Obedience

1 Samuel 15:10-23

When Leadership Fails

True leadership serves God's mission with humility and obedience rather than pursuing personal power and recognition. When leaders lose sight of this, they forfeit their calling.

1 Samuel 18:2 · 1 Samuel 21-24

1 Samuel

Having God's Heart Is Not Easy

David's refusal to kill Saul despite having the opportunity reveals the difficult work of choosing justice over revenge and kindness over retaliation, the mark of God's heart.

1 Samuel 15:27-29 · 1 Samuel 16:1-13

1 Samuel

The Shepherd & the Call of God

God grieves over sin but rejoices over repentance, and He seeks people whose hearts align with His own—unnamed servants willing to obey, just as He found in the shepherd David.

Genesis 35:1-15 · Genesis 28:20-22

A Changed Man

When God calls us to follow him, our lives begin a process of fundamental change that continues throughout our earthly journey. Jacob's return to Bethel demonstrates the need to bury false gods and live fully into God's promises.

2 Kings 22:1-23:28

A Child Shall Lead Them

King Josiah's discovery of God's Law leads to external religious reform, but his people's quick return to idolatry after his death reveals that outward changes mean nothing without inner transformation of the heart.

Luke 20:20-26

Caesar and God

Jesus distinguishes between obligations to earthly government and devotion to God, teaching that just as coins bear Caesar's image, believers bear God's image and must give themselves wholly to Him.

Ephesians 6:1-9 · Ephesians 5:21-33

Ephesians

Children and Parents

This sermon examines how followers of Jesus approach the relationships between children and parents, emphasizing obedience rooted in honoring Christ and parental leadership focused on nurturing children in God's ways rather than wielding authority for its own sake.

Courage

This devotional examines courage as a rare value requiring us to do what is right despite social pressure, fear, or personal cost. True courage means following Jesus's example of standing for truth even when it is unpopular or dangerous.

Joshua 8:30-35 · Deuteronomy 27

Joshua

Covenant Renewed

This sermon examines how God's covenant with Israel mirrors family membership—unconditional acceptance coupled with conditions that reveal God's character. Believers are saved by grace alone but called to live in obedience as a sign of belonging to God's family.

1 Corinthians 11:2-16 · 1 Corinthians 11:3

Creation and Head Coverings

This sermon examines Paul's correction of improper worship practices in Corinth by grounding his instruction in the creation order established by God. The application emphasizes honoring God through respecting the order He created and maintaining focus on Him rather than abusing Christian freedom.

Mark 14:12-15:47 · Psalm 22

Death

This sermon examines Jesus's crucifixion through Mark's account, calling listeners to focus on God's will demonstrated at the cross and to prioritize that will above all else in their own lives.

Judges 4-5

Deborah

God is the true hero who accomplishes his purposes through all kinds of willing leaders—prominent, reluctant, and obscure. Believers are called to listen and obey God's direction for their lives.

Luke 6:46-49

Parables

Decisions

Following Jesus requires more than verbal commitment—it demands obedience to his words. Those who hear and practice Jesus's teachings build a firm foundation that stands; those who ignore them face destruction.

1 Kings 11:1-13 · Exodus 34

Downfall

Solomon's loss of focus—prioritizing his wives over God's clear commands—demonstrates that knowing what is right and doing it are fundamentally different. The sermon calls readers to guard their hearts from justifications that lead them away from obedience.

2 Kings 9:1-10:36 · 1 Kings 19

Enthusiasm Without Direction

In our religious zeal we cannot go beyond or do less than what God demands. This sermon examines Jehu's zealous but selective obedience, showing that God's boundaries are clear and not optional—we must know Scripture well enough to follow them exactly, neither blurring them nor adding our own.

Esther 4:12-17

Esther

God orchestrates events in our lives for his purposes, though his name may go unmentioned; our choices matter in fulfilling his will, and we must courageously align ourselves with his plan.

Luke 14:25-35

Estimating the Cost

Jesus demands total commitment from his disciples—prioritizing allegiance to him above family, willingness to suffer, and separation from material attachments. Disciples must count the cost and commit fully, not shop around for easier terms.

Revelation 2:8-11

Faithful

Jesus calls the church to remain faithful to him regardless of circumstances—whether facing persecution or cultural comfort. Faithfulness extends beyond church attendance to how we treat others, resist worldly compromise, and take stands for righteousness in daily life.

Colossians 4:7-18

Colossians

Faithful Followers

Paul's final greetings reveal faithful followers who faced crossroads and chose to follow Jesus regardless of consequences. The sermon calls believers to similar commitment, unwavering in the face of opposition.

Joshua 24:14-27 · Judges 2:8-15

Joshua

Farewell

Joshua's farewell calls for complete commitment to God, not half-hearted loyalty. True devotion requires removing all competing allegiances and dedicating one's entire life to following Jesus.

