Sermon Guides

"This passage comes at the end of Paul’s bold defense of the gospel of grace—that we are justified by faith, not by works of the law. It’s an audacious claim, and it raises the question: if salvation is by grace, does it matter how we live? Paul’s answer is deeply personal and theologically rich. The Christian life begins with death: “I have been crucified with Christ.” The old self—the one that lived as its own reference point—has died, and now Christ lives in us. The Christ

Paul confronts Peter for acting in a way that misrepresents the gospel, reminding us that justification is by faith in Christ alone—not by works or law-keeping. When we misuse God’s law as a means of righteousness, we not only mislead others but also obscure the good news of grace. The law functions like a mirror, showing our need for Christ, while only Christ can make us righteous. Justification is a gift received, not earned or maintained through human effort.

Instead of opening this letter to the Galatian churches with a thanksgiving for them — as Paul normally does — he begins by stating that he is astonished that they are so quickly deserting Jesus. The Galatians didn’t think that they had deserted Jesus! But Paul labors for Christ formed in them through the book of Galatians by demonstrating that departing from true gospel doctrine is deserting Jesus himself. In these first handful of verses, Paul sets out the terms of true go

Instead of opening this letter to the Galatian churches with a thanksgiving for them — as Paul normally does — he begins by stating that he is astonished that they are so quickly deserting Jesus. The Galatians didn’t think that they had deserted Jesus! But Paul labors for Christ formed in them through the book of Galatians by demonstrating that departing from true gospel doctrine is deserting Jesus himself. In these first handful of verses, Paul sets out the terms of true go

In this passage we see the result of Peter’s gospel transformation, and the beginning of his gospel repentance. For both of these aspects, the crucial center is Jesus Christ — his grace, and his initiating love.

Jesus commissioned his apostles (sent ones) to bring his testimony to us — who who haven’t seen the Risen Jesus. Our faith does not come by sight, then, but by hearing. As we hear and receive Scripture’s testimony about who God is and what he’s done for us, we are receiving the very word of Christ, and thereby offered the gift of eternal life. Not by our righteousness, but by his grace; our mere faith is counted by him as righteousness.

Jesus is “the one sent by the Father.” It’s absolutely foundational to his identity. In this passage, he demonstrates to his as-yet unbelieving disciples that he has accomplished his mission, and that he has a mission for them, too. The mission of the Church is unified with Jesus’ mission: Christ offers himself to save a dying world, and we offer Christ.

The first day of creation, God spoke light into the darkness. John 20 brings us to the first day of New Creation, when the Light of the World was brought forth from the darkness of death. And just as the first creation story culminates in Adam meeting his bride, so this New Creation story shows us Jesus and his Bride — the Church. The resurrection of Jesus is our betrothal to the heavenly Bridegroom. And it marks the re-opening of the gates of Eden for the Second Adam and

Although it seems like Jesus ‘lost,’ his exchange with Barabbas hints at his victory: Jesus will stand accused in the place of the guilty, who can go free because he took the punishment he deserved.

Jesus Christ was no victim. The Gospel-writer, John, makes certain we know that. Though Jesus is arrested in John 18, there’s no doubt who’s in charge: he picks the spot, he initiates the confrontation, and he commands the troops to release his friends. Though he had the power to evade capture (and more), he chose the way of the cross...

Jesus prayed for us, that we might be one — unified in the same way that God the Father and God the Son are unified. That’s a tall order! For that humanly-impossible calling, God provides the power of the gospel through the Holy Spirit, to help us bear witness to the world through our unity and love.

The glory of God is most prominently on display at the cross of Jesus. God’s character — abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, full of grace and truth — are demonstrated most prominently when Jesus died for the sins of undeserving us.

Jesus comforted his disciples by telling them that through their greatest sorrow (his death) will come their greatest joy (his resurrection, and all its implications). If God can produce great joy through great sorrow, then we can trust him with all of our sorrows and pain. He promises that he will work all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose.

While Jesus was on earth, he convicted the world of sin, righteous, and judgment — not to condemn them, but so that he might save them. Now that Jesus has returned to his place by the Father’s side in heaven, he has sent his Holy Spirit to continue that same ministry. Convincing the unbelieving world of sin, so that they might seek its cure in Christ; of ...

Jesus is the true vine, the Father is the vinedresser, and we are the branches. Our Lord uses this illustration to teach us the importance of abiding in his love, so that God may be most glorified through our lives, and that our joy might be full! While coming with a caution to those who do not remain connected to the Vine, it is a passage full of gospel...

Jesus is not physically present on earth at this time, but he is really, truly with us by his Holy Spirit, who he sent to dwell in all who love and trust him. The ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives is our sweetest comfort on this side of the resurrection. He gives us love, produces obedience, he advocates for us, and declares to us the peace that Jesus has with the Father. Praise God for his gift of the Holy Spirit!

The search for meaning and purpose in life is universal, and we can think of it as a search for “Home.” We were designed and created to be at home with God, and we’ll be restless until we rest in him....

The treasure of Christ is the only treasure that grows and sweetens as we share it. When we tell people the good news of Jesus, we’re enriched, not diminished!

When a new treasure takes hold of our hearts, new habits must be formed. As Christians, we ought to be forming and feeding healthy habits that actively love and treasure Christ. Regularly gathering together and regularly eating together are two of those Christ-treasuring habits. I pray this message helps us take the next step in both of those areas!

When a new treasure takes hold of our hearts, new habits must be formed. As Christians, we ought to be forming and feeding healthy habits that actively love and treasure Christ. In Acts 2 the curtain is pulled back on how the early church strove with their will to actively treasure Christ. May the Lord give us courage, strength, and determination to do the same, for the glory of Jesus and for our joy!