Netherwood Park Church of Christ Sermons

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Episode 24-44

Disagree Without Being Disagreeable

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

November 3, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

1 John 2:9–11

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Acts 15:36–39, Matthew 5:43–48, Acts 16:39–41

SUMMARY

Focusing on the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15, Trevor Richt discusses how believers can navigate conflicts constructively. The sermon breaks down different ways people handle disagreements—ranging from disgraceful attacks to giving space and showing Christlike love. Historical insight from Restoration Movement leader Alexander Campbell illustrates the value of listening to and getting to know those with whom we differ.

KEY POINTS

• Levels of Disagreement: Disagreeing with disgrace harms relationships and brings dishonor to God, whereas giving space or showing grace honors Christ.

• Love Your Enemies: Jesus calls believers to listen, refrain from belittling others, and refuse to meet hostility with hostility.

• Glorify God in Conflict: Regardless of personal differences, Christians must ensure their responses ultimately reflect Christ and bring glory to God.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How do I typically handle disagreements with family, friends, or strangers?

2. What practical steps can I take to listen better and show love to those who hold opposing views?

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Episode 24-43

Reveal What's Concealed

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

October 27, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Luke 17:20–25

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Luke 6:6–10, Matthew 12, John 20:26–27, 1 Peter 2, Isaiah 53:1–5

SUMMARY

Trevor Richt addresses the common human tendency to hide personal struggles, sins, and flaws from others and from God. Looking at the story of the man with the shriveled hand in Luke 6, the sermon shows that healing occurs when what is hidden is brought into the light before Jesus. Because Christ bore our sins and wounds on the cross, believers are invited to step out of the shadows to find true restoration.

KEY POINTS

• Hiding Prevents Healing: When we conceal our pain, addictions, or struggles, we prevent ourselves from receiving help and grace.

• Jesus Trumps Man-Made Rules: Jesus prioritized restoring a suffering man over strict legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath.

• Healed by His Wounds: Jesus exposed His own scars from the cross so that humanity could be redeemed and healed from sin.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What am I currently concealing or hiding that I need to bring into the light before God?

2. How can revealing my struggles lead to deeper healing and connection within the church community?

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Episode 24-42

I'm With Him

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

October 20, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 12:33–37

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Matthew 12:22–30, Matthew 25:31–46, Luke 16, Genesis 1, Job 10:11–12, Jeremiah 1, Matthew 6:9–13

SUMMARY

In this sermon, Trevor Richt examines Jesus' teachings in Matthew 12 regarding division and how a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. He addresses how political season often divides communities and leads people to incorrectly align Jesus with specific political parties or human candidates. Believers are reminded that their true allegiance belongs to God’s kingdom above all earthly systems.

KEY POINTS

• Divided Kingdoms Fall: Division over human opinions and political ideals leads to destruction, whereas God's kingdom is established on eternal truth, love, and righteousness.

• Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb: Rather than defining faith through political affiliation, Christians should align themselves fully with Jesus.

• Pray for God's Will: Following the model of the Lord's Prayer, believers are called to prioritize God's kingdom and pray for leaders to submit to His will.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Am I standing primarily for my country's political interests or for the eternal kingdom of God?

2. How can I shift my focus from personal preferences to praying for God's will to be done on earth?

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Episode 24-41

The Lock to the Kingdom

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

October 13, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

John 10:7–10

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Matthew 16:13–19, John 14, Acts 2

SUMMARY

Preaching Minister Trevor Richt explores how believers can either act as a key or a lock when it comes to sharing the message of the gospel. Drawing from Peter's confession in Matthew 16 and his preaching at Pentecost in Acts 2, the sermon emphasizes that knowing Jesus requires an outward, verbal confession rather than gatekeeping the good news. Christians are challenged to open doors for others in their community so they may come to know Christ.

KEY POINTS

• Avoid Gatekeeping the Gospel: Just as people keep ideas or hobbies to themselves, believers often gatekeep the greatest gift—knowing God—instead of actively sharing it.

• Confession Leads to Action: Peter’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah led to a vocal confession and a new calling to help start the church by opening doors for others.

