by designdesign | Dec 15, 2019
A message from the series “He Shall Be Called.” In Isaiah 9:6, the third royal title for the Messiah is Everlasting Father. The Messiah would be the perfect and and endless father that our hearts long for. Jesus embodied the protection, care, leadership and unconditional love of a true father. Scripture gives us three promises of our everlasting father, Jesus. Our Messiah promises to love and accept us unconditionally. He promises to discipline us for our ultimate good, and He promises to hold us fast, forever. Ultimately, Jesus Christ’s death on a cross and resurrection are proof that He keeps His promises.
by designdesign | Dec 8, 2019
A message from the series “He Shall Be Called.” Just as the names of God in scripture speak to His character, the prophetic names in Isaiah 9:6 foretell the character of the coming Messiah. Our Messiah, Christ Jesus, is El Gibbor, which translates to “Mighty God.” The name means strong, wise, hero God. In today’s culture mankind is the hero. The message is to trust and rely on ourselves to survive life’s challenges. In contrast, we believe that God sent his son, the Messiah, to be our superhero. There are truths from scripture that help us to trust in El Gibbor – Mighty God – and not ourselves. First, Jesus’ might is at work IN us. Second, Jesus’ might is at work FOR us. Third, Jesus’ might is at work THROUGH us. Ultimately, the sacrifice of His own life illustrated El Gibbor’s true display of might!
by designdesign | Dec 1, 2019
A message from the series “He Shall Be Called.” In the year 730 B.C., King Ahaz is in distress upon learning that Assyria plans to conquer Jerusalem. The prophet Isaiah addresses the king, speaking in Isaiah 9:6 of one who will come to help. His first royal title is “Wonderful Counselor.” The title implies that he will be a king like Solomon with both the wisdom and power to guide and lead all in His kingdom. Jesus Christ perfectly lives up to this royal title in two respects. First, He brought words of WISDOM and truth that consistently “astonished” his hearers. Second, Christ’s EXPERIENCE on earth validates his counsel to mankind. Jesus experienced the same challenges and emotions that we do. God sent Jesus, the Messiah, to meet us in our felt needs and to provide for our ultimate need — a Savior. Where do we seek our help: the Wonderful Counselor or a counterfeit?
by designdesign | Nov 24, 2019
A message from the series “Romans Part 1: The Problem.” In Romans 3:1-8 the apostle Paul responds to objections about religion, morality, God’s justice, righteousness and faithfulness. In verses 9-20, Paul explains that all people are under sin’s power and held accountable to God. Specifically, he concludes that sin makes us equals. That is, both Jews and Gentiles (non Jews) are equally lost. Our failure to perfectly love God and perfectly love people convicts us of our inability to live out God’s key commandments. Paul also concludes that our sin problem brings us to silence. The good news is that the power of the gospel transforms the heart. The gospel speaks to inclusion and equality, not marginalization. All are equal at the foot of the cross. When we realize that we aren’t seeking God, but He is seeking us, it changes everything!
by designdesign | Nov 17, 2019
A message from the series “Romans Part 1: The Problem.” This sermon is based on Roman 3:1-8. Prior to this passage, the apostle Paul has addressed Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile Christians needed to follow Old Testament practices. Paul asks and answers the questions that he knows the Jewish believers have in mind regarding the purpose of the law, sin and judgment. Ultimately the Old Testament law reveals mankind’s sin and God’s holiness. In this scripture passage, Paul affirms three truths.
First, God’s words are a gift. Second, God is reliable. Third, rationalizing sin is a trap.
