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Matt Cohen

Lead Pastor

Matt is a California native who has come to love Pennsylvania. He's a graduate of Penn State and Southern Seminary and somehow still loves to read. A former collegiate gymnast, he now prefers outdoor sports, trail running and spending time with his wife Andrea and son Soren. The Cohens live in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia and lead a citygroup in that neighborhood as well. As the lead pastor at Citylight Church Matt guides the overall vision and teaching.

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The Lord’s word through his angelic messenger to Joseph as he confirmed the miraculous birth of Jesus is his word to all of us: Do not fear to obey. And that’s the big idea of our passage this morning: Do not fear to obey Jesus Christ. It’s often frightening, but do not fear to obey Jesus Christ. Why? That’s where we see that Christmas makes all the difference. The angel does not say, “do not fear to obey” because there is nothing to be afraid of. Rather, he gives two grand reasons to not fear to obey Jesus Christ: 1. Jesus saves his people from their sins. 2. Jesus is God with us.

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To experience the difference that Christmas really makes, we need to begin with the person that Christmas is all about; though the angel foretold the arrival of Mary’s child, we have the distinct advantage of looking back with certainty that he has come, and that brings us to the big idea of our passage: The Son of God and Son of David has come. What difference does it make? 1. We can have faith (over unbelief) 2. We can have joy (over jealousy) 3. We can sing (over sadness)

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BIG IDEA: Hear and take hold of wisdom in the real world.
1. Wisdom is calling there (8:1-11)
2. Wisdom gives success there (8:12-21)
3. Wisdom was there (8:22-36).

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Proverbs in particular and the Bible generally, which is Jesus’ word. Proverbs 4:4 – Let your heart hold fast my words. Proverbs 4:10 – Hear, my son, and accept my words. Proverbs 4:20 – My son, be attentive to my words. That brings us to the big idea of Proverbs 4: Listen attentively to Jesus’ words. Listen attentively to Jesus’ words. But why? Though the centrality of God’s word has fallen on hard times, why should we, as a church family, listen attentively to, keep on believing in, and build our lives on Jesus’ word, the Bible? Proverbs 4 provides three reasons: 1. They’ve stood the test of time (4:1-9) 2. They keep you on the path of life (4:10-19) 3. They guard your heart (4:20-29).

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In Proverbs 3, God, through the voice of a father mentoring his son, incentivizes all of us to apply wisdom to all of life. In Proverbs 2, the father told his son to seek wisdom like treasure because wisdom will protect you. In Proverbs 3, the father tells his son to apply wisdom because it will bless you. Proverbs 2 was defense, but Proverbs 3 is offense. That brings us to the big idea of our passage this morning: Apply wisdom to your life and your life will be full of blessing. Apply wisdom to your life and your life will be full of blessing. This raises two key questions: How do we apply wisdom to our lives? What blessings does wisdom bring? To answer those two questions, we’re going to take our passage in four parts. Apply wisdom to your life and your life will be full of blessing. How? 1. Imitate Jesus (vv. 1-4) 2. Trust Jesus (vv. 5-8) 3. Honor Jesus (vv. 9-10) 4. Submit to Jesus (vv. 11-12).

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Our scripture today comes from Proverbs 1:20-33

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I bet you can’t think of a single wise person or fool who got that way on their own; we all know, your companions can make you or break you. In our passage, God, through the voice of a dad speaking to his son, wisely says to all of us this big idea of our passage this morning: When sinners entice you, do not consent. When foolish friends tempt you, as Nancy Reagan said, “just say no.” In our complex world, how can we possibly do that? Our passage provides four ways to avoid consenting when sinners entice us to join in with them.
1. Hear your parents’ instruction (1:8-9)
2. Imagine where sinners will lead you (1:10-18)
3. Turn to the better way (1:19)

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How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman III
Proverbs: Wisdom That Works by Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.

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  • Butterfield, Rosaria. Five Lies of our Anti-Christian Age.
  • ESV Study Bible
  • Burroughs, Jeremiah. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
  • https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2021/02/gods-providence-revealed-in-scripture/

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We all long to be content independent of our circumstances.

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The Holy Spirit, through Jude appeals to all of us to contend for the costly grace that forgives and changes us. And that brings us back to the big idea of Jude: Contend for the true faith. Last week we learned from Jude why to contend for the true faith, namely, because cheap grace is a deadly temptation common to all of us. This week as we draw our study of the Letter of Jude to a close we’ll explore how to contend for the true faith. Three ways according: 1. Remember the predictions (Jude 1:17-19) 2. Keep yourselves in God’s love (Jude 1:20-21) 3. Bring wanderers home (Jude 1:22-23).

ESV Study Bible

New American Commentary. 1, 2 Peter & Jude. Tom Schreiner

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/learning-to-pray-in-the-spirit-and-the-word-part-1

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The Holy Spirit, through Jude appeals to all of us to contend for the costly grace that forgives and changes us. And that brings us back to the big idea of Jude: Contend for the true faith. Last week we learned from Jude why to contend for the true faith, namely, because cheap grace is a deadly temptation common to all of us. This week as we draw our study of the Letter of Jude to a close we’ll explore how to contend for the true faith. Three ways according: 1. Remember the predictions (Jude 1:17-19) 2. Keep yourselves in God’s love (Jude 1:20-21) 3. Bring wanderers home (Jude 1:22-23).

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The Letter of Jude was written to appeal to men and women, boys and girls, who follow Jesus to contend for what matters most; this morning’s BIG IDEA: Contend for the true faith.
1. You are called, loved and kept by God (vv. 1-2)
2. God’s grace is being perverted (vv. 3-4)
3. Perverting God’s grace leads to eternal punishment (vv. 5-16)

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The Letter of Jude was written to appeal to men and women, boys and girls, who follow Jesus to contend for what matters most; this morning’s BIG IDEA: Contend for the true faith.
1. You are called, loved and kept by God (vv. 1-2)
2. God’s grace is being perverted (vv. 3-4)
3. Perverting God’s grace leads to eternal punishment (vv. 5-16)

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3 John was written to free us from the misery of putting ourselves first and free us for the joy of living for the sake of Jesus’ name. 3 John presents to us a contrast between two men: Gaius who troubles himself for the sake of Jesus’ name and Diotrephes, who puts himself first, and makes trouble for Jesus’ name. We will all follow Gaius’ example or the example of Diotrephes. And that brings us to the big idea of 3 John: Live for Jesus’ name.

3 John provides three practical ways to live for the sake of Jesus’ name: 1. Disciple children in the name (vv. 1-4) 2. Financially support advancing the name (vv. 5-8) 3. Don’t imitate those who put themselves ahead of the name (vv. 9-15). 

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The greatest antidote against deception is a local church full of members who love one another in the truth of Christ. And that brings us to the big idea of our passage this morning: Church – Love one another in truth. It’s a command for the whole church to obey together: love one another in truth. Now, 2 John provides three reasons why only a church loving one another in truth will joyfully glorify God in a world full of deceivers. 1. Love thrives in truth 2. Love in truth is more joyful than deception 3. Love in truth is protection against deception.

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Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the LORD’S and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” And that brings us to the big idea of Psalm 24: Spread the Good News of the King of Glory throughout the earth. Psalm 24 provides three rock-solid reasons why we should pray, give, send, and/or go to spread the good news of the King of glory throughout the earth. I am indebted to the late biblical scholar Derek Kidner for these three reasons:
1. He is all-creating (vv.1-2)
2. He is all-holy (vv. 3-6)
3. He is all-victorious (vv. 7-10).

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Scripture: Psalm 23
Preacher: Pastor Matt Cohen
BIG IDEA: The Lord is my shepherd. The Lord is my host.
1. He leads me the best way (vv. 1-4)
2. He provides for me abundantly (vv. 5-6)

ESV Study Bible
Heidelberg Catechism
“The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment” by: Jeremiah Burroughs.

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The big idea of our passage this morning as we dive back in to our Summer in the Psalms series is: Rejoice in the Lord’s victory. Psalm 21 provides two practical ways to rejoice our way through the already-not yet:
1. Rejoice in the Lord’s past victory (vv. 1-7)
2. Rejoice in the Lord’s future victory (vv. 8-13).

ESV Study Bible
Heidelberg Catechism (1563)
Sinclair Ferguson, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/already-and-not-yet

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On this last Sunday in April, Pastor Matt leads us through the very last passages in our journey through the book of Hebrews with the incredibly poignant BIG IDEA: “Remember, obey, and pray for your leaders.”

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As we continue our journey through the Book of Hebrews, our BIG IDEA centers around Hebrews 12:25: Do not refuse Him who is speaking. Why?
1. Because you’ve come to a greater mountain (vv. 18-24)
2. Because you’ve heard a greater warning (vv. 25b)
3. Because You’ve received a greater kingdom (vv. 26-29)

ESV Study Bible
“Covenant and God’s Purpose for the World (Short Studies in Biblical Theology)” by Thomas Schreiner; July 2017

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Humanity went from its darkest moment of sadness to its greatest joy in an instant that morning at The Tomb; that’s the power of the angel’s announcement that Jesus is risen. And that brings us to the big idea of our passage this morning: He is risen. He is risen. That announcement has the power to change everything for you. So, what should we do with the announcement “He is risen”? Two things:
1. Come and see
2. Go and tell.

ESV Study Bible
https://www.crossway.org/articles/4-points-of-evidence-for-the-resurrection/ by Neil Shevni. The arguments for the historical validity of the resurrection are adapted from Shevni’s excellent article.

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Instead of seeing our trials as God’s disfavor, we need to receive them as his loving discipline, fitting us to run. This morning’s passage is Hebrews 12:4-17 and the big idea of our passage, this morning is: Be subject to your Father’s discipline.
1. Because His discipline flows from His love (vv. 4-13)
2. Because He disciplines us for peace and holiness (vv. 14-17).

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On the day of his death, the Lord Jesus Christ was abandoned by his closest friends, condemned by the Roman authorities, betrayed by his Jewish countrymen, tortured, and crucified on a criminal’s cross. And then the darkness fell. From noon to 3pm, there was darkness over all the land. This darkness was literal and supernatural. And that leads us to the big question we are considering this Good Friday: Why the darkness? Why did darkness fall over all the land for three hours while the Son of God hung on the cross? Why the darkness?

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Walk by faith, not by sight…
1. When the path doesn’t match the promise
2. When the path hits opposition
3. When the path leads to triumph or tragedy.

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Hebrews 10:26-39 is our passage this morning and brings us to the big idea: Don’t throw away your confidence in Christ. Don’t throw away your confidence in Christ because holding tightly to it by faith has great, eternal reward.

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Our passage this morning is the hinge in Hebrews. It contains both the end to one major part of the letter and the beginning of the next; it’s a hinge. The first part of the passage will sum up nearly all the theology we’ve learned in Hebrews so far, and then the second part of the passage begins the final section of the letter, which is intensely practical, even more practical than the letter has already been. That brings us to the big idea of our passage this morning: Live in light of Christ’s sacrifice. Live in light of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. Ok – how do we do that? To answer that question we are going to take our passage in two parts: 1. The sacrifice 2. The living.

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The big idea of our passage this morning: With Christ we don’t have to fear death. With Christ we have power in life because we don’t have to fear death. Why don’t we have to fear death? Two reasons: 1. Christ died to secure our eternal inheritance 2. Christ will come again with our eternal inheritance.

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As we continue our journey through Hebrews, we find ourselves facing the question, “Who will heal our guilt?”
The answer is the big idea of our passage: Only Christ can cleanse our conscience. Only Christ can cleanse our conscience. This big idea raises big questions. Our passage answers three of them. 1. What can’t cleanse our conscience? (9:1-10) 2. How does Christ cleanse our conscience? (9:11-14a) 3. Why does Christ cleanse our conscience (9:14b).

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Our passage this morning is John 14:12-14 with the BIG IDEA: Whoever believes in Jesus will do greater works than Jesus.1. Jesus went to the Father 2. By praying in Jesus’ name.

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Always ask boldly and do not lose heart.
1. See how you’re not like the widow
2. Believe that God isn’t like the judge.
3. Cry to God like the widow.

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The big idea of our passage this morning is: Ask we’re going to look at asking from three angles:
1. Ask boldly
2. Ask persistently
3. Ask because you have a Good Father.

“A Praying Life’ By Paul Miller

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As we start out the new year, Pastor Matt brings us the unexpectedly uplifting BIG IDEA: Boast in being a ‘weak church.’ Since the Gospel tells us we can boast in our weakness, we’ll walk through:
(1) The purpose of weakness
(2) The power of weakness
(3) The plan of weakness.

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BIG IDEA: Jesus is the promised King
1. Don’t reject Him
2. Worship Him.

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For our second Advent sermon, Pastor Matt brings us through Matthew 1:18-25 and illuminates the BIG IDEA: The child’s name is Jesus & Immanuel.

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This week’s journey through the Book of Hebrews brings us to Pastor Matt’s BIG IDEA: Let us go on to maturity
1. The face of immaturity (5:11-6:3)
2. The danger of immaturity (6:4-8)
3. The blessing of maturity (6:9-12).

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This week’s journey through Hebrews brings us to three of the most reassuring verses in the Bible; Hebrews 4:14-16 reads: “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

 

Join us as Pastor Matt encourages us to Hold Fast to Your Confession:

Because you have a great High Priest…
Because you have a sympathetic High Priest…
Draw near to the Father.

 

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This week brings up to Hebrews 4:1-13 where Pastor Matt will unpack the BIG IDEA: Fear and strive to enter God’s eternal rest. Together, we will unpack this in three parts:

1. The rest

2. The fear

3. The striving.

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This week we embark on our journey through the Book of Hebrews with the

BIG IDEA: Pay careful attention to Jesus, lest you drift.
1. Jesus is superior
2. Drifting is deadly.

ESV Study Bible
https://www.britannica.com/event/Costa-Concordia-disaster

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This week, Pastor Matt breaks some MAJOR news for our church family!

ESV Study Bible

Paul Miller, A Praying Church, 139-143

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This week we dive into Psalm 20 with the BIG IDEA: Trust the Lord in the Day of Trouble.

  1. Understand your trouble (vv. 1)
  2. Ask boldly (vv. 1-5)
  3. Wait confidently (vv. 6-9). 

 

ESV Study Bible

Notes adapted from https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/12-reasons-you-should-pray-scripture/

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As we continue our journey through the Psalms, Pastor Matt illuminates how Psalm 19 teaches us to Listen to the skies and the Scriptures.

ESV Study Bible
Kidner Classic Commentaries, 117

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Pastor Matt is back to unpack Psalm 17 and the BIG IDEA: Pray when your enemies surround you.

How do we do that? When the Devil, the flesh, or, especially, the world tempt you distrust God’s grace and turn from his way:

1. Ask for justice (vv. 1-5)
2. Ask for protection (vv. 6-9)
3. Ask for change (vv. 10-14)
4. Ask with hope (vv. 15)

ESV Study Bible
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/world-flesh-and-devil

Citylight Manayunk | August 6, 2023 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

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Philippians 4:13 is one of the greatest verses in the Bible and this week Pastor Matt shows us the seemingly impossible truth that it’s EVEN BETTER than we think!

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

BIG IDEA: We can ALWAYS be content through Christ.
1. What is contentment?
2. What is the secret?

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs

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In his second sermon of our “Better Than We Think” series, we look at 2 Chronicles 7:14 and unpack the encouraging BIG IDEA: that If God’s people pray, then He will hear, forgive, and heal.
This begs the questions:
1. What does it mean?
2. How does it apply today?
3. What about our land?

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In this, the first sermon of our new “Better than we think” series, Pastor Matt takes us through a fresh look at Jeremiah 29:11 to illuminate the encouraging BIG IDEA: our future is incredibly bright! To show us this, we take what our passage says about our future in four parts: 1. The lie 2. The promise 3. The plan 4. The prayer.

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This week, Pastor Matt brings us through the BIG IDEA behind why we should: Sing for joy! The Lord promises redemptive reversals. True happiness is based on rags to riches and reversals of fortune; redemptive reversals and so we sing for joy because the Lord promises redemptive and eternal reversals. What are these redemptive reversals that the Lord promises, such that we should sing for joy?

1. Barrenness to babies (54:1-3)

2. Momentary desertion to everlasting compassion (54:4-10)

3. Storm-tossed to a secure city (54:11-17)

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Why is Jesus the only hope for the guilty? Our passage provides three reasons:
1. Jesus suffered for the guilty (53:1-3)
2. Jesus died for the guilty (53:4-9)
3. Jesus rose for the guilty (52:13-15; 53:10-12).

 

Ray Ortlund -idea for the Pete Rose illustration.
See Gospel-Centered Life, session 2 – https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5172edf9e4b0152c18fe6692/t/5ae8ba0f6d2a73187a2b8d59/1525201424869/2+-+Pretending+and+Performing+-+Participant%27s+Guide.pdf

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As we continue our journey through the book of Isaiah this morning the big idea of our passage is one of action: Wake up to the good news! No matter what form our spiritual sleepiness takes today, we have received an invitation from God Almighty that is pure grace: Wake up to the good news. Now, to get to the bottom of the big idea, we’re going to take it in two parts:
1. The good news (51:17-2:6)
2. Waking up to it (52:7-12)

Citylight Manayunk | May 7, 2023 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

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We all need comfort for what we’re facing and the Lord is the only true and lasting comforter. This week, Pastor Matt illuminates the big idea of our passage: God is able to comfort you.
But how do we receive it? Our passage provides us with three moves in receiving the Lord’s comfort:
1. Look to God’s promises (51:1-6)
2. Cry out for God’s help (51:9-11)
3. Rest in God’s power (51:7-8, 12-16)

 

 

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 The big idea of our passage: Listen to the Servant, all the ends of the earth.

Listen to the Servant, all the ends of the earth. Now, the Servant is the Lord Jesus Christ who speaks through every syllable of Scripture. We listen to the Servant by listening to the Bible – the word of God – and what it says about everything.
But what is the Servant saying in our passage that we should listen to? Two things:
1. He is a light for the nations (49:1-13).
2. He will not forget you (49:14-50:3).

Citylight Manayunk | April 16, 2023 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

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IT’S EASTER! And here at Citylight we’re celebrating the Resurrection of Christ a bit differently this year; rather than defend the resurrection, Pastor Matt wants to talk to us about what to do with it!

