Plant more Grass: What kind of seeds are you sowing?
Sermons

Plant more Grass: What kind of seeds are you sowing?

What Seeds are you sowing? (2024) Matt 13:24-278 It says that the man panted good seed. And from that Good seed a crop of wheat came up. Then an enemy planted weed seeds and weeds came up. Here is the first part of the basic of the principle I want to show you. If you...

The Mission of God: Going Where others will not
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The Mission of God: Going Where others will not

The Mission of God: Going Where others will Not (John 4:1-39) Verse 3-4 John lays out Jesus’s travel plans to get away from the Pharisees. The Jews and the Samaritans hated each other. That’s the whole point behind Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. A good Jew would tried to avoid traveling through Samaria. Verse...

On Mission with God, Being sent ones
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On Mission with God, Being sent ones

On Mission with God: Being Sent Ones (Luke 10:1 and Acts 2) Matt 28:18 This passages remined us that Jesus has all authority in even and on earth. His mission cannot fail. Then by implication Jesus gives us that authority and tells us to Go! This wasn’t a casual suggestion. This was a command. This...

On Mission with God: Discovering the purpose of the church.
Sermons

On Mission with God: Discovering the purpose of the church.

On Mission with God Discovering the primary purpose of the Church Matt 28:18-19 The first passage from Matt is known as the Great Commission and is related to the mission of God I want to talk about today. John 4:35-36 This second passages show us the urgency of the timing. The Time is Now! The...

Entertaining the Presence
Sermons

Entertaining the Presence

Entertaining the Presence (Ezekiel 47 and John 7:37) Verse 1 Throughout the book of Ezekiel he has this tour guide simply identified as “the man.” This man is leading Ezekiel through a long and complex vision. Much of the last part of the book is related to the restoration of the temple and the land....

People of Presence
Sermons

People of Presence

People of Presence (2024) (Exodus 33 and 1 Kings 8) The people of God entertaining the presence of God verses the church entertaining the people. This is biblical church: The people of God entertaining the presence of God verses the church entertaining the people. Exodus 33:15 Moses understood how important it was to have the...

Theology of tithe
Sermons

Theology of tithe

Theology of Tithe Historical context: We first see the idea of an offering or a tithe in Gen 4:3-7 Cain brought fruit from his crops and Able brought fat portions from his flocks. First born and first fruits. Acknowledging that it was God who gave them the crops and animals. We first see the tithe...

Servanthood 2024 part 2
Sermons

Servanthood 2024 part 2

Servanthood 2024 Part 2 John 13:1-17 We normally only look at this passage on Good Friday. Verse 3 This verse is so important because it shows Jesus knew His identity. What He was about to do was a very menial task, something the lowest of the slaves or servants would do. But Jesus had no...

Servanthood 2024
Sermons

Servanthood 2024

Servanthood (Acts 6:1 and John 13:12-17) Acts 6:1 The Greek word translated here as “increasing” should really be Multiplying. This was fast growth. In fact, the NLT translation has, “But as the believers rapidly multiplied,” There is also the accusation of favoritism. This first verse explains what some of the activity of the early church...

New Year Prayer
Sermons

New Year Prayer

James 4:3 Acts 4: 23-31 The Apostles Peter and John have been going about the work and mission of God, making Jesus known. And for their efforts they get arrested. Verse 23 By going back to where all the others were, this puts them all in danger. Verse 24 After their release, as soon as...

God of Restoration 2024
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God of Restoration 2024

God of restoration (2024) From Genesis to revelation, we see that God is a god of restoration. Gen 41:39–43  How do you go from a prisoner to the second in command of an entire country that fast? God loves to restore and restore quickly. Gen 45:6-8 Joseph is even restored to his family. God’s heart...

The Christmas Story; Love is born Christmas Eve 2023
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The Christmas Story; Love is born Christmas Eve 2023

The Christmas Story Love is Born: Christmas Eve (Luke 2:1-20) Verse 1 The expression “in those days” ties this passage to the previous one about Zechariah and Mary The decree for a census was for the purposes of assessing taxes, at least as far as the Jews were concerned, since they were not obligated for...

