The Steel City Church

Title: "Because Jesus: Exploring Trust in Our Spiritual Journey - Hebrews 4:14-5:10"

Title: "Because Jesus: Embracing True Rest in a Restless World - Hebrews 4:1-13"

In this powerful sermon delivered by Chris Richards on YouTube, he emphasizes the importance of not hardening our hearts against God's promises and falling into rebellion. Richards begins by referring to the common question of whether we want to hear the good news or the bad news first. He then introduces Hebrews 3:7-11 and Psalm 95 to illustrate his point.

The overall message of the sermon is to encourage our church to believe in Jesus as the Resurrection and Life and to let go of their doubts and fears, emphasizing the transformative and life-changing impact of this belief.

This sermon, titled "I AM - Resurrection and Life," delivered by Pastor Chris Richards on October 15, 2023, explores the significance of the "I AM" statement made by Jesus in John 11:25-26. The objective of the sermon is to highlight that everything changes when Jesus is recognized as the Resurrection and Life. The sermon is divided into several sections:

**Introduction:**

- The sermon begins by acknowledging the presence of multiple church buildings in the city but also mentions a growing number of religiously unaffiliated individuals in society.

- The concept of agnosticism is introduced, particularly "theistic agnosticism" or "Agnostic Christian," individuals who believe in God but question the existence of concrete evidence.

- The sermon quotes Russell Moore, highlighting the disconnect between what the church teaches and what some perceive the church to believe.

**Exposition:**

- The passage under discussion is John 11, which contains a significant "I AM" statement.

- The story revolves around the death of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus.

- Various characters, including Mary and Martha, display their emotions, desperation, and doctrinal beliefs.

- Jesus' response is characterized by emphasizing His glory and eternal perspective.

- Jesus identifies Himself as the Resurrection and Life, inviting the audience to believe in Him and His ability to give life.

- The audience is challenged to press into this reality of life and overcome their struggles.

**Congregational Questions:**

- The sermon includes questions for the congregation to ponder, such as the nature of their beliefs, their view of God's involvement, and the limits of their rationality.

**Conclusion:**

- The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the resurrection changes everything.

- Reference is made to R.C. Sproul's assertion that without the resurrection, Christianity is empty and irrelevant.

- The audience is encouraged to grasp the concept of life beyond physical death and to overcome their fears.

**Key Points:**

- The sermon examines the tension between faith, logic, and the desire for tangible evidence.

- It highlights Jesus' emotional and human response to the death of Lazarus, demonstrating His understanding of human struggles.

- The central theme is the transformative power of recognizing Jesus as the Resurrection and Life.

- The sermon challenges the audience to press into the reality of life beyond death.

The central message revolves around recognizing Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows us intimately, enabling us to know Him in return and live in His care and guidance.

Here's a summary of the sermon titled "I AM series - Good Shepherd" preached by Chris Richards on October 8, 2023, based on John 10:11 and Psalm 23:

**Objective:**

The sermon aims to help the audience understand the significance of knowing the Good Shepherd because they are known by Him.

**Key Points:**

- The sermon connects with the events of John 9, where Jesus heals a man born blind, challenging the cultural religious norms. The specific religious leaders excommunicate the man who was healed, making him an outsider.

- In the midst of the crowd and the religious leaders, Jesus proclaims that He is the only way into His sheepfold, emphasizing that He is the door to His kingdom, which comes with the promise of abundant life.

- Jesus not only justifies for salvation but also sanctifies. He challenges those who rely on their efforts and wander aimlessly.

**Teaching from John 10:11-15:**

- Jesus identifies as the Good Shepherd, drawing from biblical prophecies that compare God's care for His people to that of a shepherd.

- The passage prompts self-reflection on who or what serves as one's shepherd in life. The Good Shepherd is a guide, protector, physician, and provider.

- The sermon explores each part of Psalm 23:

- The Lord as the Shepherd, a firm truth.

- A true shepherd's commitment to his flock and willingness to lay down his life for them.

- Questions regarding who or what is guiding one's life and whether it's leading them to look more like Christ.

- Psalm 23 is a litmus test for the listener's current reality and an invitation to make it a prayer of request and praise.

**Further Explorations of Psalm 23:**

- "He makes me lie down in green pastures" indicates the Shepherd's care in providing rest and safety. Lack of belief in one's acceptance can prevent one from finding rest.

