Sermons – University Park Bible Church Sermons

Title:  The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Text:  John 20 and Philippians 3:8-12

Notes:  Both the Old and New Testaments admonish us many times to consider well, to think on, to know, and to in general, use our minds.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not unreasonable fantasy that requires us to put our minds on hold in order to believe.  It is reasonable truth and the presentation of the facts are conclusive and convincing.  As our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ grows deeper we long to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death in order that we may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Sermon by Jeff Wagner

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/UPBC_Sermon_04-16-17.mp3

We had some special music on Easter Sunday, the recordings are not super great quality, but here they are.

Men’s choir:

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mens-choir-Easter-61317-8.46-AM.mp3

Handbell choir:

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/UPBC-handbell-music-04-16-17.mp3

Title:  Living the Life of Faith, Part 2

Text:  James 5:13-20

Notes:  The church is called to prayer. If we can settle ourselves firmly on this foundational principle and actively pursue it we can be certain of understanding God’s purposes in this final portion of James letter. The church is called to pray for those who are sick. The sincere prayer of faith rests on the confidence that God is able to heal and that God is in sovereign control no matter the outcome.

Sermon by Jeff Wagner

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UPBC_Sermon_04-09-17.mp3

Title:  Living the Life of Faith, Part 1

Text:  James 5:13-20

Notes:  At the close of his letter, James returns to the beginning and gives us practical teaching on how to face some of the trials we will undoubtedly live through: suffering, happiness, sickness, sin in ourselves and sin in others. Prayer in suffering and praise in the good times are his opening instructions.

Sermon by Jeff Wagner

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/UPBC_Sermon_04-02-17.mp3

Title:  The Coming of the Lord

Text:  James 5:7-11

Notes:  The return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the great expectation for all those called by His name. The expectation is not whimsical or doubtful but sure and it is upon this surety that James instructs us to be patient. We are to be patient for our Lord’s return and patient with one another.

Scripture reading:  2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10

Sermon by Jeff Wagner

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UPBC_Sermon_03-19-17.mp3

Title:  Filthy Lucre

Text:  James 5:1-6

Notes: Having wealth is not a sin. Pursuing, gaining, and keeping wealth at the expense of others is. Using your wealth in a way that does not honor God is also a sin. In the next portion of his letter, James gives a stunning rebuke to the rich who do not honor God with the wealth He has given them.

Scripture reading: Psalm 121

Benediction: Psalm 19:9-14

Sermon by Jeff Wagner

Sorry, there was a problem with the recorder, so no audio

Title: The Best Laid Plans

Text: James 4:13-17

Notes: James teaches us a sobering truth: our lives are as short as a morning vapor that comes right before dawn and disappears under the sun. No person can control how many hours they have left to live; every moment is under the care of God alone. To live our lives without this wisdom as central is a presumptuous sin.

Sermon by Jeff Wagner

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/UPBC_Sermon_03-5-17.mp3

Title:  The Sin of Slander

Text:  James 4:11-12

Notes: Slander is a serious sin that divides and destroys. It is a sin of the tongue that starts in the heart. It is a sin that we all have and do participate in. The antidote for the deadly poison is humility. Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you.

Sermon by Jeff Wagner

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/UPBC_Sermon_02-26-17.mp3

Title:  The Solution for Fights and Quarrels

Text:  James 4:6-10

Notes: Once we admit that the source of fights and quarrels comes from within our own hearts, the question is: how do we overcome our own hearts? The solution is humility and God is ever at work to humble us. The power to change our own hearts does not come from within, but is grace from God. He alone is the One who humbles and we must submit to His work.

Sermon by Jeff Wagner

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/UPBC_Sermon_02-19-17.mp3

Title:  The Source of Fights and Quarrels

Text:  James 4:1-6

Notes: James asks us a very direct and pointed question: what is the source of quarrels and conflicts among us? It is our tendency to blame others rather than to humbly admit that they come from within us. Foolish pride must be dealt with. Reconciliation with God corrects our proud hearts and brings a harvest of peace; peace with God, peace with others, and peace within.

Missed Scripture reading: Psalm 99

Sermon by Jeff Wagner

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/UPBC_Sermon_02-12-17.mp3

Title:  Controlling the Tongue, Part 2

Text: James 3:1-12

Notes:  When we realize that our tongues are small yet can direct the entire course of our lives and that our tongues are often used in ways that do not bring glory to God, what do we do about it? James has already taught us: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Sermon by Jeff Wagner

http://upbchurch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/UPBC_Sermon_01-29-17.mp3