Sunday Sermons

Sunday Sermons

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Sunday Sermons episodes

  • Rescued from Guilty Condemnation

    Rescued Week #3

    Rescued from Guilty Condemnation

    Colossians 1:13-14

    Guilt leads to regret

    We can be defined by guilt

    Once we let guilt define us, then guilt defeats us

    So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

    THREE TYPES OF CONDEMNATION THAT DO NOT EXIST IN THE LIFE OF A FOLLOWER OF JESUS:

    1. There is no God condemnation

    2. There is no self-condemnation

    3. There is no others condemnation

    And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:2

    Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

    The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Romans 8:3

    “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. Matthew 5:21-22

    The grip of guilt will destroy us, but the grace of God will allow us to live in freedom

    “I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way that HE loves us.” – David Crowder “How He Loves” Song 

    41 min
  • Transferred Identity
    Rescued Week #2


    Transferred Identity


    Colossians 1:13-14


    For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14


    Abram= father of height or exalted father


    When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” Genesis 17:1-2


    God's plans are always bigger than our plans


    At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, 4 “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! 5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.  Genesis 17:3-5


    Abraham= Father of many nations


    I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them! Genesis 17:6


    Jacob= grasp the heel or deceiver


    What is your name?” the man asked. He replied, “Jacob.” Genesis 32:27


    Nothing in your life can change unless Jesus gets involved


    “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.” Genesis 32:28


    Israel= God shall fight


    Simon= he has heard


    Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”) John 1:42


    I am who You say I am


    Only Jesus gets to establish our identity


    Three names we often associate to ourselves:


    1. Unloved


    God’s love is unconditional


    And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39


    2. Weak


    In Christ, you're stronger than you think


    But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4


    3. Fall short or don’t belong


    Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
    39 min
  • Rescued
    Rescued Week #1


    Rescued


    Colossians 1:13-14


    For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14


    One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.  Matthew 4:18-20


    Jesus rescues us from an empty life


    As we follow Jesus, we discover our purpose  


    Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.  Matthew 14:22-24


    Sometimes it takes a storm to get us to see what He wants us to see and know what He wants us to know


    About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:25-27


    Sometimes Jesus calms the storm, sometimes He speaks to us in the storm


    Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  Matthew 14:28-29


    The next step is always the right step, but it’s seldom an easy step


    But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Matthew 14:30


    A lot of people drown in the storm because they don’t have the courage to actually ask for help


    Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:31


    On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,‘ God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” 33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Matthew 26:31-35


    When we do “that Thing” that we said we would never do, we experience 2 emotions:


    a. Loneliness


    b.  Shame


    Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.”  Mark 16:7
    38 min
  • Overcoming Addiction - Part 2
    Overcomers - Week 9 - 10/10/21


    Overcoming Addiction - Part 2


    Hebrews 4:15-16


    Addiction often leaves us feeling lost and alone


    Before the enemy can destroy you, he has to isolate you


    For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ~Hebrews 4:15-16


    5 things I would like anyone battling with addiction to know:


    1.  I’m sorry  


    2. I Understand


    Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ~Matthew 4:1-3


    When we give in to our addiction, we are meeting our own needs


    Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ~Matthew 4:4


    To overcome addiction, we have to be in the right mindset and then understand how the enemy is coming at us and approach it from a scriptural standpoint.


    3. Sometimes, people are mean


    Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.  ~Acts 14:19-20


    4. Your current path is not sustainable


    For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~Romans 6:23


    5.  You don’t have to live like this anymore


    About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.  ~Acts 16:25-26
    46 min
  • Overcoming Addiction - Part 1
    Overcomers Week #8


    Overcoming Addiction


    Luke 15:11-24


    If you step out of an addiction but you only deal with the fruit, not the root, chances are you’ll just step right into another addiction.


    Four Steps To Overcoming addiction:


    1. Self-Realization


    Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. Luke 15:11-13


    Not getting out of an addictive behavior is going to cost you something


    After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! Luke 15:14-17


    Other people can't decide when you're going to step into healing


    2. Confession


    I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’  Luke 15:18-19


    3 Reasons we don’t typically confess:


    a. Blame


    Victims never walk in victory


    b.  Fear


    We typically drift toward things that make us comfortable


    c. Shame


    3. Understand it’s a Process


    So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20


    4. Embrace Community


    So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:20-24


    Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9
    49 min
  • Overcoming Complacency
    Overcomers - Week 7 - 9/26/21


    Overcoming Complacency 


    I’m Complacent in what area:________________________


    I’m Committed in what area:________________________        


    You can be complacent until the need becomes bigger than the want


    One of the most dangerous traps that a Christian or a church can fall into is the slippery slide from commitment to complacency.  


    1 Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2 But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3 You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.” ~Joshua 6:1-5 (NLT)


    Commitment results from our dependance on God


    6 So Joshua called together the priests and said, “Take up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, and assign seven priests to walk in front of it, each carrying a ram’s horn.” 7 Then he gave orders to the people: “March around the town, and the armed men will lead the way in front of the Ark of the Lord.”  ~Joshua 6:6-7


    Faith is believing and Obedience is proving that you believe it


    21 They completely destroyed everything in (Jericho) with their swords—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. ~Joshua 6:21  


    Complacency Causes Us To Lose  Focus or lose the Desire to move forward.


    Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the town of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. 3 When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.” ~Joshua 7:2-3


    Complacency is one thing that can get into every area of our lives if we stop  growing in Christ.   


    5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. ~2 Peter 2:5-9


    Repentance doesn’t stop the  consequences but is the starting point for re-commitment.


