Redeemer City Church - Lafayette, LA

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron Shamp expounds on the profound themes of the Prodigal Son parable, focusing on the concepts of exile and homecoming. He explores the feelings of homesickness that many experience, emphasizing that this longing signifies a genuine desire for a home in the presence of God. The sermon highlights the role of Jesus as the true older brother who seeks to bring us back from our exile and the importance of understanding our lives as a pilgrimage toward that ultimate homecoming. Pastor Aaron encourages listeners to find hope and purpose in their struggles, recognizing that every suffering is part of the journey toward fulfillment in Christ.TakeawaysThe Prodigal Son's story illustrates the journey of return.Exile and homecoming are central themes in Scripture.Homesickness reflects our longing for a true home.Our desires indicate that we were made for another home.Jesus is the true older brother who seeks us out.Exile is the human condition due to sin.Jesus endured the ultimate exile to bring us home.We live in the "already but not yet" of the Christian life.Finding hope in suffering is essential for spiritual growth.Chapters00:00 The Parable of the Prodigal Son10:07 Understanding Homesickness17:56 Jesus as Our True Older Brother25:01 The Ultimate Exile and Homecoming34:16 Finding Hope in Our Journey

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron Shamp explores the parable of the prodigal son, emphasizing that it is not just about the younger son but also the father's love and forgiveness. He discusses the active, extravagant, and perfect nature of the father's love, illustrating how it reflects God's love for us. The sermon explores themes of repentance, the cost of forgiveness, and the perfect love of God, encouraging listeners to understand their relationship with God through the lens of this parable.TakeawaysThe parable is about two sons, not just one.The father's love is the main focus of the story.God's love is active, extravagant, and perfect.The father's response to the son is one of compassion.Forgiveness requires absorbing the debt of sin.The father's honor is secondary to his love for his son.Extravagant forgiveness is demonstrated through the father's actions.Jesus' sacrifice reflects the perfect love of the Father.God sees us in our sin and is filled with compassion.We must align our understanding of God with scripture. Chapters00:00 Exploring the Prodigal Son: A Deeper Look03:15 The Father as the Main Character04:47 The Father's Active Love20:26 Extravagant Forgiveness and Restoration31:55 The Significance of Crucifixion in the Roman Empire32:46 Jesus' Condescension and the Weight of Sin33:49 The Perfect Love of the Father35:26 Justice and Mercy at the Cross36:46 The Scope of Forgiveness in Christ38:27 The Assurance of Salvation39:45 The Call to Embrace God's Love

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron Shamp explores the profound themes of the Prodigal Son parable, focusing on the concepts of sonship and adoption in the Christian faith. He emphasizes the significance of sonship as a status that carries blessings, security, and a special relationship with God. The sermon highlights the future hope of being co-heirs with Christ and the transformative power of Christ's obedience in securing our place as children of God. Through this teaching, listeners are encouraged to embrace their identity as sons and daughters of God, living in the confidence and praise that comes from this relationship.TakeawaysSonship is more than a biological relationship; it's a status.Being a son of God means receiving blessings and privileges.Sonship provides legal status and deep security in Christ.Adoption by God is immediate and not based on performance.We have special access to God as our Father.Our future hope includes being co-heirs with Christ.Sonship brings us into a community of unconditional love.Christ's obedience purchases the gift of sonship.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Prodigal Son01:48 Understanding Sonship and Its Importance04:48 The Status of Sonship in God's Family07:57 The Blessings of Being a Son of God10:41 The Role of Women in Sonship13:55 Legal Status and Security of Sonship17:03 Intimate Access and Relationship with God20:02 Future Hope and Inheritance as Sons22:50 Community and Brotherhood in Christ25:48 The Gift of Sonship Through Christ29:06 Living Out Our Identity as Sons31:41 Conclusion and Prayer

