Garden Way Church Sermons

How should the local church function when it is sensing that the world around is unfriendly, harsh or even antagonistic towards the Christian faith?  With Biblical leaders, humble followers and a focus on better times ahead as we live in God's loving care!  (1 Peter 5:1-7)

In this text Peter gives us five reasons for God’s people to rejoice, even in the midst in suffering. (1 Peter 4:12-19)

In this text Peter teaches us to aim for big things by means of the smallest obedience. There are four specific duties that Peter calls Christ followers to -- in light of his significant goal of magnifying the glory of God in our midst. (1 Peter 4:7-11)

This section of text from 1 Peter reminds us that God will call us to be obedient to Him and sometimes it will lead to suffering. May we remember when that happens, that He is working out His purposes in our lives, and that we can actually find benefit in our suffering. (1 Peter 4:1-6)

In the midst of the twists and turns of life many of us know we are to be a blessing to those who mistreat us.  But what does that really look like?  And why is it so important that we do this?  In thus text Peter shares that our suffering may actually be the opportunity

This message addresses marriage, as well as other significant relationships in our life, and how our faith and standing as citizens of God’s kingdom should shape those relationships.  Specifically the theme is submission within these relationships. (1 Peter 3:1-7)

In this text Peter exhorts the believer – whether a citizen under an oppressive government or a slave under an oppressive master – toward Gospel-centered submission, in such a way that points our oppressors toward Jesus and brings glory to God's name. (1 Peter 2:13-25)

Nick and Lindale Adams have served in Zimbabwe for nearly 30 years with A to Z Christian Mission.  Their focus is on training up church leaders within local churches and teaching Bible classes in local public high schools.

Christians are called to be different... different in such a way that we make a difference in a world that is broken, rebellious and in decay.  What does it look like to be a faith community that is surrounded by those who are opposed to the things of God? (1 Peter 2:1-12)

God's people are empowered by God’s grace to represent Him as light in this dark and rebellious world, reflecting Grace Empowered Holiness.  Holiness is not a product of our works, it is a product of Gods’ grace in the lives of His children. (1 Peter 1:13-25)

Like the ancient believers that Peter encouraged to “hang in there,” we too experience hardships, trials and difficulties.  So we ask the question, “As people who have been given a new birth into a living hope, what can we expect as we endure these struggles?" (1 Peter 1:3-12)

Much like ancient Rome in the time of Peter, the world around us is wrecked by the effects of sin that lead to brokenness, despair, and death, but, as Christ followers, we take courage in the fact that this world is not our ultimate home. The letters of Peter speak a message of unity, hope,

A message focusing on the importance of removing the fences that keep us separate from each other as followers of Christ and members of the Family of God. (Hebrews 10:22-26)

For most American Christians—persecution is the exception and not the rule— so Jesus' words are a reality check. They are a reminder that this world is not our home.  And that, perhaps, we should be less focused on maintaining our rights and privileges, and more focused on praying for those around us who are enduring

Peace doesn't just happen; Kingdom citizens are called to make peace. Our focus is not on having a peaceful personality but on the action of peacemaking. The blessed ones are the children of God who reflect the peace of their heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:9)

Sincerity with God and others... Cleansing, not of our own deeds, but through the blood of Christ... Transformation, as we cooperate with His plan and purpose for us.  These are the keys to the blessed pure heart that will allow us to one day fully see God. (Matthew 5:8)

True mercy, received by the merciful, does not happen by chance or accident.  It is a certainty; a spiritual principle of The Kingdom of Christ, established by the one true God.  But, if we’re honest, we sometimes struggle with extending mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

Guest speaker Matt Shively shares an inspiring personal perspective on hungering & thirsting for spiritual truth while overcoming the difficulties this life often brings. (Matthew 5:6)

Kingdom citizens are called to be faithful and reliable, to live with strength under control, and in full acceptance of our LORD and His plans and purposes.  As we do, we will experience true blessedness... the divine joy and spiritual reality of our inheritance in God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 5:5)

Who wants to mourn?  I don't want to mourn; I want to be happy.  Strangely, Jesus says these two emotions are related.  How can that make sense?  In order to respond to what Jesus means here, we need to understand three truths about mourning. (Matthew 5:4)

Jesus teaches that, when it comes to the spiritual realm, the kingdom life -- it is better to have less than more.  In the economy of the Kingdom of Heaven... less is more. To those of us who have lived most of our lives in prosperity, this is strange math; and it was pretty strange

The Apostle Paul offers Christ followers a recipe for how we can live with extraordinary strength as we Protect Our Minds.  This mind protection begins from a position, a place, and a preference for living in peace. (Philippians 4:4-9)

Guest speaker and Missionary Zach Lewis gives an update on the Lewis family move to Africa to work with tribal refugee groups, and shares an important message regarding prayer as the believer's first and best resource, not a last resort!

Minister Rob Carney and Associate Minister Nan Girvin examine God's perfect Father Heart and examine how the relationships we all have with earthly Father figures can impact our understanding of our Heavenly Father. (Psalm 103:8-13)

Giving up “our way” is how we lose our mind-- in order to pursue the mind or attitude of Christ.  In this text we’ll see that The Mind of Christ is exhibited in three distinct virtues which we are called to pursue in our life.  (Philippians 2:5-9)