Awaiting Our Coming King: Luke 2:1-7 - Christmas Changes Everything

Advent: Awaiting Our Coming King
Christmas Changes Everything
Luke 2:1-7
Russ Grelling

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Awaiting Our Coming King: Luke 2:8-20 - Good News of Great Joy

Advent: Awaiting Our Coming King
Good News of Great Joy
Luke 2:8-20
Chad Scott

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Awaiting Our Coming King: Luke 1:26-38 - Amazing Faith

Advent: Awaiting Our Coming King
Amazing Faith
Luke 1:26-38
Bruce Gray

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Awaiting Our Coming King: Luke 1:39-45 - Praise His Holy Name

Advent: Awaiting Our Coming King
Praise His Holy Name
Luke 1:39-45
Stephen Overholt

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Awaiting Our Coming King: Matthew 1:18-25 - The Greatest Adoption On Earth

Advent: Awaiting Our Coming King
The Greatest Adoption On Earth
Matthew 1:18-25
Russ Grelling

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Church Matters: Ephesians 4:17-5:2 - A New Life in Christ

Ephesians: Church Matters
A New Life in Christ
Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Stephen Overholt

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Church Matters: Ephesians 4:1-16 - Becoming a Healthy Church

Ephesians: Church Matters
Becoming a Healthy Church
Ephesians 4:1-16
Don Overstreet

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Church Matters: Ephesians 3:14-21 - The Fullness of God in Christ

Ephesians: Church Matters
The Fullness of God in Christ
Ephesians 3:14-21
Chad Scott

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Church Matters: Ephesians 3:1-13 - Prisoner of Christ

Ephesians: Church Matters
Prisoner of Christ
Ephesians 3:1-13
Chad Scott

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Church Matters: Ephesians 2:19-23 - Christ Centered Construction

Ephesians: Church Matters
Christ Centered Construction
Ephesians 2:19-23
Edgar Lara

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Church Matters: Ephesians 2:11-18 - United in Christ

Ephesians: Church Matters
United in Christ
Ephesians 2:11-18
Stephen Overholt

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Church Matters: Ephesians 2:1-10 - Dead in Sin, Alive in Christ

Ephesians: Church Matters
Dead in Sin, Alive in Christ
Ephesians 2:1-10
Chad Scott

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Church Matters: Ephesians 1:15-23 - Thanksgiving and Prayer

Ephesians: Church Matters
Thanksgiving and Prayer
Ephesians 1:15-23
Toffer Santos

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Church Matters: Ephesians 1:3-14 - God's Blessings in Christ

Ephesians: Church Matters
God's Blessings in Christ
Ephesians 1:3-14
Don Overstreet

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Church Matters: Ephesians 1:1-2 - Introduction

Ephesians: Church Matters
Introduction
Ephesians 1:1-2
Russ Grelling

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Gospel in the City: Acts 9 - Encounter with Grace

Gospel in the City
Encounter with Grace
Acts 9
Kirk Overstreet

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Gospel in the City: Acts 8 - Persecution and the Gospel Response

Gospel in the City
Persecution and the Gospel Response
Acts 8
Toffer Santos

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Gospel in the City: Acts 7 - The Ongoing Fulfillment to Build His Church

Gospel in the City
The Ongoing Fulfillment to Build His Church
Acts 7
Toffer Santos

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Gospel in the City: Acts 6 - Church Resolutions

Gospel in the City
Church Resolutions
Acts 6
Pankaj Macwan

Issue:

1. Widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food
2. Who should manage daily serving of food
3. How to balance preaching the Word of God and helping people in the need.

Questions to consider:

1.       Do we see cultural problems in the church today?
2.       How we should work toward resolving this issue.
3.       Should Pastor only focus on preaching and teaching the word of God
4.       Do we see the appointment of seven as “Deacons”
5.       How do we learn from the teachings of Jesus, Matthew 11:3-6

Application:

- The importance of hearing the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.
- How do we intentionally help those who are in need

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Gospel In The City: Acts 5 - Problems In The Perfect Church

Gospel In The City
Problems In The Perfect Church
Acts 5
Russ Grelling

1. Problems in church can arise from the lukewarm hearts of God's people!

• - There is a right way to serve God and give to God! 
•  (1 Peter 4:11; Acts 17:25; Mark 10:45; Psalm 100:2; Matthew 23:23; Matthew 5:21; 1 Timothy 6:18) 
• - You serve God and give to God by voluntary submission! 
• (John 10:17-18; Acts 4:32; Acts 5:3-5; Ephesians 5:21ff)  
• - There is a wrong way to serve God and give to God. (Acts 5:1-11) 
• - The problem is NOT God's structure; the problem is the hearts of God's people.

