Emmanuel Presbyterian Church

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Imagining the Church1 Timothy 3:14-16 (ESV)14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:He was manifested in the flesh,    vindicated by the Spirit,        seen by angels,proclaimed among the nations,    believed on in the world,        taken up in glory.Sermon OutlineThe church, as a household (v15), is the family of God.Church of The Living God (v15)The Mystery of Godliness (v16)How To Behave (v15)Prayer of ConfessionOur gracious heavenly Father, we are assembled before you, the living God.  With honesty and humility, we confess our sins.  We have not displayed the family likeness.  We have not followed the ways of Christ.  We have wandered and walked in the ways of the slanderer, the deceiver, the accuser, the liar, the murderer.  We have compromised the truth.  We have not acted with honor towards those in the household of faith, nor our neighbors.  Forgive us.  We thank you that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  In this family gathering, renew us, nourish us, cleanse us, lead us.  Amen.Questions for ReflectionIn what ways is a church like a family?  Are there ways in which a church is not like a family?  Why is the weekly pattern of assembling in the presence of the living God an essential part of the Christian life? (the word for “church”, ekklesia, also means an assembly)How is a Sunday worship service like a family gathering?  How do falsehood and deception bring ruin?  How do they turn people against God and one another?How is God’s plan for all things held together in Christ?  What makes Jesus the way, the truth, and the life?What can we do to keep focused on the things God has chosen to reveal?  What things can we do while there is still much we don’t understand?Why is it important that Christians get clear on how they are to behave?  What are some of the characteristics of the family of God?  What are some traits that all members of God’s household should have?

Audio Recording We apologize, the recording encountered a glitch. At about the 42:35 mark there is a jump. The missing segment was about 20 seconds.Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Imagining the Church1 Peter 2:1-12 (ESV)1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,    a cornerstone chosen and precious,and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,“The stone that the builders rejected    has become the cornerstone,”8 and“A stone of stumbling,    and a rock of offense.”They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.Sermon OutlineWhat does it mean that the church is a “priesthood”?1. A Spiritual Housev5  you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthoodv11 I urge… to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soulvv1-2   put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander… long for… spiritual milk, that… you may grow up…2. A People Called with Mercyv7 “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”v9 you are a chosen race… him who called you… out of darknessv10 Once you were not a people… but now you have received mercy3. Those Offering Sacrificesv3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.v5 …offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christv9 that you may proclaim the excellencies…v12 Keep your conduct… honorable… Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty and most merciful Father, without your help we will lose the war against our souls.  We confess our weakness.  We have ignored or justified envy when we should have recognized it and turned from it.  We are guilty of malice, deceit, hypocrisy and slander.  As a church, we have been weak in proclaiming your excellencies and our good works have been insufficient.  Forgive every sin.  We thank you for the mercy we receive through Christ, who offered himself as a sacrifice on our behalf.  Empower us with your Spirit to offer spiritual sacrifices that bring you glory.  Amen.Questions for ReflectionDo you ever experience “war against your soul”?  What feelings or experiences drain you (or feel like they are killing you)?What is your experience with envy?  How does envy function in your life?  Are you always aware when envy is at work within you?How does envy keep people stuck in misery?  Why is it so hard to get free from envy?How is envy connected to malice, hypocrisy, slander and deceit?Why is it so important that God is merciful?  How do we know God is merciful?How does God use the rejection of Jesus Christ to turn us from lifeless rocks to living stones?  How does the resurrected Jesus call us out of darkness and into his marvelous light?Have you tasted that the Lord is good?  Has your soul had any stirrings of life because of some connection with the goodness of God?What does it look like to make spiritual sacrifices through Christ?  How does “proclaiming the excellencies of him who called you” (praise to God) help safeguard against envy?How does God use the church to fill the world with worship and good works?  Where is the church failing in this calling?  What can the church be doing in this period of time?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Imagining the ChurchJohn 10:1-18 (ESV)1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”Sermon OutlineThe church is a group of people committed to following Jesus.1. Do you need a guide?v3-4 “he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out… the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”v6 “they did not understand what he was saying to them”2. What kind of leader do you need?v12 “the wolf snatches them and scatters them”v7-8 “…All who came before me are thieves and robbers”v12 “a hired hand and not a shepherd”v10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”3. Are you with the people following Jesus?v9 “I am the door… enters by me… will be saved”v11 “the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”v16 “I have other sheep… there will be one flock, one shepherd”Prayer of ConfessionO great Shepherd, you call, but we resist.  We have wandered, thinking we could navigate life on our own.  We have been deceived by the thief who appealed to our cravings and corrupt desires.  We have done what we should not do; we have failed to do what we should.  Thank you that you are a good shepherd, and that in laying down your life you offer forgiveness and reconciliation.  Forgive us.  Do not leave or forsake us; lead us in the way of abundant life.  Amen.Questions for ReflectionIn what ways is the church like a flock of sheep?Do you need a guide in life?  How are you guided, or who guides you? How do you recognize the voice of Jesus?  How can you tell when he has called you?  How can you follow his lead?How do our corrupt desires make us vulnerable to thieves and false shepherds?How are you influenced by others?  