IBCD Sermon Weekly

Today we are looking at some things which can cut in on you and keep you from obeying the truth as you run the race of faith. And, like yeast that works its way through the whole of the dough, these things are all related to one another to make up the impossibly inedible loaf of salvation through our own works and self-righteousness.

A lot of what it means to be happy, to be content – not complacent – but content, to have joy take place within our hearts and minds. To be sure, our physical situation affects how we feel about love, faith, hope and joy, which is why the Bible says if you are a slave and can gain physical freedom you should do so – but the physical is also temporary and that which is temporary is not a place to put eternal hope.

So, in the sermon today I’d like to explain some of the understandings I have and most of our leadership has around the functions of the church and the involvement of the people which make up the church. The reason I’m doing this is many folks here do not come from a “Baptistic” background and also churches vary from place to place as to how they function and why. In addition, I think many of you are where I was before this time in my life where you appreciate the church, even love the church, but might not be entirely clear as to your role in the church.

Discipleship is a core aspect of discipleship. A common danger in that journey is that believers start turning back to the earthly principles. How does the fact that God knows them save them from that danger?

Freedom and Grace often go together in our minds. But Grace in Christ does not mean we are free to sin! But how do we live in a Christ-centered freedom?

Galatians 4:6-7 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

By faith Christians follow a person, trusting in his character and deeds, not a Law which served only to show how inadequate we are as human beings to follow any Law, be it administered by Kings or angels.

Galatians 3:28-29

In my experience one of the most underappreciated aspects of Christianity is the nuance of works and faith. While the scripture makes it clear that we cannot earn our salvation through self-improvement or good works. However, our relationship with the Holy Spirit is to so affect our lives that we are, indeed, characterized by good works. How do works and faith work together?

Sunday Sermon by Christopher Uchegbuo

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. The theme we are looking at today is “Love”. What does it mean that God loves us? How does the incarnation show us God’s love?

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. The theme is “Rejoice”. The verse used in the more liturgical churches is Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" What’s interesting is that this is said in the context of conflict. The hope within the rejoicing and conflict is that there is the promise that the Lord is near.