in fellowship, maturity
What people on the narrow path need
They knew Jesus, but were swerving off course. That’s when a wiser, more mature Christian stepped in to help. This sermon is Part 1 in a new teaching series on the book of Colossians. They...
in faith, resurrection
Did the resurrection really happen? (Part 2) Explaining and defending our foundational belief
Our faith seems to be increasingly under attack by the society around us. It’s gone from gentle skepticism to more aggressive criticism. In this context, are you able to humbly yet confidently explain or defend...
in belief, resurrection
Did the resurrection really happen? Explaining and defending our foundational belief
The resurrection of Christ is paramount. Without it our faith is “futile,” says Paul. It is vindication and victory, triumph over tribulation, the defeat of sin, Satan, death and darkness, and help and hope for...
in assurance, belief, Bible, church, confidence, easter, faith, God's power, good news, hope, Jesus Christ, resurrection
“Is everything sad going to come untrue?”
At the end of the Lord of the Rings trilogy Frodo asks, “Is everything sad going to come untrue?” Because of the resurrection of Christ, the answer is Yes! The resurrection was about one person,...
in Good Friday, hope, resurrection
The Perfect Blood of the Lamb
The imagery is kind of harsh. Blood? In fact, some people try to avoid talking about it. But Good Friday is not a time for closing our eyes to the reality of sin, suffering and...
in providence, worship
Crooked Sticks Draw Straight Lines – Esther, Part 5
Things are turning into a bloody mess. And yet, there is joy. The Jews of ancient Persia stand under an annihilation order. But now they are allowed to defend themselves. All of it occurs under...
in humility, pride, providence
Pride goes before destruction – Esther, Part 3
Proverbs 16:18 is a famous warning: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” In this sermon on Esther 5-7, we see this proverb illustrated perfectly in the rise (and fall) of...
in courage, providence
For such a time as this – Esther Part 2
Perhaps Esther had come to her royal position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). She had risen quickly to become queen, but now her people were faced with annihilation at the hands of...
Where is God? – Esther, Part 1
The young Esther rises to become Queen, confronts the misguided King, and saves her people in a great act of courage. Yes, that’s a big part of the story. But, as we will find, there...
Am I a genuine follower of Jesus?
Some people become worried or anxious about whether or not they’re a genuine follower of Jesus. ‘Am I truly sincere? Are God’s promises really for me? Am I saved? Am I just a hypocrite? Will...