Carlton Landing Community Church Sermons

What is worship? Jesus talks about it in terms of treasure. In the Old Testament, Moses warns against turning to idols. In this passage, God teaches us how to worship and what he requires. Our whole-hearted worship of God is unifying, acceptable, and sacrificial. 

When the people of Israel stood at the age of the Promised Land, Moses reflected on all God had taught them over their 40 years in the wilderness. God had been like a school teacher, molding and shaping them for life in the land. Through this passage, we can see how God teaches us, disciples us, and humbles us to live for him.

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses gives the people his parting words. These four sermons remind them of all that God has done and challenge them to live as the people of God in the Promised Land. Here, in the most famous of all Old Testament texts, the Shema, Moses reminds the people to know, love, obey, and remember their God.

How do we hear the voice of God? In this Psalm, David teaches us to look at the word of God in the world, in his word, but then turns the tables and invites us to allow the Word to look at us. When we do, we come to know God fully and more deeply. Preacher: Chris O'Neal

Among the worship Psalms, something unique happens in Psalm 95. David begins by calling the people to worship, but in the middle, he begins to challenge the people, saying, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." How do we respond when we hear God's voice? How do we avoid the hardness of heart this psalm describes?

In the Psalms, we learn where to take our troubles. These ancient hymns of Israel are a school for our emotions and inner life. In these two Psalms, the author shows us how to deal with our souls when we feel downcast, far from God, and desperate for his presence. Three times, the Psalmist speaks to his own soul and faith begins to rise up out of despair.

Over and over, the Bible invites us to praise God. We do that through worshipping him, singing, surrendering, serving, and above all, finding our gladness in him. Psalm 100 lays out a template to teach us to praise God. 

How did Moses pray? Preserved in the Psalms, we have a prayer from Moses for the people of Israel. In this Psalm, we see the power of raising our esteem of God, so that we can gain a heart of wisdom.

The opening psalm is a gateway to the book. It describes the blessed life, someone who delights in God's Word and instruction. Then it gives a picture of the blessed life, like a tree, rooted and grounded, yielding fruit, and steadfast forever.

Saul started as a great king, but disobedience was his downfall. We can learn a lot about the root of disobedience, self-reliance, and how to trust God in difficult times through his story.    Preacher: Chris O'Neal

To wrap everything up, Paul gives the church one short piece of advice: continue in prayer. In the final chapter, Paul commands them to pray, provides a prayer request, and offers an example of how to pray. It's a fitting end to this powerful letter.

The engine of growth in the Christian life is the Word. Paul says to let the Word make a home in you, dwelling on it, and meditating on it. It's easy to say, but how do we do this in everyday life? As we continue to grow in the Lord, we experience the gratitude that only God can give. 

When we come to Christ, our life completely changes. Paul talks about it like putting on a new set of clothes, and on top of everything else, we put on love. How could this not change the way we live as families? In this passage, Paul talks about the Christian family and the opportunities we have to be a witness to the world by how we love each other at home. 

How do we change? God promises that through Jesus Christ we will be transformed, but how does he do it? In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul shows us how we change. Because of our new home in heaven, our new life in Christ, and the new love in our hearts, God slowly transforms us to look like Jesus. 

After a short time, false teachers came into Colossae, adding to what Jesus had already done. In Paul's rebuke of the false teachers, we see some timeless principles for living out the freedom we have in Christ.

One of the oldest errors in the church is to add to the work of Jesus. In this section of the letter, Paul turns his attention to addressing the false teaching affecting the Colossians. Paul's reminder for them is true for us, Jesus paid it all. Nothing we add will ever improve the work of Christ.

What is faith? In the Bible, faith is more than just believing something to be true; it's trusting. Abraham is the great exemplar of faith in the Bible, and he has a lot to teach us about how to trust in the promises of God.

How can Paul say, "I rejoice in my suffering?" His perspective is as necessary now as it was then. Part of maturity comes through seeing our suffering as an opportunity to grow. By drawing near to God, even our suffering can be used for God's glory and our good.

More than anything else, the church in Colossae needed a picture of Jesus. In one of the most beautiful passages in the New Testament, Paul reminds them of the power, majesty, and glory of Jesus. Because he is supreme over all things, he is sufficient for all our needs.

Colossae was not a prominent town, but it had a healthy church. Paul praised them for their faith, hope, and love, cornerstones of the Christian life. In these opening lines, we find the central components of following Jesus Christ.

When the spies came into Jericho and knocked at her door, Rahab had a choice. Should she trust in everything she knew and the powerful people in her town, or this unknown God of Israel? Rahab had heard of God's might and his character, and when she trusted him, her life changed forever. A crimson cord marked her house safe from destruction, a sign of the coming savior who would be in her bloodline...

Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead, but that's not all. After 40 days, Jesus ascended into heaven. Though we don't talk about it as much, the ascension is an essential piece of Jesus' ministry and our faith. In it, we see Jesus exalted to the right hand of the Father, present by his Spirit, and empowering his people to build his Kingdom on Earth. 

Jesus joins two travelers on Easter afternoon. As they talk about the Messiah, Jesus walks through the Bible showing them how all of the Scriptures point to him. It's a reminder to us of where Jesus can be found. Then, when they arrive for dinner, Jesus joins them, and their eyes are opened to see Jesus across the table. This story gives us confidence today that we can find him in his Word and aro...

Most of us have trouble asking for help, especially in our spiritual life. In Psalm 121, the author provides a vivid picture of seeking God for our needs. He encourages us to turn to God by showing us who helps us, how He helps, and when we can depend on Him. In the end, we see a loving God ready to meet our needs and preserve us for eternity.   Preacher: Chris O'Neal

On Easter morning, the world changed forever. When Jesus rose from the dead, things would never be the same. We celebrate his resurrection, but we also celebrate the new life we can live in him. We have life in his name, faith in his finished work, and we can be forgiven, accepted, and restored to the family of God.