Whatever your business conundrum, there’s a TED Talk for that—whether you want to learn how to land that promotion, set smart goals, undo injustice at work, or unlock the next big innovation. Every Monday, host Modupe Akinola of Columbia Business School presents the most powerful and surprising ideas that illuminate the business world. After the talk, you'll get a mini-lesson from Modupe on how to apply the ideas in your own life. Because business evolves every day, and our ideas about it should, too. Follow Modupe on Instagram @mnakinola and LinkedIn @mnakinola Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is the weekly podcast of Woodbury Community Church in Woodbury, MN. We are located at 2975 Pioneer Drive in Woodbury. If you'd like more information about our church, please contact us at (651) 739-1427 or e-mail us at woodburycommunitychurch@msn.com.
This is the weekly podcast of Woodbury Community Church in Woodbury, MN. We are located at 2975 Pioneer Drive in Woodbury. If you'd like more information about our church, please contact us at (651) 739-1427 or e-mail us at woodburycommunitychurch@msn.com.
We live loud, crowded lives. There are so many voices competing for our attention that sometimes it is hard to hear and discern the voice of God. This sermon will challenge us to practice Biblical meditation, listening for God’s voice, and to take a Sabbath so that God can speak to us. Psalm 131 is one of the final Psalms that King David wrote. He had been humbled, shown grace, and was writing about the most important things in life. This Psalm of Ascent would have been sung by worshippers at Solomon’s Temple as they prepared to enter God’s holy house. (Psalm 131)…
David should have known better. The chinks in his armor when he became king were about to be blown wide open. The man after God’s own heart was about to do something so egregious that it would have permanent consequences for his family. David’s sin with Bathsheba began with a compromise, was fueled by a spirit of covetousness, was followed by a cover-up and led to devastating consequences. David’s family was never the same. We can learn a lot from David’s failure. We all leave a legacy, will it be a godly legacy or a tragic one? (2 Samuel 11, Psalm 32:3-4)…
God’s promise to David was fulfilled in part in the Old Testament, was fulfilled further in the New Testament, is being fulfilled further, even today, and will be ultimately fulfilled ultimately in eternity. The Davidic covenant is an eternal covenant and so important to understand. Understanding God’s covenant with David helps us understand His heart toward Israel and helps us understand the grace offered to all through His Son, Jesus Christ. (2 Samuel 7, Psalm 132)…
For a guy who was called a man after God’s own heart, David did some pretty stupid things! Just after being anointed King over Israel, David started to show some chinks in his spiritual armor. The funny thing is, he couldn’t see it. Sometimes in our “spiritual highs” we forget some of the most basic principles of following Jesus. A relationship with Christ can’t be based solely on emotion. It also can’t be based solely on reason. Through David and Michal’s relationship we see the danger of both extremes, and recognize that in the end a life that exists to glorify ourselves brings misery. A live that is lived for His glory brings ultimate satisfaction. (2 Samuel 5-6, Psalm 106-107)…
Scripture and personal experience teach us that our natural human condition is godless, unrighteous and hopeless. The only answer is Christ, His righteousness and His hope. (Psalm 14, Romans 3:9-24)
David was tired of living as a fugitive. King Saul’s relentless hunt for him had taken its toll. God had delivered David, used David as a tool in how to handle difficult people, and was building a group of faithful men who would follow David anywhere, but David couldn’t see the good things that we happening any longer. In desperation he flees to the land of the Philistines, living as a mercenary prince among them. It wasn’t God’s plan and would lead to disastrous results. This sermon will challenge us to submit ourselves to the plans of God, even when it appears like He isn’t working on our behalf. When we do, God is honored and we will reap the rewards that He has for us. (1 Samuel 27-30)…
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single greatest event that the world has ever witnessed. When Christ rose from the dead, He defeated death and Satan and sealed the victory for all who trust in Him. We give each other gifts at Christmastime to represent the gifts that God gave us in sending in Son Jesus into the world. At Easter time we can celebrate the gifts God offers us – salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples Easter Sunday (John 20:22). That spectacular gift was only given to a few Old Testament saints, including young David (1 Samuel 16:13). 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that God doesn’t look at the outside appearance but looks upon the heart. Big Idea: This Easter let God examine your heart. Accept His gift of salvation and experience the gift of the Holy Spirit. (1 Samuel 16, John 20:19-23)…
The events that occurred on Maundy Thursday show two very different approaches to spiritual warfare. Jesus endured the trial of hell, taking Satan’s fury and God the Father’s wrath and turning it into our redemption. The majority of Christ’s disciples fled, cowering due to fear and caving into Satan’s scheme. This sermon will challenge us to learn from the example of Jesus. Big Idea: Courage roars loudest when we yield ourselves to God’s will, no matter the cost. (Luke 22:39-46)…
