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 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).

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: Romans 1:16-17Sermon Outline The Gospel is not outdated. The Gospel does not mirror the culture. The Gospel does not faint.Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood (SWood@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 OutlineSermon QuestionsWhat is mercy, biblically?Read Psalm 73, from the perspective of Lazarus. How does this psalm illustrate a merciful heart?Where are you superabounding materially? What needs are you aware of in our community that you could help to address?What needs in our community are you unaware of, because your daily routines/rhythms/whereabouts insulate you from them?Resources ConsultedDig Deeper: NT Wright, The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is (IVP, 2015)Reach Higher: Richard Bauckham, “The Rich Man and Lazarus: The Parable and the Parallels,” New Testament Studies 37 (1991), 225–46; Reuben Bredenhof, “Looking for Lazarus: Assigning Meaning to the Poor Man in Luke 16.19–31,” New Testament Studies 2020 (66), 51–67; John T. Carroll, Luke: A Commentary (Westminster John Knox, 2012); Søren Kierkegaard, Works of Love, trans. George Pattison (Harper Perennial, 2009); Martin Luther King, Jr. “Remaining Awake through a Great Revolution,” in A Testament of Hope (Harper, 1994), 268–78Questions?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: Mark 12:28-34, Col 3:23-25, Rom 12:1, 1 Pet 2:9.Sermon NotesI. Introduction: Restoring What’s BrokenIllustration: Restoring furniture — sometimes better than new.Recap of the series:Week 1 – Creation: Work is good. (Listen here)Week 2 – Fall: Work is broken by sin. (Listen here)Week 3 – Redemption: Jesus is making all things new — including our work.II. Big Biblical Truth – Revelation 21:5“Behold, I am making all things new.”Not “all new things” — but “all things new.”Present tense: Jesus is doing this now.Redemption includes more than souls — it includes work.III. Three Ways to Integrate Faith and Work1. Do Good WorkChristian work should be excellent, honest, dependable.Colossians 3:23–24 — Work for the Lord, not just for people.Keep growing in skill, creativity, and integrity.Guardrail: Excellence ≠ perfectionism or workaholism.2. Serve Others Through Your WorkWork connects us to others; we meet real needs.Luther: God provides through everyday vocations (farmers, bakers…).Purpose matters: Chick-fil-A example — work as a positive influence.You can serve others through your work, even if your workplace doesn’t.3. Worship Through Your WorkWe are a priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9).Romans 12:1 — Offer your bodies (and work) as a living sacrifice.Visual: Imagine lifting your work up to God each day in worship.“Lord, I offer my work to You…”Sermon ApplicationDiscussion Questions:Do you feel "called" to your job? Why or why not? What makes a job a calling?What's the difference between Jesus making all new things vs. all things new? Why is that distinction important for work?What makes for good work in a Christian perspective?Describe a time when you were the most satisfied in your work.  What contributed to this satisfaction?If your work is not perfect, can you still lift it up to the Lord as an act of worship?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 NotesI. The Fall and the Corruption of Work (Genesis 3)Sin enters through Adam and Eve’s disobedience.Consequences: shame, hiding from God, broken partnership.Work is cursed:Pain in childbirth and relational struggle.Toil and frustration in labor (thorns, thistles, broken systems).Humanity tried to do life apart from God — the result is broken work.II. Three Pitfalls That Distort Work1. Individualism – Caring Too Much About Ourselves in WorkLuke 12: The rich fool stores wealth and speaks only to himself.God is absent from his plans and gratitude.Diagnostic questions:Is God your reference point?Do you use work to serve others?2. Idleness – Caring Too Little About the Work Itself2 Thessalonians 3: warning against laziness and not working.Broader definition of work: includes unpaid, volunteer, home-based.Matthew 25: Parable of the talents — don’t bury your gifts.Idleness can stem from fear, not just laziness.3. Idolatry – Caring Too Much About WorkWork becomes identity or self-worth.Examples: over-identifying with parenting, business success, or ministry.Signs of idolatry:Can’t stop working.Refusal to rest or Sabbath.Reminder of 6+1 rhythm of work and rest from creation.III. The Way Forward: The Cross and the SpiritThe Cross: Where we bring our sin and receive forgiveness.The Spirit: Empowerment for change and restored partnership with God.Through the Spirit, we can:Reject the lies of individualism, idleness, and idolatry.Embrace a God-centered, Spirit-empowered vision for work.Sermon ApplicationDiscussion Questions:What is one way you experience the distortion of work on a regular basis?To which of the pitfalls of work are you most susceptible?If you don't like your job, can you still honor God in it? How?If someone's work is raising kids, what might sabbath look like?Additional ResourcesThe Gospel at Work by Sebastian Traeger and Greg GilbertQuestions?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“How can anyone remain interested in a religion which seems to have no concern with nine-tenths of his life?” — Dorothy Sayers1. God Is a Worker – And We Are Made in His ImageThe Bible opens with God working—creating the world (Genesis 1:1–2:2).As God's image bearers, we too are designed for creative, fruitful work.Work is not an afterthought or consequence of sin—it’s part of our identity.2. God Made a World That Needs WorkGod created a good, but unfinished world—full of potential.Humans are commissioned to “fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28).We are called to develop culture, build communities, and steward creation.3. Work Has Inherent DignityWork existed before the fall—it is not a curse but a gift.All kinds of work (paid, unpaid, creative, routine) matter to God.Meaningful work is vital to human flourishing and reflects God’s character.Sermon ApplicationDiscussion Questions:Describe your attitude towards your work (whether paid or unpaid, inside or outside the home).  Are you positive? Negative? Motivated? Bored? Delighted? Frustrated?Can a hobby be considered work according to Genesis 1-2? Why or why not?Is it easy for you to connect your faith to your work? In what ways might knowing God's original design for work from Gen 1-2 help strengthen that connection?Why is work important for human dignity?Additional Resources by Timothy Keller by Vern PoythressQuestions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().Audio & VideoYou can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast on  and .