The Christmas story: Love is born pt 2
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The Christmas story: Love is born pt 2

The Christmas Story: Love is Born Part 2 2023  Luke 1:26-38 Verse 26 There are nine parallels between this story and the one that we just looked at with Zechariah. The region is probably also mentioned because the town of Nazareth was so small some might have not known where it was. Verse 27 We...

The Christmas Story: Love is Born
Sermons

The Christmas Story: Love is Born

The Christmas Story: Love is Born Verse 5 Herod received his commission to rule from Mark Anthony and the Roman Senate in 40BC but did not actually return to rule until 37BC. He was considered King over Judea which included Judea, Galilee, much of Perea, and much of Syria. Herod was an Edomite though and...

Authority in Practice
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Authority in Practice

Authority in Practice   Matt 10:1 Jesus gives His disciples authority and told them to use that authority to drive out impure spirits. And to heal diseases and sickness. Luke 9:1 Here Jesus gives them authority to drive out ALL demons. And to cure diseases. Mark 6:7 Here Mark only mentions impure spirits or demons....

Thanksgiving 2023
Sermons

Thanksgiving 2023

Thanksgiving (Luke 17:11-19) Luke 17 Within the context of Luke Jesus has been traveling for some time to make his way back to Jerusalem. He is now between Samaria and Galilee. Verse 12 The Greek word used here is for various diseases affecting the skin–not necessarily just leprosy. Because of social ostracism and religious laws,...

Obedient Disciple Making
Sermons

Obedient Disciple Making

Obedient disciple making Mark 3:13-15 Mark included that we have authority over demons. While being sent out to make disciples. Luke 6:12-16 Verse 12 This scene starts Jesus’ process of making disciples. It starts with Jesus praying. He prayed all night. Step One in the disciple making process is to pray. Verse 13 This verse...

Authority and Obedience
Sermons

Authority and Obedience

Authority and Obedience An important part of the Kingdom advancing on earth is by using kingdom authority. Genesis 1:28 After God created man, Adam, he told Adam to subdue the earth and everything in it. The main meaning behind the Hebrew word translated as subdue is to have dominion. The Webster dictionary defines dominion as...

For the Love of Weeds
Sermons

For the Love of Weeds

Oh for the Love of Weeds (Matt 13:24-30; 37-39) Verse 24 The kingdom of heaven is the kingdom of God. Jesus tends to use these terms interchangeably. The man or farmer here is representing Jesus, verse 37 With the term “good seed” Jesus is referring to wheat but in parable form it represents us. The...

Who is this Jesus?
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Who is this Jesus?

Who is this Jesus? To walk in the invitation to pray big and to be able to share our faith boldly, we have to be confident in who Jesus is. So, let’s look at who Is Jesus. Evil Spirits (Mark 1:21-28). Here we see Jesus exercise rule and authority over evil spirits. Verse 24 shows...

Gospel Confident
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Gospel Confident

Gospel Confident Acts 4:12 If you want to make the claim that all religions are the same. No other religion makes this claim. No other religion as a certain claim of salvation. Now how can this verse Acts 4:12 make such a claim. Well let’s look at the context. Acts 4:8–12 Peter is filled with...

Prayer: Don’t Pray Safe Pray Big
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Prayer: Don’t Pray Safe Pray Big

Prayer: Don’t Pray Safe, Pray Big John 14:12-14; John 15:7-8 John 15:16 16; John 16:23-24 John14:12 12 The context here is Jesus has been telling Phillip that He and the Father are one. Then Jesus goes on to basically say that we will be one in Him and the Father through faith. Jesus makes an...

Communion and Psalm 23
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Communion and Psalm 23

Communion & Psalm 23 (2023) Verse 1 The Shepherd’s job was to protect the sheep. To deal with any enemies that came to attack the sheep. Jesus is of course the shepherd, our shepherd, And He has laid down His life for us, the sheep. To save us from the attacks of the enemy the...

Jesus sees Your Pain
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Jesus sees Your Pain

  Jesus sees our Pain (Luke 8:40-48) Starting in Luke 8:40 we see two miracles; The two characters in these stories are also unlikely characters. Luke 8:40 The crowd’s reaction here is in contrast to the fear of the crowd Jesus just left on the other side of the lake after he healed the man...

