This Advent season we have examined various passages on the Incarnation of Christ. In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel concludes our Advent series with an ancient hymn found in 1 Timothy 3:15 wherein Paul describes Christ's coming as the mystery of godliness.
Read Online: 1 Timothy 3:16
Sermons from Cornerstone Church, a thriving congregation of the PCA nestled in the expanding Milwaukee suburb of Delafield. Cornerstone's vision is to impact the western suburbs for Christ by calling them to Realize their need for Christ, to Respond to God's call in worship, and to Relate the message of the gospel by Reaching out to Others.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Matthew 28:16-20 - The Incarnation and The Church
In this message, Rev. Mike Wenzler looks at Matthew 28:16-20. The Incarnation of Christ has many implications for the individual Christian as well as the Church universal. Though Christ is not currently with us as He once was, He imparts to His church a mission and a promise. In fact, the mission of the Church hinges on the promise: Christ is with His people.
Read Online: Matthew 28:16-20
Read Online: Matthew 28:16-20
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Psalm 45 - The Incarnation - The Incarnate King
On this 3rd Sunday of Advent, Rev. Dan Quakkelaar continue our consideration of Christ’s incarnation as we look at Psalm 45. Not only is Psalm 45 a song of Israel, it is a passionate love song, at least, that’s the immediate reference. But when we read it, it becomes obvious that the complete fulfillment of this messianic Psalm can only come in our incarnate Lord and King: Jesus the Christ.
Read Online: Psalm 45
Read Online: Psalm 45
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Isaiah 7:1-16 - The Incarnation - God's Presence
On this 2nd Sunday of Advent, Rev. Chris Vogel continues our consideration of Christ’s incarnation and looks at Isaiah 7:1-14. In light of a broken world, fear and anxiety too often typify our response. The answer the prophet Isaiah gave to King Ahaz is the answer for us today, the virgin will conceive and bear a son whose name is Immanuel. God’s presence in Jesus Christ assures us to trust despite the fearful world and moves us to find our rest in Him.
Read Online: Isaiah 7:1-16
Read Online: Isaiah 7:1-16
Sunday, November 29, 2015
1 John 1:1-4 - The Incarnation - A Physical Presence With Us
We begin our Advent series focusing on passages that discuss the incarnation of Christ. In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard will be spending time in 1 John 1:1-4, the prologue of 1 John. We are a physical people, a people that use our senses to experience this world. God the Son took on human flesh and walked among us to appeal to our physical, human, created selves. This physical presence of Christ among us offers us great hope in this life as we await the renewal of all things.
Read Online: 1 John 1:1-4
Read Online: 1 John 1:1-4
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Philippians 2:19-30 - God's Definition of Success
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at Philippians 2:19-30. Paul brings into focus how our serving others is the marker of success, a gauge often lacking for many, and draws to a close his instruction in how our lives are to evidence Christ’s humiliation and exaltation as we are committed to serve others. Instead of complaining about giving up our rights, Paul points to Timothy and Epaphroditus as those who showed compassion and courage in service.
Read Online: Philippians 2:19-30
Read Online: Philippians 2:19-30
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Philippians 2:14-18 - Whine or Shine
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at Philippians 2:14-18. When we are called to obey, especially for the sake of others, setting aside our rights for theirs, we may do so, but not without expressing our displeasure. In Philippians 2:14-18 we are called to shine, not whine. In light of our being in Christ, we are enabled to obey our calling and worship our God as we hold our tongues and quiet our hearts when we are tempted to complain.
Read Online: Philippians 2:14-18
Read Online: Philippians 2:14-18
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Philippians 2:12-13 - Changing
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues our series in Philippians. As Philippians 2 calls us to set aside our self-interests and pride in light of Christ’s humiliation and exaltation, Paul explains this further in Philippians 2:12-13. In our passage this morning we hear that change comes by God’s command to work out our salvation as well as God’s causative power as he work in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Here God’s sovereignty and our responsibility come together.
Read Online: Philippians 2:12-13
Read Online: Philippians 2:12-13
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Philippians 2:1-4 - Joy in Oneness
In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard continues looking at Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi by focusing on chapter 2 verses 1-4. Flowing from 1:27-30 Paul calls the Philippians to complete his joy through oneness in mind and love, his goal (2:2). This is appealed to through the four-fold grounds (2:1): encouragement of Christ, comfort from love, and participation in the Spirit, and also through Paul’s shared bond of affection and sympathy with the Philippians. This carries application of humility and other-centeredness, the grind of the appeal (2:3-4). Through the ground, the goal, and the grind we too are called to oneness, humility and joy through the finished work of Christ on the cross. How does the work of Christ shape our oneness at Cornerstone? How does the unearned grace of the gospel propel us to humility?
