SummitPA Sermon Audio

In the sixth and final week of our series called The Lord's Prayer, Pastor Kim examines the final verse of the prayer which reads: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Kim makes the case that God tests us to strengthen us, the enemy tempts us to destroy us, but God delivers us. A test is meant to prove or improve your character. A temptation is meant to entice you to sin and destroy your faith. Kim explains why God Himself never tempts us in this way. In order to navigate tests and temptations properly we must pray for protection, perceive the real battle, and pursue Jesus' example. Jesus overcame temptations by quoting scripture, trusting His Father, and staying in prayer.

In the fifth message of our series called The Lord's Prayer, Pastor Mel details what it means to forgive and be forgiven. Preaching through the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15, Mel explains how the father extended unwarranted grace and forgiveness to him. The prodigal was prepared to confess his abuses and his worthlessness when his father stopped him and readily took him back into the family with celebration. The father showed love and grace by bringing his son a robe. He gave him a ring which symbolized restoration to the family. He also gave him shoes which represented a renewed sense of meaning and purpose. God forgives us quickly and completely, so we should be ready to do the same for others who repent.

In the fourth message of our series called The Lord's Prayer, Pastor Mel discusses a twofold expression found in verse 11: Give us this day our daily bread. God knows we need bread for today and we also need bread for tomorrow. Mel explains the tradition of unleavened bread representing freedom from slavery, humility, and purity. He goes on to point out how God wants us to trust Him for provision each day. There is prudence in stewarding your resources well, but we must resist allowing our trust in the storehouse to replace our faith in God's provision. The message finishes with the understanding that it isn't wrong to pray for what we want and need, so long as those prayers are couched within the context of praying for God's kingdom.

In the third message of our series called The Lord's Prayer, Pastor Mel focuses on the petition: your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. This part of the prayer is made up of two requests, the first being that God's kingdom should advance on earth. Mel explains what it means for Jesus to be King of Kings and why this indicates God's sovereignty over Satan, despite Satan being called the ruler of this world. The second part of the prayer is a request that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus gives us an archetypal example of submission to God's will in the Garden of Gethsemane. Paul explains the importance of God renewing our minds so that we might learn His will for our lives - which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Pastor Collin preaches through The Lord's Prayer and focuses on the first part of the opening line: Our Father in Heaven. Collin poses the question, "Who can claim that God is their Father?" Those who do not receive Christ are not sons of God. Sons and daughters of God have access to the Father through the Holy Spirit. Collin reminds us that while God is our Father, He is also our Heavenly Father and should be revered. Too much familiarity is inappropriate, but we should pursue closeness with God as mediated by the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Collin preaches about idolatry. Idolatry is making anything but God the ultimate thing. Collin explains how addressing sin is less about treating symptoms and more about determining the root cause, and this cause is often idolatry. One pernicious form of idolatry is the seduction of success. Collin tells the story of Naaman being healed in the Jordan River, and explains how this story illustrates the simplicity of following Christ. The simplicity of following Christ challenges our idolatry of achievement and success.

In the second week of our series called The Lord's Prayer, Pastor Mel focuses one the second part of the opening line which reads: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. A hallowed name means a holy name - a name which is set apart from profanity. Mel explains the importance of names and reminds us that honoring God as holy doesn't change God - but it changes us. We make God's name "hallowed" in our lives by studying scripture, praying, praising, and expressing gratitude. As Christians we should aspire to be holy as God is holy so that we can accurately reflect Jesus to those around us. God cares about your holiness because He has a holy purpose for your life.

In the first message of our series called The Lord's Prayer, Pastor Mel breaks down the opening line of this most famous of prayers: Our Father in Heaven. Preaching through Matthew 6, Mel makes the case that Christ gave us the Lord's Prayer not for mindless recital, but as a template for how we should pray. Understanding God as our Father brings the temptation to filter how we see God through the image of our earthly fathers. Mel poses the question, "What 'baggage' do we bring to our relationship with God. He explains why every child needs acceptance, affection, and affirmation. He shows in scripture how God the Father gives these things to Jesus Christ. Since we are children of God and co-heirs with Christ, we must foster our relationships with God so that they are both honoring and intimate.

Pastor Kim preaches about our longing to take up residence with God. God desires intimacy with us, which is why we see Him dwelling in the midst of His people throughout scripture. God's desire to dwell among us is most prominently displayed through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Despite our need to be with God, it's possible to live our entire lives missing this connection - continually chasing things which never satisfy. Kim explains how God doesn't merely invite us in, He actually moves in Himself and dwells within us. His presence isn't just around us, it is also within us.

In the fifth week of our series called Counterfeit Gods, Pastor Mel recounts the most famous story of idolatry in scripture: Israel and the golden calf. Preaching through Exodus 32, Mel explains the revelry among the people as Aaron fashioned the golden calf. When Moses saw the people given over to idolatry he shattered the tablets inscribed with God's law on the ground. Moses made the people of Israel burn the statue, grind it into powder, and drink it. The lesson of this practice was to teach them that idols must be completely removed. The message closes with Mel instructing the importance of replacing the void left by idols with faith and affection for Jesus.