Netherwood Park Church of Christ Sermons

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Episode 24-24

Fatherly Advice

SERIES

Come and See, Insignificant

DATE

June 16, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Proverbs 22:4–6

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Exodus 18:7–13, Ephesians 6:4, Exodus 18:13–23

SUMMARY

Delivered on Father's Day, this sermon emphasizes the vital role of spiritual leadership in both the broader world and within the household. Drawing from the encounter between Moses and his father-in-law Jethro, the sermon shows that effective leaders must avoid trying to handle every burden alone. It highlights how giving and receiving wise, relational advice strengthens leaders and helps fathers intentionally guide their families in faith.

KEY POINTS

• The Critical Need for Active Spiritual Leaders: Society needs humble spiritual leaders who lead by following God's Spirit, and fathers are specifically called to be the active, present spiritual guides of their families.

• Trying to Do Everything Alone Leads to Burnout: Moses risked exhausting himself and the people by judging every case alone; true leadership involves sharing responsibilities with capable, godly people.

• Constructive Advice Requires Relational Trust: Giving and receiving wise guidance effectively relies on building genuine relationships, as demonstrated by Jethro’s loving advice to Moses.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. In what ways can you step up as a spiritual leader in your home, workplace, or church community?

2. Are you currently trying to carry heavy burdens alone instead of seeking wise advice and delegating to others?

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

Episode 24-23

Bold or Bitter

SERIES

Come and See, Insignificant

DATE

June 9, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Ruth 1:1–5

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Ruth 1:6–13, Ruth 1:19–21, Ruth 1:14–18

SUMMARY

Examining the contrasting choices of Naomi and Ruth following devastating loss, this sermon explores how we respond to life's deep hardships and pressures. While Naomi allowed her grief to turn into a bitter identity, Ruth courageously chose to trust the true God and remain loyal. Ultimately, choosing bravery and faith over bitterness allows God to transform our pain into a legacy that impacts generations.

KEY POINTS

• Life’s Pressures Shape Who We Become: Difficult times act like cutting a raw diamond; our reactions and choices determine whether hardship refined us or fractures us.

• Do Not Let Your Pain Become Your Identity: It is natural to feel and process grief, but allowing pain to permanently define us prevents us from moving forward into God's hope.

• Choosing Bravery Opens the Door for God's Redemption: Ruth’s brave decision to leave the familiar and trust God led to unexpected blessings, marriage, and a place in the lineage of David and Jesus.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Are you currently holding onto past pain or grief in a way that has started to define who you are?

2. How can you actively choose to be brave and trust God with your difficult circumstances this week?

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

Episode 24-22

Insignificant

SERIES

Come and See, Insignificant

DATE

June 2, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Hebrews 11:5–6

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Genesis 5:21–24, Luke 15:1–7

SUMMARY

Focusing on the life of Enoch, this sermon illustrates how a single choice to walk faithfully with God can dramatically alter the trajectory of a person's life and legacy. After 65 years of living for himself, Enoch chose to walk with God for 300 years following the birth of his son, leaving a legacy of faith for future generations. The sermon reminds us that God values our decision to return and walk with Him today, regardless of how much time was spent off course in the past.

KEY POINTS

• Walking with God is an Intentional Daily Choice: Just like a single falling domino sets off a larger reaction, our daily decisions determine whether we walk closely with God or drift away.

• A Faithful Legacy Outlasts Our Lifetime: Enoch’s choice to walk with God transformed his life and influenced generations to come, demonstrating that what we leave behind matters far more than what we acquire.

• It Is Never Too Late to Start Walking with God: God does not hold past unfaithfulness against us; He rejoices and welcomes anyone who repents and commits to walking with Him today.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Are there areas in your daily routine where you are choosing to walk on your own path rather than following God's lead?