• Be a Key, Not a Lock: Believers hold the life-saving story of Jesus and must choose to open doors for their community rather than keeping the good news locked away.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What doors do I need to open in my daily life to share the gospel with those around me?

2. Am I actively sharing my faith with friends, family, and coworkers, or am I gatekeeping the message?

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Episode 24-40

What Christ Sees

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

October 6, 2024

SPEAKER

Addison Keele, Youth & Family Minister (with Cayden Guerra)

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 16:21–23

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Matthew 16:13–17, Matthew 16:20–23, Ephesians 5:1–2, 1 John 2:6, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Romans 12:2

SUMMARY

Co-preached by Addison Keele and youth member Cayden Guerra, this sermon explores how the disciples—specifically Peter and Judas—misunderstood Jesus's messianic mission because they viewed things through human eyes. True discipleship requires more than just trying to imitate Jesus's outward actions; it requires learning to see the world, righteousness, and priorities as He sees them. By aligning our perspective with God's word and being transformed by the renewing of our minds, we can faithfully follow Christ.

KEY POINTS

• Perspective Precedes Imitation: We cannot truly live or love like Jesus unless we first adopt His perspective and value what He values.

• Guard Against Human Presumption: Like Peter rebuking Jesus, we risk becoming stumbling blocks when we try to force our own plans onto God rather than submitting to His vision.

• Transforming the Mind: Growth as a Christian requires opening ourselves up to be changed, leaving behind old ways of thinking, and allowing Scripture to align our eyes with Christ's.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. In what areas of your life might you be relying on human wisdom rather than trying to see the situation through the eyes of Jesus?

2. What steps can you take this week to intentionally align your values and priorities with God's word?

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Episode 24-39

Citizen of the Kingdom

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

September 29, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Luke 17:20–25

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Luke 17:20–25; Matthew 3:1–2; Matthew 4:8–11; Matthew 13:44–46; Matthew 4:12–17

SUMMARY

Amidst the heavy divisions and noise of political election seasons, believers are called to remember that their primary allegiance belongs to the eternal reign of God rather than temporary worldly powers. Just as a hidden treasure or a pearl of great price demands everything, the spiritual kingdom of God offers incomparable value, light, and salvation that outlasts every earthly leader. True citizenship requires repentance and fixing our focus squarely on the Prince of Peace.

KEY POINTS

• Kingdom Over Country: While political seasons divide communities and demand our attention, believers must prioritize God's eternal kingdom above all earthly politicians and national systems.

• A Spiritual Reality: The kingdom of God is not a physical territory or a political regime, but a present and future spiritual reality where God rules and reigns in the hearts of His people.

• The Incomparable Value of the Kingdom: Like the man who found hidden treasure or the merchant searching for a fine pearl, discovering the kingdom of God is so surpassingly valuable that it commands our absolute surrender and devotion.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Am I allowing the temporary divisions of this world and political cycles to overshadow my ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom?

2. Do I treat the kingdom of heaven as a pearl of great price, willingly letting go of worldly distractions to fully embrace my citizenship in Christ?

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Episode 24-38

Full-Filled

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

September 22, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 11:25–30 (or Matthew 6:25–34)

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Matthew 6:25–34, Psalm 91:9–16

SUMMARY

Using a visual demonstration with water and ping pong balls representing life's anxieties, Trevor Richt explores how easily worries, doubts, and sins can consume our lives. He illustrates that doing the bare minimum spiritually leaves us overwhelmed by anxiety, whereas seeking first God's kingdom displaces those worries. The sermon encourages believers to fully surrender to God, maintain a consistent spiritual walk, and seek outside help or counseling when dealing with mental health struggles.

KEY POINTS

• Seek First the Kingdom: The remedy for overwhelming worry is not an earthly quick fix, but fully surrendering to God and filling ourselves with His presence.

• Avoid Spiritual Leaks: Spiritual fulfillment requires consistent engagement; slacking in prayer, study, and fellowship leaves empty spaces for anxiety and sin to re-enter.