What About Him? The sin of comparison
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What About Him? The sin of comparison

What About Him? The sin of comparison (John 21:15-23) Today let’s focus in on two questions in this passage. Jesus’s questions to Peter, and Peter’s question to Jesus. Jesus asks the first question, “Do you truly love me?” (NIV) Many translations render it “Do you love me more than these?” In the Greek the word...

To the Nations and Neighbors
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To the Nations and Neighbors

To the Nations and the Neighbors (2023) After Jesus finished His work on earth, right before he departed, He gave His disciples the Great Commission. A command to take this Gospel message to the whole world. We see this basic command in all three synoptic Gospels Matt, Mark, & Luke Matt 28:18,; Mark 16:15 ;...

Tell them of My love
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Tell them of My love

Tell Them of My Love Verse 2 Nicodemus comes under the cover of night, he doesn’t want to be seen with Jesus. Verse 3 Jesus can tell that Nicodemus isn’t understanding the real message behind the miracles. Nicodemus wanted to try and see everything through a physical lens. But Jesus says you must see everything...

All in for the Gospel
Sermons

All in for the Gospel

All in for the Gospel (1 Cor 9:19) 1 Cor 9:19 In the previous context here in chapter 9 Paul has been defending his apostleship. Verse 19 He seems to be using language that would suggest that he had been accused of trying to please the masses. At the same time, he seems to be...

Be Not unaware of his Schemes
Sermons

Be Not unaware of his Schemes

  Be Not Unaware of his Schemes In 2 Cor 2-11 Paul makes this statement, “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” This is our starting point Daniel 10:1-15 Notice it says that from the first day that Daniel began to pray and seek the Lord...

The Heart of worship Part 3
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The Heart of worship Part 3

The Heart of Worship Pt 3: The cost (2 Samuel 24; Romans 12) 2 Samuel 24 The context here in this passage is that David disobeyed God and took a census of the men able to fight. David gave in to his fear and stopped trusting the Lord. Verse 10 The first thing David does...

The Heart of Worship Part 2
Sermons

The Heart of Worship Part 2

The Heart of Worship Pt 2 (John 3 & 4) John 3 A Pharisee named Nicodemus come to Jesus and asks to know more about the Kingdom. Jesus says, in order to know God and understand the Kingdom of God, you must be born again. John 3:5-6 There are two parts to Jesus’ answer to...

The Heart of worship (more than a song)
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The Heart of worship (more than a song)

The Heart of Worship (more than song) In Matt 14 after Jesus clams the storm, it says “they worshipped Him.” The word ‘worshipped’ here means: to fall down, to kneel, to bow down, fall at the feet of another, to prostrate oneself. It can even mean to kiss the hand of. The essence of the...

How Christ Loved, Father’s Day 2023
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How Christ Loved, Father’s Day 2023

How Christ Loved (Father’s Day 2023)    Ephesians 5:25 I think this one verse gives all of us a good place to start. It says that we are to love our wives just as Christ loved the church. So, we must start by figuring out what that means. How did Christ love the church? What...

Mighty Warrior
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Mighty Warrior

Mighty Warrior (With Right Understanding) This is taking place during the time period of Judges, before Israel had cried out for a king. Chap 6:1 The Israelites have again done evil in the eyes of the Lord. Verse 6 After seven years of this, they finally cry to God for help. Verse 8-10 A Prophet...

Overcoming Temptations
Sermons

Overcoming Temptations

Overcoming Temptations (1 Cor 10:13, Col 2:12)     Remember every sin we commit starts with a thought, every temptation starts in our mind. 1 Cor 10:13 All of our temptations and struggles are common to being human. Why is this important? Because the enemy can use this against us if we don’t understand it. “No...

The war for our mind Part 2
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The war for our mind Part 2

The war in our mind Pt II 2023 (2 Cor 10 & Psalm 23)   Cor 10:1-5 Paul recognized this as spiritual warfare and not just a disagreement. First, we must use the right kind of weapons. In order to fight spiritual battles, we need spiritual weapons. Second, these lies or thoughts have been lifted...

