Sermons from St. Andrew's ~ Mt. Pleasant

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Sermon Notes:1. Worship Is HistoricalExodus 15:1 — Israel sings about God’s real rescue at the Red Sea.Christian worship responds to God’s real acts—especially the Cross and Resurrection.Without real saving events, worship has no foundation.2. Worship Is PersonalExodus 15:2 — “The LORD is my strength… my salvation.”Salvation must be personally received.Personal worship fuels corporate worship.In seasons of grief or shame, others can “hold” our worship for us.3. Worship Is DeclarativeExodus 15:11 — declaring who God is: holy, majestic, powerful.Declaring truth reorients our hearts, deepens our joy, and functions as spiritual warfare (2 Chronicles 20).4. Worship Is BeautifulExodus 15 is a song—with poetry, rhythm, and movement.God uses beauty, music, and art to reach deep places in us.Worship leaders help communicate God’s beauty, not perform.ConclusionWorship is historical, personal, declarative, and beautiful.Worship steadies us when life spins around us.It trains us for our eternal vocation: worshiping the Lord in Spirit and truth.Discussion Questions:If you don't believe all the stories in the Bible, can you still worship God?Is quiet meditation or practicing mindfulness a form of worship? Why or why not?Does it matter that we worship corporately? Is private personal worship just as good?Can we still worship if we feel spiritually dry? What is the place of the emotions in worship?Can you share about a time when "personal pain robbed your perspective but worship restored it"?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon OutlineGod opposes the way of Egypt.God uses the way of Israel.Sermon QuestionsWhat is the way of Egypt? What is the way of Israel?How do you relate to screens?Where are you from?How does the category of "exodus" make sense of what Jesus has done?Resources ConsultedLeon Kass, Founding God's Nation: Reading ExodusPaul Kingsnorth, Against the Machine: On the Unmaking of HumanityAndrew Root, Evangelism in the Age of Despair"Confronting the Technological Society," The New Atlantis "Nick Cave: There is a Kingdom," Word on FireQuestions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (SFornecker@standrews.church).

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Exodus 12:43-51, 13:3-16. Luke 22:14-23, 1 Cor 5:6-8.Sermon Notes:Introduction – Moving Forward by Looking BackIllustration: The Boys in the Boat — rowers face backward to move forward.God calls Israel to move forward from Egypt—but commands them to look back through Passover.In the same way, Jesus sends us forward in mission—but sustains us by remembering Him through Communion.Key Idea: We move forward in faith by looking back to God’s saving work.I. Tactile TeachingGod teaches not just through words but through embodied practices.Sacrament: Outward sign of inward grace. Passover: Eating the lamb — tangible memory of deliverance.Communion: Bread and wine — tangible grace of Christ.Exodus 12:26–27 – Children ask, “What does this mean?”Learning by participation.Application: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)Simple signs, profound grace.II. Out with the OldFeast of Unleavened Bread—removing leaven as a symbol of leaving Egypt behind.God not only removes His people from Egypt but Egypt from His people.1 Corinthians 5:6–8 – “Cleanse out the old leaven… for Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.”Application: Confession before Communion clears away the “old leaven” of sin. Communion humbles, not shames; we come needy and receptive to grace.III. Assurance of Forgiveness and LovePassover: Blood of the lamb caused God’s judgment to pass over His people.Communion: Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, takes judgment on Himself.“This is my body, given for you.”Application:Communion assures us tangibly that God’s love and forgiveness are real.“As real as this bread and wine are, so real is God’s love for you.”Moving Forward by RememberingThe life of faith always moves forward—but draws strength from looking back.Personally: Remember God’s past faithfulness as fuel for trust.As a Church: In transition, look back with gratitude, not nostalgia.The Cross stands as our enduring sign of God’s faithfulness.Discussion Questions:Share about your experience with Communion.  Did you grow up taking Communion regularly? How do you currently experience grace through it?Compare and contrast the act of celebrating a birthday or anniversary with Communion.  