- "He leads me beside quiet waters" signifies the Shepherd's provision for every aspect of one's being. It asks the listener to reflect on what well they are drinking from in life.

- "He restores my soul" emphasizes the Good Shepherd's ability to bring life back and liberate individuals from clinging to false sources of life.

- "He guides me in the paths of righteousness" reinforces that righteousness is only found in Christ, and the paths He guides lead one to look more like Him.

- The valley of the shadow of death represents the necessary journey where discomfort, fears, and tears must be faced to fully experience the Shepherd's care.

- Jesus' presence is emphasized in times of fear, signifying His full knowledge of the valley's challenges.

- The Good Shepherd's rod and staff provide comfort, offering protection and guidance, settling the sheep.

- The Shepherd prepares a table in the presence of enemies, anoints heads with oil, and fills cups to overflowing, representing abundant provision.

**Conclusion:**

The message concludes with the proclamation that through Jesus, the listeners are known and can also know Him. The Good Shepherd's intimate knowledge of each person's life, along with His unconditional love, liberates from pretense, humbles pride, and fortifies for life's difficulties.

The sermon encourages the audience to embrace the assurance that they are known by the Good Shepherd, fostering trust and confidence.

The central message revolves around recognizing Jesus as the only door to salvation and abundant life and the need to trust in His work for acceptance.

Here's a summary of the sermon titled "I AM - Door" preached by Chris Richards on October 1, 2023, based on John 10:7-11:

**Introduction:**

- The sermon is part of the "I AM" series, which began with Jesus declaring, "I AM the Light of the World" in John 8.

**Key Points:**

- The sermon references the events in John 9 where a man born blind is miraculously healed. This healing took place outside of the religious structures, and it incited the anger of the religious leaders who cared more about their own power and influence.

- The congregation is asked to consider how they often pursue their own deals on their terms and trade time, talent, and treasure for lesser returns.

- The sermon starts with a reference to the game show "Let's Make a Deal," where contestants make deals in exchange for prizes behind different doors.

- Jesus presents Himself as the door, drawing on the analogy of sheep.

- The analogy of sheep highlights their defenselessness, need for guidance, and propensity to wander.

- The Pharisees, and many people today, build impenetrable walls around themselves, like Door 1 (religion/works-based), but fail to find a way in for themselves. They can't meet their own expectations.

- Some people prefer Door 2 (irreligion/relativism), which offers the illusion of freedom but lacks solid foundations.

- Door 3 represents God's kingdom, with pre-built, secure walls, promise, and abundant life.

- Jesus proclaims, "I am the door," and emphasizes that He designed, prepared, built, and secures it. It offers salvation, protection, safety, and promise.

- Through the death of Christ, we gain access to life.

- The heart of the message focuses on obtaining abundant life through a relationship with Jesus.

- The sermon encourages self-reflection and a connection with Jesus, emphasizing that Christ has done all the work, and you are accepted in Him.

**Conclusion:**

- The sermon encourages the audience to embrace the truth that Jesus is the one and only door to salvation and abundant life. No work is needed, no truth needs to be developed. If you've confessed Jesus as Lord, you are accepted.

- The invitation is extended for people to rest in the assurance that they are accepted in Christ.

The sermon encourages self-reflection on our response to this light, urging us to accept the truth and grace of the gospel. It also highlights the significance of Communion in this context.

Overall, the sermon underscores the transformative power of Jesus as the Light of the World, calling on us to follow Him and find life in His light.

Here's a summary of the sermon titled "I AM - Light of the World" preached by Chris Richards on September 17, 2023, based on John 8:12:

**Introduction:**

- The sermon starts with a story about playing baseball on the 4th of July, highlighting the significance of light in our lives.

- It references the Festival of Booths in ancient Israel, where the illumination of the temple symbolized God's provision and was a massive celebration.

**Key Points:**

- The Israelites escaping Egyptian oppression were guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of light by night, provided by God.

- The Festival of Booths celebrated God's provision in the wilderness, symbolized by the light leading them from darkness to life.

- In John 8, during the Feast of Booths, Jesus declares, "I AM the Light of the World."

- The sermon delves into the story of the adulterous woman in John 8:1-11, using it as an illustration of Jesus as the Light.

- It emphasizes how people often lean toward either truth without grace (like the Pharisees) or grace without truth (like the woman).