How do the habits, desires, and goals of people around you shape you?What has Jesus said or done that evidences he is a leader worth following?How does Jesus lead the church?  What role do human leaders play?  The Bible?  The Holy Spirit?What in the metaphor of the church as a flock of sheep helps us understand why Christians are not meant to live their own personal lives of faith in isolation from one another?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Imagining the ChurchMatthew 5:1-16 (ESV)1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.Sermon OutlineThe church is called to be light for the world (v14).1.  Which Light?v16  “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”2. What Do We Uphold And What Do We Hide?v15  “Nor do people… put it under a basket, but on a stand…”3. Why Are We Left In The World?v14 “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”Prayer of ConfessionOur glorious God, you are the Creator and Sustainer of life. We are a people who walk in darkness. Forgive us for wanting to take your place. Forgive us for presuming darkness could be used for our own advantage. Forgive us for all the things we have thought and done that we fear could be found out. Forgive us for ways we have made the world a darker place through our sinful actions. We look to Jesus, the true light, and through faith ask that you dispel the darkness in our lives. Thank you for how you have blessed us; grant us the grace to live in the world as those who generously bring your blessing and light to the world around us. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhy does the church exist?How should we understand that Jesus tells us not to do good works in order to be seen (Matthew 6), yet tells us to do good works so that people may see them (Matthew 5)?  What distinction is Jesus making?  Where do you look for “light”?  What do you see in the world that promises life?Why does the Bible insist that we look to God?  What happens if we try to become like God (take God’s place)?  What happens if we devote ourselves to people, things, ideals, with the devotion and hope that should be in God alone?When Jesus claimed to be the light of the world, what did he reveal in his character, teachings and actions that demonstrate this?  Where can we see the glory of God?  When the Holy Spirit open eyes to discern God’s reality, what kinds of things does the Spirit show you?How does the pattern of the church – gathering every week, on the first day of the week since Jesus was raised to worship God – sustain us with spiritual health?  What are some ways that church becomes lifeless and draining instead of life giving?How do churches become a “city on a hill”?  What characterizes faithful disciples who go into the world to bring God’s light into it?What habits will help you remain in the paradigm of receiving blessing and light from God, and stewarding it by seeking to bless and bring light to your family, friends, coworkers, NYC?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of MatthewMatthew 22:1-14 (ESV)1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”Sermon OutlineWhy do we resist God’s gracious invitation? (v3)1. Resisting God’s Callv5 “they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business”v6 “the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them”v11 “a man who had no wedding garment”2. Responding to God’s Callv4 “he sent other servants… ‘Tell those who are invited… everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’”vv9-10  “…those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.”Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty and most merciful Father: with generosity you invite us to life with you.  We admit our confusion, our resistance and our rebellion.  With pride and self centeredness we have been apathetic, angry, and unwilling to change.  We acknowledge our thoughts and actions towards you and others require forgiveness.  We humbly ask that you forgive our sins, as we respond to your gracious call to turn from our sin and towards you to receive life in the name of Christ.  It is in his name we pray.  Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat do you find most appealing or intriguing in Jesus’ call to life with him?What in the Christian message and invitation does not appeal to you?  What troubles you?  What do you think is missing?What do you recognize in aspects of who you are – your life experience, your attitudes, your patterns, your expectations – that resists Jesus’ call?  What do you need to resist in yourself, or correct?Who in this parable are you most like: the disinterested who don’t come because they have other things to do?  The angry who respond with aggression towards the ones inviting?  The individual who comes but does not change as appropriate for the occasion?If you received an invitation to attend a celebrity party, how would you feel?  How does the invitation to join the kingdom of the Creator of Heaven and Earth land differently in you?  Why?Why is it important to recognize that we don’t earn our way into God’s kingdom but we enter because of the generosity of the king?  What spiritual health follows from a foundation of grace?How does belonging in God’s kingdom help with life in this world?  How can a Christian identity provide sufficient security for you to navigate places in our world where you don’t feel good enough?Reflect on the process of change in the Christian life.  How are you being called to put off what you have had on, and put on the things of Christ (Colossians 3)?  What do you need to set aside, and what do you need to take on?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of MatthewMatthew 18:21-35 (ESV)21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”Sermon OutlineJesus invites us into a way of life marked by forgiveness (v21), which both challenges and frees us.1. A Heart Unchanged by Mercyv26-27  “the servant fell on his knees… out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.”vv29-30 “So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded… He refused…” vv32-33 “I forgave you… should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’”2. Jesus’ Concern for the Heartv28  “he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’”v35 “So also my heavenly Father will do… if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”  3. A Heart in Forgivenessv22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.v25 And since he could not pay,Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty and most merciful Father, if you kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness. We need forgiveness for all our sins, including our failure to appreciate your generosity and mercy to us. We have taken for granted the cost at which forgiveness comes to us. We have been vengeful people, desiring to hurt and punish. We justify ourselves, thinking we are judges who operate only in the realm of righteousness. We have not recognized the harm we have been doing to ourselves and the unintended consequences to others. Forgive and free us from these and all our sins. Cleanse us from the harms done to us and from all the lingering effects of them. Show us the heart of Jesus so we become people of great humility, joy and peace. May we give to the world as we receive from him, so that our lives bring you delight and honor to his name. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhy is forgiveness important?Why is forgiveness so hard?  What makes forgiving others difficult for you?What is the connection between receiving mercy and becoming someone who is merciful?  What prohibits us from being deeply transformed by the generosity shown to us?What does Jesus mean when he says we must forgive “from the heart”?What can you do when you are finding it difficult to forgive?  How can you protect yourself when you forgive someone who isn’t changing?  Is the gospel affecting you deeply?  As you walk with God, are you growing in gratitude, humility, wisdom, joy, etc.?   What habits or practices could help you connect more with God?How can you process your life more fully with God?  How can Jesus Christ be a help, strength and healer to you?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of MatthewMatthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (ESV)24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.Sermon OutlineJesus orients us to thrive as we follow him through a world with suffering.1. God’s Agendav24“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field”v28 “An enemy has done this”, v39 “the devil” v29  “lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat”2. God’s Patiencev30  “Let both grow together until the harvest”v39 “The harvest is the end of the age”3. God’s Wisdomv26 “So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also”v41-43  “they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers… Then the righteous will shine…”Prayer of ConfessionOur Father: we are attuned to our own sufferings, yet ignorant of what it is like to be a holy God who governs our corrupt world. We have questioned your goodness and ability. We are guilty of the slander of those who think they know better than you. We admit our weakness and inability to face the challenges of this world honorably. We confess we have done what we should not, sometimes unaware of the damage we are doing, and sometimes with disregard for it. Forgive all our sins. Grant us grace to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things which should be changed, and wisdom to distinguish one from the other. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat are some ways you respond to suffering?  What forms of suffering are most difficult for you?What are your thoughts about God when suffering?  Why is it important to not lose sight of positive goals (things you aim to do or accomplish) when challenges arise?  When you look at social and political discourse today, where do you see forces that aim to move too quickly into complex issues?  What trends or patterns do you observe in recent years?Why is patience valuable when dealing with challenges?  How is patience different from passivity or avoidance?What is needed to be able to accept limitations and also be proactive about positive change?  What skills do you need to develop to be able to make progress in areas where the radical change or the goal you want is not likely?What comfort or help comes from knowing that the God of Christianity is not removed from suffering?What are some convictions to hold to, or expectations to clarify, that will help orient you so that as you face difficulties in life you can make progress and have protection?

Audio Recording Due to technical difficulties, there is no video of the sermon. Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of MatthewMatthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (ESV)1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.”18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”Sermon OutlineJesus and his message produce fruitful lives, but we need to watch for what prohibits hearing and understanding it (v19, 23).1. Hardnessv4 “some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.”v19 “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.”2. Shallownessv5 “had no depth of soil… when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.”v20-21 “when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.”3. Oversaturationv7 “the thorns grew up and choked them.”v22 “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”4. Fruitfulnessv8  “Other seeds… produced grain”v23 “the one who hears the word and understands it”v9 “He who has ears, let him hear”Prayer of ConfessionOur good and mighty God, you have revealed yourself and made your ways known.  There is so much we don’t understand.  Instead of learning with humility, we respond with pride, apathy and resistance.  We have taken what we have wanted from you, choosing to accept what already appeals to us or what we already agree with.  We have adopted the desires, values and goals of those in our world who do not put you first.  Rather than fruit of the Spirit, our thoughts, words and actions have been filled with weeds and thorns.  We admit our sin and ask for forgiveness.  We thank you that the message of your kingdom is a message of grace and mercy.  Today we open our hearts to you, praying that you would feed and strengthen us so that the fruit of your Spirit manifests itself in our lives.  Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhere do you observe hardness towards Christianity in yourself?  What attitudes, instincts, responses, etc. evidence an innate resistance to some aspect of Jesus and his message?How can you move past Christian shallowness?  How can you learn to face the challenges of life with Christ?  What can you recall in situations where you are tempted to walk away from Christ (even if just temporarily)?What in your life competes with seeking God’s kingdom first?  Do you have pursuits or priorities that are choking your faith?  How can you tell when things in your life are choking your spiritual growth?  What does it look like to have a life fully open to God and His work?   What devotional habits can you prioritize to make sure you are listening to God, learning and growing as a disciple of Christ?  How can you have “ears that hear”?What aspects of the Kingdom of God do you find clearly valuable?  Are there areas of interest in the Christian life you need to revisit or refocus on?  How can you sustain enthusiasm for your walk with God?