Read Online: Philippians 2:1-4
Read Online: Philippians 2:1-4
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Philippians 1:27-30 - Living as Worthy Citizens
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel will be looking at Philippians 1:27-30 as we continue our sermon series in Paul's letter to the Philippian church. In this passage we see Paul calls us to consider our conduct, how we live as citizens of heaven here on earth. Our citizenship reflects the work of the Son, the unity of the Spirit and the grace of the Father. The grace that we have as believers entails not only the gift of faith in Christ, but also the call to suffering.
Read Online: Philippians 1:27-30
Read Online: Philippians 1:27-30
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Philippians 1:18b-26 - Whether By Life or By Death
In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard will be looking at Philippians 1:18b-26 as we continue our sermon series in Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. In this passage we see Paul continuing his thoughts from last week as he wrote about his imprisonment and the spread of the gospel message. Through this passage we see a beautiful vision for life, a motivating truth to cling to that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (v21). For Christians there is real, legitimate tension between living and dying, knowing that upon death we gain all, Christ. For Paul living unafraid to die (because in death is gain) frees him to live for Christ. Is Christ more precious to you then your life? Do you really believe that death is gain? Whether by life or by death Christ will be honored.
Read Online: Philippians 1:18b-26
Read Online: Philippians 1:18b-26
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Philippians 1:12-18a - Circumstances, Celebration, and the Powerful Message of Christ
In this sermon, Andrew Whitaker looks at Philippians 1:12-18a as we continue our sermon series in Paul's letter to the Philippian church. In this passage we see Paul as imprisoned and writing to the Philippian believers to let them know that God is very much at work amidst his circumstances and hardships. Through this passage we see a rich reminder that whenever we see the Gospel advancing that is cause for celebration. The message of Christ is powerful and is not bound by our limitations or notions of effectiveness. Do we rejoice when we see the Gospel at work among our church or other churches or we do we have a cynical or nearsighted view that finds it hard to rejoice? This the question this text helps us wrestle with.
Read Online: Philippians 1:12-18a
Read Online: Philippians 1:12-18a
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Philippians 1:3-11 - Partnership, Partaking, and Prayer
In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard continues looking at Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi by focusing on chapter 1 verses 3-11. This section is described as one of Paul's most personal, affectionate pieces of Scripture. His love for the Philippians is without question and he gives thanks for their partnership in and partaking of the Gospel of grace. What do we thank God for and what are our prayers like? Are our affections moved toward God and others, those who partner and partake of the Gospel? A Gospel focus shapes our prayers, our thanksgiving, our partnerships, and our affections.
Read Online: Philippians 1:3-11
Read Online: Philippians 1:3-11
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Philippians 1:1-2 - Servants, Saints and Salutations
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at Philippians 1:1-2 where we delve into Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. A letter's salutation may seem perfunctory, but this glimpse into Philippians' authors, recipients and greeting helps us set the tone for the theme of joy in the face of tough circumstances.
Read Online: Philippians 1:1-2
Read Online: Philippians 1:1-2
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Acts 16:22-40 - How Do You Respond?
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel begins a new series, looking at Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, asking the question, “Where is your joy?” Before we delve into Philippians, we will look at the background to that letter, Acts 16:22-40, where we see how Paul and Silas, after they were beaten for healing a slave girl in the city, demonstrated a response to suffering, sin and salvation with faith in Christ. A response of faith in Christ to life’s circumstances brings us into community with others, we call, the Church.
Read Online: Acts 16:22-40
Read Online: Acts 16:22-40
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Psalm 1 - Taking God's Advice
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel wraps up our summer series on wisdom. Having spent our time in Proverbs, we will conclude with a Wisdom Psalm, Psalm 1. This introduction to the psalter juxtaposes two individuals, the wise man and the wicked. Wisdom’s permanence is found in its foundation in God’s Word. The perennial question for us is: “what does it mean for us, who struggle with sin, to be the wise man or woman God desires?”
Read Online: Psalm 1
Read Online: Psalm 1
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Proverbs 3:1-12 - The Wise Use of Wealth
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at Proverbs 3:1-12. We are reminded that God’s blessings are designed for God’s glory and see that those blessings may come in the form of God bestowing wealth or hardship (3:9-12). With regarding to our finances, we are called to honor God with our wealth. When it comes to discipline, we are to see God’s kind, parental hand. We need wisdom to discern how to respond, knowing that we are in Christ, God calls us to rest in Him.
