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Yesterday’s Christmas message was called Grace in a Manger, taken from Luke 2:11-12. The main idea of the message was that nothing can substitute for Christ in the manger. Here is a brief outline of the message:
I. The substitute of secular celebration
II. The substitute of warm sentiment
III. The substitute of religious deeds
Conclusion: Jesus Christ - the substitute for sinners!
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.
Yesterday was our annual Children’s Christmas Play at the church. The name of the play was “Three Wise Men and a Baby.” It was a fun production with plenty of laughs, and the kids had a lot of fun hamming it up on stage. At the same time, the message of Jesus came through loud and clear. We had a lot of guests which is always nice, and a time of refreshments and meeting people afterwards. Many thanks to Joy and Elayne for doing such a great job directing and to everyone else who helped out with the play.
Yesterday’s message was called The Star of Bethlehem, taken from Matthew 2:1-12. The message explored God’s purpose for the Star of Bethlehem both then and today. Here is a brief outline of the message:
I. Consider the heavens
II. Consider the Scriptures
III. Consider the miracle
IV. Consider the purpose
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.
Yesterday was our annual Thanksgiving Testimony Sunday. Adults, teens and children returned thanks to God for all the good things he is doing and has done in their lives this past year. This is always one of my favorite Sundays. It is such an encouragement to hear people publicly share their testimonies of praise to our great God. Thank you to everyone who shared in our service yesterday!
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Note: The Prayer Series continues tomorrow and will conclude on Friday.
Yesterday’s message in the Called series was titled Called to Persevere. Here is a brief outline of the message:
I. God does not promise you an easy life.
A. We live in a fallen world. (Romans 8:18-21)
B. We should expect trials. (John 16:33; Acts 14:21-22)
II. God does promise to be with you.
A. He gives you his peace. (Philippians 4:6-7)
B. He gives you his presence. (Matthew 28:20)
III. God promises great benefits to those who persevere.
A. Your faith is shown to be genuine. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
B. You will grow in character. (James 1:2-4)
C. He who perseveres to the end will be saved.
(Matthew 24:12-13; James 1:12)
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.
Yesterday’s message in the Called series was titled Called to Pray. Here is a brief outline of the message:
I. Prayer is a privilege.
A. We enter God’s presence. (Psalm 84:1-2; Hebrews 4:16)
B. We address him as Father. (Matthew 6:9)
C. We are invited to ask. (John 16:24)
II. Prayer is a discipline.
A. Our sin nature gets in the way. (Romans 7:18-20)
B. We don’t always see results. (Luke 18:1)
C. We are called to persevere. (Matthew 7:7)
III. Prayer is a responsibility.
A. Prayerlessness is sin. (1 Samuel 12:23)
B. People depend on our prayers. (Romans 15:30)
C. God works through our prayers. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.
Yesterday’s message was called A Christian in the Voting Booth. The purpose of the message was to demonstrate how to think Biblically through various issues related to voting in the election on Tuesday. Here is a brief outline of the message:
I. Do I have a Christian responsibility to vote?
A. You are responsible to exert a godly influence.
B. You are responsible to pray for your leaders.
C. As a voter you share the responsibility of government.
II. How do I approach voting as a Christian?
A. Voting on state issues (Massachusetts)
1) State personal income tax
2) Possession of marijuana
3) Dog racing
B. Voting on national issues
1) The economy
2) Foreign policy
3) Moral issues (such as marriage and abortion)
C. Voting for candidates
1) Character
2) Wisdom
3) Leadership
III. Three things to remember.
A. The gospel is bigger than politics.
B. The church is bigger than political parties.
C. God is bigger than elections.
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.
Yesterday’s message in the Called series was titled Called to Contribute, taken from various scriptures. The main idea of the message was that we must all work together in the body of Christ in order to achieve God’s purposes. Here is a brief outline of the message:
I. Give of your time and talents. (Ephesians 4:7-13)
II. Give of your finances. (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7)
III. Give of your love. (John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13:3)
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.
Yesterday’s message in the Called series was titled Called to Communicate, taken from 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. The main idea of the message was that we are called by God to communicate the gospel to other people. Here is a brief outline of the message:
I. Compelled by Christ’s love (2 Corinthians 5:11-15)
A. Persuade others about Christ.
B. Have a right motivation.
C. Be convinced that Christ died for all.
II. Seeing others through Christ’s eyes (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)
A. Regard no one from a worldly point of view.
B. Recognize that Christ makes all things new.
III. Serving as Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)
A. God gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
B. God has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.
Yesterday’s message was called Christian Finances in Troubled Times, taken from various scriptures. The main idea of the message was how we should handle our finances as Christians during troubled times. Here is a brief outline of the message:
I. Be joyful in God. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
A. Though the future looks bleak
B. Though the present disappoints
C. Though your past reserves are spent
II. Practice good Christian stewardship.
A. Give faithfully. (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Corinthians 16:2)
B. Spend carefully. (Luke 12:15)
C. Save wisely. (Genesis 41:28-38; Proverbs 6:6-8)
III. Trust God to meet your needs.
A. Ask God’s help. (James 4:2; Philippians 4:6-7)
B. Don’t confuse wants with needs. (Philippians 4:19)
C. Trust God’s promises. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.
Yesterday’s message was called Come to the Table, taken from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. The message focused on the significance of gathering around the Lord’s Table for communion. Here is a brief outline of the message:
I. A place to remember Jesus
A. Remember his sufferings. (1 Corinthians 11:24)
B. Remember his death on the cross. (1 Corinthians 11:25)
C. Remember why he did it – for our sins. (Matthew 26:28)
II. A place to celebrate God’s forgiveness and grace
A. Thank God for the forgiveness of sins. (1 Corinthians 11:25)
B. Marvel in God’s gracious invitation to come. (John 6:35-37)
III. A place to share in Christian fellowship
A. We share in fellowship with Christ. (Psalm 34:8; 1 Peter 2:2-3)
B. We share in fellowship with each other. (1 Corinthians 10:17)
IV. A place to anticipate Christ’s return
A. Jesus proclaimed the coming of God’s kingdom. (Luke 22:18)
B. We proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.
Yesterday’s message in the Called series was titled Called to Holiness. The main idea of the message was that God calls all Christians to a life of holiness. Here is a brief outline of the message:
I. God calls you to be holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16)
A. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified. (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
B. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
II. Holiness is not what you (may) think it is.
A. Holiness does not mean acting “strange.”
B. Holiness is not separated from practical daily living.
C. Holiness is not achieved through self-will or determination.
III. Holiness comes through Christ.
A. Jesus died to make you holy. (Ephesians 5:25-27)
B. Growth in holiness is a life-long process. (Philippians. 1:6)
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.
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