Sermons - Faith Community Church

The stories Jesus told were shocking, insulting, provocative, challenging, disrupting, unsettling, and frightening. They were anything but sweet, comforting, simple, and trite. In these short stories we experience the creative genius of Jesus as he crafts stories and examples intended to provoke a reaction... and let me warn you, "indifference", is not an option!

TODAY'S MESSAGE

Today we will look at The Parable of the Reckoning. It's the shocking tale of 3 slaves, 3 fortunes, and 2 shockingly different fates. It is a tale told at the expense of the religious conservative. Just maybe they can be "shocked back to life" as they hear this...

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 25.14-30

14 “For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 In like manner he also who got the two gained another two. 18 But he who received the one went away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

19 “Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. 20 He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.’

21 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

22 “He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents besides them.’

23 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

24 “He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. 25 I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where I didn’t scatter. 27 You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest. 28 Take away therefore the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who has not, even that which he has will be taken away. 30 Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Click here for additional resources.

The stories Jesus told were shocking, insulting, provocative, challenging, disrupting, unsettling, and frightening. They were anything but sweet, comforting, simple, and trite. In these short stories we experience the creative genius of Jesus as he crafts stories and examples intended to provoke a reaction... and let me warn you, "indifference", is not an option!

TODAY'S MESSAGE

Today we will look at the parable of the hidden treasure. It's the story of man that discovers a priceless treasure in a field and in his excitement sells everything to purchase the field and embrace the treasure as his own. This isn’t a story about purchasing in the sense that we’ve got enough chips to cash in to get the Kingdom. This is a recognition that what I have in my hands may keep me from embracing the Kingdom. It’s the biblical theme of serving two masters. There is nothing that can have more supremacy or priority in our lives.

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 13.44

44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

The stories Jesus told were shocking, insulting, provocative, challenging, disrupting, unsettling, and frightening. They were anything but sweet, comforting, simple, and trite. In these short stories we experience the creative genius of Jesus as he crafts stories and examples intended to provoke a reaction... and let me warn you, "indifference", is not an option!

TODAY'S MESSAGE

Today we will look at the parable that introduces all parables: The Strange Tale of the Sower from Matthew 13.1-9; 18-23. Beware how you listen to it as your life depends on it...

CLICK HERE for this morning's sermon notes

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 13.1-9; 18-23

On that day Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the seaside. 2 Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat, and sat, and all the multitude stood on the beach. 3 He spoke to them many things in parables, saying, “Behold, a farmer went out to sow. 4 As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth. 6 When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away. 7 Others fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them: 8 and others fell on good soil, and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

18 “Hear, then, the parable of the farmer. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes, and snatches away that which has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown by the roadside. 20 What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word, and understands it, who most assuredly bears fruit, and brings forth, some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.”

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

From June 18-22 was Kids Day Camp at Faith.  This Sunday we celebrated what God did amongst our kids and reflected on the theme of the week.  No matter where we find ourselves, Jesus is able to rescue.  

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Stop by the Welcome Table to receive your free gift, pick a charity, and to find out more information.

Our middle school and high school students are headed to Camp at Cedar Crest in the San Bernadino mountains! At our summer camps, youth have the opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of daily life at home and make new connections. They get to connect with leaders, each other and most importantly -- with Jesus Christ.

Camp is July 16-20 and the cost is $220.

Click here to register

Join us at Faith Community for Science Camp, Aug. 20-23,  9am-1pm. This camp is for kids entering 2nd-6th grades. We will explore biblical themes around God’s creation each day. This year's science theme is Ecology.  Each day the children will witness demonstrations, participate in hands-on experiments, create take-home projects, play games and enjoy lunch together. This camp will also include 2 off-campus field trips. This camp is limited to 25 students so early registration is recommended to reserve a place in the lab. The cost for the camp is $60.00.

Register here

From June 18-22 was Kids Day Camp at Faith.  This Sunday we celebrated what God did amongst our kids and reflected on the theme of the week.  No matter where we find ourselves, Jesus is able to rescue.  

