My 2/21/16AM sermon, Waiting Expectantly from Luke 18:1-8, is now online. This passage ends with a question, “When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?” And, what I teased out was what the parable was about – inspiring people to pray consistently and not lose heart. I hope it encourages you. It also helped launch our church’s Week of Prayer. Here’s more info on this week in the life of our church.
Weekend Preview – Week of Prayer 2016
This coming Sunday at Crestview, we will kick off our Week of Prayer. I plan to preach on persistence in prayer from Luke 18:1-8. We will be distributing a Week of Prayer devotional, giving you many ways to connect together in prayer this week, as well as, tools that will help you pray for our body in the coming year. I hope you plan to join us. It’s going to be an amazing week, begging God to move among us.
Thanks for the eyes…
I was thinking this morning as I did devotions about Luke 10:21-24. Luke tells us that Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit for God the Father’s work in revealing truth to others. What a blessing it is that our eyes have been opened to behold spiritual realities. Thank God today for the gift of illumination.
Weekend Wrap Up…
Today’s sermon Compassionate Father & Lost Sons (2) from Luke 15:17-24 is now online. We looked at the character of the Father and the amazing initiative He has taken to change us. I was struck by the awesome example that is of how we are to love lost people. I actually felt like the Pharisees felt (in vv.1-2) and realized that my heart is so hardened to loving others. I hope God’s Word had a profound impact on you, as well.
Sermon/Recap – 8/23
Yes, the sermon from today, 8/23, is online. It is entitled “Compassionate Father and Lost Sons (1)“. I thought we had a great Lord’s Day morning. Full fellowship and lots of people serving one another and working to make the morning be pulled off in a way that brought glory to God. So I praise God for that, first of all.
I thought the sermon on Luke 15:11-16 was especially good is exposing what lost people see. I have a hard time remembering what it was like to be lost, since I am so entrenched in church culture. This sermon was really eye-opening in that regard to me.
And, it had been some time since we came to the Lord’s table together. That was an especially deep time of fellowship. So, I’m full. What a wonderful work God has done today. And we still have small group tonight.
Weekend Prep (Part 2)
I just finished the sermon for this coming Lord’s Day from Luke 15:11-16. It is part 1 of 3 sermons on “The Compassionate Father and Lost Sons”. In this sermon, I hope to engage hearts as God’s Word shows us what it looks like to be lost. Honestly, I think one reason so many of us don’t love the lost like we should is that we have forgotten what it was like to be lost. God’s Word is up to the challenge of engaging us on this idea. Plan to join us this weekend.
8/16 Recap…
Yesterday’s sermons are up and on the web…
In the AM, “God and The Lost (2)” from Luke 15:8-10, we noticed how we can have heart attitudes that match God’s heart for the lost. The parable of the lost coin speaks volumes into our lives in this regard.
In the PM, “God Isn’t Pleased” from Hosea 8:1-9:17, we sought to find a course that would please God by looking at what provoked His displeasure.
I thought we had a great Lord’s Day. Lots to chew on and lots to spur us on in further growth and sanctification. Any thoughts on your end?
Recap on God..HIs Heart and His People
I mentioned in a previous post about where we were headed this weekend. Well, today is in the books and it’s time for the diligent work of application.
In the AM, we looked at God’s Heart for the Lost in Luke 15:4-7. I was struck with how I am so religious in my orientation and this keeps me from loving the lost with the same aggressiveness that God does. Lining up my heart with His is what I am called to.
In the PM, we looked at A Stiff Necked People from Hosea 6:7-7:16. God had contention with His people because they are going their own way and being led astray, while seeking to draw near to Him with a shallow repentance. This message struck me in that I am much too casual with sin. It’s an affront to God because of His holiness and justice. Turning to Him in heartfelt repentance is the only prudent action.
Anything stick out to you all?
4 Sunday: God and, well, um God…
Yes, that’s right, we will be very God-centered as we approach the Scriptures tomorrow.
In the AM, we will be looking at the Parable of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15:4-7. We will see God’s heart on display, as He shows compassion for the lost sheep and calls us to joy and many other truths. Does your heart reflect God’s heart for the lost?
In the PM, we will return to Hosea and look at a longer narrative (Hosea 6:7-7:16), addressing some contentions God has with His people in their disobedience. It should be an interesting day of listening to God as He speaks loud and clear through His Word.
Lost Ones…
Today’s sermon, God’s Heart for the Lost, from Luke 15 is now online. After being gone to camp all week, it was wonderful to be back among the local church.
I was really struck by a couple of things in the passage:
1) The grumbling of the religious people prompted this chapter of Scripture. God’s reaction to grumbling religious people is so patient and in giving these parables, He is helping us to find grace from Him.
2) The heart of God should influence the heart of His people. Ephesians 5:1 commands us to be imitators of God. Wouldn’t this apply to His heart for the lost?