2. What kind of spiritual legacy are your daily choices leaving behind for your family, friends, and community?

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

Episode 24-21

The Rocks for Rocks

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

May 26, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

2 Samuel 22:17–20

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

2 Samuel 22:1–7, 1 Samuel 2:2, 2 Samuel 22:25–32, 1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22, 2 Samuel 22:47

SUMMARY

Reflecting on David’s praise in 2 Samuel 22, this sermon emphasizes that God desires to be our ultimate rock, protector, and provider in all circumstances. The speaker cautions against the temptation to rely solely on our own strength or become our own "rock," which inevitably leads to failure. Believers are encouraged to pray, relinquish control, and depend on God as their true foundation and savior.

KEY POINTS

• God is Our True Protector and Provider: God served as David’s constant refuge throughout his trials, and He wants to be that same reliable "rock" in our everyday lives.

• The Danger of Being Your Own Rock: Relying on our own abilities, strength, or self-sufficiency leaves no room for God and eventually leads to crumbling under life's burdens.

• Making God Your Rock Requires Ceding Control: Truly trusting God as our foundation means going to Him in prayer, surrendering control, and maintaining peace even through uncomfortable situations.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than letting God be your rock?

2. What practical steps can you take this week to relinquish control and trust God in prayer during difficult moments?

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

Episode 24-20

Be Strong and Courageous

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

May 19, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Joshua 1:1–6

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Joshua 1:7–9, Joshua 1:12–18

SUMMARY

Timed with the installation and affirmation of church deacons, this sermon focuses on leadership, service, and collective support within the body of Christ. Drawing from Joshua 1, the message stresses that fulfilling God-given callings requires resolute strength, meditating on His Word, and trusting His presence. Furthermore, the entire congregation is charged to actively stand by and encourage its leaders.

KEY POINTS

• To Those Called, You Must Lead: Appointed leaders must step up with boldness, modeling Christ's character and relying on God's instructions rather than human confidence alone.

• God Is With You When You Are With Him: True courage stems from meditating on God's Word and stepping out in obedience, knowing He never leaves His servants.

• Supporting Our Leaders: A healthy church body does not passively observe leadership; it actively prays for, works alongside, and upholds its servants.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How can I show tangible support and encouragement to our church leaders and deacons this coming week?

2. Where in my own life or ministry is God asking me to "be strong and courageous"?

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

Episode 24-19

Somebody's Nobody

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

May 12, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Joshua 2:1–4

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Hebrews 11:30–31, Joshua 2:8–14, Proverbs 1:7, Joshua 6:24–25, Matthew 1:5–6, 16

SUMMARY

Delivered on Mother's Day, this sermon highlights how God transforms forgotten or overlooked individuals into crucial figures in His divine plan through faith and action. By examining Rahab's bold choice to hide the Israelite spies, the lesson shows how a societal outsider became a listed hero of faith and an ancestor of Jesus. It encourages listeners—especially mothers—to recognize their immense value and generational impact.

KEY POINTS

• Every "Somebody" Starts as a "Nobody": Rahab had no spiritual pedigree or natural connection to Israel, yet her reverence for God placed her in the Hall of Fame of Faith.

• Faith Expressed Through Courageous Action: Rahab's fear of the Lord moved her to make decisive choices that saved her entire family and influenced generations.

• Unseen Impact: Whether a mother or a quiet servant, simple acts of faithfulness create lasting legacies that ripple far beyond what is visible today.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. In what ways might God be calling me to act in faith, even if I feel underqualified or invisible?

2. How can I better encourage and support those around me who tirelessly serve behind the scenes?

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

Episode 24-18

Be One With Me

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

May 5, 2024

SPEAKER

Addison Keele, Youth & Family Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Mark 8:34–38

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Mark 8:34–36, Mark 10:31–40, John 15:4, Galatians 2:20

SUMMARY

Using the illustration of tightrope walker Charles Blondin and his manager, this sermon highlights the fundamental difference between merely spectating and actively participating in Christ. Following Jesus requires full surrender, denying oneself, and bearing one's cross in complete alignment with Him. Listeners are urged to move beyond passive belief and yield their lives entirely to Christ's direction.

KEY POINTS

• The Crowd vs. The Disciples: The crowd merely watches to be amazed, whereas true disciples imitate Jesus and practice His teachings.

