First Irving Sermons

By First IrvingReligion & Spirituality Christianity

First Irving Sermons episodes

January 14, 2024 Acts 1:4–11 | Christ's Ascension and our Mission
Framing Question: What is the plan that Christ has for the church, and why is the ascension important to the plan?
The ascension. Is a significant part of the ministry of Jesus Christ and the plan for the church.
He gives gifts to men that he might fill all things (Eph 4:8–10)
We have an interceding High Priest, who has passed through the heavens (Heb 4:14–16)
We have a King who has full authority, and all things are subject to him (angels, authorities, powers) (1 Pet 3:22)
We have an Advocate before the Father- Jesus Christ the Righteous (1 Jn 2:1; Rom 8:34)
We are citizens of heaven, our lives are hidden with Christ in God who is in heaven (Col:2–3)
Jesus sends the Advocate- the Holy Spirit to empower his church (Jn 14:6; 16:7; Lk 24:49).
Man now sits enthroned in heaven, whom God has granted all authority (Gen 1:28; Matt 28:18; Eph 1:21–23).
Main Idea. After Jesus’ ascension, his ministry continues through the church, by the Holy Spirit, to the ends of the earth.
Driving Question. How is the ministry of Christ continued?
King Jesus Provides Us The Message to Proclaim (vv. 4–8)
The Gospel
King Jesus Provides The Means to Empower Us (vv. 4–5, 8)
The Holy Spirit
Apply: Pray for a fresh work of the Spirit.
King Jesus Provides Us The Mission to Obey Before He Returns (vv. 9–11)
The Great Commission
Takeaways.
Christ is with you.
Repent of complacency and trust the Spirit to help.
Commit to letting the Book of Acts change our view of the church.
Pray.
Be active in the Great Commission.
23 min
January 07, 2024 Acts 1:1-3 | A Reminder of Where the Church is Founded
A reminder of where the church is founded
1. In the work and teaching of Jesus
2. In the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit
3. In the Hope of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
50 min
December 31, 2023 Luke 14:15-24 | An Invitation to The Great Banquet
Who will attend the great banquet of Christ?
1. Those who are humble. (v.15)
2. Those who truly value Christ. (v.16-21a)
3. Those who receive His mercy. (v.21b-24)
How do we respond?
For those who do not follow Jesus:
Embrace the mercy that God extends to you today.
For those among the church:
Pray that the Lord would grow you in humility.
Pray that the Lord would grow your affections for Jesus.
Pray that the Lord would grow your gratitude towards the mercy of God
46 min
December 17, 2023 Luke 2:8–21 | Proclaiming the Messiah
Driving Question. Why is Christ’s birth announcement to the shepherds so profoundly wonderful?
Because it teaches that lowly sinners are first entrusted with the glorious news of Christ [vv. 8–12]
Because it teaches lowly sinners that Christ is the highest glory of God
[vv. 13–14]
Because it teaches lowly sinners how to faithfully respond to the glorious news of Christ [vv. 15–20]
The Shepherd’s responses.
1.They trusted the word of God.
2.They made haste to the Messiah.
3.They responded as those who know they need saving.
4.They evangelized others who needed the Savior.
5. They glorified and praised God.
Mary’s response.
1. Treasuring and pondering the news of Christ.
43 min
December 10, 2023 Matthew 2:12 | Testimonies of the Messiah
Testimonies of the Messiah
Matthew 2:1–12
Seeking the Messiah
Driving Question. Why is the testimony of the wise men a significant part of Christ’s first advent?
Because their testimony reveals that King Jesus is worshiped by all nations [1–2]
Because their testimony reveals that many will reject King Jesus [3–8]
Because their testimony reveals how joy fuels worship of King Jesus [9–12]
3 Response.
1. Some are like Herod, confronted by Christ, and hate him. (Herod)
2. Some are confronted by Christ, and are apathetic, indifferent. (religious leaders)
3. Some are confronted by Christ, and fall down and worship him. (Magi)
Consider.
1. Consider how the Father views his Son as worthy to be praised by all nations.
2. Consider how the Gospel is still for the nations, because Christ is King of the nations.
3. Consider God’s provision from this passage.
4. Consider the obedient response of the Magi.
5. Consider the Magi's worship of the Messiah.
6. Consider God's victory over evil.
46 min
December 03, 2023 Luke 1:26–38 | Stewarding the Messiah
Driving Question. Why is the virgin birth of Jesus Christ so significant and magnificent?
1. Because the message came from heaven to an earthly servant [26–30]
Apply:
Have you pondered in your heart lately, why God has shown you his gracious favor despite your weakness?
2. Because the message contains miraculous truths about the Messiah [31–37]
Apply:
Reflect on Gabriel’s reverence for God's power and mystery.
Reflect on the humility of Christ.
Reflect on the Gospel of Grace.
3. Because it teaches us how to respond in faith to God’s word [38]
Apply:
Do you trust God’s word when it doesn't make sense?
Response:
Marvel at the mystery and miracle of the Messiah's birth this Christmas.
Ponder why he came. [He came to die for you and me]
45 min
November 19, 2023 Haggai 2:10-19 | Unclean and Unmerited Favor
Big Idea:
"Unholiness defiles the human heart, but God in His great mercy and love bestows unmerited favor upon His covenant people."
Point 1: Defiled and without hope [vv. 10-14]
Point 2: Disciplined and in need of repentance [vv. 15-17]
Point 3: Directed and given gracious hope [vv. 18-19]
Are we hiding darkness and defilement in our hearts behind busyness and “service” for the Lord?
How do we Respond Today?
1. Consider your Defilement
2. Consider your Repentance
3. Consider God's Grace
47 min
November 12, 2023 The Remedy for Discouragement
44 min
October 30, 2023 Waiting for Our Christ
Main Idea of Passage. Waiting for Christ to return as promised, enables us to live godly lives in the present.
1. What sort of people ought we to be while we wait (v.11–13)?
A)We are to live holy (set-apart) and godly (reflect God’s character) lives (11).
B)We are to hold to his promises (v.13).
2. How are we to wait for the Coming of Christ?
4 Exhortations from the Apostle
1. Be diligent to be found by Christ without spot or blemish (v.14)
2. Be careful not to lose your stability (v.17)
3. Be growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ (v.18)
4. Be living for the glory of God (v.18)
How do you know if you’re growing in Christ while you wait?
6 Marks of the Believers' Growth in Grace (Ryle, Holiness)
1. Growing in humility.
2. Growing in faith and love towards our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Growing in the holiness of life and conduct.
4. Growing in spiritual mindedness.
5. Growing in love for others.
6. Growing in zeal and diligence to do good to others.
Warning to the casual churchman.
Those living for the world.
Those who are living self righteous lives.
Those who are apathetic.
Those not looking ahead to the Day.
46 min
October 22, 2023 The Day of the Lord Will Come
Main Idea of Passage: Hold to Christ’s promise that He is coming again.
But why should we prepare for Christ’s coming?
Because we’re told to remember what God has said about Christ’s return [1–2].
Obey the command of the Lord.
Reminder’ is at the heart of discipleship.
Humbly admit your capability to forget.
Because we’re told to be prepared for people who scoff at Christ’s return [3–4].
Because we are deliberately told about the nature of God [5–10] (4 aspects of God’s nature)
The Mighty Acts of God in Creation (5–7).
The Nature of God (8).
The Mercy and Patience of God (9).
The Judgement of God (10)
Response.
Stay awake and live with his coming in mind. (Matt 24:42; Rev 3:3; 16:15)
Grow in your love of his appearing by loving him. (2 Tim 4:6–8)
44 min