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron Shamp explores the parable of the Prodigal Son, emphasizing the themes of repentance and the nature of sin. He shows how the younger son's journey from wealth to despair illustrates the importance of recognizing one's need for repentance and returning to the Father. Pastor Aaron highlights that true repentance is essential to the Christian life, characterized by an inner conviction that leads to action. He contrasts cultural views on repentance with biblical teachings, asserting that repentance is a sign of strength and a pathway to liberation. Ultimately, the sermon underscores God's joy in welcoming back the repentant and the transformative power of grace.TakeawaysRepentance is essential to the Christian life.True repentance is a sign of strength, not weakness.Repentance is the doorway to liberation from sin.The Prodigal Son's story illustrates the journey of repentance.Sin is ultimately a failure to love God above all else.Repentance involves both inner conviction and outward action.True repentance recognizes sin against God first.Coming to God requires empty hands and no deals.God's joy is found in the return of the repentant.Repentance is a gift that brings us closer to God.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Prodigal Son01:56 The Breakdown of Family Dynamics04:57 Understanding Sin and Repentance08:03 The Role of Repentance in the Christian Life10:55 The Nature of True Repentance14:07 The Vertical and Horizontal Aspects of Repentance17:00 God's Terms for Repentance20:02 The Joy of Repentance22:53 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron Shamp explores the profound themes of the Prodigal Son parable, emphasizing both sons' significance in the narrative. He shows the family crisis initiated by the younger son and the idolatry present in both sons' actions. The message highlights the importance of understanding idolatry as a root cause of sin and the necessity of redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.TakeawaysThe Prodigal Son parable is about two sons, not just one.Both sons contribute to the family crisis in unique ways.Idolatry manifests in both rebellion and obedience.The younger son represents those who run away from God.The elder brother represents those who obey but for idolatrous reasons.Idolatry leads to slavery, regardless of its form.Jesus Christ is our true elder brother who pays the cost for our redemption.The father's love is unconditional and sacrificial.Understanding our idolatry is crucial for spiritual growth.We must recognize the state of our hearts in relation to God.Chapters00:00 The Parable of Two Sons05:03 Understanding the Family Crisis16:28 The Root of Idolatry26:35 The Cost of Redemption

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron Shamp explores the themes of lostness, community, and salvation through the lens of the parables found in Luke 15:1-10. He emphasizes the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents and the importance of understanding the gospel as an invitation to a deeper relationship with Christ. The discussion highlights the nature of the community formed around Jesus, the condition of being lost, the necessity of rescue, and the role of Jesus as both the Good Shepherd and the sacrificial lamb. TakeawaysThe parables illustrate the joy in heaven over repentance.The gospel invites us into a relationship with God.Community with Christ is deeper than mere acquaintance.Lostness is a universal condition for all outside of Christ.We are like lost sheep that need rescue.Jesus actively seeks out the lost.The search for the lost is a rescue mission.True life and satisfaction are found in Christ alone.Jesus takes our sin upon Himself as our Good Shepherd.Experiencing salvation brings great joy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Series on Luke 1501:37 Understanding the Gospel and Community04:24 The Condition of the Lost13:04 The Rescue Mission of the Shepherd20:01 The Sacrificial Nature of the Shepherd29:49 Experiencing Joy in Salvation

This sermon explores the foundational aspects of the early Christian church as described in Acts, emphasizing the importance of prayer, worship, and biblical teaching. Pastor Aaron shows how these elements contributed to spiritual renewal and transformation within the community. The necessity of being devoted to biblical teaching is highlighted, as it serves as a guiding principle for believers to avoid straying from the truth of the gospel. The conversation concludes with a call to action for individuals to commit to biblical teaching and invite others to experience the gospel's transformative power.TakeawaysThe early church was marked by devotion to prayer and community.Biblical teaching is essential for spiritual renewal.Without prayer, worship, and teaching, true renewal cannot occur.Devotion to the apostles' teaching means prioritizing Scripture as our highest authority.We are prone to forget the gospel and stray from biblical truths.Regular engagement with Scripture is necessary for spiritual health.Transformation in our lives results from being devoted to biblical teaching.The community's growth was tied to their commitment to teaching and fellowship.Inviting others to church can lead to transformative experiences.True worship is a response to the truth of the gospel.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Prayer in Renewal02:39 Devotion to Biblical Teaching08:34 The Necessity of Community and Fellowship15:24 The Impact of Biblical Teaching on Lives22:35 Invitation to Transformation and Renewal

