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Scripture References: Numbers 13-14; Numbers 27; Hebrews 10:35-39; Hebrews 11:1, 13; Malachi 4:5-6; Jude 1:24-25 Intro: Starts with a prophetic sense of an "uptick" in the Spirit's work – healing, deliverance, miracles multiplying like ripples from a water drop. A call for the church to say "yes" to this move. This connects to our role explored through the Book of Numbers,...

Scripture References: Matthew 2; Micah 5:2; Hosea 11:1; Jeremiah 31:15; Isaiah 60 Intro: (Includes Advent candle lighting & testimony from Howard family). Welcome to this sermon focusing on Matthew chapter 2. While the Wise Men are beloved figures, this narrative powerfully contrasts two kings—the paranoid earthly ruler Herod and the newborn, promised King Jesus—and reveals different ways peop...

Scripture References: Matthew 1:18-25; Genesis 28:10-17; John 1:14, 51; Luke 2:8-20 Intro: Welcome to this Advent sermon. As we light the Shepherd's Candle for Joy (Luke 2:8-20), remember true joy isn't manufactured, but flows from the Good News of salvation. Today, focusing on Matthew 1:18-25, we explore the profound arrival of Emmanuel – "God with us." Key Points: A Birth Lik...

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17 (Advent Reading: Luke 2:1-7) Intro: Welcome to the second week of Advent. We light the Bethlehem candle, remembering Jesus came to make His home with us and bring peace. Our text today, Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, might seem like just a list of names, but it's foundational. It grounds the Christmas story in real history, reveals God's faithfulness to His...

Scripture References: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; Isaiah 61:1-4; Luke 4:16-21; John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 15:4; Nehemiah 8:9-10. Intro: Advent, meaning arrival, is a time to reflect on Jesus' first coming and anticipate His second. The prophecy candle reminds us of God's ancient promises of hope fulfilled in Christ. We, Anthony and Lauren, a newly married couple, share our...

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42 Intro: We're in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines life in His kingdom. Today's text tackles responding to wrongs: "You have heard... 'An eye for an eye'... But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil..." This command to turn the other cheek feels counterintuitive, even weak, in a world rife with conflict. Does Jesus want...

Scripture References: Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:3-10; Genesis 1-2; Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Jeremiah 31:31-34 Intro: Welcome to this sermon addressing Jesus' teachings on divorce and remarriage from Matthew 5 & 19. This follows challenging topics on anger and lust. We approach this sensitive subject recognizing its complexity and the varying views held historically within the church, seeking...

Scripture References: Matthew 5:27-30; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Exodus 20:14, 17 Intro: Welcome to this sermon based on Matthew 5:27-30. Continuing the Sermon on the Mount series, Jesus intensifies the command against adultery, shifting focus from the external act to the internal condition of the heart. ( Note: This sermon addresses mature themes. ) Key Points: Adultery Begins in the Heart (v. 28): Jesu...

Scripture References: Matthew 5:21-26; Exodus 20:13; Ephesians 4:26; Ezekiel 36:25-27 Intro: Welcome to this sermon focusing on Matthew 5:21-26, delivered fittingly on Halloween weekend as it deals with murder and hell! Continuing our Sermon on the Mount series, Jesus takes the 6th Commandment ("Do not murder") and reveals its deeper, heart-level implications for kingdom citizens. Key Po...

Scripture References: Matthew 16:13-20 (Main) Matthew 16:11-12 Intro: In a culture marked by division into various "tribes" based on secondary issues, this sermon returns to the central, defining question posed by Jesus in Matthew 16: "Who do you say that I am?" This passage represents a climax where Jesus confronts popular opinion and demands a personal verdict on His identity...

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20 Intro: Jesus gives His only direct "book endorsement" in today's passage – His view of the Hebrew Scriptures (our Old Testament). Many find the OT confusing (laws, violence, genealogies) and face accusations of inconsistency in applying it. How should we relate to the OT now? Jesus Himself shows us the way. This passage is key to understanding His relation...

Scripture References: Matthew 5:13-16 (Main) Titus 2:1-10; John 8:12 Intro: This sermon revisits Jesus' familiar words from the Sermon on the Mount: "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16). Jesus spoke this to ordinary people, giving them profound dignity, identity, and purpose. He invites us today to understand and live into this same cal...

Scripture References: Matthew 5:1-12 (Main Text) (Also references John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-8, Isaiah 53) Intro:   Jesus' words have enduring power ("Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not"). Starting the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7), Jesus paused His healing ministry to teach foundational kingdom principles. His sermon begins surprisingly not with commands, but w...