Jesus came so that outsiders might have the opportunity to become insiders. He came so that we could be rescued from our sin and find a place in God’s family. He came to redeem mankind. The book of Ruth is not just a great love story; it’s a story of redemption and a story of courage. It took courage for Boaz to take Ruth as his bride. By understanding the themes of Ruth, we have a better understanding of Jesus, to whom the crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Hosanna means, “Save.” And that’s what Jesus and Boaz do. (Ruth, Matthew 1:5, Matthew 21:6-11)…
Joshua was now an old man. He had been given the privilege of leading the Children of Israel into the Promised Land. Now, just before his death, Joshua would give the nation a challenge. In Joshua 24, Joshua spoke on behalf of the Lord. He shared the history of the nation up to this point. Then he drew a line in the sand. Israel could choose to either follow God or not. Christian homes have always been marked as homes that serve the Lord. There is no denying the fact that godly parents have a radical impact on their children. This sermon will challenge us to be people who will follow Joshua and take the courageous challenge to follow God, no matter the obstacles, no matter the cost, no matter the consequences. (Joshua 24)…
Joshua’s life reads like a spy novel. The spy, turned general, turned leader of the nation of Israel may have appeared on the outside to have all the courage in the world. But, even heroes get scared. Even heroes can be overwhelmed when the task before them is great. In Joshua 1:1-9, God gives Joshua instruction on courage, letting him know that He was with him wherever he went. Three times Joshua is commanded to be strong and courageous, for God would lead Israel to the victories He had promised. (Joshua 1:1-9)…
The book of Deuteronomy is a book of transition. Whereas the book of Numbers took place over almost a 39 year period, the book of Deuteronomy takes place over a one month period before the Children of Israel finally make it out of the wilderness. The Exodus Generation has passed and the Wilderness Generation must learn the lessons that their parents failed to learn. In this book, the law is given once again as a reminder to live as a holy generation. Moses gives 5 sermons in this book. We’ll look at the lessons gleaned from his first sermon in Deuteronomy 1-4. Big Idea: If we don’t learn from the past, we’re doomed to repeat the same mistakes. Learn from other’s mistakes and cling fast to God. (Deuteronomy 1-4)…
Years and years of wilderness wandering, wars and struggles were taking the toll upon the Children of Israel. The generation that had escaped Egypt was dying out. A new generation was taking root. The grumbling against God passed from one generation to another, and God’s wrath sent fiery serpents among the people. Many died. Only those who gazed upon a bronze serpent on a pole could live. God’s peculiar instruction to the people was a foreshadowing of our need for Jesus, who would be lifted up on the cross. Our sin is like the serpent’s bite. Sin, not dealt with, leads to death. We must receive the gift of salvation offered to us by Christ’s work on the cross for eternal life. (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-18)…
Even though God had promised Israel the Promised Land, when they came face to face with their mission, they ran in fear. Fear can be traced back to a lack of faith and trust in God’s sovereignty and plan for our lives. We need to see the example of Caleb and Joshua who saw and believed in God’s promises and be the Faithful who stare down fear and persevere. (Numbers 13-14)…
So often, when we talk about holiness, we think about individual holiness. When God chose the Children of Israel as His people, He was calling a nation unto himself. In Leviticus 18-20 God gave the Children of Israel stern warnings not to adopt the pagan practices of their neighboring countries, or the countries that they would drive out of the Promised Land. Sexual immorality (chapter 18, chapter 20), not training our children to honor God (chapter 19), not honoring our neighbors, including the needy, the stranger, the employee, and those with disabilities (chapter 19), ignoring God’s laws (chapter 19), engaging in witchcraft and sorcery (chapter 19), not honoring our elders (chapter 19), engaging in cultic activities (chapter 20), and ignoring the call to holiness would destroy the nation. Eventually Israel would lose God’s blessings. America has enjoyed the blessing of God over the years for the way the nation has honored God. Could it be that we are on the path to losing God’s blessing? (Leviticus 18-20)…
Leviticus is the book that derails many people in their attempt to read through the Bible in a year. The laws seem old, archaic and have seemingly nothing to do with Gentile believers. When looked at as a whole, Leviticus gives us an understanding of the holiness of God and the expectation of holiness that God has for his people. The first half of the book speaks about the way to approach God and the second half teaches us how to walk with God. Big Idea: God has called you to live a holy (set apart) life. Salvation is not the end of God’s plan for your life, it’s the beginning of his call and purpose for you. (Leviticus)…
The Children of Israel were quick to depart from law of God. When they became tired of waiting and uncertain of God’s plan, they replaced God with a golden calf. Sometimes we’re guilty of the same type of thing without even realizing it. This sermon will challenge us to strip ourselves of anything that we are putting ahead of God in our lives. (Exodus 32)…
Moses was uniquely qualified to lead God’s children out of slavery and into the Promised Land. The problem was, Moses didn’t want the job and didn’t feel that he was at all qualified. Sometimes God calls us to do things that we think are absurd. When God calls you to do something, don’t argue. Follow His lead. Don’t make excuses. There is no better place to be than in the center of God’s will. (Exodus 3-4)…
