Netherwood Park Church of Christ Sermons

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Episode 23-12

I Am A _______.

SERIES

Renewal

DATE

November 19, 2023

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt

SCRIPTURE READING

1 Chronicles 16:31–36

SUMMARY

Ahead of Thanksgiving, Trevor Richt addresses how people define their identity through careers, family roles, or personal achievements. Looking at Paul’s letter in Philippians 3, he illustrates how Paul counted all his impressive earthly accolades as 'garbage' compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. The sermon calls listeners to ground their primary identity not in what they have done, but in being a thankful follower of Jesus Christ.

KEY POINTS

• Earthly Accomplishments vs. Worth in Christ: Human achievements, backgrounds, and titles fade in value compared to knowing Jesus.

• Identity in Sacrifice: The greatest way to define ourselves is by what Jesus did for us on the cross rather than what we accomplish on our own.

• Gratitude as a Follower: True fulfillment comes from staying humble and living as a thankful, dedicated follower of God.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How do you typically complete the sentence 'I am a _______,' and how can you center that blank around your identity in Christ?

2. What worldly accolades or identity markers might you need to count as secondary in order to follow Jesus more fully?

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

Episode 23-11

Withholding Generosity

SERIES

Renewal

DATE

November 12, 2023

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt

SCRIPTURE READING

Titus 2:6–10

SUMMARY

Focusing on 'Pack the Pulpit Sunday,' Trevor Richt examines how the early church in Acts modeled radical, love-driven generosity toward those in need. He contrasts the sacrificial giving of Barnabas with the deceptive withholding of Ananias and Sapphira, emphasizing that God desires honest, openhearted giving. Ultimately, the sermon challenges believers to practice daily generosity using their unique time, talents, and resources.

KEY POINTS

• Generosity Flowing from Love: The early church gave freely not out of obligation, but because their love for God inspired them to meet the needs of others.

• Giving Changes Us: Practicing generosity transforms our personal thankfulness, models Christlike giving to others, and positively impacts those around us.

• The Danger of Withholding: Withholding generosity or giving deceitfully causes something within our spiritual and empathetic spirit to die.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What non-monetary blessings (time, empathy, talents) can you share generously with others this week?

2. In what ways has being generous changed your own heart and level of thankfulness?

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

Episode 23-10

Seen

SERIES

Renewal

DATE

November 5, 2023

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt

SCRIPTURE READING

Genesis 15:1–6

SUMMARY

Trevor Richt explores the story of Hagar from Genesis 16 to address feelings of being invisible, forgotten, or asking God what He is doing in difficult circumstances. When Hagar is mistreated and flees into the desert, the Lord meets her, reassures her, and shows that He sees her pain even when His response isn't what she initially expected. The sermon encourages listeners to remember that God sees every individual, cares deeply for them, and is actively at work in their lives.

KEY POINTS

• Feeling Unnoticed: Like Hagar or the nighttime janitor O'Neill, many people in the world feel overlooked and invisible to those around them.

• God Responds to Pain: God cares deeply and responds to our pain, though His provisions and timing often differ from what we expect or demand.

• You Are Seen: God is the 'God who sees me' (El Roi), meaning no one is ever truly forgotten or unnoticed by Him.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. When in your life have you asked God, 'What are you doing?' and how did you see Him working through that situation?

2. How can you actively look out for and notice the 'unseen' or overlooked people in your everyday routine?

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

Episode 23-9

Living Christianity

SERIES

Renewal / Vision Series (Share)

DATE

October 29, 2023

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt

SCRIPTURE READING

Acts 2:42–47

SUMMARY

Continuing the "Share" pillar of the church's vision, this sermon highlights how believers can share the Gospel by sharing their lives with non-Christians. Drawing from Paul's ministry in Thessalonica, the message illustrates that authentic relationship, presence, and model living often speak louder than words alone. By intentionally living among others, building trust, and showing genuine care over time, believers reflect Christ's love and open doors for faith to flourish.

KEY POINTS

• Sharing the Gospel involves not only speaking truth but also delighting in sharing our very lives through active presence and care.

• Living an honorable, authentic Christian life serves as a powerful model that draws people toward faith.

• Building intentional, long-term relationships with non-Christians creates a natural foundation for God to work in their hearts.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. With whom in your daily life can you start intentionally sharing your time, presence, and life?

2. How can your everyday actions and relationships reflect the love of Christ to those who do not yet know Him?

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

Episode 23-8

Come and See

SERIES

Renewal / Vision Series (Share)

DATE

October 22, 2023

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt

SCRIPTURE READING

John 4:27–30

SUMMARY

Focusing on the "Share" aspect of the church's vision statement, this sermon emphasizes that sharing Jesus begins with a simple, pressure-free invitation: "Come and see." Drawing from the calling of Jesus' first disciples and Philip’s invitation to Nathanael, the message reassures believers that evangelism does not require advanced biblical degrees or complex arguments—just a genuine love for God and a willingness to invite others into a space where they can encounter Christ.

KEY POINTS

• Effective outreach begins with a simple, welcoming invitation—saying "come and see"—rather than overwhelming people with information.

• You do not need deep theological training to invite people to church; you only need a love for God and a desire to connect others to Him.

