Expository Insights with Pastor Lyle Wahl

Wisdom - True or False? Sermon #7 in a series on the book of James Theme: True wisdom leads to peaceful, righteous living. The challenge and test of true wisdom. You can and should have true wisdom. (13; see also 1:5) True wisdom is demonstrated in daily life. (13b) The portrait of false wisdom. The telling signs. (14, 16a) The true character. (15) The tragic results. (16b) The portrait of true wi...

Tongue Control, #6 in a series in James, 3:1-12 Theme: Controlled speech is an essential indicator of spiritual maturity. The challenge of controlling your speech. Based in its untamed and untamable nature. (7-8; see also Matthew 12:34-35; 15:18-19; Jeremiah 17:9) Seen in its inconsistent and contradictory nature. (9-12) The damage from not controlling your speech. The small thing boasts of great...

Saving Faith Works , #5 in a series in the book of James James 2:14-26 Theme: A saving faith is a working faith. The problem—faulty faith. Identifying the central issue. (14) Illustrating the central issue. (14-17, 20, 26) The solution—saving faith. It is more than belief . (19-25; see also Matthew 8:28) It is made visible by works. (18-26; see also Genesis 15:1-20; 22:1-19) It is completed by wor...

Sermon #4 in a series on the book of James Theme: A living faith replaces partiality with love. The total rejection of partiality . The clear statement. (1; see also Deuteronomy 1:16-17; 10:17; Romans 2:11) The clear example. (2-4; see also Ephesians 4:1-3) The tragic results of partiality. Become evil-motivated judges of others. (4; see also Romans 14:1-23; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Galatians 5:14-15...

Christmas Eve The conclusion of the Advent Series, Jesus Is . . . Earlier episodes were Jesus is . . . The Breath of Life The Remarkable Redeemer The Wonder of Wonders The Light of the World And now, Jesus is the Glory of Christmas

Sermon #4 in Advent Series, Jesus Is . . . The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin. Darkness and creation. (Genesis 1:2-5; cf. Isaiah 45:7; Jeremiah 31:35; 2 Corinthians 4:6) Darkness and fallen creation. (Isaiah 5:20; 16:11; Romans 3:10; 6:17; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:14; Ephesians 2:1; 5:8; Colossians 1:13; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 20:11-15) The light of the world is Jesus. Jesus is the Ligh...

The third message in the Advent series, "Jesus Is . . . " The testimony of people who saw and heard Jesus. Some examples. (Matthew 1:18-25; 7:28-29; 8:27; 9:33; 13:54-58; 19:25; 22:22; 27:14, 54; Mark 1:27; 6:51; 15:5, 39; Luke 1:26-38, 42-43; 2:19, 33; 4:32; 9:32; 20:26) What amazed them. (Matthew 8:27; 12:23; 13:54; Mark 2:1-12; 6:2; 9:8, 15; John 7:15) The facts of who Jesus is and wh...

Second Sunday of Advent Remarkable Redeemer Jesus is the Redeemer The basic idea of redemption. (Psalm 51:5; John 8:34; Romans 3:20, 23; 5:12 f.) God, the Redeemer, provides redemption. (Psalm 19:14; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 10:45; Luke 1:68-69; 2:29-32; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 5:19) Jesus redeems us from… Sin. (Romans 3:24 with 6:7, 14; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 2:15) Being under the Law and it...

Sermon #1 in 2025 Advent Series Jesus is the Breath of Life. The fact. (John 1:4; 5:21, 26; 14:6) Exploring the fact. (Genesis 21:33; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; John 8:57-58; 1 Timothy 6:16; Revelation 1:8; 22:13) Jesus gives the Breath of Life. He spoke creation into being. (Genesis 1:1, 3, 6, 9, etc.; John 1:1-3, 10; 8:57-58; 1 Corinthians 8:6, Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 1:8; 22:13) He s...

God's Word - A Matter of Life and Breath Theme: God's Word energizes your life. A picture of worthless faith. Self-deception of knowing without doing. (19-22, 26) Carelessness of seeing without remembering. (23-24) A picture of Word-energized faith. Receiving God’s Word humbly. (21) Studying God’s Word intently. (25) Living God’s Word effectively. (19-22, 25, 27)

Life in the Torture Chamber of Temptations James 1:13-18; 1 Corinthians 10:13 God’s perspective for our temptations. Watch out for self-deception. (13, 16-18) Recognize the primary factor in the desire to sin. (14) Be fully aware of the process for sin. (14-15) God’s provision for our temptations. 1 Corinthians 10:13 God will never allow you to experience anything you cannot move through with him,...

Life in the Pressure Cooker of Trials When trials put the pressure on… What you need to know. Testing of faith produces endurance. (3; see also Romans 5:3-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7) Endurance is essential to maturity. (4; see also Romans 5:3-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7) Perseverance will be rewarded. (12; see also Matthew 6:19-21; Romans 5:3-4; Colossians 3:1; 1 Peter 1:6-7) What you need to do. Adopt the right attit...

The End of the Beginning Exodus 35:1–40:38 Four Principles for Living and Working with God: God gifts His people for serving Him. The people of Israel building the Tabernacle. (35:30–36:2; see also 31:1-6) The people of the church. (Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; see also Ephesians 1:19; 3:7, 20-21; 4:7-16; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29; 1 Peter 4:10-11) God’s people are to obey Him com...

