One Family Church Sermons

If you’ve ever found yourself in pitch blackness, you know how disorienting it can be. It’s hard to know which direction to go, and even if you know which direction to go, it’s hard to take a single step in that direction, because there’s no light to illuminate your path. In life, we often find ourselves in darkness, uncertain about which direction to go and which next step to take. So today, we explore how Christ is the light that brings direction in the darkness of our lives! Join us today for a powerful message called “Direction in the Dark.”

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HOW TO FIND YOUR WAY IN THE DARK

ISAIAH 9:2 NIV

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

ISAIAH 9:6 NIV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 8:12 NIV

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

LIGHT OF ORIENTATION

THE LIGHT OF ILLUMINATION

JOHN 11:9-10 HCSB

If anyone walks during the day, he doesn’t stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 If anyone walks during the night, he does stumble, because the light is not in him.

PSALM 119:105 NIV

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

LIGHT OF INSPIRATION

MATTHEW 5:14-16 NIV

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Have you ever been too afraid or too ashamed to reveal a weakness, a vulnerability, or even a wound that you’ve hidden in the darkness of your heart? Have you ever been too afraid to let the light of truth shine into a dark part of your soul? Today, we launch our Christmas series with a powerful exploration of what it means for Jesus to be the light of our lives. We explore what it really means for Jesus to be the light of our world.

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We would love to hear how God is touching your life through this ministry! Share your story with us by emailing mailto:[email protected]!

If you would like to support One Family Church financially you can give online through our website by clicking herehttps://www.google.com/url?q=https://onefamilychurch.com/give&sa=d&source=editors&ust=1670166419581581&usg=aovvaw06jpv7tcpklhurgphp9wighttps://onefamilychurch.com/give

To give via text, text the amount of your donation (ex. 50, 100, 1000) to 314-312-1008. You will immediately receive a reply with a receipt indicating that your donation was received.

If you need prayer, email mailto:[email protected]!

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You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

(Matthew 5:38-42)

What must I do to treat people with grace?

Overcome insults.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person (justice); but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also (grace). (Mt. 5:38-39)

My value comes from God.

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. (Ps. 62:7)

How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? (John 5:44)

Overcome fear.

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. (Matthew 5:40)

If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. (Exodus 22:26-27)

My provision comes from God.

Overcome resentment.

If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. (Matthew 5:41)

My joy comes from God.

It is the unworthy who have experienced the good things of the kingdom of God; and as they have experienced the surprise of unexpected grace, so they act in a similar manner toward the undeserving among them–Donald Hagner, New Testament scholar

How many of you wish you had less money? How about less time? Less health? Less joy, peace, or love? No one!!! We all wish we had more of those things, because those are all good things that can be used to benefit not only our lives, but the lives of others! Today, we’re going to explore a powerful truth taught by Jesus about how to multiply good things in your life and in your world. Join us today for an exciting message called: WHEN NOT ENOUGH IS ALL YOU NEED.

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We would love to hear how God is touching your life through this ministry! Share your story with us by emailing mailto:[email protected]!

If you would like to support One Family Church financially you can give online through our website by clicking herehttps://www.google.com/url?q=https://onefamilychurch.com/give&sa=d&source=editors&ust=1668955560653504&usg=aovvaw0jqtbae7ox_rwsm6o6j3j8https://onefamilychurch.com/give

To give via text, text the amount of your donation (ex. 50, 100, 1000) to 314-312-1008. You will immediately receive a reply with a receipt indicating that your donation was received.

If you need prayer, email mailto:[email protected]!

For more information about One Family Church, visithttps://www.google.com/url?q=https://onefamilychurch.com/&sa=d&source=editors&ust=1668955560654416&usg=aovvaw20phlbqab8nobhrzisylgvhttps://onefamilychurch.com or follow us on our social media platforms below.