• A single invitation can initiate a chain reaction of conversations that leads to life-changing faith and conversion.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Who is one person in your life—a neighbor, coworker, friend, or family member—that you can invite this week with a simple "come and see"?

2. What fears or hesitations regarding evangelism can you let go of by focusing on inviting rather than converting?

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

Episode 23-7

Plates of Burden

SERIES

Renewal / Vision Series (Serve)

DATE

October 15, 2023

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt

SCRIPTURE READING

Philippians 2:1–4

SUMMARY

This sermon introduces the theme of selfless Christian service by drawing a contrast between engaging in personal enjoyment versus serving others. Opening with the Scripture reading from Philippians 2, listeners are called to look beyond their own interests to the needs of others in humility and unity. Service is presented as a vital expression of faith that builds up the church community and reflects Christ's love to the world.

KEY POINTS

• Authentic Christian unity springs from humility and placing the needs and interests of others above our own.

• It is often easier to choose fun and comfortable activities over the commitment required for humble service.

• Serving others reflects the heart of Christ and fulfills our calling within the church body and local community.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What personal 'plate of burden' or selfish ambition do you need to lay down to better serve those around you?

2. How can you actively look out for the interests and needs of someone in your church or community this week?

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

Episode 23-6

My God is So Small

SERIES

Renewal / Vision Series (Seek)

DATE

October 8, 2023

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt

SCRIPTURE READING

1 Kings 18:45–19:2

SUMMARY

Drawing from Elijah’s retreat to Mount Horeb after his victory over Baal's prophets, this sermon emphasizes that God’s presence is not always found in grand, catastrophic events. While God demonstrates immense power in big moments, Elijah encountered Him in a gentle whisper. Believers are encouraged to look beyond looking for God only in dramatic events and recognize His constant presence in the quiet, everyday details of life.

KEY POINTS

• Spiritual exhaustion and depression can follow major victories, requiring us to continuously seek God beyond moments of crisis.

• God’s power may be displayed in winds, earthquakes, and fires, but His intimate presence is often found in the gentle whisper.

• If we only look for God in rare, spectacular events, we will miss the countless small ways He actively works in our everyday lives.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. In what small, everyday ways has God been working in your life that you may have previously overlooked?

2. Are you currently waiting for a dramatic sign from God when He might be speaking to you in a gentle whisper?

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

Episode 23-5

Opportunity in Disguise

SERIES

Renewal

DATE

October 1, 2023

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 9:9–13

SUMMARY

Trevor Richt presents the church’s core vision statement—for all believers to share the gospel so all may know Jesus and receive eternal life—as a spiritual harvest requiring active effort. Fulfilling this vision involves three key commitments: Seeking God, Serving God, and Sharing Jesus. Believers are called to embrace the work before them, knowing that God factors in our weaknesses and equips everyone to participate in His mission.

KEY POINTS

• Realizing the spiritual harvest in our community requires rolling up our sleeves and viewing church work as an opportunity.

• The church’s vision relies on three pillars: Seeking God through worship/study, Serving God with fervor, and Sharing Jesus with others.

• God has already taken the initiative in our salvation and factors in our flaws, qualifying every believer to share the Gospel.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How will you take the initiative this week to 'put on your overalls' and actively participate in seeking, serving, or sharing?

2. What personal doubts or perceived inadequacies are holding you back from sharing the good news of Jesus with others?

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

Episode 23-4

The Silent Renewal

SERIES

Renewal

DATE

September 24, 2023

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt

SCRIPTURE READING

Luke 4:38–41

SUMMARY

This sermon highlights Jesus’ intentional pattern of withdrawing to desolate places for prayer amidst a demanding, noise-filled world. While public worship and ministry are important, private moments of silence with God are essential for hearing His voice. Carving out intentional, quiet time with God prepares and strengthens believers to withstand the overwhelming noise of everyday life.

KEY POINTS

• Jesus prioritized retreating to lonely places to pray, demonstrating that silence and solitude are essential for spiritual health.

• The demands and distractions of a noisy world can drown out God's voice if we do not intentionally seek private time with Him.

• Silence in God's presence both prepares us for upcoming challenges and strengthens us for ongoing ministry.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How can you commit to spending at least five intentional minutes in quiet solitude with God this week?

2. What specific noises or distractions in your daily life are preventing you from hearing God's voice?

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

Episode 23-3

Renewing Our Focus

SERIES

Renewal

DATE

September 17, 2023

SPEAKER

Trevor Richt

SCRIPTURE READING

1 Chronicles 16:8–13

SUMMARY

Examining King David's desire to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant, this sermon addresses what happens when our focus shifts from God to ourselves. While David envisioned building God a house of cedar, God revealed a far grander vision: establishing David's eternal dynasty. By surrendering our personal plans and aligning today's focus with God, we can step into His far superior vision for our lives.

KEY POINTS

• Good intentions can become self-centered when we focus on our own ideas rather than seeking God's will first.

• God often says 'no' to our plans because He has a much greater vision and purpose for our lives than we can see.

• Focusing on God today allows Him to direct our path and build a lasting purpose for tomorrow.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Are you currently focused on your own vision for your life, or are you actively seeking and accepting God's vision?

2. What personal plans do you need to surrender to God so that He can work His greater purpose in you?