Libin discusses the concept of fairness and grace, using a parable from Matthew 20 to illustrate his points. He describes how his children negotiate rewards for sports achievements, highlighting the human desire for fairness. Abraham contrasts this with God's Kingdom, which operates on grace rather than fairness. He explains that grace disrupts merit systems and emphasizes that God's generosity is not blindfolded but responsive to individual needs. Libin encourages trust in God's grace, rather than transactional faith, and concludes by inviting everyone to receive the gift of grace, regardless of their circumstances or timing in accepting it.
Libin discusses the nature of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that it is not about political power, prosperity, or moral performance but about Jesus reigning through the church. He outlines a five-part story of God and His people, starting with creation, the fall, redemption, renewal, and eventual consummation.
Haley Terry's sermon explores the Kingdom of God through the lens of Jesus' teachings and interactions with the Pharisees. She emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is unlike any earthly kingdom, characterized by grace, humility, and inclusivity.
Steve Frissell introduces a new sermon, focusing on Jesus' teachings about the Kingdom of God. He emphasizes that Jesus' central message was the Kingdom of God, not just moral living. Steve defines the Kingdom as the King's reign through his people over his place. He highlights Jesus' unique kingship, contrasting it with earthly kings. Steve discusses the historical context of Israel's desire for an earthly king and Jesus' fulfillment of that role through his teachings and actions, culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection. He encourages the congregation to recognize and bow to Jesus as the true King.
This sermon casts a vision of the church as God’s “masterpiece” formed for this moment in history, in a world full of both opportunity and darkness.
Libin discusses the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman, emphasizing breakthrough faith. Despite her initial skepticism, the woman's faith persisted even after her son died. Elisha's attempts to resurrect the child failed, highlighting that faith cannot be outsourced. Eventually, the boy was resurrected, symbolizing God's power. Abraham draws parallels to Jesus' resurrection, stressing that faith trusts in God's actions, whether immediate or delayed. He concludes by inviting Jason and Michelle Frazier to share their daughter Jaden Faith's recovery, illustrating the power of faith and resilience.
Libin highlights breakthrough faith. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and faith amidst personal and national crises, using the story of the Shunammite woman from 2 Kings 4 to illustrate breakthrough faith. The woman's journey from disappointment to hope, despite her son's death, exemplified resilience and trust in God's promises.
Pastor Steve Frissell discusses the concept of revival, emphasizing the holy burden and the season of consecration. Frissell shares personal stories to illustrate the challenges of faith, particularly the "loop of despair" experienced when prayers seem unanswered. He teaches on Jesus' prayer model from Matthew 6, highlighting the shift from scripted prayers to a personal, heartfelt connection with God. Frissell encourages the congregation to pray with expectancy, trusting in God's provision and guidance.
Pastor Libin emphasizes that while humans cannot force revival, they can prepare for it by being ready and responsive to God's movements. He draws parallels between preparing for revival and preparing for natural events like rain or wind, suggesting that God's actions are relational and responsive to human readiness and prayer. Libin references Second Chronicles seven, highlighting God's plan for revival through humility, prayer, and turning from evil. He discusses the importance of recognizing one's calling, consecrating oneself to God, and contending in prayer, using historical examples like the Welsh and Hebrides revivals to illustrate the power of persistent, faith-filled prayer.
Pastor Libin discusses the concept of revival, defining it as a season of breakthrough in Word, deed, and power. He emphasizes that revival occurs when God intervenes in desperate situations, citing historical examples like the 18th-century English revival and the Welsh Revival. Libin highlights the importance of human helplessness in inviting God's intervention, using the biblical story of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones to illustrate this. He calls for the church to stand united and be sent on mission, emphasizing the need for both the prophetic word and the Holy Spirit's breath for true revival.