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-25 Intro: Welcome! Today we dive into Matthew 4, where Jesus launches His public ministry after John the Baptist's arrest. His message centers on a theme crucial throughout Scripture but perhaps unfamiliar or even uncomfortable for us: the Kingdom of Heaven (or Kingdom of God). Jesus doesn't just introduce good ideas; He announces the arrival of God's reign a...

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 Intro: Today we look at Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. This isn't just an isolated event but a crucial part of the Bible's grand, unified story (Creation, Fall, Redemption, New Creation). Matthew intentionally frames this account to show Jesus succeeding where Israel failed, revealing Him as the faithful Son and true Savior God promised. Key Points: J...

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-17 Intro: We begin our journey in Matthew, focusing today on chapter 3. Matthew's gospel powerfully presents Jesus – His teachings (Sermon on the Mount), His prayer (Lord's Prayer), His mission (Great Commission). But before Jesus steps fully onto the scene, Matthew introduces His forerunner, John the Baptist, the crucial voice preparing the way, calling people to...

Scripture References: Matthew 16:24-27; John 15:5-11; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 8:35-39; Hebrews 12:28 Intro: Welcome! We're all making plans for the fall, but uncertainty (pandemic variants, political shifts) makes us anxious. We crave certainty and control, but life often disrupts our plans. We try to "pandemic-proof" our schedules, but what's the real way to navigate uncertai...

radiantvisalia.com The Summer of the Spirit: Part 12, Truth Scripture: John 8:44, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, Jeremiah 33:3, John 14:6, John 16:13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 8:26, Galatians 4:6 Intro: Introduction of guest speaker, Matt Flummer. Matt’s background as a philosopher and New Orleans Saints fan. Focus on the topic of truth in a skeptical age. The Problem of Trust: Widespre...

Scripture References: Matthew 3:13-17; Ephesians 4:20-28; Acts 1:1-9 Sermon Notes: Intro: Welcome! In our "Summer of the Spirit" series, we explore the Holy Spirit's vital role. As fall brings transitions in work and school, we consider God's vision for our vocation (our work/calling). It's easy to misplace our identity in what we do and lose sight of God's mission wi...

As we emerge from the last year and a half, we are discovering some really life-giving stories amongst the rubble. So please take the time to watch our full, unedited, honest, humble and amazing interview with Ashley Salgado. Scripture References: (Implied: Acts 2:38, Romans 10:9, John 3:16) Intro: Introduction of Ashley and her unique story of coming to faith during the pandemic. Ashley's Ca...

radiantvisalia.com The Summer of the Spirit: Part 10, The Fruit of the Spirit Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, Galatians 5:13-25, Galatians 6:7-8 Intro: Deborah Avenellis introduced, her heart for fostering/adoption. Focus: Fruit of the Spirit, overcoming the flesh. Deborah’s experience: learning about the Spirit through fostering. God’s knowledge of human psychology, trauma-informed care aligns with...

radiantvisalia.com The Summer of the Spirit: Part 9, Listening Scripture: James 1:19, Proverbs 18:13, Luke 24:13-35, Philippians 2:1-8 Intro: Tiffany speaks on listening by the Spirit. Listening: seemingly simple, yet requires spiritual guidance. God’s invitation to grow in listening. The Foundational Act of Listening: Listening begins in the Trinity, pre-creation. Humans begin listening in the wo...

radiantvisalia.com The Summer of the Spirit: Part 8, Spiritual Warfare Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-13, 1 Peter 5:6-10, 2 Corinthians 2:11, Genesis 1:27, Revelation 12:12, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 5:8-10, Matthew 18, Romans 12:17-21 Intro: Steve Whitmer is introduced as the speaker. The sermon addresses the timely topic of spiritual warfare. Emphasis on practical application. The Reality of Sp...

radiantvisalia.com The Summer of the Spirit: Part 7,  Prophecy Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12, Acts 21 Intro: Introduction to 1 Corinthians 14 and the spiritual gifts. Radiant Church believes in and practices the gifts of the Spirit. Focus on prophecy: building up, stirring up, and cheering up the church. Spiritual Gifts & Prophecy: Gifts are gifts, not earned. List of gifts...

radiantvisalia.com The Summer of the Spirit: Part 6,  Unity pt. 2 Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6, Philippians 2 Intro: Welcome and introduction of the Shaws. Continuation of the unity sermon series. Focus on Christian unity. The Calling We've Received: Ephesians 4:1: Live a life worthy of the calling. God chose us, predestined us, atoned for our sins, sealed us with the Spirit. Our calling: To di...