Maranatha Baptist Church Sermon Podcast

What is my life purpose? Through our new series in the book of Romans, we will see how the gospel answers that question. The gospel not only saves us, but it also shapes our lives. The gospel comes with a "calling." The Book of Romans opens with the man, Paul, who had a clear sense of his calling. As he explains his calling, he also shows that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings a "calling" with it.

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Our culture is full of financial questions and solutions! As one of the wealthiest societies in history, everyone wants to know what to do with their money. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 answers those questions. It’s God's financial plan for the wealthy. These verses instruct us on how to live a life that reflects the heart of the wealthiest One of all - God. What does He do with His wealth? He gives.

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When starting a new hobby there is often some technique that must be learned to become proficient. But what about the church? Have you considered, as a member of the body of Christ, what your roles and expectations might be, or what methods and techniques there are to promote the health of the church? In Titus 1:5-9 Paul shares with Titus some ways he must invest in the health of the church.

Download a copy of the class note here.

Download a copy of the class notes here.

Download a copy of the class notes here.

What does it mean to be blessed? Is it when circumstances go well? Is it when we have an abundance? In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, the Apostle Paul explains the many blessings God has built into the act of generosity. Jesus' words ring true: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). As we think about giving, we should give as those who the Giver has blessed.

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As we budget for the new year, we assure ourselves that we will be more careful this year. Giving is difficult! We know we are supposed to be generous people, but we don't always feel generous! But God, The Giver, is the source of all generosity. As Paul encourages the Corinthians to be generous, he emphasizes the generous grace of God, so they can learn giving that is compelled by the giver.

It's hard to put into words the feelings of anxiety. Isaiah 8:22 describes it well: "they will look to the earth and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness." But he tells them that their trouble will turn to peace, their gloom will turn to joy, and their darkness will turn to light. Why? Because the Prince of Peace is coming, and He brings peace forever.

Download a copy of the class notes here.

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The Christmas season can be a source of strain on relationships - even in the church! We must remember that peace doesn't come from a holiday, or from warm fuzzy feelings. Jesus Himself is our peace in the church.

Download a copy of the class notes here.

download a copy of the class notes here.

Finding peace begins by finding the source of peace: God. Peace will always be elusive if we don't have peace with God. The opportunity for peace with God arrived on earth a couple thousand years ago at Jesus' birth, when the angels rejoiced, "Peace on earth, goodwill toward mankind." Jesus, the Prince of Peace, had arrived on earth, and it's only through Him that we can find peace with God.

Download a copy of the Class notes here.

Download a copy of the class notes here.

Have you ever received a generous gift? “Wow thank you so much how could I ever repay you?” or “I am in your debt”. This is exactly how we should be responding to the greatest gift of grace and life given to us by God through Jesus. When we understand who God is, we should be compelled to respond with “Here is my life, how can I use it to bring honor and glory to God my Redeemer?”.

download a copy of the class notes here.

download of copy of the class notes here.

Were you ever put in timeout as a child? In Ezra 1-2, the people of Israel are coming off a 70-year “timeout” in Babylon. Because of their unrepentant sin, God sent Israel into captivity for 70 years. Yet, they did not remain in Babylon forever. God had promised to, “visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place (Jer. 29:10).”