Read Online: Proverbs 3:1-12
Read Online: Proverbs 3:1-12
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Proverbs 22:1-9, 15 - Passing on Wisdom to the Next Generation
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at Proverbs 22:1-9, 15. We see how some Proverbs have taken a life on their own, at times despite their context. Proverbs 22 focuses on the need for wisdom in handing wealth (the topic we’ll examine next week), but v6 gives the familiar wisdom: “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. How should we think about this verse? What help does Proverbs give us in raising our children.
Read Online: Proverbs 22:1-9, 15
Read Online: Proverbs 22:1-9, 15
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Proverbs 31:10-31 - Wisdom's Heroine
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel takes a look at Folly’s counterpart. In Proverbs, the father advises his son regarding wisdom and folly in the form of two women: the strange or adulterous woman (Proverbs 5-7) and the virtuous woman here in Proverbs 31:10-31. As Wisdom is embodied in the noble woman, we see the characteristics that should epitomize all, men and women, husbands and wives, who seek wisdom.
Read Online: Proverbs 31:10-31
Read Online: Proverbs 31:10-31
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Proverbs 18:4-21 - The Proper Foundation for Life-giving Words
In this sermon, Rev. Dan Quakkelaar continues in our Proverbs series. Our words can be life-giving or life-destroying, so we must be careful in building a proper foundation to guide what we say. Today we look at Proverbs 18:4-21, where we learn the problems of formulating our words around our own self-confidence, as opposed to careful concern about formulating our words around those things God holds dear. An important question, since life and death are in the power of the tongue.
Read Online: Proverbs 18:4-21
Read Online: Proverbs 18:4-21
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Proverbs 8:6-14, 15:1-4, 12:25, 19:1 & 26:4 - Lessons in Proverbs: Wise Speech
In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard will look at several verses in Proverbs to see how speech and wisdom interact. What does wisdom have to say about how we speak to our spouses? What does wisdom have to say about gossip, slander, or harsh language? What does wisdom have to say about blessings, praises, prayers, etc.? As James 3:9-10a states, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” Our speech is an area that we all need wisdom from God to know when to speak, how to speak and what to speak.
Read Online: Proverbs 8:6-14, 15:1-4, 12:25, 19:1, 26:4
Read Online: Proverbs 8:6-14, 15:1-4, 12:25, 19:1, 26:4
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Proverbs 7 - Lessons in Proverbs: Alluring Lies
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel will look at Proverbs 7. We will see how the allure of the lies tempt us every day as they are exemplified by simpleton and the seductress. As the father gives advice to his son in Proverbs, a contrast is made between Woman Wisdom and Woman Folly, as illustrated by the Godly Woman of Proverbs 31 and the Forbidden Woman of Proverbs 5-7. In Proverbs 7 Solomon outlines the lies that accompany all our sins, but most clearly sexual sins. Solomon walks us through each step, inviting us to consider how our outward acts spring from within, as we believe even the most alluring lies.
Read Online: Proverbs 7
Read Online: Proverbs 7
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Proverbs 6:6-11, 23:13-16 - Lessons in Proverbs: The Paralysis of Laziness
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at Proverbs 6:6-11 and 26:13-16. We are confronted by a paralysis affecting us all, but few of us publicly admit: the sin of sloth. In these verses, Solomon is at his sardonic supremacy describing the sluggard, yet there is more to laziness than the refusal to work, it reveals once again a poor understanding of creation with its work/rest cycle. The sluggard’s sin is the paralysis of fear stemming from an idol of success.
Read Online: Proverbs 6:6-11, 26:13-16
Read Online: Proverbs 6:6-11, 26:13-16
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Proverbs 22:29; 23:4; 27:23-27 - Lessons in Proverbs: Work
In this sermon, Andrew Whitaker will be looking at what scripture says concerning our work and vocation, and gaining wisdom from Proverbs as to discerning how to work wisely. There are many places in Proverbs that speak about work, but we will be looking at a few: Prov. 22:29, 23:4, and 27:23-27. All of us have questions we bring to the table concerning our callings in this life and what we do day in and day out—How does our work connect to the Gospel? Will my work last and is it a worthy endeavor? These questions will be taken seriously as we get a message of hope from the scriptures which spur us on to work wisely, for the glory of God and to further the kingdom of God here on earth.
