TFRC Sermons

Hebrews 11:32-12:3 In a brief departure from the "Right Before Revelation" series, guest preacher Brian Vriesman reminds us that following Jesus is more than simply a personal decision. Instead, it’s a calling into a movement revolution/transcendent cause.

1 John 2:28 - 3:10 We are children of God meaning we belong to God. This passage includes 3:6 which is a difficult passage to interpret since it seems to contradict other parts of the letter. But verse 3:6 is teaching that the habitual nature of sin should not continue. Thus in the life of a true believer, the fruits of transformation become visible.

1 John 2:15-27 Living in Denial has a negative connotation. But to remain faithful to our calling as a disciple of Jesus, we are called to remain in him and live in denial of our love for the world (lust of flesh, eyes, and pride of life) and all that keeps us from Christ. This also means denying those that deny Jesus.

1 John 2:3-14 John outlines the characteristics of a follower of Jesus; we are called to live as Jesus did, called to love fellow believers and called to have the Word of God live in us and overcome the evil one.

1 John 1:1 - 2:2 John himself fellowshipped with the Word made flesh. He invites others into that fellowship with Jesus through walking in the truth (faith and obedience). We also have fellowship with God in spite of our sin because of forgiveness that comes through the Son.

2 Timothy 3:10-17 As Paul faces imminent death he writes Timothy to carry on the ministry and faithfully guard the Gospel. As we face the challenges of our faith head on it will not always be easy .But, when we remember what we have learned and continue pursuing our faith in Jesus (and the word), we will be equipped for every good work. Like Timothy, all of us are in a position to take part in car...

Exodus 2:23-25, Numbers 15:37-41 While God never forgets anything, the Bible will often talk about God “remembering”. When God remembers it means that God is going to intervene on behalf of the one remembered. He calls us to remember His actions and commands and act in response to His goodness.

Acts 28:17-31 Paul is waiting to see Caesar, during which time he preaches the gospel to many who come to visit him. Some believe, others don’t. This is the reality of faith - at some point you choose to believe or not to believe. Paul continued to give witness to Jesus to anyone he had a chance to. He wanted to preach to Caesar to convert him to Christ, but that did not happen. However, there was...

Acts 27:21-26 In the adversity of Paul's sea voyage to Rome, he continued to be courageous and encouraging. He continued to listen to and rely upon the presence of God in the adversity. When facing our own adversity, it’s about courage, God being with us, and God’s guidance in it.

Acts 26:19-32 Paul preaches the gospel which is a stumbling block for Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. But he remained passionate about the gospel despite the skepticism of his audience.

Acts 4:29-33 Peter and John pray for the power of the Spirit and for the church to be one in heart and mind as they speak boldly about the resurrection of Jesus. What stirs our hearts in missions so that we can share that the Gospel is real and the Gospel changes everything?

Acts 25:1-12 Festus replaced Felix as procurator of Roman Judea, and the Jews tried to take advantage of a new ruler looking to gain favor with his subjects. But Paul outmaneuvered them by appealing to Caesar; using his rights (as a Roman citizen) to advance the Gospel. We should be reminded to use our own rights while we still have them rather than only fighting to keep them.

Acts 24:22-27 During his mission to preach the gospel in Rome, Paul was held under house for 2 years. Paul seemed kind of stuck, but was willing to wait it out in limbo. He had to be patient, trust God, and be faithful. Sometimes as we live our lives faithfully for God, it doesn’t always move fast - it involves waiting patiently on God’s timing

Acts 23:1-11 Paul receives his calling to bring the Good News of Jesus' resurrection to Caesar in Rome, setting off one of the greatest missionary trips in all of history.

John 20:19-23 After the greatest comeback in history, Jesus breathed the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit onto his disciples.

John 7:33-39 At the festival of tabernacles Jesus would say ”Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” The rivers of living water flowing in us are the Holy Spirit, and Jesus is the source. The Holy Spirit becomes our ever-flowing, constant source of life that connects us to Jesus. He fills, su...

Matthew 12:22-32 There is a battle between good and evil; a battle between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Jesus attributes the healing of the demon-possessed man to the Holy Spirit, thus the Spirit of God brings the Kingdom of God. But the Pharisees attributed the work of the spirit to Satan. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the direct refusal to acknowledge the work of the Holy...

Luke 4:14-21 Isaiah (61:1-2) talks about the anointed one (Messiah) bringing salvation. When Jesus quotes Isaiah in the temple, He takes the passage from talk into action. Jesus’ focus is on troubled people - the poor, prisoners, blind, and oppressed. The Spirit moves Jesus to fulfill the Isaiah passage and restore broken people to their rightful place.

Luke 4:1-13 As we find ourselves in the wilderness of life, the holy spirit lights our way to help us navigate its terrain. As we embrace and follow the leading of the spirit we can become a beacon of light and hope for others who are in the wilderness with us. As we look at how Jesus handles being tempted by Satan it sheds light on how we too can rely on the Holy Spirit to get us through our wild...

Luke 3:21-23a Jesus does not start his ministry in his own timing, but rather waits for the Spirit to come upon him. The Spirit coming down like a dove implies the kind of ministry Jesus is going to do - one of reconciliation, not one primarily of judgment. And along with the voice from heaven, the coming of the Spirit shows God’s approval of Jesus for the role to which He was called.

John 16:7-15 Paraclete is the word used for “comforter, helper, counselor, advocate” - some of the roles the Holy Spirit plays. The Spirit also comes to lead into all truth.

Psalm 18:43-50 When God exalted David, David responded out of gratitued and exalted God in his praises. We are called to do the same.

Psalm 18:25-36 God was gave David confidence through His character, providing a fortress for David that went with him wherever he went. He does the same for us through Jesus, who is "surely with us always, to the very end of the age."

Psalm 18:16-24 God takes hold of us in the chaos, God delights in us, and God cares for us.

Psalm 18:6-15 God hears our cries and responds, and is awesome - He brings it! When we need Him, God will do something. He will advocate for us.