Sermon Notes The Empty Tomb and the Burning Heart Luke 24:13-32 Pastor Brent Whitefield Introduction: The direction of the men on the Emmaus Road is revealing: they were moving away from Jerusalem. The death of Christ seemed a decisive defeat for his followers who had invested in him all of their Messianic hopes and dreams.… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Weapons of Violence Brandished with a Kiss Matthew 26:47-56 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: The guy who would hand over Jesus to be arrested and killed was not some distant stranger or political zealot, but a friend who walked with Jesus, heard his teaching, enjoyed countless meals with him, someone who was clearly in… Continue Reading
The Sorrowful Soul of Jesus Matthew 26:36-46 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: In first century Israel, there was a grove of thick, round trees on the western slope of the Mount of Olives. It was called Gethsemane. It was a place that Jesus regularly visited with his disciples. Though enclosed by walls, and separated from the city… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes A Purchased Freedom Matthew 20:17-28 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: With his face turned toward the cross, Jesus provides a veritable table of contents for his passion experience: first, the entrance into Jerusalem, followed by the indictment and condemnation by the Jewish and then Gentile authorities. Next would come the mocking and floggings. And finally,… Continue Reading
2.4.2018 Begrudged Generosity Matthew 20:1-16 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Five times in one day, a vineyard owner circles the marketplace looking for, and eventually hiring day laborers. And he agrees to pay them a fair wage for their efforts. First at 6:00 a.m., then at 9:00 a.m., noon, and 3:00 p.m., and finally at 5:00 p.m.,… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Easier for a Camel Matthew 19:23-30 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Hiking to the top of a formidable mountain. Completing a marathon. Recovering from invasive surgery. Some of life’s hurdles are known to be so difficult they’re considered virtually insurmountable. Nevertheless, with a well-devised plan, a steely resolve, and the help of friends, such… Continue Reading
What God Has Joined Together (Part 2) Matthew 19:7-15 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Jesus’ words on marriage and divorce represent some of his most controversial sayings. One woman and one man united together for life? It seems so antiquated, people retort. Because Jesus’ teaching is so counter-cultural and addresses a subject, particularly divorce, that brings… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes What God Has Joined Together (Part I) Matthew 19:1-6 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Some questions don’t really deserve an answer. Either because they are asked insincerely, or with a desire to gather ammunition against the one being questioned. But to the Pharisees ill-devised inquiry, Jesus offers some of the clearest and pointed instruction… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes – 12.24.2017 God with Us Matthew 1:18-25 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Someone has said that the season of Advent is like getting a flat tire on the middle of the busy freeway: it forces us to reluctantly slow down, reflect, and wait. With the world whizzing around us and the frenetic pace of… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes The Way of Peace Matthew 18:15-20 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: The question is not if but when. As redeemed sinners, we will sin against each other. We will say and do hurtful things. We will fall short of others’ expectations of us. As one old-time theologian wrote: “Hurts must happen in a rebellious… Continue Reading