What are the similarities? What are the differences?Why is confession important before Communion? Do you practice personal confession?If you feel guilty over some sin, should you not take Communion that week? Why or why not? What are some reasons to refrain from taking Communion?Do you ever struggle to believe God loves you or forgives you?  How might taking Communion help you?Extra ResourcesCheck out Sam Fornecker's Ridley Course - Jesus and the Jewish FeastsQuestions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon Notes:I. The Fairness of God’s JudgmentA. Our concern for fairnessWe instinctively ask: “Do they deserve judgment?”Judgment must be fair, just, and true.B. Pharaoh and Egypt’s guiltPharaoh’s policy: murder of Hebrew boys (Exodus 1).Enslavement and oppression of Israel.God’s response: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 ESV)The death of the firstborn = not random, but reaping what was sown.C. The hardening of Pharaoh’s heartSometimes Pharaoh hardens his own heart; other times God does.Pharaoh’s rebellion becomes irreversible — God confirms his self-chosen path.God’s judgment is never arbitrary, always morally deserved.II. The Realms of God’s JudgmentA. Judgment in both visible and spiritual realmsExodus 12:12 — God executes judgment “on all the gods of Egypt.”Not only Pharaoh and Egypt, but their false gods are judged.B. The spiritual dimensionEach plague confronts an Egyptian deity (e.g., darkness = judgment on Re, the sun god).Ephesians 6:12 — our struggle is not just “against flesh and blood.”C. Implications for usConflict perspective: our true enemy is spiritual, not human.Ultimate justice: final judgment must also occur in the spiritual realm — and that belongs to God alone.Christ’s victory:The cross = God’s judgment on “principalities and powers.”Revelation 20 — final judgment, evil cast down forever.III. Protection from God’s JudgmentA. The universality of judgmentBoth Egyptians and Israelites were under threat.Only protection: homes marked with the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:13).Not ethnicity, morality, or family — but faith in God’s provision.B. The necessity of faith and obedienceBelief must lead to action.They didn’t discuss the lamb’s symbolism — they applied the blood.C. The principle of substitutionThe lamb dies in place of the firstborn.“One life for another.”God’s mercy through a substitute.D. Fulfillment in Jesus ChristJohn 1:29 — “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”Jesus = true Passover Lamb — spotless, no broken bones (John 19:31-33), slain for sinners.His blood is the believer’s protection from judgment.God’s justice is satisfied; His mercy extended.Conclusion: The Cross Is Our PassoverGod is both Judge and Savior.To our sins he says: “this kind of offense cannot be tolerated in my Kingdom.”Yet God Himself provides the way — through the blood of His Son.At the Cross, justice is satisfied, grace is extended.Because of the Lamb, God’s judgment passes over us forever.Discussion Questions:Does a God who judges evil make you uncomfortable? Why or why not?In what ways does it help us to understand that God executes judgment in the spiritual realm?What is the difference between making moral judgments and being "judgmental"? How does the idea of humanity being universally under God's judgment eliminate judgmentalism?How does the Cross of Christ bring together God's judgment and grace?Should we fear God's judgment - why or why not?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Sermon OutlineNot a hoof shall be left in Egypt.Christ will have the whole person and all of our possessions.Christ will have His Church He purchased with His blood.Sermon QuestionsAre we fully surrendered to the Lord?Are there areas of our lives that are still left in Egypt?How does taking all the livestock out of Egypt in our text apply to a total commitment in our lives?"There shall not an hoof be left behind" Is that so with us? Are we conscious that all our possessions and talents are withdrawn from all Egyptian unrighteousness and sinful self-indulgence?Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon OutlineWhen Moses comes to God in his helplessness, God revealsWho He wasWho He isWho He will beSermon QuestionsWhy did God seek to kill Moses (Exodus 4:21–26)?When Moses comes to Pharaoh, he sits lightly to God's word. How does he add to it? How does he subtract from it?How are you tempted to add to, or subtract from, God's word today?Is there some area of life where you are feeling helpless? What would it look like to bring that helplessness to God? Could it start by bringing it to one of God's people (through a request for prayer, mutual confession of sin, or some other way)?Resources ConsultedBrevard Childs, The Book of Exodus: A Critical, Theological Commentary Leon Kass, Founding God's Nation: Reading ExodusJ.A. Motyer, The Message of ExodusQuestions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Sermon Notes:I. The Harvest and the Hesitant WorkerJesus sees a plentiful harvest (Matthew 9:37–38) — hearts ready to be gathered into God’s kingdom.Every Christian is placed in a “harvest field”: family, work, school, neighborhood.Like Moses, many of us feel hesitant or unqualified to join God’s mission.Exodus 4 shows how God responds to our hesitation with grace and provision.II. Four Pieces of Good News for Hesitant Workers1. God Calls the Unqualified (Exodus 4:1)Moses feels disqualified: he has a past, he’s failed, and he isn’t eloquent.God doesn’t deny Moses’ weaknesses—He calls him anyway.Key truth: God always uses calls unqualified people.Feeling unqualified often means we understand the weight of God’s work and our dependence on Him.2. God Gives Signs (Exodus 4:2–9)Moses worries: “They won’t believe me.”God gives three signs: the staff, the leprous hand, and water turned to blood.The point: it’s not about our power, but God’s.God confirms His work through signs, wonders, and spiritual gifts (Hebrews 2:3–4).Today, the Holy Spirit still bears witness through prayer, healing, prophecy, and other supernatural signs.Our role is to step out in faith — results belong to God.3. God Gives His Words (Exodus 4:10–12)Moses says, “I’m not eloquent.”God replies, “Who made your mouth? … I will be with your mouth and teach you what to say.”God is Lord of both abilities and disabilities.Gospel work requires words, not just actions — the gospel is good news that must be spoken.When we go, God provides the words we need.Even weak or awkward speech can carry the power of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:3–5).4. God Sends Us in Community (Exodus 4:13–16)God provides Aaron to go with Moses.God’s mission is shared work—He sends His people together.Jesus sent disciples two by two.The Church is one body with many gifts.Everyone has a part in the mission.Discussion Questions:Are all Christians called into "harvest work?"Does sin disqualify us from being gospel workers?Have you experienced God bearing witness to his own message through a sign, wonder, or some supernatural expression of his power? What happened? What was the result?If we're meant to rely on the Holy Spirit for the right words to speak to others, is it still important to study the Bible, prepare a testimony, or equip ourselves for ministry in other ways?What gifts or roles do you believe God has given to you to help the body in gospel work?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon Notes:IntroductionIllustration: Gift wrapping → multiple boxes → unwrapping reveals more gifts.God gives Moses the gift of His name.Like unwrapping a gift, we discover multiple blessings within God’s name.Context (Ex. 3:10–13)God calls Moses: “I will send you to Pharaoh.”Moses: “Who am I?” (hesitant, insecure).God’s answer: “I will be with you… here is my name.”The Gift of God’s Name – Five Blessings1. Presence (vv. 12, 14–15)Name: “I AM WHO I AM” → Yahweh (“HE IS”).God’s most foundational truth: He exists, eternal, absolute.His presence goes with us. Pharaoh = nothing compared to Yahweh, the One Who Is.2. Personal (v. 15)God shares His covenant name, Yahweh.Illustration: King Charles → “Call me Chuck.”A privilege of intimacy. God’s name = invitation into covenant relationship.3. Promises (vv. 16–17)A “good name” = trustworthy reputation (Prov. 22:1).God’s name = tied to His promises.Example: Exodus 6 – “I am Yahweh… I will bring you out… I will redeem you… I am Yahweh.”Yahweh = Promise-making, Promise-keeping God.4. Power (vv. 19–21)Pharaoh will not let Israel go “unless compelled by a mighty hand.”Yahweh demonstrates power through plagues, Passover, Red Sea.Yahweh reigns over nations, nature, life, death.Subtle power too: influencing Egyptian hearts to give Israel gold & silver.5. Plan (John 8:58; Phil. 2:9–11)Yahweh was not the final revelation.Jesus claims: “Before Abraham was, I AM.”In Jesus, Yahweh’s name is fulfilled and exalted.