Covenant Naples

In 735 BC, God’s people struggled to believe he was with them in times of trouble. We have the same struggle. It’s not that we struggle to believe that God exists; rather, we struggle to believe that he matters. As we face tremendous challenges and troubles in this world, what does it look like to push back on our unbelief and set our hope in the Lord? Sermon Outline: I. God is with us, therefore...

Fear has the ability to drive us into foolish, short-sighted decisions that have long-lasting consequences. Worse, fear in times of trouble can lead us into decisions that dishonor God. During this season of Advent, we will be considering how these passages in Isaiah 7-12 foretell the hope that brings comfort and courage in a world sorely needing it for a people who don’t deserve it.  Sermon Outli...

Even the most faithful servants of God need encouragement. Whether it's Paul leaning on fellow believers or Jesus being strengthened by a visiting angel, no one is meant to walk this journey alone. We will find out how Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians by encouraging them with the gospel Outline: Encourage one another in the fruit of the gospel Encourage one another in the truths of the gosp...

We are all engaged in a spiritual conflict, whether we want to be or not. As God’s people, we are called to be strong in Christ and to stand firm under the onslaught. How can we do that? Sermon Outline: I. Stand Firm by Putting On the Armor. II. Stand Firm by Taking Up the Sword and Shield. III. Stand Firm by Bowing Down in Prayer. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Reflect on Paul’s imagery of the a...

Our battle is a spiritual battle against spiritual enemies—the devil and fallen angels we commonly call demons. The spiritual war rages around us every day. If we’re going to fight well in this battle, we need strength, defense, and weapons that come from somewhere outside of ourselves. Sermon Outline: I. We Have an Enemy. II. The Enemy Uses Schemes Against Us. III. We Have a Strong Defense. Sermo...

Many hearts are troubled today. From elections to wars to the economy to our personal health, it seems we have several good reasons for being troubled. But Jesus’ words in this passage show us a better way: the way of peace—the way of faith. Sermon Outline: I. Our hearts will not be troubled when we exercise faith. II. Our hearts will not be troubled when we anticipate his return. III. Our hearts...

When work feels like a battle—employees doing the bare minimum, managers pushing too hard—we are missing the bigger picture. What if we remembered that the true boss isn't in the corner office, but the heavenly one? Seeing our work as service to the Lord will transform how we lead and follow. Sermon Outline: I. Service that Pleases God II. Management that Pleases God III. A Heart to Please God Ser...

The primary issue we all face in marriage is that marriage works best when a husband and wife are not seeking their own interests, but that of their spouse. Unfortunately, due to our sinful condition, we all have a tendency to do the exact opposite, at least from time to time. In this passage, Paul sets out a radically different approach to marriage than the norm with a radically different result....

Jesus calls us to go make disciples by baptizing them. What is baptism? What does it mean? And how can it shape our approach to fulfilling the Great Commission in our own spheres of influence? Join us Sunday as we search the word for answers to these questions and more. 1. How do you suppose friends and neighbors who don’t share the Christian faith might feel about the great commission? Why? 2. Wh...

For thousands of years, one thing has shaped the course of history perhaps more than anything else: Christian education. But why is Christian education so powerful? Here's the answer: it is one of God's favorite tools for advancing his kingdom. Sermon Outline: I. Doubtful Disciples & The Day of The Lord II. The Great War for the Nations III. The Presence of the King Sermon Discussion Questions: 1....

In a world characterized by darkness, fighting against the devil outside and our flesh inside, we will be tempted to live as those in darkness. Whether it be embracing false teaching, caving in the face of temptation, speaking words that corrupt, or refusing to forgive, none of us are immune. Yet, these ways of living are contrary to who we are now in Jesus Christ. In this passage, Paul exposes th...

In Paul’s day, and down to our own, so-called Christian teachers have effectively duped people into thinking that a life of self-indulgence is compatible with the Christian gospel. But in this passage Paul sets the record straight. Because Christians are God’s children, we must walk in love, not in self-indulgence. Sermon Outline: I. Love is Consistent with Your New Identity. II. Self-Indulgence i...

