Sermons from Parker DC

God, open our eyes to see that those who are with us are greater than those who are against us! In this message from the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series, Pastor Joey looks at the infamous "Angel Armies" text in 2 Kings 6. The prophet Elisha is surrounded by hostile Syrian forces and yet is completely at peace. Why? Elisha sees what most don't. The prophet is aware of God's angel army that has surrounded his adversary. This story demonstrates God's deliverance in those huge, crisis moments of our life. This doesn't mean that God always keeps us from trouble, but is PRESENT with us in the trouble! Message preached on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at ParkerDC.

In the latest message from the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series, Pastor Joey looks at a simple story in 2 Kings 6 about a lost axe head. It seems incredibly insignificant, but not to the one who had borrowed the axe in the first place. In urgency, this man runs to Elisha and pleads for help. As a result, God miraculously makes the iron axe head float. At first glance this text looks unimportant, but we learn that NOTHING is beyond God's care and concern. God cares about the BIG stuff, and the LITTLE stuff. He wants us to bring every burden, stress, anxiety, and prayer concern to Him. Message preached on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at ParkerDC.

2 Kings 5 is a relatively familiar text as we get to Naaman and his unconventional swim in the Jordan River, resulting in his healing of leprosy. But as we look deeper, we discover a lot more! Naaman has to swallow his pride in order to discover physical healing. And as a result, he also finds faith in the God of Israel. In contrast, Naaman's servant is driven by greed, dishonesty, and selfish desire. In the end, Naaman is blessed and Gehazi (the servant) is cursed. Listen now to this powerful text and sermon from the "Peaks & Valleys Sermon Series". Join us this Sunday as we continue on in our journey through the chronicles of Elijah and Elisha.

It's amazing how many miracles and teachings in the New Testament are foreshadowed in the Old. In this text from 2 Kings 4:38-44, Pastor Joey emphasizes that Jesus is the Bread of Life (see also John 6) that is pictured in the manna of the Exodus, the miracles here of the soup and the bread, and the feeding of the 5,000 in the gospels. God uses Elisha to redeem the deadly soup (also redeeming the labor) in the first short story. Then he uses the prophet to provide basic provision to the prophets and the people in a miracle that is very similar to the miraculous feedings by Jesus. We learn of God's sufficiency and provision here. Nothing in our life is unredeemable when Jesus steps onto the scene! Message preached on Sunday, April 21, 2024 as part fourteen in the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series.

What do we do when life throws us a curve? In reality, our life is really not in our hands. Contrary to Bon Jovi's "It's My Life", our life is at the disposal of the Sovereign God of the universe who orchestrates everything according to His good, pleasing, and perfect will. In this message we look at a story that is roller coaster of emotions of life, death, and resurrection... a clear picture of the Gospel for sure! The story teaches us to lean on God amid the joys and sufferings of life, knowing that God is working all things together for good, albeit maybe not our initial understanding of good. Message preached on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at ParkerDC as part thirteen of the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series.

In a very similar story to Elijah's interaction with the widow of Zarephath, 2 Kings 4 gives us a picture of God's SUFFICIENCY and PROVISION amid an incredibly desperate moment. One of the prophet's wives approach Elisha needing God's help after her husband's sudden death. What is at stake is the freedom of her children and ultimately life for the family. The prophet instructs this widow to a unique and private miracle. It doesn't make the headlines of the local news, but it does provide both MERCY and God's GRACE. God meets this need as only a loving and sovereign God could! Message preached on Sunday, April 7, 2024 as part twelve in the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series.

Of FIRST IMPORTANCE. Paul spoke in these terms in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 as he clarifies the core weekend of the gospel story when Jesus died, was buried, and rose again! In this Easter Sunday message, Pastor Joey looks at the basic texts in Luke 23-24 of the Crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection of our Lord, highlighting the necessity for all and the unity of the work of Christ. Christ has won the victory over sin and death! This is not just an Easter message, but the Christian message. Message preached on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at ParkerDC.

In this impromptu message, Pastor Joey sits aside the "Peaks & Valleys" series to look at Genesis 22 and God's sacrificial provision to Abraham and how it foreshadows the greatest provision on the Cross. Message preached on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at ParkerDC.

So many sermon titles apply here.... "A Tale Of Two Cities", "To Kill A Mocking Boy", or even "The Bald And The Beautiful". In this text we see the transition of the prophet's influence, from Elijah to Elisha following the former's mysterious departure. In two unique interactions, Elisha brings a blessing upon Jericho and then a curse upon Bethel. Jericho sought God's favor and Elisha purified the water. Bethel's boys mocked God's prophet and likely lost their lives. The narrative depicts two choices. Do we honor God, His Word, and His prophet or do we scorn them? In the balance is God's favor or judgment. Message preached on Sunday, March 17, 2024 as part ten in the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series.

Some people make an impression when they walk in a room AND some people make a greater impression when they exit. In this case, Elijah's ending is far more memorable than his beginning. In this ninth message from the "Peaks & Valleys" series, Pastor Joey looks at 2 Kings 2 and the "Pyromaniac Prophet's" unusual last day. This text highlights a test that Elijah gives to Elisha that emphasizes the strategic and persistent discipleship process. Also, Elisha's request to his predecessor/mentor emphases the importance of the Holy Spirit's empowering to accomplish the gospel purposes in life. We desperately need the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and empower us to faithful ministry. We witness a beautiful relationship between two faithful witnesses as the mantle is passed in ministry. Let the church today learn from this example of relational discipleship and ministry! Message preached on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at ParkerDC.