Roots of Faith

We look at Isaiah 9:6 exploring the rich title names given in the prophecy.  They speak directly to His nature and reign: "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace."  But they have direct meaning as they apply to the Christ who came to tabernacle among us and by His Holy Spirit is living in the life of every one who has placed their trust and hope in the finished work of Christ.

Today, we explore the profound imagery of the suffering servant from Isaiah 53, a passage that vividly portrays Christ as the Lamb of God who bore our sins, the root out of dry ground who came to redeem us. We unpack these rich Old Testament prophecies and connect them to the fulfillment we find in Jesus Christ, the ultimate reflection of God’s grace and love.

The sermon reflects on biblical themes of the promise and fulfillment of a savior, focusing on the prophecy of the "Lion of Judah" from Genesis 49. It explores how Jacob, nearing his death, prophesied Judah's leadership and connection to a coming eternal king, which Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The lineage of Judah, encompassing figures like David, leads to Jesus, highlighted as both a lion symbolizing authority and a lamb representing sacrifice. The sermon links Old Testament promises, Jewish traditions, and New Testament revelations, emphasizing the Messiah's dual role as peace-giver and righteous judge. It references the Targum Onkelos to illustrate ancient Jewish understanding of these prophecies. The speaker urges believers to live in the assurance of Christ's triumph, serve with gratitude, and recognize their role in spreading the gospel. The sermon culminates in Revelation's vision of Christ as the lamb, slain yet triumphant, underscoring God's redemptive plan

We look into Ephesians 4:27-30, examining the profound implications of grieving the Holy Spirit and the evidence of true faith in the life of a believer. What does it mean to truly trust in Christ? How does our relationship with the Holy Spirit impact our daily walk? And how can we live in a way that reflects the holiness we’re called to as children of God? 

In this episode, we'll look at the practical outworkings of putting on the new self, as we dive into Ephesians 4:25-32.  Paul calls on Christians to renounce hypocrisy and embrace true fellowhip to the necessity of dealing with anger. And you will discover how the everyday choices we make shape our lives in Christ moving beyond being a Christian part time to become fully surrendered to His transforming work.

Paul urges believers to live in a way that honors their calling in Christ. Paul started this passage by laying out the gifts God has provided for the church, particularly the leadership gifts that guide us in our faith journey. Now, he shifts focus back to our personal walk—our daily lives and the way we reflect Christ. In verses 17-19, Paul contrasts the believer’s walk with that of the "Gentiles" who were those outside of God’s covenant community. He emphasized how their thinking and actions are disconnected from God. He calls believers to a different path, one grounded in our identity in Christ. As we examine verses 20-24, we’ll see Paul challenge us to "put off" our old ways, renew our minds, and "put on" the new self — created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

In Ephesians 4:17- 19, Paul contrasts the mind and thinking of the world, emphasizing the need for a Christian to "no longer walk as the Gentiles do." He is warning against the futility of worldly thinking, darkened understanding, and hardened hearts. Christians are called to live and walk worthy of our calling in Christ.          

In today’s episode, we dive into Ephesians 4:13-17, exploring what it means to grow into the fullness of Christ. Like Paul’s call to the early believers, we too are urged to mature in our faith and daily walk, no longer spiritual infants but grounded in truth. Together, let’s uncover the hallmarks of a mature Christian and learn how to live out our faith with conviction, wisdom, and steadfastness in God’s Word.

In this episode, we dive into Ephesians 4:11-13 to uncover the purpose behind the spiritual gifts of leadership—Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers. Why did Christ give these gifts to the Church? Discover how these God-given roles equip the body of Christ to grow, serve, and glorify Him in their daily walk. Join us as we explore how these gifts strengthen and guide us to be living witnesses for Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Study of Ephesians 4:7-10 exploring the reason and provision that "every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." Ephesians 4:7 KJV.  Sermon presented on Sunday 9/22/2024.