The big idea of our passage this Easter is: Bless God for raising Jesus from the dead.
In this sermon, Pastor Matt shows us how The Resurrection brings:

(1) new birth

(2) living hope

(3) unshakeable joy. 

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As our hearts ache over the suffering Jesus went through on our behalf, we’re keeping the message simple this Good Friday and looking at 2 Corinthians 5:21. The Big Idea of our passage, and the points Pastor Matt will be breaking down are: Christ became what we are that we might become what He is.

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What the Lord has to say to us this week (through Pastor Matt) in Isaiah 46-47:15, is the big idea of our passage: Stand firm in the one true God. Who of us doesn’t want to have the story of standing firm?!

Ok, how, by the grace of God, do we “stand firm”? Isaiah 46-47 provides three ways:
1. Compare the one true God to his competition (46:1-7).
2. Remember that there is no other God (46:8-13).
3. See the coming judgment (47:1-15).

Citylight Manayunk | April 2, 2023 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

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Mike Cosper, Rhythms of Grace:

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The Big Idea of our passage this morning is: The Lord restores His people for a purpose. Get on board with it.

Ok – how does the Lord restore us – so that we can get on board with it?
1. He restores in a surprising way (44:24-45:8)
2. He confronts our discontentment (45:9-13)
3. To save the ends of the earth (45:14-25).

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary by Alec Motyer

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners (Preach the Word Commentary) by Ray Ortlund

ESV Study Bible

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BIG IDEA: The Lord revives his people for his glory.

1. Remember who the Lord is (43:22-28)

2. Remember who you are (44:1-5)

3. Return to the Lord (44:6-23)

Citylight Manayunk | March 12, 2023 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary by Alec Motyer

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners (Preach the Word Commentary) by Ray Ortlund

ESV Study Bible

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As we continue our way through this section of the book of Isaiah, Pastor Matt encourages us to Sing to the LORD, not idols. 

How?
1. Prosecute your idols (41:21-29)
2. Behold the Servant (42:1-9)
3. Sing a new song (42:10-17).

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary by Alec Motyer

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners (Preach the Word Commentary) by Ray Ortlund

ESV Study Bible

Resources:

For more information visit citylightphilly.com

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In one of Pastor Matt’s most encouraging sermons yet, he shows us how Isaiah tells us we can FEAR NOT because

1. He rules (40:1-4)
2. He is with you (40:5-16)
3. He refreshes (40:17-20)

 

Resources:

For more information visit citylightphilly.com

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In week two of our Isaiah series, Pastor Matt unpacks a BIG IDEA we all need remonding of from time to time: Wait for the LORD when it feels like he’s doing nothing.
(1) He is incomparably great (Isaiah 40:12-26)
(2) He will give you what you need (Isaiah 40:27-31)

Citylight Manayunk | February 12, 2023 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary by Alec Motyer

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners (Preach the Word Commentary) by Ray Ortlund

ESV Study Bible

https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/how-much-water-there-earth#:~:text=For%20a%20detailed%20explanation%20of,freshwater%20is%20in%20the%20ground.

Resources:

For more information visit citylightphilly.com

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As we start our adventure through Isaiah 40-55, Pastor Matt brings us the BIG IDEA that The Holy One is Coming. How should we live in light of this encouraging fact?
1. Be comforted (vv. 1-2)
2. Be ready (vv. 3-5)
3. Be bold (vv.9-11).

Resources:

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary by Alec Motyer

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners (Preach the Word Commentary) by Ray Ortlund

ESV Study Bible

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It’s the day we’ve been waiting for with excited anticipation, it’s our Reach mid-way Commitment Sunday! Today is an incredibly significant day in our life together as Citylight Church and, as such, the BIG IDEA of our passage (Revelation 22:1-5) addresses the big question we’ve been asking ourselves for months: “WHY are we doing all this?” 

We will reign with god forever!

1.The Garden (vv. 1-2)

2.The Curse (vv. 3a)

3.The Throne (vv.3b-5)

Resources:

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The big idea of our third passage in the REACH series is Christ’s love controls us. If the question is ‘What motivates us?’ Christ’s love is why, it’s his love that controls us, it’s his love that makes us want to pour it all out for him. We are going to look at Christ’s love that controls us from three angles in our passage: (1) The proof of His love (2) The power of His love (3) The purpose of His love.

Citylight Manayunk | January 22, 2023 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

David Garland’s commentary on 2 Corinthians in the New American Commentary Series

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In the second sermon of our REACH series, Pastor Matt unpacks the BIG IDEA: We are the light of the world for the glory of God.

(1) The light (2) The world (3) The glory of God.

Resources:

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In the first sermon of our This Is Why series, Pastor Matt dives into the BIG IDEA: Gladly Give Yourselves to the Messiah’s Cause.

 

Resources:

Ray Ortlund’s Isaiah commentary
Alec Mother’s Isaiah commentary

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Join us for our Ch1ristmas Eve service as Pastor Matt unpacks the BIG IDEA of both our passage and our final Christmas Carol (Silent Night):

Christ the Savior is born!

1.He is the humble Savior

2.He is the glorious Savior

3.He brings us peace

Resources:

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This week the big idea of our passage is: Wake up to the good news! As Pastor Matt guides us through Isaiah 52:7-12 and our passage shows us three ways He’s waking us up:

1. Sing for joy (Verses 8-9)

2. Go tell it on the mountain (Verses 7, 10)

3. Depart from Babylon (Verses 10-12).

 

Resources:

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary by J. Alec Motyer
Isaiah: God Saves Sinners (Preaching the Word) by Ray Ortlund
The Real Pheidippides Story

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In our second Advent service of the season, we look at the well known Christmas carol “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and our passage is Matthew 1:17-23 as Pastor Matt unpacks the BIG IDEA: Jesus’ name is Immanuel

(1) God keeps his promises to us (verse 17-20)

(2) God saves us from our sins (Verses 18-21)

(3) God is with us (Verse 22-23).

Citylight Manayunk | December 11, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

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In the first week of our “Christ of the Carols” Advent series, pastor Matt joyfully brings us the BIG IDEA: Rejoice over the Good News! Why? 

  1. It really is good news.
  2. It really is for all people. 

Resources:

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As we finish our journey through the book of Galatians, Pastor Matt encourages us to Use your freedom to serve one another through love specifically.

1. Bear one another’s burdens (6:1-5)

2. Provide for one another’s needs (6:6-10)

3. Boast only in the cross (6:11-18).

Resources:

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Big Idea: Use your freedom to serve one another through love.

Why? (1) because love fulfills the law (Galatians 5:13-15).

How? (2) by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)

Resources:

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This week, as we continue our journey through the book of Galatians, Pastor Matt teaches us that we are to Stand firm in your Freedom,

1. The purpose of freedom (vv. 1a)

2. The enemy of freedom (vv. 1b-4)

3. The way of freedom (vv. 5-6)

4. The confidence of freedom (vv. 7-12).

 

Resources:

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This week, Pastor Matt takes us through the BIG IDEA: You don’t want to be under the law.

  1. You were born of promise, not human effort (4:21-23)
  2. You belong to Jerusalem above, not Jerusalem below (4:24-27)
  3. You listen to Scripture, not false-teachers (4:28-31). 

Resources:

Tom Schreiner’s commentary and ESV Study Bible

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This week, as we walk through Galatians 4:1-7, Pastor Matt breaks down the encouraging BIG IDEA: You were slaves, but you are now sons!

Resources:

    1. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary – Galatians by Tom Schreiner 
    2. ESV Study Bible – Notes on Galatians by Simone Gathercole
    3. Galatians by Martin Luther
    4. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary
    5. Galatians 4:1-7 – sermon by Ray Ortlund

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This week, as we continue our journey through the book of Galatians, Pastor Matt shows us how we can be unburdened from our tendency to relate to God by our law keeping through the BIG IDEA that God’s law doesn’t override God’s promise.
1. God’s law came after God’s promise.
2. God’s law drives you to believe God’s promise.
3. You are one by believing God’s promise. 

 

 

 

Resources:

Tony Evans Bible Commentary
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary – Galatians – Tom Schreiner
ESV Study Bible
Various sermons by Ray Ortlund

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This week, Pastor Matt encourages us with the Big Idea: Don’t reject the grace of God. What does that look like?

1. Don’t reject those God has welcomed (2:11-14)

2. Remember that you were justified by faith alone, not works (2:15-16)

3. Live by faith (2:17-21)

Citylight Manayunk | September 25, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

ESV Study Bible
Tony Evans Study Bible
Galatians by Martin Luther
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary – Galatians – Tom Schreiner
Holiness by J.C. Ryle
Ray Ortlund – https://immanuelnashville.libsyn.com/2017/03

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This week, the big idea of the first passage in our journey through the book of Galatians is: Stand firm in God’s gospel. We can be unburdened by standing firm in God’s gospel for three reasons:
1. God’s gospel frees you to serve Christ, not people (1:10)
2. God’s gospel was revealed by Christ, not people (1:11-24)
3. God’s gospel was confirmed by the right people (2:1-10).

Resources:

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On this exciting Sunday, we dive into Paul’s letter to the Galatians with the BIG IDEA that we are to Enjoy grace and peace. In order to do this, Pastor Matt shows us that we must: 1. Rest in Christ’s finished work 2. Refuse false-gospels.

Citylight Manayunk | September 11, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

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In reflection upon our last year in the Gospel of John, Pastor Matt walks us through Psalm 51 and the BIG IDEA: Come to the Lord for complete cleansing. Now, how do we do that? Psalm guides us through four:
1. Approach the Lord on the basis of His love and mercy
2. Admit your sin honestly to the Lord
3. Ask the Lord to renew and restore your heart
4. Live in the joy of your salvation

Citylight Manayunk | September 4, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

A Commentary on the Psalms (Volume 2) by Alan Ross

Psalms 1-72: An Introduction and Commentary by Derek Kidner

ESV Study Bible

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This week, Pastor Matt closes out our journey through the Gospel of John and brings some much needed encouragement to our exhausted souls with the profoundly Big Idea: Jesus Restores Backsliders.
1. Jesus seeks backsliders
2. Jesus humbles backsliders
3. Jesus commissions backsliders

Citylight Manayunk | August 28, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

ESV Study Bible

Expository Thoughts on John by J.C. Ryle

The Gospel According to John, Pillar New Testament Commentary Series, by D.A. Carson

The Tony Evans Study Bible by Tony Evans

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As we approach the end of the Gospel of John, this week Pastor Matt brings us the encouraging Big Idea that we can really Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
1. Jesus really did rise.
2. Jesus’ resurrection really does change everything for the better
3. Doubters really aren’t disqualified

Citylight Manayunk | August 21, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

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This week, Pastor Matt unpacks the eternal truth, our BIG IDEA: It is finished.
1. The Scripture is fulfilled
2. Our sins are forgiven and forgotten

Citylight Manayunk | August 14, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Gospel According to John, by D.A. Carson
The Tony Evans Study Bible by Tony Evans
Expository Thoughts on John by J.C. Ryle

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After several weeks away, Pastor Matt is back to unpack the Big Idea that Jesus’s Kingdom is not of this world but rather it’s the Kingdom of truth!

Citylight Manayunk | August 7, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Gospel According to John, by D.A. Carson
The Tony Evans Study Bible by Tony Evans
Expository Thoughts on John by J.C. Ryle

Truth, Error, and Knowing – The Gospel Coalition

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Big Idea: Don’t be troubled. Love Jesus.

1. The Holy Spirit is in you (vv. 15-24)

2. The Holy Spirit teaches you (vv. 25-26)

3. Jesus gives you His peace (vv. 27-30)

Citylight Manayunk | June 26, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Gospel According to John, by D.A. Carson
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, The Gospel According to John, by Andreas Kostenberger
The Tony Evans Study Bible by Tony Evans
Expository Thoughts on John by J.C. Ryle
The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung
I Have Other Sheep That Are Not Of This Fold – Sermon by John Piper

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In an incredibly encouraging sermon, this week Pastor Matt dives into the BIG IDEA: Don’t be troubled. Believe in Jesus.

1. Heaven is sure (vv.1-3)

2. He is the way (vv. 4-11)

3. He will do what we ask in his name (vv. 12-14).

Citylight Manayunk | June 19, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Gospel According to John, by D.A. Carson
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, The Gospel According to John, by Andreas Kostenberger
The Tony Evans Study Bible by Tony Evans
Expository Thoughts on John by J.C. Ryle
The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung
I Have Other Sheep That Are Not Of This Fold – Sermon by John Piper

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This week Pastor Matt dives into one of Jesus’s greatest commandments and our BIG IDEA: Love One Another

Citylight Manayunk | June 12, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Gospel According to John, by D.A. Carson
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, The Gospel According to John, by Andreas Kostenberger
The Tony Evans Study Bible by Tony Evans
Expository Thoughts on John by J.C. Ryle
The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung
I Have Other Sheep That Are Not Of This Fold – Sermon by John Piper

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In light of the start of Citylight’s Mission Conference, Pastor Matt highlights the encouraging fact (and BIG IDEA) that Jesus’ worldwide mission, and your part in it, will succeed.

1. Jesus has other sheep

2. Jesus must bring other sheep

3. Jesus will have one flock.

Citylight Manayunk | June 5, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Gospel According to John, by D.A. Carson
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, The Gospel According to John, by Andreas Kostenberger
The Tony Evans Study Bible by Tony Evans
Expository Thoughts on John by J.C. Ryle
The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung
I Have Other Sheep That Are Not Of This Fold – Sermon by John Piper
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/20/think-christianity-is-dying-no-christianity-is-shifting-dramatically/

State of the World – The Task Remaining

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As we continue our adventure through the book of John, this week Pastor Matt unpacks the seemingly conflicting Big Idea that one must Lose your life in this world to keep it forever. However, in true Jesus fashion, we learn how freeing “losing our life in this world” can really be, and how God will use it for the ultimate good.

Citylight Manayunk | May 22, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Gospel According to John, by D.A. Carson
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, The Gospel According to John, by Andreas Kostenberger
The Tony Evans Study Bible by Tony Evans
Expository Thoughts on John by J.C. Ryle
The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung

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This week Pastor Matt shows us how the Gospel of John encourages us to follow the Biblical example and Pour it all out for Jesus because:

  1. Jesus is the Lamb
  2. Jesus is the Anointed One
  3. Jesus is the gentle King

Citylight Manayunk | May 15, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Gospel According to John, by D.A. Carson
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, The Gospel According to John, by Andreas Kostenberger
The Tony Evans Study Bible by Tony Evans
Expository Thoughts on John by J.C. Ryle
The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung

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This week Pastor Matt dives into the BIG IDEA that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life

 (1) What does it mean? (2) What do we do about it? 

Citylight Manayunk | May 8, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Baker Exegetical Commentary On the New Testament, 335, Andreas Kostenberger

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This week Pastor Matt encourages us to Worship the Good Shepherd beause

(1) The Good Shepherd calls his sheep (1-6)

(2) The Good Shepherd gives abundant life to his sheep (7-10)

(3) The Good shepherd dies for his sheep (11-18).

Citylight Manayunk | April 24, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Andreas J. Köstenberger

Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible, Vol. 20 (New Studies in Biblical Theology)
by Timothy S. Laniak

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/my-abandoned-life-for-your-abundant-life–2

Effectual Calling

https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/david-livingstone

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Big idea: Jesus can save you to the uttermost.
(1) Why he can save
(2) Who he can save
(3) How he can save

Citylight Manayunk | Easter Sunday from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

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This week Pastor Matt dives into the BIG IDEA: Jesus gives true sight to the blind. How does he do that? 1. By a work of God 2. In a way that makes us different. 3. To blind those who see.

Citylight Manayunk | April 10, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

– ESV Study Bible (notes on the Gospel of John by Andreas Kostenberger)
– Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John -Andreas Kostenburger
– The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary) by D.A. Carson, page 311-312
-Expository Thought on John by J.C. Ryle

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This week we continue our Gospel of John series by looking at John 8:12-30 and diving into the big idea that we are to Follow the Light of the World.

Citylight Manayunk March 27 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary Series) by D.A. Carson

The Gospel According to John (Baker Exegetical Commentary Series) by Andreas Kostenburger

Expository Thoughts on John by J.C. Ryle

Africa Study Bible, notes on the Gospel of John by Samuel Ngewa

https://jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/issues-v06-n07/sukkot-a-promise-of-living-water

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This week we continue our Gospel of John series by looking at John 7:53-8:11. This passage is very unusual because it turns out that, as well-known as it is, it doesn’t appear in the earliest and best copies of the Bible. In this sermon, Pastor Matt walks us through the issues surrounding this passage and shows us why we can trust our Bibles. Then, using this text as a starting point, Matt explains the big idea of the passage: Come to Jesus for grace and seek to sin no more.* He shows how other portions of the gospel of John back up this passage, with three crucial points: 1. Jesus is gentle toward sinners. 2. Jesus saves sinners. 3. Jesus changes sinners.

* This big idea is very similar to the final point in John Piper’s message on this passage entitled Neither Do I Condemn You.

Citylight Manayunk | March 20, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

 

 

 

Resources:

Sermon Resources:
Text Criticism and the Pulpit: Should One Preach About the Woman Caught in Adultery? Tim Miller (Themelios)
Baker Exegetical Commentary (John) by Kostenburger
Pillar NT Commentary (John) by Carson
Neither Do I Condemn You (sermon) by John Piper
Tony Evans Study Bible
Expository Thoughts on The Gospel of John by J.C. Ryle
Textual Criticism: What is it and Why do we Need it? Brandon Crowe
“Misquoting” Jesus? Answering Bart Ehrman by Greg Koukl (I adapted the illustration of Grandma Sally’s recipe from this article. I really did have a Grandma Sally)
Textual Variants: It’s the Nature, Not the Number That Matters by Greg Koukl

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his week we resume our Gospel of John series by looking at John 7:37-52. This continues where we left off last time, where Jesus was teaching at the Feast of Booths. This text includes a famous passage, where Jesus calls the thirsty to come to him and drink. The big idea is simply that Jesus offers us living water. We will explore what that means, and what we can do about it.

