Saint John Community Church

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to explore the first belief statement of the Apostle's Creed: "I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth." This foundational belief captures the essence of our faith in a God who is all-powerful and the ultimate creator of all things. Let us discover the evidence and arguments for the existence of God as our loving Father who created the heavens and the earth.

What do you believe? And how often do we think deeply about what we believe about as followers of Jesus, God, or spiritually? During this sermon series we are going to explore more deeply the beliefs we hold collectively as a universal church. We will see how these beliefs interact with our experiences, actions, and the results we see in our lives, families, communities, and the world.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we come together to contemplate and reflect upon the powerful and profound doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. This belief, rooted in the teachings of scripture and affirmed throughout the history of the Christian faith, is a cornerstone of our hope and a central tenet of our faith.

Baptism is the initiation celebration of the believer's journey of faith. Through baptism, the believer is connected to the faith community to grow and mature in Christ. When a person is baptized, they are assimilated into the body of Christ. After baptism, the believer begins to take their first steps and profess their faith as a member of the baptized Body.

Today, we're going to explore the significant themes of faith, doubt, and the unwavering nature of God's love and power as we navigate the storms of life. Together, let's dive into the parallel passages in the book of Matthew to gain insight and strengthen our walk with God.

In today’s sermon, we will explore the Great White Throne Judgment described in Revelation 20:11-15. We will first observe the scene of the judgment, then interpret its meaning, and finally, apply it to our lives. We will see the significance of this judgment and what it means for us as followers of Christ. Our three main points will focus on the judgment’s severity, the finality of its verdict, and the ultimate destination for those who are judged.

According to Jesus, truth is a central concept in the teachings of Christianity. In the Bible, Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), emphasizing the significance of truth in the context of spiritual salvation. Jesus highlights the importance of understanding and living by the truth, teaching that it sets people free (John 8:32). This reflects the belief that truth is not merely a concept but a guiding principle that leads to liberation and righteousness.

Today, we gather to explore the profound gift of free will that God has bestowed upon us. It is a gift that comes with immense power and responsibility, shaping not only our lives here on earth but also our eternal destiny. As we delve into the intricate connection between our free will and God's sovereignty, we may better understand our role in the divine plan.

As we gather today, we embark on a journey to explore the foundational doctrines that underpin our faith. Through this sermon series, we seek to gain a deeper understanding of these truths to fortify our faith and equip ourselves for meaningful conversations with those seeking answers. Today, we begin with the doctrine of original sin, a concept deeply rooted in Scripture and central to our understanding of humanity's fallen nature and the redemptive work of Christ.

Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross

Counting the Cost of Discipleship

Embracing Sacrifice for the Sake of the Gospel

Quote: "No one can be a disciple of Christ without being willing to imitate Him in his suffering." - Thomas à Kempis

Conclusion: As we rethink the church and our role as disciples, let us embrace sacrificial discipleship. May we deny ourselves, count the cost, and be willing to imitate Christ in His suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

Prayer: Gracious Father, give us the strength and courage to take up our crosses and follow Jesus. Help us understand the cost of discipleship and empower us to embrace sacrificial living for the sake of the Gospel. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.