Joshua 23:6-11 · Joshua 24

Joshua

Final Words

Joshua's final words to Israel's leaders emphasize staying grounded in God's Word, resisting worldly temptation, and loving God above all else—wisdom every generation must hear and act upon.

Joshua 23:6-11

Joshua

Final Words

Joshua's parting charge to Israel's leaders—a call to hold fast, love God, and pass something worth keeping to the next generation.

1 Kings 1:1–2:12

1 Kings

Finale

David's final words to Solomon emphasize faithfulness to God's written word and offer practical counsel, including unfinished business. The sermon challenges listeners to address conflicts promptly and to plan meaningful final words for their own loved ones.

Luke 9:51-62

For Or Against

Jesus demands unconditional discipleship, requiring followers to prioritize his kingdom above all earthly concerns—security, family, and personal desires—without negotiation or conditions.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18

Get To Work

Paul commands the Thessalonians to work rather than gossip and become busybodies, using church discipline to shame the idle into repentance while maintaining brotherly love.

Judges 14:1-20 · Judges 17:6

Judges

Getting What You Don't Want

Samson had great spiritual resources but lived selfishly, doing what pleased him rather than obeying God. The sermon warns against replacing God's authority with personal desire and calls believers to obedience as the path to fully receiving God's blessings.

Matthew 5:1-12 · John 13:17

God Wants Me to Be Happy

Christians often mistakenly believe God exists to ensure their personal happiness, but the Bible teaches that true blessing comes through obedience to God and learning contentment regardless of circumstances.

1 Kings 20:1-43

God's Decision

God's sovereignty means He works through circumstances to draw people to know Him as Lord. Recognizing His power in victories and obstacles deepens faith and demands responsive obedience.

Matthew 22:34-40 · Deuteronomy 6

God's Priorities

Jesus identifies the two greatest commandments—love God with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself—establishing that these priorities, rooted in self-sacrificial agape love, must shape how we live and serve others.

Mark 2:23-3:6 · Deuteronomy 23:25

Mark

God's Purpose vs. Man's Rules

Jesus prioritizes human need and God's intent over human-made religious rules. The sermon warns against allowing tradition and custom to obscure God's purpose and calls believers to constant evaluation of their practices.

1 Chronicles 13 · Exodus 25:10

Chronicles

Good Intentions

Familiarity with God must not breed contempt or presumption upon his holiness. David's good intention to bring the ark to Jerusalem demonstrates that honoring God requires following his explicit commands, not merely pursuing well-intentioned goals.

Judges 17:1-18:31 · Joshua 21

Judges

Good Luck Charm

This sermon examines how the lack of personal discipline leads to idolatry and disobedience to God. When we do what seems right in our own eyes rather than following God's will, we treat God as a good luck charm and miss His true calling to radical transformation and sacrifice.

Romans 13:1-7 · Mark 12:17

Governing Authority

Christians must submit to governing authorities as God's established servants, paying taxes and respecting leaders while maintaining conscience and standing against government only when it violates God's law.

1 Kings 9:1-9

1 Kings

Greatness

Real success is measured not by wealth or accomplishment but by faithfulness to God and consistency between heart and conduct. God promises blessing to those who maintain integrity and warns of judgment for those who turn away.

Hosea 7:1-16 · Hosea 6:4

Half-Baked Religion

Ignorance of God's ways causes spiritual compromise that slowly separates us from Him, leaving our lives without true meaning and purpose. The sermon calls believers to stop drifting through motions and return to genuine relationship with God.

1 Samuel 3:1-21

Here I Am

This sermon contrasts Eli and Samuel to show that knowing what is right differs from doing it. True obedience to God requires not just listening but willingness to change and act, even at personal cost.

Mark 3:20-35

House Divided

Jesus rejects his biological family's view that he is unstable, instead claiming that his true family comprises those who commit to God's will without hesitation. The sermon examines the unforgivable sin as persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit's witness to Jesus, and calls believers to radical, sacrificial faith rather than casual religiosity.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 · 1 Corinthians 14:33

How Did We Get Confused?

This sermon examines how subjective truth and personal preference have created confusion in the religious world, arguing that Scripture must remain the central authority for understanding God's will, and that preferences must always be subject to biblical revelation.

Galatians 5:16-26 · Romans 8:9

How Do We Know We Have the Spirit?

The Spirit's presence in a believer is known not through emotions but through objective evidence: God's promises, a desire for holiness, obedience to God, and the development of Christian character traits.

Galatians 5:13-26

How Does One Remain Faithful

Faithfulness as a Christian stems from the heart and the Spirit's leading, not from external practices alone. True faithfulness emerges when duty transforms into desire to honor God.

Luke 14:25-35

Parables

How Much Does It Cost?

Jesus demands total commitment from his followers—everything, not just the benefits. Disciples must count the cost before pledging themselves to him.