Read Online: Proverbs 22:29,Proverbs 23:4,Proverbs 27:23-27
Read Online: Proverbs 22:29,Proverbs 23:4,Proverbs 27:23-27
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Proverbs 27:9-17; 18:22-24 - Friendship
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at how wisdom speaks to friendship. While there are numerous passages one may examine (Proverbs 3:27-31; 6:1-5; 11:9,12; 14:19-21; 16:27-30; 19:4-7; 20:6; 21:10; 22:11; 23:10-11; 24:28-29; 26:17-19; 27:6) we will examine two passages this morning: Proverbs 27:9-17 and 18:22-24 to discern how friendship shapes our Christian faith and expresses the gospel in our lives. It is there we may also see Jesus, a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Read Online: Proverbs 27:9-17;18:22-24
Read Online: Proverbs 27:9-17;18:22-24
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Proverbs 8 - Wisdom Cries Out
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues our summer series in Proverbs. Wisdom calls out to us to hear and receive what is offered. In Proverbs 8 wisdom is personified, offering counsel and insight that far exceed the world’s greatest riches. Wisdom was present at creation, delighting in the work of God. While not a direct allusion to Jesus, this call to follow wisdom and not folly reminds us of Jesus, who grew in wisdom as a child and of whom Jesus himself said: “wisdom is justified by her deeds,” referring to His redemptive work. Likewise, Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:30 and Colossians 2:3 makes this connection as well. For us, the question remains: “will we heed wisdom’s call and look to Christ?”
Read Online: Proverbs 8
Read Online: Proverbs 8
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Matthew 9:1-8 - Real Authority
In this sermon, Rev. Mike Wenzler looks at Matthew 9:1-8 where we come face to face with real authority; we come face to face with Jesus. We all know what it's like to exercise authority as well as submit to authority. This morning we see how Jesus demonstrates his authority in the lives of His people. We also see how we can and should respond to Jesus’ authority.
Read Online: Matthew 9:1-8
Read Online: Matthew 9:1-8
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Proverbs 2 - Fatherly Wisdom for Godly Disposition
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues our summer series on Proverbs examining the various topics in this book of wisdom: friendships, work, marriage, sex, money and speech. This Sunday looks at Proverbs 2, which is a continuation of the father’s call to his son to receive, to seek out wisdom. In this chapter we see how the development of wisdom provides deliverance from evil.
Read Online: Proverbs 2
Read Online: Proverbs 2
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Proverbs 1:1-7 - Wisdom for Life
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel begins our summer series on Proverbs. Each week we will look at a different issue which Proverbs covers, such as friendships, work, marriage, sex, money and speech. This Sunday we turn to Proverbs 1:1-7, the introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the book. There we see the purpose of wisdom that guides both young and old alike, as well as the theme of the letter, verse 7: “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Read Online: Proverbs 1:1-7
Read Online: Proverbs 1:1-7
Sunday, May 24, 2015
John 16:1-15 - What's Wrong? What's Right? Who Wins?
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 16:1-15. Jesus continues imparting wisdom as to the world’s reaction to the Gospel, returning to the theme of the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. The perspective of Christ’s death and resurrection, of the gift of the Holy Spirit, and of the triune God’s work in and through us assures us that the final victory is ours and that God will receive all the glory.
Read Online: John 16:1-15
Read Online: John 16:1-15
Sunday, May 17, 2015
John 15:18-27 - If the World Hates You...
In this message, Rev. Dan Quakkelaar looks at John 15:18-27 where we see Jesus remind His disciples who they belong to and the implications of that ownership. It is also a reminder of the power within them that causes both hatred and obedience. Yes! God expects that He will be so reflected in your life, that those around you will be inspired to obedience, per persecution. This morning, let us consider the power that changes us so thoroughly, that the world around us reacts to us in the same way the world reacted to Jesus and His disciples.
Read Online: John 15:18-27
Read Online: John 15:18-27
Sunday, May 10, 2015
John 15:12-17 - The Commandment's Fine Print
Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 15:9-17 where Jesus returns to the theme of the commandment to love one another, defining love as self-sacrifice. Christ’s atoning death for us is the basis by which we are called His friends and the power by which we can be fruitful as we abide in Him.
