Living by The Word - A Church Fight That Went Right - 11/17/24

Living by The Word: Birth of the King MATTHEW 1:1-20

Matthew's nativity account highlights royal conflict rather than manger detail. Herod, Rome's client king, is unsettled by reports that a child has been born “King of the Jews" and plots to locate and destroy the rival. The scribes supply the prophetic birthplace yet remain spiritually indifferent, knowing Scripture without seeking its fulfillment. Gentile magi, likely heirs of biblical hopes preserved through Israel's exile, follow God’s guiding star, rejoice, and worship with costly gifts. The sermon presses a decision: resist Christ’s rule, ignore him with religious familiarity, or bow in worshipful allegiance. True wisdom keeps the treasure closed until Jesus is seen.  Scripture: Matthew 1:1–20; Matthew 1:25; Matthew 2:1–12; Micah 5:2; Numbers 24:17; Jeremiah 39:3; Daniel 1:20; Daniel 4:7; Daniel 5:11; Matthew 28:18–20; Luke 2.

Living by The Word: Pedigree of the King MATTHEW 1:1-20

This Advent sermon contends that Matthew’s genealogy is not filler but testimony. Matthew begins by establishing Jesus’ legal claim to David’s throne and his connection to Abraham, showing the certainty of Christ’s royalty and messianic identity. The names also affirm the reality of Christ’s humanity and the wonder of the incarnation. By comparing Matthew 1 with Luke 3, the sermon explains the design of Christ’s paternity: Joseph supplies legal descent, Mary supplies blood descent, and the virgin birth avoids Jeconiah’s curse. Finally, the inclusion of sinners and outsiders displays the immensity of divine grace, calling believers to worship and witness. #2- Pedigree of the King Scripture: Matthew 1:1–20; Luke 3; Luke 2:4; John 18:37; 2 Samuel 7:12–16; Genesis 12:1–3; Philippians 2:5–10; Jeremiah 22:30; 2 Timothy 3:16–17.

The First Commandment - Living by the Word

In this episode of Living by the Word, Pastor Glenn continues the series Tablets That Talk by turning to the very heart of biblical ethics, the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exod 20:1–3). Beginning with a contemporary “atheist ten commandments” as a mirror of our culture’s moral confusion, he contrasts humanity’s shifting, self-made standards with the one true God who reveals himself, redeems his people, and claims their exclusive allegiance (Jer 10:1–5; Deut 6:13–15). This message explores the priority of the first commandment as the foundation of all the others, its relational character as the claim of a covenant Lord who has brought his people out of slavery, and its practical force as a searching call to examine the rival “gods” that compete for the Christian’s heart (Exod 20:2; Col 1:18). Listeners are invited to consider whom or what they truly worship and to return to a single-hearted devotion to the Lord who alone is worthy and in whose presence there is fullness of joy (Ps 16:11; Matt 22:37).

Living by The Word - December 22, 2024

The Christmas story is punctuated by worship, as seen in the actions of the angels and shepherds. The preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God during Christmas and provides seven reasons from the text to do so, highlighting how Christ's birth fulfills God's promises, brings salvation, and demonstrates God's glory. Scriptures Referenced * Luke 2:7-20: Central passage. * Malachi 4:5-6: Foretells the coming of a messenger before the Lord. * Galatians 4:4: God's perfect timing in sending His Son. * John 3:16: God’s love for the world in giving His Son. * 2 Samuel 7:8-16: The Davidic covenant. * Psalm 23: God as the Shepherd. * Various passages about Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Main Points 1. The Birth of Christ as Direct Revelation After Silence (Luke 2:10): * After 400 years of silence, God speaks through angelic proclamation, bringing a significant revelation. 2. The Birth of Christ as a Gift for the World (Luke 2:10-11): * Jesus' birth is for all people, not just a historical event, but a gift of salvation. 3. The Fulfillment of an Ancient Promise (Luke 2:11): * Christ's birth fulfills the Davidic covenant, connecting Him to the promises of God through King David. 4. The Birth of Christ as a Solution to Sin (Luke 2:11): * Jesus is born as the Savior, addressing humanity's deepest need for redemption. 5. The Humble Embodiment of God on Earth (Luke 2:12): * Christ's birth in a manger reflects the humility of God becoming man. 6. Manifestation of God's Glory (Luke 2:13-14): * The event glorifies God and brings heavenly glory to earth, showcasing His majesty. 7. True Peace for Believers (Luke 2:14): * The peace proclaimed is for those in a reconciled relationship with God, emphasizing the exclusivity of true peace in Christ. Applications (Truths for Life) 1. Worship: Central to Christmas joy. 2. Witness: Embody the spirit of peace through sharing the gospel. 3. Waiting: Cultivate hope through faith in God's promises. This message encourages a Christ-centered focus during the Christmas season, emphasizing worship, reflection, and sharing the gospel.

Living by The Word - A Church Fight That Went Right - 11/17/24

A Church Fight That Went Right Episode Title: A Church Fight That Went Right Scripture Reference: Acts 15:1-35 Introduction * The episode focuses on Acts 15, exploring a pivotal moment in the early church—the Jerusalem Council. Background Context * Journey through Acts: From Pentecost to the missionary journeys, highlighting how Acts 1:8 unfolds through witness, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and outreach to distant regions. * Challenges in the Early Church: The Jew-Gentile divide posed risks of doctrinal corruption and sectarianism, threatening gospel unity and purity. Key Crisis in Acts 15 * Issue of Circumcision: Certain Jewish teachers insisted Gentiles must be circumcised to attain salvation, suggesting adherence to Jewish law was a prerequisite for Christianity. * Theological Implications: This debate was about the essence of salvation—law versus grace—and struck at the core of gospel doctrine. Framework for Addressing Controversy 1. The Nature of the Controversy: * Defined by doctrinal purity and unity. * Paul’s emphasis in Galatians underscores the exclusivity of salvation through grace alone, not adherence to the Mosaic law. 2. The Response to the Controversy: * Delegation to Jerusalem: Paul, Barnabas, and others traveled to Jerusalem to seek counsel from the apostles and elders. * Debate and Discernment: * Peter’s testimony: Highlighted God’s work among Gentiles, reaffirming salvation by grace through faith. * Barnabas and Paul’s report: Confirmed Gentile conversions through God’s miraculous works. * James’ argument: Grounded in Old Testament prophecy, affirming the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s covenant. 3. The Result of the Controversy: * Decision: Gentiles were not required to adopt Jewish rites like circumcision. However, a few practical guidelines were suggested to maintain harmony with Jewish believers. * Dispatch and Delivery: A letter was sent to Gentile churches, emphasizing gospel freedom and unity. Applications and Reflections 1. Theological Triage: * Distinguishing between primary, secondary, and tertiary doctrines to avoid unnecessary divisions. * Ensuring core gospel truths remain uncompromised. 2. Grace in Practice: * While the gospel liberates, it calls for sensitivity and deference to others for the sake of unity. 3. Gospel Unity: * The council modeled how to resolve disputes with humility and clarity, preserving church unity and doctrinal purity. Historical and Modern Implications * Lessons from Acts 15 resonate through later church councils (e.g., Nicaea, Chalcedon) and modern disputes. * Unity amidst diversity reflects the eternal reality of worship with believers from every nation and culture. Closing Thoughts * The Jerusalem Council stands as an example of a “church fight that went right.” It shows how God’s providence uses conflict to strengthen His church. * Encouragement to stand firm on gospel essentials while extending grace in non-essentials. Final Quote: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love."