Luke 1:26-56 · Luke 1:3-4

Luke

I Am the Lord's Servant

This sermon introduces the Gospel of Luke and examines Mary's acceptance of God's call to bear Jesus, exploring how praise naturally flows from encountering God's activity in history and challenging believers to accept Jesus on his own terms regardless of personal cost.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Ephesians

Imitate God

Disciples of Jesus reflect God's nature through honest speech, quick reconciliation, honest work, uplifting words, and gracious attitudes. Believers are called to imitate God's character in their daily conduct.

Galatians 5:16-26

Galatians

In Step With the Spirit

A spiritual person is one led by the Holy Spirit, marked by the Spirit's fruit rather than human effort or rule-keeping. Christians must choose daily to crucify the flesh and allow the Spirit to produce God-honoring character.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Independence Day

This devotional draws parallels between American independence and spiritual freedom in Christ, arguing that both required great sacrifice and demanding that believers live gratefully as those freed by Jesus's sacrifice rather than taking that freedom for granted.

Proverbs 11:3 · Proverbs 19:1

Integrity

Integrity—remaining truthful and consistent with Christian values—is character that stands firm even when no one is watching and when the cost is high. Like Admiral Boorda discovered too late, once lost, integrity cannot be recovered.

Acts 19:1-7 · Acts 2

Is It Possible to Be Just a Christian?

This sermon argues that becoming a Christian requires a specific point of commitment involving belief, repentance, and baptism—not faith alone. Acts 19 and Acts 2 demonstrate that sincere belief without baptism does not make one a Christian.

2 Chronicles 34 · Hebrews 1:1-3

Chronicles

It's in the Book

This sermon examines how the Book of the Law was forgotten and rediscovered during King Josiah's reign, arguing that regular engagement with Scripture is essential to prevent spiritual drift and to discern God's will against cultural pressures.

Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph

This sermon examines Joseph's fear in facing an impossible situation and how his faith in God's direction displaced that fear, moving him toward obedience despite uncertainty and social shame.

Ezekiel 18:1-32

Justice

God reveals his perfect justice by demonstrating that each person is responsible for their own choices and consequences, not bound by the sins of others, and that genuine faith requires both belief and behavioral change.

Luke 12:35-48

Kingdom Management

Kingdom people remain vigilant and faithful, anticipating Jesus's return rather than becoming distracted by worldly concerns. Jesus promises to serve those who faithfully keep watch for his arrival.

Genesis 22:1-19 · Luke 15

Abraham

Let Go!

God's test of Abraham to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates that genuine faith requires complete obedience and trust in God rather than emotional comfort, ultimately pointing to Christ's sacrifice on Calvary.

2 Samuel 6

Let the Celebration Begin

This sermon examines how David's initial attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem reveals that honoring God requires both right motivation and obedient action—not one without the other.

Luke 19:11-27

Life in the Interim

Jesus calls his followers to faithfully steward what he has given them while waiting for his return. The sermon challenges believers to live as if Christ could return today, using their gifts for the king's glory rather than from fear or self-interest.

1 Kings 17:1-24

Life Is Unfair

God actively pursues his purposes through the unfair circumstances of life, demonstrating that he alone gives life and that sin carries consequences. Obedience to God is the path to restored relationship.

Mark 9:2-13 · Exodus 24

Listen to Jesus

The Transfiguration reveals that Jesus embodies both glory and suffering, and God calls disciples to listen to Jesus rather than cling to their own expectations of what following him should look like.

1 Peter 2:4-12

Peter epistles

Living Stones

This sermon examines how believers align themselves with Jesus as living stones in God's temple, rejecting the world's shame-avoiding values and living instead in praise, integrity, and obedience to God's desires.

Luke 6:1-11 · Deuteronomy 23:25

Lord of the Sabbath

Jesus demonstrates his authority over the Sabbath by healing and allowing his disciples to eat grain on that day, showing that God's intent is compassion and human need, not burdensome rules that separate people from God.

John 14:15-31

John Gospel

Love and Obedience

True love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to his commands. Though Jesus physically departs, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to keep his commands and prove the genuineness of their relationship with him.

Daniel 1 · Isaiah 39:6

Daniel

Making a Stand

This sermon examines Daniel's refusal to compromise his values in Babylon, showing that true faithfulness to God stems not from expecting rewards but from recognizing God's sovereignty and submitting to His will regardless of consequences.

Malachi 3:6-12

Malachi: Prophet of Gratitude

This sermon examines Malachi's call to passionate, heart-centered giving as a reflection of commitment to God's ways. The people's passionless approach to tithes revealed spiritual apathy; restoration requires prioritizing God's claims on our resources.

Judges 8:22-35

Judges

Misplaced Worship

This sermon examines how Gideon compromised God's revealed will by constructing an ephod and assuming the role of high priest, demonstrating that good motives cannot substitute for obedience to God's specific instructions.

Luke 18:18-30

Mission Impossible

Following Jesus requires single-minded focus on him above all else. Whatever distracts from devotion to Christ—wealth, comfort, security—must be surrendered.