Citylight Manayunk | March 13, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

– ESV Study Bible (notes on the Gospel of John by Andreas Kostenberger)
– Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John -Andreas Kostenburger
– The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary) by D.A. Carson, page 321-333
-Expository Thought on John by J.C. Ryle

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In the final sermon for our Reach series, Pastor Matt walks through the concluding section of 2 Corinthians 9. In 2 Cor 9:11-15, we learn that we should  Give so that others will give thanks to God. How does that work?

1. Your giving supplies needs
2. Your giving supplies more than needs
3. Your giving is His gift.

 

Citylight Manayunk | March 6, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

2 Corinthians (The New American Commentary) by David Garland, pages 412-416.

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In week four of our REACH series, Pastor Matt shows from 2 Corinthians 9:1-10 how we can be motived to give bountifully. Specifically, we see three reasons from this text to give bountifully:

1. You will receive bountiful rewards
2. You will have bountiful hearts
3. You have a bountiful God

Citylight Manayunk | Feburary, 27 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

2 Corinthians (The New American Commentary) by David Garland, pages 400-412.

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In week four of our REACH series, Pastor Matt explains how we can be encouraged to excel in the grace of generous giving. Second Corinthians 8:6-15 gives us three reasons why:

1. It proves your love
2. He became poor for you
3. Desire isn’t enough

Citylight Manayunk | February 20, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

2 Corinthians (The New American Commentary) by David Garland, pages 365-366.

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In week three of our REACH series, Pastor Matt explains how outlandish generosity doesn’t start with the giving of money, but rather when you Give Yourself  to the Lord and let everything else flow from there.

1. Others already have
2. He will lead you to joyful generosity

Citylight Manayunk | February 13, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

2 Corinthians (The New American Commentary) by David Garland, pages 365-366.

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In week #2 of our REACH sermon series, Pastor Matt invites us to unpack the exciting challenge to Make an eternal impact with the master’s resources because

1. It’s all His
2. We are His stewards
3. The stakes are high

Citylight Manayunk | February 2, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

ESV Study Bible, notes on the Gospel According to Matthew

R.T. France, The Gospel According to Matthew, NICNT

Alcorn, Randy. Money, Possessions, and Eternity. Tyndale House, 2003 (image)

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This week, Pastor Matt kicks off our REACH sermon series by encouraging us to Joyfully join the Messiah in His cause because:

1. His cause is good news

2. His cause is glorious

3. His cause can’t fail.

Citylight Manayunk | January 30, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners (Preach the Word) by Ray Ortlund, 409
ESV Study Bible – Notes on Isaiah 61

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This week, Pastor Matt teaches us that we can Trust Jesus’ Authority since:

1. His timing is the Father’s timing
2. His teaching is the Father’s teaching
3. His home is the Father’s home

Citylight Manayunk | Januart 23, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

– ESV Study Bible (notes on the Gospel of John by Andreas Kostenberger)
– Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John -Andreas Kostenburger
– The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary) by D.A. Carson, page 311-312
-Expository Thought on John by J.C. Ryle

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This week, Pastor Matt tackles the difficult question most of us face at least one time (and asked by Jesus Himself, to His disciples): “Do you want to go away as well?” Choosing to follow Jesus can be hard sometimes; in this sermon, we look to what Jesus says on the matter:

  1. Only those who believe in Him have eternal life
  2. We have to eat his flesh and drink his blood
  3. You can’t come to Him on your own

Citylight Manayunk | January 16, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

– ESV Study Bible – Study notes on the Gospel According to John
– Pillar New Testament Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John – DA Carson

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This week Pastor Matt invites us to Come to the Bread of Life (Jesus)

1. Come to Him for eternal life
2. Come to Him for satisfaction
3. Come to Him to never be cast out

Citylight Manayunk | January 9, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

– ESV Study Bible – Study notes on the Gospel According to John
– Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John – -Andreas Kostenburger
– Pillar New Testament Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John – DA Carson

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This Christmas Eve, Pastor Matt invites us to “REJOICE! THE CHILD SHINES IN OUR DARKNESS!” Together we’ll look at 1. The darkness 2. The joy and 3. The Child

Citylight Manayunk Christmas Eve Service | December 24, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners (Preaching the Word) by Ray Ortlund

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary by Alec Motyer

ESV Study Bible

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In our second Advent sermon, Pastor Matt encourages us with the BIG IDEA: Beloved, let us love one another because 1. Love is from God, 2. God is love, and 3. God has loved us.

Citylight Manayunk | December 12, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

New City Catechism
New American Commentary, 1 John, by Danny Akin
John Frame, The Doctrine of God

https://www.yosemite.ca.us/yosemitefallsfacts.html

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In our first sermon of Advent 2021, Pastor Matt dives into the the big idea that we are to “Receive His Peace” What type of peace do we receive from Jesus? 1. Upward 2. Outward 3. Inward

Citylight Manayunk | December 5, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

The NIV Application Commentary: Luke. By Darrel Bock

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/a-savior-is-born-glory-to-god-peace-to-man

AlphaHistory.com
https://www.history.com/news/world-war-is-christmas-truce-100-years-ago

 

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FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO JESUS
1. Bring Him your hard life
2. Trust His promise
3. Live beyond your hard life

Citylight Manayunk | Novemeber 21, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

– ESV Study Bible – Study notes on the Gospel According to John
– Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John – -Andreas Kostenburger
– Pillar New Testament Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John – DA Carson

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This week, Pastor Matt teaches us to live by the satisfaction of accomplishing the Father’s work by showing us that 1. Jesus is still working, 2. Jesus has prepared a harvest, and 3. Jesus is the Savior of the world.

Citylight Manayunk | November 16, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

– ESV Study Bible – Study notes on the Gospel According to John
– Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John – -Andreas Kostenburger
– Pillar New Testament Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John – DA Carson

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HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE
1. He is the groom
2. He gives eternal life

Citylight Manayunk October 31, 2021.mov from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

– ESV Study Bible – Study notes on the Gospel According to John
– Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John – -Andreas Kostenburger
– Pillar New Testament Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John – DA Carson

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BIG IDEA: You must be born again

1. See that you need it
2. Look to the Son of Man

Citylight Manayunk | October 17, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

– ESV Study Bible – Study notes on the Gospel According to John
– Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John – -Andreas Kostenburger
– Pillar New Testament Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John – DA Carson

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BIG IDEA: Jesus is the true Temple
1. What it means
2. What to do about it

Resources:

– ESV Study Bible – Study notes on the Gospel According to John
– Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John – -Andreas Kostenburger
– Pillar New Testament Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John – DA Carson
– https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/why-we-must-understand-the-temple-in-gods-plan-today
– https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/ray-ortlund/zeal/

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TRUST IN JESUS, HE’S MAKING ALL THINGS NEW
1. In His time
2. Better than what came before
3. For His glory

Resources:

ESV Study Bible – Study notes on the Gospel According to John
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John – Andreas Kostenburger
Pillar New Testament Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John – DA Carson

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FOLLOW JESUS THE MESSIAH
1. Seek Him
2. Point to Him
3. Recognize Him

Citylight Manayunk | September 26, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

ESV Study Bible – Study notes on the Gospel According to John
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John – Andreas Kostenburger
Pillar New Testament Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John – DA Carson

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As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, Pastor Matt illuminates the Big Idea that “I am not the Christ, Jesus is” by showing us that: 1. Jesus is the Redeemer, 2. Jesus is the Lamb and 3. Jesus is the Son.

Citylight Manayunk | September 19, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

ESV Study Bible – Study notes on the Gospel According to John
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel According to John – Andreas Kostenburger
Pillar New Testament Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John – DA Carson
The New City Catechism: Question #16

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Big Idea: Jesus tells the whole story of God.

  1. He is God.
  2. He is the light.
  3. He is man.

Resources:

John 1:1-18

DA Carson – Pillar Commentary Series – The Gospel According to John

Andreas Kostenburger – Baker exegetical series – The Gospel According to John

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In this incredibly rare instance, Pastor Matt preaches a topical sermon on very biblical principle that:

God’s family learns!
(Key points:)

  1. Blessing
  2. Protection
  3. Love
  4. Witness
  5. Christ

 

Citylight Manayunk | August 29, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

ESV Study Bible

The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung

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BIG IDEA: GOD’S FAMILY GROWS!
How?

  1. Pray
  2. Love
  3. Invite
  4. Speak

 

CItylight Manayunk | August 22, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Church Membership by Jonathan Leeman

Baker Exegetical Commentary on Acts by Darrel Bock
A Praying Life by Paul Miller

ESV Study Bible

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Big Idea: God’s family welcomes one another

  1. How do we welcome? 
  2. Why do we welcome? 
  3. What’s the point?

Citylight Manayunk | August 15, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Church Membership by Jonathan Leeman

Romans 15:7 ESV

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This week, pastor Matt Cohen kicks off our August sermon series on “God’s Family” by showing from the Scriptures that “God’s family has members.” The text is Ephesians 2:18-19. He answers the questions, Why join a local church? And, What are the benefits of joining a local church?

Citylight Manayunk | August 1, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Church Membership by Jonathan Leeman

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This week, pastor Matt Cohen brings us comfort by digging into Psalm 13 to help us to pray through pain so we can rejoice in God. How? . Turn to God 2. Bring your complaint. 3. Ask for specific help. 4. Renew your trust in His loyal love.

Citylight Manayunk | July 25, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon

Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary by Tremper Longman

ESV Study Bible: Psalm 13

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As a wrap up to our “Reach 2021” Missions Conference, pastor Matt explores our calling to

Sing to the Lord among the Nations:
1. Because of who He is
2. Because He prescribes it
3. Because of what He will do.

Citylight Manayunk | June 27, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Psalm 96

  • ESV Study Bible
  • Psalms (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary), by Willem A. VanGemeren
  • Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Series) by Tremper Longman III
  • A Commentary on the Psalms (Kregel Exegetical Library) by Allen P. Ross

Answering 7 Common Objections to Long-Term Missions

 

 

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This week, Pastor Matt leads us through Psalm 9 to see how we should “Worship the Lord for His wonderful works” because, in His great love, He defeats your enemies and He secures your salvation.

Citylight Manayank | June 20, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Psalm 9

  • ESV Study Bible
  • Psalms (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary), by Willem A. VanGemeren
  • Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Series) by Tremper Longman III
  • A Commentary on the Psalms (Kregel Exegetical Library) by Allen P. Ross

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This week Pastor Matt “Marvels at the majesty of our Creator” as we explore how God “wins through the weak” and just how much “He cares for YOU.”

Citylight Manayunk | June 13, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Psalm 8
ESV Study Bible

Psalms (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary), by Willem A. VanGemeren
Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Series) by Tremper Longman III
A Commentary on the Psalms (Kregel Exegetical Library) by Allen P. Ross

John Piper, The Peculiar Mark of Majesty, Part 1

https://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2012/09/17/161096233/which-is-greater-the-number-of-sand-grains-on-earth-or-stars-in-the-sk

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The big idea of our passage this morning is: we become what we behold. Based on Jared Mellinger’s book Think Again, Pastor Matt looks at five areas of life where the gospel frees us from beholding ourselves so that we can behold Christ and become more like Him: identity, self-esteem, doubt, goodness, and confession.

Citylight Manayunk | May 30, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Think Again: Relief From the Burden of Introspection by Jared Mellinger

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The big idea of our final passage this morning is: Stay focused on good works. Stay focused on doing what the Bible commands out in the world so that others will see our good deeds and give glory to our Father in heaven. Citylight, stay focused on growing strong as a gospel culture that makes the truth of the gospel visible through our good works out in the world. Stay focused on good works. For the rest of our time together, we are going to answer one question: How? How can Citylight church stay focused on good works? Three answers from our passage today: (1) Avoid foolish controversies, (2) Warn divisive people, and (3) Meet kingdom needs.

Citylight Manayunk | May 23, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 3: 9-15

ESV Study Bible

Titus For You by Tim Chester

1/2 Timothy & Titus commentary in the Pillar series by Robert Yarbraugh

Deep Work by Cal Newport

The Cross of War: Christian Nationalism and U.S. Expansion in the Spanish-American War

The Incompatibility of Critical Theory and Christianity

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Titus 3:8: The saying is trustworthy and I want you to insist on these things so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. That brings us to the big idea of our passage: Devote yourselves to good works.

Citylight Manayunk | May 16, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 2:15-3:8
Titus For You by Tim Chester
1/2 Timothy & Titus commentary in the Pillar series by Robert Yarbraugh
ESV Study Bible

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The big idea of our passage this morning: Grace has appeared to make us godly. Far from being opposed to godly living, God’s grace has appeared to be our, so to speak, personal trainer, mentor, and tutor in godliness. Grace has appeared to make us godly. With that said, I want to spend the rest of our time together this morning answering one question: how does grace teach us to be godly? We’ll see three answers in our passage this morning: 1. Grace saves us 2. Grace trains us 3. Grace orients us.

Resources:

Titus 2:11-14
ESV Study Bible
Titus For You by Tim Chester
1/2 Timothy & Titus commentary in the Pillar series by Robert Yarbrough
Grace is Not a Thing by Jeremy Treat

Saving Grace by Sam Storms

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The big idea of our passage: Elders must rebuke false teachers. Why? 1. They are divisive 2. They are worldly. 3. They are legalistic 4. There is hope.

Citylight Manayunk | April 25, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 1: 10-16Adapted from Mark Dever’s book The Gospel & Personal Evangelism
Titus For You by Tim Chester
1/2 Timothy & Titus commentary in the Pillar series by Robert Yarbraugh

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Th big idea of our passage: Your church needs qualified elders. What are elders? Elders (pastors/overseers) are men who (i) meet the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, (ii) are recognized by their congregation as elders, (iii) and lead the congregation by teaching the Word (1 Tim. 3:2), praying for the sheep (Jas. 5:14), and overseeing the affairs of the church (1 Pet. 5:2). Question: what kind of elders should you appoint, pray for, encourage, follow, and imitate? That’s the question Titus 1:5-9 answers. Qualified elders are: (1) Above reproach at home, (2) Above reproach in character, and (3) Above reproach in doctrine.

Citylight Manayunk | April 18, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 1: 5-9
ESV Study Bible

What is a church elder?


Robert Yarbrough, Pillar Commentary, Pastoral Epistles
Titus For You by Tim Chester
1/2 Timothy & Titus commentary in the Pillar series by Robert Yarbraugh

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How can we all together live lives that really matter and last as an attractively different gospel culture in our world? The answer is the big idea of the opening of Paul’s letter to Titus: Be servants of God. Now, the Bible says that God is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything (Acts 17:15). And yet, Paul’s vision for a church that lasts is living as servants of God. So, what do servants of God serve? (1) Faith, (2) Godliness, (3) In hope.

Citylight Manayunk Service | April 11, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 1: 1-4
Titus For You by Tim Chester
1/2 Timothy & Titus commentary in the Pillar series by Robert Yarbraugh

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Matthew 28:6, “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” That brings us to the big idea and the great news of Easter: Jesus has risen, as he said. But why should we believe that Jesus is risen and what does this great news mean for you and me today? To answer that question, we’re going to explore the resurrection through the eyes of the: (1) The Guards, (2) The Women, and (3) The Brothers.

Citylight Manayunk Easter Service | April 4, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Matthew 28:1-10

Why It Matters Theologically and Historically That Women Were the First to Discover the Empty Tomb

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The big idea of our Good Friday passage: Jesus truly is the Son of God. Our passage this evening provides three reasons to believe that Jesus truly is the Son of God: (1) The curtain, (2) The tombs, and (3) The Centurion.

Resources:

Matthew 27:51-54 ESV Study Bible

What Did the Temple Look Like in Jesus’ Time?


R.T. France, Matthew, NICNT

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The church is the new house where God dwells and as we come to end of our journey through Nehemiah, the message is clear: keep rebuilding. How do we do that? (1) Be attractively different (2) Be obediently generous (3) Be truly rested.

Citylight Manayunk | March 28, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 13
NICOT commentary on Nehemiah
Tyndale commentary on Nehemiah
ESV Study Bible

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Nehemiah 12 provides three ways to enjoy our weekly gatherings for the rededication ceremonies that they are: 1. Prepare yourself, (2) Sing joyfully together, and (3) Support God’s workers.

Resources:

Nehemiah 12: 27-47
NICOT commentary on Nehemiah
Tyndale commentary on Nehemiah
ESV Study Bible

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Nehemiah 9:38: Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests. This brings us to the unifying big idea of this morning’s long passage: rebuilding requires re-covenanting. To get to the heart of what re-covenanting is and what it means for each of us and our church today, we are going to explore the concept of re-covenanting from four angles: (1) The essence of re-covenanting, (2) The specifics of re-covenanting, (3) The blessing of re-covenanting, and (4) The curse.

Citylight Manayunk | March 14, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 9:38-12:26 Fensham, NICOT
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/why-a-church-covenant

Do I Have to Tithe?


NICOT commentary on Nehemiah
Tyndale commentary on Nehemiah
ESV Study Bible

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We build up the church as a gospel culture by honestly confessing our sins; rebuilding requires it. But confession isn’t easy. How do confess our sins? Three ways: (1) Celebrate God’s goodness, (2) Say the same thing about your sin that God does, (3) Rejoice that His mercy is more.

Citylight Manayunk | March 7, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 9: 1-37
NICOT commentary on Nehemiah
Tyndale commentary on Nehemiah
ESV Study Bible

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How can we be doers of the word? Our passage provides three ways: 1. Study it carefully 2. Obey it immediately 3. Celebrate it joyfully.

Live Stream on 2021-02-28 at 084517 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

ESV Study Bible
All Truth is God’s Truth by Keith Mathison
At what point can you say you have learned something? by David Wilkinson
NICOT, Ezra-Nehemiah, Charles Fensham
Ezra & Nehemiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary, Derek Kidner
Peter O’brien, Ephesians, PNTC
Finding Jesus in the Feast of Tabernacles by David Brickner

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As we move into Nehemiah 8, the wall has been rebuilt, the city is now secure, so Nehemiah can finally gather God’s people together as one. Nehemiah 8:1: And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they Told Ezra the Scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had commanded Israel. That brings us to the big idea of our passage today: rebuilding requires gathering around God’s word. Now, you may be wondering, “does he mean gather in person?” We’ll come back to that. I want us to first consider the question, “why does rebuilding require gathering around God’s word?” Three answers from our passage: 1. To hear God’s word 2. To understand God’s word 3. To worship the God of the word.

