Second sermon in a series on the book of Exodus, 2:1-25

God in the The Shadows

God working in the shadows through a series of unlikely events.

1. Preserving one little Hebrew baby boy. (1-9; see also Hebrews 11:23)
2. Preparing that baby to become Israel’s deliverer. (10-11, 23; see also 7:7; Acts 7:22-23)
3. Persevering with His servant though impulsive, sinful behavior. (11-22)
4. Preserving His people in dark, difficult times. (23-25)

God working in the shadows displays clear, practical lessons for us.

1. God prepares us for the work He wants us to do.
2. Doing it my way instead of God’s way has consequences.
3. Nothing can derail or sidetrack God’s purposes.
4. God is always working—He knows, cares and responds to our cries for help even when we cannot see or hear Him.

Father's Day

2 Samuel 22:1-51

Theme: A man is defined by his relationship with God.

The foundation for being a man’s man.

1. A real relationship with God. (2 Samuel 22:3, 7)
2. A devoted love for God. (Psalm 18:1)

The qualities for being a man’s man.

1. He finds his strength in God. (2 Samuel 22:2-3; Psalm 18:1, 32)
2. He finds his security in God. (2 Samuel 22:2-3)
3. He finds his light in God. (2 Samuel 22:29)
4. He finds his hope in God. (2 Samuel 22:51)

First sermon in a series on the book of Exodus

Exodus 1:1-22

From clan to nation.

1. Getting up to speed from Genesis. (chapters 37-50)
2. “The land was filled with them.” (7)

From blessing to suffering.

1. Regime change in Egypt. (8-10)
2. The plans to deal with the Israelites. (11-22)

From history to principles.

1. God always keeps His word.
2. God’s blessings do not put us on easy street.
3. God rewards faithfulness.
4. God’s promises are seen more clearly looking back than when watching them unfold.

Sermon #25 of 25 in a series on the book of Acts

The person who makes a difference . . .

Assumes the position of being owned by Christ.

1. It is part of the nature of every believer. (27:23; see also Romans 14:7-9; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 3:13; Titus 2:14)
2. It is the practice of every believer who makes a difference. (27:23; see also 23:11, 26:32; Luke 9:32; Romans 1:1, 12:1-2; Galatians 1:10)

Displays the character of Christ.

—Two Examples—

1. Calm, even in great turmoil. (27:14-26)

2. Confident, even in great danger. (27:22-26, 30-36)

Fulfills the ministry of being a servant of Christ.

1. The claim. (27:23)

2. The conduct. (27:23; 28:3, 7-10, 21-44; see also 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, 4:1-2)

Sermon #24 in a series on the book of Acts

Chapters 21 - 26, The Value of Purpose

Theme: Keeping God’s purpose in focus keeps you on track.

Following God’s purpose neither destroys nor is destroyed by fellowship.

1. Even in working through disagreements. (21:1-14)
2. Even in working with weaker believers. (21:15-26)

Following God’s purpose enables a clear witness and defense.

1. Even to those who want you dead. (21:27 – 23:15)
2. Even to those in power over you. (24:1 – 26:32)

Following God’s purpose helps maintain a patient trust in Him.

1. Even when treated unfairly. (21:27 – 26:32)
2. Even when things drag on and on. (21:27 – 26:32)

Bodybuilders And Bodyguards

Sermon #23 in Acts, 20:28-35

Theme: The church must have alert leadership.

The double imperative to church leaders: Be on guard! Be alert!

1. Be on guard and alert for yourselves. (28)
2. Be on guard and alert for the church. (28, 32)

Why must church leaders be alert?

1. Because leaders are chosen by God. (28)
2. Because the church has been purchased by Christ’s blood. (28)
3. Because leaders and all the church need to be built up in God and His word. (32)
4. Because leaders and all the church need to be guarded from false teaching and false teachers. (29-30)
5. Because leaders need to guard their hearts and ministries. (33-35)

A Mother of Faith ~ Mother's Day 2025

Lessons in faith from an unnamed, poor, Gentile widow:

1. God prepares you for what He wants you to do. (9)
2. Trusting God does not mean you check your brains at the door. (10-12)
3. Faith is completed in obedience. (15-16)
4. God’s gracious blessing does not shelter you from all disasters. (17-18)
5. Faith grows step by step. (9-24)

#22 in the Series on the book of Acts

Going for the Gold

The Playing Field.

1. Great conditions. (7-12, 17-38)
2. Terrible conditions. (3, 19; see also 9:19-29; 13:4-12, 44-51; 14:2, 5, 19-20; 15:1-2; 16:16-24; 17:5-9, 13-15; 19:9-10, 14-17, 23:41)

The Pursuit.

1. Genuine caring and humility. (19, 28-31)
2. Bold and thorough proclamation. (20, 27, 32)
3. Clear vision and pure heart. (19, 22-24, 33-35)

The Prize.

1. Personally: a clear conscience. (26-27)
2. Collectively: close relationships. (36-37)

Design for Success

Acts 18:23 – 19:41

Theme: Only an accurate and complete gospel brings true success.

Evidence that demonstrates the need for an accurate and complete gospel.

1. An inaccurate and incomplete gospel leads to faith and experience that are incomplete. (18:24 – 19:7)
2. The challenge of counterfeits. (19:13-17)
3. The obstruction of opposition. (19:8-9, 21-41)

Evidence that demonstrates the value of an accurate and complete gospel.

1. An accurate and complete gospel corrects deficiencies. (18:24 – 19:7)
2. An accurate and complete gospel strengthens all believers. (18:23)
3. An accurate and complete gospel prevails in power. (18:27-28, 19:10-20)

Easter 2025

Selected Scriptures

Easter Is . . .

A time of hope.

1. The problem with hope. (Romans 8:24-25; Ephesians 2:12)
2. Easter solves the problem of hope. (Romans 5:5; 15:13; Galatians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 12-21; 2 Corinthians 1:9-10; Colossians 1:3, 5, 23; 1 Timothy 4:10; Titus 1:2, 7; Hebrews 6:18-19; 10:23; 11:1; 1 Peter 1:3-5, 13)

A season of renewal.

1. The thirst for renewal. (Psalm 51:10; Psalm 119:25, 37, 40, 88; Ecclesiastes 1:17; 2:11, 17; 4:8; 5:15; 12:2-8)
2. Easter ushers in a season of renewal. (Psalm 119:25, 37, 40, 88; Isaiah 57:15; 2 Corinthians 4:16; 5:17; Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10, 11)

A reason to rejoice.

1. There are many reasons to rejoice in some things for a period of time. (Psalm 104:15; Proverbs 12:25; 23:15-16; 27:9; Ecclesiastes 5:19; Luke 15:6, 9, 32; Acts 15:31; 1 Corinthians 16:17; 2 Corinthians 7:6-7; Philippians 4:10)
2. Easter is the reason for complete and everlasting joy. (1 Samuel 2:1; Psalm 13:5; 118:24; 126:3; Isaiah 61:10; Habakkuk 3:17-18; Luke 10:20; John 15:11; 16:22; 17:13; Galatians 5:22; Jude 1:24)