In this sermon, Dusty Durbin emphasizes the urgent need for the gospel in a community where a significant portion of the population is without Christ. He discusses the indicators of a healthy church, focusing on devotion to the Word, prayer, and fellowship. Durbin highlights the importance of living together as a church family, encouraging one another, meeting needs, and holding each other accountable. He concludes by stressing that the foundation of this fellowship is rooted in Christ, urging believers to commit to the local church and serve one another for God's glory.TakeawaysThere are 250,000 people without Jesus in our region.Specific indicators can measure the church's health.A healthy church is devoted to the Word of God.Fellowship goes beyond meals; it's about sharing life.We need to encourage and pray for one another.Prayer is essential for the church's vitality.Meeting needs within the church is a responsibility.Discipleship is crucial for the growth of believers.The church should be a community that holds each other accountable.Our fellowship is rooted in our shared faith in Christ.

This sermon focuses on the importance of Spirit-filled worship as a marker of renewal. Pastor Aaron emphasizes the need for devotion to Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in worship. True worship is Christ-centered and Spirit-filled, recognizing the worth of God and responding by praising him for all he's worth. Worship should be orderly and should not leave our emotions untouched. TakeawaysSpirit-filled worship is a marker of renewal and should be a priority in our lives.True worship is Christ-centered and recognizes the worth of God.Genuine worship includes both the truth of God and genuine emotions stirred by the Holy Spirit.Worship should be orderly but not dull.We should desire beauty in Christ and obedience in worship, welcoming the work of the Holy Spirit.

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron Shamp discusses the importance of bold prayer for spiritual renewal. He draws from the story of Moses in Exodus 33 to highlight the themes of dependence, desire, revelation, presence, and power in prayer. He emphasizes the need for repentance, intentionality, consistency, and boldness in our prayers. Pastor Aaron encourages listeners to pray with confidence, knowing that through Christ, we have access to the throne of grace and can boldly approach God for spiritual renewal.TakeawaysPrayer is essential for spiritual renewal and revival.We pray out of dependence on God and desire for Him.Revival prayer is repentant, intentional, consistent, and bold.Through Christ, we have access to the throne of grace and can boldly approach God for spiritual renewal.Chapters00:00 Reading of Exodus 33:12-2301:44 Series on Spiritual Renewal05:55 Why We Pray for Spiritual Renewal10:03 Dependence on God in Prayer15:13 Desiring God Above All Else in Prayer18:47 Desiring God Above All Else27:56 The Elements of Revival Prayer38:05 Accessing the Throne of Grace

The passage in Acts chapter 2 describes the beginning of the first Christian church and serves as a guide for pursuing spiritual renewal. True revival is when God's people are enlivened by a special visitation of God, resulting in a deeper experience of the gospel and transformed lives. Revival is not something to be avoided or feared, it is not an event that we plan and produce, and it is not primarily about signs and wonders. Revival is marked by a devotion to biblical teaching, a devotion to the covenant community, a devotion to spirit-filled worship, and a devotion to bold prayer. The goal of revival is to bring us to a deeper awareness of our need for God and a thirst for Him.TakeawaysTrue revival is when God's people are enlivened by a special visitation of God, resulting in a deeper experience of the gospel and transformed lives.Revival is marked by a devotion to biblical teaching, a devotion to the covenant community, a devotion to spirit-filled worship, and a devotion to bold prayer.Revival is not something to be avoided or feared, it is not an event that we plan and produce, and it is not primarily about signs and wonders.The goal of revival is to bring us to a deeper awareness of our need for God and a thirst for Him.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Reading of Acts Chapter 201:31 Overview of the First Christian Church03:29 Understanding Spiritual Renewal and Revival04:30 What Revival is Not11:06 Revival is not an Event15:57 Revival is not primarily signs and wonders19:14 The Essence of Revival: Deeper Experience of the Gospel30:40 The Marks of True Revival40:40 Devotion to Biblical Teaching, Covenant Community, Spirit-filled Worship, and Bold Prayer

