On October 31st, 1517 a monk by the name of Martin Luther nailed--some paperwork to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany-thus began the Protestant--Reformation. Luther's most significant contribution to Christian Theology is the doctrine--of Justification by Faith Alone, my topic for today.

After introducing us to a righteous priestly couple, Luke uses their story to demonstrate how he wants the reader of his Gospel to respond to all he's about to write - which is with faith. Zacharias receives good news that his barren wife will finally be given a son, yet he responds in unbelief, inciting the discipline of the Lord. On the other hand, his wife responds to the good news in a manner we ought to respond, which understanding God shows us undeserved favor. A great point is seen in Elizabeth's final statement - that God has removed her shame- a symbolic statement of what God has done for those who respond to the good news of Jesus Christ in faith.

At the core of the massive number of articles, sermons, speeches and--books dealing with the first eleven chapters of the bible is actually not about those chapters. It is--how we view the bible and what we actually believe about the bible. Many well-meaning--believers buy into certain interpretations without really considering what is happening in the--background that drives those interpretations. In this sermon we deal with what the bible says--about itself as opposed to what some so-called scholars say about it.

Luke begins his account with an insignificant priestly couple named Zacharias and Elizabeth. This sermon explores the historical milieu into which the scene is set. Luke regards this shamed and barren couple as righteous in the sight of God. As a result, the theme of the passage is that God demonstrates His redemptive faithfulness, but often working it out through small, insignificant people - people whom He regards as righteous and faithful.

Apostasy is one of those doctrines that is scarcely taught in the church, but the short book of Jude deals with it extensively to show the church must rise and contend for the faith handed down once for all to the saints. It is the ultimate battle of truth that has been since the dawn of time - and we contend for the faith, not only by battling false doctrine, but by living a life according to sound doctrine.

There is much to be concerned about in America as we continue in our--headlong race toward destruction. Not all share in this pessimistic perspective but the bible is--clear regarding the way God works among the people and nations. This sermon is designed to stir--the hearts of God-s people to consider what they believe. What do they believe about God---What do they believe about sin- What do they believe about the Word of God- And what is their--hope- It is an introductory sermon to prepare Missio Dei Fellowship for a series that considers if--the bible is true or only partly true.

In this introduction to Luke we encounter the nature of Luke's Gospel. His introduction comes in a formal manner, writing so that his recipients might have certainty of all that took place concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ. This sermon explores Luke the man- that he was physician by trade, and yet writes as a historian and theologian with pastoral care. Moreover, this sermon explores the themes, structures, and purposes that inhabit this wonderful Gospel.

In this final sermon regarding a missional life, Pastor Henry seeks to show--believers exactly what it means to seek first God-s kingdom. Jesus makes it clear that we are not--to be fearing the things that unbelievers fear. Rather, implied in this is that we ought to be--fearing God. But the hard reality is that possessions, the pleasure that they bring, and the fear of--losing them too often capture our minds to the point that we lose sight of God and His kingdom.--The result- A loss of reward in eternity, a paralyzing effect in our lives now, and a lack of true--worship toward our Lord

In the midst of a difficult circumstance, David sustains his soul by reflecting on the person and nature of God. It's a wonderful Psalm depicting the reality that we worship an infinite God Who is incredibly immanent. While God is the transcendent Creator of the universe, David finds comfort in the knowledge that God is incredibly close to his circumstance, and even cares for him more then he cares for himself. David, then, desiring to become more sanctified, prays that God might use this trial to grow him into greater conformity to the ways of God.