Sermons Page 14

Genesis 39:1-20 · 1 John 4:4

One Teen's Resolve

This sermon examines Joseph's resistance to sexual temptation in Potiphar's house, arguing that understanding our identity in relationship with God enables us to say no to sin, even at great personal cost.

John 9:1-41

John Gospel

Open Our Eyes, Lord

Jesus heals a blind man to demonstrate his messianic power and reveal spiritual blindness in those who refuse to believe. The religious leaders miss the sign because their faith rests in systems rather than in Jesus himself.

Mark 6:45-52

Open Your Heart

Unless our hearts are open to what Jesus reveals, we respond with fear rather than faith. The disciples' hardened hearts prevented them from recognizing Jesus' divinity and receiving the comfort he offered.

1 Thessalonians 5:12

Ordination of Deacons and Elder

This sermon ordains deacons and an elder, charging them to serve with humility rather than seek rank, to prioritize others' interests, and to grow spiritually while shepherding the congregation toward Christ.

1 Peter 5:1-4 · 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Ordination of Elders

This sermon celebrates the ordination of four elders at Park Avenue Church after years of prayer and congregational discernment, emphasizing the mutual responsibility between leaders and congregation to shepherd one another toward Christ.

Galatians 1:11-24 · Galatians 1:4

Galatians

Origin of the Gospel

Paul defends his apostolic authority and the divine origin of the gospel against false teachers, demonstrating that authentic Christian faith comes through God's revelation of Christ, not human effort or law-keeping.

1 John 2:1-2

1 John

Our Advocate

God's people must actively struggle against sin while trusting that Jesus, our righteous advocate and atoning sacrifice, defends us when we fail.

Mark 7:1-8 · 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Our Sacred Traditions

This sermon examines the difference between God-ordained and human-made traditions, arguing that while traditions can pass on important truths, they must never take precedence over God's expressed will or diminish authentic faith and love.

1 John 5:1-5

1 John

Overcoming the World

Those born of God believe that Jesus is the Christ and demonstrate this faith through love for others. This faith grants present victory over the world's temptations and doubts.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

1 Thessalonians

Overflowing Love

Paul's joy at Timothy's report of the Thessalonians' faith reveals the vital importance of Christian relationships and specific, bold prayer that trusts God to intervene against Satan's opposition.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Parenting with Purpose

Good parenting requires intentional time and purposeful conversation that connects daily life to faith, helping children understand and love God as their parents do.

Judges 2:6-3:6 · Deuteronomy 7:2-3

Judges

Pass or Fail

This sermon examines the cyclical pattern of sin and restoration in Judges, revealing fundamental truths about human nature and God's character. Believers must actively pass faith to the next generation, guard against compromise with the world, and recognize God's mercy as central to the Christian life.

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Patience

This sermon reflects on God's patience toward us through Paul's dramatic conversion and calls believers to extend that same mercy and patience to others, beginning with personal transformation and submission to God's will.

Revelation 3:7-13

Patiently Endure

God measures church success not by size or prominence but by faithfulness to his word and refusal to deny Jesus's name. True security and reward belong to those who endure.

Patriarchs of the Family

This sermon encourages fathers to recognize their vital role in the family, understand their purpose in passing down faith to future generations, and express love to their children while receiving appreciation from their spouses.

Luke 7:36-50

People Matter

This sermon examines how Jesus saw people—both the religious and the rejected—as God sees them: loved and important. Believers are called to move beyond labels and social comfort zones to value people as God does.

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

2 Thessalonians

Perseverance

Perseverance in the Christian faith means maintaining commitment to Christ despite persecution and worldly tension, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate the faithful and punish those who reject Him. Believers are called to live in a way that glorifies Christ until His return.

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

2 Thessalonians

Perseverance and Faith

This sermon examines how Christians must persevere in faith despite worldly tension until Christ returns, demonstrating active commitment that glorifies Jesus and witnesses to others.

Nehemiah 6:1-14 · James 4:7

Nehemiah

Personal Attacks

Satan uses personal attacks—isolation, slander, and temptation—to distract believers from God's work. Like Nehemiah, Christians must remain committed to their calling, refuse to be isolated, resist false accusations, and stay alert to deception.

1 John 2:15-17

Perspective

This sermon examines why believers must not love the world or its desires, as the world is temporary and opposed to God. True reward comes from aligning with God's will rather than pursuing the fleeting cravings, greed, and pride the world offers.

Genesis 37 · 2 Samuel 13:18

Playing Favorites

This sermon examines how parental favoritism creates family dysfunction and sibling rivalry, using Joseph's story to reveal God's providence working through human sin and deception to accomplish his purposes.

John 5:1-15

John Gospel

Poolside

Jesus heals a lame man at Bethesda, revealing his authority over the Sabbath and God's nature. The man's ungrateful response and betrayal of Jesus demonstrate how shallow faith fails to recognize and honor who Jesus truly is.

2 Kings 8:7-15

Power

This sermon examines how spiritual influence comes with responsibility, and reminds believers that God knows all truth—no deception can be hidden from Him, even when others are convinced by lies.

2 Samuel 22:2-20 · 2 Samuel 22:21-31

Praise

This sermon uses David's song of praise in 2 Samuel 22 to explore God's attributes—security, light, strength, and hope—and calls the congregation to trust God through difficult circumstances.