loss. It emphasizes the importance of giving to God before knowing if there will be enough, trusting Him to take care of all aspects of life. Tithing is seen as a primary way to acknowledge God as first.

The sermon concludes by emphasizing the blessings experienced by tithers and the hope for a day when all church members tithe, eliminating the need for special offerings or fundraising activities.

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Series:  Above & Beyond
Part 2:  Giving First Fruits to God
Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler

In this sermon, which is part of a Stewardship Series, Pastor Paul Lawler discusses the importance of giving first fruits to God. He emphasizes that handling money is a test from God and reflects our priorities, loyalties, and affections. The sermon identifies three patterns of life-giving firsts:

1. The Pattern of the Firstborn: According to Exodus 13:2, the firstborn belongs to God and must be consecrated or redeemed. This principle extends to giving God the first of one's time, as well.

2. The Pattern of First Fruits: Exodus 23:19a and Proverbs 3:9-10 emphasize bringing the best of the first fruits of one's crops to the house of the Lord. This act of honoring God with one's wealth leads to blessings.

3. The Pattern of the Tithe: The word "tithe" means a tenth, and it refers to giving the first 10% of one's income. Tithing demonstrates faith in God to provide and acknowledges Him as first in one's life.

The sermon underscores that what is given to God is not lost but redeemed, while what is withheld from God leads to loss. It emphasizes the importance of giving to God before knowing if there will be enough, trusting Him to take care of all aspects of life. Tithing is seen as a primary way to acknowledge God as first.

The sermon draws parallels to the story of the fall of Jericho, where all the spoils were consecrated to the Lord because it was the first city conquered in the Promised Land. Disobedience in taking what was consecrated led to a curse.

Pastor Paul quotes Malachi 3:8-9, highlighting the consequences of robbing God by not tithing. They argue that this principle remains relevant, as Jesus also endorsed tithing in Luke 11:42.

The sermon concludes by emphasizing the blessings experienced by tithers and the hope for a day when all church members tithe, eliminating the need for special offerings or fundraising activities.

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Series:  Above & Beyond
Part I:  What God Can Do with All I Have? 
Sermon by: Bro. Chris Carter
Scripture:  John 6:1-14

In the inaugural sermon of our "Above and Beyond" series, Bro. Chris Carter delves into the profound message behind the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 from the book of John, chapter 6. While the story is familiar, Bro. Chris challenges us to see beyond the surface and recognize that it's about more than just the multiplication of bread and fish. He encourages us to view this event as a testament to God's nature and a call to trust in His abundance.

The sermon explores how Jesus tested Philip and Andrew not to tempt them but to reveal their understanding of Him. Philip and Andrew's initial hopelessness in the face of an enormous task reflects the human tendency to focus on our limitations. However, Jesus shows that when we yield what we have to Him, He can multiply it beyond our expectations.

The sermon reinforces the idea that life often presents challenges beyond our capacity, debunking the notion that "God will never give us more than we can handle." Instead, it suggests that God allows us to face overwhelming situations to teach us reliance on Him. Just as Jesus gave Philip more than he could handle, He invites us to trust in His transformative power.

In closing, Bro. Chris encourages us to yield our resources and challenges to Jesus, trusting that He can do something new and creative with them. By doing so, we discover the beauty of stewardship and learn to see our limitations as opportunities for God's abundance to shine through.

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Series:  Above & Beyond
Part I:  What God Can Do with All I Have? 
Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler
Scripture:  John 6:1-14

In the inaugural sermon of our "Above and Beyond" series, Pastor Paul Lawler delves into the profound message behind the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 from the book of John, chapter 6. While the story is familiar, Pastor Lawler challenges us to see beyond the surface and recognize that it's about more than just the multiplication of bread and fish. He encourages us to view this event as a testament to God's nature and a call to trust in His abundance.

Drawing inspiration from the words of Saint Augustine, the sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the deeper meaning behind events in our lives. The context of Passover is explored, highlighting how it represents God's claim on His people, their release from slavery, and His provision for their needs—a message relevant even today.

The sermon explores how Jesus tested Philip and Andrew not to tempt them but to reveal their understanding of Him. Philip and Andrew's initial hopelessness in the face of an enormous task reflects the human tendency to focus on our limitations. However, Jesus shows that when we yield what we have to Him, He can multiply it beyond our expectations.

The sermon reinforces the idea that life often presents challenges beyond our capacity, debunking the notion that "God will never give us more than we can handle." Instead, it suggests that God allows us to face overwhelming situations to teach us reliance on Him. Just as Jesus gave Philip more than he could handle, He invites us to trust in His transformative power.

In closing, Pastor Paul encourages us to yield our resources and challenges to Jesus, trusting that He can do something new and creative with them. By doing so, we discover the beauty of stewardship and learn to see our limitations as opportunities for God's abundance to shine through.

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Series:  The Parables of Jesus
Part 6:  The Prodigal Son
Sermon by: Bro. Chris Carter
Scripture:  Luke 15:11-32

Bro. Chris Carter journeys through the powerful and familiar Parable of the Prodigal Son.

This parable isn't just about a wayward son; it's a profound story about God the Father, His forgiveness, and His boundless joy. In this sermon, he explores how this parable is intricately woven with two preceding parables: The Lost Sheep and The Lost Coin. All three parables culminate in a celebration, revealing the immense joy in the heart of God and in heaven when sinners repent.

We are reminded of God's desire for repentance, as expressed in Ezekiel 18:23: "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?... Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?"

