Exemplary Christianity, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

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Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Sermon Outline:

  1. The Marks of a True Christian

  2. The Message that Changes Lives

  3. The Mission of the Church

The Great Commission: Matthew 28:16-20

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Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Sermon Outline:

  1. A vision of Jesus authority gives us confidence.

  2. The clarity of his command compels us to obedience.

  3. The promise of his presence comforts us

Pro-Life in All of Life - 1 Peter 2:15

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This week’s sermon begins with a testimony. Due to a recording error the beginning of the testimony is not on the MP3. The full testimony can be heard on the youtube video.

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:11-17

11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Sermon Outline: Pro-Life In All Of Life

  1. The Critique

  2. Responding to the Critique

  3. Consistency and Character

  4. The Highest Expression of Life

The Christian Mind: Prepared, Clear, and Focused - 1 Peter 1:13-19

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Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-19

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Sermon Outline:

  1. Why the Mind Matters

  2. Prepare your mind for action

  3. Be Sober Minded

  4. Focus on the Coming Grace

  5. Application