Resurrection Life Sunday Sermon

Resurrection Life Sunday Sermon

by Resurrection Life Church

Christianity Religion

Season 1

PORTRAITS OF THE KINGDOM: The Good Samaritan

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37. One of Jesus’ most well-known parables. Most people in Western culture understand what a "Good Samaritan" is—someone who extends generosity and hospitality to those in need. However, few know why Jesus originally told this parable. It was in response to a lawyer who asked Him, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus’ shocking story about the Good Samaritan is how He answers this question. Through this parable, Jesus reveals several aspects of the Kingdom

PORTRAITS OF THE KINGDOM: The Master's Return

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25:14-30. Jeff Smith, our director of ministries, brought us the second sermon in our series, PORTRAITS OF THE KINGDOM. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus teaches that because He is a just and generous master, His servants should anticipate a reward from Him after He returns, in response to their obedience to Him while He is away. When understood in harmony with the gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith alone, Jesus’ teaching here motivates our perseverance through trials, and it frees us from slavishly seeking the approval of others. Our response to this passage can reorient our lives today and enrich our joy in eternity!

PORTRAITS OF THE KINGDOM: The Purpose of Parables

Scripture: Mark 4: 1–20. Welcome to our new sermon series: Portraits of the Kingdom. When preparing a new sermon series, we often balance our focus between the Old and New Testaments. However, it's been a while since we've focused on the Gospels. This series will help us engage deeply with what it means to live with resurrection life and to discover the joy of belonging to Jesus! I’m excited for us to hear from Jesus each week through these creative, enlightening, eye-opening (and sometimes eye-popping!) short stories, which reveal the secrets of the Kingdom. This Sunday, we began with Mark 4:1-20. We’re starting here because Jesus tells a parable and explains why He speaks in parables. In verse eleven, Jesus says to the disciples, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything is in parables.” As people on the “inside,” I look forward to discovering these secrets of the Kingdom. Hence our series title: Portraits of the Kingdom. May the Lord bless our journey together as we explore these stories Jesus shared 2,000 years ago—stories that continue to guide us today.

GUEST SERIES: Reverend Jonathan Darville - Playing God vs. Trusting God

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 16. This week, we welcome a dear friend, Jonathan ("Jono") Darville, back to the podcast. Jono has recently accepted a new call, leaving Peace Church to plant a new church in Pittsboro. We are grateful that he has the time to be with us as he prepares for this new ministry adventure. Jono's message is from Genesis 16, focusing on Hagar. Pastor Mark touched on Hagar's story a few weeks ago while preaching through the faith of Abraham and Sarah in Hebrews 11. It is fitting that Jono will take us on a deeper dive into this complex story.

GUEST SERIES: Keep Asking!

SCRIPTURE: Luke 18: 1 - 8. This Sunday, we were privileged to have Pastor Doug Domin preach. Coming as the associate pastor at Peace Presbyterian, Doug has been one of our greatest advocates over the past few years. He has served on our temporary session before we ordained our own elders and deacons. It is an honor to welcome Doug to our podcast to preach on Luke 18:1–8 as he continues to support us through the Word of God.

GUEST SPEAKER SERIES: Benjamin: From Fear to Family: The Gospel Cure to Worry

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:25-26. This week, we welcome one of our own to the podcast, Benjamin, a former missionary to Taiwan, who brought us a powerful message for our anxiety-riddled lives and world. Do you struggle with fear and worry about life, family, and the world around us? Benjamin gives us the antidote in From Fear to Family: The Gospel Cure to Worry.

GUEST SPEAKER SERIES: Steve Jessen "A Firm Foundation"

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:24-27. This week, while Mark is on vacation, we welcome back Rev. Steve Jessen of the PCA's Ministry to North America Disaster Response team to the podcast. Steve is the Disaster Response Specialist for the Carolinas, and he brings us a message on faith called A Firm Foundation.

GUEST SPEAKER SERIES: Matt Brouwer "Do You Know The Healer?"

SCRIPTURE: John 5:1-18 This Sunday we had the privilege of hearing from Matt Brouwer, youth pastor from Christ the King Church in Raleigh, NC. Matt brought a message from John 5:1-18, a story where Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath.

GUEST SPEAKER SERIES: Rev. Matt Oliver - All You Need Is Love

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 22:36-40 This Sunday we welcomed to the pulpit someone new, but not a stranger to us, Matt and Shondra Oliver have worshiped with us for awhile now. Matt is a actually a teaching elder within the PCA serving as a chaplain in the U.S. Army. What a privilege to have such a talent, willingness, and ability within our own flock! Matthew brought us a very timely message for St. Valentine's weekend. That's right Saint Valentine! Let's reclaim this holiday of love for the one who is all about love.

GUEST SPEAKER SERIES: The Blessed Life and Where to Find It

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 1 How does a new year start? With the first psalm in the Bible, Psalm 1! It has two powerful images: a tree planted by streams of water and chaff blown away by the wind. We'll see how sin can pull us away from God’s best for us. And we’ll also discover the secret of a happy life: not just doing the right things but enjoying God’s Word. We’ll see how the new birth plants us by the stream, and how the Holy Spirit keeps us connected to God. Listen, ready to be rooted in God and walk in the legacy He gave to you in His Son. May this first podcast of the year set us on a course toward greater faithfulness and fruitfulness in Christ! Let’s also keep in mind that this is an ideal time of year to subscribe to the podcast and share it with a friend or relative.

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