“At the name of Jesus every knee will bow…”Applications1. Cherish the Gift – Don’t misuse the NameCommandment: “Do not take Yahweh’s name in vain.” (Ex. 20:7)God’s name is sacred → not to be used flippantly.Use His name with reverence, worship, love, gratitude.2. Call on the Name – Especially in MissionGod gave Moses His name to empower mission.Jesus: “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:12–14)We carry the name of Jesus into brokenness, suffering, and mission.Discussion Questions:Someone has observed: "the larger God is in our hearts, the smaller our problems seem." Do you agree or disagree? How might the meaning of God's name "I AM/Yahweh" help us magnify the greatness of God?In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray "hallowed be your name."  What does it mean to pray these words? How does it connect to the gift of God's name? What are different ways we can apply that prayer petition today?Can you think of times when God displayed his power in your life - either overtly or subtly?Give examples of misusing the gift of God's names (God, the LORD, Jesus, etc).Why is the context of mission important for asking for things in Jesus' name (see John 14:12-14)?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Sermon NotesI. IntroductionJoseph Campbell (not a Christian, but a student of mythology/religion) observed:“What we are looking for is a way of experiencing the world that will open to us the transcendent...”Human beings are incurably spiritual—we seek transcendence.Some through traditional religions (Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam).Others through mindfulness, energy work, nature, etc.Two key points:Affirm the desire for transcendence—it is real and God-given.Learn to discern authentic transcendence from false or self-referential spirituality.II. The Text: Exodus 2:23–3:12Context: Moses in Midian, tending sheep near Horeb.Not seeking a spiritual encounter; God initiates it.Key Question: What can we learn about genuine transcendent encounters?Two themes: Person and Paradox.III. The PERSON Moses EncounteredThe Angel of the LORD (v. 2)More than just an angel → identified with God Himself.Possibly the pre-incarnate Christ (Word/Logos).Authentic TranscendenceEncounter with someone other than himself.Not self-discovery or inner potential—real personhood beyond Moses.God is personal, not impersonal force/energy.The Burning Bush SymbolismFire = light, warmth, purification, judgment.Bush not consumed → God is self-sustaining, absolute reality, source of all existence.Childlike question: “Who created God?” → answer: no one. He is the source.Authentic transcendence = encountering the self-existent God who draws near.IV. The PARADOX of God’s PresenceGod Knows Moses by Name (v. 4)God is relational, loving, intimately aware of Moses’ story.God’s nature = love and relationship.But… God’s Holiness Creates Distance (v. 5)“Do not come near; take off your sandals, for this is holy ground.”Holiness = God’s otherness + moral purity.Human corruption (sin) incompatible with holiness.Illustration: fresh snow → pure → later becomes dirty slush.Result: God is both near and distant → paradox.Resolution of the ParadoxGod Himself provides the way for humans to approach.In Moses’ case: humility (remove sandals).Later: OT sacrificial system.Ultimately: Jesus Christ.His cross removes sin barrier.Makes access to God’s holy presence possible.Application: Spirit is HOLY; without Christ we would be consumed, with Christ we receive Him with joy.V. ConclusionWe are spiritual beings with souls that crave transcendence.Not every spirituality satisfies—self-focused versions fall short.At the burning bush, Moses encountered:Absolute reality.A personal God.Holy presence made accessible by God’s provision.Our souls find satisfaction only in the Triune God—Father, Son, Spirit.Call: Don’t settle for less than the real.Discussion Questions:How would you define transcendence? Have you had any experiences in your life that you would describe as transcendent?If, as the sermon suggests, genuine spirituality is not self-referential (simply connecting with more of yourself), is deeper self-knowledge still important? If so, where is it found? Is there a connection between encountering the real God and discovering the real self? How so?Read Exodus 3:3-4. Do you believe it is significant that God did not call to Moses until he turned aside to see the strange sight? Do you think God would have still spoken to Moses if he had not turned aside? How might this speak to the lack of encounters with God that many experience today? As you reflect on that, consider Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem:Earth’s crammed with heaven,And every common bush afire with God,But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries,And daub their natural faces unaware.Read Exodus 3:7-12.  