Sermon Archives

A famous preacher once said, “If you were to meet a truly humble person, you wouldn’t think of him or her as humble, but only that they were incredibly interested in you.” Humility in people is something admirable, but the topic of humility as it relates to God is almost inconceivable. Yet, Jesus was exactly this. Listen in as Pastor James talks about how the humility of Christ is the very thing that was necessary for the salvation of the world.

As human beings, it is inevitable that we are confronted with our personal failure and sin. Sometimes after we mess up or do the thing that we promised ourselves or God not to do, condemning thoughts of guilt or shame knock at our door. These thoughts can keep us distant from God and can make us feel unlovable, defective, and corrupt. So what do we to do with these thoughts, and how do we fight this battle? The answer: with the sinless Savior. Listen in as Pastor James explains this and answers the question, “How should we handle our sin?”

 

Wounds in life come in all different shapes, forms, and sizes, but more than all others, emotional wounds can cut the deepest. As humans we all experience betrayal, but we are not alone in this. The Bible shows us that Jesus experienced this as well. Listen in as Pastor James talks about the hope of the gospel that is found in the betrayal of Christ.

 

If someone were to ask you to rate your personal prayer life on a scale of 1-10, one being the worst ten being the best, what would you say? A popular Christian ministry recently surveyed 14,000 people and asked them the same question, and the top answer was “three.” However, out of all spiritual practices, the most apparent in Jesus’ life was prayer. Listen in as Pastor James talks about why prayer is not a mere obligation, but a gift.

 

Jesus Christ is our all in all. Sometimes we can feel the pressure to add to the finishing work of Christ or that we need to do more for God to love us. Paul, in the book of Colossians, was writing to the church in Colossae, where false teachers in the church were teaching that very thing. Paul was reminding the church in Colossae that Jesus is enough, that Jesus is our all in all. Listen in as Davidson Jean-Rejouis shares with us how we today can find encouragement in what Paul was saying to the church in Colossae.

Ever since the early church, the Lord’s Supper (communion) has been something at the center of its gathering and worship. It has lasted the test of time and has been one of the main means by which Christ conveys grace to His church. But how does it practically affect us? Does it bear any significance to our faith practice and lives outside of the church? Listen in as pastor James expands upon this and talks about “The Relevance of Communion in the Church.”

 

 

The universal church is diverse. It consists of men, women, and children from all different people groups, cultures, practices, and norms. United by the Spirit, they worship Christ. But who does it right? Which way is the best? And, above and beyond all else what does Jesus show us is most important? Listen in as Pastor James seeks to answer this question from Mark chapter 14 and talks about “The heart of worship & the grace of Christ.”

 

 

 

Netflix recently released a show with a premise of making fun of the Bible’s content concerning the end times. The show presents certain Biblical facts as not only fiction but humorous. However, what the Bible has to say about Christ’s return is nothing short of severe. On the last day, there will be judgment. So how does this truth remind us of the good news? Who will God show mercy to? How can we prepare for this day and find grace and assurance now? Listen in as Pastor James preaches from Mark 13:32-37.

 

 

 

As we face our current struggles and our uncertain future, we can have peace. Why? Because we know that our future is a good one because it has been determined by the One who loves us so much, that He laid down His glory, became one of us, and hung on a cross so that you and I can be in His presence and share in His joy and glory for all eternity. Listen in as Andrés Arráez teaches us from Mark chapter 13.

 

 

 

When you think about the end of the world what comes to mind? Scary things? Spooky things? Things that you have read in books and/or seen in movies over the years? As you think about the way the Bible speaks of Jesus’ death and resurrection and the mission and role of the church now, how do these things impact or influence your thoughts concerning the end times? Listen in as Pastor James takes a typical text from Mark chapter 13 and reveals how the reign of Christ and the kingdom of God, now, is meant to provide us hope and confidence as we wait for Jesus’ return.

 

 

 

The topic of money in the church is a touchy subject. Stories of dishonesty, greed, and/or manipulation affect our feelings and thoughts. But what does Jesus have to say about money in the church? In Mark chapter 12, Jesus, among the rich and superficially religious, calls out a poor widow who gave God just two small coins and said that she gave more than anyone else! Listen in as Pastor James explains this passage and talks about what God looks for and desires above all when it comes to faith and religious practices and in the church.