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of MatthewMatthew 13:47-50 (ESV)47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Sermon OutlineEveryone will be gathered (v. 47)Everyone will be sorted (v. 48-49)Justice will be served (v. 49-50)Prayer of ConfessionHoly and righteous God, in your kingdom, there is no room for evil; only righteousness. Yet, we confess that we are not righteous, though, in our pride, we presume we are. We easily judge others but excuse ourselves. We wrongly assume that we deserve salvation. Forgive our sins. Thank you for you Jesus, who rescued us from the fiery furnace and who endured the judgment we deserved, so that we would not be cast away. Help us to cling to his righteousness alone. Lord, have mercy on us. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?How would you describe someone who is “inside” or “outside” the kingdom of heaven?Jesus says that the net gathered fish of every kind. What implications do you see for your own life, your friendships, your calling to be an ambassador of Jesus? The final judgment will happen “at the end of the age.” Why not have judgment in real time? What difference(s) does this make?In what ways does this passage inform your understanding of “righteousness”? In what ways does this passage make you unsettled about the final judgment? How can there be assurance of our own salvation?How might you see aspects of God’s compassion and love in this passage that appears to be focused only on judgment? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of MatthewMatthew 25:14-30 (ESV)14 “For [the kingdom of heaven] will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’Sermon OutlineOur kingdom responsibility… What it is (v. 14-17)What gets in the way (v. 18, 24-30)How do we do it (v. 20-23)Prayer of ConfessionOur gracious God, you entrusted the world to us. You generously provided resources so that we might cultivate your kingdom. But we confess that we often live as though what we have is ours; not yours. We forget that we are your stewards. We misperceive you as valuing productivity more than faithfulness. We do not have reverent fear of you, but our fear paralyzes us. Forgive us. We need Jesus and his perfect work done for us. Free us from the bondage of productivity. Because of Jesus, may we remember your words to us: “Well done, good and faithful servant.“ Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?If God has called us to be his stewards and has entrusted us his kingdom, how does that shape and influence your daily life?What has God uniquely given to you that might be part of your kingdom responsibility? What skills, passions, experiences might contribute to his kingdom?What do you think made the third servant be afraid of the master? Do you resonate with anything about him?Describe when you might have misperceived God. How did that affect your life and outlook at the time?If God values faithfulness, how might that change the way you live? What do you find freeing about this? What might be challenging? Consider taking time personally and privately and listen to God’s words of affirmation to you: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Allow those words to saturate your heart and soul. What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of MatthewMatthew 13:31-33 (ESV)31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”Sermon OutlineThe kingdom of heaven is small (v. 31-32a)The kingdom of heaven is hidden (v. 33a)The kingdom of heaven is more than it seems (v. 32b, 33b)Prayer of ConfessionHeavenly Father, your kingdom is great, but it does not meet our expectations of what a kingdom should be. We confess that we tie significance to what is impressive. When you are not clearly visible, we wrongly assume that you are absent, and we might believe that you do not care. Remind us that though we are specks in this universe, you sent your son, Jesus, to rescue us and invite us into your grand kingdom because we are of infinite worth to you. May your Spirit send us out and be with us as we share your good news to our neighbors. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?Why did Jesus choose a mustard seed and leaven to describe the kingdom of heaven? What do each of these images convey?How do we tend to measure someone’s worth or significance? How does this shape the way we look at people?Describe an example of how God’s work was hidden and not obvious, but then in hindsight it was as clear as day.Why is it difficult to trust God when he is not clearly visible?How can we live out the generous hospitality of the kingdom of heaven and make room for others?Though each of us are small, compared to the entire universe, we are deeply loved by Jesus. How might this encourage your heart? How might you encourage someone else with this truth?What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of MatthewMatthew 20:1-16 (ESV)1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”Sermon OutlineThe beauty of grace (v. 1-7)The offense of grace (v. 8-12)The power of grace (v. 13-16)Prayer of ConfessionOur Heavenly Father, grace is central to you and to your kingdom. There is utter beauty in your grace towards us. We do not deserve it. But we struggle to live by grace. Rather, we trust a merit-based life. We find our worth in our accomplishments, we measure ourselves against others, we seek recognition for what we do. May your Spirit help us to trust in grace-based living; that grace is the way to freedom and salvation. Thank you for the grace that is found in Jesus, where you made us equal to him. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?Describe the character of the owner. What is notable? What is surprising?In what ways might you relate with the workers who were hired in the last hour? How might you struggle with imposter syndrome?Why do you think the first set of workers felt wronged? In what ways do you relate to them?How does this parable challenge the idea that we can “earn” God’s favor?If the kingdom of heaven truly has no rankings, how might that change how we live? How have you experienced the power of grace in your life? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of MatthewMatthew 13:10-17 (ESV)10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:“‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”15 For this people's heart has grown dull,    and with their ears they can barely hear,    and their eyes they have closed,lest they should see with their eyes    and hear with their earsand understand with their heart    and turn, and I would heal them.’16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.Sermon OutlineParables reveal who we are (v. 10-12)Parables reveal who Jesus is (v. 13-15)Parables reveal who we’re meant to be (v. 16-17)Prayer of ConfessionJesus, you are the image of the invisible God.  You have fully revealed the beauty and wonder of the Kingdom of God.  But we confess there are times when we hear but do not want to understand, when we see but do not want to perceive.  Our dull hearts, our blocked ears, our closed eyes desperately need your healing. May your Spirit give us the strength to turn to you and gaze upon your beauty and marvel at your wonder. Remind us of our blessedness because Jesus has saved and rescued us.  Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?When you hear the word “parable,” what comes to mind?What implications are there that God’s kingdom is something that must be received, not just figured out on our own?Why do you think Jesus chose parables to reveal who he is?How does Jesus’ persistence in revealing himself, even in the face of rejection, shape how you view him?To what degree do you believe that we are blessed to see and hear what prophets longed for?In what ways might you be a mini-parable to those around you and in the places that God has uniquely called you? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Ed SiryaMatthew 5:1-12 (ESV)1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Prayer of ConfessionMost merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 65:17-25 (ESV)17 “For behold, I create new heavens    and a new earth,and the former things shall not be remembered    or come into mind.18 But be glad and rejoice forever    in that which I create;for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy,    and her people to be a gladness.19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem    and be glad in my people;no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping    and the cry of distress.20 No more shall there be in it    an infant who lives but a few days,    or an old man who does not fill out his days,for the young man shall die a hundred years old,    and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;    they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.22 They shall not build and another inhabit;    they shall not plant and another eat;for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,    and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.23 They shall not labor in vain    or bear children for calamity,for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord,    and their descendants with them.24 Before they call I will answer;    while they are yet speaking I will hear.25 The wolf and the lamb shall graze together;    the lion shall eat straw like the ox,    and dust shall be the serpent's food.They shall not hurt or destroy    in all my holy mountain,”says the Lord.Sermon OutlineSet your heart on the city of God and pursue lasting joy and gladness (vv17-18).1. What Is Missingvv19-25 “no more… weeping… cry of distress… infant who lives but a few days… they shall not… plant and another eat… labor in vain or bear children for calamity… wolf… lion… serpent…”v24 “Before they call I will answer”2. Who Is Presentv24 “while they are yet speaking I will hear.”vv18-19  “I create Jerusalem to be a joy… gladness. I will rejoice… be glad in my people”3. How We Livev25 “the lion shall eat straw like the ox…”v18 “be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create”Prayer of ConfessionOur Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, we are in great need of your help. We wander this world foolishly seeking to satisfy our pride, greed and lust. When joy is lacking, we envy, resent, and act with spite. We have lived in the world for ourselves. We have not put you first. We admit our disordered loves and disordered life. With hard hearts we have neglected your call, making excuses instead of coming at your invitation. Forgive every offense. Transform our hearts and minds. Fill us with your love so we inhabit and serve our city as faithful citizens of your city. Grant us eternal joy and gladness through Christ. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat do you love about New York City (or where you live)?  What do you not like?Why does the Bible make love for God such a priority?  How is putting God first difficult for you?What in the list of what God will fix do you most long for: no more cries of distress, no early death, no building and others inhabiting, no futile work, no children born to suffer, no predators?How can the vision of a hopeful future help you in the present? How is the city of God different from human cities?  What does Jesus do and say that indicates the new Jerusalem will be very different?What can you learn from the picture that the wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like an ox?  How is the pursuit of joy and the pursuit of God intertwined?   What can you change in your life so that there is more joy and gladness in it?How can sacrificial service be a means to a more satisfying life?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 63:15-64:12 (ESV)15 Look down from heaven and see,    from your holy and beautiful habitation.Where are your zeal and your might?    The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion    are held back from me.16 For you are our Father,    though Abraham does not know us,    and Israel does not acknowledge us;you, O Lord, are our Father,    our Redeemer from of old is your name.17 O Lord, why do you make us wander from your ways    and harden our heart, so that we fear you not?Return for the sake of your servants,    the tribes of your heritage.18 Your holy people held possession for a little while;    our adversaries have trampled down your sanctuary.19 We have become like those over whom you have never ruled,    like those who are not called by your name.64:1 Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,    that the mountains might quake at your presence—2 as when fire kindles brushwood    and the fire causes water to boil—to make your name known to your adversaries,    and that the nations might tremble at your presence!3 When you did awesome things that we did not look for,    you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.4 From of old no one has heard    or perceived by the ear,no eye has seen a God besides you,    who acts for those who wait for him.5 You meet him who joyfully works righteousness,    those who remember you in your ways.Behold, you were angry, and we sinned;    in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?6 We have all become like one who is unclean,    and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.We all fade like a leaf,    and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.7 There is no one who calls upon your name,    who rouses himself to take hold of you;for you have hidden your face from us,    and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.8 But now, O Lord, you are our Father;    we are the clay, and you are our potter;    we are all the work of your hand.9 Be not so terribly angry, O Lord,    and remember not iniquity forever.    Behold, please look, we are all your people.10 Your holy cities have become a wilderness;    Zion has become a wilderness,    Jerusalem a desolation.11 Our holy and beautiful house,    where our fathers praised you,has been burned by fire,    and all our pleasant places have become ruins.12 Will you restrain yourself at these things, O Lord?    