Need renewal?
For my regular readers, you know that I very rarely post about sermons I’ve preached. However, our church just concluded a series – Renewed, and after studying, praying, preparing and preaching this series of messages, I wanted to share them with you. I don’t do so from the perspective that “dang, these are good sermons.” It’s more from the perspective of “I’d love for you experience a joyful renewal in your faith in Jesus.” If these messages could be used to nudge, nurture or even help you begin an intimate love relationship with Jesus, then mission accomplished.
January 2, 2022: The Potency of Expectancy
In this first message of 2022, I asked, “Have you ever had a sense of expectancy about something that you hope God is getting ready to do?” The message encourages us to consider the power of hope and expectancy in our faith.
January 9, 2022: The Beauty of Conviction
This message examined the strange and often painful beauty of spiritual conviction. What does it mean to “repent” and why do we avoid it so strongly? Scripture invites us to reconsider repentance as a command AND a gift from God that is for our peace and rest.
January 16, 2022: Lower Your Exceptions (A Snow Day for our Church Means a Slanket Sermon for me)
On this snow day, my Slanket Sermon was back. I taught from 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5 about where we should place our expectations. When we place expectations in spiritual leaders, we “filter” God through them. It’s so important to elevate our expectation of God, understand that He enjoys us and learn to walk in intimacy with Him.
January 23, 2022: I Love You (Sunday morning)
In this message from the Renewal series, I spoke about the the foundation of our relationship with God must be in love and intimacy. Understanding that despite all of our sin and struggles, God loves us, I asked whether or not we have taken the time to tell God, “I love you.”
January 23, 2022: Remain (Sunday evening)
Building on the importance of loving intimacy with Jesus, I spoke about the necessity of remaining in connection with Jesus. What does it look like to live a life that is abides in Christ and experiences God’s activity?
January 24, 2022: Confession (Monday evening)
God loves you. Even at your worst and in your sin, God calls out to you to repent and turn to him in faith. In this message, I explained the compassion that God has toward our confession, and how we should not be afraid to turn to Him.
January 25, 2022: Unbelief (Tuesday evening)
I described how unbelief hinders our relationship with God. Whether it is refusing to believe in Jesus, or saying we believe in him but not living like it, unbelief robs us of an abundant (or eternal) life in Christ.
January 26, 2022: Love One Another (Wednesday evening)
This is the final message of the Renewed series, and it focused on the nature of love for our neighbors. Specifically, what does it look like for Christians to love the church well, so they are able to make an impact in a hurting world?
Testimonies
Each service featured a testimony from someone in our church. I encourage you to listen to their stories as well. I promise they will be meaningful and inspirational to you.
May you experience renewal in your faith!