“RESOLVING DIFFERENCES IN THE CHURCH”

How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 25

A sermon outline based on Acts 15 

Hillcrest CRC, February 23, 2025, 5pm

Rev. Curt Walters

1. Conflict is inevitable. (Acts 15:2, 39)

 2. What process did the apostles use for resolving conflict?

• Each side voiced their opinions. (Acts 15:4-18)
• There was much discussion. (Acts 15:7)
• They sought God’s will. (Acts 15:16-18, 28)

 3. What was their decision? (Acts 15:20,29)

• Abstain from food sacrificed to idols. (Acts 15:20,29)
• Abstain from blood. (Acts 15:20,29)
• Abstain from the meat of strangled animals. (Acts 15:20,29)
• Abstain from sexual immorality. (Acts 15:20,29) 

 4. Don’t make it unnecessarily difficult for “seekers”. (Acts 15:19)

 Next steps...

• Listen carefully to both sides before you make a judgment on a dispute.  Read and reflect on James 1:19 “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...”
• Be sensitive to the opinions and traditions of other Christians in order not to unnecessarily offend or provoke them.
• Be quick to talk to and engage with anyone who seems open to the gospel, even if they are different from you.  Invite the Lord to open doors for you to have conversations about spiritual things with others. 

“A LEFT-HANDED SAVIOR”

“Broken People, Faithful God,” part 2

A sermon outline based on Judges 3:12-31

Hillcrest CRC, February 23, 2025, 9:30am

Rev. Curt Walters

 1. We are slaves to sin. (Judges 3:12, Romans 3:9)

 2. The LORD is sovereign. (Judges 3:12, Proverbs 16:9)

 3. God hears our cries for help. (Judges 3:15, Psalm 103:10-12)

 4. Our God is not distant. (Exodus 3:7-8, Judges 3:15, John 1:14)

 5. This story has some strange details.

• Ehud was left-handed. (Judges 3:15-21, 20:15-16)
• King Eglon was fat. (Judges 3:17, 22)
• Their enemy seemed clueless. (Judges 3:24-26)

 6. We need a better Savior than Ehud. (Judges 4:1, Revelation 1:5)

Next steps...

• Think about or discuss how you are a slave to sin.  Why is this so important for people to acknowledge?
• Thank God for hearing your prayers.  Remind yourself of this truth the next time you ask God for something by starting your prayer with these words: “Lord, I know that you hear me...”
• Read and reflect on Psalm 139 and ponder how close God is and how aware He is of the details of your life.

“THE GREAT THINGS GOD HAS DONE”
How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 24
A sermon based on Acts 14:1-28 (27)
Hillcrest CRC, February 16, 2025, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1. Many people came to faith in Jesus. (Acts 13:12, 48-52, 14:1)
  Sergius Paulus. (Acts 13:12)
 Many Gentiles in Antioch. (Acts 13:48-49,52)
 Many Jews and Gentiles in Iconium. (Acts 14:1)
 A large number in Derbe. (Acts 14:21)

2. God enabled Paul and Barnabas to speak boldly for the Lord. (Acts 14:3)

3. God enabled them to do miracles. (Acts 14:3)

4. God preserved their lives. (Acts 14:6, 20)

5. God enabled them to teach and model real Christianity. (Acts 14:22)

6. God appointed leaders in each church. (Acts 14:23)

Next steps...

• Pray that the Lord would bless our church with new converts this year.  And watch for opportunities to share Jesus with others. 
• Read and reflect on what Jesus said in Luke 9:23 “Then he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’” What aspect of following Jesus is difficult for you?
• Think about and discuss with family members and/or friends what real Christianity is and how it’s more than simply praying “the sinner’s prayer.”

“THE SIN CYCLE”
“Broken People, Faithful God,” part 1
A sermon outline based on Judges 2:1– 3:11
Hillcrest CRC, February 16, 2025, 9:30am
Rev. Curt Walters

1. They were seduced by counterfeit gods. (Judges 2:11-12, 17, 19, 3:7, Deuteronomy 7:1-5, Psalm 106:34-40, Jeremiah 2:6&13) 
2. God sold them to their enemies. (2:1-3,10-13, 17,19,3:5-8, Exodus 23:20-33)
3. They cried out to the LORD. (Judges 3:9)
4. God raised up a deliverer for them. (Judges 3:9)
5. The Spirit of the LORD empowered Othniel to overpower their enemies. (Judges 3:9-10)
6. The land had peace. (Judges 3:11)

Next steps...