Pastor Aaron Shamp discusses Ephesians 6:14-24 in this sermon, focusing on our part in the spiritual war and how to engage in it. He emphasizes the importance of putting on the armor of God, which includes truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the word of God. Pastor Aaron explains that the enemy primarily operates through lies and false narratives, and we must combat them with the truth of the gospel. He encourages listeners to take captive every thought and respond with the armor of God. He also highlights the significance of prayer and worship in putting on the armor and experiencing the power of the gospel.TakeawaysPut on the armor of God by taking captive every thought and responding with the truth of the gospel.Recognize that the enemy primarily operates through lies.Engage in prayer and worship to experience the power of the gospel and put on the armor.See yourself as living in a story that ends in victory, knowing that ultimate victory is guaranteed through Christ.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Reading of Ephesians 6:14-2001:52 Understanding the Reality of the Enemy06:16 The Enemy's Tactics: Lies and False Narratives12:06 Putting on the Armor of God: Embracing the Truths of the Gospel17:14 Putting on the Armor Before the Conflict27:19 Taking Captive Every Thought and Responding with the Gospel33:27 The Power of Prayer and Worship in Spiritual Warfare40:10 Victory in Christ: Standing Firm in the Battle

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron Shamp continues the series on the book of Ephesians and focuses on the implications of the gospel for our work. He emphasizes that work is a divine calling and a source of purpose. He challenges listeners to work with excellence, integrity, and a good attitude as if they were serving Christ directly. He also addresses the historical context of slavery in the Roman Empire and how Paul's teachings on work undermined the institution itself. Ultimately, the gospel has far-reaching implications for all aspects of our lives, including our work.TakeawaysWork is a divine calling and a way to serve the Lord.Our work should be done with excellence, integrity, and a good attitude.The gospel has far-reaching implications for our work and all aspects of our lives.Paul's teachings on work undermined the institution of slavery in the Roman Empire.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context02:51 The Gospel's Impact on Our Work13:44 Understanding the Historical Context of Slavery21:38 Work as a Source of Purpose27:42 Giving Our Best Effort in Our Work35:00 Maintaining a Cheerful Attitude in the Workplace

Aaron Shamp discusses how the gospel shapes how families operate in this sermon. He emphasizes the importance of honoring and obeying parents as children and instructs parents to discipline and teach their children in love and gentleness. Shamp provides practical applications for adult children and parents, including caring for aging parents, treating them with respect, building a life that honors them, being grateful for the good things received, and forgiving them for their mistakes. He also highlights the need for consistency in discipline and the importance of disciplining before getting angry.TakeawaysThe gospel should shape the way families operate.Children honor God by obeying and honoring their parents.Parents honor God by disciplining and teaching their children in love and gentleness.Practical applications for adult children include caring for aging parents, treating them with respect, building a life that gives them honor, being grateful for the good things received, and forgiving them for their mistakes.Practical applications for parents include disciplining before getting angry, not tolerating intolerable behavior, being consistent in discipline, and raising children to serve Christ.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Series Overview04:55 Instructions to Children22:43 Instructions to Parents35:35 The Purpose of Parenting38:30 Disciplining Before Getting Angry43:22 Consistency in Discipline

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron Shamp discusses the essence, structure, and power of Christian marriage based on Ephesians 5. He emphasizes that marriage is a covenantal relationship founded on love and unity. The husband is called to be the head of the household, leading with sacrificial love, while the wife is called to submit to her husband's leadership. Both husband and wife are to be submitted to Christ, and their love for each other should mirror Christ's love for the church. The goal of marriage is to live out the gospel and be transformed into Christ-likeness.TakeawaysMarriage is a covenantal relationship based on love and unity.Husbands are called to be the head of the household, leading with sacrificial love.Wives are called to submit to their husband's leadership.Both husband and wife are to be submitted to Christ.The goal of marriage is to live out the gospel and be transformed into Christ-likeness.Chapters00:00 Reading the Scripture Passage01:44 Understanding the Big Picture of Ephesians05:53 The Essence of Marriage: Covenantal Love20:39 The Structure of Marriage: Headship and Submission34:49 Sacrificial Love: Sustaining the Covenant of Marriage41:49 Living Out the Gospel: Transformation in Marriage46:15 Conclusion and Prayer