The Parables in Luke 15 illustrate the Joy of Heaven

This sermon explores the certainty of death and the mystery of God's sovereign providence through a continuous exposition of Ecclesiastes 8:16 to 9:12. The preacher emphasizes that human knowledge is limited and that life outcomes are often unpredictable, yet God remains in complete control. Recognizing death as an inevitable consequence of sin, the text urges believers not to despair but to find joy in the good gifts God provides, such as food, work, and relationships. By anchoring hope in Christ's victory over death, Christians are called to live gratefully and faithfully, using their remaining time to glorify God and enjoy His blessings until they are called home.

The sermon explores the true purpose of Sabbath worship by examining Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees in Mark chapter 2. It argues that the Sabbath was designed as a gift for human rest and refreshment rather than a burdensome legal requirement. The message connects this creation ordinance to the redemptive work of Christ, who fulfills the law and offers spiritual rest to the weary. Believers are encouraged to view Sunday worship not as a chore but as a joyful foretaste of eternal life in God's presence. This perspective transforms the Lord's Day into a celebration of redemption and a time for physical and spiritual renewal.

Jesus was not a spirit being bringing a philosophic teaching to His disciples. He had brought them into fellowship with Himself as the God-Man. He had really granted to them a participation in divine things. He had brought them into the greatness of the reality of fellowship with the Father as well as with Himself. All of this fellowship with God had become so real to the apostles that they had come to have a fullness of joy in this great salvation. And they desired that every reader of this book would have this same assurance as well. So now John begins to tell us what they had been told by the Lord Jesus, as to the nature of God Himself. It was a message of their declared fellowship with the Father and the Son. And so, now, we want to think about this fellowship more closely. 1st of all – It is a fellowship of Light with no darkness at all. 2nd – The apostle's message declares to us that this fellowship forbids lying about the reality of it. And 3rd – The apostle John then proposes to us this truth: That if we will walk in the light as Christ is in the light, we will have fellowship with one another.

Pastor Mike Continues in our series in Philippians with Philippians 4:1-9. The sermon emphasizes the enduring nature of the body of Christ, illustrating that while physical buildings may decay, the spiritual community remains intact through agape love and covenant commitment. It highlights Paul's deep longing for the Philippian believers to maintain unity amidst conflict and to grow in their knowledge of God's Word for spiritual maturity. The preacher argues that Scripture serves as a vital tool for self-examination and transformation, enabling believers to filter worldly stimuli through a biblical lens. Central to this message is the call to stand firm in the Lord by trusting His character and relying on the armor of God during spiritual battles. Ultimately, the faithful are encouraged to view their relationships with one another as their greatest joy and eternal reward.

1. Low point 2. Turning point 3. High point

The sermon contrasts the rampant wickedness and total depravity of a post-Christian culture with the absolute goodness, steadfast love, and righteousness of God. Drawing from Psalm 36, it argues that believers must not be despondent over societal decay but should recognize this as the consistent state of humanity apart from grace. The preacher emphasizes that God's character provides a secure refuge and true justice, offering an antidote to the world's shifting moral standards. Believers are called to boldly proclaim the gospel and Christ's lordship in their spheres of influence rather than retreating into nostalgia or silence. Ultimately, the message encourages finding present joy and hope in God's covenant faithfulness despite living in dark times.