Will you keep silent, and afflict us so terribly?Sermon OutlineWaiting on God (v4) can be hard, but lament helps us resist the pull towards isolation.1. Sin and Its Effectsv15  “Look down from heaven… from your holy and beautiful habitation”; v11 Our holy and beautiful house… has been burned by fire”vv15-19 “your compassion… held back” “Abraham does not know us” “you… harden our heart” “held possession for a little while” “like those over whom you have never ruled”vv5-7 “we sinned” “…unclean… righteous deeds are like a polluted garment… we fade like a leaf... no one who calls upon your name…” (“you meet him who joyfully works righteousness”)2. Remembering and Its Effectsv5 “You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways.” v8 “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (v16 “For you are our Father”)v1, 3 “Oh that you would rend the heavens”, “When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down”v4 “no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.” v9 “Behold, please look”Prayer of ConfessionOur Father, we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities. But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O LORD, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people. As we join our voices with your people who have confessed their sin and helplessness throughout the ages, we do so in the name of Jesus, who makes forgiveness and our return possible. Grant us forgiveness in his name, and cleansing through your Holy Spirit. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat do you find hardest about waiting on God?  What kinds of things do you do, or want to do, when you feel stuck?What is sin?  How do you understand it?Why is it hard to hear that you are a sinner?  What is helpful about learning we are all sinners?How can you pray prayers of lament?  What are you free to do? What should you not do?  What is helpful (and what is not helpful)?What are some ways to resist sins’ pull into alienation?  What should you watch for so you don’t get fooled into thoughts or actions that will further separate you from God or people?Why is remembering a good first step when you feel helpless?  What kind of remembering is helpful?  What steps might remembering lead to (what is next)?What are some implications of understanding God as our “Father”?  How does the relationship between God and His people framed that way help us?How does the humility and suffering of Jesus help us in the absence of answers to our questions?  What in the mission and character of Jesus helps us wait faithfully in hard seasons?What role does joyful righteousness play in the Christian life?  How can that become more of your way life?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 61:1-11 (ESV)1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,    because the Lord has anointed meto bring good news to the poor;    he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim liberty to the captives,    and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,    and the day of vengeance of our God;    to comfort all who mourn;3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,the oil of gladness instead of mourning,    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;that they may be called oaks of righteousness,    the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;    they shall raise up the former devastations;they shall repair the ruined cities,    the devastations of many generations.5 Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks;    foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers;6 but you shall be called the priests of the Lord;    they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;you shall eat the wealth of the nations,    and in their glory you shall boast.7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion;    instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;    they shall have everlasting joy.8 For I the Lord love justice;    I hate robbery and wrong;I will faithfully give them their recompense,    and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.9 Their offspring shall be known among the nations,    and their descendants in the midst of the peoples;all who see them shall acknowledge them,    that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed.10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;    my soul shall exult in my God,for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,    and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise    to sprout up before all the nations.Sermon OutlineWhat kind of life will produce righteousness and praise? (v11)1. Righteousnessv3 “that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”v8 “I the lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrong”v10 “priest… bride…”v1-3 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me… anointed me to bring good news to the poor…”v10 “for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness”v4  “they shall repair the ruined cities” 2. Praisev10  “… my soul shall exult in God, for he has…”v9  “an offspring the Lord has blessed”v7 “they shall have an everlasting joy”v3, 7 “instead of”Prayer of ConfessionOur just and merciful Father, our sins alienate us from you and from one another.  We wander into places where we become entangled and trapped.  Our desires, thoughts and actions evidence our weakness, our foolishness, our arrogance.  If we were to reap what we have sown, our future would be dreadful.  You are righteous and just, but also unimaginably merciful.  We confess our sins and pray for forgiveness.  We cannot justify what we have done, nor can we explain away what we have failed to do.  Our justification is in Christ our savior, not our own deeds.  Cover us with his righteousness.  May the good news take root in us.  May our lives root firmly in you.  May your Spirit produce righteousness and praise.  Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat outcomes would evidence that you lived your life well?What is needed for a good life?  Do you believe you can have a good life without God?  What from the planting/sprouting imagery can help you understand the nature of a spiritual life where there is growth, strengthen, fruitfulness?Why do we try to justify ourselves?  How do we do it?What is the good news Jesus brings?    Why is our union with Christ so important?  How are we clothed with a robe of righteousness?How should Christians play a “priestly” role in the world?  In what ways do Christians serve God and people?  What roles do we have in the repairing of the world?What in the Chrisitan message or experience produces praise in you?  What are some things for which you are particularly thankful?What is a wise expectation for Christian joy?  When Christians endure long hard periods, how should they think about the praise of God?   