The War for our mind
Sermons

The War for our mind

The War in our Mind. (2 Cor 10:1-5) Verses 1-2 In this section Paul is dealing with some people in the Corinthian church who were questioning his authority and his methods. Verse 3 Paul realizes that this is spiritual warfare. This is a spiritual issue, not a worldly one. They don’t have just cause for...

The Good News of Bad Government
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The Good News of Bad Government

The Good News of Bad Government (Romans 13:1-3) In order to understand this passage, we have to develop Theology for it. The first rule is developing Theology is to make sure the whole of scripture agrees with it. Let’s look at 1 Peter 2:13-15. Peter and Paul seem to be in agreement here. They both...

Living under the Favor of God
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Living under the Favor of God

Living Under God’s Favor Why is this important? To live under the favor of God. When we live under the favor of God, God protects and breathes life into our finances. When we live under God’s favor, he protects our health. When we live under the favor of God, He protects our possessions. Duet 29:5;...

The Difference Easter Makes, Living in the Spirit
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The Difference Easter Makes, Living in the Spirit

The Difference Easter Makes   Living in the Spirit (Jer 31:31, John 14:15)   In the OT era the presence of God was confined largely to a geographic location. When the Hebrews wandered in the wilderness for 40 years his presence was confined to the When they finally reached the promised land God’s presence was...

Resurrection Power for Everyday life
Sermons

Resurrection Power for Everyday life

Easter 2023 Resurrection Power Luke 24:1 The first day of the week is of course Sunday. The structure in the Greek suggests this was at first light, as soon as they could see. Verse 2 The tomb would have had a large round stone that looked like a wheel or disk covering the opening. The...

Palm Sunday 2023: His Relentless Pursuit
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Palm Sunday 2023: His Relentless Pursuit

Palm Sunday 2023: His Relentless Pursuit (Luke 19:28-42) Verses 28-29 There is a strong contrast in this section between the rejoicing of the crowd over Jesus’ entry and the lamenting and weeping of Jesus over the coming rejection of the people and the destruction of Jerusalem. Verse 30 Jesus’ confidence about the animal’s availability, location,...

Responding to What?
Sermons

Responding to What?

Responding to What?   Evil Spirits (Mark 1:21-28) Here we see Jesus exercise rule and authority over evil spirits. Verse 24 shows that the evil spirit immediately recognized Jesus for who he was. Notice also that Jesus did not have to scream, shout or get worked up to get rid of the demon. He simply...

Right Response
Sermons

Right Response

Right Response (Matt 11:16-19) Verse 11 Many of Jesus’ parables start with something like. What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?  Jesus was always trying to find a way to help the people understand what the Kingdom of God is like. Here he tries to explain the people rather...

Wrong Signs
Sermons

Wrong Signs

Wrong signs (Matt 12:38 and John 14:11) Matt 12:38 In the parallel story in Luke, He points out that the crowds were getting bigger. The verse here in Matt ends with a demand from the Pharisees and teachers of the law. The Greek word used here means distinguishing mark (1), miracle (2), sign(s) They were...

Binding and Losing Done Right
Sermons

Binding and Losing Done Right

Binding and losing done right (Matt16:19-20) Verse 13 This verse sets the context for this lesson.  This is about 20 miles north of Galilee. This was a very Gentile region and perhaps the perfect back drop for what Jesus wanted to do. In the parallel story of Luke and Mark Jesus asks, “who do people...

Doing Reconciliation Right
Sermons

Doing Reconciliation Right

Reconciliation done right  (Matt 5:21-24) The context here in this passage is part of Jesus’ sermon on the Mount. The sermon on the Mount really sets the stage for the rest of Jesus’ ministry. In the sermon on the Mount Jesus takes the law and the Commandments and elevates them to heart issues. The law...

Doing Love Right
Sermons

Doing Love Right

Doing Love Right (2023) (John 13:34) John 13: 34 Jesus is nearing the end of this life on earth, and He is giving His disciples instructions on how to live and how to spread the Gospel after His death. So, Jesus starts by giving a “New Command First, it is a command straight from the...

