Praire Hill CC: Archive of "Sermons"
Where is God when I am alone 6/27/10
Thursday, July 1st, 2010Message Title: Where is God: Introduction Read the rest of this news item »
Message Series: Where is God?
Text: 1 Kings 19: 4-18
“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”” (1 Kings 19:4-18, ESV)
Theme: This message will introduce the topic. The idea will be that we all face times when we feel as if we are totally alone. These times are intensified when we begin to believe that God does not even care or might not even be there. This series will take us through some of the situations in which we feel isolated; from people and from God. In the midst of this we will discover how God has interacted within the course of history to “be there” for each of us and this should remind us of His care all of the time.
Living in the Kingdom 6/20/10
Thursday, July 1st, 2010Sermon Series: Acts – Faith Explosion Read the rest of this news item »
Title: Living in the Kingdom (6/20/10)
Text: Acts 28:30-31
“He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (ESV)
Theme: At the end of the narrative about the explosion of faith which took place beginning in Jerusalem, we see Jesus preparing people to be representatives of the kingdom of God. In the end of the narrative we see Paul speaking about the same kingdom in the most influential city in all of the world. We can learn something from a brief look at Paul’s mission and outcome.
Introduction: The backpacking trip up to Boulder Lake: the ascent, the challenge, and the reward.
The Calls of Faith 6/13/10
Thursday, July 1st, 2010Sermon Series: Acts – Faith Explosion Read the rest of this news item »
Title: The Calls of Faith (6/13/10)
Text: Acts 27:21-38(Excerpts)
“Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island.” When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go. As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. It will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.” (Acts 27:21-38, ESV)
Theme: In this narrative about the dangerous journey that Paul, his guard, and his companions undertook on their way to Rome, we are given three calls that should help sustain us in the midst of the danger and hopelessness which can confront us at times.
Trials 6/6/2010
Thursday, July 1st, 2010Sermon Series: Acts – Faith Explosion
Title: Trials (6/6/10)
Text: Acts 21:27-22:21 (Excerpts)
“Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him,” (Acts 21:26-27, ESV)
“And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done.” (Acts 21:31-33, ESV)
“As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying: “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”” (Acts 21:37-22:1, ESV)
Theme: This message will deal with the idea of standing up under the trials that happen because we stand up for Christ. We are taught here to act rightly, wear our chains with honor and to let our testimony speak for us. Read the rest of this news item »
Introduction: Sometimes we get into trouble because we make a bad choice or do something that is simply stupid. Other times we suffer because we wear the name of Christ and refuse to act like the dark world that surrounds us.
Following 5/30
Thursday, July 1st, 2010Sermon Series: Acts – Faith Explosion Read the rest of this news item »
Text: Acts 21:8-14
Title: Following (5/30/10)
“On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”” (Acts 21:8-14, ESV)
Theme: In this passage we see what might be considered an apparent contradiction. Paul is warned by multiple people through the Holy Spirit that if he goes to Jerusalem that there awaits prison and persecution waiting for him. Yet, he does not deter his course a bit instead he seems even more convinced to go. This passage tells us something about finding God’s will for our lives and something about doing the hard things no matter what.
Team Instructions 5/23
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010Sermon Series: Acts – Faith Explosion Read the rest of this news item »
Text: Acts 20:26-36
Title: Team Instructions (5/23/10)
“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.” (Acts 20:26-36, ESV)
Theme: This message deals with the fact that we are called to be ministers in the context of a community. Paul gives instructions to this team of church leaders from Ephesus which includes warnings and commissions but the main characteristic that you notice is the fact of a team concern for God’s work.
Introduction: It’s those stately geese I find especially impressive. Winging their way to a warmer climate, they often cover thousands of miles before reaching their destination. Have you ever studied why they fly as they do? It is fascinating to read what has been discovered about their flight pattern as well as their in-flight habits. Four come to mind.
Perseverance – 5/16/10
Monday, May 17th, 2010Sermon Series:
- Acts – Faith Explosion
Text: Acts 19:8-10
Title:
- Perseverance
(5/16/10) Read the rest of this news item »
“And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:8-10, ESV)
Theme: This message is about the need to be steadfast in our evangelistic efforts. We have to show up and be there consistently in order to accomplish the kingdom which God has called us to do. Secondarily we need to know when to withdraw from those to whom we are evangelizing. When they damage “the way” we need to walk away.