Colossians 3:18-4:1

Colossians

Mom, Dad, and the Kids

God establishes clear, realistic expectations for family relationships. Wives and husbands are called to mutual sacrifice—wives through voluntary submission, husbands through self-giving love—while children obey their parents and parents nurture them with compassion rather than discouragement.

1 Samuel 15:13-23 · Exodus 17

1 Samuel

Obedience

God expects complete obedience to his commands, and partial obedience is disobedience. The sermon examines Saul's excuses for his disobedience and calls listeners to genuine repentance and submission to God's will.

Mark 7:1-8 · 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Our Sacred Traditions

This sermon examines the difference between God-ordained and human-made traditions, arguing that while traditions can pass on important truths, they must never take precedence over God's expressed will or diminish authentic faith and love.

John 13:18-38

John Gospel

Predictions

Jesus commands his disciples to love one another authentically and sacrificially, just as he has loved them. This genuine, vulnerable love proves to the world that we belong to Jesus.

James 1:19-27

James

Real Religion

God desires righteousness lived out through listening to His Word, controlling speech, and caring for the vulnerable—a faith that transforms the heart and changes how we treat others.

2 Samuel 15:1-16:14 · Psalm 51

2 Samuel

Rebellion

David faces rebellion from his son Absalom but continues to trust God and wait faithfully. The sermon examines how genuine faith is demonstrated not in prosperity but in remaining obedient to God during hardship.

Nehemiah 13:1-31 · Numbers 21-22

Remaining Pure

This sermon examines how spiritual decline follows a three-generation pattern and calls believers to align their actions with their professed faith in God by recommitting to Scripture, resisting worldly influence, honoring God's priorities, and renewing their passion for his will.

Joshua 5:1-12 · Exodus 4

Joshua

Rolling On

As Israel celebrates the Passover in the promised land after circumcision, God rolls away the reproach of Egypt and invites his people into a new beginning. Like Israel, we experience spiritual circumcision through baptism, stripping away sin and preparing us to engage in God's work.

2 Kings 1:1-18

Searching for Answers

God will not tolerate idolatry and demands exclusive allegiance. King Ahaziah's refusal to consult God and his pursuit of Baal-Zebub instead demonstrates that God alone knows our hearts and provides true answers.

1 Kings 3:1-15

1 Kings

Seeking an Obedient Heart

Solomon's reign begins with good motives but poor choices that contradict God's explicit commands. Yet God blesses his humble request for a discerning heart, demonstrating that right action and proper motives must go hand in hand.

John 4:4

Shortcuts

This devotional examines how shortcuts often produce unintended consequences, contrasting human tendency to cut corners with Jesus's deliberate choice to go through Samaria, demonstrating that integrity, honesty, and faith have no shortcuts.

Psalm 119:9-16 · Psalm 119:1-2

Song of God's Word

God's Word serves as a shield against sin and must be hidden in our hearts as a guide for life. The psalmist demonstrates that loving God's law stems from delight in His Word, not legalism, and believers must commit to regular study and meditation to thrive in their faith.

Philippians 4:4-9 · 2 Corinthians 5:7

Philippians

Start Thinking Right

This sermon argues that Christians have control over their thoughts, and right thinking leads to right actions. Through repentance, God's Word, and crisis, believers can renew their minds and live transformed lives.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

Timothy

Stay

This sermon examines Paul's call for Timothy to remain grounded in Scripture despite persecution and false teachers. Believers who stay in God's Word will be equipped to live godly lives and honor God.

Luke 22:39-53 · Luke 22:31-38

Submission

Jesus in Gethsemane demonstrates the power of submissive prayer—yielding one's will to God's regardless of the cost. True faith is forged not through confidence in ourselves but through the struggle of surrender.

Genesis 11:1-9

Taking God's Place

This sermon examines the Tower of Babel as a cautionary tale about human pride and the attempt to usurp God's authority, calling listeners to find balance between ambition and faithful submission to God.

1 Timothy 6:11-16 · 2 Timothy 3:17

1 Timothy

The Confession

This sermon examines how our confession of Jesus directs our daily lives and empowers us to flee greed while pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness—reflecting God's character in a challenging world.

1 Kings 18:16-40

The Contest

This sermon examines the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, arguing that followers of God cannot remain neutral—they must decisively choose to follow the one true God or risk being captured by competing desires.

Amos 5:18-27 · 1 Corinthians 6

Amos

The Day of the Lord

This sermon examines how Israel mistakenly believed religious activity substituted for righteousness, warning that true worship must be inseparable from daily obedience and justice. Believers today face the same temptation to compartmentalize faith, forgetting that the Day of the Lord demands consistent faithfulness.

Luke 11:14-28 · Exodus 8:19

The Finger of God

Jesus defends his authority to cast out demons by demonstrating that Satan cannot work against himself; believers are called to decide whether Jesus's power comes from God or Satan, and to demonstrate faith through obedience.

Genesis 3:1-7 · Matthew 16:24-25

The God of Choice

This sermon contrasts the culture's emphasis on personal choice and autonomy with Scripture's call to deny self and center life on Christ. Christian ethics must prioritize God's will over personal satisfaction.

Acts 2:1-41 · Acts 1:6

Acts

The Great Day

God demonstrates His spiritual kingdom through the power of Pentecost, calling His disciples and hearers to embrace change and align their hearts with His will rather than resist it.

John 3:22-28 · John 15:11

The Joyful Jesus

This sermon examines Jesus as the source of biblical joy—an attitude of delight rooted in relationship with God that transcends circumstances. Christians are called to receive and share this joy through obedience, prayer, and connection with the resurrected Christ.

Matthew 5:17-20

Sermon on the Mount

The King's Children Are Righteous

Jesus fulfills the law by revealing God's deepest intent, calling his followers to exceed Pharisaic righteousness through transformed internal attitudes that naturally produce kingdom influence.

Matthew 7:13-23

Sermon on the Mount

The King's Children Choose Wisely

Jesus calls his followers to choose the narrow gate and way of life over the broad path of destruction, warning against false prophets and emphasizing that true discipleship is evidenced by obedience and fruit.

Joshua 3:1-17

Joshua

The Power of God

When facing unprecedented transitions, God calls His people to consecrate themselves, exalt Him, and trust His leading. The sermon challenges believers to empty themselves of personal agendas and watch God work.

2 Kings 5:1-14 · Isaiah 55

The Power of Humility

Pride and preconceived expectations prevent us from listening to God and receiving His blessings. True healing comes through humble submission, allowing God alone to receive the glory.

Proverbs 26:13-16 · Proverbs 19:15-24

The Sluggard

This sermon examines the traits of lazy people—making excuses, lacking initiative, idleness, and arrogance—and contrasts them with the disciplined life of giving, listening to wise counsel, and revering God, urging listeners to follow Christ's example of focused obedience.

Ezekiel 2

Ezekiel

The Sweet Scroll of God

True success in following God is found not in others' response but in faithful submission to his will and message, even when rejected.

Mark 1:14-20

Mark

The Time Has Come

Jesus calls his first disciples with radical authority, demanding complete transformation and repentance. Mark challenges readers to recognize that true discipleship is costly, transforming, and non-negotiable—not a matter of convenience but a life-altering commitment.

2 Kings 2:1-18

The Torch Is Passed

This sermon examines how God demonstrates his continued presence and power through Elijah's ascension and Elisha's succession, emphasizing that believers must stay close to God and respect his word to receive his blessings.

Luke 5:1-11

Time To Go To Work

This sermon examines how Peter's encounter with Jesus transformed him from a curious observer to a committed disciple, demonstrating that following Jesus requires making him the center of one's life and leaving the past behind.

Amos 8:4-14

Amos

Too Late

This sermon examines God's judgment on Israel for exploiting the poor and rejecting his word, arguing that minimizing sin invites divine judgment—and calling listeners to align their priorities with God's by caring for the needy, worshiping with passion, and submitting to his will.

Genesis 12:1-9 · Genesis 22:2

Traveling By Faith

God's call to Abraham demonstrates that faith—not possessions, family, or security—is the only lasting foundation for life. Believers today are similarly called to trust God's direction and testify to his presence, knowing that what we build on faith endures while earthly holdings fade.

2 Kings 13:10-25

Underestimating God's Intent

This sermon examines how Jehoash's half-hearted obedience to Elisha's command to strike arrows demonstrates that trusting ourselves is easier than trusting God, yet incomplete faith forfeits God's full blessing.

Luke 4:1-13

Until An Opportune Time

This sermon examines Jesus's temptation in the wilderness to demonstrate that faithfulness to God is possible. Through Christ's example of resisting temptation with God's Spirit, believers can understand their shared humanity with Jesus and find strength to say no to sin.

Micah 6:1-8 · Deuteronomy 27:12-13

What Does God Require?

God calls his people to faithfulness through both worship and justice. True devotion to God must translate into ethical treatment of others, reflecting God's own character of mercy and loyalty.

2 Samuel 7

When God Says No

When our desires conflict with God's will, we must trust his sovereignty and wait for his direction rather than presuming to act on good motives alone. True trust means accepting his 'no' with praise.

Luke 9:18-27

Your Money or Your Life

This sermon explores who Jesus is and what it means to follow him, challenging listeners to examine their priorities and answer whether Jesus is truly Lord of their lives.

Ephesians 6:1-3 · Colossians 3:20

God's Desire for Children

This sermon examines God's command for children to obey their parents as an expression of faith and maturity. Obedience demonstrates submission to God's will, requires thinking beyond immediate circumstances, and honors parents as a lifelong calling.

Galatians 1:6-10

I Have to Have Everyone's Love and Approval

Satan's lie that we must have everyone's approval leads us to abandon truth and our identity in Jesus. Following God faithfully may cost us relationships, but pleasing people at the expense of pleasing God is a price too high to pay.