• Ask the LORD to show you where in your life you may be too tolerant of sin.  How might you have accepted something that appears to be small and accepted by our culture, that down the road may lead you and/or future generations to abandon faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
• Thank the LORD for providing a deliverer for us in Jesus Christ!  And share this good news of the gospel with someone this week.
• Pray for the Spirit of the LORD to come upon you and empower you to speak and act in a way that will glorify Him and advance His kingdom.

“SAVING FOR A RAINY DAY”
What the Bible Says About Money, part 4
A sermon outline based on Genesis 41:17-40
Hillcrest CRC, February 9, 2025, 9:30am
Rev. Curt Walters

1. It’s wise to save and plan ahead.
    (Genesis 41:25-40, Proverbs 6:6-8, 13:22, Matthew 25:1-13)
 
2. It will rain. (Genesis 41:30)

3. Save enough for unexpected emergencies. (Genesis 41:33-38)

4. Persistent, systematic saving pays off. (Genesis 41:34-35)

5. Saving may require sacrifice. (Genesis 41:34-35)

6. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a good return on your investments.                    (Matthew 25:14-30)

Next steps...

• Save $1000 in an emergency fund.  Once you have that, save 3-6 months of your expenses.
• Read and reflect on Luke 12:13-21.  What is God saying to you in this passage?
• If you’re a good saver, ask the Lord to help you also be generous to others, to your church, and to kingdom causes.
  
  

“SHARING THE GOOD NEWS”
How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 23
A sermon outline based on Acts 13:13-52
Hillcrest CRC, February 9, 2025, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1. Paul shared “good news.” (Acts 13:16-41)
     Jesus was the promised Messiah and Savior. (Acts 13:23, 32-33)
     Through Jesus there is forgiveness. (Acts 13:38-39)
     Through Jesus we can have eternal life. (Acts 13:46,48)

2. We shouldn’t be discouraged when people don’t respond. (Acts 13:42)

3. It’s easy to be self-centered rather than kingdom-centered. (Acts 13:45)

4. Eternal life comes from divine election and human faith. (Acts 13:48)

5. Disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52)


Next steps...
 
•Reflect on the phrase “good news.”  How can we share Jesus with people so that they hear it as “good news?”
•Read and reflect on Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Ask the Lord to help you be more kingdom-centered rather than self-centered.
•Keep on praying for at least one person that you know to come to faith in Jesus.  Don’t give up on them just because they don’t seem interested.

“SPIRITUAL WARFARE”
How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 22
A sermon outline based on Acts 13:4-12
Hillcrest CRC, February 2, 2025, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1. They were sent by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:4)


2. They encountered opposition. (Acts 13:6-8)


3. Intelligent people can be open to the gospel. (Acts 13:7)


4. This was spiritual warfare. (Acts 13:9-11)


5. Sergius Paulus believed. (Acts 13:12)

Next steps...
•Wake up each morning and ask the Lord “What do you want me to do today, Lord?” Then do your best to listen to and follow what He wants you to do.
•Take the “Who I Am in Christ” sheet home with you, and read it to remind yourself not to believe the lies of the enemy about who you are. 
•Pray an authoritative prayer over your home and family, declaring that they belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, and command anything that opposes Him to leave, in Jesus’ name.

“THE DANGERS OF DEBT”
What the Bible Says About Money, part 3
A sermon outline based on 1 Timothy 6:3-10
Hillcrest CRC, February 2, 2025, 9:30am
Rev. Curt Walters

1. The following contribute to the problem of debt:

• Envy, greed and covetousness. (Exodus 20:17, Luke 12:15)
• Trying to impress others.
• Discontentment. (1 Timothy 6:6-8, Philippians 4:12-13)
• Lack of self-control. (Proverbs 25:28, Galatians 5:23)
•  Impatience. (Romans 8:25)

2. Debt robs us of our freedom. (Deuteronomy 15:6, Proverbs 22:7, 1 Timothy 6:10)

3. Unnecessary debt is a result of short-term thinking and poor judgment.                   (Proverbs 17:18)

4. Pay off your debts as quickly as possible. (Psalm 37:21, Romans 13:8, Proverbs          6:5)

Next steps...
•Cultivate being more thankful.  Read and reflect on Philippians 4:12 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Ask the Lord to help you be content with what you have.
•Buy and read Dave Ramsey’s book “The Total Money Makeover” and follow his advice for getting out of debt.
•If debt isn’t an issue for you, thank the Lord for what He’s given you and help our church pay off our bank loan for our Growing Deeper renovation.

Psalm 23

Philippians 1:27-2:11