Using Jacob's struggle with God as our launching point, we'll be talking about how life in Christ gives every believer a brand new identity. We are sons and daughters of God. We are accepted by him. Our lives are filled with love and forgiveness. We can call him "Abba" (Daddy). After our own struggles with God, it's time to live according to who GOD says we are -- not what the whispers of our past say or the negative voices to which we've always been forced to listen! Just as God changed Jacob's name, we receive a new identity when we come to Jesus. (Genesis 32:22-32)…
Genesis 22 is one of the most misunderstood texts in all of Scripture. Modern skeptics teach that our God encourages infanticide, even though Leviticus, Jeremiah, 2 Kings, Psalms and Ezekiel all condemn the practice. God’s testing of Abraham was a foreshadowing of the gift that he would give us in Jesus. Our salvation required God to make the ultimate sacrifice in giving His son Jesus to us. Abraham’s faith and fear of God are tested in this passage that reveals to us the love of the Father for you and for me. (Genesis 22)…
We’ve all been there. There are times in our life where it feels like the world has turned against us and we are all alone. Sometimes it even feels like God has abandoned us. Job knew the feeling. In Job 19, Job describes the desperation that comes when it feels like prayers are no longer answered, Divine guidance has been taken away, your good reputation has been stripped away, hope is gone, and the positive relationships that you had with friends, family and God are no longer present. In Job’s lament we find hints as to how we can respond when we feel all alone. (Job 19)…
Human history demonstrates our desire to displace God, even becoming God himself. The story of the Tower of Babel illustrates the emptiness of our attempts to “make a name for ourselves”. This text, more than a message on remaining humble, moves us to increased trust in God, his presence and his provision. (Genesis 11:1-9)…
Good news always has and always will be worth sharing. The angels shared the greatest news the world had ever received with some shepherds outside of Bethlehem. They were an unusual group to share such news with and that they heard should give us hope! (Luke 2:8-20)
Six hundred years before Jesus was born the prophet Isaiah said that He would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The angels declared Jesus to be Savior of the world. Jesus is all of that and so much more! (Isaiah 9:6-7)
She is revered in the Catholic Church. She is upheld in Scripture as the woman who was blessed among women. What was it about Mary that made her so special? Why did God choose this young woman to be the mother of Jesus? What does Mary teach us about hope? (Luke 1:26-56)
Why do bad things happen to good people? It’s a question as old as time. King Herod was threatened by the birth of Christ, for as Messiah, Jesus will one day rule over the nations. In one of history’s most barbaric acts, King Herod oversaw the genocide of Bethlehem’s baby boys and somehow through the pain hope was born. Very few knew it at the time, but God’s eternal plan was at work despite the evil all around. We too are surrounded by evil, tragedy, the effects of the fall, but God the Father, through Jesus, His Son and the power of the Holy Spirit is working for our eternal good despite all that the devil throws our way. (Matthew 2:1-18)…
Scripture is absolutely accurate as it speaks about things to come. As early as Genesis 3, the Old Testament spoke about a coming Messiah who would rescue His people from their sin. Every Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah was fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. All of the prophecies about the future will be fulfilled as well. When we understand the purpose of biblical prophecy we can find great hope for the present as well as the future.…
Has science ultimately proved the Bible to be irrelevant? How does what Scripture teaches about science reveal God’s truth? Doesn’t evolution disprove the Genesis account of creation? What about dinosaurs? Were dinosaurs mentioned in the Bible? If so, were there dinosaurs in the ark? This sermon will answer some of the most common questions about how Scripture and science relate to one another. (Genesis 1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:12-19; Psalm 19:1-4; Hebrews 11:1; Romans 1:20; Proverbs 21:24; 1 Peter 3:15; Job 41:1; Psalm 74:13; Job 40:15-24; Isaiah 14:29; Genesis 6:15; Psalm 53:1)…
This sermon will take a look at some of the most common questions about prayer and fasting. How does prayer work? Why does God want us to pray? If God already knows the future, why should we pray? Does prayer change God’s mind? What about fasting . . . is it even relevant for today? Is fasting dangerous? Why would God want His children to fast? Are there different types of fasting and prayer? (Matthew 6:16-18; Various)…
There is perhaps no subject in the Bible that creates as many questions among Christians as the topic of heaven. What will heaven be like? What will I do when I get there? How can there be no sadness in heaven if some I love won’t be there? Do I go to heaven immediately after I die or is there some sort of purgatory I have to go through first? What do I have to do to get to heaven? Is it true that once a person is saved they are always saved? This sermon will take a look at some of the most common questions about heaven and give a biblical response to those questions. (Revelation 21:1-8; John 14:1-4; Eccesiastes 3:11; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:43-44; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 7:15; Revelation 19:9; Matthew 8:11; John 3:16-18)…
Tim and Chris Gilmore, WCC Sponsored Missionaries to Tanzania share what God is doing through the ministry God has called them to with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Tanzania.
