Eric Ludy Sermon Podcast: Church at Ellerslie

Many Christians today are showing a greater faith in the power of Sin to continue to control their lives than they are in the power of God to deliver their lives from the power of Sin. We all go one of two ways. We are either overpowered by Sin, or we learn the secret of overpowering Sin. Yes. It’s true. Sin boasts a greater power than that of humans gritting their teeth, attempting to defy it. But, it’s also true that Jesus boasts a far greater power than that of Sin, even when Sin is in its best condition and at its strongest. Someone is getting overpowered. The question is who? Is it going to be Sin, or is it going to be you?

Our measurements for greatness often don’t match with God’s measurements. We see Eliab the strapping son of Jesse and we cry out, “Anoint him! Make him king!” But, God sees the eighth son of Jesse, who seemingly wasn’t important enough to even invite to the party, and He says, “There is a man after my own heart!” The Bible chronicles a long line of this “unexpected” and “unpopular” choosing of God. The people of God want one thing, but God doesn’t give them what they want—He gives them what they need most. Of course, in no way is this seen more clearly than in His supply of our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ—the messiah rejected by the Jews, but appointed by God to stand in the gap for sinners the world over.  

God designed us as humans to remember. But, that doesn’t mean we do. He even commands us to remember. But, we still struggle to live according to our design. Ironically, we even want to remember, but without a purposeful and intentional strategy we simply fail in this mission. Remembrance is a tactical way to sponsor the growth and continuance of Truth, Hope, and Thanksgiving in the midst of our souls. Everyone should have a clear battle plan for remembrance in their life. For without it, we all can easily lose heart, lose vision, and lose faith.  

The Devil has convinced many in the Church today that he is an equal with God—that if he were to duke it out with the Almighty that he would have a real shot at winning the bout. That’s laughable, especially since the Devil is already defeated. And the fight wasn’t even close. But, the Devil still roars loudly from his cage and he doesn’t want anyone to actually realize that he was declawed and defanged at the Cross. A successful Christian life is one that is set up to tactically succeed in relation to the baits, maneuvers, and feints of this defeated foe. This message will unpack some of the best practices for dog piling the Devil.  

This is a message that sends both a holy thrill and a holy trembling through your spiritual being. There is a “golden chariot” described in and throughout Scripture upon which God rides. And on this chariot He comes to bring judgment. But, this same chariot that elicits awe and fear in those soon to be trampled beneath its wheels—elicits awe and joy in those that have gained the amazing privilege of actually sitting with the Almighty Charioteer when He comes in power. 

If you would like to access Eric's entire series, go to https://ellerslie.com/the-time-of-nero/

The time of Nero was an incredibly dark time in history; a time when people suffered under the rule of a madman and sadistic mass murderer. But there is also something that happened in the time of Nero that is absolutely extraordinary—something that can cause a believer’s soul to be stirred with great hope. The time of Nero was not just another oppressive memory on the calendar of antiquity—it was a profound season of punctuation to the work of Christ Jesus on the Cross. It was a time of fulfilled prophecy; a time when the Church of Jesus Christ emerged as an unstoppable force in this world. This is the first episode in this exciting Daily Thunder summer series. If you would like to catch the other forthcoming episodes, just go to your favorite podcast player and search for the Daily Thunder Podcast. 

The Bible is a supernaturally complex Book. Its central and most salient ideas can be understood by children and yet its vast mysteries can be trolled to seemingly infinite depths. To understand this book demands a childlike trust. It takes humility to open up its tremendous secrets. This message explores the amazing pattern that God employs in His Scriptural revelation. He reveals, He seals, and then, in the fullness of time, He unveils. And He does all of this, so that we might believe. 

The Christian, whether we choose to accept it or not, has officially become a fool in the eyes of the modern world. To believe in an unseen God is considered anti-intellectual to a growing percentage of the population. And for those in the Jesus-believing camp that are still desiring to appear hip and cool to the world’s eyes, this knock against them, could prove a very real stumbling block to their souls. But, it’s important to note that this tension has always been present in and throughout all of Christian history. If you are looking to be cool, your Christianity will suffer. If you are willing to appear the fool, your Christianity can thrive. 

The Christian life is an athletic event. Few understand this and therefore balk at the difficulties associated with the training and the readying of the athlete. When Christianity is viewed through the proper lens, rigor and challenge is expected. And when a Christian vigorously trains for carrying their cross the way a runner may train for running the marathon in the Olympics—something special takes place on earth. 

Many Christians today believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord, their Master, their King, and their preeminent Authority. But practically speaking, a lot of “believers” today are still spiritually submitting their hearts to other lords, masters, kings, and authorities. And, in so doing, nullifying the practical triumph of their grand redemption. Jesus Christ isn’t just intended to be the Head of the Church in theory, but in actuality. And when He is, everything begins to work and Christianity regains its ancient swagger.