Citylight Manayunk | February 14, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 8:1-8
NICOT commentary on Nehemiah
Tyndale commentary on Nehemiah
ESV Study Bible
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief by John Frame, page 594
Expanded from David Helm’s definition in Expositional Preaching: How We Speak God’s Word Today
https://www.evangelicalmagazine.com/article/how-to-listen-to-sermons/

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How do we finish well? 1. Stay on the wall 2. Maintain your integrity 3. Remember the people

Citylight Manayunky | February 7, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 6-7
NICOT commentary on Nehemiah
Tyndale commentary on Nehemiah
ESV Study Bible

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How does Jesus lead us in overcoming internal conflict? Our passage provides us with three ways: 1. Speak the truth in love. 2. Respond to truth with humility.

Citylight Manayunk | January 31, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 5
NICOT commentary on Nehemiah
Tyndale commentary on Nehemiah
ESV Study Bible
What is true repentance?  – Ray Ortlund
Dictionary.com

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The book of Nehemiah is all about rebuilding together after hardship. In Nehemiah 1-3, we’ve learned that rebuilding together begins with prayer, but in chapter four we learn that rebuilding proceeds amidst opposition. That brings us to the big idea of our passage is: Keep rebuilding in the face of opposition. Citylight, we are in a season of seeking the rebuilding and renewing grace of God for ourselves personally and for our church as an attractively different gospel-culture that portrays the very beauty of Jesus. For us, rebuilding means each of us taking our dignified place and doing our dignified part in building up our church in gospel-empowered worship, community, and mission. The Bible says we are always rebuilding in the face of opposition, but Nehemiah 4 provides three ways to keep rebuilding in the face of opposition: (1) Look to the Lord (2) Encourage one another (3) Stay on guard.

Citylight Manayunk | January 24, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 4
NICOT commentary on Nehemiah
Tyndale commentary on Nehemiah
ESV Study Bible
Adapted from Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-surprising-ministry-of-encouragement Ibid
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/christus-victor/

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Nehemiah 2-3 provide three reasons why it’s worth pouring our lives into building up the church and strengthening our gospel culture: 1. God’s good hand is on us. 2. God has put a good work in our hearts. 3. God rebuilds through each of our hands.

 

Citylight Manayunk Service | January 17, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 2-3
NICOT commentary on Nehemiah
Tyndale commentary on Nehemiah
ESV Study Bible

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Nehemiah 1:4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. This brings us to the big idea of our passage: Rebuilding begins with prayer. There are three basic kinds of prayer: upward prayer (praise), inward prayer (confession), and outward prayer (petition). How does prayer rebuild us? 1. Praise reorients us 2. Confession humbles us 3. Petition empowers us. (Nod to Tim Keller)

Citylight Manayunk | January 10, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 1Prayer by Tim Keller
NICOT commentary on Nehemiah
Tyndale commentary on Nehemiah
ESV Study Bible
Covenant and God’s Purpose for the World by Tom Schreiner

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The big idea of our passage: plant yourself in the Bible in 2021. As strong as our longing may be to experience the fullness of joy in 2021, we all can use a little motivation to plant ourselves in the Bible this year. Psalm 1 provides that for us. Why should we plant ourselves in the Bible in 2021? Psalm 1 provides three reasons: 1. You’ll be happier. 2. You’ll be more stable. 3. You’ll stand in the judgment.

Citylight Manayunk l January 3, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Psalm 1

ESV Study Bible

Referenced Mike Anderson

https://citylightphilly.com/biblereading/

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Who is the King of Glory? The service that is the culmination of our Advent series looks at the answer to this question from the beginning of the Bible to the end. Throughout, we learn and re-learn the true message of Christmas. The hope of the world has arrived and we need not fear any longer.

Citylight Church Christmas Eve Service | December 24, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Revelation 12

Resources:

Dear downhearted,

You’re not alone. I’m weary too. Sometimes just knowing that helps. What’s making you weary? Not sure? That’s when you really know you’re weary. You’re exhausted and overwhelmed and don’t even know why. Slow down for a moment; it will probably come to you. Me? I think that I am weary from all the unknown and the seemingly endless stream of decisions that attend this season. I think that the decisions are the most challenging part for me. It’s wearying to make so many decisions, and I tend to trouble my troubles by wondering if I’ve made the right ones. But enough about me. Has it come to you yet? Do you have an idea why you’re weary? Whatever it is, I want to share with you my favorite weariness passage: Isaiah 40:27-31.

Why do you say, O Jacob,

and speak, O Israel,

“My way is hidden from the LORD,

and my right is disregarded by my God”?

28

Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable.

29

He gives power to the faint,

and to him who has no might he increases strength.

30

Even youths shall faint and be weary,

and young men shall fall exhausted;

31

but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint.

In Isaiah 40:27-31, the Lord has three things to say to both of us in our weariness.

Your way is not hidden from the Lord. Verse 27 is a response to the voice that you hear in your head when you’re weary: “The Lord doesn’t see me. I’m alone.” My weary friend, let’s not trouble our troubles by believing the lie that God is distant or disinterested. He sees us in our weariness, he loves us in our weariness, and he’s near to us in our weariness. Your way isn’t hidden from him.

He’s not weary. He’s everlasting; he has no beginning and isn’t going anywhere. He’s the creator; he’s never had to depend on anyone for anything, ever. He’s never faint or weary; he never has to catch his breath or get a good night’s sleep. His understanding is unsearchable; He’s never confused, nothing is unknown for him, and he works out everything perfectly. He’s not weary. 

He loves to give power to the weary. As Ray Ortlund Jr. says, “God never suffers setbacks, and he helps those who do.” The Lord loves to give strength to weary people who wait upon him. Waiting on the Lord is savoring God’s promise by faith until the time of fulfillment (Ortlund). My weary friend, let’s take our weariness to the Lord and wait upon him. He is strong and he loves to provide endless supplies of strength to weary people. 

Your weary and strengthened friend,

Pastor Matt 

Resources:

Dear downhearted,

Discontentment is a problem that is as old as the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were discontent; they ached over the forbidden fruit that she didn’t have and were willing to be done with God in order to have it. 

What is contentment? In The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, 17th century Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs defines content as “that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition” (19). 

How can we, by the grace of God, pursue the rare jewel of Christian contentment? 

Treasure Jesus

In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul writes, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him [Christ] who strengthens me.” Jesus himself is the secret of contentment because in Jesus you’ve received mercy that is far weightier than anything you lack. With Jesus as your shepherd, you have all and have no lack (Psalm 23:1). Treasure Jesus.

Treasure Lowliness

In Psalm 131, David writes, “O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. 2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Contentment comes when we keep our eyes low, where Jesus is (Matthew 11:29), rather than lifting them up to compare ourselves with others or to look at what we do not have. Treasure lowliness.

Treasure Holiness

In Colossians 3:5, Paul writes, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…” There is no sweetness of frame in our souls while we treasure sin. When we attack sin with grace, we attack discontentment at its core. Treasure holiness. 

Treasure God’s Sovereignty

There is nothing in your life that comes apart from your good Father. Jeremiah Burroughs writes, “The Lord knows how to order things better than I. The Lord sees further than I do; I only see things at present but the Lord sees a great while from now. And how do I know but that had it not been for this affliction, I should have been undone” (36). Treasure God’s sovereignty.

Treasure The Future

The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the eternal weight of glory that awaits all who belong to Jesus (2 Cor. 4:17). Treasure your future, and the afflictions of this life will begin to seem light and momentary compared to the eternal weight of glory that will be yours with Jesus. Treasure the future.

Yours in Christ,

Matt

Prize the real king of glory. This raises a critical question: why? 1. He is the word of life. 2. He is our fellowship. 3. He is our joy.

Citylight Manayunk | December 20, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

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Resources:

Dear downhearted,

Grief is the emotional pain that accompanies loss. 2020 has been a year of grief for many of us. We’ve lost jobs, relationships, money, dreams, traditions, experiences, a sense of normalcy, and some of us have even lost loved ones. When the waves of grief are crashing on your life or the dark sadness will not lift, there are three unshakeable truths that can sustain our intimacy with, and even joy in, the Lord.

THE LORD IS NEAR

Psalm 34:8 says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” When grief rises, we remember that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and he loves to lift up the crushed in spirit. The Lord is spatially everywhere, but he is especially with the grieving, to bless and protect them. In fact, the gospel message itself is the good news that, far from standing at a distance from our pain, the Lord entered into our fallen world to rescue us. The Bible says that Jesus himself was a man who was acquainted with much grief (Isaiah 53:4), so he can sympathize with our grief. My grieving friend, the Lord is no absentee divinity. He is near to you!

THE LORD HEARS

The Lord is near to hear you. In Hosea 7:14a, speaking about his grieving people, the Lord says, “They do not cry to me from the heart, but they wail upon their beds…” The Lord is not rebuking his suffering people for crying. Rather, the Lord says that they are crying in the wrong direction. Everyone cries; the question is in what direction. Remember, Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven.” “Our Father” communicates warmth and “in heaven” communicates power. The Father that we cry to is as compassionate as he is capable. He stoops to hear the cries of his grieving people. My grieving friend, the Lord hears your laments. He hears your prayers in pain. Cry to Him!

YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Grieve and cry as those who have hope. Perhaps my favorite passage on grief comes from 1 Peter 1, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials” (1 Peter 1:3-6). My grieving friend, you have been born again through faith in the resurrected Christ. You’ve been born into a future family inheritance that is imperishable. Set your hope fully on the day when Jesus will return and grief will be no more, and rejoice. Your season of grief is not worth comparing with the eternal weight of glory that is coming to all who love Jesus. Grieve, but not as those who have no hope, because your future is incredibly bright. 

Yours in Christ,

Matt

In Philippians 2:5 Paul connects the overarching theme of joy to the way that we think: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. That brings us to the big idea of our passage this morning: For the sake of joy, think like Jesus. Daily joy comes as we take on the attitude and mindset, the very thinking of Jesus, specifically in the way that we relate to one another. What kind of thinking characterized the king of glory, born in a manger? 1. He thought of others 2. He thought of God 3. He thought of future glory.

Citylight Manayunk | December 13, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Philippians 2:5-11
ESV Study Bible
Peter O’brien, NIGC, 230-231

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Our big idea this morning: Jesus is God’s ultimate word to you. Sometimes when we are weary and discouraged, we wish God would just speak to us. That would fix everything. He has! Jesus is everything God wants to say to you in a person. So, what should we do with Jesus? We’ll explore two answers this morning: 1. Know Jesus. 2. Pay close attention to Jesus.

Citylight Manayunk | December 6, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV Study Bible

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At Citylight Church, we strive to be a culture shaped by the gospel. As a gospel culture, we look to the gospel for solutions to our problems and one of the most significant and common problems we face today is loneliness.

 

What is loneliness? 

Dr. Stephanie Cacioppo, director of the Brain Dynamics Laboratory at the University of Chicago, writes, “Loneliness is a state of mind characterized by a dissociation between what an individual wants or expects from a relationship and what that individual experiences in that relationship. Because loneliness is a state of mind, being physically alone is not a necessary…condition to experience loneliness.” 

 

Where does loneliness come from? 

We can trace the roots of loneliness all the way back to Genesis and the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 1-2, there was not a hint of loneliness in the Garden. The man and the woman were fully known and fully loved by God and one another. Genesis 2 concludes with these beautiful words, “And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed” (Gen. 2:24). Sadly, things did not stay perfect in God’s world for long. Adam and Eve believed the terrible lie that God didn’t love them, ate the forbidden fruit, and alienation entered into our relationship with God and one another (Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3). Loneliness is a feature of this fallen world.

 

How does the gospel apply to loneliness? 

The gospel is the good news that the creator God is adopting sinners as his sons and daughters by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Adoption is the greatest benefit of the gospel. “In love, he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:4-5). My lonely friend, the promise of the gospel is that all who receive and rest in Jesus Christ for salvation are not only forgiven, we are adopted. And since we are adopted on the basis of Christ’s merits, not our own, nothing can separate us from the love of our Father (Romans 8:31-39). No matter what is making you feel lonely, your Father is not far away. He will never leave or forsake you. Let his presence be your deep and abiding hope as you wait for the day when your faith shall be sight! 

 

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me by night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is a light with you (Psalm 139:7-12).

 

Yours in Christ,

Matt

 

1 Corinthians 13:13: So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. The final big idea of our journey into the heart of love: Nothing is greater than love.

Citylight Manayunk | November 22, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13
Jonathan Edwards – Charity and It’s Fruits
Phil Ryken – Loving as Jesus Loves
Ray Ortlund – The Gospel
David Garland – Baker commentary on 1 Corinthians
Thistleton – New International Greek Commentary on 1 Corinthians

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God gives us two reasons to give ourselves to love, the first we’ll look at today, the next, this coming Sunday, and the first is that love is the answer to our wise question, “What really does last?” The answer is the big idea of 1 Corinthians 13:8-12: Love never ends. Why does love never end? 1. Love is goal. 2. Heaven is a world of love.

Citylight Manayunk | November 15, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13
Wayne Grudem – Systematic Theology
Jonathan Edwards – Charity and It’s Fruits
Phil Ryken – Loving as Jesus Loves
Ray Ortlund – The Gospel
David Garland – Baker commentary on 1 Corinthians
Thistleton – New International Greek Commentary on 1 Corinthians

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The big idea of 1 Corinthians 13:7: Love always endures. Enduring love in the church sounds romantic, but when we set our hearts to love the real church community that God has brought around us, the question that comes to mind: How do we do it? How does love endure? Three answers: 1. Love always bears 2. Love always believes 3. Love always hopes.

Citylight Manayunk | November 8, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13

Jonathan Edwards – Charity and It’s Fruits
Phil Ryken – Loving as Jesus Loves
Ray Ortlund – The Gospel
David Garland – Baker commentary on 1 Corinthians
Thistleton – New International Greek Commentary on 1 Corinthians

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I bring up anger because Citylight Church is giving particular attention to strengthening our gospel culture this ministry year. A gospel culture is a church that makes the doctrine of the gospel visible through our culture; our relationships and life together. And at the heart of a gospel culture growing strong is a people learning to love one another as Christ has loves us. Anger and irritability are skilled at indicting others, but unskilled in the love required to cultivate a gospel culture. That’s where the Apostle Paul takes us next in our journey through 1 Corinthians 13. In the middle of verse 5 we read: it [love] is not irritable. That brings us to the big idea of our brief passage: love is not selfishly angered. I say selfishly angered because the sinless Lord Jesus Christ did get angry for the glory of God when he overturned money changer’s tables in the temple out of zeal for his Father’s glory. But Jesus was never irritable; he never got angry over a personal slight or wrong done to himself. Love is not selfishly angered. To address the first rising of anger in the heart and learn to love as Jesus has loved us, we are going to look at selfish anger from three angles this morning: 1. The anatomy of selfish anger. 2. The ugliness of selfish anger. 3. The hope for selfish anger.

Manayunk Service | October 18, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13Jonathan Edwards – Charity and It’s Fruits
Phil Ryken – Loving as Jesus Loves
Ray Ortlund – The Gospel
David Garland – Baker commentary on 1 Corinthians
Thistleton – New International Greek Commentary on 1 Corinthians

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The big idea of our passage is Love is not proud. Since pride is that vice that we most readily see in others, but most rarely see in ourselves, we are going to spend significant time diagnosing our own pride before we move to the hope for humility. This morning we’re going to explore 1. The heart of pride. 2. The words of pride. 3. The actions of pride. 4. The hope for humility.

Manayunk – October 4, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13
Jonathan Edwards – Charity and It’s Fruits
Phil Ryken – Loving as Jesus Loves
Ray Ortlund – The Gospel
David Garland – Baker commentary on 1 Corinthians
Thistleton – New International Greek Commentary on 1 Corinthians

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Big idea: Love does not burn with envy. 1. The problem of envy. 2. The solution for envy.

Manayunk – September 27, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13Jonathan Edwards – Charity and It’s Fruits
Phil Ryken – Loving as Jesus Loves
Ray Ortlund – The Gospel
David Garland – Baker commentary on 1 Corinthians
Thistleton – New International Greek Commentary on 1 Corinthians

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The big idea of today’s brief passage: Love shows patience and does kindness. The reason I say, “shows Patience” and “does kindness” is because the words translated “patient” and “kind” are actually verbs, action words. Love is when others are truly dear to you and love acts by showing patience and doing kindness. This morning, we’ll take our big idea in two parts: 1. Love shows patience. 2. Love does kindness.

Citylight Manayunk | September 20th, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13
Jonathan Edwards – Charity and It’s Fruits
Phil Ryken – Loving as Jesus Loves
Ray Ortlund – The Gospel
David Garland – Baker commentary on 1 Corinthians
Thistleton – New International Greek Commentary on 1 Corinthians

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Since love is the epicenter of a gospel culture growing strong, today we begin our fall sermon series in 1 Corinthians 13, which the Apostle Paul wrote to teach a church how to love one another. Let’s begin our journey by reading 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. The big idea of these verses is both simple and significant: You Need Love! I wonder: what do you feel like you really need these days? Paul’s aim in these opening verses is to convince you that what you really need right here and right now is love. To help us see that we need love, we’re going to explore two things. You need love even if (1) You have great gifts, (2) You do great things.

September 13 Manayunk from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Jonathan Edwards – Charity and It’s Fruits
Phil Ryken – Loving as Jesus Loves
Ray Ortlund – The Gospel
David Garland – Baker commentary on 1 Corinthians
Thistleton – New International Greek Commentary on 1 Corinthians

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The big idea of our passage: Don’t give way to fear when the storms come. Easier said than done. How? Our passage provides us with two answers: 1. Believe God. 2. Take action.