How can you live as one who has been blessed by God?  What does it look like in your day-to-day life to hold that mindset?  How can your life bless others?  How can you bring the blessing of God to your relationships, workplace, neighborhood?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 60:1-14, 19-22 (ESV)1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,    and thick darkness the peoples;but the Lord will arise upon you,    and his glory will be seen upon you.3 And nations shall come to your light,    and kings to the brightness of your rising.4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see;    they all gather together, they come to you;your sons shall come from afar,    and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.5 Then you shall see and be radiant;    your heart shall thrill and exult,because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,    the wealth of the nations shall come to you.6 A multitude of camels shall cover you,    the young camels of Midian and Ephah;    all those from Sheba shall come.They shall bring gold and frankincense,    and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you;    the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you;they shall come up with acceptance on my altar,    and I will beautify my beautiful house.8 Who are these that fly like a cloud,    and like doves to their windows?9 For the coastlands shall hope for me,    the ships of Tarshish first,to bring your children from afar,    their silver and gold with them,for the name of the Lord your God,    and for the Holy One of Israel,    because he has made you beautiful.10 Foreigners shall build up your walls,    and their kings shall minister to you;for in my wrath I struck you,    but in my favor I have had mercy on you.11 Your gates shall be open continually;    day and night they shall not be shut,that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations,    with their kings led in procession.12 For the nation and kingdom    that will not serve you shall perish;    those nations shall be utterly laid waste.13 The glory of Lebanon shall come to you,    the cypress, the plane, and the pine,to beautify the place of my sanctuary,    and I will make the place of my feet glorious.14 The sons of those who afflicted you    shall come bending low to you,and all who despised you    shall bow down at your feet;they shall call you the City of the Lord,    the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.19 The sun shall be no more    your light by day,nor for brightness shall the moon    give you light;but the Lord will be your everlasting light,    and your God will be your glory.20 Your sun shall no more go down,    nor your moon withdraw itself;for the Lord will be your everlasting light,    and your days of mourning shall be ended.21 Your people shall all be righteous;    they shall possess the land forever,the branch of my planting, the work of my hands,    that I might be glorified.22 The least one shall become a clan,    and the smallest one a mighty nation;I am the Lord;    in its time I will hasten it.Sermon OutlineWe are given a picture of where God is leading history that can transform how we live.1. Draws Usv1 “your light has come” v5 “you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill”v7 “I will beautify my beautiful house”, v9 “because he has made you beautiful”2. Directs Usv1 “arise”v2 “darkness shall cover the earth”v11 “the people may bring to you the wealth of the nations” v20 “your days of mourning shall be ended”v19 “sun shall be no more… the Lord will be your everlasting light… your glory” 3. Utilizes Usv1 “shine” v14 “they shall call you the city of the Lord… Zion”“come”Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty and most merciful Father; we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.  We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.  We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us.  O Lord, have mercy upon us.  And grant, O most merciful Father, for your Son Jesus Christ’s sake, that we may hereafter live a godly and righteous life, to the glory of your holy name.  Amen.Questions for ReflectionDo you believe the future is hopeful?  If you imagine a great moment in the future, what do you picture?What does the theme of light rising and shining help us understand?What distinguishes true beauty from superficial beauty?  Can you think of examples of how true beauty brings life to a person’s soul?How can the vision of a hopeful future help you endure present difficulties?  How can it inspire faithfulness when what you see is discouraging?How can this picture of people bringing gifts to God inform how you do your work or live your daily life?  What does it look like to glorify God with all that you do?Why are Christians called to be a “city on a hill”?  How do good works cause the light of God to shine from us into the world?  Do you find joy in doing good?How can the church improve in being a community that shines light into the world?  What can we do differently?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 59:14-21 (ESV)14 Justice is turned back,    and righteousness stands far away;for truth has stumbled in the public squares,    and uprightness cannot enter.15 Truth is lacking,    and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.The Lord saw it, and it displeased him    that there was no justice.16 He saw that there was no man,    and wondered that there was no one to intercede;then his own arm brought him salvation,    and his righteousness upheld him.17 He put on righteousness as a breastplate,    and a helmet of salvation on his head;he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,    and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.18 According to their deeds, so will he repay,    wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies;    to the coastlands he will render repayment.19 So they shall fear the name of the Lord from the west,    and his glory from the rising of the sun;for he will come like a rushing stream,    which the wind of the Lord drives.20 “And a Redeemer will come to Zion,    to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord.21 “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring,” says the Lord, “from this time forth and forevermore.”Sermon OutlineThe Bible presents Jesus as the answer to the deep and complex questions of life. 1. The Truthv14  “truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter”v15  “he who departs from evil makes himself a prey”2. The Intercessorv15  “The Lord saw it, and it displeased him”v16 “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede”3. The Redeemerv16 then his own arm brought him salvationv17 He put on… v20 “a Redeemer will come… turn from transgression” v21 “this is my covenant… My Spirit that is upon you, and my words… shall not depart…”Prayer of ConfessionOur holy God, we have all sinned and there are none who are righteous.  