The Steel City Church

In this sermon about growing as a "Giver" in the church, the speaker explores Acts 11:19-30 to illustrate three key aspects of biblical giving. Drawing from the early church's example in Antioch, the message emphasizes that giving extends beyond financial contributions to include serving, stewarding, and sacrificing for spiritual needs.

The sermon outlines three main points about growing as a Giver:

The message concludes by highlighting that what made early Christians distinctive wasn't just that they served and sacrificed (since everyone serves something), but that they did so specifically for Christ's body, the church. The sermon challenges listeners to pray about three areas: identifying needs to serve, stewarding resources for kingdom work, and finding joy in sacrifice.

Throughout the message, the speaker emphasizes that true Christian giving prioritizes spiritual needs over physical ones, following Christ's example who "for the joy set before Him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2).

In this illuminating sermon about New Testament letters and their application to church unity, the message explores how biblical writers used linking words like "therefore" and "because" to connect spiritual truths with practical living.

The sermon centers on Steel City Church's framework called "The Ways," which guides believers in learning and living like Jesus through three dimensions: lifestyles (connecting with God, investing in others, and engaging non-believers), identities (as uniters and givers), and practical guideposts (belong, speak, bear, serve, steward, sacrifice). The message emphasizes how understanding the gospel - God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ - should transform how believers live, particularly in their relationship with the church.

Drawing from key passages in Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, the sermon outlines three crucial aspects of being a "uniter" in the church: embracing the church with a sense of belonging, equipping the church by speaking truth in love, and embodying Christ to the church by bearing with one another. The message reinforces that God's plan to make Jesus known to the world is through the church - a diverse, global movement of believers united in purpose.

Through practical applications from these New Testament letters, the sermon guides believers in understanding how to live out their faith as active, unifying members of Christ's church.

This sermon by Zakk Roberts at Steel City Church focuses on the transformative power of Christian unity and community. Beginning with Jesus's prayer in John 17:20-23, Roberts explains that Steel City Church exists to help everyday people learn and live the ways of Jesus. He traces Christianity's remarkable growth from just 120 believers in 30 AD to approximately 2.4 billion followers today, representing 33% of the world's population.

The sermon introduces "The Ways," Steel City's comprehensive guide to following Jesus, which encompasses three dimensions: lifestyles (connecting with God, investing in others, and engaging non-believers), identities (as uniters and givers), and practical guideposts like belonging, speaking truth, bearing burdens, serving, stewarding, and sacrificing. Roberts emphasizes practical expressions of Christian community through love, hospitality, harmony, and forgiveness.

Zakk concludes by highlighting how early Christianity transformed Roman society by addressing urgent social needs through practical love and community service. The central message is clear: the church's unity and mutual love serve as God's primary strategy for making Jesus known to the world. Through Steel City's framework of "The Ways," members are encouraged to actively participate in this divine plan by living out their faith in practical, community-oriented ways.

In this powerful message exploring Judges 19-21, we confront one of the Bible's darkest narratives and discover how it mirrors our own spiritual condition without Christ. Through the tragic story of the Levite and his concubine, we see the devastating results of a society where "everyone did what was right in their own eyes."

But this message doesn't leave us in despair—it pivots to the transformative power of having Christ as our King, beautifully illustrated through a fresh perspective on communion.

Rather than approaching the Lord's table in a spirit of penance, we learn to celebrate it as those who have been found, freed, and forever changed by our perfect King.

In this message we explore Judges 13-16, as we delve into the complex story of Samson.

This sermon unpacks how our perceived strengths can often become our greatest weaknesses, and how true strength is found in acknowledging our weakness before God.Key Points:

• The danger of reckless overconfidence

• The perils of impulsive indulgence

• The importance of teachability and community

• How pride leads to isolation

We'll examine Samson's life as a mirror to our own, challenging us to confront our weaknesses and find redemption in Christ. This message offers a fresh perspective on a familiar Bible story, revealing how God's power is perfected in our weakness.

Whether you're struggling with self-reliance or seeking to deepen your faith, this sermon provides valuable insights for your spiritual journey. Join us as we learn to find our true strength in Christ!

In this sermon, we dive into the story of Gideon from Judges 6-8, exploring the transformative journey of a seemingly fearful man into a mighty leader empowered by God. We delve into the themes of destroying the enemy among us, discerning the enemy around us, and redirecting the enemy within us. Drawing parallels between Gideon's courage and modern faith challenges, this podcast encourages us to lean into God's power despite our inadequacies. Like Gideon preparing to face the Midianites, we are called to confront the cultural and spiritual forces that seek to undermine our faith. Pastor [Name] uses the story of gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik to illustrate how perseverance and reliance on God’s strength lead to unexpected victories. Join us as we learn to overcome personal and external struggles by trusting in God's sovereignty and embracing our role in His greater plan. Fix your eyes on Jesus—destroy the idols of today, discern the true struggles around you, and redirect your inner battles toward God's victory.