In a beautiful and fitting end to his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus showed those who had gathered to hear Him teach how a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven lives. As He descended from the mountain, He met a man with leprosy, and healed him in the most unusual way. The man’s story is a beautiful picture of what all of us need Christ to bring to us. Pastor Brian preached this message in one-person dramatic monologue form. (Matthew 8:1-3)…
There are many people who have grown up in church, served God in ministry, taken on vows of poverty and done all sorts of good things in the name of being a Christian that will spend eternity separated from God. Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-29 challenge all of us to take a serious look at our lives and how we are living them. Religious lip service and lifestyle are not enough. We need to examine our hearts and compare them to the standards that Jesus set down. A true disciple is devoted to God, devoted to His people and devoted to His mission. (Matthew 7:21-29)…
Jesus continues His conclusion to The Sermon on the Mount with instruction to guard our hearts and our minds from false teaching. It’s never been popular to teach the hard truth of walking the narrow way, but God is much more concerned with our holiness than He is our happiness. The sermon will look at the characteristics of false teachers and what to look for in the places or people from whom you receive spiritual instruction. (Matthew 7:15-20)…
Jesus began his stirring conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount by presenting His listeners with the eternal choice . . . walk the wide road that looks easy, but in the end leads to destruction, or walk the narrow road which begins with recognizing our spiritual poverty and need of the Savior and experience earthly trials on the road to everlasting reward. Everyone on planet earth chooses a road. Choose wisely. (Matthew 7:13, 14)…
Wouldn’t it be great to be known as someone who is like Christ? Wouldn’t it be great if His character, His desires, His passions, His morals, His ethics, His love was what was seen in you? Matthew 7:7-11 is one of the most abused passages in Scripture. In it Jesus teaches us to be people who pray with persistence and confidence for the spiritual qualities that we lack in our lives. (Matthew 7:7-12)…
One of the most common characteristics of human beings is a critical spirit. It is so natural for us to see the worst in others, while ignoring our own issues. In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus gives us the cure for a critical spirit, teaching us how to handle our relationships with humility, gentleness, carefulness, patience and sympathy. (Matthew 7:1-6)…
We live in a world that is full of stressed out, worried people. Wouldn't it be great if we could live lives that were immune to worry? In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus reminds us that worry is the inability to see God for who He really is. This message will examine Jesus' three powerful illustrations that teach us the solution to worry. (Matthew 6:25-34)…
Everything we do today, matters for eternity. God is passionate about his people living for him, and he desperately wants to reward those who follow his commands. This message will take a look at the biblical principle of storing up treasure in heavens. We’ll look at the economy of the Kingdom of Heaven and what we can do to store up a treasure that will never fade away. (Matthew 6:19-24)…
Guest speaker, Clifford Christensen shares how we can live with certainty in uncertain times by trusting the same God that we trust with our salvation in daily stressors of life. (2 Timothy 1:8-14)
The Lord’s Prayer ends with the doxology of the Christian church. Most biblical scholars believe that this doxology was not spoken by Jesus but added to the text in the first or second century. It is appropriate that the Lord’s Prayer end with these words, for it focuses the Christian on Who God is – the One Whose kingdom is eternal, whose power is unmatched and Whose glory is forever. We are to be a people who bring glory to the One Who is glorious. (Matthew 6:13b)…
Just when you think you’ve defeated it, temptation roars back like a lion. God has the power to help us through whatever temptation may come our way. Christians recognize that temptation comes from the evil one (the devil) and that God, who is more powerful than Satan and all the powers of hell can help us stand strong against whatever temptation comes our way. (Matthew 6:13a)…
Forgiveness is one of the hallmarks of the Christian life. Without the grace of God, our salvation would be impossible. But, forgiveness can often times be difficult to grant to others. The Lord’s Prayer challenges us to be people who forgive by praying for a forgiving spirit and it challenges us to be forgiven by praying for God’s forgiveness. When we pray for forgiveness it requires us to humble ourselves, recognize the sin in our lives and to turn from that sin to God. (Matthew 6:12)…
Jesus values relationships. When He is Lord it impacts how we think about and treat others. Disciples of Jesus recognize that they are no more important than anyone else. The high priority that Christ placed on relationships teaches us how to love others. (Matthew 5:21-26)
Jesus taught with an authority unparalleled before his time and since as the One who would fulfill the Law and the Prophets. Jesus teaches His followers about the type of righteous living that He requires, and we find that apart from Him, it's impossible. (Matthew 5:17-20)
Jesus is the Light of the world and He said that His disciples were the light of the world. How does that work? And, what is the light of the world? Light clarifies, light reveals and light brightens. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Christians are called to be the salt of the world. Salt purifies, it preserves, and salt seasons. Our lives should make people thirsty for Jesus. (Matthew 5:13)