Bible Study: Acts 1:1-11

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: Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood ().

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 OutlineA warningA storyA patternA missionSermon QuestionsWhat three words does Jude use to describe the church in v.1? What do these mean?God saves us regardless of our state of life, yet cares deeply about transforming our lives. How do you hold those two together?Babel represents a reversal of our Edenic mission—and it continues in our world today. Rather than spread God's name across the earth, we localize God and "make a name for ourselves." How do you "localize" God — in your daily rhythms, your disposition at work, your relationships with family members, etc.?For Further StudyWhere to StartThe Bible Project, "The Book of Jude."Dig InDouglas Moo, 2 Peter, Jude, NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997)Dick Lucas and Christopher Green, The Message of 2 Peter and Jude, The Bible Speaks Today (Downer's Grove: IVP Academic, 1995)Robert W. Wall, "A Unifying Theology of the Catholic Epistles," in Karl Wilhelm Nieburh and Robert W. Wall (eds.), The Catholic Epistles and Apostolic Tradition (Waco: Baylor University Press, 2009), 13–40Level UpRichard A. Bauckham, "James, 1 and 2 Peter, Jude," in D.A. Carson and H.G.M. Williamson (eds.), It Is Written: Scripture Citing Scripture—Essays in Honour of Barnabas Lindars, SSF (Cambridge: CUP, 2010), 303–17Jörg Frey, The Letter of Jude and the Second Letter of Peter: A Theological Commentary, trans. Kathleen Ess (Waco: Baylor University Press, 2018);James B. Prothro, "Revisiting Mercy in Jude: Intervention, Intercession, and the Intruders," Journal for the Study of the New Testament (Aug. 2016), 1–23.Robert W. Wall, "A Unifying Theology of the Catholic Epistles," in Karl Wilhelm Nieburh and Robert W. Wall (eds.), The Catholic Epistles and Apostolic Tradition (Waco: Baylor University Press, 2009), 13–40.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: Sermon NotesTheme: Jesus restores us from failure not by ignoring our wounds, but by healing them — and then calling us back into mission.IntroductionComparison to military standards: Are we disqualified by spiritual failure?Jesus' mission continues through imperfect people.Peter’s Failure and ShamePeter denied Jesus three times.Carries guilt, fear, and brokenness.Jesus Heals Through Painful RestorationJesus recreates the setting of Peter’s denial (charcoal fire).Asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” — one for each denial.Calls Peter's love back to the center.Restoration to LeadershipJesus entrusts Peter with responsibility: “Feed my sheep.”Not just forgiveness — but restored trust and calling.Your past doesn’t disqualify you from God’s purpose.But healing may be needed first — emotionally and spiritually.Jesus exposes wounds not to shame, but to set us free.Leadership and mission flow from love for Jesus.Jesus wants you healed, free, and ready to serve.Sermon ApplicationDiscussion Questions:Why did John include the detail about the charcoal fire?Why is our love for Jesus important for service and mission (not simply his love for us)?Should trust be restored after forgiveness? When might that be important and when might it be problematic?Can you share about some way the Lord brought healing to your soul that helped free you up to serve him and others?Can a person offer healthy leadership without emotional and spiritual health?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 NotesJesus gives his disciples responsibility and authority in his mission (John 20:21). John's epilogue (chapter 21) offers some important insights about participating in the mission through a fishing trip and breakfast on the beach.If you try to accomplish the mission of Jesus in your own power, you will come up empty (represented by the disciples' unsuccessful all-night fishing trip).Jesus is Lord of the mission, so listen to him (represented by the miraculous catch of fish at Jesus' direction).The mission is sustained through fellowship with the living Lord (represented by the breakfast on the beach: encountering Jesus in a new way and being fed by him).Sermon ApplicationDiscussion Questions:Review: What were some of the reasons Randy suggested that this fishing trip (though historical) is symbolizing mission?Define God's mission.  What's included? Can your work be part of God's mission - why or why not?How can we know if we're pursuing mission (variously defined) apart from Jesus? What might it look like to do mission connected to Jesus?Can you think of a time when you listened for the Lord's instructions in mission, ministry, even work? What was the result?What are practices that might help us see Jesus in new ways and receive spiritual nourishment from him?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 OutlineThe life Jesus givesThe community Jesus wantsThe way to a Jesus kind of communitySermon QuestionsWhat are the differences between bios, psychē, and zoē?What does the term "lifestyle savior" suggest to you? Can you spot any in your own life?What would it look like to take just one step deeper into life together with other apprentices of Jesus here at St Andrew's?Resources ConsultedDavid Ford, The Gospel of John (Baker Academic, 2021)Richard Bauckham, "The Lord's Day," in DA Carson (ed.), From Sabbath to Lord's Day (Wipf & Stock, 1999), pp.221ffRaymond Brown, The Gospel according to John (Doubleday, 1966)C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Mere ChristianityQuestions?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: Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Steve Wood ().