Sermons - Faith Community Church

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.

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.

People endlessly study the generations of our country-- G.I. Generation, the Silent Generation, Boomers, Busters, Gen X, Gen Y (Millennials), and now Generation Z. In depth observations and conclusions populate the research with very little agreement. In fact, there is little agreement on when each generation starts and ends! That is not the case with Generation R-- the oldest and greatest generation ever. We know when they began, who they are, and what their essential traits are...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Acts 2.40-47

And with many other words Peter solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

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.

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.

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.

People endlessly study the generations of our country-- G.I. Generation, the Silent Generation, Boomers, Busters, Gen X, Gen Y (Millennials), and now Generation Z. In depth observations and conclusions populate the research with very little agreement. In fact, there is little agreement on when each generation starts and ends! That is not the case with Generation R-- the oldest and greatest generation ever. We know when they began, who they are, and what their essential traits are...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Acts 2.40-47

And with many other words Peter solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

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.

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.

There is a feeling that will change the world... it is intensely personal but doesn't remain private; it is immensely powerful but it is not paralyzing; and it will be persuasive but never pretentious. Discount this feeling and you cannot explain the power of Jesus to change lives today nor can you explain the meteoric rise of the Christian faith that penetrated and prevailed in a hostile empire without ever resorting to the sword or insurrection.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Acts 2.29-47

29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.” ’

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Click here for this morning's message notes.

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.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

PODCASTS/AUDIBLE BOOK
Eusebius' History of the Christian Church is the earliest history of the Church written between A.D. 290-324. Bishop Eusebius, a learned scholar who lived most of his life in Caesarea in Palestine, broke new ground in writing the History and provided a model for all later ecclesiastical historians. In tracing the history of the Church from the time of Christ to the Great Persecution at the beginning of the fourth century, and ending with the conversion of the Emperor Constantine, his aim was to show the purity and continuity of the doctrinal tradition of Christianity and its struggle against persecutors and heretics.

The History of the Early Church (A.D. 30-451) or The History of the Christian Church are very accessible... The first is from a Catholic/Orthodox perspective the latter from a Calvary Chapel pastor who loves Church history.

BOOKS
Christian History Made Easy: A Quick and Colorful Guide to Understanding the Key Eents and People that Every Christian Should Know explains early church history, the Church Councils, the Great Schism, the Crusades, Francis of Assisi, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation, and more. Christian History Made Easy presents key church history events and great Christian leaders everyone should know, along with full-color church history timelines, photos, pictures, and maps.

The Story of Christianity: Volume 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation elates the dramatic events, the colorful characters, and the revolutionary ideas that shaped the first fifteen centuries of the church's life and thought.

The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity & Diversity traces the contours of Christian belief down through the ages, revealing a pattern of both unity and diversity. He finds a consensus of teaching that is both unitive and able to incorporate a faithful diversity when not forced into the molds of false either-or alternatives.

SERIES RESOURCES
The Message of Acts by John Stott. The Spirit moves the church into the world. That is how it has always been since the day of Pentecost when the Spirit brought thousands from many countries into the body of Christ. Stott writes, "The Acts of the Apostles have long ago finished; the acts of the followers of Jesus will continue until the end of the world."

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. 

This mission is a movement of truth and power; love and vitality; inspiration and revolution. It was birth in power and sustained by love.  It is a thoroughly "Spirit-drenched" life...

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

Rose recommends: Open to the Spirit: God in Us, God with Us, God Transforming Usby Scott McKnight. Who exactly is the Holy Spirit? What does he do in our lives? How can we know him more deeply, and is it possible to tap into his power? Should we pray to the Holy Spirit? Is it possible to be aware of his promptings and speaking into our lives? Dr. Scot McKnight answers these questions and more in this comprehensive examination of what the Bible says about this divinely important, but often confusing member of the Trinity.

SERIES RESOURCES
The Message of Actsby John Stott. The Spirit moves the church into the world. That is how it has always been since the day of Pentecost when the Spirit brought thousands from many countries into the body of Christ. Stott writes, "The Acts of the Apostles have long ago finished; the acts of the followers of Jesus will continue until the end of the world."

Life Togetherby Dietrich Bonhoeffer are simple, yet profound, reflections on Christian Fellowship at the illegal seminary of the Confessing Church which refused to bow the knee to Hitler, the Führer (THE leader/guide) of Nazi Germany.

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. 

Easter is many things but it remains the GREATEST paradigm shift in history. God intends for it to prepare us to make the greatest paradigm shift too! In fact, I (Mark) think it is the change we are all secretly longing for...

