TFRC Sermons

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Jealousy and quarreling in the early church kept the people worldly and unable to grow in their faith because of the envy they had. We all have a role to play in the body of Christ, and will be rewarded according to our labor. The irony is that wanting to be considered “greater” in the faith, actually keeps us from growing in the faith.

Romans 12:17-21 Conflict in our lives is inevitable, but when we find ourselves in the midst of it we are called to be peacemakers. Are we doing what we can to avoid conflict by doing what is right in the eyes of everyone; are we living our lives above reproach? The first step to conflict resolution is thinking about others before yourself. We must also not respond to conflict with retaliation, bu...

Titus 3:3-8 A grudge is a feeling of ill will towards someone due to a real or perceived insult/injury, that leads to malice and hatred. Paul says that this was the way we used to live, but God saved us because of His mercy. We have been washed and renewed by the Spirit through Christ, so we are called to let go of our hatred and do what is right.

Ephesians 5:21-6:4 Church community starts with the individual family unit. If there are unhealthiness and dysfunction in the family, it impacts the body of Christ. Paul instructs the Ephesians on how a family should treat one another; the parents are the anchor and foundation of setting the tone for a healthy community within the family.

Ephesians 2:1-10 Sometimes it is important for us to go back to the basics faith - when we do we are reminded of who we were and what our reality was before Jesus. When we come back to the basics we will more greatly appreciate what we have been given through Christ and the mission his gift places on our lives. The basics are that we were dead in our sin, until God who is rich in mercy, made us al...

3 John The importance of welcoming fellow believers, especially those who are doing work on behalf of the Gospel.

2 John John is warning us not to let false teachers corrupt our faith. There are those who intentionally and unintentionally deceive us from embracing the truth of Christ. John warns us to be careful who we let into our life to influence us, as we often become the people we surround ourselves with.

1 John 5:13-21 As John finishes his 1st letter his final words should point us toward having confidence in our faith, even in a world controlled by the evil one. We can find confidence as we come to God in prayer and in our identity in Christ.

1 John 5:1-12 God’s commands are not burdensome - they are meant to give us life. By believing in and following Jesus, we are able to overcome the world which is set up to steal, kill, and destroy.

1 John 4:10-21 Fear not, for Love drives out fear! We have confidence in the day of judgment because in this world we are like Jesus. Even though Jesus was rejected by the world, He never lived in fear because He knew the Father loved Him. Likewise, despite all the troubles of the world, we can live without fear because of God’s love for us.

1 John 4:1-9 Every generation the world has a new belief that denies the truth of Jesus. But we can stand firm in our faith because the one in us is stronger than the one in the world. And we stand firm because of the love of God, which He showed by sending his one and only Son into the world.

1 John 3:11-24 In Genesis, Cain took his brother’s life. But in the Gospel, Jesus would lay down his own life out of love. As followers of Jesus we are called to follow his example; to lay down our own lives by living a life of sacrifice, humility, generosity, and forgiveness instead of hate. Love is laying down our lives, but doing so with a pure heart or good intentions. Laying down our lives is...

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