• Participating in Christ's Life: Discipleship requires self-denial and a willingness to embrace the same spirit of service and sacrifice that Jesus modeled.

• Abiding as One: Spiritual strength comes from abiding in the Vine, trusting Christ's lead so entirely that our individual identity yields to His living presence within us.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Am I standing in the crowd watching Jesus, or am I stepping onto the rope to trust and imitate Him completely?

2. What specific area of self-interest do I need to surrender today to be truly "one with Christ"?

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

Episode 24-17

What's Standing in My Way

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

April 28, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Isaiah 53:5–9

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Acts 8:26–39, Deuteronomy 23:1, Isaiah 53:10–12

SUMMARY

This message focuses on overcoming the personal fears and barriers that keep us from spiritual growth, obedience, and sharing the gospel. Through the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, the sermon illustrates how divine intervention breaks down social and religious walls. It challenges listeners to identify what is stopping them from taking their own next spiritual steps.

KEY POINTS

• What's Standing Between You and God?: Personal fears, past choices, or perceived barriers can prevent us from approaching God, but Christ removes these divides.

• What's Standing in the Way of You Going?: Hesitation and fear often prevent believers from sharing their greatest gift—salvation through Jesus—with others.

• Taking the Next Step: Like the Ethiopian eunuch, individuals must make an immediate choice to respond to the gospel without letting self-imposed obstacles interfere.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What personal fear or barrier is currently keeping me from deeper obedience to God?

2. What single step can I take today to share the good news of Jesus with someone in my life?

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

Episode 24-16

Come and Stay

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

April 21, 2024

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt, Preaching Minister

SCRIPTURE READING

Leviticus 19:1–2

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

Luke 18:35–42, Leviticus 19:9–10, Leviticus 19:33–34

SUMMARY

This sermon explores how churches often unknowingly create obstacles for visitors seeking Jesus. Drawing from the story of the blind man in Luke 18 and God's commands in Leviticus, the message emphasizes treating newcomers as future family by proactively removing barriers to fellowship. Believers are called to actively welcome, guide, and love outsiders so that those who "come and see" are moved to "come and stay."

KEY POINTS

• People Want Jesus, but Encounters Can Present Barriers or Aids: Visitors seeking Christ often face societal or social obstacles, and church members must actively choose to lower these barriers rather than enforce them.

• Provide for Our Future Family: Following God's Old Testament instructions regarding harvest gleanings, believers must intentionally leave space, time, and care to nurture those who are new.

• Treat Everyone Like Family: True hospitality requires treating newcomers with the same unconditional care, effort, and devotion typically reserved for immediate relatives.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How will I personally lower barriers for a visitor or guest at church this week?

2. What sacrifices am I willing to make to ensure new believers feel like fully welcomed members of God's family?

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

Episode 24-15

Use All of Your Senses

SERIES

Come and See

DATE

April 14, 2024

SPEAKER

Skip Cole, Elder

SCRIPTURE READING

Psalm 19:1–4; Psalm 85:8–9; Psalm 34:8; Psalm 139:1–5; Psalm 141:1–2

SERMON SCRIPTURES CITED

2 Corinthians 4:18; Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 11:3

SUMMARY

Elder Skip Cole uses the physical senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell—as a springboard to explore how God designed humans to experience Him. Pointing beyond the physical three-dimensional world to spiritual realities, he reminds the church that our senses help us navigate earthly dangers, enjoy life's blessings, and ultimately perceive God's work in the unseen realm.

KEY POINTS

• God-Given Design: The five physical senses are deliberately designed by God to help human beings navigate danger, connect with others, and experience earthly creation.

• Interconnected Physicality: Senses work together seamlessly to guide our daily lives, physical movements, and emotional experiences.

• Perceiving the Unseen Realm: Beyond physical perception, believers must use spiritual awareness to perceive God's presence, authority, and ongoing work in an eternal world.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How can you use your physical senses this week to intentionally praise God for His creation?

2. Are you spending as much effort tuning into spiritual realities as you do relying on your physical senses?