Sermons on Faith
Not Filters, But Transparency
Often influencers are tempted to filter their life to their audience, giving the impression that they are better people than they actually are. Paul, on the other hand, was honest about his brokenness and sinfulness. He wanted to be transparent about his sinfulness so that his followers could see the extent of God’s grace for sinners. Sermon Text: 1 Timothy: 12-17 Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler
Not Outward Appearance, But Inward Peace
Jesus taught us to not just do good things to be seen by people. Instead we are to love God and love others even when no one is looking because our love comes from a deep belief in the reality of God and his love for us. Sermon Text: Matthew 6: 1-8 Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
Faith Prays for Blessing
As it says in James 1:16, every good and perfect gift comes from God. Therefore, God wants us to call on him in prayer. We pray a prayer of thanksgiving in times of blessing, and we call out to God for help in times of trial. James 5 tells us that prayer that flows from faith is powerful and effective. Sermon Text: James 5:13-20 Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler
Faith Submits to God
Our selfish desires lead us to quarrel to get our own way. James 4 teaches us to put our faith into action by changing our hearts through submission to God’s Word. When we humble ourselves in such a way, God will lift us up. Sermon Text: James 4:1-10 Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
Faith Speaks Wisely
Our tongue is one of the smallest parts of our bodies, and yet it can cause the most trouble. The first two chapters of James teach us about growth through trials, putting knowledge into action, and letting go of worldly biases. James 3 adds another level to understanding Christian maturity as it teaches us the importance of speaking wisely with our words. Our words ought to flow from faith. Out of the same mouth should not come praising and cursing.…
Faith does Good Works
We believe that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ apart from works. But true faith in Jesus will lead to good works. Our faith in not just some intellectual knowledge of God but the action of living it out. James 2 teaches us that it is the work of the Holy Spirit leading us to know that we are loved so that we can love. Sermon Text: James 2:14-26 Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
Faith has no Favorites
It is common to categorize people based on their finances or influence. We might evaluate what such people can do for us. James 2 teaches us to put our faith in to action and love others without showing favoritism. All people were made by God and Jesus died for them all, therefore we ought not play favorites. Sermon Text: James 2:1-13 Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler
Faith Perseveres
Everyone experiences times of testing and suffering. The book of James opens with an unexpected theme – the idea of maturity through trials and tribulations. James tells us that challenges can be good because they result in greater maturity and a stronger faith. James will teach us of perseverance through trials. Sermon Text: James 1:1-8;13-18 Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
The Origin of Corruption
Not only are there individuals who are wicked, but we can see systems and institutions that conspire together in their corruption. Wickedness and evil permeate so much of society that we can’t even so our own contribution. Genesis 6 tells the story of how a whole group of people can be led off into evil, and more importantly, what we can do to remain faithful to the Lord. Sermon Text: Genesis 6-9 Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
The Origin of our Rebellion
God designed us to live for him. But instead of loving God above all things, we want to be in charge. We want to be our own gods. Where does that selfish impulse come from? Genesis 3 tells the story of the origin of our rebellion from God and what God promised to do to repair our relationship. Sermon Text: Genesis 3 Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
The Origin of Life
In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth. In Genesis 1 we learn that God created, designed, ordered, and organized all of creation to function for our good. He created the sun, moon, and stars to mark our days. He designed the waters, vegetation, and animals to all work together. And then finally he created humans in his image to be his representatives and co-rulers of his good creation. Humans are not some evolved afterthought because of some…
Song of Our Savior
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. One of the top hits in the Psalms playlist, Psalm 23 is well-known but often misconstrued. We often hear this at funerals or see it on artwork, but we don’t really understand what the Psalmist David meant by it. We will take a deeper look at this psalm to understand how our Good Shepherd walks with us through thick and thin. Sermon Text: Psalm 23 Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler