This sermon explores the nature of true worship, contrasting the genuine, selfless devotion of Mary with the destructive, self-serving actions of Judas Iscariot as described in the Gospel of John. The speaker uses the quote that the "heart is an idol factory" to establish that all people worship something, and he encourages the congregation to practice wholehearted, costly, and selfless worship focused entirely on Jesus. The message emphasizes that worship is the chief purpose of the church, stressing the importance of being fully surrendered to Christ and avoiding the hypocrisy and self-focus demonstrated by Judas.
This study guide explores the nature of true worship, contrasting the genuine, selfless devotion of Mary with the destructive, self-serving actions of Judas Iscariot as described in the Gospel of John. It uses the quote that the "heart is an idol factory" to establish that all people worship something, and he encourages the congregation to practice wholehearted, costly, and selfless worship focused entirely on Jesus. The message emphasizes that worship is the chief purpose of the church, stressing the importance of being fully surrendered to Christ and avoiding the hypocrisy and self-focus demonstrated by Judas.
This sermon delivered by Pastor Chris Myers of Dwell City Church focuses on a specific passage in the Gospel of John, explaining the motivations of the Pharisees and Chief Priests (the Sanhedrin) in plotting to kill Jesus, especially after the resurrection of Lazarus. The sermon argues that the plot was primarily motivated by a desire to maintain their power and avoid Roman intervention, was revealed by prophecy through the unwitting statement of the high priest Caiaphas, but was ultimately controlled by Jesus according to God's divine timing and plan to fulfill the Passover sacrifice. The message also warns listeners against the dangers of legalism and moralism, emphasizing the importance of a relationship with Jesus over rigid adherence to rules.
This study guide focuses on a specific passage in the Gospel of John, explaining the motivations of the Pharisees and Chief Priests (the Sanhedrin) in plotting to kill Jesus, especially after the resurrection of Lazarus. It argues that the plot was primarily motivated by a desire to maintain their power and avoid Roman intervention, was revealed by prophecy through the unwitting statement of the high priest Caiaphas, but was ultimately controlled by Jesus according to God's divine timing and plan to fulfill the Passover sacrifice. The message also warns listeners against the dangers of legalism and moralism, emphasizing the importance of a relationship with Jesus over rigid adherence to rules.
This sermon titled "Glory through the Dark" delivered by Steven Wilhoit at Dwell City Church, focuses on John 11:1-42. The central theme of the sermon is the theological question of why bad things happen, asserting that God orchestrates suffering and "darkness" to magnify His glory in Jesus Christ. Wilhoit uses the story of Lazarus's death and resurrection to illustrate this point, explaining that Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival so that Lazarus would die, thereby allowing Him to perform a greater miracle and reveal His glory as the resurrection and the life. The sermon argues that this experience strengthens the conviction and affection of believers. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus's intentional delay and the resulting suffering were necessary for the greater display of divine power, countering the disciples' and sisters' belief that Jesus should have prevented the death.
This study guide focuses on John 11:1-42. The central theme of the message is the theological question of why bad things happen, asserting that God orchestrates suffering and "darkness" to magnify His glory in Jesus Christ. It uses the story of Lazarus's death and resurrection to illustrate this point, explaining that Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival so that Lazarus would die, thereby allowing Him to perform a greater miracle and reveal His glory as the resurrection and the life. The message argues that this experience strengthens the conviction and affection of believers. It emphasizes that Jesus's intentional delay and the resulting suffering were necessary for the greater display of divine power, countering the disciples' and sisters' belief that Jesus should have prevented the death.
This sermon titled "The Sovereign Shepherd" delivered at Dwell City Church, focuses on the biblical passage about Jesus declaring his divinity and the security of his followers. It explores the meaning of Jesus as the "Sovereign Shepherd" who provides eternal life and perfect protection for his sheep in an age of uncertainty. A significant portion of the sermon is dedicated to explaining the historical context of the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), using the story of the Maccabees to highlight themes of rededication and the miracle of the eternal light, which is then connected to Jesus's claims of being the eternal light and the new temple. Ultimately, the message assures believers that Jesus fulfills the roles of prophet, priest, and king, ensuring their ultimate safety and consecration.
This study guide focuses on the biblical passage about Jesus declaring his divinity and the security of his followers. It explores the meaning of Jesus as the "Sovereign Shepherd" who provides eternal life and perfect protection for his sheep in an age of uncertainty. A significant portion of the sermon is dedicated to explaining the historical context of the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), using the story of the Maccabees to highlight themes of rededication and the miracle of the eternal light, which is then connected to Jesus's claims of being the eternal light and the new temple. Ultimately, the message assures believers that Jesus fulfills the roles of prophet, priest, and king, ensuring their ultimate safety and consecration.
This sermon delivered by Chris Myers at Dwell City Church, focuses on the biblical passage of John 10:1-21, which describes Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The sermon uses the metaphor of voice recognition technology to illustrate how sheep, representing believers, recognize and follow the voice of their shepherd but flee from strangers. Myers explains the context of the passage, noting that it follows Jesus healing a man born blind, which angered the Pharisees who are depicted as thieves and robbers who abuse the flock. The core points emphasized are that the good shepherd calls his sheep, provides them with abundant life, and ultimately lays down his life for them, contrasting this with the destructive nature of false leaders.
This study guide focuses on the biblical passage of John 10:1-21, which describes Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The message uses the metaphor of voice recognition technology to illustrate how sheep, representing believers, recognize and follow the voice of their shepherd but flee from strangers. It explains the context of the passage, noting that it follows Jesus healing a man born blind, which angered the Pharisees who are depicted as thieves and robbers who abuse the flock. The core points emphasized are that the good shepherd calls his sheep, provides them with abundant life, and ultimately lays down his life for them, contrasting this with the destructive nature of false leaders.