Today we reflect on the example and leadership principles we learn from the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Matthew 21.1-11   

1 When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me. 3 “If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 “SAY TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION, 
‘BEHOLD YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU, 
GENTLE, AND MOUNTED ON A DONKEY, 
EVEN ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A BEAST OF BURDEN.’”

6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, 7 and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats. 8 Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. 9 The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, 

“Hosanna to the Son of David; 
BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; 
Hosanna in the highest!”

10 When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Click here for this morning's sermon notes.

This Palm Sunday message has 3 parts. You can listen to any and all!
1.  00:00 - 09:58 An update from the GEM Foundation Orphanage in Uganda
2. 09:58 - 27:27 Vince's Palm Sunday message
3. 27:27 - 56:12  Mark's PalmSunday message/pastoral charge to Benji and Jen Horning who are leaving FCC pastoral staff to plant Light Church Encinitas.
4. 00:56:12 Benji and Jen's response to the FCC community

Simply Good News: Why the Gospel Is News and What Makes It Good by N. T. Wright. The Gospel means good news. But if the message has been around for 2,000 years, what makes it significant today? What’s so “good” about stories involving damnation, violence, and a God who sacrifices his only son?

The Crown and the Fire: Meditations on the Cross and the Life of the Spirit. Part One of the book alone is worth the read. In Part One, Wright considers not the customary seven last words that Jesus spoke from the cross but, rather, seven words that various people spoke to Jesus on the cross -- people like Mary and the Roman centurion, who witnessed the crucifixion, and Pontius Pilate, who helped to instigate it. 

In these spiritually confusing times, it may be appealing to think nostalgically that in its earliest days, the Christian church was a tranquil place of unity, joy, and peace, which only gradually became fragmented and contentious as the centuries rolled on. The history of the church is a history of disagreements and schisms that have led to the three major segments of Christianity we see today—Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodoxy—and to thousands of denominations and groups within each. Nevertheless, here we are, nearly two thousand years after the John wrote, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is still alive and active, still reconciling people to God and transforming their lives as they read the NT. What a wonder! ... and here in the letter called, 3 John, we learn why!

3 John
1   The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

2   Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

5   Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; 6 and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.

9   I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. 10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.

11   Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

13   I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.

15   Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

Click here for this morning's sermon notes.

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

Love Does by Bob Goff

The Letters of John by NT Wright

The Vox Podcast: The VOX Podcast is an alternative conversation about the work of Jesus in our modern day. Enjoy weekly episodes from Mike Erre and Co-Host Andy Lara. 

The Bible Project: Our videos are actually animated versions of much larger conversations that have been distilled into the most salient points. In The Bible Project podcast, Tim and Jon invite you into their dialogue concerning the biblical theology behind each video.

If you spend any time here at Faith Community you will begin to hear the phrase: "Follow well, love well, serve well." These are the building blocks of our life of faith here at Faith. These are Jesus' words in every Gospel. His call and command are as simple as they are challenging. Easily memorized but never mastered. These must be the DNA of our our lives, our community, and our relationships.

In light of the polarization in our culture; the growing hostility to the Christian faith, and the individualistic and isolating habits many pursue, it seems like a strategic time to focus on these simple words. Let us start 2018 by defining these words that define us and by encouraging one another to follow well, love well, and serve well.

Today we conclude where we began looking at the example of Jesus and the encouragement that we might change the world by following in His footsteps to follow, love, and serve.

PHILIPPIANS 2.1-11

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Click here for this morning's sermon notes.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders. This classic book on spiritual leadership sets a high bar of excellence for all followers of Jesus to aspire to. Available in all formats.

Also, for using your invitations, listen to Rose Males message on "How to Have A Spiritual Conversation".

If you spend any time here at Faith Community you will begin to hear the phrase: "Follow well, love well, serve well." These are the building blocks of our life of faith here at Faith. These are Jesus' words in every Gospel. His call and command are as simple as they are challenging. Easily memorized but never mastered. These must be the DNA of our our lives, our community, and our relationships.

In light of the polarization in our culture; the growing hostility to the Christian faith, and the individualistic and isolating habits many pursue, it seems like a strategic time to focus on these simple words. Let us start 2018 by defining these words that define us and by encouraging one another to follow well, love well, and serve well.

Today we conclude where we began looking at the example of Jesus and the encouragement that we might change the world by following in His footsteps to follow, love, and serve.

PHILIPPIANS 2.1-11

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Click here for this morning's sermon notes.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders. This classic book on spiritual leadership sets a high bar of excellence for all followers of Jesus to aspire to. Available in all formats.

Also, for using your invitations, listen to Rose Males message on "How to Have A Spiritual Conversation".