Manayunk August 30, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 27: 1-44 ESV Study Bible
Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Acts of the Apostles, by David Peterson
Exalting Jesus in Acts, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, by Tony Merida

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Paul’s example brings us to the big idea of our passage and my longing for Citylight Church: Faithfully witnesses for the long haul. One unique characteristic of Paul’s speech before Governor Festus and King Agrippa in Acts 26 is that it’s not all that unique from Paul’s other speeches. You don’t need to learn a lot of new things in order to be a faithful witness to Jesus for the long haul. Rather, you need to remember three glorious things a whole life long: 1. Remember your commission. 2. Remember your message. 3. Remember your appeal.

Citylight Manayunk | August 23, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 25:13 – 26:33
Abraham Kuruville, A Manual For Preaching
Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Acts of the Apostles, by David Peterson
Exalting Jesus in Acts, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, by Tony Merida

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You don’t need to learn a lot of new things in order to be a faithful witness to Jesus for the long haul. Rather, you need to remember three glorious things a whole life long: 1. Remember your commission. 2. Remember your message. 3. Remember your appeal.

August 16, 2020 Manayunk from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 24: 1-25 – 25:12

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Acts of the Apostles, by David Peterson
Exalting Jesus in Acts, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, by Tony Merida

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If you’re anything like me, then you’re not really sure what to do with a big idea like that. “How can I be ready to suffer for Christ?” Luke will provide us with three answers: 1. Prioritize Jerusalem. 2. Pursue Fellowship. 3. Practice Prophecy.

Citylight Manayunk | Online – July 26, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 21: 1-17

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Luke, what are you doing? Why are you spending so much time writing to a mostly Christian audience about the way the gospel disrupted life in Ephesus? The likely answer is the big idea of Acts 19:21-40: The gospel powerfully disrupts the city. Luke recounts Paul’s final moments in Ephesus with great detail, I believe, because he wants to motivate and prepare all Christians, including us, to take the gospel into our world. Be motivated and prepared to take the gospel into the world that the Lord has called you to and placed you in; your family, your neighborhood, your school, your work place. As we press into the details of Acts 19:21-41, we’ll learn two concrete implications for our lives that flow from the reality that the gospel powerfully disrupts the city: 1. Be motivated to share it. 2. Be prepared for opposition.

Citylight Manayunk | Online – July 12, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 19:21-40

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Acts of the Apostles, by David Peterson
Exalting Jesus in Acts, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, by Tony Merida
ESV Study Bible

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Acts 19:20: So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. In other words, what got them out of bed in the morning was not an alarm clock, but a calling. The calling to live so that the gospel would prevail. That brings us to the big idea of our passage: Live so the gospel prevails. Live so the gospel prevails. Feel free to wake up to an alarm clock but get out of bed for the greatest calling imaginable. Get out of bed so that you can take your dignified place in the advance of God’s Kingdom and live so the gospel prevails in our generation. How do we live so the gospel prevails? Luke shows us two ways: play your God-given part and let the gospel prevail over you.

Citylight Manayunk | Online – July 5, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 18:24-19:20
ESV Study Bible
Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Acts of the Apostles, by David Peterson
Exalting Jesus in Acts, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, by Tony Merida
NIV Application Commentary, by Ajith Fernando

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Luke provides us with three key ingredients for taking the gospel to intellectuals: 1. Get provoked for God’s glory and the good of others. 2. Expose idols gently. 3. Invite repentance clearly.

Citylight Manayunk | Online – June 28, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 17:16-34

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Acts of the Apostles, by David Peterson

Exalting Jesus in Acts, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, by Tony Merida

NIV Application Commentary by Ajith Fernando

ESV Study Bible

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Acts 16 is a motivating reminder that there is no Christian type and that the gospel is good news for diverse people. That brings us to the big idea of our passage: Take the gospel to diverse people. Take the gospel to diverse people. Who are these diverse people that Acts 16 motivates us to take the gospel to?

Citylight Manayunk | Online – June 21, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

 

Acts 16:11-34
Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Acts of the Apostles, by David Peterson

Exalting Jesus in Acts, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, by Tony Merida

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Keep Jesus’ mission the main thing. Today we are going to learn three ways to keep Jesus mission the main thing: 1. Separate well. 2. Remove unnecessary offenses 3. Follow the Lord’s leading.

Citylight Manayunk | Online – June 14, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 15:36-41:36

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Big idea: Call out against the city of man. Call out against the city of man. Jonah 3 provides us with two reasons why: 1. The Lord is still sending you. 2. The city might repent.

Citylight Manayunk | Online – June 7, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Jonah 3

 

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Believe that you are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus. This big idea raises a big question: how should those who believe that they are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus live? We are going to explore two answers today: (1) Contend for grace and (2) concede your freedoms for the sake of the mission.

Citylight Manayunk | Online – May 31, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 15:1-35

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God empowers the church to fulfill her mission. How does he do it? According to Acts 14, God empowers the church to fulfill her gospel ministry through… 1. Gospel speaking. 2. Pastoral care.

Citylight Manayunk | Online – May 24, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 14

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The big idea of Paul’s sermon and our passage comes in Acts 13:23, where Paul says, “Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.” The big idea of the passage is Trust Jesus the promised Savior. But this big idea raises a big question: Who should trust Jesus the promised Savior? The two answers to the question from our passage are: 1. Older brothers under the law. 2. Younger brothers outside the law.

Citylight Manayunk | Online – May 17, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 13:13-52

The Acts of the Apostles by David G. Peterson

 

 

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2 Corinthians 12:9b: Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses… This brings us to the big idea of our passage: Boast gladly in your weaknesses.All of this raises one very important question. Why? Why in the world does the Bible call us to boast, and not just boast but boast gladly, in our human limitations? Our passage provides us with three reasons: 1. The purpose of weakness 2. The power of weakness. 3. The plan of weakness.

Citylight Church | Online – May 3, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

New American Commentary on 2 Corinthians by David Garland

New International Greek Commentary on 2 Corinthians by Murray Harris (edited)

How To Interview For a Job

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Believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen! Lay down the burdensome life of good advice about what you need to do and take-up, with the empty hands of faith, the good news about what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for you; he is risen. Why should a scientific and suffering people like us believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen?

  • It really happened
  • Exactly as God promised.

Resources:

Luke 24:13-35

Over the last two weeks in Romans 8, we’ve learned that God says to us sufferers, “your present suffering is nothing compared to the glory that I’m going to reveal to you and, while you wait for glory, I’m working in all of the waiting for your ultimate good.” But in today’s passage, the Apostle Paul flips the question from “what does God say?” to “what do you say?”

This morning’s passage shows us that we can say “God is for you.”  We know this because the passage explains that God gave his son for you, God justifies you, and nothing will separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Resources:

Romans 8:31-39

Romans by Thomas Schreiner

The Letter to the Romans by Douglas J. Moo

 

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As a nation, we are clearly in an unprecedented and very fluid situation regarding COVID-19, with new measures being introduced daily. The Citylight elders have been monitoring the ongoing developments with COVID-19, consulting with medical experts from our congregation, listening to the governor’s recommendations, and engaging in prayerful discussion. In light of this, we have unanimously decided, out of love for our members and neighbors, to suspend our normal worship gathering times and locations this Sunday. Instead of gathering in person, we will hold Citylight’s first ever online service.

Resources:

Matthew 10:29-31

 

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When does the gospel prevail over opposition? Our passage provides three answers to that question: 1. Sometimes it doesn’t look like it. 2. Sometimes it does. 3. Ultimately it will.

Resources:

Acts 12:1-25

Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Acts of the Apostles, by David Peterson

Exalting Jesus in Acts, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, by Tony Merida

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Be a world-changing church. Now, we have to be clear from the outset that the gospel is what builds the church. The gospel is the unstoppable power that can conquer the world and when the gospel was planted in Antioch, a church sprouted to life. Jesus, through the gospel, builds the church. And in the church at Antioch, we see three gospel-ingredients that made them a world-changing church that I long for us to emulate more and more so that we too can be a church that impacts our city to the tenth generation. Those three ingredients are: 1. Gospel evangelism. 2. Gospel discipleship. 3. Gospel love.

Resources:

Acts 11:19-30

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Jesus sends us to all peoples. The question that our passage helps us answer is “why?” Why does Jesus send you and me to all peoples? Our passage provides three answers to that question: 1. That they will turn and believe. 2. Because some are seeking 3. He makes clean.

Resources:

Acts 9:32-10:33
Commentaries in the Baker series and Tony Merida
Ajay Thomas’ sermon Seven Mile Road

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How can we eagerly partner with the Lord as he multiplies his church? Our passage provides us with three ways: (1) Be bold, (2) Be joined, and (3) Be fearful and comforted

Resources:

Acts 9:19-31
Commentaries by Merida, Fernando, and Peterson
Ajay Thomas’ sermon (Seven Mile Road) from Acts 8

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When you lived amazed that Jesus saves, and not just in general, but saves you, then God gets the glory and you get the joy. The question our passage helps us consider is “how?” How does Jesus save such that we should live amazed? Three answers in our passage this morning:

  1. He confronts us with grace
  2. He brings us into his family
  3. He sends us for his glory.

Resources:

Acts 9:1-20
Commentaries by Al Mohler, Ajith Fernando, and Tony Merida.
Ajay Thomas’ sermon (Seven Mile Road) from Acts 8

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Under the extreme heat of persecution and opposition, the word of God advanced. That brings us to the big idea of our passage this morning: When opposition increases, so does the advance of the gospel. For many of you, following Jesus openly and publicly at home, at work, at school, or in your neighborhood is becoming increasingly risky. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. Almighty God loves to spread the glorious gospel Jesus Christ under the most scorching of circumstances. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. The question that our passage helps us consider is “how?” How does the gospel advance when opposition increases? We’re going to explore three ways today: (1) Through “ordinary” people, (2) to “those” people, and (3) over “great” people.

Resources:

Acts 8:1-25
Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Acts of the Apostles, by David Peterson
Exalting Jesus in Acts, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, by Tony Merida
New Age Beliefs Are Common in America – And In Our Churches (article by Joe Carter)

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Like most New Year’s resolution, the great challenge of the Christian faith is not motivation to start, but endurance to finish. And that brings us to the big idea of our passage this morning: run with endurance in 2020. Run the race of faith with endurance this year so that you will experience the eternal joy of finishing well. As Hebrews 12:1 says: let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Our passage this morning provides us with three keys to running with endurance: (1) Listen to the witnesses, (2) Lay aside weights and sins, and (3) Look to Jesus.

Resources:

Hebrews 12
Looking Back to Witnesses, Up to Jesus, and Forward to Joy
Word Biblical Commentary by Law
ESV Study Bible

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Why should the One from Bethlehem be the One you fundamentally trust and obey in all seasons of life? Micah 5:1-15 will provide us with three answers to the question: 1. He is God’s King. 2. He will defeat your enemies. 3. He will defeat your worst enemy.

Resources:

Micah 5
ESV Study Bible
The New American Commentary by Waylon Bailey and Kenneth Barker
“Wait For Your King” exposition and sermon on Micah 5 by Mike Anderson (Citylight Center City)

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That brings us to the big idea of our second Sunday of Advent: Wait for the Root of Jesse. Our big idea raises a fundamental question: why should we wait for the Root of Jesus? What is so glorious about the Root of Jesus that we should embrace lives characterized by waiting for and actively looking to him? Our passage provides us with two reasons: 1. He will judge righteously. 2. He will bring global rest.

Resources:

Isaiah 11

For my exegesis of vv.6-9, I have borrowed heavily from the late OT scholar, Alec Motyer.

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How do we all work together for the multiplication of disciples? Three answers from our passage this morning: 1. Acknowledge our problems. 2. Solve with service. 3. Keep our main thing the main thing.

Resources:

acts 6: 1-15
Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Acts
Binu Abraham’s sermon on Acts 6:1-7 – Seven Mile Road Philly
Pillar NT Commentary, Acts, David Peterson

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Joyously endure opposition to your gospel-witness by: 1. obeying God rather than people; 2. knowing setbacks can’t stop the gospel; 3. and because The Holy Spirit is witnessing too.

Resources:

Acts 5:17-42
Ajay Thomas, sermon at Seven Mile Road, Prison & Preaching.
Darrel Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical series
Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Acts

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How do we eagerly maintain Citylight Church’s unity? Our passage will provide us with two answers to that question: (1) Be generous toward it. (2) Remove hypocrisy from it.

Resources:

Acts 4:32-5:16
https://www.9marks.org/answer/what-church-discipline/

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Speak the gospel boldly because the Holy Spirit is in you; because only Jesus can save; because you’ve experienced Jesus; because God is sovereign; and because family will support you.

Resources:

Acts 4:1-35
Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Acts

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Live As The Church. How do we live as a healthy church? Luke provides us with five ways: 1. Be a WORD community. 2. Be a SHARING community, 3. Be a RELATIONAL community, 4. Be a WORSHIPPING community, and 5. Be an EXPANDING community.

Resources:

Acts 2:42-47

NIV Application Commentary, Acts

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The Holy Spirit has come (1) to fill the church (2) because Jesus is exalted (3) therefore repent.

Resources:

Acts 2:1-41
A Passion for Christ-Exalting Power
Pillar NT Commentary, Acts, David Peterson, 134, 154
ESV Study Bible

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Jesus is still working. How is Jesus still working? We’ll see three answer in our passage: (1) From heaven (2) to expand God’s kingdom through God’s people, and (3) by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Resources:

Acts 1

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Have mercy on the great city. Why should we have mercy on the great city? Three answers: (1) The Lord’s mercy extends beyond your tribe (2) The Lord’s mercy your self-righteousness and, (3) The Lord is merciful.

Resources:

Jonah 3:10-4:11
C.S. Lewis, Four Loves
Keller, Prodigal Prophet

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Rejoice in the Lord’s Salvation because we really need to be saved and because He has really saved us.

Resources:

Jonah 1:17-2:10

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Go where the Lord sends you because the lord is the one calling you, the lord will come after you, and because the lord’s purpose will prevail

Resources:

Jonah 1:1-16

This is a naval urban legend popularized by former Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell in a 2008 speech and debunked by the U.S. Navy. The story as an illustration for the situation in Jonah 1:1-16 was first used, to my knowledge, by H.B. Charles Jr.

Tyndale Old Testament Commentary, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, by Desmond Alexander

Tim Keller, The Prodigal Prophet

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The big idea this morning: The gospel isn’t taking up the cause of justice.

Resources:

Galatians 3:10-14
Schreiner, Galatians, page 178

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The gospel isn’t therapy because the gospel deals with our biggest problem: rebellion; the gospel provides our greatest need: peace with; and because the gospel secures the destiny we were made for.

Resources:

Romans 5:1-11

  • Goodtherapy.com
  • Adapted from Doug Moo’s definition in The Epistle to the Romans (New International Commentary on the New Testament), page 227
    Romans For You by Tim Keller, page 79
  • Ibid

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Walk in wisdom and forsake folly because wisdom protects but folly destroys and because wisdom frees us to risk boldly but folly keeps us tentative.

Resources:

Ecclesiastes 9:11 – 11:6

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The big idea of our passage this morning is: Enjoy to the fullest the days God gives you.

Resources:

Ecclesiastes 8:2-9:10

Ray Ortlund’s second of three Ecclesiastes sermons delivered at Immanuel Church, Nashville.

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Be content rather than striving after the wind because for the sake of justice, forming community, and of worship.

Resources:

Ecclesiastes 3:16 – 5:7

Final point – Pastor Mike, Citylight Center City

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Stand in awe of God who controls time by embracing the seasons and by freely doing good and being joyful in the present.

Resources:

  • Ecclesiastes 2
  • Conclusion is heavily dependent upon the work of Sydney Greidanus

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All (under the sun) is vanity because toil doesn’t change anything and God did it and you won’t fix it.

Resources:

  • ESV Study Bible notes on Ecclesiastes
  • Preaching Christ from Ecclesiastes Sydney Gradaneus
  • Ecclesiastes – Preach the Word Series – Phil Ryken
  • Ecclesiastes – NIV Application Commentary – Iain Provan
  • Ecclesiastes – NAC – Duane Garrett
  • Ecclesiastes Sermon Series – Immanuel Nashville – Ray Ortlund
  • Ecclesiastes Sermon Series – Frontline Church OKC

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Know God as your confidence when enemies surround you by understanding your enemy, by depending on your God, and buy crying to your God.

Resources:

Psalm 3

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Be encouraged to give yourself completely God because He who calls you is faithful, has made you family, and has called you to grace.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Possessed by God by David Peterson (New Studies in Biblical Theology)

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Live a consistent, joyful, Spirit-filled life by rejoicing always, praying continually, giving thanks in all circumstances, and prizing prophecy wisely.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

1 Thessalonians (Commentary) by Gene Green (Pillar NT Commentary)

Practicing the Power by Sam Storms

Prophecy in the New Testament and Today by Wayne Grudem

Showing the Spirit by D.A. Carson

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Keep awake and sober because of what you already know, because of who you already are, and by putting on God’s armor

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Resources

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Have you been made alive? Our big idea this Easter Sunday is to come alive to God by being made alive, by considering yourself alive, and by fighting for your life.

Resources:

Romans 6:1-14
Ray Ortlund, Alive to God: Genesis 1, preached at Immanuel Church in Nashville on January 14, 2018.

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Our big idea from Luke 22:37: Jesus was numbered with transgressors. He was numbered with transgressors in his birth, in his life, and in his death.

Resources:

Luke 22:37

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Grieve with hope because our destiny is in Christ and our destiny is in Christ is glorious.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

References

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Please God by walking in sexual integrity before the Lord because this is your solemn and privileged calling.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 4

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Increase and abound in love by being emotionally wrapped up in one another’s faith; by establishing and exhorting one another’s faith; and by trusting one another.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

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Our big idea this morning: embrace the gospel by accepting the family message as God’s word, endure opposition to the family message, and live for the crown of the family message.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 2

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Live Out of Your Elect-Identity. 1. Believe the gospel, 2. Imitate gospel-messengers, 3. Be messengers and models.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

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Be encouraged and encourage one another. In order to unpack this central theme of encouragement we are going to look at: 1. The way of encouragement, 2. The reason for encouragement, 3. The root of encouragement.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians
Pillar NT Commentary (1 & 2 Thessalonians)
New American Commentary (1 & 2 Thessalonians)
ESV Study Bible

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What do we pray? To answer this question we are going to explore three things in the Lord’s Prayer: 1. The words of prayer, 2. The balance of prayer, 3. The practice of prayer.