In this compelling episode, we dive into the dramatic narrative of Judges 4 and 5, exploring how God uses unexpected heroes to bring about His victory. Through the stories of Deborah, Barak, and Jael, we uncover powerful lessons about leadership, courage, and faith in the face of overwhelming odds.

Our pastor unpacks this rich biblical text, revealing: • The danger of spiritual complacency and compromise • God's surprising strategies in battle • The critical role of women in ministry and leadership • The devastating effects of apathy in our faith and communities • How even simple acts of obedience can bring glory to God

This message challenges us all - men and women alike - to step up, lead courageously, and trust in God's plan, even when it doesn't make sense to us. Whether you're feeling called to action or struggling with apathy, this sermon offers insights that will encourage and inspire you to live out your faith boldly.

Join us as we learn how, in the midst of our perceived 'kinglessness,' we are more 'kinged' than we've ever been through Christ's rule and reign. Don't miss this powerful exploration of how God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

Steel City Church: Learning and living the ways of Jesus together.

We continue our series "Kingless: Flawed Heroes, Faithful God" with the sermon titled "Ehud: The Unexpected Rescue by the Unexpected Rescuer," focusing on Judges 3:12-30. In this message, we explore the story of Ehud, a seemingly unlikely hero, who delivers Israel from oppression by the Moabites through an unexpected and daring rescue. Drawing a parallel with the story of Desmond Doss from "Hacksaw Ridge," Pastor illuminates how Ehud, despite being overlooked and underestimated, brings victory and peace to God's people. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God often uses unexpected means and unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes and demonstrate His faithfulness.

The sermon delves into the patterns of rebellion, retribution, and rescue that are prevalent in Judges, revealing how the Israelites' disobedience led to their subjugation. Yet, in their distress, God raised up Ehud, who, despite his flaws and societal disdain, faithfully delivered them, bringing 80 years of peace. Through this story, the congregation is encouraged to reflect on their own identities, cultural influences, and the true source of their worth. Just as Ehud's actions pointed to a greater deliverer, Jesus Christ, we are reminded that in our weaknesses, God's power is made perfect, offering us honor and innocence in place of shame and guilt. The sermon concludes with a call to live out our God-given identities, influencing our culture with the faithfulness exemplified by Christ.

On September 1, 2024, Steel City Church will embark on a profound journey through the book of Judges with the series titled "Kingless: Flawed Heroes, Faithful God." Kicking off with an introduction sermon, "A Familiar Foreign Land," this message will set the stage with a compelling analogy from the famous 1956 chess game between Bobby Fischer and Donald Byrne. Just as Fischer's sacrificial move demonstrated the critical importance of the king in chess, this sermon will explore the consequences faced by Israel when they deemed themselves kingless and pursued what was right in their own eyes. Despite Israel's descent into chaos and sin, the sovereignty of God shines through as He raises flawed heroes to guide His people, ultimately pointing to a greater Hero, Jesus Christ.

This introductory sermon will offer a candid look into Judges 1-3:6, highlighting three recurring themes: rebellion, retribution, and rescue. The narrative opens with Israel's backstory—from their escape from Egypt to entering the promised land under Joshua's leadership. The sermon will tackle the profound generational impact of forsaking God, as illustrated by Judges 2:10-19, where a new generation rose that did not "know" the Lord. Through raw and introspective questions, attendees will be invited to reflect on their own spiritual state: are they committed, complacent, or compromising? As the series unfolds, the congregation will be encouraged to recognize the cyclical nature of Israel's rebellion and the merciful interventions of God. This series not only exposes the human condition but challenges the church today to live under the authority of the true King, learning dependence and obedience to His commandments.

"Growing as a Worshipper - REST," based on Matthew 11:28-30. This sermon will underscore the pressures of modern life and the transformative power of embracing rest in Jesus. Through the lens of biblical truths, such as the eternal purpose of rest evident in Genesis and the redemptive rest promised in Deuteronomy, the sermon will reveal God's call to cease spiritual self-efforts and trust in His sustaining power. Mike Breen's profound insight, "We are to work from our rest, not rest from our work," serves as a touchstone for understanding this invitation. By tracing rest from creation to Christ's ultimate fulfillment in Hebrews, attendees will discover the deep spiritual relief available through Jesus.

In exploring Matthew 11:28-30, the sermon will highlight Jesus's invitation to the weary and burdened, offering a kind yoke and light burden as an alternative to the oppressive demands of life. Through vivid analogies and personal stories, the teaching will illustrate the profound relief found in Christ's promises. We are challenged and encouraged to recognize their own weariness and burdens and to embrace the gentle, lowly heart of Jesus. The message will drive home that resting in God transcends physical relaxation, urging followers to cease their spiritual striving, trust in God's provision, and build rhythms of rest that foster spiritual growth and communion with Him.