What was the ultimate purpose of Moses' encounter with God at the Burning Bush? What was God's purpose for revealing himself to Moses? Is there a link today between our personal encounters with God and a greater purpose like mission?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon OutlineFor all that 40-year-old Moses has going for him, he lacksauthority (God hasn't authorized him)a mission (God hasn't sent him)solidarity (Moses hasn't relocated)Sermon QuestionsGod's plan to transform us always begins with planting us among people. What does it say about God that he starts with relationships?Before Moses killed the Egyptian, he looked "this way and that." What are some ways you find yourself looking exclusively for human solutions?Christ came "to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). Share one specific way that this mission could take on flesh and blood only in your particular life and circumstances — perhaps it might be a relationship with a coworker, family member, or friend?Resources ConsultedGregory of Nyssa, Life of Moses (ed. Abraham Mahlerbe) (New York: Paulist Press, 1978)Michael Allen, “The Burning Bush,” in The Knowledge of God: Essays on God, Christ, and Church (London: Bloomsbury, 2022), 35–50.Leon Kass, Founding God’s Nation: Reading Exodus (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2021)Brevard Childs, The Book of Exodus (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1974)Terence E. Fretheim, Exodus (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2010)James Davison Hunter, Democracy and Solidarity: On the Roots of America’s Political Crisis (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2024) [For an introduction to this book, see Rowan Williams’ brief review here.]Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Exodus 1:8-2:10

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon NotesIntroductionIllustration: rise of genetic testing → search for ancestry & health.Studying Exodus is like doing “spiritual DNA testing” → roots of Christian identity & health.Aim: overview of Exodus → background + major themes.I. Exodus as Continuation of Genesis (1:1–7)Begins with “And…” → continuation, not a new story.Recap of Genesis: Abraham, covenant, Joseph in Egypt.Exodus picks up with Israel flourishing in Egypt (v.7).Problem: they are numerous, but not in the Promised Land; now enslaved.II. The Overarching Theme: Covenant RelationshipGod’s actions in Exodus (plagues, Red Sea, Law, Tabernacle) flow from covenant.Definition of covenant:A relationship, based in grace.God commits himself fully.Calls for trusting, faithful obedience.Leads to blessing and flourishing.God remembers his covenant with Abraham (Ex. 2:24).III. Three Sub-Themes of ExodusDeliverance (ch. 1–18)God rescues Israel from slavery in Egypt.Freedom is not doing whatever we want, but serving God.Law (ch. 19–24)The 10 Commandments as a gift, not legalism.Law preserves freedom & teaches human flourishing.Presence (ch. 25–40)God dwells with his people in the Tabernacle.Not a distant God—he desires to be near.IV. Fulfillment in ChristCovenant: Jesus establishes the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:20).Deliverance: Cross and Resurrection free us from sin, Satan, and death.Law: Jesus fulfills the Law and teaches true Kingdom living.Presence: Jesus “tabernacles” among us (John 1:14); the Spirit now dwells in believers.Discussion Questions:What's your general feeling about the Old Testament?How is a covenant different from other relationships?What's the difference between "freedom from" vs. "freedom for"? How does that apply to a relationship with God? Where do we see that in Exodus?How can you tell when God's Law is being misused or abused? What did Jesus think about God's Law?How do Jesus and the Holy Spirit fulfill the role of the Tabernacle?ResourcesIf you would like to dig deeper into Exodus, we recommend these resources:How to Read Exodus - a short, accessible overview with discussion questions  Bible-Study on Exodus - a 12-week Bible study with homework questionsBible Project Guide - videos, articles, and Q&A explaining ExodusExodus Commentary - a detailed explanations of each passage, perfect for deeper studyQuestions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Sermon OutlineGod takes from us the arrythmia of anger.God resolves in us dissonance of desire.God tunes our hearts to sing His praise.Questions on Hebrews 13:1–8Do you think desire is a good thing in and of itself? Why or why not?Consider this quote from CS Lewis: "Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” What is Lewis suggesting about our