Truth has stumbled in the public squares.  We admit that we have fallen, believing what is false, and attempting to deceive others.  We have failed to seek justice and have not always stood with courage against injustice.  We have doubted your word.  We have not fully surrendered to Jesus, whom you sent.  Our thoughts and actions reveal we need a redeemer.  We thank you that Jesus came to intercede for us, clothed with righteousness, offering himself for us.  We turn from our transgressions to you, asking for forgiveness, with thankful acknowledgement of your mercy.  Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhere do you see “truth stumbling” today?Do you find it hard to be honest?  Are you straightforward with the truth?  When are you tempted to conceal or spin things?Is God’s anger with human sin justified?  What is your response to the Bible’s portrayal of God who is angry with the sin and injustice of our world?What error are you more likely to make when there is injustice: jumping in hastily and making things worse, or failing to do or say something?  Why?What are some qualities of a faithful intercessor?  What are some things you should be prepared to do as a Christian in our corrupt world?What qualifies Jesus to be the only intercessor between God and humanity?  How does he intercede?What does it say about God that He comes Himself to redeem us?  What can we learn from the fact that God redeems those who had turned from Him at such cost to Himself?  How does this help us as we go through life?Do you believe Jesus is the truth, the way and the life?  What questions do you have as you navigate this next stretch of life?  What good are you seeking, what troubles are you struggling to deal with, and what are you learning?How are you making use of God’s Spirit and Word?  What role do they play in your life?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 58:1-14 (ESV)1 “Cry aloud; do not hold back;    lift up your voice like a trumpet;declare to my people their transgression,    to the house of Jacob their sins.2 Yet they seek me daily    and delight to know my ways,as if they were a nation that did righteousness    and did not forsake the judgment of their God;they ask of me righteous judgments;    they delight to draw near to God.3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not?    Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure,    and oppress all your workers.4 Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight    and to hit with a wicked fist.Fasting like yours this day    will not make your voice to be heard on high.5 Is such the fast that I choose,    a day for a person to humble himself?Is it to bow down his head like a reed,    and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?Will you call this a fast,    and a day acceptable to the Lord?6 “Is not this the fast that I choose:    to loose the bonds of wickedness,    to undo the straps of the yoke,to let the oppressed go free,    and to break every yoke?7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry    and bring the homeless poor into your house;when you see the naked, to cover him,    and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,    and your healing shall spring up speedily;your righteousness shall go before you;    the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;    you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’If you take away the yoke from your midst,    the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry    and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,then shall your light rise in the darkness    and your gloom be as the noonday.11 And the Lord will guide you continually    and satisfy your desire in scorched places    and make your bones strong;and you shall be like a watered garden,    like a spring of water,    whose waters do not fail.12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;    you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;you shall be called the repairer of the breach,    the restorer of streets to dwell in.13 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,    from doing your pleasure on my holy day,and call the Sabbath a delight    and the holy day of the Lord honorable;if you honor it, not going your own ways,    or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;14 then you shall take delight in the Lord,    and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,    for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”Sermon OutlineIs God a source of delight or a means to it?1. Fastingv3 “why have we fasted, and you see it not?”vv3-4 “seek your own pleasure… oppress your workers… quarrel… fight”v5 “is such the fast that I choose?”2. The Vulnerablevv6-7 “bonds of wickedness… oppressed… hungry… homeless… naked…”v7 “share… bring into your homes”3. Sabbathv13 “call the sabbath a delight”  v13 “your pleasure… your own ways”v14 “then shall you take delight in the Lord”Prayer of ConfessionOur amazing God, you are the source of light, healing, righteousness and glory. We confess our guilt and confusion. We have turned from you and devoted ourselves to things that cannot satisfy. We have presumed we could earn your favor, failing to recognize that our frustrations and accusations are evidence of our own sin. We have looked at the poor and needy with arrogant, hard hearts, not discerning our own poverty and need. We return to you, exchanging our false humility and corrupt practices for the life you give in Christ. Forgive us, heal us, and continue to draw us into the delight of life with you. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat brings you delight?   What do you value that you willingly make sacrifices for?Does following Jesus require sacrifice?  What are problematic ways we make sacrifices as part of a religious life?  What are healthy or wise ways to make sacrifices as part of life with God?Why is it problematic to think you can earn God’s favor?  How can striving to earn God’s favor lead to resentment?What attitudes towards the vulnerable, the materially poor, or people with needs do you see in yourself?Why does our attitude towards the materially poor expose us?  What deficiencies can we expect to see?What does the gospel of Jesus reveal about God?  If we make sacrifices for what we delight in, what can we infer from Jesus sacrificing his life for us?How does insight into the depth of the goodness of God bring deep transformation to us?  What kind of connection with God brings light, healing, righteousness and glory into our lives?What practices help us walk with God?  How can God and life with Him become more of a source of delight for you?What roles can fasting and keeping the Lord’s Day (sabbath) play in living a God-centered life?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series