Doing Church Right
Sermons

Doing Church Right

Doing Church Right (Ephesians 4:11-13) Verse 11 The verse begins with a list of the various offices in the church. These are not elected offices, but ones given by God. These leaders are a gift from God to the church. These five types of leaders are in some circles referred to as the “five-fold ministry.”...

Completed Work
Sermons

Completed Work

Completed Work (Philippians 1:6)   Phil 1:6 Context: Paul wrote this letter in 62 AD near the end of his first Roman imprisonment. So, he is writing this letter from prison. Paul may have known the people in the Philippian church were feeling discouraged with their spiritual growth. We often think of that word “work”...

What is Good?
Sermons

What is Good?

What is Good? (Isaiah 5:20) Verse 20 is broken into three phrases. They all mean the same basic thing. This is just the typical Hebrew poetry style of writing common in the OT. They say something, and then they say it again, using different words, to add emphasis. The repeating and subtle word choices would...

A lesson from Lot’s Wife
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A lesson from Lot’s Wife

  Lot’s Wife Philippians 3:3-4 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Luke 17: 32-33 Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life...

New Year’s Restoration
Sermons

New Year’s Restoration

God of restoration (2023) From Genesis to revelation, we see that God is a god of restoration. Gen 41:39–43   How do you go from a prisoner to the second in command of an entire country that fast? But God loves to restore and restore quickly. And in the next chapter of Genesis Joseph is...

Christmas Morning 2022
Sermons

Christmas Morning 2022

  In this message Pastor Tim recaps and summarizes the last several weeks of messages from the Christmas story in the book of Luke and makes a few comments along the way.

The Christmas story: Love is Born part 3
Sermons

The Christmas story: Love is Born part 3

  The Christmas Story: Love is Born Part III (2022) (1:39-56) Verse 39 This journey from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea would have been over 80 miles and taken 3-4 days. No mention is made of a traveling companion but a young “single” woman would not have traveled alone. Verse 40-41 The baby...

The Christmas Story: Love is Born Pt 2
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The Christmas Story: Love is Born Pt 2

The Christmas Story: Love is Born Part II (Luke 1:26-38)  Verse 26 The story now shifts from Zechariah to Mary. From the public setting of the Temple in Jerusalem to a private scene in a small town. There are nine parallels between this story and the one that we just looked at with Zechariah. The...

The Christmas story; Love is Born
Sermons

The Christmas story; Love is Born

The Christmas Story: Love is Born (Luke 1:5-25) Verse 5 Luke sets the dates of these events for us in the history of Palestine. Luke references Herod the Great who reigned over the Jewish people for Rome. Herod received his commission to rule from Mark Anthony and the Roman Senate in 40BC but did not...

The Power of Thanksgiving
Sermons

The Power of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2022 (Luke 17:11-19) Luke 17 Within the context of Luke Jesus has been traveling for some time to make his way back to Jerusalem. He is now between Samaria and galilee. Verse 12 The Greek word used here is for various diseases affecting the skin–not necessarily just leprosy. Because of social ostracism and religious...

Gospel of the Kingdom
Sermons

Gospel of the Kingdom

  Gospel of the kingdom (2022) The Pew research group did a study with this headline. “47% of American church goers no longer believe that Jesus is the Only way.” In other words, half of the America church attenders no longer believe in Jesus. According to this study, most believe that just being a good...

opportune Prayer
Sermons

opportune Prayer

Opportune Prayer (Eph 6:18) Eph 6: 18 in the NLT and the YLT It says to pray at all times in the first phrase. Which sounds like I am supposed to prayer every second of the day. But how would that be possible? To understand this verse, we need to start by looking at the...

Judges, Justice & Prayer
Sermons

Judges, Justice & Prayer

Judges, Justice, & Prayer (2022) (Luke 18) Luke 18:1-8 This is the second time Jesus has taught on persistent prayer. So, it must be vital that we understand this. This parable uses a rabbinic style of lesser to greater argument. In both passages on bold persistent prayer Jesus has set the stage with times of...