Throughout the sermon, Bro. Chris explores the themes of pride and independence, which the prodigal son initially exhibits when he demands his share of the inheritance and leaves his father's home. His reckless living and squandering of his wealth lead him to a place of destitution and despair.

But then comes a pivotal moment—repentance. At his lowest point, the prodigal son remembers his father's goodness and compassion. He returns home, not as a son, but as a hired servant, fully aware of his unworthiness.

What follows is a powerful illustration of God's grace and mercy. Seeing his son from a distance, the father runs to him, embraces him, and showers him with love and forgiveness. This dramatic reunion highlights the Father's unending love and grace, challenging our misconceptions about legalism and self-righteousness.

In contrast, we are introduced to the older brother, who represents the Pharisees—legalists who struggle with grace. His lack of joy over his brother's return reflects the Pharisees' resentment when Jesus associates with sinners. As we learn, legalism hinders us from appreciating God's grace and sharing it with others.

The sermon ends on a thought-provoking note, leaving us to ponder the older brother's response. Does he repent of his hypocrisy or succumb to anger and resentment? The open ending invites us to reflect on our attitudes toward God's grace and forgiveness.

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Series:  The Parables of Jesus
Part 6:  The Prodigal Son
Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler
Scripture:  Luke 15:11-32

Pastor Paul Lawler journeys through the powerful and familiar Parable of the Prodigal Son.

This parable isn't just about a wayward son; it's a profound story about God the Father, His forgiveness, and His boundless joy. In this sermon, he explores how this parable is intricately woven with two preceding parables: The Lost Sheep and The Lost Coin. All three parables culminate in a celebration, revealing the immense joy in the heart of God and in heaven when sinners repent.

We are reminded of God's desire for repentance, as expressed in Ezekiel 18:23: "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?... Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?"

Throughout the sermon, Pastor Paul explores the themes of pride and independence, which the prodigal son initially exhibits when he demands his share of the inheritance and leaves his father's home. His reckless living and squandering of his wealth lead him to a place of destitution and despair.

But then comes a pivotal moment—repentance. At his lowest point, the prodigal son remembers his father's goodness and compassion. He returns home, not as a son, but as a hired servant, fully aware of his unworthiness.

What follows is a powerful illustration of God's grace and mercy. Seeing his son from a distance, the father runs to him, embraces him, and showers him with love and forgiveness. This dramatic reunion highlights the Father's unending love and grace, challenging our misconceptions about legalism and self-righteousness.

In contrast, we are introduced to the older brother, who represents the Pharisees—legalists who struggle with grace. His lack of joy over his brother's return reflects the Pharisees' resentment when Jesus associates with sinners. As we learn, legalism hinders us from appreciating God's grace and sharing it with others.

The sermon ends on a thought-provoking note, leaving us to ponder the older brother's response. Does he repent of his hypocrisy or succumb to anger and resentment? The open ending invites us to reflect on our attitudes toward God's grace and forgiveness.

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Series:  The Parables of Jesus
Part 5:  The Good Samaritan
Sermon by: Nathan Cook (Missions Dir.)
Scripture:  Luke 10:25-37

In the fifth installment of "The Parables of Jesus" series, Pastor Paul Lawler delves into a profound question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" This question, though somewhat uncomfortable, is essential for all of us to contemplate, especially in light of our inevitable mortality. 

Examining Luke 10:25-37, Pastor Paul explores the encounter between a man seeking to test Jesus and the subsequent parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus responds to the man's question by emphasizing the importance of loving God and loving one's neighbor as oneself, summarizing the essence of God's law.

The parable illustrates how religious individuals, like the priest and the Levite, can be spiritually cold and indifferent to those in need. It also highlights the unexpected heroism of a Samaritan, emphasizing that neighborly love transcends racial and social boundaries. Jesus' story exposes the impossibility of self-justification through the law, showing that true love, even for enemies, is what God desires.

Ultimately, Pastor Paul emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-sacrificial, costly love for others, acknowledging that none of us have done this perfectly. He reminds us that Jesus exemplified such love for us, even when we were at enmity with Him, just as the Samaritan showed compassion to a wounded stranger.

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Series:  The Parables of Jesus
Part 5:  The Good Samaritan
Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler
Scripture:  Luke 10:25-37

In the fifth installment of "The Parables of Jesus" series, Pastor Paul Lawler delves into a profound question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" This question, though somewhat uncomfortable, is essential for all of us to contemplate, especially in light of our inevitable mortality. 

Examining Luke 10:25-37, Pastor Paul explores the encounter between a man seeking to test Jesus and the subsequent parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus responds to the man's question by emphasizing the importance of loving God and loving one's neighbor as oneself, summarizing the essence of God's law.

The parable illustrates how religious individuals, like the priest and the Levite, can be spiritually cold and indifferent to those in need. It also highlights the unexpected heroism of a Samaritan, emphasizing that neighborly love transcends racial and social boundaries. Jesus' story exposes the impossibility of self-justification through the law, showing that true love, even for enemies, is what God desires.

Ultimately, Pastor Paul emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-sacrificial, costly love for others, acknowledging that none of us have done this perfectly. He reminds us that Jesus exemplified such love for us, even when we were at enmity with Him, just as the Samaritan showed compassion to a wounded stranger.

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Series:  The Parables of Jesus
Part 4:  The Mustard Seed
Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler
Scripture:  Mark 4:30-32 (Also found in Matthew 13:31, 32 )

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