Read Online: John 15:12-17
Read Online: John 15:12-17
Sunday, May 3, 2015
John 15:1-11 - The Root of Change
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 15:1-11 where we are reminded of Jesus’ promise to us that our union with Him will produce lasting fruit. The struggle many of us have, however, is that we wonder what it means to abide in Him. We may fear the warning of branches cut off, of withering and being burned but then hear Jesus' promise of a fullness of joy. This morning let us consider again what it means to abide in Christ, to reflect on our union with Christ and how this impacts our lives today.
Read Online: John 15:1-11
Read Online: John 15:1-11
Sunday, April 26, 2015
John 14:25-31 - Peace, I Leave With You
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 14:25-31. Jesus’ farewell to the disciples continues in these verses as he tells them that the Holy Spirit, the Helper, will be left with them. The procession of the Spirit from the Father and the Son is the peace, the shalom, that this world can never give. Rest from anxiety and fear comes not in power plays of strength or might, but in the death and resurrection of Christ. It is there we have true shalom.
Read Online: John 14:25-31
Read Online: John 14:25-31
Sunday, April 19, 2015
John 14:15-24 - The Promised Helper
In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard continues in John 14 where Jesus again is speaking to his fearful disciples and again his words offer us great hope. In John 14:15-24, Jesus promises the coming of the Helper, the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit who Himself provides Trinitarian presence, lavishes Trinitarian love, and offers commandment obedience. The Holy Spirit through his presence, love, and obedience ignites hope in the disciples, as it should us today.
Read Online: John 14:15-24
Read Online: John 14:15-24
Sunday, April 12, 2015
John 14:1-7 - The Path and Place of Hope
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues in the book of John. Jesus' words to the fearful disciples provide the hope we need today. In John 14:1-7, Jesus provides a place for our hope to rest that is secure, expansive and waiting for you. The natural question is how do we obtain this kind of hope? Jesus instructs us that the path to this hope is personal, certain and living; it is through Him.
Read Online: John 14:1-7
Read Online: John 14:1-7
Sunday, April 5, 2015
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 - Secured by the Resurrection
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at 1 Corinthians, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are reminded that we are secured by His resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15, Paul’s great chapter on the resurrection, applies this great event to our lives as we see how the resurrection secures our life, our victory and our wholeness in verses 20-28.
Read Online: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Read Online: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Sunday, March 29, 2015
John 12:12-19 - Behold Your King
In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard looks at John 12:12-19 where we see the triumphal approach and entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This opens the passion week, which will culminate with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. In this passage, there is a blind enthusiasm present among the people as they celebrate this one “who comes in the name of the Lord.” But do they know who this One is? Do they know the One before them riding on a donkey? The triumphal entry, much more of a humble entry, lacks the marks of a regal, kingly entrance, but so is the case with Christ. He came to rescue the people, and you and I, not simply from political oppression but from spiritual bondage.
Read Online: John 12:12-19
Read Online: John 12:12-19
Sunday, March 22, 2015
John 13:1-30 - A Picture of Sacrifice
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel begins the second half of John's Gospel as the Twelve gather with Jesus to celebrate the Passover (John 13:1-30). In preparation for the Last Supper, Jesus assumes the role of a servant and washes His disciples feet. What Jesus does is both a picture of the saving cleansing that would be accomplished in a few short hours as well as a model of Christian conduct.
Read Online: John 13:1-30
Read Online: John 13:1-30
Sunday, March 15, 2015
John 12:44-50 - The Final Notice
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 12:44-50 where Jesus continues to summarize his public ministry, returning to the themes of the first half of the gospel. Jesus, as the representative of the Father, speaks on His behalf, reminding us to both hear and obey what we are told, for the command that Jesus offers is eternal life.
Read Online: John 12:44-50
Read Online: John 12:44-50
Sunday, March 8, 2015
John 12:37-43 - Hidden in Plain Sight
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues in the book of John. Jesus summarizes his public ministry in John 12:36-43 with the words of Isaiah 53 and 6, that the disbelief comes as God hardened hearts. John then explains that some did believe, yet it was the fear of the religious leaders that kept them from confessing their faith in Jesus. Both God’s sovereign dealings with people and their unbelief remind us to examine our own hearts as we respond to the Gospel.
Read: John 12:37-43
Read: John 12:37-43
Sunday, March 1, 2015
John 12:27-36 - The Divine Purpose
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 12:27-36 where Jesus calls out to the Father that God would be glorified. The confirming words of the Father gives another evidence that Christ will be glorified by His being lifted up. The victory over Satan and the good news for the world are found in the suffering that Jesus endured for us.