Lying, gossip, slander, stealing, bitterness, shouting, and negativity. Who wants to be part of a community where those things are the norm? Thankfully, we don’t have to! As new creations in Christ, we are called to put off those ways of living that are associated with our sinful and rebellious nature. Likewise, we must put on the virtues that reflect our new identity in Jesus. As we put off the o...

Perhaps the most common hurt in the church today is loved ones who remain in the far country. It is tempting to turn your back or give up hope. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that in Christ, God’s only son, we have hope for the sons and daughters who are in the far country and for those who think they are too good for the grace of God. I. The Younger Son i. The hurtful request ii. The...

Servants of God are expected to use the abilities and opportunities that God provides for the profit of His kingdom. While those who are useless for the kingdom now may find themselves shut out of it in the future, those who profitably serve will find themselves recognized by the king and sharing in his joy. I. Whatever God entrusts to us, he expects us to use to profit the kingdom II. God does no...

The return of Jesus Christ is the great hope of the believer. It will be a great day, the gates of the kingdom opened wide for those who have anticipated it and prepared accordingly. For all others, it will be the worst possible day, when the door is slammed shut in their face and they know definitively that they have no part in the family of God. I. The kingdom of heaven is exclusive. II. You mus...

Facing opposition from the religious authorities, Jesus tells a story that reorganizes the kingdom of God and its citizens around himself. The self-satisfied find themselves on the outside and the invitation is announced widely to any who will come. Do you have a seat at the king’s table? Questions 1. What is a parable and why does Jesus use them in his teaching? 2. Who is Jesus’s main audience fo...

God has provided all that we need in this life. But what does he really ask of us? What does it mean to have him as King of our life? What does it mean to be a good tree producing kingdom fruit? Join us this Sunday as we explore the Allegorical Parable of the Tenants. Sermon Outline: I. Gods vineyard a. The tenants b. The son c. The consequence II. God’s Plan a. Christs rejection b. God’s inclusio...

We all make promises, but how many of us can say we always keep them? What we will find out is there is often a gap in what we promise and what we actually do. The parable of the two sons teach us that our belief should result in obedience, not out of duty but because we are loved. Outline I. Context II. The Two Sons III. A warning to those who proclaim but never act IV. Comfort in an unlikely exa...

Nobody likes a participation trophy. Why? Because it diminishes success and elevates failure. This week we look at the “Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard.” We come face to face with our desire to earn God’s favor versus his generous heart to give graciously. Outline I. Setup II. The Heart of Man III. The Heart of God Questions 1. What are your feelings about participation trophies? Examine w...

In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant Jesus shows how great a debt we have been forgiven and how the forgiveness that we have received will serve as motivation to forgive others. This does not mean that forgiveness is easy. The pathway to forgiveness is a bloodstained and complicated journey but it will become part of the spiritual life of the Christian when we begin to grasp just how much God...

The parable of the lost sheep describes the bountiful mercy of God, who sent his Son on a rescue mission to save the lost and unworthy. This mercy is scandalous to the self-righteous, but good news to those who receive it with child-like faith. I. We must guard our hearts against the destructive pride that can result from the pursuit of a more ‘sophisticated’ grasp of the Christian faith. II. Ther...

The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven offer important insights into the nature of the growth of the kingdom of heaven. If we have ears to hear, these insights offer the believer not only hope, but principles for faithful service to that kingdom. I. The mustard seed principle offers reassurance and hope to those who have faith in Christ. II. The leaven principle reminds us of the increasi...

In the parable of the Sower, Jesus reveals the different types of responses that people have to the Gospel and invites listeners to consider the condition of their heart to receive and believe the message. The good soil is not manifested by pious words or behavior modification; rather, the evidence of a receptive heart is kingdom fruitfulness. Outline: I. Four kinds of heart: 1. The hardened heart...