So shocking was the last of Jesus' Beatitudes that He actually repeated it twice. Those who walk the Jesus way will experience persecution. How do we walk through persecution with faith, love for those who persecute us, and hope? (Matthew 5:10-12)
It is perhaps the most quoted of Christ's Beatitudes, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Peacemakers are honest about the true status of peace, willing to risk pain in order to pursue peace, and actively sharing the Gospel (Matthew 5:9)
Pure in heart is the description that Jesus gives of the person that will see God. How can anyone have a heart that is pure? This sermon talks about what it means to be people of pure hearts, and how those people will see God both today and for eternity (Matthew 5:8)
True Christians are people who have been shown God's mercy and display it to others. Real mercy is compassion in action and displays itself in forgiveness. It is impossible to be a true follower of Jesus and not display mercy to others. (Matthew 5:7)
The old saying, "You are what you eat," is true in the physical sense, but it's also true in the spiritual sense. Jesus instructed His followers to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). Chase anything else & we will be empty. (Matthew 5:6)
It is so hard to experience life this side of heaven and be truly satisfied. That is why it takes a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit to produce meekness in us. The meek, and only the meek, will inherit the earth. What does it mean to be meek? (Matthew 5:5)
It's one thing to intellectually recognize our spiritual poverty; it's an entirely different thing to mourn over sin. One involves the head and one involves the heart. Both are necessary for us to follow Jesus. We must understand what breaks God's heart. (Matthew 5:4)
Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is His most famous sermon. The Sermon on the Mount teaches us what it means to be citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. We can't be citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven without first recognizing our spiritual poverty. (Matthew 5:1-3)
Disciples are people of prayer. There is no better example of prayer than Jesus himself. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus didn't just give His disciples a rote prayer to repeat like some kind of mantra. He gave them a model that is revolutionary when applied. (Matthew 6:5-15)
The Bible is like no other book ever written. It is the very breath of God, alive and able to change us. Disciples of Jesus read, understand and apply the Bible to their daily lives. This sermon challenges us to develop a plan to learn and live the truth. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)
Disciples are people of faith. They realize that faith is the gateway into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Faith is tied together with hope and seeking God. As we seek God, we find Him, and He changes everything. (Hebrews 11:1-6; Titus 3:1-7)
The opening sermon in our Becoming Jesus' Disciples series, this sermon takes a look at the irreducible core of Christianity. When it is boiled down to its core, the Christian faith is about loving God, loving others and making disciples as we go. (Matthew 22:34-49; Matthew 28:18-20)
The last sermon in our summer series, Summer in the Psalms, this message encourages us that no matter what season we need to praise God with all we've got. (Psalm 150)
There is a longing deep within every human heart for heaven. Psalm 47 is one of many places in Scripture where we get a glimpse of what heaven will be like. What you know about heaven on this side of eternity should impact how you live your life today. (Psalm 47; Various)
There is no excuse that man has when it comes to knowledge of the Holy. God has revealed Himself in His creation. The heavens declare the glory of God. This sermon examines the theological principle of general revelation and applies it to everyday life. (Psalm 19:1-6)
God's extreme character for faithfulness should lead us to 1) humble ourselves and turn to him, 2) testify to His goodness, and 3) surrender our will to Him completely. God demonstrates His love by being faithful to us even when we are not faithful to him (Psalm 126
God is in the business of creating clean hearts. When we confess our sins, God forgives. It took King David quite a while to confess his sin with Bathsheba, but when she did, God worked. Psalm 51 shows us what a true hear of confession involves. (Psalm 51)
We've all had the feeling - the desire to escape, the longing to be extricated from some painful difficulty or relationship, the urgency to be somehow lifted out of a problem that seems unsolvable. But when life flashes a 'no exit' sign, what can we do? We long to get away, yet God calls us to stay and experience his peace which transcends all understanding! (Psalm 55)…
Every human being is designed in the image of God, and as such that image contains a desire to adhere to the commandments of God. Psalm 119 is the song of our hearts when we recognize God's design for our life. (Psalm 119:73-142)
The heart of mankind is sick with wickedness. The only cure is Jesus, and the only way to keep the heart on a leash is with the Word of God. Psalm 119:1-73 is a declaration of how excellent God's Word is at helping men lead a holy life. (Psalm 119:1-72)
We each need at least one Paul in our life (mentor/discipler), we each need at least one Timothy in our life (protage/disciplee), we each need "Barnabai" in our life (partners). (Acts 9:26-27)
What is it about Jesus that makes Him someone worth celebrating? Jesus Christ is our Savior, who died in our place, as The Gift that keeps on giving. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. (Luke 2:8-18)
As he stood on trial before Pilate, Jesus reflected upon His birth, and why He came into the world. Jesus came so that we might know the truth. He is the truth. His birth was a cause for celebration, salvation and reconciliation. (John 18:33-38; Luke 2:8-18)
It's so easy to forget what really matters in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. This sermon challenges Christians with four truths that we need to hold onto this side of heaven. To experience joy, this Christmas season, we need to look up! (Colossians 3:1-4)
Week one in our Advent series deals with the joy of expectation. No baby in the history of the world has ever been looked forward to as much as Jesus, the Messiah. Prophesied for thousands of years, Jesus was and is the Messiah. He is the great light that people who walk in darkness need to see. (Isaiah 9:2-7)…
How do we understand the struggles in our lives that are so deep that "just say no" solutions don't work? Particularly when it comes to struggling with sexual behavior, many of us are confused and discouraged that we can't maintain our commitment to purity. In this passage, we see Jesus' interaction with a woman had struggles of her own, and are confronted with a new way of seeing "Every man's - and many woman's - battle." (John 4:13-14)…
From the magazines in grocery lines to billboards, from movies to television, from the Internet to the gym there is no escaping the fact that we live in a sex-saturated world. This sermon takes a look at what the Bible has to say about the gift of sex. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8)
Every generation has people who start out following Jesus and then get lost somewhere along the way. Jude, the half-brother of Jesus wrote a letter encouraging people to stay strong, to persevere, and to show mercy to those who doubt. Jude's letter encourages us to be defenders of the faith who boldly and lovingly stand for Christ in our generation. (Jude)…
It's hard to believe that a letter written to a 1st century slave owner can teach us so much as people living in the 21st century. The letter to Philemon is about forgiveness, redemption, and a true freedom. (Philemon)
Our Becoming Jesus' Disciples series ends with a sermon on making disciples. Every Christian is called to make disciples. Jesus' strategy for making disciples is awesome, but can't be lived out apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. Go make disciples! (Acts 1:8)
To be a disciple of Jesus is to do what Jesus did. Jesus was generous. Some people never give, even though they claim to be Christians. Some want to be generous but just don't know how. The story of the poor Christians in Macedonia teaches us about grace. (2 Corinthians 8:1-15)
Christians are and always have been people who serve others. When we serve others, we model our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who made Himself nothing, taking on the nature of a servant. This sermon includes testimonies from our service project. (Matthew 20:24-28)
This is the third session from the 2010 Upper Midwest Congregational Fellowship Rally with Larry Osborne. The rally took place at Woodbury Community Church in Woodbury, MN, October 8-9, 2010.
Larry Osborne's Saturday, October 9, 2010 address to the Upper Midwest Congregational Fellowship Fall Rally. This speech was given at Woodbury Community Church in Woodbury, MN.
The church is God's visible representation of Christ in every generation. St. Augustine once said, "He cannot have God for His father who does not have the church for His mother." In our independent culture, we minimize the importance of community. . . (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42-47)
Every dad leaves a legacy. What kind of legacy will you leave for your children. King David sought to be a man whose heart was undivided in his love for God. Dads who leave the best legacy love God more than anything else in all the world. (Psalm 86:11)
Every man, woman, boy and girl to ever live on planet earth is precious in the eyes of God. We were created in the image of God, for His glory. Psalm 139 makes it so clear that we can choose to live for God or to reject God, but we can't escape God. (Psalm 139:13-18)
The first sermon in our Summer in the Psalms. This message sets the state for understanding what the blessed life is all about. David begins this collection of songs with a contrasting look at the wicked and the blessed. (Psalm 1)
Every Christian goes through periods of doubt and despair. The believers that John was writing to were no exception. John ends his letter with a passionate appeal for his readers to know that they belong to Christ. Are you 100% sure of your salvation? (1 John 5:13-21)
As John nears the end of his letter, he explains once more what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. In order to overcome the world, we need to place our faith in the Son of God. He then presents rock-solid evidence that Jesus is who He said He is. (1 John 5:1-12)
For a second time in his short letter, John addresses false teachers. The early church had many who came, professing to bring truth, but rejecting Jesus. This sermon examines how the Holy Spirit works in the believer's life to bring about discernment. (1 John 3:19-4:6)
The process of becoming like Christ changes our priorities. It means that God is priority number one. The Christian life is a life of engagement. It means that we engage the world and the world's issues, meeting them head on with the love of Christ. (1 John 3:11-18)
When we become Christians, Christ begins a new work in us. It's called sanctification, or the process of becoming like Christ. John challenges a discouraged church to fix their hope on Jesus, holding on to what they knew to be true about God. (1 John 2:28-3:10)
When people who used to follow Christ walk away it can shatter our faith. The believers that John wrote to faced such a circumstance, and with it a crisis of faith about what truth really is. This sermon challenges us to be discerning in our faith. (1 John 2:18-27)
As he hung dying on the cross, Jesus had compassion on a criminal who could do nothing to earn his salvation. All the man could do was throw himself on the grace of God, and Jesus lavished His grace upon him. You are one of two criminals. (Luke 23:39-43)
This sermon takes a look at Christ's prayer for His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane and what His desires are for His followers. (Brian Schulenburg)
Jesus was born in the shadow of a cross. He came to earth so mankind might be redeemed. The task ahead of Him was grave, but Christ faced it with the determination that He would rather die for you than live without you. Tetelestai - It is finished! (John 19:28-30)
In a profound mystery, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, became sin so that we might become children of God. That task caused God to turn His back on God for the one and only time in history. This sermon examines the cost Jesus paid for our sin. (Matthew 27:45-46)
It had been quite a night for Jesus. Betrayal, abandonment, beatings, mock trials, persecution, fatigue and unimaginable pain accompanied Him everywhere He went. Despite His circumstances, Jesus ask the Father to forgive the crowd. We too are to forgive. (Luke 23:32-34, Philippians 2:5-8)
They are questions that every follower of Jesus Christ must deal with. Will I love God, or will I love the world? How do we live in this world without becoming consumed by its pull? How do we become people who truly crave the things of God? (1 John 2:15-17)
You are incredibly special. God created you in His image, for His glory, and with very specific purposes. If you are a Christian, God calls you to live like a believer. 1 John 1:5-2:17 teaches us what it takes to live as one who is redeemed. (1 John 1:5-2:17)
As Christians we have been saved so that we might walk in fellowship with Christ and each other. John introduces his letter by calling us to recognize the eternal, historical and personal Word of Life, Jesus Christ, and to recognize His call on our life. (1 John 1:1-4)
Paul finishes his description of ultimate love by describing a love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. How do we learn to love like this? How do we as flawed people love with an "always love?" (1 Corinthians 13:7-8a, 13)
Reading the list of the markers of true love in 1 Corinthians 13 can be both a thrilling and terrifying exercise. Through God's power we can be a people who demonstrate love like this. This sermon breaks down the ten qualities of true love from 1 Cor. 13. (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)
Have you ever noticed how really religious people can do some really mean things? All we need to do to make God look really bad to the world around us is to act righteous without love. This sermon challenges us to be people who show God's love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
He came onto the scene like a sudden storm and Elijah walks out of the spotlight in an even more amazing way. On his way out Elijah visits several locations that reveal the significance of finishing strong spiritually. Live life with the end in mind. (2 Kings 2:1-15)
Ahab is gone, but his son is not. Elijah has seen God faithfully display His power and His justice. The target on his life is still there. Ahaziah, the son of Ahab is now the king, and Baal-zebub is now worshipped. God's power delivers as Satan strikes. (2 Kings 1:1-18)
Ahab and Jezebel were some of the most wicked people to ever live. Their evil seemingly knew no end. But, God will only take so much wickedness before He is compelled to act. There is an end to God's patience. He always keeps His word. (1 Kings 21:1-29)
Ever feel worn out, depressed, or just plain defeated during what should be a season of rejoicing? Sometimes the aftermath of holidays or vacations, or long projects that have finally been completed can leave us feeling empty. Elijah was no exception. (1 Kings 19:1-21)
There are few things as exciting at Christmastime as the giving and receiving of gifts. This practice was demonstrated by the Magi on the occasion of their visit to the Christ child. This message will challenge us to give gifts to God that are fit for Him. (Matthew 2:1-12)
Mary and Joseph were just teenagers when God called them to be the caretakers of Messiah; Mary as his mother, and Joseph as his stepfather. There are beautiful lessons of faith and trust and obedience that we see in the actions of Mary and Joseph. Big Idea: God never promised that following Him would be easy. He did promise that it would yield eternal rewards. (Matthew 1:18-25)…
Jesus wasn’t the only miracle baby talked about at Christmastime. John the Baptist was also a child that God miraculously brought into the world for the purpose of preparing the way for Jesus, the Messiah. This sermon will take a look at the lessons that we can learn from the life of John the Baptist, a man who lived his life with radical purpose, unwavering commitment, selfless service, and love for God. Big Idea: The single greatest purpose that any of us can have is pointing people to the Christ of Christmas. (Matthew 11:11, Various)…
Zechariah is one of the most intriguing people in Scripture. The old man dreamt of the day that he would chosen to go into the temple of the Lord to burn incense. When his turn finally came, he got more than he bargained for. This sermon will be given in the first person, as a dramatic interpretation of the life of Zechariah. Big Idea: We are tools in the hands of Almighty God. Embrace your place in His story. (Luke 1:1-79)…