    “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” This promise still holds true for all of us even today. So repent, break free from complacency, and bring honor to God. ~James 4:8


    Three things that are intended to move us from spiritual complacency to spiritual fervency:


    1. Gather together


    2. Seek


    • The  Lord


    •  Righteousness


    •  Humility


    3. Don’t Compromise
    40 min
  • Overcoming Divorce
    Overcomers Week #6


    Overcoming Divorce


    Malachi 2:16


    “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” Malachi 2:16


    There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 7haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,19a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16-19

    7 Things Detestable to God:

    1. Haughty eyes


    2. A lying tongue


    3. Hands that shed innocent blood
    • A child should never be weaponized against their biological mother or father
      • 4. A heart that devises wicked schemes


      5. Feet that are quick to rush into evil


      6. A false witness who pours out lies


      7. A person who stirs up conflict
      • All of us are in the same place and all of us need the same grace

        • 3 questions about Divorce:

        1. Does God hate divorce? YES
        • God does hate divorce, but God does not hate you
          • 2. Should divorce be my first option? NO


          What does it take to make a marriage work?


          a. Forgiveness


          b. Ownership


          c. Time


          After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. Acts 15:36-40


          3. Is there life beyond divorce? YES
          • Two words often associated with divorce: failure and defeat
          • What defeated you does not get to define you for the rest of your life
            • “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. 17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— 18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” John 4:16-18


            The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah! John 4:25-26


            Just because you’re divorced doesn’t mean you’re damaged


            You may have gone through a divorce but divorce is not your name. Your marriage may have ended but failure is not your name. You may have not felt loved but unlovable is not your name. You are a child of God completely loved, forgiven and free.
            38 min
          • Overcoming Being Overwhelmed
            Overcomers Week #5


            Overcoming Being Overwhelmed


            2 Corinthians 1:8-10


            • Two words that could describe many of us today: crushed and overwhelmed


              • Courage + Clarity + Connection + Reflection = Helping me Overcome


                • 1. Courage


                We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.  2 Corinthians 1:8


                Three Reasons We Feel Crushed and Overwhelmed


                a. Pride


                b. Shame


                c. Fear


                2. Clarity


                In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9


                Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”  Matthew 26:38


                Being as clear as possible is essential to getting the help that we really need


                In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9


                3. Connection


                • Connection is essential if we're going to overcome being overwhelmed


                  • Connection to God


                    • Connection to other people


                      • Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.  Matthew 26:36-37


                      4. Reflection


                      And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. 2 Corinthians 1:10


                      • Only when you're vulnerable can you be helped
                        • 42 min
                      • Overcoming Loneliness
                        Overcomers Week #4


                        Overcoming Loneliness


                        Leviticus 15:19- 23; Luke8: 40-48


                        There's a difference between being viewed and being seen


                        There is a big difference between solitude and loneliness


                        Jesus is:


                        A Way Maker


                        A Miracle Worker


                        A Promise Keeper


                        A Light in the Darkness


                        “Whenever a woman has her menstrual period, she will be ceremonially unclean for seven days. Anyone who touches her during that time will be unclean until evening. 20 Anything on which the woman lies or sits during the time of her period will be unclean. 21 If any of you touch her bed, you must wash your clothes and bathe yourself in water, and you will remain unclean until evening. 22 If you touch any object she has sat on, you must wash your clothes and bathe yourself in water, and you will remain unclean until evening. 23 This includes her bed or any other object she has sat on; you will be unclean until evening if you touch it  Leviticus 15:19-23


                        Any time we're disconnected, we get misdirected


                        Then the Lord said to Moses, 38 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach them with a blue cord. 39 When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord instead of following your own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do. 40 The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God. 41 I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt that I might be your God. I am the Lord your God!”  Numbers 15:37-41


                        “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture  Malachi 4:2


                        On the other side of the lake the crowds welcomed Jesus, because they had been waiting for him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him. 42 His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds. 43 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure.  Luke 8:40-43


                        Religion pushes away, Jesus brings us in


                        Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. Luke 8:44


                        We can be around Jesus and not experience Jesus


                        “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” 47 When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. Luke 8:45-47


                        Sometimes we have to take a risk when it comes to following Jesus


                        Two things people want when they feel lonely and isolated: love and acceptance


                        48 “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Luke 8:48
                        35 min
                      • Overcoming Self Hate
                        Overcomers Week #3
                        Overcoming Self Hate
                        Luke 5:8-10; Romans7:24


                        When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Luke 5:8-10


                        What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Romans 7:24


                        Reasons for Self-Hate:


                        1.  Comparison


                        Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.  Galatians 6:4-5


                        2.  Criticism


                        We get so hyper focused on what other people say that we lose sight of what God says


                        Correction is done out of love, criticism is done out of the desire to be right


                        Because of the criticism of others, we’ll take their word about us over God's word about us


                        3.  Blame


                        If we don't stop blaming ourselves we will eventually hate ourselves


                        4.  Shame


                        Blame is what we say, shame is what we feel  


                        Shame shackles us to our past and doesn't allow us to walk in the freedom that Jesus actually called us to live in


                        How do we overcome self hatred?


                        1.  Embrace Community


                        2.  Accept Empathy


                        When we go through seasons of self-hate and shame, we tend to want to run away from God, when in actuality, that should be what draws us to God


                        So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.  Hebrews 4:14-16


                        3. Understand Value


                        The value of something is determined by the price that somebody's willing to pay


                        For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17


                        The real reason we wrestle with self-hate is because we know who we really are


                        Jesus, help me not to hate what you deeply love and what deeply matters to you, starting with me
                        41 min

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