• Reach Out for Support: Struggling with mental health or deep anxiety does not mean you are broken or lacking faith; seeking help from church leaders or professional counselors is a healthy, God-honoring step.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What "ping pong ball" (worry, fear, or sin) is currently taking up the most space in your mind, and how can you submit it to God?

2. Are you giving God the bare minimum or fully surrendering your time, daily habits, and life to Him?

Church Information

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Episode 24-37

Act Like the President

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

September 15, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

2 Timothy 1:9–14

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

2 Timothy 1:3–9, Jeremiah 29:4–7, Jeremiah 29:11

SUMMARY

Trevor Richt uses the life of President James Garfield—a preacher in the Restoration Movement—and the young evangelist Timothy to show how believers must live out their faith in every aspect of life. He encourages the congregation to embrace their unique, God-given gifts and remain faithful representatives of Christ even when living in environments where Christians are the minority. Ultimately, believers are called to bloom where they are planted and shine God's light in their surrounding communities.

KEY POINTS

• Embrace Your Unique Gifts: God endows everyone with different skills, backgrounds, and talents, but all are given the same power to bring glory to Him.

• Represent Christ in "Exile": Your location does not change your representation; wherever you are in the community, you remain an ambassador for Christ.

• Bloom Where You Are Planted: Like Timothy in Ephesus or James Garfield throughout his career, Christians are called to let their faith shine through every role and environment they occupy.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What unique skills or background has God given you, and how can you use them to glorify Him this week?

2. How does knowing you represent Christ outside the church doors change the way you interact with your daily community?

3. Church Information

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Episode 24-36

When Good People Disagree

SERIES

--

DATE

September 8, 2024

SPEAKER

Craig Hayes, Elder

SCRIPTURE READING

Micah 6:6–8

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

1 Corinthians 8:1–13, 1 Peter 3:7, Genesis 1:27, Psalm 82:3, Leviticus 19:34, Isaiah 1:17, Deuteronomy 27:19, James 1:27, Micah 6:6–8

SUMMARY

Craig Hayes discusses how Christians should handle division and disagreements in a world filled with negativity and political hostility. Looking at 1 Corinthians 8, he emphasizes that love edifies while knowledge can make one arrogant. Rather than bludgeoning others with our positions, Christians are called to protect the vulnerable, avoid causing others to stumble, and act with justice, mercy, and humility.

KEY POINTS

• Love Edifies Over Knowledge: Focusing strictly on being "right" or winning debates leads to arrogance, whereas love builds up the church and preserves relationships.

• Protect the Vulnerable: Scriptural concepts of "weakness" refer to those who are vulnerable or lacking power; the strong are called to defend and lift them up rather than misuse their influence.

• Avoid Stumbling Blocks: True stumbling blocks ruin or hinder someone's relationship with God; Christians must take care not to let their liberties or political views drive others away from Christ.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How can you ensure your interactions on social media and in daily life reflect Christ’s love rather than the world's political hostility?

2. In what areas of your life might you be using your influence or "power" in a way that harms a vulnerable brother or sister?

3. Church Information

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Episode 24-35

Know Your Enemy

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

September 1, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Ephesians 5:8–13

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Ephesians 6:10–17, Ephesians 4:22–24, Isaiah 11:15

SUMMARY

Trevor Richt uses Ephesians 6 to teach on the spiritual warfare every Christian faces. By physically putting on a child-sized set of armor during the sermon, he illustrates the importance of continually suiting up with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. He reminds the congregation that our true battle is against Satan's spiritual schemes rather than other human beings.

KEY POINTS

• Equipped Before the Battle: Spiritual preparation through prayer, scripture, and God's power must happen before we walk into life's daily struggles.

• Identifying the Real Enemy: Christians must put down swords against fellow humans; the true struggle is against spiritual forces of evil.

• Putting on the Full Armor: Every piece of God's armor reflects His attributes and equips believers to stand firm against world distractions and Satan's tactics.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Am I actively putting on the full armor of God each day, or am I walking into spiritual battles unprepared?

2. Have I misidentified my enemy by fighting against people instead of recognizing Satan's spiritual schemes behind division?