Resources:

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Why pray? We are going to explore three answers from what is known as the Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father: 1. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us 2. Prayer changes things 3. Prayer changes us.

Resources:

New International Commentary on the New Testament, Matthew, R.T. France
A Praying Life by Paul Miller
Prayer by Tim Keller
Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney
Communion with God by John Owen
Prayer by John Onwuchekwa

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How do we become a church that is a real, partial, imperfect, foretaste of the Kingdom to come? Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Resources:

Romans 12
Romans 15

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How will we plant churches? We will plant churches through ordinary people sharing the gospel & life; through a healthy church; through a dependent church; and through a sent church.

Resources:

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Why church planting? Why are we doing this? Why give so much time, treasure, and talent to planting new churches? There are 4 reasons why: church planting is biblical; church planting is more than a suggestion; church planting provides a deeper experience of Jesus’ presence; and a planted church shows off God’s glory.

Resources:

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It is really good news for all people. Tell the good news!

Resources:

Luke 2:1-21

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Humble yourself before God and you will be full of joy by: looking to God rather than comparing, looking to God rather than your glory, looking to God rather than your worthiness.

Resources:

Luke 1: 5-25
ESV Study Bible
Luke: New American Commentary [NAC] by Robert H. Stein
Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul Tripp

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Cheerfully submit to King Jesus because he is the wise king who knows better and the eternal king that secures you forever.

Resources:

Luke 1: 5-25
ESV Study Bible
Luke: New American Commentary [NAC] by Robert H. Stein
Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul Tripp

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Take God at His word despite his delays by serving God during the delay, praying to God during the delay, and rejoicing in God during the fulfillment.

Resources:

Luke 1: 5-25
ESV Study Bible
Luke: New American Commentary [NAC] by Robert H. Stein

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God is with us to redeem our past for his purposes, therefore we are free to repent of our sins and free to forgive those who have sinned against us.

Resources:

Genesis 42-45
WBC, Genesis, by Gordon Wenham
Preach the Word, Genesis, by Kent Hughes
Forgiveness: What it is and isn’t (article at acts29.com) by Sam Storms

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The secret to remaining steadfast under trials is knowing the God who is with you to exalt you through trials.

Resources:

Genesis 39-41
Word Biblical Commentary, Genesis 16-50, Gordon Wenham
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes

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Jacob and his family members are sinners and sufferers who receive amazing grace from God, reminding all of us to never be grace graduates.

Resources:

Genesis 34-36
Word Biblical Commentary (Genesis) by Gordon Wenham
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes
Sexual Assault: Healing Steps for Victims by David Powlison

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In these chapters God calls Jacob to go home, but there is more to it than that. God is calling Jacob to come home to God himself. Like Jacob, followers of Jesus “come home” to God daily by leaving, dealing with God, and dealing with people.

Resources:

Genesis 31-33
Preach the Word (Genesis) Kent Hughes
ESV Study Bible
Counterfeit Gods by Tim keller
Press Through (sermon) by JD Graear
The World, The Flesh, & The Devil (article) by Ligonier Ministries (available online)

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God is with us when others mess up our lives and he is disciplining us, revealing our idols, and keeping his promises.

Resources:

Genesis 29-30
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes
ESV Study Bible
Redeeming Money by Paul Tripp

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God is with us in the fatal root of our mess, the bitter consequences of our mess, and God is with us to the very end

Resources:

Genesis 27-28
New American Commentary (Genesis) by Kenneth Mathews
ESV Study Bible
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes

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God is with you by sovereign grace, therefore, you don’t have to be afraid, you don’t have to be impressive, and you don’t have to be manipulative.

Resources:

Genesis 25:19-26:35
New American Commentary (Genesis) by Mathews
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes

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A praying family experiences the fullness of joy by loving one another as Christ loves us.

Resources:

John 15:12-17
Pillar NT Commentary (John) by DA Carson
Baker Exegetical NT Commentary (John) by Andreas Kostenberger

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A praying family puts Jesus prayer-promises into practice by abiding in Jesus, absorbing Jesus’ words, and asking whatever we wish.

Resources:

John 15:7
A Praying Life by Paul Miller
Pillar New Testament Commentary (John) by DA Carson
Baker Exegetical Commentary (John) Andreas Kostenburger

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A praying family abides in Jesus. In this sermon we explore four convictions we must share if our church is going to become a praying family

Resources:

John 15:1-5
Pillar New Testament Commentary (John) by DA Carson
Baker Exegetical Commentary (John) by Andreas Kostenburger
Union with Christ by Rankin Wilsbourne

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Trusting God’s providence with your future doesn’t lead to passivity or anxiety, but to obedient responsibility and fervent prayer.

Resources:

Genesis 24-25:18
New American Commentary (Genesis) by Kenneth Mathews
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes
ESV Study Bible (Genesis Notes)
Concise Theology by JI Packer
The Providence of God (article) by John Piper

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In Genesis 22 Abraham learned that he must trust the Lord with his promised son. In Genesis 23, Abraham learns to trust the Lord with his promised land. In this chapter we learn how to live for the eternal land that God promises.

Resources:

Genesis 23
New American Commentary (Genesis), by Kenneth Mathews
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes
ESV Study Bible

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Genesis 22 is the culmination of Abraham’s journey of faith. For decades the Lord has taught Abraham to trust Him. In Genesis 22 the rubber hits the road: will Abraham obey the God he trusts when it costs him everything?

Resources:

Genesis 22
New American Commentary (Genesis) by Kenneth Mathews
ESV Study Bible (Genesis Notes)
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes
Cost of Discipleship Part 3 by Ray Ortlund (immanuelnashville.com)

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In Genesis 21 the Lord fulfills his promise to provide Abraham and Sarah with a son. Throughout the chapter we learn three reasons why joy is found in taking God at his word.

Resources:

Genesis 21:1-34
New American Commentary (Genesis) by Kenneth Mathews
ESV Study Bible, Genesis Notes
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes
Cost of Discipleship Part 3 (Sermon) by Ray Ortlund at Immanuel Nashville

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What is the Lord Doing When You Hit Rock Bottom?

Resources:

Genesis 20
New American Commentary (Genesis) by Kenneth Mathews
ESV Study Bible, Genesis notes
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes

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Learn to walk with the God you can trust by remembering who God is, remembering who you are, remembering the signs, and remembering to pass it on.

Resources:

Genesis 17:1-14
New American Commentary, Genesis 12-50 by Kenneth Mathews
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes
ESV Study Bible
Alive to God 17 by Ray Ortlund

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In this sermon we explore three reasons why we should live by faith in God’s promises rather than our worries from Genesis 15.

Resources:

Genesis 15
ESV Study Bible
Preach the Word (Genesis) by Kent Hughes

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Where is the good, blessed life really found? In Genesis 13-14, Abram’s life reveals the paradox that blessing is found in humility over pride, faith over sight, and giving over grabbing.

Resources:

Genesis 13-14
Preach the Word Commentary (Genesis) by Kent Hughes
ESV Study Bible

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God promises to bless all the nations of the world by choosing one man named Abraham to father one people that will be a blessing to all people. Through the life of Abraham we learn how to live by faith in Abraham’s true offspring, Jesus Christ.

Resources:

Genesis 12:1-20
New American Commentary (Genesis 12-50) by Kenneth Mathews
Preach the Word Commentary (Genesis) by Kent Hughes
ESV Study Bible (Genesis Notes)

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This week we explore the second motivation at the heart of our mission to advance the gospel: the reality of Hell.

Resources:

Luke 16:19-31
New American Commentary, Luke, by Robert Stein
The Importance of Hell (Redeemer Report) by Tim Keller

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In the final sermon of Genesis 1-11 we focus on the end for which God created humanity and what it will take to accomplish it.

Resources:

Genesis 10-12:3
Genesis 1-11, New American Commentary, Kenneth Mathews
The Reversal of Babel by Ligonier Minsitries

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The God who gives second chances – Genesis 8:20 – 9:29

Resources:

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Was Jesus really raised? What if Jesus wasn’t raised? What if Jesus was raised?

Resources:

1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Historical Evidence for the Resurrection by Matt Perman (Desiring God)

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In this Good Friday sermon, we explore the identity of Christ, the death of Christ, and the forgiveness of sins.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 15:1-3

ESV Study Bible

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In Genesis 4:1-6:8 we learn how breakdown in our vertical relationship with the Lord leads to breakdown in our horizontal relationships with one another and the only hope that really matters.

Resources:

Genesis 4:1-6:8
New American Commentary, Genesis 1-11, Kenneth Mathews
A Tale of Two Cities by Tim Keller

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The Tempter’s core temptation is the terrible lie: God cannot be trusted. If you obey God, you will not be happy. We’ll look at the true Adam who can be trusted, where the first Adam failed.

Resources:

Genesis 3:1-6

The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis

Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 1: Genesis 1-15, Gordon Wenham

Genesis: Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Derek Kidner

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As the creation account rolls on, we learn in this passage that we were created not only for a task, but for relationship. The first and most basic human relationship is marriage, though even if it points to a great relationship.

Resources:

Genesis 2:18-25

The Meaning of Marriage, Timothy and Kathy Keller

Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 1: Genesis 1-15, Gordon Wenham

Genesis: Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Derek Kidner

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God made humanity in his image to glorify him. But how do we glorify God? That’s the question we tackle together in Genesis 2:4-17.

Resources:

Genesis 2:4-17
New American Commentary, Genesis 1-11, Kenneth Mathews
Word Biblical Commentary, Genesis 1-15, Gordon Wenham
From Eden to New Jerusalem by T. Desmond Alexander
The Temple & The Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale
Various sermons on God’s glory by John Piper

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God made all of humanity in his image as his royal representatives. In this sermon we explore three implications that flow from this identity: Humanity has unified dignity, Humanity has designed diversity, and be who you really are.

Resources:

Genesis 1:27
New American Commentary, Genesis 1-11, Kenneth Mathews
God & the Transgender Debate by Andrew Walker
Making Sense of God by Tim keller
The Temple & The Church’s Mission by GK Beale
Marriage & the Mystery of the Gospel by Ray Ortlund Jr.

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At the pinnacle of His work, the unrivaled creator makes humanity in his image to live as his royal representatives in all the earth.

Resources:

Genesis 1:26-2:3

The Temple and the Church’s Mission by GK Beale
New American Commentary, Genesis 1-11, Kenneth Mathews
Creation & Blessing by Hugh Ross
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-is-the-relationship-between-the-cultural-mandate-and-the-great-commission/ (video)

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Since God ordered the universe by his sovereign word, we should order our lives by his written word under his sovereign care.

Resources:

Genesis 1:1-25

New American Commentary, Genesis 1-11 by Kenneth Mathews
A Commentary on the Psalms by Allen P. Ross
Redeeming Science by Tim Keller
Painting illustration borrowed from Mike Anderson

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In this sermon we explore what happened at the beginning of everything so that we can understand who God is, why we’re here and where everything is going.

Resources:

Genesis 1:1-2

Genesis 1-11:26, New American Commentary by Kenneth A. Mathews

ESV Study Bible

Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller

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Be a foretaste of God’s future Kingdom by showing off the power of Jesus to unite diverse people as family right now.

Resources:

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As we celebrate Christmas Eve together, we ask “Why is the night holy?” What’s so special about it? The answer: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

Resources:

John 1:1-18

The Gospel of John (The Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

 

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The Lord’s people have always been a waiting people. Israel waiting for the long expected Jesus. We wait for His return. In this first Advent sermon, Psalm 130 helps us explore the ‘why,’ ‘how,’ and ‘what’ of waiting on Jesus to set his people free.

Resources:

Psalm 130

Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Psalms by  Tremper Longman

ESV Study Bible

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Jesus’ attractively different community seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness in all their decisions.

Resources:

Matthew 6:25-33

Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will, Kevin DeYoung

https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Matthew-International-Commentary-Testament/dp/080282501X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510847944&sr=8-1&keywords=rt+france+matthew

https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Sermon-Mount-Confrontation-World/dp/0801065313/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1510847971&sr=1-1&keywords=da+carson+sermon+on+the+mount&dpID=41gVqKNqxSL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

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Jesus’ Vision of the Good Life Is A Life Lived In An Attractively Different Community

Resources:

Matthew 5:1-16

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How can we have peace in our divided country, city, and lives? Jesus calls those who make peace blessed, for they shall be called sons of God.

Resources:

Matthew 5:1-12

The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12, Thomas Watson

 

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Supremely happy are those who have an unmixed inner life because they will know God now and forever.

Resources:

Matthew 5:8

The Sermon on the Mount: Kingdom Life in a Fallen World by Sinclair Ferguson
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount And His Confrontation with the World by DA Carson
Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Martin Lloyd-Jones

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In this sermon we explore what it means to be merciful, the actions that flow from a merciful heart, and the only motivation that can produce a disposition of mercy.

Resources:

Matthew 5:7

Studies in The Sermon on the Mount by Martin Lloyd-Jones
The Sermon on the Mount by D.A. Carson
The Sermon on the Mount by Sinclair Ferguson

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As we continue looking at the good life through Jesus’ eyes, we come to another attractively different trait of the good life: Meekness. It not a cowering weakness or a brash self-assertiveness, but something altogether different, rooted in a true reckoning that God is God, and I am not.

Resources:

Matthew 5:1-5

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In the beatitudes, Jesus describes the supremely happy life enjoyed by all who embrace Him as king and enter His kingdom by grace. The first characteristic of those who live the truly good life: blessed are the poor in spirit.

Resources:

Matthew 5:1-3

Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Martin Lloyd-Jones
The Sermon on the Mount by Sinclair Ferguson
The Gospel According to Matthew by RT France
A Commentary on the Psalms by Alan P. Ross

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The exercise of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, is a key way god changes us through corporate worship.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 12-14

Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14, D.A. Carson

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Corporate worship makes us like Jesus by immersing us in the story of Jesus

Resources:

Genesis 1:1, 1:27-28, 3:23

Ephesians 1:7-11, 2:22

Revelation 21: 1-5a

ESV Study Bible

From Eden to the New Jerusalem by T. Desmond Alexander

You Are What You Love by James Smith

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The final word from God to the people is one of encouragement. God will bless obedient builders now and forever.

Resources:

Haggai 2:10-23
Minor Prophets by Alec Motyer
The NIV Application Commentary by Mark Boda

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Haggai – First Things First – The Lord Empowers the Building

Resources:

Haggai 1:12-15

 

 

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In Haggai’s first prophecy he tells God’s people that now is the time to build God’s house because they aren’t too busy, they aren’t yet satisfied and because God is worthy. Haggai points us forward to Jesus Christ, whose body was broken so that he could build God’s house for God’s glory.

Resources:

Haggai 1:1-11
The Minor Prophets by Alec Motyer
NIV Life Application Commentary by Mark Bode

A special thanks to Mark Giaccobe for his help in discerning how New Covenant believers are called to build the temple.

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Marriage is one mortal life fully shared between a man and a woman in order to tell the story of Christ and the church by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Resources:

Ephesians 5:18-33
The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller
Marriage & the Mystery of the Gospel by Ray Ortlund Jr.
Ephesians For You by Richard Coekin

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We close Philippians with a topic that’s permeated the letter: Rejoicing. While ample reasons to do so have already been given, how can we rejoice when in both need and abundance? This passage directs us to God’s provision in Christ as the answer.

Resources:

Philippians 4:10-23

Philippians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Moises Silva

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, Jeremiah Burroughs

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The people we imitate determine the direction of our lives. In this passage, Paul urges the Philippians to carefully imitate the lifestyle of those who press on toward Christ and the resurrection.

Resources:

Philippians 3:17-21
NIGTC by Peter O’Brien

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Paul calls the Philippians to walk the path of rejoicing in the Lord by counting their gain as loss so that they can gain the infinitely valuable Christ.

Resources:

Philippians 3:1-16
NIGC by Peter O’brien
http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/treasuring-christ-together-because-he-is-more-valuable-than-all-else

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Like Jesus’s disciples, we face storms in life. Our temptation is to interpret storms as a sign that God does not care for us. On the contrary, the gospel produces in us an awe of God that can drive out fear in the midst of storms.

Resources:

Mark 4:35-41
ESV Study Bible
*I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Paul Tripp’s sermons and writings on this passage. Dr. Tripp has provided key interpretive and applicational insights without which this sermon would not have been possible.

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Sometimes we learn best when we have concrete examples. Throughout Philippians, Paul has been exhorting the Philippians to adopt Christ’s attitude toward one another. In Philippians 2:19-30, Paul provides Timothy and Epaphroditus as concrete examples of what it looks like to adopt the very attitude of Christ.

Resources:

Philippians 2:19-30
NIGC by Peter O’brien

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The gospel makes us a family who shows the world what our Heavenly Father is like.

Resources:

Philippians 2:14-18
NIGC by Peter O’brien

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On Good Friday we saw how Jesus’ death in the past secures our future, but here we see how the resurrection secures our future. Since Jesus died and is risen, we who are on with him will die and rise again. This hope for the future is certain and enables us to rejoice in the present.

Resources:

1 Peter 1:3-6

Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?

The Resurrection of the Son of God, N.T. Wright

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Work on godliness because God is working in you

Resources:

Philippians 2:12-13

 

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Let your union with Christ unite you with one another by forgetting yourself, remembering others and treasuring Jesus.

Resources:

Philippians 2:1-4 https://www.esv.org/Philippians+2/

New International Greek Commentary by Peter O’brien

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The biggest question we can ask, and the one we cannot avoid, is what is my purpose in life? Here we see we’ve been given a purpose by God: the honor of Christ.

Resources:

Philippians 1:21

Risk is Right, John Piper

Making Sense of God, Timothy Keller (Chapter 3 especially)

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In Philippians 1:12-26 Paul provides a window into his ability to rejoice in all circumstances. Paul can rejoice in the worst of times because what is most important to him, Jesus and his gospel, can advance in all circumstances.

Resources:

Philippians 1:12-26

NIGC, Philippians, Peter O’brien

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In this passage we get a glimpse through Paul’s prayer into what Paul, and ultimately God, wants for us, his people. We’ll see that God’s ultimate desire and our ultimate joy climax in a life that results in God’s praise and glory. Does God’s desire match ours? How can it?