Read Online: John 12:27-36
Read Online: John 12:27-36
Sunday, February 22, 2015
John 12:20-26 - Seeing Jesus
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues our series in John. We skip the Triumphal Entry, leaving for Palm Sunday, to look at John 12:20-26. At the Passover, some Greeks ask to see Jesus, resulting in His proclamation that just as without burying a seed in the ground there is no crop, so also without the death of Christ no worldwide gathering. Athanasius, a leader of orthodoxy in the 4th Century, said of this truth:
For it is only on the cross that a man dies with his hands spread out. And so it was fitting for the Lord to bear this also and to spread out his hands, that with the one he might draw the ancient people and with the other those from the Gentiles and unite both in himself. (On the Incarnation 25:3-4).
Read Online: John 12:20-26
For it is only on the cross that a man dies with his hands spread out. And so it was fitting for the Lord to bear this also and to spread out his hands, that with the one he might draw the ancient people and with the other those from the Gentiles and unite both in himself. (On the Incarnation 25:3-4).
Read Online: John 12:20-26
Sunday, February 15, 2015
John 12:1-11 - Extravagant Devotion
In this sermon, Chris Vogel looks at John 12:1-11 where we see the extravagant devotion expressed by Mary, Lazarus’ sister, as she pours perfume on Jesus’ feet. Her actions speak clearly to those reading the Gospel who know what will happen in just a few short days. In contrast to Mary, Judas’ objection illustrates the selfish desires expressed with pious words.
Read Online: John 12:1-11
Read Online: John 12:1-11
Sunday, February 8, 2015
John 11:45-57 - The Great Exchange
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 11:45-57 where the powers that be in Jerusalem conspire to arrest Jesus. As many believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin fret over losing the Temple and their nation. Caiaphas, the High Priest has a simple plan. It is better for one man to die than the whole nation should perish. He spoke better than he knew, as Jesus in a matter of days would die a substitutionary death to gather not just the nation, but to gather into one the children of God.
Read Online: John 11:45-57
Read Online: John 11:45-57
Sunday, January 25, 2015
John 11:38-44 - A Matter of Life and Death
In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard looks at John 11:38-44. Jesus continues his discourse centering on the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus has comforted Martha (11:17-27) and Mary (11:28-34) in unique ways and now he comes to the tomb. Again moved to great emotion, he begins the battle with death. This section is one of the most meaningful passages to Christians because it gives hope to the believer that Jesus is truly the Resurrection and the Life (11:25) and that he is the firstborn among the dead (Colossians 1:18). Christ the Victor has gone to battle against humanities great enemy, Death, and has delivered the resounding blow, that in Him even the dead will be raised. That in Christ sin is defeated and fully dealt with on the cross. Verse 37 is the Victor’s cry, on behalf of his people, to sin and Satan himself, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Hallelujah!
Read Online: John 11:38-44
Read Online: John 11:38-44
Sunday, January 18, 2015
John 11:28-37 - Comfort in Death: Mission and Mourning
In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard looks at John 11:28-37. Jesus continues his discourse centering on the death of Lazarus. He talked with Martha in the previous section and now he is reaching out to Mary, her sister. With Mary he comforts her differently then he did Martha. His comfort comes at an emotional level with weeping, and feeling the pain and sting of death. Death is a foreign enemy to humanity, we were never intended to feel its touch, but through sin we now experience its weight. In this brief interchange we see the comfort of Jesus through emotionally connecting with his people in the finality of death. Jesus alone is both the comforter and conqueror of the pain of death.
Read Online: John 11:28-37
Read Online: John 11:28-37
Sunday, January 11, 2015
John 11:17-27 - The Comfort of the Resurrection
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 11:17-27. Jesus arrives in Bethany, four days after Lazarus dies. His comforting words to Martha in the face of death call us to believe that our resurrection and life today is found in Christ alone. When Jesus declares this final great I AM in v25 we sense the intimate nature of our life in Christ.
Read Online: John 11:17-27
Read Online: John 11:17-27
Sunday, January 4, 2015
John 11:1-16 - Perplexing Compassion
In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel returns to John’s Gospel, where in 11:1-16 Jesus receives news from Martha and Mary that their brother, Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, is sick. Jesus proclaims that his illness does not lead to death but is for the glory of God, yet in a couple days Jesus announces that Lazarus has died and they are to go to Bethany. This sets up the great scene of Jesus’ conversation with Mary and Martha wherein life is found in Christ alone.
Read Online: John 11:1-16
Read Online: John 11:1-16
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