From One Degree to Another

Phil Auxier's Blog

Connect

Weekend Recap – Exalted Suffering Servant

by

My 4/5/20 sermon (for Palm Sunday 2020) at Crestview, The Exalted Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13-53:12), is now online. This passage clearly points forward to Jesus coming to earth and I realized I had never done a sermon on this passage. This sermon is an attempt to help encourage us to look to Jesus for Holy Week. I hope it encourages you.

Further, take advantage of the 2020 Holy Week Devotional related to this passage (Julie Thompson designed this and it includes articles from Tom Dixon, Ron Rhoades, Kole Farney, Luke Thompson, and me).

Weekend Recap – God Is Serious

by

My 3/29/20 sermon at Crestview, God Is Serious (2 Samuel 21), is now online. I tried to draw out some implications of a passage that shows God avenging the shedding of innocent blood as well as God giving David victory over his enemies through his mighty men. The conclusion was that there are some things in this world that we learn that God is serious about and this should give us great comfort, especially as it relates to our salvation and God’s care for people like us. I hope the sermon spelled good news for you and you were encouraged through it.

Weekend Recap – Toward Stability

by

My 3/22/2020 sermon at Crestview is now online. Entitled Toward Stability (2 Samuel 20), I dug into the instability of David’s kingdom as he entered Jerusalem after God rescued him from Absalom’s coup. There are all kinds of applications related to the instability we’re currently facing in the throes of COVID-19. Ultimately, the application is what kind of stability we’re going for. Our ultimate stability is found in Jesus Christ and the unshakable kingdom found in Him. I hope this sermon encourages you.

Weekend Recap – The King’s Return

by

My 3/15/20 sermon, The King’s Return (2 Samuel 19), is now online. This sermon was preached for the live stream of Crestview. David is returning to Jerusalem after Absalom rebelled. And, we slow down to see all kinds of people that David deals with as he returns. It really dug into the idea of conflict and questions that emerge as we deal with conflict. On top of all this, we got to see how God has been kind to us through Jesus. I hope it’s helpful for you.

Weekend Recap – The Lord Delivers

by

My 3/8/2020 sermon at Crestview Bible Church, The Lord’s Deliverance (2 Samuel 18), is now online. This sermon dug into the narrative surrounding Absalom’s death and the fall out from this. The messengers consistently brought David news that the Lord had delivered him from his enemies. This sermon was me trying to unfold that text and see how it might relate to our lives. I hope you enjoy it.

Weekend Recap – Divine Tension

by

My 2/23/2020 sermon at Crestview is now online: Divine Tension (2 Samuel 16). While continuing the story of David and Absalom, this passage, in particular, slowed to let us see an interaction between 4 kinds of people and the main characters. I tried to apply these to our lives while not losing sight of the unique situation David and Absalom were in. Specifically, we deal with problem people by having a deep understanding of who we are in our relationship with God.

Recap of NOVO 2020

by

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the NOVO Renewal Experience at the Austin Stone in Austin, TX. It’s difficult to recount the meaning of times like this in the life of a busy pastor, but I’ll try.

First of all, what a blessing to be with the body at the Austin Stone. Long have I admired Matt Carter and his leadership. Aaron Ivey and their worship team have served me at various conferences and camps. The day began with this team shepherding us into the day. I was a guest to a gathering of their staff. And, both Matt and Aaron created an environment that was conducive to retreating to be with the Lord.

Ray Ortlund spoke in the AM on enduring faithfully to the end in ministry (from 2 Timothy 4:1-5). Among many other lessons, I walked away encouraged to live and lead out of a gentle courage, so embodied by Ray. And, hearing Ray, who is one of my heroes, in a live setting like this, was a blessing.

In the afternoon, Ray, Matt, and Aaron walked us through a smaller group time of Q and A, where we peppered them with questions. There were so many practical issues related to ministry that were developed throughout this time. One lesson I pulled from it was a reminder to work on the culture of our churches.

Finally, that night, Ray and his wife Jani gave a talk on staying faithful for the long haul (related to marriage). There were so many small takeaways related to caring for your spouse and not letting time, kids, or others interrupt this.

I came into this pretty drained and empty in the tank. And, I genuinely walked away refreshed by the fellowship, the Word, and the singing. What a great time. I’m grateful to so many who enabled this to be a blessing for me.

Weekend Recap – Recovering Balance

by

My 2/16/2020 sermon at Crestview, Recovering Balance (2 Samuel 15), is now online. This sermon continued to dig into the story of Absalom and his coup of David’s attempt. I made attempts to apply these principles to our lives while keeping sight of the overarching Biblical storyline in view. I hope this sermon could bring you some encouragement and help you live what you believe. This would be especially helpful if you are going through struggles and need encouragement.

Weekend Recap – Deceptive Schemes

by

My 2/9/2020 AM sermon at Crestview, Deceptive Schemes (2 Samuel 14), is now online. Chapter 14 is really a transition out of 13 into 15 (obviously). The challenge related to what could be applied and what related to David’s story (and the building of Absalom’s character). In the end, I dug into the schemes and deception that Joab and Absalom engaged in to get their respective ways. I hope it encourages you.