Christ Pres - Sermons

Scripture Reference: Acts 9:1-19 Much has been said, that doesn’t bear repeating, on the consistent anti-institutional bent of the present age. Talk of “the church” seems quaint to those who long for authenticity. But we believe in “the holy catholic church” which means that believing people find their primary identity in the collection of others who are so united to...

Scripture Reference: John 14:15-26 Some mystery surrounds the person and work of the Holy Spirit, for sure, but that doesn’t mean that He is due any less adoration and worship from God’s people than any other member of the Trinity. Today, we look at the doctrine of the Holy Spirit as THE active agent, the “mover shaker” of the Godhead. Sermon Points: The Importance of the S...

Scripture Reference: Romans 2:3-11 Tim Keller once said, “You’ve accepted Jesus as your savior, but have you accepted him as your judge?” The idea that Jesus will return and execute justice is very much a controversial, and complicated prospect for Christians to think about. But there’s good news in his returning to judge that we’ll look at in the Apostles Creed. Serm...

Scripture Reference: Acts 1:1-11

Scripture Reference: Mark 4:35-41 Sermon Points: It Raises Questions It Exposes Unbelief It Awakens Love

Scripture Reference: Genesis 11:1-9; 12:1-3 Sermon Points: Law of Babel (vv. 11:1-9) Gracious Call of Abram (vv. 12:1-3)

Scripture Reference: Luke 18:9-14 Sermon Points: The Problem of False Justification The Source of True Justification

Scripture Reference: Philippians 1:1-11 Because the Lord is at hand, and through the grace we have in Christ, we can see one another through a different lens than the worlds sees us. We can cultivate these three postures towards each other that our modeled for us here in Paul’s introduction to his letter to the Philippians.

Scripture Reference: Mark 1:40-45 Sermon Points: Our Need for Cleansing The One Who Cleanses Us

Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:16-20 By its nature, good news HAS to be told. We aren’t really enjoying the thing until we spread the news about it. Jesus’ death and resurrection are followed by a powerful commission from him to bring his Lordship to bear on every area of life, and he empowers us to do so by his nearness. Sermon Points: Empowering the Mission Directing the Mission Acc...

Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:62-28:15 Progressive commentators have said that it is unimportant whether or not Jesus actually rose from the dead. Nothing could be further from the truth. The facts surrounding the mountain of hard evidence for Jesus’ bodily resurrection not only establish its importance, but rescues human hope as well. Sermon Points: The Evidence The Verdict

Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:32-54 The most transformative events in our lives are when victory is snatched from the jaws of defeat. The Cross of Jesus is a profoundly ironic twist of fate that has changed the hearts of Jesus’ followers since the day he “yielded up his spirit” and died. “Why?” will be our question this morning. Sermon Points: The Ironic Antagonism...

Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:1-2, 11-26 The hero, Jesus, is accused of treason. Amidst the trial, we see interactions between the hero, Pontius Pilate, a criminal named Barabbas, and the crowds. All of these interactions reveal the character Jesus and the way He will save and restore. Our hero will be a suffering servant, healing the world by taking what He does not deserve. Sermon Points: The...

Scripture Reference: Matthew 26:30-46 In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experiences a powerful and puzzling emotional breakdown. There on the Garden floor he cries out with a passion that shows exactly what it cost him to love his people the way in which the Cross would ask him to do. Sermon Points: Pain in the Cup Pain from his Friends

Scripture Reference: Matthew 26:17-29 What a strange scene with Jesus sitting with his disciples (including his betrayer) and having a meal to commemorate what was about to him on the Cross. Why would he do that and what that means for how WE take Communion in our day is our topic this morning. Sermon Points: Passover Past Passover Present Passover Future

Scripture Reference: Mark 10:35-52 Sermon Points: The Blind Ones (vv. 35-45) The Seeing One (vv. 46-52)

Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:31-46 In the last public teaching before his arrest and crucifixion, our hero Jesus tells the audience about the judgment to come. It’s a sobering passage, but it reveals Jesus love for this world and how committed He is to rid this world of everything poisonous. Jesus is the judge who sees all, is opposed to all evil and amazingly receives every act of genero...

Scripture Reference: Matthew 22:23-33 Jesus’ confrontation with the Sadducees unveils the flaws in the materialists worldview. Denying the resurrection not only makes us theologically in error, but we rob ourselves of the joy it takes to thrive in a world full of unfulfilled longings and death. Sermon Points: The Problem with the Materialist The Correction of Jesus

 Scripture Reference: Matthew 21:1-11, 14-16 Our hero enters Jerusalem in a way that reveals very clearly his claims about himself and therefore stirs up quite a bit of energy. Jesus’ parade into town on what is now known as “Palm Sunday” is boldly proclaiming Himself as King. However, this King’s carrier is a common donkey. Combine these two facts, and Jesus is revealing j...

Scripture Reference: Matthew 24:1-35 Human beings have an insatiable desire to know the future. It’s the only way in which we can have hope. Well, Jesus has pronounced some serious judgement on the Jewish temple. So when will this happen and what can we expect from our future? Sermon Points: The Temple Will Fall The Son of Man Will Come Jesus’ Followers Will Be Ready

Scripture Reference: John 13:1-20 Sermon Points: Washed by Christ for Acceptance Washed by Christ for Service

Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 47:1-12

Scripture Reference: Matthew 20:1-19 Our hero teaches another parable displaying the kind of kingdom he is bringing into this world. That kingdom is one of sheer grace! Grace is disturbing in a world that functions according to merit, but holds out tremendous hope. Sermon Points: The Allergy The Antidote

Scripture Reference: Matthew 21:33-46 Jesus enters Jerusalem virtually daring the religious establishment to oppose him. It’s almost as if he wants to die at their hands. (!) But he shows them through this parable that they lack the singular attribute that must be persistent in each of Jesus’ followers soul: repentance. Sermon Points: The Challenge of Identity The Challenge of Pride Th...

Scripture Reference: Matthew 19:13-30 Our hero, Jesus, has an interaction with a man who by the worlds standards has it all, and the result of the conversation leaves everyone perplexed. The man and the hearers of this passage are confronted with a sobering question, is Jesus worth letting go of all my other treasures…is He worth it? He is, but there must be something about riches that make...