In the Middle of Miraculous
It's always encouraging to hear stories about people who serve Christ even though their parents didn't. In 2 Kings 18-20, we meet a king who, due to his ancestry, seemed a prime candidate for a spot on Judah's long 'wicked kings' list. But God had other plans for Hezekiah . . . and He has other plans for you too.
A Junkyard Orchestra
Hidden in the accounts of Israel's judges is the remarkable story of Ehud. A man without connections, wealth, or notoriety, Ehud is nevertheless empowered by God to accomplish extraordinary things.
The Minority Report
When you think of strong, godly leaders in the Old Testament, who comes to mind? David? Elijah? Abraham? Joshua? In Numbers 13 we are introduced to a man who, though not as prominent in influence as others, was as prominent in faith. Stephen brings us his story as he continues his study of "Forgotten Lives . . . Remembered Truths."
You Can't Buy the Cure
In this sermon, we explored the story of Naaman, a powerful and respected Syrian general who suffered from leprosy. Despite his high status and wealth, Naaman's condition rendered him helpless and desperate. The narrative from 2 Kings 5:1-14 illustrates the profound truth that spiritual healing and salvation cannot be bought or earned through human means but require humility and faith in God's provision. Naaman's journey to healing involved humbling himself and obeying the prophet Elisha's simple yet humbling instructions to wash in the Jordan River. This act of obedience and faith led to his miraculous healing, symbolizing the spiritual cleansing available through God's grace.
Faith on the Banks of the Nile
In today's sermon, we explored the story of Jochebed, the mother of Moses, and her remarkable faith and courage in the face of dire circumstances. We began by drawing a parallel between the historical figure of Napoleon, who seemed to dominate the world stage, and the seemingly insignificant events happening in a slave hut by the Nile River. Despite the oppressive edict from Pharaoh to kill all Hebrew male infants, Jochebed and her husband Amram chose to trust in God's promises and devised a plan to save their son. This act of faith not only preserved Moses' life but also set the stage for the deliverance of the Hebrew people from slavery. We also touched on the divine orchestration that led Pharaoh's daughter, Bithia, to adopt Moses, ultimately leading her to embrace the God of the Hebrews. This story reminds us of God's sovereignty and the profound impact of faith and obedience in the face of overwhelming odds.
On the Whitewater of Grace
In this sermon, we explored the metaphor of whitewater rafting to illustrate the Christian journey, emphasizing that the turbulent waters of life are not only inevitable but also essential for spiritual growth and protection. Drawing from Philippians 1:28-30, the sermon highlighted the importance of staying in the rough waters of trials and tribulations rather than seeking the false safety of stagnation, which can be spiritually deadly. The Apostle Paul's teachings remind us that opposition and suffering are not signs of God's abandonment but rather evidence of our genuine discipleship and God's refining work in our lives. We are called to repair disunity, reject disengagement, and refuse disheartening perspectives, understanding that salvation is a gift, suffering is a privilege, and trials are to be expected.
No Room for Superstars
In this sermon, we explored the concept of unity within the church, drawing parallels from the world of sports to illustrate the importance of teamwork and collective effort. Using the story of the 1981 Los Angeles Lakers, we saw how the "disease of me" can lead to disunity and failure. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasizes that the church should act as a unified body, committed to the same desire, moving in the same direction, and delivering the same declaration of faith. Paul uses metaphors of an army and a sports team to illustrate how the church should stand firm in one spirit, strive together with one mind, and work collectively for the faith of the gospel. The sermon challenges us to reject isolation, embrace our roles within the church, and work together to advance the gospel and glorify Christ.
The Main Thing
In this sermon, Pastor Stephen Davey emphasizes the importance of keeping the main focus of the Christian life on living in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Using the legend of Atlanta and Hippomenes, he illustrates how distractions can lead us away from our primary goal. Paul's letter to the Philippians, particularly Philippians 1:27, serves as the foundation for this message. Paul urges believers to live as worthy citizens of the gospel, much like the Philippians took pride in their Roman citizenship. This involves being highly devoted to God's purposes, avoiding actions that discredit the church, and maintaining unity within the Christian community. Pastor Davey underscores the importance of unity and the collective strength it brings, using the metaphor of Roman soldiers standing firm together. He concludes by offering practical ways to foster unity and live out the gospel effectively.
Stay!
What kept Paul strong in the face of constant beatings, riots and imprisonment? What got him up in the morning and kept him content at night? Stephen brings us the emphatic answer as he continues his study of Philippians.
Ready for Either
Paul wasn't just given a vision of Heaven;; he was actually taken there firsthand! He saw with his own eyes what God had in store for him after his death. So how was he able to remain content in the face of imprisonment, chains, and beatings? Paul himself tells us in Philippians 1:21-26.