Sermon Notes The Beginning (and End) of Wisdom Proverbs 1:1-7 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: In ancient tradition, wisdom is personified as a woman who walks down the street pleading to be heard. “In the markets she raises her voice”—the invitation is to all—but only a few will embrace her. Many reject her. Others scoff at… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Face Turned Toward the Cross John 18:1-11 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Lanterns, torches, and weapons. Brandished by a band of soldiers. Not the sort of tools one would think necessary for the “capture” of a compassionate teacher and leader. Why in the middle of the night? Why the need for such artillery? The… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes No Sign Will Be Given Matthew 12:38-45 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Some eight hundred years before Jesus was born, the wicked, cruel, and altogether perverse people of Nineveh heard the preaching of the prophet Jonah, “turned from their evil ways” and “cried out mightily to God” (Jonah 3:8-10). Conversely, after watching Jesus cast… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes What Words Reveal Matthew 12:33-37 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Should I listen to my heart or my mind? We often ask ourselves this question before making a decision, assuming that from the heart come our emotions while sound reasoning comes from the mind. But in the culture in which Jesus lived, the heart… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Slander Against the Savior Matthew 12:22-32 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Can one thoughtless word or irreverent deed secure for us God’s eternal damnation even if we repent? Is there a sin that God refuses to forgive? These are questions of paramount importance. Bracketed by a miraculous healing and a revealing exchange with the… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Mercy > Sacrifice Matthew 12:1-14 Pastor Brent Whitefield Introduction: In this passage, Jesus not only asserts his Lordship over the Sabbath, but demonstrates it by challenging the Pharisees’ merciless interpretation of the Law. Given our tendency to choose rigid legal observance to the harder work of compassion for our neighbor, we should place… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes The Mystery of the Easy Yoke Matthew 11:25-30 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: As he is sending out his disciples, Jesus warns them about the suffering they will certainly experience: they will be hated, disowned, and persecuted because of him. Not long before that, Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, wherein he called… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes The Destructive Nature of Ungrace Matthew 11:12-24 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Generally speaking, Christians can be hard to please. We want what we want and we want it our way. Jesus warns against such a querulous mindset, namely, rejecting his salvation, and himself, in favor of a formula that leaves us more in… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Finding Our Life in Jesus’ Mission Matthew 10:34-42 Taylor Mendoza, Junior High Intern 4 Gospel Truths on the Nature of Our Mission: 01. 02. 03. 04. Sermon Slides 1. 4 Gospel Truths on the Nature of Our Mission: 2. 01. By definition, the gospel divides. 3. Read Matthew 10:34-36. 4. 02. Love… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Two Birds for a Penny Matthew 10:1-33 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Comfort. Security. Stability. These are the buzz words that describe the benefits of the American Dream. But what if following Jesus meant setting aside those cherished values? In a commissioning speech for the first disciples, Jesus makes it clear that the Christian life… Continue Reading