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

TODAY'S MESSAGE

The Bible is filled with mentors. The apostle Paul writes to his spiritual son in the faith (1 and 2 Timothy). But what does it take to be a spiritual father? This week Ryan Silvia, our youth director, reflects on what it takes to be a spiritual father and the incredible impact it makes on lives...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 1.1-2

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus. 2 To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

We live in the digital age. Physical communities have given way to online ones. So what makes the church unique? Why should a person get up on a Sunday, get ready, drive to a location and gather in person with others? What's the point when you can hear great sermons online and listen to all your favorite worship songs on your phone? In this teaching series, we'll explore and discover the irreplaceable, life-giving, transformative power of the church when we return to our roots and live on mission together.

Most Christians have a desire to be like the early Church. We romanticize their unity, the miracles, the preaching, the explosive growth, and the lavish generosity of the first Christians. It is easy to think that the church grew because of charismatic leaders endowed with unique abilities of leadership and wonder-inspiring power. The truth is far less flashy. The Christian movement because it was the organic endeavor of a people on mission together. We have that same opportunity today...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Acts 8.1-12

And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. 3 But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.

4 Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. 6 The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. 7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was much rejoicing in that city.

9 Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; 10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, “This man is what is called the Great Power of God.” 11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.

Click here for this morning's notes.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

CLICK HERE for additional resources.

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

TODAY'S MESSAGE

We live in the digital age. Physical communities have given way to online ones. So what makes the church unique? Why should a person get up on a Sunday, get ready, drive to a location and gather in person with others? What's the point when you can hear great sermons online and listen to all your favorite worship songs on your phone? In this teaching series, we'll explore and discover the irreplaceable, life-giving, transformative power of the church when we return to our roots and live on mission together.

Most Christians have a desire to be like the early Church. We romanticize their unity, the miracles, the preaching, the explosive growth, and the lavish generosity of the first Christians. If only... Yet conspicuously absent from our yearning is the harsh reality of the opposition and persecution they faced. Yet in 22 of 28 chapters in the Book of Acts we find references to the opposition those first Christians faced. Why were they persecuted if they were know for their love, service, sacrifice, and generosity?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

CLICK HERE for additional resources.

ONLINE GIVING

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

TODAY'S MESSAGE

We live in the digital age. Physical communities have given way to online ones. So what makes the church unique? Why should a person get up on a Sunday, get ready, drive to a location and gather in person with others? What's the point when you can hear great sermons online and listen to all your favorite worship songs on your phone? In this teaching series, we'll explore and discover the irreplaceable, life-giving, transformative power of the church when we return to our roots and live on mission together.

Most Christians have a desire to be like the early Church. We romanticize their unity, the miracles, the preaching, the explosive growth, and the lavish generosity of the first Christians. If only... Yet conspicuously absent from our yearning is the harsh reality of the opposition and persecution they faced. Yet in 22 of 28 chapters in the Book of Acts we find references to the opposition those first Christians faced. Why were they persecuted if they were know for their love, service, sacrifice, and generosity?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Acts 4.1-22

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“ ‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

CLICK HERE for additional resources.

TODAY'S MESSAGE

We live in the digital age. Physical communities have given way to online ones. So what makes the church unique? Why should a person get up on a Sunday, get ready, drive to a location and gather in person with others? What's the point when you can hear great sermons online and listen to all your favorite worship songs on your phone? In this teaching series, we'll explore and discover the irreplaceable, life-giving, transformative power of the church when we return to our roots and live on mission together.

Most Christians have a desire to be like the early Church. We romanticize their unity, the miracles, the preaching, the explosive growth, and the lavish generosity of the first Christians. If only... Yet conspicuously absent from our yearning is the harsh reality of the opposition and persecution they faced. Yet in 22 of 28 chapters in the Book of Acts we find references to the opposition those first Christians faced. Why were they persecuted if they were know for their love, service, sacrifice, and generosity?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Acts 4.1-22

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“ ‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

CLICK HERE for additional resources.