As we continued our study in the Gospel of John, we got a glimpse of Christ’s heart for the lost. We saw Christ’s sacrificial pursuit for the people He was reaching, a sincere desire for them to believe and a sorrow for those who would reject Him in the end. Christ’s example is what we are to emulate for the lost around us, a genuine desire to see the Gospel proclaimed to those who are dead in their sin.
Continuing our study in the Gospel of John, we saw from the teachings of Christ how to discern the truths of God. We were reminded to discern between what is teaching from God and the traditions of man. We also saw the need to distinguish for ourselves whether something is of the will of God, or our own will. Finally, we were reminded that we must ultimately defer to the revealed Word of God—the Bible. In a world of many opinions, believers must learn to stand on the Word of God, and discern bet...
Continuing our study in the Gospel of John, we saw an example of how we can be faithful to the timing of God. We saw how like Jesus we must act with complete obedience when God calls us to act. We also saw how despite the people’s opinions, Jesus remained faithful to follow the Father’s timing. Finally, despite even the threat of death, Christ remained obedient to Father’s will. Similarly, when God’s perfect timing arrives in our own lives, we must demonstrate a similar faithfulness and obedienc...
We return to our study in the Gospel of John in chapter 7, during the Jewish festival of "Booths". Here we see Jesus' dedication to the timing of God even against the wishes of His own brothers. From this we learn lessons on how to wait on God's timing, namely that we should not forsake it, force it, and fear it. Ultimately, we were reminded that waiting on God demonstrates our faith or lack thereof.
As we concluded our series on getting into the habit of spiritual disciplines we discussed the topic of resting in God. We were reminded that rest is not simply a physical condition, but conveys a deeper need for a change in spiritual disposition. We also saw how rest is not a right of man, but rather a gift from God, and therefore should be regarded as something to be enjoyed. Finally, we saw how rest is not so much the absence of work, but the surrender of it to the Sovereign God. Ultimately, ...
In this sermon we discussed getting into the habit of practicing the ministry of presence in the church. This is the call to walk with other believers through various seasons of life, edifying and encouraging one another. We were reminded that though we are many, we are meant to be one in the church, setting aside divisions and differences to be the body of Christ. Additionally we have been given spiritual gifts in order to minister to each other, and demonstrate sincere love in the church. Our ...
As we continued our series about getting back into the habit of practising spiritual disciplines, we looked at the practice of reading Scripture. We first looked at why it is necessary to read God’s word, recalling that the Bible helps us prove what is true, and determine what is false. In addition, reading Scripture helps us practise what we teach, guiding us on what we should and should not do. Finally, we were reminded that God’s Word encourages through trials and helps us persevere. As belie...
In order for us to grow in our walk with God, we must get into the habit of praying. In this sermon we looked at the recommendations of Christ Himself when it comes to how we should pray. We saw how He warns us to not seek commendation for praying publicly, but rather seek privacy to have intimate and sincere conversations with the Father. He also reminds us to have faith when we pray, knowing with certainty that the Father has indeed heard us. Prayer is crucial to a fruitful walk with God, and ...
As we closed off our series on how to be more like Christ, we looked at the Savior’s heart in order that we might love like Him. From Christ’s example in John 13 we saw how we are to love completely, despite hardship and even betrayal, our love for one another must be complete. We also saw how Christ’s love was sacrificial, setting aside personal titles and position in order to serve others. Finally, we saw how Christ’s example of love was meant to be an example for His disciples to faithfully l...
As we continued our vision casting series, we looked at the heart of Christ reflected in our mission to reach others with the Gospel. From the three parables in Luke 15 we were reminded how we are to demonstrate no partiality when it comes to sharing the good news, all must be received. We also saw the Savior's desire for sinners to repent and believers to rejoice at the thought of repentance. For us to be more like Christ in how we reach others, we must rejoice like Christ over the salvation of...