Introduction: The story is told that Andrew Jackson’s boyhood friends just couldn’t understand how he became a famous general and then the President of the United States. They knew of other men who had greater talent but who never succeeded. One of Jackson’s friends said, “Why, Jim Brown, who lived right down the pike from Jackson, was not only smarter but he could throw Andy three times out of four in a wrestling match. But look where Andy is now.” Another friend responded, “How did there happen to be a fourth time? Didn’t they usually say three times and out?” “Sure, they were supposed to, but not Andy. He would never admit he was beat — he would never stay ‘throwed.’ Jim Brown would get tired, and on the fourth try Andrew Jackson would throw him and be the winner.” Picking up on that idea, someone has said, “The thing that counts is not how many times you are ‘throwed,’ but whether you are willing to stay ‘throwed’.” We may face setbacks, but we must take courage and go forward in faith. Then, through the Holy Spirit’s power we can be the eventual victor over sin and the world. The battle is the Lord’s, so there is no excuse for us to stay “throwed”!
Questions – 5/9/10
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010Sermon Series: Acts – Faith Explosion Read the rest of this news item »
Title: Questions
Text: Acts 19:1-7
“And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all.” (Acts 19:1-7, ESV)
Introduction: The English language is funny on facebook the other day someone asked if the past tense of “teach” is “taught” then why isn’t the past tense of “preach” – “praught”?
The other day someone asked me what was the main difference between teaching and preaching. After I had thought about it for a few minutes I decided that the main difference between teaching and preaching is the kinds of questions that you ask. I really believe that good teaching is when we ask students questions that they have to interact with in some kind of personal way in order to come up with correct responses. We ask questions that force them to think, and explore to find the answers. Good preaching requires you in the audience to ask yourself some kind of hard questions: Personal self-evaluative questions.
Strategy – 5/2/10
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010Sermon Series: Acts – Faith Explosion Read the rest of this news item »
Text: Acts 18:1-11
Title: Strategy
“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” (Acts 18:1-11, ESV)
Theme: In this passage we see that Paul continues to go about delivering the Gospel and planting Churches in exactly the same way that he has throughout this trip and the previous one. His strategy is clearly seen here should give us a good paradigm for taking the Gospel to our friends, neighbors and family.
Introduction: For several years a lawyer and a doctor had regularly played golf together. They were evenly matched, and there was a keen sense of rivalry. Then one spring the lawyer’s game suddenly improved so much that the doctor was losing regularly. The doctor’s efforts to improve his own game were unsuccessful, but finally he came up with an idea. At a bookstore he picked out three how-to-play golf texts, and sent them to the lawyer for a birthday present. It wasn’t long before they were evenly matched again.
This story is probably not humorous to someone who does not play golf but it reminded me of the fact that when I took a golf lesson my handicap immediately rose by five strokes. You see I had been ding things the wrong way for long enough that when I was taught to swing the correct way nothing was in sync.
Culture Shock – 4/25/10
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010Sermon Series: Acts – Faith Explosion
Title: Culture shock
Text: Acts 17:16-21day
Introduction: Something about encountering a culture so different, so alien from the one that you are used to that you are left feeling off balance, confused, disoriented.
Transition: Let’s catch up to this passage a little bit from where we left off last week. Last week we were with Paul and his companions as they encountered some very different people in Philippi; Lydia, the Grecian slave girl who was inhabited by a demon, and the Philippian jailer and his family. You remember that the reason that Paul and his companions were in jail was because they were accused of sedition by the owners of the slave girl who had seen their money making machine vanish when the girl was no longer possessed. They told some lies to the magistrates who had Paul and Silas beaten and thrown into prison. Well the next morning they decide to let Paul and Silas go. When Paul gets word that he is freed he sends back word that as a Roman citizen his rights have been severely violated and he is not going anywhere until they show up and apologize for their actions. After this event they leave Philippi and travel west by Southwest and go through Amphipolis and Apollonia and then onto Thessalonica where they establish another new born congregation. After persecution erupts there from people who had traveled from Philippi then Paul and his companions travel on to Berea where another congregation is established. Paul leaves Silas and Timothy there in Berea and travels, probably by sea south down to Athens.
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