Persistence and Boldness in Prayer
Sermons

Persistence and Boldness in Prayer

In Luke 11 Jesus’ disciples ask Him how to pray and Jesus teaches them the Lord’s prayer. Then right after that Jesus teaches them about praying boldly and persistently using a parable about a visitor in the night.  This parable is often misunderstood. In This message pastor Tim explain this parable, what it really means...

House of Prayer
Sermons

House of Prayer

House of Prayer (Mark 11:11-17) Mark 11:11 This scene comes during the Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem. After Jesus comes riding into the city with everyone cheering and singing praises. Verses:12-14 He curses the fig tree and a few verses later we see that the tree has died. First, There is a metaphor between the...

To the Nations and the Neighbors
Sermons

To the Nations and the Neighbors

To the Nations and the Neighbors (2022) Matt 28:18; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46 These passages are generally referred to as the Great Commission. Jesus’ clear and emphatic call to His Disciples to take the mission of God to the nations and to our neighbors. Around the world and across the street. Acts 2:5 God saw...

Do not worry Seek First
Sermons

Do not worry Seek First

Do Not Worry: Seek First…. Part II (Matt 6:25-29) Verse 30 This is a continuation of Jesus’ command not to worry about what to wear. Not so much what outfit to wear, but that we would have something to wear. Jesus continues His analogy but switches from, “wild flowers” to “grass of the field.” His...

Do not worry…Consider closely
Sermons

Do not worry…Consider closely

  Do Not Worry: Consider Closely (Matt 6:25-34) Verse 25 In the previous section Jesus tells three very short parables of sorts. First, do not store up treasures on earth Second, guard the condition of our soul Third, you can’t serve two masters, both God and money. It is into that context that Jesus begins...

The beauty of stripping
Sermons

The beauty of stripping

  The beauty of stripping (Hebrews 12:1) The whole point of this verse is to encourage his readers to run the race and to finish well. The context here is of course is the Christian life. The race marked out for us is the Christian Life. The writer gives us this exhortation to run the...

Tylenol Prayers
Sermons

Tylenol Prayers

Tylenol Prayers (Mark 9:14-29) Verse 29 After the Disciples failed to get the demon out, they ask Jesus why they couldn’t get the demon out. Jesus gives an answer about prayer. Some translation includes the word fasting. But the word fasting is not in the most original Greek texts. It is simply the Greek word...

Jesus as Psalm 23
Sermons

Jesus as Psalm 23

Jesus as Psalm 23 Psalm 23:1 The Shepherd’s job was to protect the sheep. To deal with any enemies that came to attack the sheep. Jesus is of course the shepherd, our shepherd. And He has laid down His life for us, the sheep. To save us from the attacks of the enemy the devil....

A Focus on Jesus
Sermons

A Focus on Jesus

  A Focus on Jesus (Matt 12:38) Luke starts his account by pointing out that the crowds were getting bigger. Matt is writing to a Jewish audience, so he points out that the crowd was made up of Pharisees law teachers. Matt ends with a demand from the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They...

Jesus stops the weapon
Sermons

Jesus stops the weapon

Here is a link to the video of the message. In this message pastor Tim looks at Isaiah 54:16-17. This is the passage that says, “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” When we quote this verse in prayer we often take it out of context....

The Tale of two Kingdoms
Sermons

The Tale of two Kingdoms

Click here for a link to the message.  In this message pastor Tim looks at John 10:10 where Jesus contrasts the activities of the devil with the Kingdom of God. This is really a message on Spiritual warfare, how to recognize it and how to stop it.   The tale of two kingdoms (John 10:10)...

The Mercy of Justice
Sermons

The Mercy of Justice

In this message pastor Tim looks at Micah 6:8 where God explains all that is required of us. Tim then shows us that Jesus perfectly walks out Micah 6:8 in John 8:2-6. John 8:2-6 also shows us how we can walk out Micah 6:8 in our day. we had technical difficulties with the audio recording...

of governments and religions.
Sermons

of governments and religions.