 

 

 

When we look at the Bible and consider the message of any specific passage, in what way do we go about interpreting it? Is the text up to subjective interpretation or personal opinion or is there something more concrete? In Mark 12:35-37, Jesus shows us how He used the Scriptures to base His case for truth and defend His own identity. The Scriptures to Jesus were inspired, authoritative, and thus true. Listen in as Pastor James talks about how the Scriptures interpret the Scriptures and how all of the Bible, including the Old Testament, was written with the purpose of revealing Christ.

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Circumstances in our lives can discourage us. We search for ways to thrive amid hardship and opposition. In Christmas, God gives the world His promised King, who was “born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.” God calls on us to put aside our vain striving and instead to take comfort in the hope He provides in Christ the newborn King. Listen in as Dr. Stephen Estock teaches us about “The Unexpected King.”

 

 

There are many different people and groups who categorize themselves under the Christian umbrella and yet reject its core beliefs. From a more secular perspective, there are many different views on God, truth, and the reason and meaning of life. As Christians who have been called by Christ to preach the gospel and make disciples, it is not enough that we merely announce our faith to others and expect them to believe, but on a deeper level that we would be ready and able to engage in fruitful dialogue to explain why we believe what we do. Listen in as Pastor James teaches from Mark 12 and talks about “Jesus’ Defense for Truth and Hope in God.”

***This sermon can indeed be viewed. Click on the bottom “Watch on Facebook” under the blurb about being unavailable. 

 

The topics of God and politics are two hot button issues that present to us opportunities to take a stance whether online or in person. As Christians, how do we respond to people’s posts, comments, and/or questions in heated contexts that are meant to provoke a response? Listen in Pastor James preaches from Mark 12:13-17 about “How Jesus Talked about God & Politics in the Public Square.”

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In the weeks before Christmas, we are overwhelmed with songs and words about Jesus coming to save the world. Yet sometimes the wonderful gospel message fades into the noise of man can overcome evil through his own efforts. In the week before his death, Jesus confronted the proud resistance of mankind as seen in the opposition of the religious leaders of His day. In the parable of the unfaithful tenants, we are all confronted with the question, “What are you going to do with Jesus?”

***This sermon can indeed be viewed. Click on the bottom “Watch on Facebook” under the blurb about being unavailable. 

 

Whether we have acknowledged it or not, there is one question that we all have already answered through the lives we are currently living. That question is this: Who has your life? Are you the captain of your own ship, the master of your soul, or is there someone or something else? Listen in as Pastor James talks about the idea of Jesus’ authority and why, for the Christian, giving our lives entirely to Christ is where we find the greatest hope and ultimate reward. 

 

 

Whether we know it or not, our opinions and thoughts about the church have been shaped by what we have heard and seen and what our interactions and experiences have been. Although our stories matter, as we consider church, what is most important above all is what the Bible says about it. The Scriptures shows us that Jesus cares about the reputation of the church. The good news is that His heart behind the reputation that He desires for the church to have reveals His love for His people and the world. Listen in as Pastor James talks about “The heart of God behind the churches reputation.”

 

 

Physical hunger pains arise in our body when there is an absence of food. Spiritual hunger arises in our hearts when we come face to face with the brokenness in this world and realize we need God to fill us. When Jesus fed the 5,000, He was bringing relief to the people’s hunger pains and providing the spiritual food we need as well. Contentment can only come through Christ. Listen in as Brad Lucht teaches us from Matthew 14.

 

How would you answer the question “Do you know Jesus?” Would you talk about your church attendance? Would you talk about your knowledge of the Bible or participation in Christian community? Would you mention Christian ideas or ways of living? The question “Do you know Jesus?” is actually one concerning His person. The right response to this question is actually seen in faith in Jesus’ identity and work. Listen in as Pastor James preaches from Mark 11 to explain how Jesus is the humble Savior and misunderstood King who provides hope and salvation to those who put their trust in Him.

 

On his way to the cross, Jesus walks through the city of Jericho with His disciples, and on their way out of the city, a blind Jewish man calls out to Jesus for help. Jesus tells the blind man to come to Him. The blind man asks for sight, and Jesus healed him immediately. And because this man trusted that only Jesus could heal him, Jesus told him that his faith made him well. Listen in as Steven Gilchrist teaches us from Mark 10:46-52.

 

As we consider the work of God, we can’t help but want to share in His work and glory. God, being a good God, indeed wants us to share in this but in a specific way. Jesus as the perfect Savior served, laid down his life, and suffered to the point of death in order to save us. Listen in as Pastor James talks about the unattainable, but freely given, gift of God and the call that Christ makes to his disciples to follow him.

***This sermon can indeed be viewed. Click on the bottom “Watch on Facebook” under the blurb about being unavailable. 

 

It is a question everyone asks at some time and in many ways: “Am I good enough for God?” Only God is good enough for God, but God’s solution is available to all. That’s why Jesus lovingly calls everyone to “follow Me.” Listen in as Dr. Stephen Estock teaches us from Mark 10:17-31.

 

According to this year’s Census Bureau research, out of the 130 millions homes in the United States, only 18% are nuclear families with children under 18 years old. That’s down 40% since 1970 and a record low since 1959. Our culture and world’s view on marriage, family, and children are declining fast! So, what does the Bible have to say about this, and how do Jesus words influence the way we see and practice these things? Tune in as Pastor James unpacks this idea from Mark 10:1-16.

 

There are so many different kinds of churches and movements within the Christian faith. From styles of music, to preaching, to theology, and even dress code, churches across the world all look, sound, and do things differently. So, what should we know about this? What differences should we be tolerant of, and what are the most important things that keep us and the global Church united? Listen in as Pastor James teaches from Mark 9:38-41 and answers the question, “What about other churches and Christians who do things differently?”

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As we look around at the world and consider its presentation to us concerning greatness, we are eager to strive after and accomplish the impossible. We desire to be recognized, admired, reach the top, thought of as something special, and even a cut above. Although there are elements of these that can be affirmed, Jesus comes to us in the Scriptures and shows us something different. Listen in as Pastor James preaches on Jesus’ invitation to greatness through discipleship and reveals the reward of the gospel. 

 

One of the most beautiful things about Jesus that is often overlooked in the Bible is the way He dealt with skeptics. This may come as a surprise, but in the Bible, Jesus actually welcomed those who struggle with doubt to come. He invited those with hurts and pains, those with hard questions, and those who with vulnerability confessed a desire to believe but not the ability to carry it out. Listen in as Pastor James preaches more about this idea from Mark 9:14-29.

 

What comes to mind when you think of God’s glory? Is it His power and control over the universe? Is it His sovereign reign or self-existing nature? Or is it how beautifully and intricately made the plants, animals, and creation are? There are many things that reveal the glory of God. However, there is one thing He purposed to reveal His greatest glory in: Jesus’ suffering and death. Listen in as Pastor James talks about the how the humiliation of Christ is actually his exaltation.  

 

There are three important steps to the Christian faith: belief, confession, and living. As we look around in our Christian culture, it is common to see the first two. However, it is the last one, the living part, that bears true evidence of Christ. Jesus asked, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Listen in as Pastor James talks about the necessity of self-abandonment in order to find Christ and experience the life-giving hope and glory that Jesus proposed for His disciples in life.

***This sermon can indeed be viewed. Click on the bottom “Watch on Facebook” under the blurb about being unavailable. 

 

The Garden of Eden is much more than the place where Adam and Eve sinned. It’s also the place where evil was promised to end; the coming of Jesus was promised to happen; and the restoration of humankind to a right relationship with God was promised to be. God presented grace and mercy right there in Eden. Listen in as Steven Gilchrist teaches us from Genesis 3.

 

The phrase “lightbulb moment” is a popular one. It refers to a moment of clarity or understating for an individual over a specific thing. A time where a person finally arrives and says, ah ha! As Christians, there must come a time when this happens with Jesus. It can be in a moment, a season, or even develop over the course of our life, but true Christian confession comes from being able to see and believe in Christ. And the good news is that this gift is not a once a done thing, but rather, for the one who believes and confesses Jesus, this is an ongoing process of more and more clarity. Listen in as Pastor James unpacks this idea in Mark 8:22-30.

 

As Americans living in the west, we have a high view of science, technology, and education. All of which are very good. However, these things, combined with the increasing influence of secularization, can hinder our ability to see things through a spiritual lens, which is crucial to the Christian and their faith. Tune in as Pastor James preaches from Mark chapter 5 and talks about “The Power of Christ and His Kingdom Mission.”

Whether you have been a Christian for one year, five years, or lifetime, the thing that puts us all on an equal playing field is the fact that no one has “arrived.” In other words, no one has learned everything there is to know about Jesus and/or perfected their faith. After Jesus performs the miracle in Mark chapter 4 of calming to storm, the disciples ask, “Who then is this?” Tune in as Pastor James teaches on the mercy we get from Jesus for our lifetime of learning.

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As we gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead on Easter morning, we gather as those, not whose suffering has been removed, but whose suffering has been brought hope. The good news of the gospel is that our faith does not mask our pain but rather gives us perseverance to endure with a promise of another resurrection to come. Tune in as Pastor James answers the question “What does Easter have to do with our suffering?”

The Parable of the Soils brings to mind a couple questions worth considering. Why do people respond differently to God’s word? And, how does God continue to bring about His plan of redemption on earth? Listen in as Andrés Arráez teaches us about the seed and the sower.

In our modern-day English language, there is a phrase that we use to express the value of family. It says, “Blood is thicker than water.” However, this phrase, dating back to the 12th century, originally said, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than water of the womb.” It was originally used to emphasize the opposite point that the bonds we make by choice are more important than our ties to family. Both family and friendship are vital things made by God for our blessing and benefit, but in Mark chapter 3, Jesus arrives on the scene and teaches something else. Tune is as Pastor James explains how “The Spirit is Thicker than Blood & Water.”

Great crowds from all over the region came to Jesus. Though many pushed and shoved to get something from Him, Jesus appointed a smaller number to further His mission. In compassion, Jesus met the needs of those who came; yet, the desires of the crowd fell short of the fulness Jesus offered. In Mark 3, we are challenged to ask ourselves, “Why are we coming to Jesus? Is He calling us to something greater?” Listen in as Dr. Stephen Estock teaches us from God’s Word.

One of our temptations as Christians and seekers, who are trying to understand the topic of faith, is to dichotomize the “sacred” from the “secular.” We say to ourselves, “here are the holy things” and “here are the human things.” However, the Bible makes no such separation. As a result of this false dichotomy, we miss the beauty of the gospel, found in the fact that we are whole beings both body and soul. Thus, we have spirits that need tending to and bodies which were purposed to rest, enjoy, and take pleasure in things created. They were meant to be together! Tune in as Pastor James teaches from Mark 2:23 – 3:6 and shows us how Jesus redeems and restores our whole being.

Traditionally, Christianity in the South is a cultural thing. With this, people who grew up in and around church have certain preconceived notions as to what following God should look and sound like. Similarly, this situation was true in Jesus’ time and culture as well. But Christ and his disciples stood out. They stood out in crowds where there were both religious and nonreligious people. Tune in as Pastor James teaches from Mark 2:18-22 and talks about “The Difference in Christ & His Disciples.”

If given the choice to select players for your team, you would pick the best — the skilled, competent, and those with the most potential to perform. In this, we get a sense for the type of team the captain is trying to create. But then there is Jesus in Mark 2, who, through the world’s perspective, picks a man who no one would ever expect Him to! Listen in as Pastor James reveals the good news of the gospel through Christ’s selection of the least likely.

Each week crowds of people gather at churches to hear God’s word preached. In the crowd, there are many different types of people and reasons why they come. But amongst them all, what is it that Jesus is looking for, and above all else, what does He care about the most? Tune in as Pastor James teaches from Mark 2:1-12 on “Understanding Christ & the Crowds that Follow Him.”

As those who live in a broken world, we all struggle with various levels of guilt and shame. Sometimes we are blind to how we fail to honor God, and other times we aren’t sure how to get rid of the burden we feel. In Mark’s account of Jesus healing a leper, we see the basic elements of life as a follower of Jesus. In Him we experience cleansing as we acknowledge our need, trust His provision, and express our love through renewed obedience. Listen in as Dr. Stephen Estock teaches us from Mark 1.

As we look at the world around us, sin, evil, and injustice stir our hearts. To one degree or the next, we, as people living in a fallen world, are seeking to ask the question that Fredrick Douglas did in his autobiography. “Will not a righteous God visit for these things?” Listen as Pastor James teaches from Mark chapter 1 to show us how Jesus is the One our hearts are longing for.

According to a recent study performed by an engineer at Google, research shows that Jesus has been, by and large, the most impactful figure in world history. But why? Listen in as Pastor James unpacks this question to reveal who he was, why He came, and what He said.

If God is good, why is there evil? This is one of the biggest questions that lies on the hearts and minds of people. And so, with humility, we seek to present this question before God, but also we understand that this question is not always answered for us specifically. What then is the hope of Christianity? It’s that, although we do not always understand why, God has been gracious enough to answer the question “what”? The answer to this question has one purpose: to bring our hearts comfort and care as we wait on Jesus. Tune in as Pastor James preaches from Genesis chapter 50 on this topic.