Creekside Sermons

Does God promise parents that if we raise our children properly, they will grow up to be God-fearing adults? How do we respond to those whose experiences do not match that expectation? Proverbs 22:6 is one of the most commonly quoted verses about parenting. We will examine its meaning and how to apply it properly.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says that if God's people will humble themselves, pray, and stop disobeying Him, then He heal their nation and bless it. Does this promise apply to the United States? Does it apply to the church in the United States? As we continue our (Mis)Understood series, we will examine whether God has promised to respond to our prayers by giving us material prosperity and national revival.

Do not judge is one of the most widely quoted phrases in the entire Bible. But does it mean what we think it means? Is it ever acceptable to judge people? If so, when, and for what? As we begin our (Mis)Understood series, we will shed some light on this widely misinterpreted verse.

Living in authentic community within the local church makes us more like Christ and marks us as Christ followers to the world.

Living in authentic community within the local church makes us more like Christ and marks us as Christ followers to the world.

The world often feels chaotic and out of control. We long for a leader who will fix our problems and give us hope for the future. Jesus came, in fulfillment of God's promises, to be that leader. He is the perfect King, who will overturn the curse of sin and death and establish God's kingdom forever.

As we sing Christmas carols, exchange gifts, and gather with our families, it's easy to lose sight of the power of the first Christmas. Christmas is a story of God's Son entering our world and becoming a Man. It's a powerful reminder that God loves us, God understands us, and God is saving us.

Our relationship with money is a reflection of our relationship with God. When we are worried and anxious about money, or when we hoard it greedily, we demonstrate a lack of trust in God's provision. But when we are content, we are free from money's control over our lives. And contentment leads us toward generosity, which has great benefits, both now and for eternity.

Christ follower's lives should be characterized by constant joy, yet our lives don't seem to be marked by a perpetual unfading joy, but rather fear, worry, and anxiety. In Philippians 4:4-9, Paul will give the antidote to anxiety, how the Church can practically overcome her worry.

Unresolved conflict threatens the unity and the mission of the church. Reconciliation is difficult, but necessary, if we are to fulfill our mission as representatives of Jesus Christ. But how can we resolve conflict in a way that is honoring to Jesus?

The world we live in is full of darkness. Many people live like they are God's enemies, and even Christians can be swept up in the darkness and sin of the world. But we are citizens of God's kingdom. How can we remain focused on the things of heaven when we are surrounded and tempted by the things of earth?

Paul encourages the church of Philippi to keep their eye on the prize and helps them continue towards the goal of knowing Jesus.

There is no way to be good enough to earn God's approval. God does not accept us on the basis of our works, but only on the basis of our relationship with Jesus. The spiritual life is a matter of trusting the grace of God through Jesus Christ, from beginning to end.

Is your life worthy of imitation? Do you reflect the character of Jesus Christ and lead others to follow Him more closely? Timothy and Epaphroditus understood that their lives were meant to be Christ-like examples for others to follow. Will we also seek to lead lives that reflect Jesus Christ and are worthy of being imitated?

When we understand and believe the gospel, it motivates us to respond in gratitude. Once we know Jesus, we are called spend the rest of our lives learning how to be more like Him. As a result, our thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions will change as we increasingly reflect our Savior.

We are all selfish sometimes. We fight for our own rights, and we pursue what makes us happy at the expense of other people. As followers of Jesus, though, we are called to surrender our rights for the sake of the gospel. We are commanded to have the attitude of Jesus, who surrendered His rights for the sake of God's glory and our salvation.

Believers public expression of their faith must be grounded in the gospel.

How do you respond when your circumstances are not what you hoped for? Do you lose your sense of joy and purpose in life? In the face of hardship, will we grow bitter, or will we focus on what God is doing through us? As we study Philippians 1:19-26, we see that what happens TO us is less important than what God is doing THROUGH us.

How would you feel if you were on a team that couldn't lose? You would be bold and fearless, willing to take risks, because you would know that the outcome was certain. For those who know Jesus Christ, we know that we are on God's winning team. No opposition or sin can stop the progress of the gospel. Nothing in the universe can thwart God's plan to bring men and women to know Him. As a result, we...

Often our prayers are rooted in fear or selfishness. But when Paul prayed for the Philippian church, he prayed for something surprising: that they would grow in love. He understood that when are full of God's love, we will have a deeper understanding of who God is, and what He wants for us. As a result, we will become more and more righteous, living lives that are pleasing to Him. Will we pray thi...

When you hear the phrase, "the good life," what comes to mind? We chase after the good life, but we often find ourselves lonely and unfulfilled. But when we pour our lives out for the gospel, we can find the meaning and the community we are longing for. Will we agree with God's definition of the good life, and pursue it according to His design?

The book of Philippians challenges us to pour out our lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Compared to His glory and grace, our small desires, self-righteous works, and earthly loyalties are of very little value.

We are called to help people find and follow Jesus. That sounds like a daunting task! After all, we often feel inadequate and ill-prepared. But God has promised to be with us as we share the good news of the gospel. He designed the mission, He chose us as His messengers, and He goes ahead of us to pave the way. Will we be faithful and obedient to His call?

We all face the temptation to be lazy worshipers, to give God half-hearted or begrudging offerings rather than the best we have to offer. But worship is a wonderful privilege, intended to be a joyful response to God's generosity and love toward us. How can we arrange our lives so that they are full of joyful and whole-hearted worship?

God has designed us to find significance and value in Him alone. When we attempt to draw identity from anything else we will be driven to discouragement, but even then hope can be found.