2. Problems can arise in church from the success of a church's gospel structure. (5:12-16)

• - Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to produce specific results. 
• - People believe in the resurrected Christ. 
• - Needy people are going to be drawn to the source of life. 
• - Evangelistic opportunities will arise. 
• - God's Word provides Gospel solutions. 
• - Matthew 25:24-40 ; Acts 6

3. Problems can arise in church when jealous agendas provoke a dangerous environment.

• - Mostly, in America, believers in our churches are not in danger. 
• - There are places in this world that are dangerous for Christians. 
• - Why does God call us into dangerous places? 
• - What is the early church example? (Acts 5:17-42)

4. How do we respond to problems arising in church?

• - Respond Biblically to sin. 
• - Recognize that people's needs are real, and they are opportunities to lead people to belief, baptism and community. (1 Corinthians 9:23-24) 
• - Reply to the world's jealousy with truth (Acts 5:29-32), voluntary/selective submission (Acts 5:40) and joyful proclamation (Acts 5:41-42).

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Gospel in the City: Acts 4 - Gospel Shared in the Public Arena

Gospel In The City
Gospel Shared In The Public Arena
Acts 4:1-35
Pankaj Macwan

1. Reach Out:
 A) Gospel Shared (1-12)
  -God raised Jesus from the dead
  -Jesus healed this man
  -Jesus is the cornerstone
  -Salvation is only through Jesus

 B) Gospel opposed (13-22)
  -What the opposition saw
  -Boldness of Peter and John
  -Uneducated and untrained men
  -They were with Jesus
  -And the man who was healed

 C) How the opposition reasoned
-A notable sign has been performed
-Which we cannot deny it
-Let us prevent notable sign

2. Bold response from Peter and John
  -We will speak of what we have seen and heard
  -Prayed for boldness

3. Reach In (32-34)
  -Unity in the church
  -Believers were of one heart and one soul
  -They had everything in common
  -The apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus
  -Grace was upon them
  -There was not a needy person among them

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Gospel in the City: Acts 3 - The Joyful Gospel

Act: Gospel in the City

Title: "The Joyful Gospel"

Scripture: Acts 3:1-4:4

When God intervenes in our lives, He brings joyful focus to Himself and His Purpose!

                --At the end of Acts 2, we see a great ripple sweep across the City of Jerusalem!

1. When God intervenes in our lives, the results are joyful! (Acts 3:1-10)

                --The natural condition (3:1-3)

                --The Name of Jesus of Nazareth (3:4-7)

                --Rejoice in the Lord Always (3:8-10)

                --What is our access to Jesus now?

2. When God intervenes in our lives, this joyful event has a contagious effect! (Acts 3:9-26)

                --Preparation for worship (3:9-11)

                --Peter's Second Powerful Sermon (3:12-26)

                                --The Joyful News!

                                                --Jesus is the glorified, long-awaited Servant of the Lord! (3:13)

                                                --Jesus is the Holy and Righteous One! (3:14)

                                                --Jesus is the Prince of life, raised by God from the dead! (3:15)

                                                --Jesus is the completion of your faith! (3:16)

                                                --Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophecy! (3:18)

                                --The Bad News!

                                                --YOU marshaled Jesus before Rome's authority and demanded his crucifixion! (3:13)

                                                --YOU demanded that a murderer be released and YOU put Jesus to death! (3:14)

                                                --Just like generations before you, YOU acted in ignorance! (3:17)

                                --More Joyful News!

                                                --Repent! (3:19)

                                                --Have Faith in the Name of Jesus! (3:16; 2:38; Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the Name of the Lord will be saved."

                                                --Know God's purpose for YOU! (3:26)

                --A word to non-believers

                --A word to believers

3. When God intervenes in our lives, His resurrection news is disturbing! (Acts 4:1-4)

                --Some respond to restrict or contain the joyful news. (4:2-3)

                --Some respond to receive and proclaim the joyful news. (4:4)

                --How will you respond this morning?

Audio:

Gospel in the City: Acts 2 - God is Equipping His Church to Glorify His Name

Acts: Gospel in the City
God Is Equipping His Church To Glorify His Name
 Acts 2:1-47
Pankaj Macwan

God uses many different ways to demonstrate His power, purpose, and plan to His people.

1.  Presence and the Power of the Holy Spirit:
-It can be sudden (Acts 2:2)
-It can be like rushing wind and tongues of fire (Acts 2:2)
-It can be through the Pillar of Cloud or the Pillar of Fire (Exodus 13:21)
-The building shakes (Acts 4:31)

2. Purpose is to witness to all nations:
-So that believers can have an overhwelming sense of the presence of God
-So we can go from knowledge of God to experiencing the presence of God
-So that we can praise Him
-So that He will be glorified among all the nations

Conclusion:
God's purpose is to equip His church to be filled with the Holy Spirit to witness to all the nations and to glorify  His name.