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Have you ever made a bad investment? Perhaps you made a financial investment, an emotional investment, or an investment of time or skill that did not turn out so well. We’ve all done it, and we all know it is incredibly frustrating for an investment to go bust. On the other hand, we all know how exciting it is when we make an investment that succeeds.

Today, we explore a powerful story Jesus told to explain God’s investment strategy. You may be surprised to discover that some of God’s investments go really well -- others, not so much. And you may be very surprised to find out where God invests his wealth!+++

We would love to hear how God is touching your life through this ministry!

Share your story with us by emailing mailto: [email protected]!

If you would like to support One Family Church financially, you can give online through our website by clicking here:

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What are you running short on: money, time, emotional bandwidth, or all three!? Does your life get so busy that you feel you don’t have time for what’s really important? Does your money ever get so tight that you feel like you don’t have enough? Do you find that your relationships sometimes feel strained due to lack of time with those you love? How do we avoid, especially during these busy times, pushing ourselves to the limit financially, relationally, and with our time? Join us today as we hear what God has to say about the mystery of margin! (Inspired by and adapted from "Breathing Room" by Andy Stanley).

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We would love to hear how God is touching your life through this ministry! Share your story with us by emailing [email protected]!

If you would like to support One Family Church financially you can give online through our website by clicking here https://onefamilychurch.com/give

To give via text, text the amount of your donation (ex. 50, 100, 1000) to 314-312-1008. You will immediately receive a reply with a receipt indicating that your donation was received.

If you need prayer, email [email protected]!

For more information about One Family Church, visit https://onefamilychurch.com or follow us on our social media platforms below.

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Generosity is not a single act, and it’s not a passing feeling. Generosity is a state of mind, an attitude of abundance, a willingness to care for others, and a deep joyful desire to be of service to someone other than yourself. Today, we take a deep dive into what causes some people to be generous, and others to be selfish. Join us for a powerful sermon today titled: A Generous Mind.

We would love to hear how God is touching your life through this ministry! Share your story with us by emailing [email protected]!

If you would like to support One Family Church financially you can give online through our website by clicking here https://onefamilychurch.com/give

To give via text, text the amount of your donation (ex. 50, 100, 1000) to 314-312-1008. You will immediately receive a reply with a receipt indicating that your donation was received.

If you need prayer, email [email protected]!

For more information about One Family Church, visit https://onefamilychurch.com or follow us on our social media platforms below.

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GENEROSITY PARADOX

[B]rothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

A GENEROUS MIND

If you don’t control your thoughts, your thoughts will control you.

1. CAPTURE

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

2. COLLECT

true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy

3. CURATE

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 NIV

4. CULTIVATE

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

[M]ake my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:2-8 NIV

There’s a universal truth that applies to all people everywhere at all times. It’s simply this: “when we give, we gain -- when we grasp, we lose.” This truth is not only taught throughout the Bible, it’s also taught by every other major religion, and has been verified countless times in scientific experiments. How is it possible that by giving, we gain? How is it possible that by withholding (maintaining ownership, power, or control), we lose? Join us this Sunday as we launch a brand new series called, “The Generosity Paradox.”

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We would love to hear how God is touching your life through this ministry! Share your story with us by emailing [email protected]!

If you would like to support One Family Church financially you can give online through our website by clicking here https://onefamilychurch.com/give

If you need prayer, email [email protected]!

For more information about One Family Church, visit https://onefamilychurch.com or follow us on our social media platforms below.

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THE GENEROSITY PARADOX

PARADOX: a statement that seems contradictory or implausible at first, but turns out to be true.

GENEROSITY: the virtue of freely, abundantly, and frequently giving good things to benefit others.

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25 NLT

In giving, we gain. In grasping, we lose.

Generosity is paradoxical. Those who give, receive back in turn. By spending ourselves for others’ well-being, we enhance our own standing. In letting go of some of what we own, we better secure our own lives. By giving ourselves away, we ourselves move toward flourishing. This is not only a philosophical or religious teaching; it is a sociological fact. ~ Smith & Davidson, The Paradox of Generosity

Generous People experience: 1) greater levels of happiness 2) better mental and emotional health 3) greater sense of purpose 4) less depression, and 5) greater interest in personal growth

1. The more you care for others, the less you worry about yourself.

The generosity paradox can also be stated in the negative. By grasping onto what we currently have, we lose out on better goods that we might have gained. In holding onto what we possess, we diminish its long-term value to us. By always protecting ourselves against future uncertainties and misfortunes, we are affected in ways that make us more anxious about uncertainties and vulnerable to future misfortunes. In short, by failing to care for others, we do not properly take care of ourselves. It is no coincidence that the word “miser” is . . . related to the word “miserable.” ~ Smith & Davidson, The Paradox of Generosity

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 NIV

2. Generosity increases personal agency and an abundance mentality.

Many people are disorganized, scattered, and out of control when it comes to their own money, time, and attention . . . . Being generous with that money, time, [and] attention . . . requires becoming intentional, getting organized, taking stock, setting priorities, and following through with decisions . . . . [T]hat in and of itself is already a form of personal agency exercised. ~ Smith & Davidson, The Paradox of Generosity

3. We’re wired for generosity.

When people act generously it . . . triggers the release of chemicals in the brain and body that enhance pleasure and happiness and reduce stress and pain. These include oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, vasopressin, endorphins, and prolactin. . . . Neuroscientists increasingly find that the “reward areas” of the human brain “light up” when people give generously to others. ~ Smith & Davidson, The Paradox of Generosity

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 NIV

4. Generosity, at its core, is an expression of love.

For God so loved the world that he gave. . . . John 3:16

What habit of generosity will I begin today?

Have you ever wondered what the point of church is? Why do Christians gather every week? Why do we sing, pray, and read scriptures? Why join a church? Why serve, give, and follow the teachings of Jesus? Join us today for a special message where Pastor Brent will tackle these questions in a sermon titled: “The Path To Christ and the Path Through Christ.”

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We would love to hear how God is touching your life through this ministry! Share your story with us by emailing [email protected]!

If you would like to support One Family Church financially, you can give online through our website by clicking here https://onefamilychurch.com/give

To give via text, text the amount of your donation (ex. 50, 100, 1000) to 314-312-1008. You will immediately receive a reply with a receipt indicating that your donation was received.

If you need prayer, email [email protected]!

For more information about One Family Church, visit https://onefamilychurch.com or follow us on our social media platforms below.

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SERMON NOTE

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. JOHN 14:5-6 NIV

THE WAY OF JESUS

A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ Luke 14:16-21 NI

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Matthew 4:23-25 NIV

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10 NIV

[W]hoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 NIV

THE SEVEN DISCIPLES OF A COMMITTED CHRISTIAN

1. We pray & fast

2. We read & meditate

3. We submit & obey

4. We gather faithfully

5. We serve joyfully

6. We give generously

7. We rest peacefully

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 NIV

When asked what was the greatest commandment of them all, Jesus answered, "Love God with all your heart, strength, and mind. And then Jesus added that there is another commandment that flows right out of that first one: "Love your neighbor as yourself." How do we do that? Who is our neighbor? What do we do if there are neighbors we have trouble loving? We hope to tackle these questions this weekend in looking at Luke 10:25-37 on "Loving Our Neighbor."

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We would love to hear how God is touching your life through this ministry! Share your story with us by emailing [email protected]!

If you would like to support One Family Church financially you can give online through our website by clicking here https://onefamilychurch.com/give

To give via text, text the amount of your donation (ex. 50, 100, 1000) to 314-312-1008. You will immediately receive a reply with a receipt indicating that your donation was received.

If you need prayer, email [email protected]!

For more information about One Family Church, visit https://onefamilychurch.com or follow us on our social media platforms below.

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SERMON NOTES

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-36