Mercy Hill Church Sermons

Four times in this single verse Paul uses the word “all” with reference to prayer. He calls us to pray “with all prayer” “at all times” “with all perseverance” “for all the saints.” So let’s go “all” in!

Because we have been raised with Christ, we can now pursue Christ, as we wait for His (and our) glory when He returns.

The first gift of Christmas wasn’t what Santa gave that little boy up at the North Pole in The Polar Express. Neither was it what the Magi brought to lay at the young Jesus’ feet. It’s what God gave to us there in Bethlehem: his only Son!

Subjects of the Kingdom of God willingly and gladly submit to the reign of Jesus. They always come in the wrapper of humility, often accompanied by suffering. The Kingdom grows through meekness, patience, and faith, not by force.

In Acts 20:20, we see that the church was meeting in "public" spaces and "from house to house”—in larger gatherings and smaller groups. Such a dynamic is critical to the health of the church and the individual. If we are to see and show Christ rightly (i.e. with "20/20" vision), we need both!

On the surface, this story is a bit funny, but truly it frames some very deep theological truths. It all centers on the resurrection of Christ. In these verses we see: (1) A Resurrection Pattern, (2) A Resurrection People; and (3) A Resurrection Power.

Because Jesus suffered, rose, and now reigns, we can have hope and follow Him from the cross to the throne as we’re reminded of His saving grace through baptism.

To be sure, Jesus is going to make a mess of our lives . . . because he loves us. He puts his finger on idols and things that need to change if we’re to be spiritually healthy and right with God. Some people respond with submission, trusting his heart and hand. Others respond with rage and fight against him. What will you do?

We all want more of God’s power in our lives. But do we know how to get it? This text shows us the way!

God has given each of us a conscience, when properly guided by the Spirit, shaped by God’s Word and rooted in the Gospel, to help us to live in integrity, holiness and love for Him and with others.