Sermons on Lordship (Page 10)
What God Says at Christmas (Luke 2:1-18)
As the events of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem unfold, we see God’s hand in everything happening. Pastor Bruce retells the account, stopping along the way to point out aspects of God’s love and grace. From the journey Mary and Joseph make to Bethlehem to the triumphal announcement of the angels, we see that God has much to say to us.
God Makes It Personal (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
God made a covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, but they couldn’t keep it. God knew they would not be able to obey and honor Him. No one can do this in our initial sinful condition. But God had a new covenant in mind from before time began. This new covenant would bring Him into our very hearts and minds. And the One who would initiate this new covenant was Jesus Christ. As we consider Jesus’ birth, we see Emmanuel,…
Why the Virgin Birth Matters
Both Matthew and Luke record Jesus’ miraculous birth as a settled historical fact. But over the years the reality of the virgin birth has been repeatedly attacked. Pastor Bruce examines the Scriptural evidence for this doctrine, both explicit and implicit. He then gives reasons why believing in the virgin birth is important to our faith.
How to Be Thankful (Hebrews 13:15-16)
As the writer of Hebrews begins to wrap up his letter, he encourages his readers to be thankful. He urges those who have received salvation through Jesus Christ to be persistent in offering the sacrifice of praise. But this praise should not be silent. We must let others know of our thankfulness for His great grace. And while our praise should be persistent and public, it must also be practical. This means that our thankfulness should extend to telling and…
Full Assurance (Hebrews 10:19-25)
Ryan Joseph describes the powerful connection between having full assurance of salvation and being on mission for Christ. Those who trust Jesus as the Lord and Savior have access to His holiness and hope for the future. We can draw near to Him without fear of rejection or condemnation. The boldness with which we can approach Jesus should translate into boldness in telling others about Him.
Cry Out for Help (Mark 10:46-52)
Mark’s gospel gives us the account of blind Bartimaeus, who was a beggar in Jericho. As Jesus passed by on his way to Jerusalem, Bartimaeus pleaded with Jesus to help him. Jesus showed mercy on Bartimaeus and healed him. These are the basic facts of this account. But as we look more closely at these rather simple events there is a much deeper message. This short but dynamic encounter between a beggar and our Lord is instructive to us today.…
Shine the Light (Ephesians 5:8-14)
The apostle Paul makes it very clear to the believers in Ephesus that they were different from the culture around them. The central text of this sermon shows us that those who are not Christians are actually darkness. Not just in darkness, but actually darkness. Conversely, followers of Jesus Christ are light. This speaks to two diametrically opposed essences and worldviews. This incompatibility should lead believers to avoid adopting the practices of the lost world. At the same time, we…
The Race of Faith (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
With the 40th edition of the Kona Ironman just completed, Pastor Bruce looks at how Paul compares Christianity to athletics. The people of Corinth would have easily understood Paul’s remarks about racing and boxing. The Isthmian games were held just down the road from Corinth every four years. So Paul hung on this athletic imagery to encourage them and us to live a life which glorifies our Lord. The sermon text, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, makes it clear that the Lord…
God’s Got This! (Exodus 3:12)
When Moses encountered God at the burning bush his life changed. God had a mission for Moses: he was to lead the children of Israel out of captivity and to the Promised Land. Moses’ initial response was that he was not up to the task. God’s response is the basis for this sermon. He gave Moses two assurances which we can also count on as we serve our Lord. First, God will always be with us. He will never leave…
Drink Deeply (John 7:37-39)
Jesus came to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem to declare Himself as the Messiah. The people were in bondage to the religious system and dying of spiritual thirst. Jesus told them to come to Him and drink. Not only would their thirst be satisfied, He promised that His living water would flow from them. Jesus’ promise of salvation and the filling of the Holy Spirit are as valid today as that day in Jerusalem. So many in our culture…