This was a big chapter. On to the final two chapters!

We discussed something that popped up in this morning's sermon. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul tells us that Jesus gave 5 gifts for the church: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, Teachers. So, we spent a few mins talking about the implications of those gifts on the church. 

In his sermon, Pastor Nick reflects on Deuteronomy 18, where Moses speaks of a future prophet who will arise among the Israelites. He delves into Moses' role as a mediator between God and His people, emphasizing the need for discernment in recognizing God’s voice amidst the noise of the world. Drawing from his own experiences, Pastor Nick encourages the congregation to actively seek God’s leading in their lives through practical acts of generosity, such as setting aside a small amount of money to bless those in need, thereby tuning their spiritual ears to God's guidance. Pastor Nick also highlights the importance of understanding how God has continuously raised leaders, including prophets, evangelists, and teachers throughout history. He points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of Moses’ prophecy, explaining that Jesus not only redeems humanity from sin but also equips the church with various gifts to advance His mission. By urging his congregation to embrace their roles within the body of Christ, Pastor Nick inspires them to be active participants in their faith journeys and to follow the calling God has placed upon each of their lives.

Sermon from Psalm 2

In his sermon, Nick explores the contrasting expectations that the Israelites had about the Messiah and the reality of Jesus' arrival and ministry. He emphasizes how, despite their hopes for a powerful and conventional king, Jesus came with a different purpose—bringing a radical message of love, salvation, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Nick points out how God’s plans often exceed human imagination, reminding the congregation that the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise is still to come, culminating in Jesus’ eventual return and the establishment of new heavens and a new earth. Nick also discusses the prophetic voice in Scripture, particularly in the Psalms, which not only addressed the immediate concerns of the Israelites but also conveyed timeless truths relevant to today’s world. He highlights themes of justice and caring for the marginalized—widows, orphans, and foreigners—stressing that true worship stems from a heart aligned with God’s values rather than mere ritual. Additionally, he calls on the church to renew its commitment to societal issues, emphasizing the importance of being active in compassionate ministry. Ultimately, Nick challenges the congregation to imagine a future transformed by Christ's love and emboldens them to seek a deeper relationship with God, fostering a community that reflects His justice and grace in every realm of life.

In the sermon, Pastor delves into the story of Abraham and Sarah as outlined in Genesis 17. He emphasizes God’s promises to them, highlighting the covenant and profound significance of faith. The sermon explores how God asked Abraham to believe in a promise that seemed impossible at their advanced ages, showcasing the faith required to trust in God’s plans that transcend human understanding.

Pastor discusses the overarching theme of hope and the belief that God has more in store for each individual than they may realize. He encourages listeners to dream big and reach for God’s promises, reminding them that doubt can cloud spiritual vision and hinder the blessings that await them.

Throughout the sermon, Pastor reflects on how God’s faithfulness to Abraham can inspire believers today to embrace the Holy Spirit’s guiding presence and be open to the transformative power of God’s love, urging the congregation to actively live out this faith in their daily lives.

Listen along to Pastor Kendall's sermon from Psalm 23 for this Thanksgiving week message!

In his sermon, Pastor Nick emphasizes the significance of living a Spirit-filled life, focusing on the ongoing process of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Over the past month, he has been guiding the congregation through various aspects of the fruit of the Spirit and how to cultivate a life that is pleasing to God. He draws parallels between our physical nourishment and spiritual health, illustrating how a life rooted in sinful desires can hinder the growth of good fruit in our lives. Pastor Nick encourages everyone to desire continuous filling of the Holy Spirit, prompting them to seek a deeper relationship with God and walk in His light. Referencing scriptures particularly from Galatians, Pastor Nick highlights the stark contrast between the desires of the flesh and living by the Spirit. He explains that one cannot love their neighbor as themselves while indulging in self-serving behaviors. The pastor also addresses key questions concerning who receives the Holy Spirit, when this occurs, and the importance of being filled at the moment of salvation and through baptism. He stresses the need for love, joy, patience, gentleness, and self-control as evidence of the Spirit's work in our lives. Concluding the message, Pastor Nick appeals for personal reflection on one's spiritual fruitfulness and reassures that God's grace awaits those seeking guidance in their spiritual journey, ultimately setting the stage for a potential revival in the community through genuine faith and love.

In this sermon, Pastor Nick discusses the Fruit of the Spirit and the contrast between living in the flesh and living by the Spirit, drawing from Galatians 5. He emphasizes that the deeds of the flesh are those natural human desires we chase out of emptin

Great discussion from our class today!