desires?How does the image of a "choir" reshape your image of the Christian life? In what areas of life do you find yourself operating as a soloist?Who are the "strangers" in your life? What would it look like for you to love the stranger?Resources ConsultedGareth Lee Cockerill, The Epistle to the HebrewsHarold Attridge, The Epistle to the HebrewsOrigen of Alexandria, Homilies on the PsalmsPope John Paul II, "Undocumented Migrants"C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, and Other AddressesThe Tallis Scholars, Spem in AliumFor the music nerd: False Relations in Renaissance MusicQuestions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon NotesIntroduction: The Race of FaithFaith = endurance race, not a sprintRequires commitment, laying aside sin & distractionsPerseverance comes by fixing our eyes on JesusMain QuestionWhen we fix our eyes on Jesus, what do we see?Jesus = Founder and Perfecter (Pioneer) of faithHe makes faith possible and brings it to completionHe blazed the trail by running it himselfThree Things We See in JesusEmpathyJesus walked our path and understands our strugglesHebrews 4:15–16 → he sympathizes with our weaknessGuidanceAs pioneer, Jesus shows the way forwardNot “Google Maps” style, but relational guidance: “Follow me.”JoyHe endured the Cross “for the joy set before him”Shares that joy with us to keep us going to the finish line of gloryDiscussion Questions:Describe a time when someone showing you empathy gave you strength.Describe the difference between situational guidance (tell me what to do God!) and relational guidance (Jesus: "follow me").What did Randy mean when he said that joy in this life feels anticipatory?Where are you right now in your "race of faith"? Energized? Perplexed? Angry? Bored? Distracted? Tired?What do you need (or think you need) from Jesus? Empathy? Guidance? Joy? Something else?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon NotesPT story: Overusing wrong muscles, learning what the right ones feel like.Spiritual parallel: Faith is our central muscle group.Often atrophied → we rely on self-reliance, control → strain.Goal: Learn what faith “feels like” and strengthen it.Faith grows in response to grace (10:19–22)Sequence: Grace → Faith.Grace = God’s free kindness in Christ; Faith = saying “yes” to it.Ongoing: Grace sustains faith for life.When faith feels weak: Seek grace, not just “more faith.”Means of grace: Scripture, fellowship, worship, Communion, prayer.Faith sees that which is unseen (11:1)Assurance of future promises; conviction of present spiritual realities.Not irrational—like belief in love.Faith = “organ to see the invisible order” (F.F. Bruce).Example – Moses(11:26–27)A. In TemptationTurned from Egypt’s visible wealth by looking to unseen reward in Christ.Application: Resist visible false promises (wealth, status, sex, control) by seeing greater unseen reward.B. In SufferingEndured Pharaoh’s wrath by “seeing Him who is invisible.”Application: Fix eyes on unseen love, power, promises of God.Faith in suffering = visible witness to invisible grace.Discussion Questions:How would you define grace? What about faith?In Eph 2:8, Paul says we are saved by grace through faith. What does he mean? How are grace and faith linked?Give examples of something real that you can't see.Temptation and suffering are often the context in which faith is used and strengthened.  How so?In what way is someone's faith amid personal suffering a benefit to the whole community? Can you give examples of where you have seen this?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:  Sermon OutlineGod's promise to us is that He will be with us always no matter what the circumstances may look like.While God is sovereign over everything in our lives, even when things are their darkest, God has the last word.In Jeremiah 32, the Lord gives us four promises:God promises to be our GodGod promises to change our heartsGod promises that He will not turn away from us.God promises to do good for us.God's greatest gift to us is the gift of Himself.Sermon QuestionsIs there a time or circumstance when you knew that God was with you?What is your answer to the question of why God allows hardships in our lives?What does Jesus say to us about the promises in the Old TestamentWhat does the fear of the Lord mean to you?What do you rely on to wake up every morning submitted to God?Have you ever been concerned about your ability to persevere in the faith?Have you ever prayed that desperate prayer 'Don't let me go'?Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email John Burley ().