Audio

Gospel in the City: Acts 1 - The Effective Gospel

Gospel in the City

The Effective Gospel

Acts 1:1-15
Russ Grelling

You have received the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also, you have been commanded to share the Gospel effectively.

What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Luke introduces his second inspired record by summarizing the 40 days of Christ's presence in this condemned world. (Acts 1:1-3)

                1.  Christ commands His followers to wait for the Promise from God. (Acts 1:4-5)

• The Promise of the Holy Spirit (John14:16-17 "another helper;" 16:7-8 "it is to your advantage", 14)

• Waiting for the Holy Spirit (Psalm 27:14; Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 40:31)

                2.  Christ commands His followers to receive the Promise from God. (Acts 1:6-11)

• The Promise is two-sided:
• "You will receive power" (Isaiah 61:1-2)
• "You will be my witnesses" (John 14:7 "he will empower you to be witnesses;" Matthew 28:18-20)
• You will be focused! (Acts 1:9-11))

                3.  While waiting , Christ's followers prepare to receive the Promise from God. (Acts 1:12-15ff) 

• Christ's followers gather with purpose.  (John 14:7; Acts 1:12-15)

• Christ's followers seek Christ's community structure.  (Acts 1:16-25)
• Replacing Judas Iscariot (Psalm 41:9; Psalm 69:25; Psalm 109:8; John 17:12)
• Restoring Christ's apostle model (John 15:16)

•  Christ's followers declare God's sovereignty.  (Acts 1:26 "and they drew lots for them")

You have received the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also, you have been commanded to share the Gospel effectively.

Audio:

1 Peter 2: 9-10 - Identity in Christ

Identity in Christ
 1 Peter 2: 9-10
Pankaj Macwan

Exodus 19: 5-6

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19: 5-6

What separates believers from the worldly people?

We are separated from the blessings and privileges we have through Christ

Peter is writing to the church when he declares that they are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.

Who you are in Christ:

1. You are chosen: You don’t have to earn to be chosen, it is not based upon performance, it’s free
2. Royal Priesthood: In the Old Testament priest came from the lineage of Aaron from the tribe of Levi. This must have stood out to Peter’s Audience. Now Peter is saying that because of our relationship with Christ, we have the authority to minister to people.

Christ sends the disciples out to minister in his authority. Christ commissions them, saying, “All authority has been given to me, therefore make disciples” (Matt 28:18).

Authority and Privileges of a Priest: But, we are also called priests. One of the unique roles of the priest was to have an intimate relationship with God. The high priest was the only priest who could enter into the presence of God once a year on the Day of Atonement. No other person could do that.

What distinguishes us as believers is the fact that we can walk and live in the presence of God.

But not only that, the priest would pray on behalf of the people for the forgiveness of their sins and bring their requests before God.

The priests were also called to teach the people

3. A Holy nation and belonging to God: People of Israel were chosen to worship Him and to serve Him. In the same way we are chosen and set apart for His work. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph 2:10).

God is preparing us in a unique way to serve Him

4. His Possessions: We are not only to serve, but to recognize that we are here on this earth for His pleasure.

Psalm 147: 11     “but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love”.

We were not only made to enjoy God.  We were made so God could enjoy us too.

5. You have received mercy: We did not get what we deserve, meaning instead of condemnation, we received His grace.

What do we if we are in Christ:

Because what Christ did on the cross now God has transferred these privileges to the church, and with the privilege comes the responsibility of bringing the light of God to the world.

Our identity in Christ leads us to our destination, which is to proclaim His excellencies to the world not on the basis of our accomplishments but based upon our relationship with Christ.

What are we to tell the world:

God is Love:

1 John 4:8 “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love”.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”.

God Forgives our sins:

Psalm 103:10 “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities”. 1 John 2:12 "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake."

Hope in Christ:

John 4:13-14 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”.

How do we apply this in our life and in our church:

Are you encouraged or challenged by understanding these blessings that are given to you as the people of God?

How can we apply these truths in our lives as well as in our community?

Audio:

John 17:12-21: You Are Called To Heaven

SERMON OUTLINE 1-24-16

Title: "You Are Called To Heaven"
Scripture: John 17:12-21

You are in this world, but you are not of this world.

--The Reality of God (1 Peter 1:16; Leviticus 20:26; Matthew 5:48; 2 Corinthians 1:12)

--The Reality of This World (Galatians 1:4; 1 John 5:19; John 12:31)

--The War Within (Galatians 5:16-17; Romans 7:15; Romans 4:1-4)

--How does this work?