Ephesians 5:18-24 · 1 Corinthians 7

Family

The Wife God Wants

God calls wives to submit to their husbands as an act of spiritual obedience rooted in being filled with the Spirit, not cultural expectation. This counter-cultural practice, grounded in relationship to Christ, reflects God's light in the home.

Mark 9:30-37

Be a Servant

Jesus calls his followers to reject the world's value of independence and power, instead embracing servanthood like a child—powerless and obedient to God's will—which paradoxically grants true freedom from sin, guilt, and shame.

Mark 8:27-38 · Daniel 7:13-14

Mark

Our Confession

To confess Jesus as the Christ carries profound consequences: we must think, act, and die like him, reorienting our entire lives around God's kingdom rather than the world's values.

Mark 1:21-28 · Mark 1:15

Response to Authority

Jesus teaches with divine authority that amazes and convicts listeners, calling them to respond either by accepting and sharing his message or by rejecting it. His power demonstrates that genuine authority flows from experience with truth itself.

Mark 7:1-23 · 1 Samuel 16:7

Mark

The Heart

God judges the heart, not external actions. Jesus teaches that moral integrity comes from internal character, not ritual observance or outward appearance.

Mark 12:13-17

Mark

What Belongs to God?

Jesus teaches that while we must fulfill our civic duties to earthly governments, our hearts and allegiance ultimately belong to God alone. The call is to give God what is rightfully his—ourselves.

Mark 14:32-42

Why?

When suffering comes, followers of Jesus must choose to accept God's will through faith and obedience, as Jesus demonstrated in Gethsemane by surrendering his desire for deliverance to his Father's purpose.

Isaiah 1:2-4 · Isaiah 1:1

Isaiah

Listen to God's Voice

God calls his people to listen to his voice and return to him with grace waiting for those who repent. Like a perfect parent, God desires to forgive more than punish, offering restoration to those willing to hear and obey.

Romans 13:8-14 · Matthew 6:34

Romans

Love Is a Verb

This sermon examines how believers demonstrate love as an action rather than a feeling, living urgently in light of Christ's coming and the brevity of time, by understanding their position in God's timeline and clothing themselves with Jesus to fight spiritual battles with love in a darkening world.

Daniel 3:1-30

Daniel

Commitment

True commitment to God goes beyond words and appearances—it demands loyalty even when costly, and must be settled in conviction before crisis arrives.

Ephesians 6:1-9

Ephesians

Household

Paul instructs children to obey their parents and fathers to nurture their children in the Lord's ways, grounding family relationships in Christ rather than worldly authority.

Acts 4:36-5:11

Acts

Loyalty

This sermon examines how true loyalty to God requires authentic commitment demonstrated through action, not merely words or appearances. Ananias and Sapphira's deception reveals that divided loyalty is disloyalty, calling believers to holiness and undivided devotion.

Daniel 1 · Isaiah 39:6

Daniel

Making a Stand

Daniel and his companions maintain their faith and values despite pressure to conform to Babylonian culture. Knowing God is sovereign produces the courage to make a stand for conviction.

Acts 18:24-19:10

Acts

Truth Matters

Complete truth about Jesus and baptism matters more than preference or partial understanding. Believers willing to listen and act on truth distinguish themselves from those who refuse it.

Exodus 19:1-25 · Joshua 24:2

Exodus

Commitment

This sermon examines how God's grace toward Israel at Sinai calls forth commitment as a grateful response. True commitment to God flows from recognizing his undeserved favor and choosing to follow him completely, despite hardship.

Exodus 22:16-31 · 1 Corinthians 6

Holiness Matters

God's laws in Exodus reveal his holy character and call his people to reflect that holiness in their treatment of others, their sexual ethics, and their undivided loyalty to him.

Exodus 20:3-11 · Matthew 5:37

Exodus

Loyalty

God demands exclusive, devoted loyalty from His people—not casual or divided—as demonstrated in the first four commandments. Believers are called to reflect this covenant faithfulness in response to God's grace.

Exodus 12:29-51

Exodus

Seeking God

God judges Egypt's gods and fulfills his promise to free Israel. Like Pharaoh, we eventually recognize God's supremacy over our false gods and must surrender to his rule rather than our own plans.

Exodus 4:18-31

Exodus

The God Who Is to Be Obeyed

This sermon examines Moses' journey to Egypt and the circumcision of Gershom, demonstrating that God expects obedience and that casual attitudes toward Him must give way to reverent trust.

Exodus 32:19-35 · Exodus 20:4-6

Exodus

Whose Side Are You On?

When Israel abandons God for idolatry, Moses calls the people to realign with God through repentance. The sermon challenges believers to demonstrate their loyalty to God through their words and actions, especially amid cultural division and distraction.

Esther 3 · Exodus 12

Esther

Courage

This sermon examines how Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman demonstrates that true courage demands right action even when outcomes are uncertain. Believers are called to choose courageous responses when opportunities arise, trusting in God's faithfulness.

James 4:1-10 · Mark 3:21

James

Divided Loyalties

James exposes how divided spiritual loyalties—attempts to serve both God and worldly desires—leave believers torn and double-minded. True allegiance requires undivided submission to God and active resistance to Satan's influence.

James 3:1-12

James

The Hardest Thing to Control

Controlling the tongue is a constant battle that no one perfectly masters. James warns that though small, the tongue wields enormous power to build up or tear down, and believers must think carefully before speaking, consider others' dignity, and remember that all people bear God's image.

John 18:28-40 · Matthew 16:17

Two Kingdoms

God's kingdom operates on truth and love, standing in opposition to earthly political power. Like Pilate, we must choose whether to submit to Christ as King of Truth or remain bound to the world's systems of control and division.

John 14:15-31

John

Real Peace

Jesus calls his disciples to demonstrate their love through obedience to his commands, assuring them that the Holy Spirit will empower them and grant them peace even in his absence.

Deuteronomy 30:11-20 · John 10

Choose Life

Following God brings real life and true happiness, not worldly prosperity or ease. Choosing to obey God means holding fast to him as the source of authentic living.

Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians

Emptying Self

This sermon examines how Jesus emptied himself to become a servant, challenging believers to adopt the same selfless mindset by prioritizing God's will and others' needs over personal preferences and recognition.

Deuteronomy 5:1-11 · Numbers 21

Deuteronomy

First Things First

This sermon examines the first three commandments as God's call to exclusive faithfulness. God demands to be first in our hearts and practices, not merely as one priority among many.

1 Corinthians 7:1-24 · 1 Corinthians 5:9-11

1 Corinthians

Marriage Questions

Paul addresses Corinthian questions about marriage, singleness, and mixed-faith unions, establishing that spiritual status is not determined by physical or marital condition but by obedience to God's commands and faithful service in one's current circumstances.

Deuteronomy 2:2-3:29

Deuteronomy

Trust and Obey

This sermon examines Israel's obedience in conquering the Transjordan region, arguing that obedience to God demands struggle and cost, and warning that material blessing can become a curse if mistaken for deserved comfort rather than calling us to renewed faithfulness.

Ephesians 6:1-3 · Colossians 3:20

God's Desire for Children

This sermon addresses God's call for children to obey their parents as an expression of faith, explaining that obedience demonstrates maturity in faith and produces long-term wisdom for life.

Malachi 2:10-16

Malachi

Respect for Marriage

Marriage is a covenant binding two people at all costs, not a casual agreement to be discarded when circumstances change. God calls believers to keep their marriage promises and lead their families toward him.

Malachi 3:12-4:6 · Matthew 25

Malachi

What's Your Decision

Passion for God comes from honoring who he is, not from expecting him to obligate himself through our external actions. The heart matters more than mere religious form.

2 Kings 5:1-14 · Isaiah 55

Kings

2 Kings 5:1-14

Pride blinds us to God's ways and prevents us from listening to His instruction. Only through humility can we receive His blessings and allow Him to receive the glory.

2 Kings 22:1-23:28

Kings

A Child Shall Lead Them

This sermon examines King Josiah's religious reforms and warns that external obedience without internal change is spiritually hollow. True transformation requires both right actions and a transformed heart rooted in God's Word.

1 Kings 11:1-13 · Exodus 34

Kings

Downfall

Solomon's unfaithfulness to God's commands—despite explicit warnings—brought judgment, yet God remained merciful. The sermon explores how knowing right from wrong differs from doing it, and how God's mercy persists even when we fail.

Ephesians 6:1-9

Ephesians

Household

This sermon explores biblical instruction for households—children obeying parents and parents nurturing children—within first-century Roman culture, calling believers to honor Christ through family relationships.

1 Kings 17:1-24 · Luke 4:25-26

Kings

Life Is Unfair

God's purposes are accomplished through events that seem unjust. Believers must trust God's sovereignty, pursue obedience, and let their faith shine even in a world marked by evil and suffering.

2 Kings 1:1-18

Kings

Searching for Answers

This sermon examines Ahaziah's misplaced trust in false gods and God's supreme knowledge and control, challenging believers to seek answers in God rather than lesser sources and to serve him with unreserved obedience.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Ephesians

Speaking the Truth

This sermon examines practical ways the new self in Christ lives out righteousness through truthful speech, anger management, honest work, and kind words—each reflecting God's grace and character to others.

Ephesians 5:21-33 · Ezekiel 16:8-14

Ephesians

Submission and Love

This sermon examines how the marital relationship between husband and wife reflects the spiritual intimacy between Christ and the church, calling Spirit-filled husbands to sacrificial love and wives to respectful submission as demonstrations of their devotion to God.

1 Kings 18:16-40

Kings

The Contest

This sermon examines the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, arguing that followers of God cannot straddle the fence—they must decisively choose to follow God alone, abandoning all competing idols and loyalties.