Resources:

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Paul opens the body of his letter by thanking God for the Philippians because God has made them partners in the gospel and because God will complete his work in the Philippians.

Resources:

Philippians 1:3-8
Biblearc.com
NIGTC, Philippians, Peter O’brien

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In this sermon we explore how the gospel of grace creates churches where we show one another mercy and seek just on one another’s behalf.

Resources:

Acts 4:32-37 & Acts 6:1-7

Pillar New Testament Commentary, Acts, by David Peterson

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How the Bible commands AND how the gospel of grace motivates us to do mercy and seek justice for the poor and the marginalized in our family, in our church and in our city.

Resources:

Isaiah 58

Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road, Timothy Keller

Letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Letters to a Birmingham Jail: A Response to the Words and Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ed. Bryan Loritts

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In this sermon we explore both the necessity and motivation Jesus’ followers have to show mercy to our poor and marginalized neighbor.

Resources:

Luke 10:25-37

Luke, New American Commentary, by Robert Stine

Luke, ESV Study Bible

Ministries of Mercy by Tim Keller

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In this sermon we explore how to run the race of faith with endurance in 2017

Resources:

Hebrews 12:1-3

New American Commentary, Hebrews, by David Allen

ESV Study Bible

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The magi, or wise men, travel from the east to find Jesus the king of the Jews and in doing so teach us a great deal about who our king is and how we ought to respond to Him.

Resources:

Matthew 2:1-12

The Gospel According to Matthew, Baker Exegetical Commentary by David Turner

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God is constantly motivating our present life with promises of grace in the future.

Resources:

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In this sermon we focus on the prohibition against coveting by exploring biblical contentment from Philippians 4:10-13. We will see how the Bible defines contentment, the secret of contentment and how we learn to be content.

Resources:

Exodus 20:17

Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory, Phil Ryken

https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Commandments-Twenty-First-American-Commentary/dp/0805447164/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478610577&sr=8-1&keywords=ten+commandments+ethics

https://www.amazon.com/Rare-Jewel-Christian-Contentment/dp/1494424797/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479470566&sr=8-1&keywords=the+rare+jewel+of+christian+contentment+by+jeremiah+burroughs

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What is false-witness? Why are we tempted to bear false-witness against one another? How does Jesus the true witness change everything. In this sermon we explore these questions together as we continue our journey through the Ten Commandments.

Resources:

Exodus 20:16

Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory, Phil Ryken

https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Commandments-Twenty-First-American-Commentary/dp/0805447164/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478610577&sr=8-1&keywords=ten+commandments+ethics

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Continuing the prohibitions of the ten commandments, after protecting life by prohibiting murder, and marriage by prohibiting adultery, God now protects property by prohibiting stealing. God is a generous God who has given some things to some, and different things to others. Here we see what it means to take from that, why we do it, and how God responds.

Resources:

Exodus 20:15

Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory, Phil Ryken

https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Commandments-Twenty-First-American-Commentary/dp/0805447164/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478610577&sr=8-1&keywords=ten+commandments+ethics

VII. Do Not Steal

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In this sermon we focus on how the good news that God is reconciling a people to himself through Jesus Christ impacts the way we view race and racial reconciliation in America today.

Resources:

Ephesians 2:11-22

The Gospel & Racial Reconciliation by Moore & Walker

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In this sermon we focus on the command to not commit adultery. Specifically, we will explore what adultery is, why adultery is forbidden and how to fight adultery of the body and the heart.

Resources:

Exodus 20:14

Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory by Phil Ryken

The Ten Commandments: Ethics for the 21st Century by Mark Rooker

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The Ten Commandments divide into two parts. The first four commandments teach us how to relate to God and the final six teach us how to relate to one another. The fifth commandment, to honor father and mother, is unique. The fifth commandment is a bridge as parents both participate in the divine activity of creation and are the first neighbor many of us will ever know. Therefore, we are to honor them.

Resources:

Exodus 20:12

Exodus: Saved for God’s glory by Phil Ryken
Keeping the Ten Commandments by JI Packer
The Ten Commandments: Ethics for the 21st Century by Mark Rooker

Commandment Five by Mark Driscoll

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Nearly all of us feel incredibly busy. That’s not a bad thing. If you love Jesus & people, you’ll be busy. Busyness, however, can have catastrophic affects on us spiritually, physically, emotionally and relationally if not kept in check. God’s remedy for unchecked busyness: Remember the Sabbath.

Resources:

Exodus 20:8-11

Exodus: Saved for God’s glory by Phil Ryken
Keeping the Ten Commandments by JI Packer
The Ten Commandments: Ethics for the 21st Century

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What’s in a name? The third commandment reminds us that God’s name is synonymous with his nature and attributes and calls us to live for the glory of God’s name, rather than our own.

Resources:

Exodus 20:7

Keeping the Ten Commandment by JI Packer
Exodus: Saved for God’s glory by Phil Ryken
The Ten Commandments: Ethics for the 21st Centruty by Mark Rooker
ESV Study Bible

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Then Ten Commandments teach God’s free people how to live freely. True freedom is first found in worshiping the right God and, as the second commandment teaching, worshiping the right God in the right way.

Resources:

Exodus 20:4-6

Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory by Philip Graham Ryken

Keeping the Ten Commandments by JI Packer

The Ten Commandments: Ethics for the 21st Century by Mark Rooker

ESV Study Bible

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The Book of Exodus is a story of liberation. God set his people free from slavery in Egypt so that they could worship God in the Promised Land. The Ten Commandments teach God’s free people how to live free. The first mark of a truly free people is that they have no other gods but the Lord.

Resources:

Exodus 20:1-3

Keeping the Ten Commandments by JI Packer
Exodus: Saved for God’s glory by Philip Graham Ryken
Ten Commandments: Ethics for the Twenty-First Century by Mark Rooker

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The New Testament calls Christians ‘exiles,’ those who live in a kingdom not their own. Isaiah 40 is written to encourage exiles like us to depend on the Lord for strength as we await our future hope.

Resources:

Isaiah 40:27-31

ESV Study Bible Notes – Isaiah – by Ray Orlund Jr.

New International Commentary of the Old Testament – Isaiah – by John Oswalt

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary by J. Alec Motyer

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As the Father sent the Jesus His Son, so Christians are meant to be a community that foregoes temporary comforts to send and be sent in order to expand the reach of the gospel of grace.

Resources:

Acts 13:1-4

Pillar NT Commentary, Acts, by David Peterson

Gaining by Losing by JD Greear

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What does a people who follow Jesus together look like? So far in the We Are Citylight series, we’ve explored worship and community. In this sermon, we take a closer look at our identity as a people on mission who share the gospel and our lives with our neighbors.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

ESV Study Bible

Exegetical Commentary on 1 Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley

Why We Don’t Evangelize

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The first mark of a disciples of Jesus is true worship. In this sermon, we explore the power, scope and path of worship.

Resources:

Romans 12:1-2

Baker Exegetical Commentary – Romans – Tom Schreiner

New International Commentary – Romans – Douglas Moo

Counterfeit Gods – Tim Keller

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While the book of Ephesians has given us incredible hope for a reconciled community of peace, it seems so far from our experience sometimes. This is because we are in a battle, and the enemy and warfare may not be what we think. This passage shows us how to be strengthened to stand in the battle.

Resources:

Ephesians 6:10-24

The Letter to the Ephesians, Commentary by Peter T. O’Brien

Ephesians For You, Richard Coekin

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In Ephesians 5:15-33, Paul unfolds how the Holy Spirit empowers husbands and wives to reflect the cosmic marriage between Christ and the church.

Resources:

Ephesians 5:15-33

Ephesians For You by Richard Coekin

Pillar NT Commentary on Ephesians by Peter T. O’brien

10 Things You Need to Know About the Filling of the Spirit in Ephesians 5:18

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While a lot of this passage focuses on sexuality, it goes deeper than sexual behavior to the covetous desires that fuel it. These covetous desires leave us in darkness, but through faith in Christ we can actually become light. How do we now relate to those in darkness? For their good, this passage shows us how to live as the light we are.

Resources:

Ephesians 5:3-14

The Letter to the Ephesians, Commentary by Peter T. O’Brien

Ephesians For You, Richard Coekin

Sexual Sanity for Men, Dave White

Sexual Sanity for Women, Ellen Dykas

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We have been called to unity with God and one another through Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are to align our conduct with our calling to unity by loving one another as God loves us.

Resources:

Ephesians 4:17-5:2

Ephesians For You by Richard Coekin

Pillar Commentary, Ephesians by Peter O’brien

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According to Ephesians 1-3, God has called us to unity with himself and one another through Christ. In todays passage, God calls us to align our conduct with our calling to unity.

Resources:

Ephesians 4:1-16

Ephesians For You by Richard Coekin

Pillar NT Commentary Series, Ephesians by Peter O’brien

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Every Christian community exists to show the rulers and authorities just how brilliant the gospel of Jesus Christ is.

Resources:

Ephesians 3:1-13

The Compelling Community by Jamie Dunlop & Mark Dever

Ephesians For You by Richard Coekin

Pillar NT Commentary Series, Ephesians by Peter O’brien

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In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul tells his readers that God lavishes grace on us so that you can show off his grace in us.

Resources:

Ephesians 2:1-10

Ephesians For You by Richard Coekin

Pillar New Testament Commentary, Ephesians by Peter O’brien

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God calls us to glorify him with our lips and our lives in response to His three greatest blessings in Christ: adoption, redemption and glorification!

Resources:

Ephesians 1:1-14

Ephesians For You by Richard Coekin

Pillar NT Commentary, Ephesians by Peter O’briend

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Contentment is a rare thing in our day and age. In Philippians 4, Paul opens up the secret of contentment.

Resources:

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Since the whole world is our Father’s world, we should praise God and ask whatever we want.

Resources:

Since the whole world is our Father’s world, we should praise God and ask whatever we want.

Resources:

Psalm 86

A Praying Life by Paul Miller

Prayer by Tim Keller

Kregel Exegetical Commentary, Psalms, by Alan P. Ross

The Psalms command us to offer thanksgiving to God because joyful gratitude to God glorifies God and completes our joy in Him.

Resources:

The Psalms command us to offer thanksgiving to God because joyful gratitude to God glorifies God and completes our joy in Him.

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In Psalm 63 we learn that adoration is the first order of prayer and that adoration is fueled by meditating on God’s steadfast love.

Resources:

In Psalm 63 we learn that adoration is the first order of prayer and that adoration is fueled by meditating on God’s steadfast love

Resources:

Psalm 63

Psalms Commentary, Kregel Exegetical Library, Allen P. Ross

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In Psalm 51, David instructs us to seek God’s mercy through prayer by saying the same thing about our sin that God does and seeking renewed joy in God.

Resources:

In Psalm 51, David instructs us to seek God’s mercy through prayer by saying the same thing about our sin that God does and seeking renewed joy in God.

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Why do we call it Good Friday? Why do we call it Good Friday when everything about it seems awful? The answer is: The Curtain.

Resources:

Mark 15:1-38

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On Palm Sunday Jesus declares his kingship. Following king Jesus means glorifying him through internal holiness and outward expansion

Resources:

Mark 11:1-19

Jesus the King by Tim Keller

Mark (BECNT) by Robert Stein

Jesus Declares his Kingship by John Piper (sermon)

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A person can only serve one Lord and be made secure by one Savior. In this passage, we explore Jesus’ call to lose our money in order to gain a greater treasure.

Resources:

Mark 10:17-31

Jesus the King by Tim Keller

Baker Exegetical Commentary, Mark, by Robert Stein

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Jesus doesn’t require us to bring anything when we come to him, but he does ask us to leave everything when we come. Lose yourself to gain Jesus.

Resources:

Mark 8:27-38

Baker Exegetical Commentary, Mark, by Robert Stein

Jesus the King by Tim Keller

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The religious leaders claim that Jesus’ disciples are unclean. Jesus responds by telling them that we all need to be made clean because we have hearts far from God.

Resources:

Mark 7:1-23

Jesus the King by Tim Keller

Baker Exegetical Commentary: Mark, by Robert Stein

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When Jesus calms the storm the disciples are filled with awe of him. Only awe of Jesus can drive fear out of our hearts.

Resources:

Mark 4:35-41

Baker Exegetical Commentary on Mark by Robert Stein

Jesus the King by Tim Keller

When Fear Defeats Fear by Paul Tripp

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Jesus’ conflict with the Pharisees over the Sabbath reveals that He is our true rest.

Resources:

Mark 2:23-28

Jesus the King by Tim Keller

Baker Exegetical Commentary on Mark by Robert Stein

ESV Study Bible Notes – Mark

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Jesus is risen! Stand in holy and happy awe of Him.

Resources:

Mark 16 : 1-8

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The crowds come to Jesus for healing, but Jesus responds by offering them a greater healing that only He has the authority to give.

Resources:

Mark 2:1-12

Baker Exegetical Commentary, Mark, by Robert Stein

Jesus the King by Tim Keller

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Mark wastes no time at the beginning of his Gospel. Jesus, the Son of God, is calling you!

Resources:

Mark 1:1-20

Baker Exegetical Commentary: Mark by Robert H. Stein

Jesus the King by Tim Keller

ESV Study Bible – Mark

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Since the Messiah is Light in the darkness, we have every reason to rejoice, especially in sadness.

Resources:

Isaiah 8:22-9:7

New American Commentary, Isaiah

ESV Study Bible, Isaiah Notes

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How do we respond when inevitable future suffering become our present reality? Peter reminds us of three way we can trust God in the midst of our trials.

Resources:

1 Peter 4:12-19

NAC, 1 Peter, Tom Schreiner

Depression: Looking up from the Stubborn Darkness by Ed Welch

 

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If we’re honest, we all know some degree of difficulty is coming for us in the future. In this passage, we see three keys for preparing for our future: knowing who we live for, looking further down the line, and looking outward.

Resources:

1 Peter 4:1-11

Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering, Timothy Keller

1 Peter, Baker Exegetical Commentary, Karen Jobes

1 Peter, New American Commentary, Tom Schreiner

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As followers of Jesus, the goal of our lives is to live so other see our good deeds and glorify God. In 1 Peter 3:1-7, Peter addresses how that goal transforms the pattern of our marriages.

Resources:

1 Peter 3:1-7

New American Commentary, 1 Peter, by Tom Schreiner

Marriage on the Edge of Eternity by Francis Chan (article)

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As people who have been brought into relationship with God, Christians have a new purpose. We live so others will see our good deeds and glorify God by believing in Jesus.

Resources:

1 Peter 2:11-25

1 Peter, New American Commentary, Tom Schreiner

1 Peter, Baker Exegetical Commentary, Karen Jobes

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Through the gospel, you’ve been given a sure, joyous inheritance. Therefore, hope, live and love like you have an inheritance.

Resources:

1 Peter 1:13-2:3

1 Peter, Baker Exegetical Commentary by Karen Jobes

1 Peter, New American Commentary by Tom Schreiner

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Peter writes his letter to encourage people who are no longer home where they are because they worship Jesus. In 1 Peter 1:1-12 he offers them the greatest possible hope: Though you’re not home, you can worship God now.

Resources:

1 Peter 1:1-12

1 Peter: Baker Exegetical Commentary by Karen Jobes

1 Peter: New American Commentary by Tom Schreiner

1 Peter: Tyndale New Testament Commentary by Wayne Grudem

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Jesus tells us that the most important thing in life is to love God with all of who we are. How do we actually grow in love for God?

Resources:

1 John 4:10

New American Commentary, 1 John by Daniel Akin

What is love? John Piper

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At the heart of Jesus’ plan to expand the Kingdom of God is a Spirit-filled, compelling community

Resources:

Acts 2:42-47

Acts: An Exegetical Commentary by Craig Keener

Exemplary Life: A Theology of Church Life in Acts by Any Chambers

Kingdom Community (Sermon) by Mark Giaccobe

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Church planting is New Testament strategy for being witnesses. In this sermon we explore what this strategy means for the life of every Christian.

Resources:

Acts 1:8; 13:1-4

Pillar NT Commentary: Acts by David Peterson

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Many of us love the idea of living as witnesses but feel powerless to align our desires and our experience. In this sermon we explore how the Holy Spirit uniquely empowers Jesus’ witnesses.

Resources:

Acts 1:1-8

Pillar New Testament Commentary: Acts by David Peterson

NAC Commentary: Acts by John Polhill

Various sermons by John Piper

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The worldwide movement known as ‘the church’ all began with three simple words: “Be my witnesses!” This command is an invitation to join in the exhilarating adventure of exalting our King and expressing His Kingdom.

Resources:

Acts 1:1-8

NAC Acts Commentary by John Polhill

ESV Study Bible

Total Church by Timmis & Chester

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We can display the truth of the gospel by the way we share our meals.

Resources:

Galatians 2:9-14

A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester

WBC Galatians by Longenecker

Galatians by Schreiner

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The man after God’s own heart has fallen hard. How will God’s people handle it? In answering that question, we learn how to deal with sin in Jesus’ family.

Resources:

2 Samuel 12

New American Commentary 1-2 Samuel

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After experiencing the greatest blessings of his life, in 2 Samuel 11 David takes his greatest fall leaving us much to learn from his example and much to hope in Christ.

Resources:

2 Samuel 11

NAC 1-2 Samuel Commentary

ESV Study Bible

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In 2 Samuel 7 God makes one of the most incredible promises in all of Scripture…a promise that makes all the difference for us!

Resources:

2 Samuel 7

New American Commentary 1-2 Samuel

After His Own Heart: The Gospel According to David (Book)

ESV Study Bible (2 Samuel)

 

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King David has finally been crowned king and peace is all around him. What he does next will tell us what life is really all about.

Resources:

2 Samuel 6

NAC 1-2 Samuel 

After God’s Own Heart

ESV Study Bible

What it Takes to Worship Well

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In this sermon, we explore the friendship between David and Jonathan and see common themes for all life-giving, spiritual friendships.

Resources:

1 Samuel 18-20

NAC 1-2 Samuel Commentary

ESV Study Bible

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King Saul’s reign didn’t last long. In this sermon we’ll explore why his kingdom was short-lived and how it challenges us to devote ourselves completely to God.

Resources:

1 Samuel 15

NAC 1-2 Samuel 

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In 1 Samuel 8, God’s people ask for a human king. On the surface it seems like a reasonable request, but as we venture beyond the surface we find a temptation common to us all.

Resources:

1 Samuel 8

NAC 1-2 Samuel (Commentary)

After God’s Own Heart by Mark Boda

Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller

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Taking a break from our normal series, this stand alone sermon focuses on Citylight’s future.

Resources:

Matthew 28:16-20

Why Plant Churches (article) by Tim Keller

Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer

Planting Growing Churches by Aubrey Malphurs

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King David did not have a quiet life, but he had a quiet heart. In Psalm 131, the Poet-King offers a window into how we can learn to enjoy soul-quiet

Resources:

Psalm 131

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller

Peace Be Still: Learning Psalm 131 By Heart by David Powlison

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Celebration is a lost art in the 21st century church, but Psalm 145 gives us a guide to this joyous, ancient practice.

Resources:

Psalm 145

ESV Study Bible

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In Paul’s closing doxology, we learn the ultimate reason why Paul wrote Romans and are faced with the question: Is Romans having its intended affect on me?

Resources:

Romans 16:25-27

Romans (NIC) by Doug Moo

Romans 8-16 For You by Tim Keller

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Four implications for our lives from Paul’s final words to the Romans.

Resources:

Romans 16:1-23

Romans (NIC) by Doug Moo

Romans 8-16 For You by Tim Keller

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Where will peace be found? It’s a question that nags us all. It’s a question only the resurrected Jesus can answer

Resources:

John 20:19-21

Running Scared by Ed Welch

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Jesus cry of dereliction shows that Good Friday is about being God Forsaken. But that’s not the whole story…

Resources:

Mark 15:1-39

Psalm 22

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In Romans 15:14-33, Paul begins to draw Romans to a close. In this passage, Paul focuses on his gospel-motivated ambition and what it means for everyone who follows Jesus.

Resources:

Romans 15:14-33

NIC Romans by Doug Moo

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The cost of life-giving community is high! Paul offers some closing thoughts on why the high-cost is more than worth it.

Resources:

Romans 15:1-13

Romans 8-16 For You by Tim Keller

NIC Romans by Doug Moo

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Matt shares for 15 minutes about the state of Citylight Church.

Resources:

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Be willing to lay down your liberties for the sake of love.

Resources:

Romans 14:13-23

Romans 8-16 For You by Tim Keller

NIC Romans by Doug Moo

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The Apostle Paul continues to unpack what it means to love one another by focusing on how to love despite our differences.

Resources:

Romans 14:1-12

Romans 8-16 For You (book) by Tim Keller

NIC on Romans (Book-Commentary) by Doug Moo

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Romans 12-16 focuses on the gospel in action. In Romans 13:1-7, The Apostle Paul tackles the individual Christian’s responsibility to the government.

Resources:

Romans 13:1-7

Responsibility-Romans 13 (sermon) by Mark Dever

Romans 8-16 For You (book) by Tim Keller

NIC on Romans (Book-Commentary) by Doug Moo

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How do we genuinely love difficult people without becoming phony or sporadic with our love? This is the question the Apostle Paul tackles in Romans 12:9-21.

Resources:

Romans 12:9-21

Romans 8-16 For You by Tim Keller

Romans Commentary by Doug Moo

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The gospel brings us into rich community. In Romans 12:6-13, the Apostle Paul describes two primary marks of the kind of community we all long for.

Resources:

Romans 12:6-13

Romans by Doug Moo

Romans by Tom Schreiner

 

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In Romans 12:3-8, Paul begins to describe in detail what a life built on the mercies of God, lived for the glory of God looks like. In this first snapshot, Paul addresses the gospel’s power to help us view ourselves accurately.

Resources:

Romans 12:3-8

Romans by Doug Moo

Romans by Tom Schreiner

A Beautiful Design (Pt. 8) by Matt Chandler

Assessing Ourselves with Our God-assigned Measure of Faith by John Piper

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In Romans 12, Paul applies gospel-doctrine to gospel-living by calling us to build lives of worship on the foundation of God’s mercy.

Resources:

Romans 12:1-2

One-to-One Bible Reading PDF guide

Romans by Doug Moo

Romans by Tom Schreiner

Romans 12:1-2  (Various sermons) by John Piper

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Our problem isn’t that we are too busy, but that we are often busy with the wrong things. In Mark 1:35-41, we learn from Jesus about having our priorities determined by our calling.

Resources:

Mark 1:35-41

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What child is this? It’s the most important question any of us will ever answer. In this sermon we explore the identity of the Christ child through the lens of What Child is This?

Resources:

Luke 2:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21

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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! What are these angels so worked up about? In this sermon we explore Jesus as the God’s long-promised redemption

Resources:

Luke 2:8-14

New American Commentary Luke by Robert Stine

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O Come O Come Emmanuel reminds us that anticipation is a central theme of Advent and the Christian life. In this sermon, we explore what it means to live faithfully with Jesus during this time of anticipation.

Resources:

Hebrews 4:14-16

History of O Come O Come Emmanuel

http://www.aproundtable.org/history-blog/blog.cfm?ID=880&AUTHOR_ID=9

https://www.christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/o-come-o-come-emmanuel/

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Paul responds to eleven chapters of grace with the only thing that makes sense: a song

Resources:

Romans 11:33-36

Romans by Tom Schreiner

Romans by Doug Moo

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The hope of the world hangs upon how we respond to God’s grace.

Resources:

Romans 10:14-21

Romans by Tom Schreiner

Romans by Doug Moo

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There is a right and a wrong response to God’s grace and it makes all the difference.

Resources:

Romans 9:30-10:13

Romans by Tom Schreiner

Romans by Doug Moo

The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ by Ray Ortlund

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If God sovereignly chooses to only save some people, then is God unjust? Paul tackles this most important and practical question in Romans 9:14-29

Resources:

Romans 9:14-29

Romans by Doug Moo

Romans 9:14-29 (5 sermons by John Piper)

The Justification of God by John Piper

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem (Chapter 32)

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Paul’s anguish over those who don’t yet love Jesus leads him to raise a key question: Why aren’t all saved?

Resources:

Romans 9:1-13 Romans by Doug Moo Q&A with Tim Keller Doctrine of Election (various by John Piper)

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How can you be sure that God is for you? Can that ever change? What difference does it make? These are the questions Paul tackles in this last installment of Romans 8.

Resources:

Romans 8:31-39

Romans by Doug Moo

Romans by Tom Schreiner

Romans 8 (various sermons) by John Piper

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How can we rejoice in suffering? Paul offers us four key resources in Romans 8:18-30

Resources:

Romans 8:26-30

Romans by Doug Moo

Romans by Tom Schreiner

In Christ Jesus: How the Spirit Transforms Us by Tim Keller (sermon)

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The Spirit Led Life gives perspective and patience in the midst of suffering

Resources:

Romans 8:17-25

Romans by Doug Moo

Romans by Tom Schreiner

Walking with God Through Pain & Suffering by Tim Keller

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The Holy Spirit adopts us as God’s children, which gives us hope in a world of fear.

Resources:

Romans 8:14-17

Romans by Doug Moo

Romans by Tom Schreiner

Supernatural Living for Natural People by Ray Ortlund Jr.

Running Scared: Fear, Worry & the God of Rest by Ed Welch

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The Spirit led life is freedom from and death to the flesh that once controled us!

Resources:

Romans 8:5-13

Romans by Doug Moo

Romans by Tom Schreiner

Supernatural Living for Natural People by Ray Ortlund Jr.

Overcoming Sin & Temptation by John Owen

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The Holy Spirit indwells and leads the Christian life. In this installment of Romans 8, we will explore the first great benefit that the Spirit brings every Christian’s life: no condemnation

Resources:

Romans 8:1-4

Romans by Doug Moo

Romans by Tom Schreiner

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We become like Jesus by beholding Jesus and we behold Jesus through prayer.

Resources:

Matthew 5:6-13

A Praying Life by Paul Miller

Matthew (NAC) by Craig Blomberg

 

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We become like Jesus by beholding Jesus and we behold Jesus through the Bible

Resources:

2 Timothy 3:14-17

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney

ESV Study Bible (2 Timothy)

New American Commentary (1, 2 Timothy & Titus)

New Bible Commentary

Bible.com

 

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In this sermon we look at the Christians hope for change and the blue print for how we change.

Resources:

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

2 Corinthians (NAC) by Garland

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Exodus culminates and concludes with the construction of a tent that is far more than a tent.

Resources:

Exodus 40

Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory by Philip Ryken

Exodus (NAC) by Douglas Stuart

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God institutes the Passover as a feast to remember his holiness and mercy. The problem with the Passover is that it needs to be repeated. Jesus is the true and greater Passover Lamb who is the final sacrifice for our sins. Through Jesus we have a new and greater Passover Meal.

Resources:

Exodus 12:1-28

Jesus the King by Tim Keller

ESV Study Bible (Exodus Notes & History of Salvation)

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In Exodus 3-4 we see God call a most unlikely man to rescue his people. God’s calling is great, but his presence is greater.

Resources:

Exodus 3-4

Exodus in NAC by Doug Stewart

ESV Study Bible

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The gospel produces love for Jesus and love is the greater motivator for Christian growth.

Resources:

Romand 7:1-12

Romans by Tom Schreiner

Romans by Moo

Romans 1-7 For You by Tim Keller

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Our identity determines our activity. In Romans 5:12-21, Paul raises the critical question: Are you in Adam or in Christ?

Resources:

Romans 5:12-21

Romans Commentary – Tom Schreiner

Romans Commentary – Doug Moo

Romans For You – Tim Keller

Ephesians Part 2 – Mark Driscoll

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Paul calls Abraham and David to the stand to defend justification by faith apart from works.

Resources:

Romans 4:1-12

Romans by Tom Schreiner

Romans by Moo

Romans 1-7 For You by Tim Keller

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What does it mean to live in the upside down kingdom of Jesus?

Resources:

John 12:12-26

John’s Gospel by DA Carson

John’s Gospel by Andreas Kostenburger

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller

 

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How can God make the unrighteous righteous?

Resources:

Romans 3:21-31

Romans For You by Tim Keller

Romans by Tom Schreiner

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The gospel is good news for the skeptic!

Resources:

Romans 3:1-8

Romans Commentary by Schreiner

Romans Commentary by Moo

Objections Answered by Steve J. Cole

Conversations with Tom Mathew & Mike Anderson

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Paul accents the beauty of the gospel against the dark backdrop of human sinfulness.

Resources:

Romans 1:18-32

Baker Romans Commentary by Schreiner

NICNT Romans Commentary by Moo

Romans For You by Keller

Al Mohler Q&A on homosexuality (video)

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Everything in our lives pushes us toward being ashamed of the gospel. In Romans 1:16-17, Paul explains why we can be truly confident in the gospel.

Resources:

Romans 1:1-15

Romans (Schreiner)

Romans (Moo)

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Paul opens his letter to the Romans by unpacking the goal of the gospel

Resources:

Romans 1:1-15

Romans (Schreiner)

Romans (Moo)

Desiring God by John Piper

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Philippians 4 teaches that Jesus has brought a new joy, but we must fight for it.

Resources:

Philippians 4:1-23

NIGTC (Philippians Commentary) by O’brien

Desiring God by John Piper

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In Philippians 3, Paul explains that Jesus brings the joy of a new treasure.

Resources:

Philippians 3

NIGTC (Philippians Commentary) by Peter T. O’brien

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Joy to the world! The Advent of Jesus brings a new family. In this sermon we explore the marks of and power for new family in Philippians 2:1-11.

Resources:

Philippians 2:1-30

NIGTC (Philippians Commentary) by Peter T. O’brien

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In Philippians chapter one, Paul describes the joy of a sure salvation in Christ.

Resources:

Philippians 1:1-30

NIGTC (Philippians Commentary) by Peter O’brien

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Guard your heart above all guarding for from it flow the springs of life.

Resources:

Proverbs 4:23

Keep Your Heart with all Vigilance by Wayne Grudem (Sermon)

How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman

Wisdom that Works by Ray Ortlund

Proverbs (NAC) by Duane Garret

Proverbs (Tyndale) by David Kidner

Week 12 Reading Plan [pdf]

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Life and death are in the power of the tongue.

Resources:

How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman
Wisdom that Works by Ray Ortlund
Proverbs (NAC) by Duane Garret
Proverbs (Tyndale) by David Kidner

Week 11 Reading Plan [pdf]

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What does Proverbs say about wealth, poverty, and our duty to the poor?

Resources:

How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman
Wisdom that Works by Ray Ortlund
Proverbs (NAC) by Duane Garret
Proverbs (Tyndale) by David Kidner
What is the Mission of the Church by Gilbert & DeYoung
Bible Summaries in One Sentence

Week 10 Reading Plan [pdf]

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The wisdom of Proverbs on the topic of friendship

Resources:

How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman

Wisdom that Works by Ray Ortlund

Proverbs (NAC) by Duane Garret

Proverbs (Tyndale) by David Kidner

Friendship by Mark Driscoll (sermon)

Week 9 Reading Plan [pdf]

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This week we take a look at what Proverbs has to say about the family.

Resources:

How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman

Wisdom that Works by Ray Ortlund

Proverbs (NAC) by Duane Garret

Proverbs (Tyndale) by David Kidner

Honor Your Father & Mother by Mark Driscoll

Pastor Dad by Mark Driscoll

Week 8 Reading Plan [pdf]

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If you will get wisdom, wisdom will bless you with shalom, or wholeness & peace

Resources:

Proverbs 3:1-12

How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman

Wisdom that Works by Ray Ortlund

Proverbs (NAC) by Duane Garret

Proverbs (Tyndale) by David Kidner

Week 7 Reading Plan [pdf]

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Wisdom for sex, marriage, and relationships.

Resources:

Proverbs 5:15-19; Proverbs 31:10-31

How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman

Wisdom that Works by Ray Ortlund

Proverbs (NAC) by Duane Garret

Proverbs (Tyndale) by David Kidner

Week 6 Reading Plan [pdf]

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Exploring how we grow in wisdom from Proverbs chapter two.

Resources:

Proverbs 1:8-19, Proverbs 2:6-15, Proverbs 9

How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman

Wisdom that Works by Ray Ortlund

Proverbs (NAC) by Duane Garret

Proverbs (Tyndale) by David Kidner

Week 3 Reading Plan [pdf]

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Proverbs describes life as a path that requires wisdom to navigate.

Resources:

Proverbs 1:8-19, Proverbs 2:6-15, Proverbs 9

How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman

Wisdom that Works by Ray Ortlund

Proverbs (NAC) by Duane Garret

Proverbs (Tyndale) by David Kidner

Week 2 Reading Plan [pdf]

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The purpose of Proverbs is to make us truly wise!

Resources:

Proverbs 1:1-7

How To Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman

Wisdom that Works by Ray Ortlund

Proverbs (NAC) by Duane Garret

Proverbs (Tyndale) by David Kidner

Week 1 Reading Plan [pdf]

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Jesus builds His Church through baptism.

Resources:

Romans 6:3-6

Colossians 2:11-12

Galatians 3:26-27

Believers Baptism (book) by Tom Schreiner & Shawn Wright

Vintage Church (book) by Driscoll & Brashers

Brothers We Are Not Professionals (book) by John Piper

Jesus Gives Us Baptism (sermon) by Mark Driscoll

What is Baptism & Why is it Important (sermon) by John Piper

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What is Jesus’ Church and how was it born?

Resources:

Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:18; 1 Peter 5:4

Vintage Church by Mark Driscoll & Gerry Brashers

Jesus Loves His Church sermon series by Mark Driscoll & Dave Bruskas

 

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Jesus makes us generous!

Resources:

Luke 12:13-21

2 Corinthians 8-9

Luke – New American Commentary by Robert Stein

2 Corinthians – New American Commentary by David Garland

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The cross brings hope and transformation to our relationship with food.

Resources:

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Corinthians 6:12

Disorderly Eating…For the Rest of Us (Article) by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Helping Overeaters (Article) by Elyse Fitzpatrick

How Can I Conquer Gluttony by John Piper

Eating Disorders (article) by Ed Welch

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How the gospel makes us patient

Resources:

Ephesians 4

1 John 2:1-2

Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges

NAC Commentary: 1 John by Daniel Akin

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In Advent, we learn to rejoice, though now, for a little while, we suffer trials of various kinds.

Resources:

1 Peter 1:1-7

Psalms Series: Wisdom for trouble by Matt Cohen

1 Peter by Tom Schreiner

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Through Advent we celebrate the arrival of one gift!

Resources:

1 Peter 1:3

Finally Alive by John Piper

1 Peter (NAC) by Tom Schreiner

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Celebrating Advent by looking forward to the coming of Christ with the Old Testament saints.

Resources:

1 Peter 1:10-12

1 Peter (NAC Commentary) by Tom Schreiner

ESV Study Bible (Overview of the Bible)

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Jesus models prayer as an avenue of hope in a cynical world.

Resources:

Matthew 6:5-15

Matthew – New American Commentary

Matthew – Tyndale Commentary

A Praying Life by Paul Miller

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Our Daily Bread: What can I pray for?

Resources:

Matthew 6:5-15

A Praying Life by Paul Miller (Ch. 15-16, 21, 27)

Matthew: Tyndale NT Commentary by R.T. France

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Jesus’ disciples are missionaries.

Resources:

Matthew 28:18-20

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Resources:

Desiring God (Missions – Chapter 9) by John Piper

Disciple – Bill Clem

Finding our Place in the Biblical Story by Bartholomew and Goheen

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How does our new identity in Jesus change the way we relate to God?

Resources:

We apologize, but due to technical difficulties we do not have audio from Sunday’s sermon. Attached you will find the written manuscript for the sermon, as well as the powerpoint.

Powerpoint: I AM a worshipper

Manuscript: I AM | Worshiper

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Resources:

Romans: An Expositional Commentary (Vol. 4) by James Montgomery Boice

Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller

Desiring God (Chapter 3) by John Piper

Disciple: Getting Our Identity From Jesus – by Bill Clem

Why do we (the church) exist?

Resources:

Scripture

References

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How do we interact with God when all is well and ordered in our world?

Resources:

Psalm 103

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