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Weekly sermons from our Pastor, Barry Wilkinson.
Episodes
Wednesday Aug 29, 2018
Wednesday Aug 29, 2018
Series: Freedom in Jesus
Sermon: Set Free From Pride
Scripture: Proverbs 16:18
Date: August 26, 2018
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
"This sin - the sin of pride - does more to hold back revival, more to destory homes than any other sin, causes more Christians to live in defeat than any other sin and does more to fill hell than any other sin." -Adrian Rogers
Here are a couple of things that pride is not:
- Pride is not a good self image
- Pride is not being glad about a job well done
Pride is the most destructive thing in the universe.
Here's what pride is:
- Pride is an attitude of independence from God
- Pride is a spirit of ungratefulness to God
- "When entitlement is high, joy is low." -Steven Furtick
- Pride is esteeming (valuing) yourself better than someone else
Indications of a proud person:
- A proud person becomes irritated when corrected for mistakes
- A proud person accepts praise for things for which he/she has no control: beauty, talent, intellect, abilities
- A proud person will not admit mistakes
- A proud person says when there is a disagreement: I can get along without you
- A proud person has an ungrateful spirit
- A proud person refuses to accept counsel from other people
- A proud person does not want more - just more than someone else
3 ways pride devastates your life:
- Pride defies God
- These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-17)
- The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 16:5, NIV)
- Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)
- Pride divides society
- "There's never been an argument, war, divorce, or a church split that pride was not the major factor." -Adrian Rogers
- Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10, NIV)
- There is no problem too big to be solved, just people too small to solve them.
- Pride destroys souls
- The Lord will destory the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. (Proverbs 15:25)
- No one is so bad they can't be saved
- But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
- No one is so good they don't need to be saved.
- If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)
- How to get set free: come to Jesus
- realize
- repent
- rely
"It's not about you." -Rick Warren
Sunday Aug 26, 2018
Sunday Aug 26, 2018
Series: Life with the King
Sermon: The Priority of God's Kingdom Pt. 1
Scripture: Mark 1:14-15
Date: August 26, 2018
Now after John wa sput in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)
He talks about the kingdom more than eighty times in just over eighty chapters. That's a lot of kingdom talk.
Now after John wa sput in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)
He "went about all Galilee...preaching the gospel of the kingdom" (Matthew 4:23)
The unifying central theme, the common thread, throughout the Bible - from Genesis to Revelation - is the glory of God thorugh the advancement of His kingdom.
The Kingdom of God is basically the rule of God. It is the story of a King and His people.
Let's talk about 3 truths that will help us repent and live life with the King:
- The King is sovereign
- Throughout the Bible, the kingdom of God is His rule, His plan, and His program. There is a ruler and some rulees.
- This world is God's house and it operates on God's rules. His rules are to make us meaningful not miserable.
- But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. (Psalm 115:3)
- "It is not unusual that this unusual action was taken by this very unusual King, because His is an unusual kingdom." -Tony Evans
- The King doesn't adjust to us; we adjust to Him. This is called repentance.
Sunday Aug 19, 2018
Sunday Aug 19, 2018
Scripture: Luke 24:28-35
Date: August 19, 2018
Today, Hopewell celebrates it's 160th anniversary. Our guest speaker is Bro. Richard Collier, a former member and interim pastor who has had a profound and lasting impact on our church. While Bro. Richard doesn't have notes, you will find some common themes: doubting God, an "Emmaus road" experience, experiencing God first-hand. It is our hope that you hear God's voice speaking to you through Bro. Richard, and that you respond to His voice in a way that pleases and honors Him!
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Series: Freedom in Jesus
Sermon Title: Free to Live
Scripture: John 8:36
Date: August 12, 2018
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)
1st Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
We live in a free country, but too often we don't live free.
Here are some freedoms Jesus has already given us and what it means to live in His freedom:
- Jesus set me free to live with a clear conscience
- You can't feel guilty and happy at the same time.
- You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave (some?)* all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14, NLT)
- He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:7, NLT)
- Jesus set me free to have personal access to God
- Talk to Him
- Cry to Him
- Praise Him
- Tell Him a joke
- Complain to Him
- Confide in Him
- Request from Him
- You have an all-access pass to God when you were saved.
- Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may recieve mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16, NIV)
- Jesus set me free to have the power to do what is right
- "If you play, you can't stay." -Barry's dorm friends
- "God's laws are not to make you miserable but meaningful." -Rick Warren
- Freedom is the power to say yes and no.
- Freedom is the power to do the right thing and to stop doing the self-destructive things.
- His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3-4, NIV)
- No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV)
- Jesus set me free to live with meaning and purpose
- Our lives are not meant to just be day-to-day existing.
- For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19, NIV)
- You don't have to fit in with everybody else to find happiness.
- Jesus set me free to live with no fear of death or the devil
- God did not put you here on this planet to live forever.
- For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
- "Satan can only control areas where I believe his lies." -Rick Warren
*Emphasis added by pastor.
Sunday Aug 12, 2018
Sunday Aug 12, 2018
Sermon Title: Am I For Real?
Scripture: Acts 9:20-25
Date: August 12, 2018
Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destoryed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?" But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. (Acts 9:20-25)
You can add nothing to what Jesus did for your salvation.
When you truly meet Jesus you will change.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Let's see some things in Paul's life and, hopefully, ours that provide evidence that we are for real and maybe how real we really are.
- Sides
- Immediately he preaced the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20)
- Paul tried to put the church out of business but ended up being the church's most significant missionary.
- I speak the truth in Christ - I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit - I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race. (Romans 9:1-3, NIV)
- The person he is against is the devil.
- You can't really have a useful faith and act like and agree with what everyone else says and does.
- There are some things that Jesus is against and some things Jesus is for.
- Serious
- Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. (Acts 9:23)
- You have a personal relationship with Jesus but not a private relationship with Jesus.
- "It's not enough to believe it privately; you have to behave it publicly." -Andy Stanley
- Serving
- But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. (Acts 9:22)
- When's the last time you said something to someone about Jesus?
- When's the last time you served someone hoping it would help them come to Jesus?
- When's the last time you posted something on social media to help people see Jesus in a positive light?
Wednesday Aug 08, 2018
Wednesday Aug 08, 2018
Series: Freedom In Jesus
Sermon Title: Jesus Frees Our Thoughts
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Date: August 5, 2018
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
One of your greatest assets is a Spirit-filled mind.
One of your greatest antagonists is your own mind.
Satan wages war within the area of your mind.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5, NLT)
Why have a healthy thought life (Rick Warren):
- Because my thoughts control my life
- Because my mind is the battleground for sin
- Whatever gets your attention gets you.
- Because it's the key to peace and happiness
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6, NIV)
3 choices for a healthy mind, a freed mind:
- Feed my mind with truth
- Jesus said you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.
- We cannot afford to think thoughts contrary to the thoughts God has for us.
- I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. (Psalm 119:147-148, NIV)
- We don't simply repent of an action; we change the way we think about something. We embrace truth instead of a lie.
- The best food for your mind is truth.
- "Change the thoughts, and you change the person. If today's thoughts are tomorrow's actions, what happens when we fill our minds with thoughts of God's love?" -Max Lucado
- Free my mind from destructive thoughts
- Three places destructive thoughts come from:
- Flesh
- ...but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. (Romans 7:23, NIV)
- If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)
- Satan
- "Don't believe everything you think." -Rick Warren
- For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NIV)
- How does Jesus see this?
- A stronghold is a lie that I believe.
- World
- Do not love the world or anything inthe world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
- What would you attempt for God if you know you could not fail?
- Flesh
- Three places destructive thoughts come from:
- Focus my mind on the right things
- "Whatever gets your mind gets you." -Rick Wareen
- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, bretheren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:6-8)
- 2 ways to focus your mind:
- Conversational prayer
- Concentrated focusing
- 3 things that will make the most difference in your mental state:
- Think about Jesus
- Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. (2 Timothy 2:8, NLT)
- Think about others
- Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)
- Think about eternity
- Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)
- Think about Jesus
Sunday Aug 05, 2018
Sunday Aug 05, 2018
Sermon Title: Whose Agenda Are You Living For?
Scripture: John 10:9-11
Date: August 5, 2018
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (John 10:9-11)
I want to urge you to take your life and 100%, as best as you know how, connect with the agenda of Almighty God, who made this world.
I didn't say I want you to plug God into your agenda.
"God's plans are too good to miss." -Charles Stanley
Here are 5 truths to consider as you decide whose agenda you are living for:
- God's agenda is grace; Satan's agenda is theft
- The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10a)
- Here are a few things Satan likes to steal:
- joy
- family
- witness
- adventures with Jesus
- name or integrity
- If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11)
- What kind of gifts does God give?
- eternal life
- purpose for your life
- family
- Himself
- God's agenda is unity; Satan's agenda is division
- The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10a)
- "Everything in life happens for a reason! Now sometimes the reason is you're stupid and made bad decisions! -Leigh Anne Tuohy
- I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:20-21)
- God is about community and Satan is about isolation.
- God's agenda is truth; Satan's agenda is lies
- You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. (John 8:44-45)
- You deserve to be happy.
- Following Jesus is not any fun.
- Nobody is going to know.
- Everybody is doing it.
- You are going to miss out.
- WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Discuss with someone what lie of the dvil you tend to fall for and what is a good defense against that lie.
- God's agenda is faith; Satan's agenda is fear
- Fear of rejection
- Fear of change
- Fear of failure
- Fear of not being enough
- For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
- But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
- God's agenda is life; Satan's agenda is death
- The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
- Will you trust God and His agenda for your life or will you be deceived by the liar or will you decide that you know best?
Wednesday Aug 01, 2018
Wednesday Aug 01, 2018
Sermon Title: Are You Going Where You Really Want To Go?
Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9
Date: July 29, 2018
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
I have participated in every bad decision that I have ever made.
You and I have done more to undermine our own success and progress than any political leader ever.
You can like your parents without wanting to be like your parents.
You can't make people do anything. People can't make you do anything.
There is only one person who can make you do anything and that is you.
Let's look at 3 decisions to help us go where we really want to go:
- I will not lie to myself even when the truth makes me feel bad about myself
- It is ok to feel bad about yourself if that motivates you to change what is bad about yourself.
- The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
- What's wrong is your heart.
- Why am I doing this?
- Why did I do that?
- Why am I doing this really?
- Tell yourself the unfiltered truth.
- I will prioritize what I value most over what I want now
- Where are you leading yourself?
- Too many people don't discover what they value most until it is too late.
- The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
- If I am a follower of Jesus then I have to value most what God values most.
- What Jesus values most is glorifying God by loving the people He created in His image.
- A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)
- I will treat you like my Father in heaven treats me.
- For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. (Galatians 5:6)
- Would you be happy with your life if, at the end of your life, you had lived your life with faith and love at the center of your life?
- You learn at every funeral that the value of a life is measured by how much of it was given away.
- I will not attempt to lead myself by myself
- Your friends determine the direction and quality of your life.
- We can help each other but we can't help each other if we are not around each other.
- WEEKLY CHALLENGE: What do you value most and what will you do to make sure you end up where youw ant to be?
- We face our greatest challenge every morning in the mirror.
Sunday Jul 29, 2018
Sunday Jul 29, 2018
Series: Freedom in Jesus
Sermon Title: Jesus Rescues
Scripture: John 8:31-36
Date: July 22, 2018
Then Jesus said to thsoe Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?" Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)
JESUS RESCUES
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)
I want to talk tonight about being set free in a general way, and then we'll tackle some more specific places.
- Remember
- The Holy Spirit sets us free.
- Here are two key things to remember to be set free:
- Truth
- And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)
- Do we really want to be free from all sin to serve Jesus or just free from the sins that trouble us like guilt and shame?
- Truth is found in 2 places:
- Scripture
- Jesus
- Tools
- Here are several tools the Holy Spirit uses to set us free:
- Scripture study, memory and obedience
- If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
- There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)
- Prayer
- Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16)
- Confession
- Fasting
- However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. (Matthew 17:21)
- Friendships
- Scripture study, memory and obedience
- Here are several tools the Holy Spirit uses to set us free:
- Truth
- Repent
- Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. (Hebrews 12:1a)
- They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?" Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin." (John 8:33-34)
- Renounce
- Rely
- It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1, NIV)
- "Be free - because you already are free. Your enemy is dead - so silence the lies in your head. No enemy can imprison you - because your Savior empowers you. Nothing can hold you in bondage - because you are held by him. Not one thing can hold you back - because his arms are holding you." -Ann Voskamp
- You are free now if you are saved - Penalty of sin
- You are also being set free if you are saved - Power of sin
Sunday Jul 29, 2018
Sunday Jul 29, 2018
Series: Me and My Big Mouth
Sermon Title: Blessing Words
Scripture: Proverbs 16:24
Date: July 22, 2018
Last week's WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Meditate on these two questions: Where do I have work to do? and Who hopes you get to work soon?
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. (Proverbs 26:20, NIV)
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21, NIV)
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24, NIV)
Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. (Proverbs 17:28, NIV)
"Spirit-filled living causes us to see and love others as Jesus did." -Peter Lord
Let's notice two things about how our words can have a pwerfully positive impact on others:
- Instructions
- These commands that we'll look at from Scripture are not just about words, but words backed up with a credible lifestyle, and are a significant way these commands can be obeyed.
- This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
- Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10, NIV)
- Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7, NIV)
- And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
- "My challenge: to go out of my way to show kindness, because a chain reaction can start an explosion of God's love." -Daisy Cordle
- Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)
- Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16)
- If you roll out the red carpet for a billionaire, he will not notice it. For a millionaire, he expects it; for a thousandaire, he will thank you for it. But if you do this for a hunredaire, he will tell everyone about it.
- Implementation
- We can obey these instructions with words of:
- appreciation
- acceptance
- "It is traumatic and soul shattering when you feel not wanted or not accepted." -Peter Lord
- approval
- And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)
- attention
- "One of the greatest gifts you can give anyone is the gift of attention." -Jim Rohn
- apology
- affirmation
- "The voice that calls us the beloved will give us words to bless others, and reveal to them that they, too, are no less blessed." -Henri Nouwen
- We can obey these instructions with words of:
WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Meditate on these two questions: Where do I have work to do? Who hopes I get to work soon?