Sermon Notes The Rewards of Righteousness Proverbs 11:1-10 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: “And his commands are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Because God loves us, he wants us to thrive. And as our Creator, he has the wisdom to know how we should live and what actions usher in the greatest delight. Consequently, his commands… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes The Cistern of Marriage and the Pit of Sexual Sin Proverbs 5 Pastor Brent Whitefield Introduction: The Proverbs remind us to heed the teachings of the wise, this time in the area of sexual ethics. To avoid falling into self-destructive sin, there is a role for instruction and discipline. But the strength to… Continue Reading
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