Sunday Sermons | Evergreen Church

Further motivation for the Christian life (beyond our fascination with salvation and our enthusiasm for the Jesus life) is found in our recognition of God’s discipline and an appreciation of the tremendous cost of our salvation. This new life is meant to be lived openly so others are attracted to Jesus.

Always captivated by a “living hope,” Peter now transitions from lofty theological introduction to gentle pastoral direction about how to live the Christian life. He gives no complicated strategy or oppressive requirements. Peter simply describes the obvious traits of an authentic follower of Jesus.

1 Peter is a timely message to twenty-first century disciples—a letter designed to strengthen the local church living in an increasingly hostile environment; and to steel the resolve of the saints to stay the course to eternity. From eternity past to eternity future, the drama of salvation is breathtaking!

An under recognized aspect of the crucified life is the call to manage physical resources with a Kingdom mindset. Money is often separated in our minds from spiritual activities; when, in fact, money is an important way that the crucified life is put on open display. The provision of God always includes the expectation of giving something significant back to God.

Practical devotion to a local church is possibly the most neglected of all spiritual disciplines in America today. We pray when we feel need. We donate periodically to charity. We even read the Bible on occasion. But time with church family is often squeezed out by busy schedules, even among sincere believers. Why should church be a higher priority? Because church is where the crucified life is sh...

Godly parenting is a challenging pursuit in this generation. It requires dedication beyond virtually every other task in human life. Deuteronomy 6:2 outlines the charge. Proverbs 22:6 maps the strategy. The crucified life takes root in children only by the intentionality of diligent parents, faithful teachers, and a loving church.

A compartmentalized life is always a danger to followers of Christ. No aspect of life is to be left unchanged by Jesus. We know how to act like Christians at church…but what about at home? The crucified life finds expression in every situation of life, especially marriage!

This passage of Revelation forms one continuous drama displaying the judgment of Babylon. The woman of chapter 17 and the city of chapter 18 are the same entity. This is an appendix to the seventh bowl judgment (16:19) where these events are first mentioned. The mystery here is the identification of this recipient of overwhelming divine retribution.

We have the privilege of coming before the living God in prayer. The question is why don’t we do it more often? Sometimes we don’t know what to pray for. Sometimes the world around us looks overwhelming. When we stand before God we will always be strengthened.

When looking at Acts 2, the details work of the Holy Spirit often take the conversation. But what happens when we step back to see the bigger picture? What does this passage teach us about who God is and what he's up to? Pastor Matt O'Mealey takes us through the day of Pentecost in a way that is not often talked about.

In the first of four great visions recorded throughout the book of Revelation, John describes his encounter with the Risen Lord. Unconcerned with the appearance of Jesus in the gospel he wrote, John now seems overwhelmed by his glimpse of Jesus after so many years. A vision of Jesus is a necessary part of the explanation of this mystery for a persecuted people.

The issue of the Antichrist and how he emerges as a world leader is of vital interest to Christians in every generation. What historical realities conspire to allow such a man to gain global power? While certainly included in the book of Revelation, this mystery must be seen unfolding in both testaments in order to gain a more complete understanding.

Very early, cynical questions were asked in Corinth about bodily resurrection. Some asked, “How are the dead raised? With what type of body will they come?” Paul answers these and other questions by unveiling the mystery of God’s working. By omnipotent power, God gifts to believers a body consistent with the promise of the gospel and suitable for life in eternity.

Viewing himself almost as a father to his church family, Paul speaks intimately about how a godly man approaches the purpose of his life—to bring his family and others to maturity in following Jesus Christ. Godly fathers do more than bring home a paycheck…they minister the gospel to their family in preparation for eternity.

Spiritual Maturity in the Christian walk is both important and expected. This is not for the reason of reputation or legalism, but to draw closer to God, the Father each day. Every follower of Christ has to make their own decision to pursue spiritual maturity. The shared life of a church family strengthens one’s maturity, but only when the foundation is set in Christ Jesus.

Since creation, the earth has been the battleground between God and Satan. God calls mankind to respond to His Word, and Satan tries to lure them to follow lies. Today, the church is the key player in this ongoing battle of truth vs. deception. Godliness is the mysterious behavior that validates truth.

How could a nation with all the advantages of the Old Testament covenant fail to recognize the Messiah and then reject the grace of God? Is their failure complete? Will the promised plan of God be frustrated? Israel’s spiritual status has been a mystery, but the truth is now unveiled. Something extraordinary is on the horizon!

Mystery continues to be unveiled as Paul, in an intensely personal testimony, outlines the magnificent scope of the redemptive plan of God for all creation. Gifted with the responsibility of this revelation, Paul points to the amazing privilege and extraordinary joy associated with being a servant of the gospel. Evergreen must dare to grasp these supernatural truths.

The life of Evergreen is sustained by the mighty Head of the church, the risen Lord Jesus Christ. His energy and continuing work is centered on the church in every generation in anticipation of an eternal wedding. Human marriage is a meaningful glimpse into the mystery of Christ’s love for the church. Shouldn’t we love the church enthusiastically as well?

After a brief greeting, Paul immediately soars into a great paean of praise—one long sentence, impossible to fully analyze, in which each successive thought crowds in on the one before. As he contemplates the position and possessions of every believer, he reveals the point of the church’s existence: restoration of Creation’s purpose. .

After describing the Kingdom of God and its many facets, Matthew relates an incident of rejection in the ministry of Jesus. The mystery here is the determination to be offended by Jesus despite the clear acknowledgement of His wisdom and power. Turns out, unbelief is not from lack of information, but rather refusal of accountability.

The Kingdom of God is broader than any individual church, but the marks of the Kingdom ought to be reflected in the visible traits of the local church. The mystery of God’s Kingdom on earth is revealed openly in the church. As Jesus here illustrates the Kingdom, we must ask: Do these characteristics describe Evergreen?

Why does evil exist? Why does God allow evil to continue? Is evil evidence for atheism? What is the future of evil? What is our role in the battle? These questions are among the most difficult issues of life. Jesus answers this human dilemma with His divine perspective.

The habitation of the gods has been a fascination in almost every culture throughout human history. The prophet Isaiah stands tall with a revelation that would have stunned his hearers and all who had come before him—God lives in a most extraordinary place. He dwells among humble men who honor His Word.

The Servant has already been presented as the ideal prophet conscious of a worldwide mission from God. His complete dedication and trust gives assurance of His final success. But until now, Isaiah has hidden the news that the Servant’s activity would be interrupted by death. A dreadful puzzle this—why must the Servant suffer, bleed, and die alone?!