In the first part of the message the difference between the old command and new command to love is discussed. The command to love takes on a fresh deeper understanding since the dawn of Christ! Pastor Scott also talks about the difference between human love and God’s love throughout the message. Human love is not enough. The mark of being an authentic Christian is that we possess supernatural Spirit-empowered love for all people. The verses looked at also give us yet another authenticity test. If we hate then we are not yet born again. But when filled with God’s love we will find ourselves very naturally and almost effortlessly living out the commands of God.
Obedience
This message starts out talking about the huge heart of affectionate fatherly love John had for the people. The balance of being intolerant toward all sin and yet realizing there is grace when we do sin is discussed. The bulk of the message is about obedience as one of the great authenticity tests. When we obey the commands of God, especially in secret when no one but God sees, it is evidence that we are genuine in our relationship with Christ. To disregard the commands of God is evidence that we are perhaps not yet truly converted. The message is aimed at deepening the assurance of the authentic believer and awakening the person with false assurance to their desperate need to be born again.
True Fellowship
In this opening message of the 1John series Scott gives some general introduction about the author and the purpose of the letter written to the churches. There is discussion of what the word “fellowship” really means theologically and how this deep fellowship is what God desires for all of us. In typical John fashion the letter gets very challenging particularly to those who think they are Christian but are not. The authenticity test begins in chapter one by communicating that words are cheap. We can say we believe. We say we walk in the light. We can claim to believe Jesus. But what really determines our authenticity is how we relate to sin. There is a strong exhortation at the end to hate sin and a wonderful promise of what happens when we walk in repentance. We are cleansed and spiritual life abounds!
Easter 2018
This message on Easter was designed not only to strengthen the faith of believers but to help people with doubts about Christianity consider the claims of Christ more carefully. As C.S. Lewis once said, Christ was either lord, lunatic or a liar. There’s just no option to call him a good moral teacher as many try to do. Scott draws a line in the sand and essentially asks the question, ”What do you believe about Jesus?” He also offers some practical wisdom on how to attain faith.
Baptism: Spring 2018
This is a basic teaching on the meaning and significance of baptism. What is baptism? Is baptism really necessary? What must we do before getting baptized? Is total immersion necessary? What about infant baptism? These are some of the questions addressed. This teaching is perfect for anyone who has identified as a Christian but has not been baptized since making a conscious decision to trust in Christ for salvation.
Standalone Sermons: Take Heed
It is common to see people become Christians with great joy, get involved for a season but then fall away. This happens all the time for a variety of reasons. It might be the allure of sin or the pursuit of money or just plain busyness that draws them away. It is a fight for Christians to endure through the years and cross the finish line strong. Satan and the forces of darkness work tirelessly to tear Christians away from simple devotion to Jesus. It’s a daily war and it’s a war that doesn’t end until we breathe our last breath. Pastor Scott brings a strong warning about what to watch out for on the Christian journey. Strong exhortations are given about what it takes to stand firm till the end. The message is rooted in Paul’s words to the church at Corinth found in 2 Corinthians 11. This message was given on baptism Sunday with new believers in mind but the message is an important reminder for all who desire to follow Christ till the end.
Standalone Sermons: Compassion for the Poor
God is shaping us into a culture of compassion, a community that leans into empathy, a community that shares God’s compassion, kindness and love for the poor. In Scriptures we see God’s love for the poor burst out of the pages. From Moses to Jesus we see that common thread of concern and care for the poor. In this message, Nate looks at some of the themes we see in the Scriptures regarding God's care and concern for the poor. We realize that for us to tap into compassion for the poor is to sync up with the heartbeat of God.
Culture of One
In John 17, Jesus prays over and over for His followers to be “one.” Clearly He desires for the church to be a healthy family that gathers together and loves one another. But is there more going on in the prayer for one-ness? Does being one stop only at our interaction within the church? Or is there a mission attached to being one? In this sermon, Ren minister John Michaelson explores these questions and expands the answers to include being not only one with the church but also one with God. He concludes with prayer tips and practical ways to live into this prayer of Jesus for His followers.
Culture of Mission
There may be no greater way in which Christians are to be countercultural than in the call to spread the Gospel. Modern American pluralistic society has made it clear that no one should try to convert anyone to his or her religion. There is much pressure exerted upon Christians today to be quiet about faith. God, however, calls us to not be quiet. He calls us to go everywhere and tell everyone. He calls us to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere. He calls us to proclaim the excellencies of Christ. That doesn’t mean we should be brash or insensitive in our efforts. This call also comes with a challenge to be wise and skillful in our approach. Scott ends the talk with several practical encouragements on how to go about this great commission to spread the Gospel in a way that is natural and relationally sensible. He warns against the adverse effects of being like a pushy salesman about the faith, which nobody responds well to.
Culture of Gratitude
The world around us can be so negative and discontent. It’s quite common for people to complain about things. We cannot allow this ungrateful spirit in culture to suck us into its current. The call of the follower of Jesus is to be overflowing with gratitude. We are called to practice praising God, not just when everything is smooth but at all times. This message delves into several passages of Scripture about this great call of being thankful. The message transitions with some plain thoughts on how to become more thankful, and then finishes with a crescendo of things we can all be thankful to God for.