Revelations from Rebellion Exodus 32:1 -34:5 A Stark Contrast. The people quickly deserting God. (32:1-10; see also Galatians 1:6-9) Moses steadfastly holding to God. (32:11-35; 33:7-23; 34:9, 29-32) A Solid Constant. God being faithful to His promises. (32:10, 27-28, 35; see also Genesis 8:22; 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5; Leviticus 26:14-33; Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Malachi 3:6; 2 Timothy 2:13; James 1:17) G...

Sermon #18 in a series on the book of Exodus Worshiping Immanuel The Tabernacle’s Importance. To Israel. (25:1-2, 8-9, 21-22, 40; 26:30; 29:45-46; see also 26:9; 27:21; 39:22; Numbers 9:15; 1 Kings 8:27; Hebrews 8:1-5; 9:11-12) In Scripture. The Tabernacle’s Design. Materials. (25:1-9) Elements. (25:10–27:21; 30:1-10, 17-38; see also Leviticus 24:4; John 1:29; 8:12; 10:9; 14:6; Romans 8:34; 2 Cori...

Thanksgiving 2025 Let Us Give Thanks Give thanks to God because He cares for our hurts and pains. A few examples of our hurts and pains. (2, 3, 6) God’s care for our hurts and pains. (2-6) Give thanks to God because He supplies our physical needs. A few examples of our physical needs. (8-9, 13-18) God’s care for our physical needs. (8-9, 13-18) Give thanks to God because He meets our spiritual nee...

Sermon #17 in a Series on Exodus Exodus 20:22 - 24:17 The Law God’s Law for Israel. The foundation and function. (20:1-17, 20; see also Genesis 2:16-17; 15:6; Leviticus 19:2, 19, 27-28; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 4:3) The features. (20:22–23:33) God’s Law for Us. 1. Stating some relevant truths: • law and grace. (Exodus 34:6; Leviticus 19:2; Deuteronomy 32:4; John 14:34; Romans 3:4, 31; 5:1-2; 6:15; 1...

Sermon #16 in a series on the book of Exodus Positive Negatives Commandments six through ten. #6: You shall not murder. (13; see also 21:12-14; Genesis 4:3-15; 9:6; Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15) #7: You shall not commit adultery.(14; see also Genesis 2:24; Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22; Matthew 5:27-28; 15:19; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 10:5) #8: You shall not steal. (15; see also 22:...

Remember and Honor #15 in a series on the book of Exodus, 12:8-12. Remember the Sabbath. The basic nuts and bolts. (8-11; see also 16:5, 22-30; 23:12; 31:12-17; Genesis 2:1-3 Leviticus 16:31; 23:3, 32; Deuteronomy 5:12-15) The implications for Israel. (10; see also 31:14-15; 35:2-3; Numbers 15:30-36; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Isaiah 58:13-14; Jeremiah 17:19-27; Ezekiel 20:10-26; Luke 23:56 - 24:1) The im...

Putting God First # 14 in a series on the book of Exodus Theme: Putting God first means giving Him exclusive supremacy. No other Gods. Clearing up the language. (3) Exploring the implications. (3; see also Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 6:19-24; 22:36-38) No idols. What idols? (4; see also 25:18-20; 32:1-10; Deuteronomy 4:15-16) Why no idols? (4-5) Results of our response to this commandment. (5-6; see...

Sermon #13 in a series on the book of Exodus. Exodus 19:1-25 Getting our bearings. 1. An overview of the events. (1-25) 2. What’s going on here? a. God’s premise. (3-6, 9-13, 20-24; see also Deuteronomy 4:31-33; 32:9-11; Psalm 115:3; 135:6) b. God’s promises. (5-6; see also Deuteronomy 7:6) c. God’s conditions. (5) Gleaning truth for ourselves. 1. God chooses, saves by His sovereign grace. (Deuter...

Leadership 101 Sermon #12 in a series on the Book of Exodus Exodus 18:1-27 A textbook example of the need for good, godly leadership. A family reunion enjoyed. (1-12, 27) A leadership problem exposed. (13-18) A textbook example of good, godly leadership. Some personal qualities. (Fear God; able; truthful; hate dishonest gain; respectful and humble; Take interest in and praise God for what He is do...

Forever Faithful, #11 in a series on the book of Exodus Theme: God is forever faithful for His glory and our good. Faithful when we are not. To Israel when they grumbled and quarreled with God. (15:22-27; 16:1-36; 17:1-7; see also Psalm 78:14-33; 105:40; 106:6-15; 1 Corinthians 10:3-4, 10) To us when we complain and grumble. (Romans 2:4; 6:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:10; 2 Timothy 2:13; James 5:9; 1 Joh...

God Will Make A Way #10 in a series in the book of Exodus God made a way for Israel. Their impossible situation. (14:1-2, 4, 5-9; see also 13:21-22) Their reactions. (14:10-12) God’s provision. (14:13-30; 15:1, 4-5, 8, 10, 12, 19, 21) Their response. (14:31; 15:1-21) God will make a way for you. Your impossible situations. Your reactions. God’s provision. (see John 1:12; 3:16; Romans 10:9; Colossi...

Sermon #9 in a series on the book of Exodus Free at Last! Remember And Live In… Your deliverance by God. God’s promise of deliverance. (3:8-10, 16-18; 6:1, 6-8; see also Genesis 3:15; 15:13-14; Isaiah 52:13–53:12; John 8:36; 10:10) God’s action of deliverance.(3:1 ff; chapters 5–12; 13:3, 9, 14, 16; see also Psalm 8:3 and Isaiah 52:10; Acts 2:24; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 1:19-23)...