Zechariah is one of the most intriguing people in Scripture. The old man dreamt of the day that he would chosen to go into the temple of the Lord to burn incense. When his turn finally came, he got more than he bargained for. This sermon will be given in the first person, as a dramatic interpretation of the life of Zechariah. Big Idea: We are tools in the hands of Almighty God. Embrace your place in His story. (Luke 1:1-79)…
The genealogy of Jesus is full of less than perfect people. But, it’s the stories of some of these people that help us to see just how beautiful the grace of God is. Jesus’ coming into this family should give all of us hope about what can happen when God takes over a life. Big Idea: No one is beyond the grace of God. (Matthew 1:1-17)…
The prophets of Baal and Asherah have been defeated, but the rain hasn’t fallen quite yet. Elijah moves from triumph to humility; praying and waiting expectantly for God to work. This sermon will look at the promises of God, and what God’s promises mean for us. (1 Kings 18:41-46)
Elijah lived in the shadows for 3 ½ years and then God spoke. Instructed to confront King Ahab and 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah, Elijah obeyed. One man and God against a nation and their false gods. Who do you think is going to win? Big Idea: Never underestimate the power of one totally dedicated life. (1 Kings 18:1-2, 17-40)…
God has worked in miraculous ways to sustain the young prophet and now, a widow and her son. Every meal that Elijah shared with the woman and her son must have been a sheer delight, for every meal was literally provided by the hand of God. And then, the unthinkable happened. The young boy became sick and died. What do you do when your world falls apart? The distraught widow makes it clear that she is upset at Elijah and at God. Why would God bring such calamity on her home after bringing such hope? Elijah responds with silence and then in prayer, taking the boy to the place that Elijah regularly met with God. Big Idea: When our world falls apart, and God is all we have, we have all we’ve ever needed. (1 Kings 17:17-24)…
“God, why have you brought me to this place?” may very well have been Elijah’s question. As Elijah leaves the dry brook at Kerith Ravine, he is lead to the empty cupboard of a widow and her son. Had he mistook the call of God in his life? Was he making a crucial mistake? Why would God call Him to put a widow and her son in jeopardy? God was at work! And, God had a plan. Big Idea: God’s plan is often times surprising, but always worth following. Live a life of obedience and watch in amazement at what God does. (1 Kings 17:8-16)…
Elijah bursts onto the scene, pronounces judgment upon the land and then just as quickly is told to hide away in the Kerith Ravine. Sustained only by the hand of God, Elijah the Prophet learns much about the character and nature of God. This sermon will challenge us to live our lives trusting God one day at a time. Big Idea: Where God guides, He provides. (1 Kings 17:1-7)…
It was the worst of times, it was the very worst of times. The world to which Elijah was born was indescribably wicked. No king had ever displeased God as much as Ahab, the King of Israel. Like a lightning bolt that appears out of the blue Elijah comes onto the scene, from a nowhere town, with a insignificant pedigree, with a message from God for a wicked generation. Big Idea: God loves to use ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary purposes. (1 Kings 16:29-33; 1 Kings 17:1)…
Founding Pastor, Ron Hamilton returns to the pulpit of Woodbury Community Church, where he served for 29 years to preach a timely message entitled, "The Most Valued Relationship In Life." This sermon emphasizes appreciation for our salvation and the need to invite others into this relationship with our Lord Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:11-16)…
The holiness of God. To biblically define holiness (in regards to God) and talk about our response to His holiness, and how it does/should ultimately effect our relationship to and understanding of the Father? (Matthew 6:9; Revelation 4:8, 15:4; Isaiah 6:3)
We live in the most opportune moment in history. With grace behind us and the coming of Jesus in front of us, these are the days of the Church, days for us to do work that changes the world. (Ephesians 1:3-10)
We live in a culture that finds saying no to oneself repulsive. We desire our every want and need immediately satisfied and anybody who gets in the way better watch out! It's no wonder the area of spiritual disciplines are anything but popular among today's Christian in America. The truth is that God wants us to exercise spiritual discipline in our lives. He wants us to spend time reading the Bible, praying, fasting, meditating, and memorizing His word. Of course, doing these things require us to say no to other things we may desire more. But the good news is that a life that exercises spiritual disciplines produces totally different fruit than a life following our selfish desires. It allows us to find what we are really searching for - inner joy and peace in the context of an intimate, loving relationship with our Creator. Nothing in this world is more valuable than this! (Galatians 5:22-23)…
This is a recording of Troy Dobs' sermon that he gave on Monday, October 5, 2009 at Woodbury Community Church's Spiritual Emphasis Week. It is a poor recording due to a mic not working. This was picked up by another mic. The sermon deals with God's love in our most difficult times and how God uses trials and tribulations to mold us. (James 1:2-4)…
플레이어 FM에 오신것을 환영합니다!
플레이어 FM은 웹에서 고품질 팟캐스트를 검색하여 지금 바로 즐길 수 있도록 합니다. 최고의 팟캐스트 앱이며 Android, iPhone 및 웹에서도 작동합니다. 장치 간 구독 동기화를 위해 가입하세요.