- Jesus exposes both extremes, applying "Gospel Heat" to melt and reshape hearts.

- The core message is that Jesus' light penetrates the darkness of our hearts, thawing sin and bringing life.

- The sermon concludes with a call to follow Jesus, live in His light, and shine His light in the world.

**Conclusion:**

The inside-out light of Christ leads us from darkness to life. Jesus' declaration, "I AM the Light of the World," reminds us that His light penetrates even the darkest places, offering life, grace, and truth.

Overall, the sermon focuses on Jesus' divine identity, His role as the provider of spiritual sustenance, and His promise of eternal life to those who believe in Him.

This message by David is based on John 6:35-40 and explores Jesus' statement, "I AM the BREAD of LIFE."

1. **"I AM"**: The sermon starts by highlighting that Jesus' statement, "I AM the Bread of Life," is a powerful declaration of His divinity. The term "I AM" alludes to God's statement to Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3. In this context, Jesus is claiming to be God Himself, emphasizing His divine nature and origin by saying, "I have come down from heaven." This is a crucial aspect of understanding Jesus' character and identity.

2. **"Not Give"**: Jesus doesn't say, "I give the bread of life," but rather, "I AM the bread of life." This distinction signifies that Jesus Himself is the source of spiritual sustenance and eternal life, not just a provider of it. This is an important perspective because it challenges the crowd's selfish motives, emphasizing that Jesus is not here to cater to their worldly desires, but to fulfill their spiritual needs.

3. **"BREAD"**: The concept of bread is explored with references to the Old Testament stories of manna in Exodus 16 and the Israelites' complaints in Numbers 11. The crowd, like the Israelites of old, sought temporary satisfaction and physical provisions. Jesus, as the Bread of Life, provides not only for their physical needs but also for their deepest spiritual needs.

4. **"LIFE"**: The sermon delves into Jesus' responsibility and purpose, which is to fulfill the Father's will. His mission is to offer eternal life to all who come to Him and believe in Him. This is a message of grace and salvation, emphasizing that Jesus takes the responsibility for our eternal life, and those who believe in Him will be raised up on the last day.

The sermon encourages the audience to reflect on their relationship with Jesus, what they are truly seeking, their attitude towards God's provision, and whether they are resting in Jesus' work for their salvation.

This sermon centers on the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, highlighting various attributes of Jesus' character and the transformative power of His grace in the woman's life.

The sermon by David Domalski, based on John 4, focuses on various aspects of Jesus' character and the transformation of the Samaritan woman He encountered. Here's a summarized version of the key points in this sermon:

**The Passage**

- The speaker reads John 4:29, where the Samaritan woman tells people to come see a man who told her everything she ever did.

- Emphasizes the eternal nature of God's Word.

**Main Points**

1. *Jesus is Sovereign (Mighty)*

- Discusses Jesus' journey through different regions in the Gospel of John.

- Highlights that Jesus had a divine appointment with the Samaritan woman at the well.

- Explains that Jesus' purposeful actions illustrate His sovereignty.

2. *Jesus is Human*

- Contrasts the image of Jesus as a superhero with a more human portrayal.

- Points out Jesus' weariness, thirst, and hunger as evidence of His humanity.

- Emphasizes that Jesus can sympathize with human weakness.

3. *Jesus is Eternal*

- Explores the idea that Jesus offers "living water" that is His own Spirit.

- Points to John 7:39, where Jesus offers His Spirit, emphasizing His eternal nature.

4. *Jesus is a Counselor*

- Highlights Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman and His knowledge of her life.

- Discusses the difference in the Samaritan and Jewish views of God and worship.

- Emphasizes that the Father seeks true worshipers in spirit and truth.

5. *Jesus is Wonderful*

- Reflects on the Samaritan woman's transformation and testimony.

- Describes how the encounter with Jesus changed her perspective on her own life.

- Invites the audience to consider their own shortcomings and how God's grace can transform them.

**Conclusion**

- David shares his own personal transformation and understanding of God's grace.

- Encourages the audience to acknowledge their own sin and receive God's grace.

- Closes with a quote from Isaiah 53:5, emphasizing Jesus' sacrifice for our transgressions.

This message was deeply rooted in Exodus 3 and aimed to explore the profound significance of God's name and how it shapes our understanding of His nature and relationship with us.