Woodmen Valley Chapel

1 Peter 2:9–10 (ESV) — 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. The promises and grace of Jesus fuels our proclama...

Willing to Lose – 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 When the apostle Paul hears that Corinthian believers are taking their grievances with each other before local magistrates, he questions why they could not handle those disagreements within the church. The world is watching us closely and we need do whatever we can to keep the name of Christ from being discredited. Here For You CCLI #5925649 | Matt Maher, Mat...

Ready to Respond – 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 God’s people are to be set apart. Though we will sometimes fail, those who persist in sin need to be warned and, if unwilling to repent, be separated from the church. While this is never easy, the church needs to be ready to respond to such cases to keep the sin from spreading.

An Audience of One – 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 Some in the church in Corinth were looking down on the apostle Paul. This, however, was no concern for him as he sought only to “be found faithful” before God. We too need remember that though people may disregard us for our belief, we serve an audience of one who will one day disclose the purposes of every heart.

Team Players – 1 Corinthians 3:1-23 Ultimately, God uses his people to accomplish his purposes. It is foolish to elevate one above another. Instead, we should seek to participate in his work in whatever way he calls us to it, confident that work done for him will last and be rewarded on the final day. He Lives CCLI #7133098 | Anthony Skinner, Chris McClarney, and Jonathan Smith © Capitol | Alive,...

Not of this World – 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 While we seek to be winsome and engaging with the world around us, we need remember that the wisdom he gives is not of the world and will not be understood by those who do not know him unless revealed to them by the Spirit. We need grow comfortable that we will, at times, appear very foolish before an unbelieving world. Never Lost CCLI #7134788 | Chris Brow...

This service was a special outdoor baptism service with close friends and family of those getting baptized attending. The sermon is focused on baptism and the testimony and declaration of faith God calls us to in being obedient to Jesus' example.

Called to Confidence – 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 When the church in Corinth was being divided into factions, the apostle Paul did not try to rally people to himself with a superior style or intellect, but instead chose to preach Christ crucified in the power of the Spirit so their faith “might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” Tune Our Hearts Woodmen Worship God Of Revival CCLI...

One Calling – 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 Much like the church in Corinth, many followers of Christ are divided today, especially as it relates to our response to the Coronavirus. We need remember that in him we are to be united in the same mind and judgement, seeking the proclamation of the gospel above all. This I Believe (The Creed) CCLI #7018338 | Ben Fielding and Matt Crocker © 2014 There Is A King...

Sustaining Grace - 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 In these uncertain and changing times the reality of our faith comes to bear upon our lives in a powerful way. Regardless of what may come, we rest in his sustaining grace, confident that he will sustain us to the end and present us guiltless upon his return. Psalm 46 (Lord Of Hosts) #7053138 by J L Riddle, J Miller, J Warneking & S Barnard 2015 © Jennie Lee...

It is far too easy to compartmentalize our faith, and in doing so see it become a segment of our lives. For those in the early church, they were committed to God consistently day by day, and as a result, God added to their numbers daily. We too should have confidence that, as we walk daily in faith, God will use us to see lives changed through Christ. Songs: Overcome #7067561 by C Brown, M Brock &...

The transforming work of the gospel led the early church to radical generosity. Recognizing God’s ownership overall they had, when presented with a physical need in the congregation, they quickly responded to meet that need by divesting themselves of real property to meet the needs of each other. People were Generous - Acts 2:44-45 I. Fellowship is more than just being together. Acts 2:44 II. Fell...

As the church devoted themselves to God’s word, each other, the Lord’s supper and prayer, the Holy Spirit responded in powerful ways and awe came upon every soul. We too should trust that as we live the life that God has called us to, it will be recognized and lead people to look to Christ. Acts 2:43 Their ministry was powerful because they were devoted to (1) God’s Word, (2) Fellowship, (3) Lord’...

1. Pray from the heart (Matthew 6:5-8) 2. Pray in submission (Matthew 6:9-10 3. Pray from dependence (Matthew 6:11-13) Songs: Great Things #7111321 by J Myrin & P Wickham Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Song, Sing My Songs Call Upon The Lord #7051501 by C Brown and S Furtick 2015 © Be Essential Songs Blessed Assurance #22324 by F J Crosby & P P Knapp Public Domain I Will Exalt #5861765 by A Falk...

Committed to live the life Jesus called them to, the early church consistently remembered Jesus’ death on their behalf. Our gathering around the Lord’s table is to be both a time of solemn confession and reflection, and an opportunity to ensure we are in right relationships with fellow believers. Songs: Worthy Of Your Name #7052927 By B Younker & S Curran @ sixsteps Music, Worship Together Music,...

Nowhere in Scripture are we called to live in isolation. To the contrary, we are called to stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). Fellowship with other believers is not simply an add-on optional component of the Christian life, but very much necessary for our ongoing growth and faith in Christ. 1. They were committed to time with God’s people. (Acts 2:42c) a. We can draw near....

The first followers of Christ were devoted to the apostles’ teaching. They desired to know what Jesus had taught and how it connected to God’s larger story in Scripture. We are fortunate to have all of God’s word recorded for us; 66 books, each profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that we may be equipped for every good work. 1. They were committe...

Before churches ever gathered in stand-alone buildings, the church in Acts 2 was a group of people called out and devoted to biblical community with a clear commitment to God’s word, evangelism and care. While much has changed since then, the local church remains the centerpiece of God’s plan to reach and disciple this world. 1. They were committed (v. 42) 2. The ministry was powerful (v. 43) 3. T...

The Preacher wraps up his book by reminding us of the careful attention he gave to his words and, consequently, the careful attention we should give them in response. The end of the matter is that it is only in a reverence for God and obedience to his commands that we will find a truly satisfied life. Far from being discouraging, we can be confident that all we do in pursuit of Christ will be reco...

Until Christ returns, each one of us at some point will die and the reality of death casts a long dark shadow over all our pursuits. However, for the redeemed in Christ, we cry out, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). For the child of God, while death is not the end, its presence here and now should drive us to cherish and enjoy life while we can....

Even from our limited human perspective, we understand there is good advice that is worthwhile to follow and that making wise choices is to be preferred to making foolish ones. However, human wisdom is not a safeguard against all the perils and injustice of this world, and so our hope rests not in our wisdom but in the person and work of Christ who stands sovereign over all. 1. Leaving a lasting l...

The pursuit of material wealth does not deliver on the promises it makes but ultimately frustrates the one in search of it. Contrary to our world’s understanding, contentment in life is found in meaningful relationships with others and, through Christ, in relationship with God our creator who is the only one worthy of our ultimate pursuit. Ironically, through Christ, we can find joy in the tempora...

Every Sunday millions of people will stream into churches. They will do similar things in similar ways and from the outside appear uniform in their behaviors. In Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, the Preacher warns of the danger in approaching God flippantly and highlights the need for reverence and faith to saturate our practices. Thankfully, through Christ we can “with confidence draw near to the throne of gr...

When the toddler is sent to bed earlier than her older siblings she may well exclaim “It’s not fair!” Even from our youth, we have a sense of justice, a sense of the way things are supposed to be. As we grow older, we recognize that justice is not always served. The Preacher wrestles with this question, and while he hopes for justice in the end, he resigns himself to this fallen world and its need...

There is a tedious and repetitive meaningless to the world in which we live; for all that we could look forward to is often mitigated by the curse of sin in this fallen world. We celebrate the birth of a child but acknowledge at some point that new life will itself come to an end. While we realize there is a time for everything, God has put eternity into our hearts so that we can recognize that so...