In this message Pastor Tim looks at Mark 8:1-18 and Jesus’ command to “watch our for the yest of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” What did Jesus mean by that and what does it mean for us today? How do we apply this verse in our day? we had technical difficulties with the audio...

Government Submission
Sermons

Government Submission

  Government Submission (Romans 13:1-2) Romans 13:1 Historical context Paul wrote the book of Romans in AD 57, 57 years after Christ. The Romans were still ruling over the land of Israel. Nero is the Roman emperor at this time. And we know from history that Nero was one of the most brutal emperors. Many...

Biblical Rest
Sermons

Biblical Rest

Biblical Rest (2022) The Commandment: Exodus 20:8-11   This is one of the original Ten Commandments. Exodus 34:21 This passage is later after the people have rebelled with the golden calf etc. This was very much a societal rest. Something we have really lost sight of today. Notice, they didn’t rest and quickly fell into...

Clothed with Power Pentecost Sunday 2022
Sermons

Clothed with Power Pentecost Sunday 2022

  Clothed with Power (Pentecost Sunday 2022) Luke 24:45 Despite having Hebrew backgrounds and having studied the OT scriptures, they didn’t fully understand the relevant OT scriptures.  But Jesus opens their minds to understand those scriptures. This is a foreshadowing of the role of the Holy Spirit. Verse 47 Jesus alludes to what we call...

The strength you have is  enough Part 2
Sermons

The strength you have is enough Part 2

  The Strength You have is Enough Part II With Right Understanding Picking up in verse 33 It appears Gideon had very little time to think this over and/or prepare. Verse 34 As a result he is suddenly given the strength to summon the other tribes and clans. Verse 35 They are responding to him...

Lost Roles
Sermons

Lost Roles

Lost Roles (Ephesians 4:11-13) Verse 11 The verse begins with a list of the various offices in the church. These are not elected offices, but ones given by God. These leaders are a gift from God to the church. These five types of leaders are in some circles referred to as the “five-fold ministry.” Some...

The Power of Life Death
Sermons

The Power of Life Death

The power of life and death (proverbs 18:21) Proverbs 18:21 You will receive either good or evil according to the quality of your speech. You get what you speak, our words are that powerful. The power of God inhabits our Words. Deut 30:19 As in Proverbs 18:21 life and death are held in speech, blessings...

All in for the Gospel
Sermons

All in for the Gospel

  All in for the Gospel (1 Cor 9:19) 1 Cor 9:19 In the previous context here in chapter 9 Paul has been defending his apostleship. Verse 19 He seems to be using language that would suggest that he had been accused of trying to please the masses. At the same time, he seems to...

The Spirit of Easter
Sermons

The Spirit of Easter

The Spirit of Easter: 2022 In the OT: In the Old Testament and old covenant era the HS was only situationally available or present. He would come on a prophet and give the prophet words to speak on behalf of God. But he wasn’t always and continually present within the followers of God. The Promise:...

Resurrection Power
Sermons

Resurrection Power

Easter 2022 Resurrection Power Luke 24:1 The first day of the week is of course Sunday. The structure in the Greek suggests this was at first light, as soon as they could see. Verse 2 The tomb would have had a large round stone that looked like a wheel or disk covering the opening. The...

His Relentless Pursuit
Sermons

His Relentless Pursuit

  Palm Sunday 2022: His Relentless Pursuit (Luke 19:28) Verses 28-29 There is a strong contrast in this section between the rejoicing of the crowd over Jesus’ entry and the lamenting and weeping of Jesus over the coming rejection of the people and the destruction of Jerusalem. Verse 30 Jesus’ confidence about the animal’s availability,...

Drop Your Weapon
Sermons

Drop Your Weapon

  Drop Your weapon (Psalm 46) We have romanticized this verse. When we think “be still” we think of floating on a cloud like an angel. As we try to understand this verse, we have to keep in mind the context of the previous verses. Look at verse 9: This is all military language. Bow...

What gets in the way
Sermons

What gets in the way

What gets in the way?  (John 21:15-23) Today let’s focus in on two questions in this passage. Jesus’s questions to Peter, and Peter’s question to Jesus. Jesus asks the first question, “Do you truly love me?” (NIV) Many translations render it “Do you love me more than these?” In the Greek the word is “these”...