2 Kings 2:1-18 · John 15:5-7

Kings

The Torch Is Passed

Through miracles at Elijah's departure and Elisha's succession, God demonstrates his continued presence and demands respect for his prophetic word. Believers must stay close to God and listen obediently to his word.

Mark 1:21-28

Mark

Authority

Jesus demonstrates divine authority through teaching and healing, evoking three responses: rejection, self-interested demand, or wholehearted commitment. The sermon calls listeners to choose whether to surrender their lives to God's kingdom or pursue their own way.

Mark 4:1-20

Mark

Four Soils

Jesus' parable of the sower reveals four ways people receive God's kingdom message. Only those who prepare their hearts and prioritize God's word above competing desires will produce an abundant harvest for the kingdom.

Mark 14:32-42

Mark

If

This sermon examines Jesus's prayer in Gethsemane as a model of faith expressed through suffering. Accepting God's will demands choosing obedience and trust even when circumstances are anguishing, and requires the support of Christian community.

Proverbs 26:13-16 · Proverbs 19:15-24

Proverbs

Laziness

This sermon examines the traits of lazy people—making excuses, lacking initiative, idleness, and arrogance—and contrasts them with the disciplined life that honors God through generosity, accountability, humility, and reverence for Him.

Romans 13:1-7 · Daniel 2:21

Issues

The Christian and Government

Government originates from God and Christians should submit to it regardless of its form, while maintaining heavenly citizenship as their ultimate allegiance and keeping focus on Christ's lordship.

Colossians 3:22-4:1 · Genesis 2:15

Issues

The Christian and Work

Work is God's gift from creation, made difficult by sin, and reflects our service to Christ. Christians should approach their work with a grateful heart, recognizing it as an opportunity to share with others rather than to fulfill entitlement.

Luke 9:28-36 · Leviticus 23:34

Listen to Jesus

This sermon examines Jesus' transfiguration and God's call to listen to him. The disciples learn that seeing Christ's glory demands obedience to his costly invitation to follow.

Luke 12:35-48

Living in the Kingdom

This sermon calls believers to live as active partners with God in His kingdom, embracing readiness and watchfulness in daily life rather than anxious pursuit of possessions or focus on Christ's return.

Luke 6:1-11 · 1 Samuel 21:22

Luke

Lord of the Sabbath

Jesus demonstrates his authority as the Son of Man by showing that human need supersedes ceremonial tradition, claiming lordship over all things and calling believers to make him Lord of their lives.

Luke 10:25-37 · Deuteronomy 6

Mercy

Jesus redefines neighborly love not as a question of whom to exclude but as a call to extend mercy without limits to all in need, regardless of worthiness or personal cost.

Luke 11:14-28 · Exodus 8:19

The Finger of God

Jesus demonstrates God's power over evil and demands decisive commitment—neutrality toward him is impossible. The spiritual battle for hearts, minds, and actions calls for obedience, not mere amazement.

Luke 20:20-26

To Tax or Not to Tax

Jesus distinguishes between what belongs to government and what belongs to God, calling believers to prioritize their loyalty to God above political concerns and earthly worries.

Luke 1:26-56

Luke

An Angel's Visit

Mary's encounter with Gabriel reveals that Jesus' miraculous conception demands our complete allegiance to God's will, even when it brings embarrassment and social ridicule.

Ephesians 6:1-3 · Colossians 3:20

Family

God's Desire for Children

This sermon examines God's command for children to obey their parents as a mark of spiritual maturity and faith. Children are called to honor parents consistently throughout life, recognizing that obedience pleases God and demonstrates submission to His will.

Luke 3:1-20

Preparation

John the Baptist calls people to repent and prepare for Jesus' coming through changed minds and actions—feeding the poor, clothing the needy, and living justly—rather than relying on heritage or status.

Luke 4:1-13 · Genesis 3

Luke

Temptation

Jesus withstands the same temptations that defeated Adam, demonstrating his true Sonship and showing believers how to trust God, worship him alone, and resist testing his goodness.

1 Samuel 3:1-21

1 Samuel

Here I Am

This sermon contrasts Eli and Samuel to show that true faith requires not just listening to God but obedient action. Willingness to change and obey God must be reflected in how we live.

1 Samuel 15

1 Samuel

Obedience

Partial obedience equals disobedience. God calls us to listen to his voice, complete our mission, and recognize that sin separates—even genuine repentance carries consequences.

1 Samuel 28:3-25

1 Samuel

Witch Way to Go

This sermon examines Saul's desperate consultation with a medium and contrasts his separation from God with David's trust, illustrating that nothing is worse than abandonment by God and urging believers to obey God's voice immediately.

Romans 6 · Ephesians 4

Corder's July Fest

True freedom comes not from the absence of boundaries but from slavery to what brings life. Confession and forgiveness—modeled after God's character—are essential to experiencing freedom from sin's tyranny.