1.  The "Either-Or" Solution

--The Isolated church (James 5;19-20; Hebrews 10:24-25)

--The Isolated Believer (Proverbs 18:1)


2.  The Choice to "Strike-a-Balance" (Proverbs 11:1)

--Distraction (John 8:34)

--Avoidance (Colossians 2:20-23; James 1:2-4; Hebrews 12:4-11)

--Tolerance (1 Corinthians 5:9-10; 15:33)

--True Balance (Matthew 6:33-34; 2 Peter 3:17; Romans 12:2)


3.  The "Go" Mission

--Our Flesh (Mark 12:31; 1 John 1:9)

--Our Relationships (Matthew 6:14-15)

--Our Spiritual Calling (Matthew 5:12; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:4)


Audio

Philemon 1: Gospel in Action

Philemon chapter 1: Gospel in Action

A:  Characteristics of a Christian (4-5)
 Change in lifestyle is visible
 Other people notice an outward change in your life and attitude towards others
 Your lifestyle gives encouragement to other  believers and church leaders

B: Encouragement to Christian (6)
 Continue Sharing of faith
 Faith should  become effective
 Sharing of faith will produce full knowledge

C:  Fruits of Faithfulness to Christ (7)
 Brings Joy to the saints
 Provides comfort to the saints
 Refreshes Hearts of the saints

 D: Christian life in action (8-25)
 A Loving appeal is better than an authoritative command
 Believers must face consequences of their actions committed before they were saved
 Paul’s promise of restitution towards Philemon reminds us what Jesus has done for us
 Forgiveness  brings joy  and refreshes hearts of others


Audio (Wrong Audio Title):

John 12:20-26 - Resolved to Follow the Savior (Part 1)

SERMON OUTLINE 1-10-16

John 12:20-26

"RESOLVED TO FOLLOW THE SAVIOR"

John 12:24 24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."

1. When you are compelled to know what God is doing, look to Jesus. (John 12:20-22)

     --A group of Greeks came looking for Jesus.

     --Phillip and Andrew went to Jesus.

     --We need to go to Jesus when we are curious, confused or bruised.

2. Jesus responds to what you need to know over your immediate circumstances. (John 12:23-26)

     --All the dots of Jesus' life and purpose are connected. (23-24)

     --Not only does Jesus connect the dots of His life and purpose, Jesus connects the dots for your life and purpose. (25-26)

3. We need to resolve to be telling our stories. (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:2)

     --We're wired for story.

         Times of Crises (Acts 21:12-13)

         Day to Day (Colossians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 Corinthians 2:3-5)

     --Basic Story Telling, Witnessing Guidelines:

         Resolve to remember that You are not the main character of your story. (Jeremiah 17:9)

         Resolve to not be embarrassed, or ashamed to testify to the truth. (2 Timothy 1:8)

         Resolve to tell your eye witness, first person account. And use your words. (Acts 26:16)

         Resolve to follow through. (John 1:45-46)

I Am Resolved

I am resolved to go to the Savior,                    

Leaving my sin and strife;

He is the true One, He is the just One,

He hath the words of life.

I am resolved to follow the Savior,

Faithful and true each day;

Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,

He is the living Way.

I am resolved, and who will go with me?

Come, friends, without delay,

Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,

We’ll walk the heav’nly way.

Refrain:  I will hasten to Him,

                Hasten so glad and free;

                Jesus, greatest, highest,

                I will come to Thee. 

Ezekiel 33: 1-20 - God’s Promise of Restoration (Part 1)

God’s Promise of Restoration
Ezekiel 33: 1-20

A. Prophet as watchmen:

• The word “Watchmen” can be translated as “to look out” or “look about”
• Watchmen are supposed to look out for danger and warn people 
• The Prophet Ezekiel was asked to warn people of danger

B. Role of watchmen:

• God is using humans to communicate His message to His people
• Warning comes from God to bring people to repentance

C. How can we apply this in today’s church?

• The Role of a Pastor 
• Preaching and Teaching the Word of God 

Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching”.
D. The Role of the Church

• The church is the Body of Christ, doing work for the purpose of glorifying God
• The Church has to seek the lost 
• The Church should be faithful to the Word of God
• The Church should be faithful to go, teach, and Baptize and teach those who are Baptized, Matthew 28;19-20

E. The Responsibility of a believer to his family

• Parents must teach the commandments of God to their Children, Deuteronomy 6: 5-7
• The Disciples knew the importance of teaching God’s commandments to children, Acts 28, “ And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
• Prerequisite for someone to become a spiritual leader in the church is to be an effective spiritual leader in their home, 1st Timothy 3:1-7, 
• Titus 1:6. “if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination”.

F. Why does this matter

• God has promised that the sins of the wicked shall not be remembered against him, Ezekiel 33: 16
• This is amazing promise of forgiveness 

Audio: