March 18, 2014
The coming of John, son of Zechariah, had not only been announced by the angel Gabriel, it had been predicted by the prophet Isaiah. John the Baptist was the Messianic Forerunner, coming in the spirit of Elijah, he was the Preparer of the Way. Every king must have a herald to go before him announcing his arrival. John was Christ’s herald. His job was to prepare the soil of the people’s hearts for the Seed of God’s Word. His message was to proclaim, “People get ready! The King is coming!”
March 17, 2014
Luke described how Jesus grew from a child to a man. This four part description is helpful for those who want to grow to maturity as Jesus did. The four areas of growth are:
1) Mental “wisdom”
2) Physical “stature”
3) Spiritual “favor with God”
4) Social “favor with all people”
I use this verse to help set goals in my life each year, praying that Jesus will help me to grow more like Him. What are your “Luke 2:52” goals?
March 15, 2014
After 9 months being mute, Zechariah prophesied over his newborn son, John. All that the angel Gabriel predicted had come to pass. I suppose he had plenty of time to contemplate the angel’s words during his wife’s pregnancy. Awe fell over the entire neighborhood as the tongue-tied priest became an articulate prophet, blessing his son. What if every child was so anticipated? What if every son had a father speaking such prophetic blessing over him?
March 13, 2014
The angel that appeared to Zechariah in the temple and foretold the birth of John the Baptist was no common messenger. He was Gabriel, one of the angelic host that continuously stood in the very presence of God. He did not appreciate the doubtful questioning of old Zechariah. He identified himself, delivered the divine message, and stilled Zechariah’s doubting tongue until it could speak faithfully again. Perhaps Gabriel was surprised by Zechariah’s unbelief since they both had similar jobs. For while Gabriel stood before God’s heavenly throne, Zechariah stood burning incense before God’s presence in His earthly Temple. Yet, there was a curtain in the Temple separating Zechariah from the Holy of Holies, while Gabriel stood in the burning presence of God’s very throne. When Jesus died on the cross, that curtain was torn, so that those who believe on Him may boldly approach God’s throne with all our requests.
December 22, 2013
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Luke 2:1-14
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advent conspiracy, christmas
In the third sermon in our Advent Conspiracy series, Pastor Gary challenges us to give like God gives. He gave us Jesus as a sacrificial gift, a relational gift, and an incarnational gift.
September 8, 2013
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Luke 11:1-4
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prayer, revival
Mike Laramee continued our Ignite sermon series by talking about Prayer. Repentance sets the spark of the fire, the Word is the fuel of the fire, and we fan it into a flame by praying. In this sermon, Mike helps us understand how to pray like Jesus prayed using Jesus’ model prayer – also known as the Lord’s Prayer.
August 11, 2013
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Luke 13:6-9
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discipleship
Pastor Stephen concluded our Parables series by helping us understand the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree and that God expects his children to produce fruit.
August 4, 2013
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Luke 14:7-11
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discipleship
Justin continues our Parables sermon series with the Parable of the Wedding Feast and what Jesus says our identity is as children in his Kingdom.
July 21, 2013
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Luke 12:13-21
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finances, generosity
Mike Laramee kicks off our Parables sermon series. Parables are little stories Jesus told with kingdom ideas. In this sermon, he helps us understand the Parable of the Rich Fool and challenges us to serve God with our wealth.
July 7, 2013
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Luke 10:38-42; John 11-12
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character study, worship
Jonathan Combs continued our series on True Worshipers by helping us see 3 expressions of worship found in the life of Mary and Martha in the New Testament.