Fox Lake Community Church

Psalm 24 is an enthronement psalm that reveals God's identity as Creator, Holy One, and King. It emphasizes that because God owns all creation, believers are merely stewards of their possessions and lives. The text highlights the necessity of righteousness to approach a holy God, explaining that this is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ rather than human merit. Finally, it calls list...

The book of Proverbs records many illustrations of rewards for simply living a righteous life. For example, righteousness exalts a nation more than political or economic power. Other rewards for righteousness include answered prayer, boldness, perseverance, joy, satisfaction, and deliverance from trouble. Righteousness is so important Jesus died so "that we might die to sin and live to righteousne...

The sermon examines Jesus' warning in John 15-16 that His followers will face hatred and persecution from the world because they are no longer part of its sinful system. It contrasts this inevitable opposition with the promise of abundant blessings, emphasizing that believers must expect hostility as a result of reflecting Christ's character. The preacher argues that this hatred is often without c...

Before Jesus' departure he commanded his disciples to love one another as he had loved them. His love was to be their standard. Additionally, his love would empower the disciples' love for each other. Jesus' love is seen in his laying down his life, enter into friendship with us, revealing God's will to us, and choosing us to bear fruit and have our prayers answered.

The key to bearing fruit is found in abiding in Christ. Our Father is so committed to fruit bearing, that every branch that bears fruit he prunes that it may bear more fruit. When it comes to pruning or discipline, we understand that God is dealing with sin in our lives, but we need to recognize that he is also removing excess weight from our lives. We are commanded to abide, so that the joy of Je...

Luke 18: 35-43

Since the LORD is our shepherd we lack nothing. He will meet all our needs from the cradle to the grave and on into eternity, and comfort us with his presence as we go through life's trials.

Contentment doesn't come easy. Even the apostle Paul had to learn (presumably over a period of time) the secret to being content in any and every circumstance. The secret is that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

This sermon explores Hebrews 4:1-11, emphasizing the urgent call for believers to enter God's rest through persevering faith. The preacher distinguishes between a godly fear that leads to salvation and a dread that drives one away from God, warning against the danger of unbelief. Key theological themes include the continuity of the gospel in the Old Testament, the insufficiency of external religio...

Missions Update

Jesus declares Himself the source of living water during the Feast of Booths, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding God's provision and future eschatological hope. The sermon explains that this promise refers to the Holy Spirit, which Jesus poured out upon His church at Pentecost after His glorification. Believers receive this Spirit not merely for personal renewal but to participate in Ch...

Part 4 - Continuing Series in Luke Chapter 18

Exodus 15:24-27, 1 Corinthians 10:10

Psalm 22 presents a profound messianic prophecy in which Jesus Himself speaks from the cross, expressing His deep anguish and abandonment, yet progressively turning from lament to faith by recalling God's unwavering faithfulness throughout history and in His own life. The first half of the psalm vividly foretells the physical and spiritual suffering of Christ—His forsakenness, mockery, piercing, a...

In light of God's profound mercy revealed in Christ—justification by grace, liberation from sin, and the promise of resurrection—Paul calls believers to respond with wholehearted devotion, presenting their bodies as living sacrifices. This commitment is the logical and rational expression of worship. To live as such a sacrifice requires rejecting conformity to the values and priorities of the pres...

The disciples are troubled by the thought of being separated from Jesus, so he comforts them by letting them know that 1) they know God and have seen him; 2) they will do great works than Jesus did; 3) he will answer their prayers.

Spiritual worship involves a continual, daily commitment to God, likened to a living sacrifice presented on the altar, requiring repeated renewal when one strays. God promises to strengthen those who are blameless toward him.

Jesus commands his disciples not to be troubled due to his departure, calling them to trust in God and in Himself. Jesus assures them that his departure is not abandonment but preparation: He is going to his Father's house to make room for them, ensuring a permanent, eternal dwelling where they will dwell with him forever. He promises a future reunion, not merely at the end of time, but at the mom...

Moral falls don't "just happen." As with Peter's fall, there are numerous warning signs along the way that are conveniently ignored. Peter's fall is recorded so we can learn from his example, and his rise and restoration is written for our encouragement.

Jesus clarifies that the Sixth Commandment, 'You shall not murder,' extends far beyond physical homicide to include unjustified anger, insulting language, and character defamation. He also states that true obedience involves actively pursuing reconciliation and restoration.

We can still "bring" our children to Jesus in the arms of prayer.

In Ps. 20 the people call upon God to save the king in the day of battle. In Ps. 21 the people return to God and thank him for saving the king and answering all his prayers.

On more than one occasion, Jesus told his disciples how they could be great in the kingdom of God. The answer given in the Sermon on the Mount is that greatness comes from teaching the Law of God to others and obeying it.