Where is God?
Sermons

Where is God?

  Where is God? (Luke 8:40-48) Starting in Luke 8:40 we see two miracles; The two characters in these stories are also unlikely characters. Luke 8:40 The crowd’s reaction here is in contrast to the fear of the crowd Jesus just left on the other side of the lake after he healed the man with...

Behind Enemy Lines
Sermons

Behind Enemy Lines

  Behind Enemy Lines  Mark 1:21-24  A man with a demon is the only one to recognize Jesus for who He is. The people also didn’t seem to mind or care that a demon was in the synagogue. The demon spoke up to cause a distraction and take attention away from Jesus. John 10:10 This...

What Spirit is that?
Sermons

What Spirit is that?

  What Spirit is that? (1 Cor 12:10) Why do we need this gift? 2 Cor 11:14; 1 John 4:1; 1 Timothy 4:1; Matt 13:25 We can see that the enemy likes to work in secret and in hidden ways So, we need to be able to distinguish what the enemy is doing. The Greek...

restore Love
Sermons

restore Love

We see the birth of the church in Ephesus in Acts 19:1-7 So, there was a small group of believers already in Ephesus when Paul passes through. But they were trying to do church and the Christian life without the Holy Spirit. Later Paul returns to Ephesus and stays there for two years teaching them....

The Promise of Hope
Sermons

The Promise of Hope

The Promise of Hope Ephesians 1 & Romans 5  What is the promise of perseverance? ___________ Why is hope so important? Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,  but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Hope is at our ____________ level. It’s so important that it’s being ____________ from us. Because you...

Process Disciple
Sermons

Process Disciple

  Process Disciple   Matt 28: 19 Jesus has risen from the dead and is giving his disciples their final instructions. Whenever you see a “Therefore” in scripture you must ask what it is there for? In this case it is tying back to the last verse (18). Matt 28:18 There is a close connection...

The New Way of Love
Sermons

The New Way of Love

  The new way of Love Turn to John 13:34 This is a command straight from the mouth of ___________. What is this new commandment? _____________________ So agape love is where I love you because I see the ___________ God has put in you. The world can’t separate love from the _____________. As Christians we...

Theology of Tithe
Sermons

Theology of Tithe

  Theology of Tithe Historical context: We first see the idea of an offering or a tithe in Gen 4:3-7 Cain brought fruit from his crops and Able brought fat portions from his flocks. Acknowledging that it was God who gave them the crops and animals. We first see the tithe being 10% in Gen...

Only Jesus
Sermons

Only Jesus

  Only Jesus Acts 4:8-12 The context here is that Peter had healed a crippled beggar and now is facing charges from the religious leaders. Look at verses 9 & 10, Peter makes it clear that it was not simply an act of Kindness that healed the man. Verse ten makes it clear that it...

God of Restoration and Sound Theology
Sermons

God of Restoration and Sound Theology

God of restoration (2022) From Genesis to revelation, we see that God is a god of restoration. Gen 41:39–43   How do you go from a prisoner to the second in command of an entire country that fast? But God loves to restore and restore_______________.   And in the next chapter of Genesis Joseph is...

A Divine Pause
Sermons

A Divine Pause

  A Divine Pause Christmas 2021 Matt 2:13-17 Verse 13 “When they had gone,” refers to the Magi. So, this is now several weeks after the birth of Jesus. This could have been as much as a month or two after the birth of Jesus. After the magi had left Joseph has a dream. This...

The Justice of Christmas
Sermons

The Justice of Christmas

  The Justice of Christmas In the previous chapters of Malachi God has made serious accusations against the people. God has charged the priest with not faithfully doing their duty. He has accused both the people and the priests of offering stolen sacrifices. God has accused them of having broken the covenant he had with...

Though we Fall, We Shall Rise
Sermons

Though we Fall, We Shall Rise

Though We Fall, We Shall Rise Proverbs 24:16: NIV for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,     but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. The Falling Down The righteous ______________   The wicked ________________   The situation that is given is when ________________________   Colossians 1:22 NIV But now he has reconciled you...