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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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