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Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Luke 11:5-13; Matthew 6:5-13; Matthew 18:10-20; Isaiah 55:8: Romans 12:1Sermon OutlineJesus first taught the disciples how to pray and then illustrated the need for persistence in prayer. In this parable, Jesus indicates that God can be trusted to respond to our prayers. The key point and question we must answer is: Do we believe that God can be trusted with our prayers? The man in the parable persisted (Greek word meaning shameless persistence) in asking his neighbor for bread for his visitor. Because of his persistence, his neighbor gave him the bread. Likewise, Jesus illustrates that God will respond to our persistent ongoing prayers.Three questions to consider:Why pray?Jesus tells us to prayThere is power in prayerPrayer fosters a deeper connection with GodWhy is persistence in prayer important?Our persistence doesn’t change God; it changes us and aligns our hearts with God’s heartPrayer is continual: ask, seek, knockPrayer exercises our faith muscleHow does God respond?Earthly fathers will not purposely give their sons bad giftsHeavenly Father gives His best giftsHeavenly Father does not hold out on youKey pointIn order to pray persistently and not give up we must know the character of God; that He is good, faithful and trustworthy.Key concernGod does not always answer the prayers in the way that we would like, but He always has a “higher yes” ordered and governed by His Sovereignty and ability to see the big picture of our lives.Sermon QuestionsDo you think that God always responds to your prayers out of His character of goodness, faithfulness? Why or why not?Is your prayer life persistent and full of trust believing God cares and hears you? Why or why not?Do you pray until you get a breakthrough even if it isn’t the answer you were hoping for?How have you seen prayer transform you?What do you need to do to grow in your trust that God is for you and not against you? (Romans 8:31)Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email us (Office@StAndrews.Church).

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Sermon OutlineThe miracle of the workings of grace and hope:1. Jesus found the dead young man.2. He came.3. He touched the bier.4. By His word the dead is risen.Sermon QuestionsDo you sometimes feel that your situation is hopeless?Are you afflicted? Are you hurting? Have you suffered deep sorrow? Jesus hurts with you. No human being can say the right words or do the right thing in what you are facing. Only Jesus can. Only Jesus can raise you up from the ashes of grief and bring joy to your troubled heart.Have you encountered His presence in times of trouble?Have you experienced His healing touch?Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Mark 9:14-29, I Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 11:6Sermon OutlineIn the story from Mark 9:14-29, a desperate father prays a prayer with which we all can identify; "I believe,help my unbelief", All who believe battle unbelief, it is a battle we must fight, and, in this place of personal vulnerability, when we cry for help, Jesus answers.Sermon Questions In your relationship with God, what are the ways that God gets your attention? Have you ever prayed a prayer like the prayer this father prayed? What are the places in your life that you are most vulnerable to doubt? What are the ways that you know and trust that God is sure of you? What is your conversation and prayer with Jesus like in your places of need? How do you respond to the Lord's discipline in your life?Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email John Burley (JBurley@StAndrews.Church).