Covenant Naples

We all make promises, but how many of us can say we always keep them? What we will find out is there is often a gap in what we promise and what we actually do. The parable of the two sons teach us that our belief should result in obedience, not out of duty but because we are loved. Outline I. Context II. The Two Sons III. A warning to those who proclaim but never act IV. Comfort in an unlikely exa...

Nobody likes a participation trophy. Why? Because it diminishes success and elevates failure. This week we look at the “Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard.” We come face to face with our desire to earn God’s favor versus his generous heart to give graciously. Outline I. Setup II. The Heart of Man III. The Heart of God Questions 1. What are your feelings about participation trophies? Examine w...

In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant Jesus shows how great a debt we have been forgiven and how the forgiveness that we have received will serve as motivation to forgive others. This does not mean that forgiveness is easy. The pathway to forgiveness is a bloodstained and complicated journey but it will become part of the spiritual life of the Christian when we begin to grasp just how much God...

The parable of the lost sheep describes the bountiful mercy of God, who sent his Son on a rescue mission to save the lost and unworthy. This mercy is scandalous to the self-righteous, but good news to those who receive it with child-like faith. I. We must guard our hearts against the destructive pride that can result from the pursuit of a more ‘sophisticated’ grasp of the Christian faith. II. Ther...

The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven offer important insights into the nature of the growth of the kingdom of heaven. If we have ears to hear, these insights offer the believer not only hope, but principles for faithful service to that kingdom. I. The mustard seed principle offers reassurance and hope to those who have faith in Christ. II. The leaven principle reminds us of the increasi...

In the parable of the Sower, Jesus reveals the different types of responses that people have to the Gospel and invites listeners to consider the condition of their heart to receive and believe the message. The good soil is not manifested by pious words or behavior modification; rather, the evidence of a receptive heart is kingdom fruitfulness. Outline: I. Four kinds of heart: 1. The hardened heart...

As we embark on our summer series going through the parables of Jesus, we are confronted with many values that are hard to grasp for both those inside and outside the church. In fact, we see the kingdom of heaven valuing the exact opposite of what the world values. Come join us as we begin this journey together where we will experience the spiritual abudnace of the Lord through his word. I. Parabl...

Mark Twain wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out.” What is your why? Why were you born? Why are you on this earth? Most people drift aimlessly on seas of uncertainty, oarless, rudderless, without map, compass, or a port to call home. Our ancestors navigated by fixed stars, but too many folks today chase after the lights of passing ships....

When you look at your life in light of God’s Word, does it reflect the reality of the transformation Christ has done in you? Do you still see many aspects of your life before Christ intermixed with some changed elements? Join us to discover more about standing firm in our new identity in Christ. Sermon Outline: I. Because we are new creations in Christ, we must no longer live like we used to do. i...

The church is comprised of many disparate parts and yet called to function together as one body. When each member does its part, we grow up into the fullness of what God is creating us to be. What is your part? Sermon outline: I. The Gift Giver II. The Gifts He Gives III. The Goal of the Gifts Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. What stuck out to you most from the sermon about the variety of spiritual...

The Lord has brought each one of us into this fellowship from a different place and background: we’re different ages, we speak different languages, we have a variety of theological and political views, and we often have our own ideas of how things should be done. Occasionally these issues erupt because living in unity with other sinful people is difficult. But if the gospel is true, and it is, the...

How would your life be different if you could comprehend the power of God and the love of God for you? Join us to find out! Sermon Outline: I. Strengthened for Indwelling II. Strengthened for Comprehension III. Strengthened for God’s Glory Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. It can be difficult for some of us to receive love, even God's love. Why do you think that is? What fears or hesitations might s...

The Gospel of Luke begins and ends with worship reflecting the “great joy” that entered the world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This great joy, distinct from mere happiness, becomes accessible to us when we receive the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. Sermon Outline: I. The source material of great joy are the things of Jesus. II. Great joy marvels at the work of Jesus. III. Gr...

The effectiveness of Jesus’ death on the cross only stands if Jesus was raised from the dead. The eyewitnesses say he is risen. But are they credible witnesses? Join us to see how their initial response of unbelief provides more support for our belief. Sermon Outline: I. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was unexpected, even though it had been predicted. II. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not...

It’s not news that many Americans have left and are leaving the church. Some of them even have pretty good reasons. So why should we stand firm in the church? Join us to find out. Sermon Outline: I. The Mystery of the Church II. The Message of the Church III. The Mediator of the Church Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Americans are leaving the church in large numbers these days for various reasons...

Over and over in scripture we see God bring his people safely through frightening ordeals. But rather than bringing them into a life of comfort and complacency, the people frequently seem to land somewhere far outside their comfort zone, with a mission to claim the victory God has already guaranteed. This dynamic continues in our lives and churches today. God gives the church the sacrament of bapt...

When the enemy is crouching at your door, who do you turn to and how do you win the battle? God had a very interesting “battle” plan for his people that included a really loud choir. In this passage we will see what utter dependence on God looks like in the middle of the battle as he has the victory. Outline: 1. The Context 2. The Peril 3. The Prayer 4. The Praise Sermon Questions: 1. Read Ephesia...

Dividing walls sometimes exist among God’s people. In this week’s passage, Paul addresses the original dividing wall separating Jewish and Gentile believers. He shows us that because Christ’s reconciling work on the cross has broken down every dividing wall between Christians, we must live as one people reconciled to God and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Sermon Outline: I. The Way We Were II. The Wa...

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace received with the empty hands of faith which results in a life devoted to doing good. Join us to discover the amazing grace of God revealed in these verses. Sermon Outline: I. How Are We Saved? II. Who Saves Us? III. For What Purpose Are We Saved? Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think it was essential for our salvation to be based on God’s grace rather...

Paul tells us in this passage that we were dead in our sin and floating down the stream of our sinful desires carried along by the power of Satan himself. What is a more hopeless situation than being dead? But this passage also contains the best news: Though we were dead in sin, God in His great mercy and love made us alive in Christ, raised us up with Him, and seated us securely with Him in the h...

On account of sin, the eyes of our hearts have become cloudy and we no longer see or know as we ought to see and know. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God opens our spiritual eyes to fully grasp the hope we have in Christ, our value to God, and the immeasurable greatness of His power for us as His church. Sermon Outline: I. How We Can Know II. What We Should Know III. Why We Must Know Sermon...

The Acts 8 episode of Philip and the Ethiopian official is the story of a divine appointment. It was not by chance that they met on the Gaza road – God arranged the encounter. While this is an extraordinary event, it is not unprecedented. God is even today in the business of arranging divine appointments – for those who are qualified, prepared, and willing to answer them. I. Philip was both qualif...

As we journey through life, we experience times of flourishing and struggle. We notice times when we're growing in our faith and other times where we seem to be going backwards, times when God feels closer than our breath an other times where he seems altogether absent. We may wonder how this is going to end. This passage reminds us that God's plan for the universe is not in doubt, and neither is...