The Church

Hebrews 13:7 · Hebrews 13:17

Hebrews

Our Response to Leaders

Leaders persuade through the quality of their lives and words, not through coercive authority. Followers yield willingly to leaders who demonstrate Jesus through their conduct, while leaders bear accountability for their stewardship.

Acts 6:1-7

Church Leadership

Deacons: Servants who Strengthen the Church

Deacons are chosen servants whose lives exemplify Jesus and godly wisdom, functioning equally with other leaders to solve the church's internal problems and enable its growth.

Acts 20:17-35

A Message for the Elders

This sermon examines the biblical role of elders as shepherds and overseers—not business-style leaders but spiritual protectors of God's flock. It calls the congregation to support their elders and charges the elders to know, correct, lead, study Scripture, and model Jesus.

Acts 2:41-48

Awe

The early church's devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer flowed from a deep awe of God. This reverent fear—often missing today—is essential for genuine spiritual life and community.

Joshua 7:1 · Joshua 7:11

Joshua

But...

Sin disrupts community and God's purposes, affecting not just the individual but the entire body of believers. Repentance, whether chosen early or revealed later, is inevitable and necessary for progress in faith.

Acts 6:1-7

Acts

Choices and Priorities

This sermon examines how the early church resolved internal conflict through spiritual discernment and proper priorities, ensuring that service and prayer remained central to God's plan.

Ephesians 1:3 · Ephesians 1:4

Ephesians

Christ's Church

The church is glorious not because of its members' perfection but because Christ gave his life for it. Believers must develop a biblical, Christ-centered view of the church universal rather than a denominational identity.

2 Timothy 2:22-26 · Romans 14

Community

Commitment to People and Principles

This sermon examines the tension between defending Christian principles and maintaining healthy relationships in community. True resolution requires balancing both through gentle confrontation that honors God's truth while respecting others.

Acts 2:42-44 · 1 Corinthians 12:18

Dumb Things Christians Believe

Community

This sermon challenges the cultural value of individualism and calls Christians to recover biblical community, where believers find meaning and identity through interdependence rather than self-focused consumerism.

Ephesians 4:25-27

Conflict

Conflict in relationships and churches is inevitable. Rather than avoiding it, Christians should learn to handle disagreement with godly wisdom, anger, and love—distinguishing the church from the world not by the absence of conflict but by how it is managed.

1 Timothy 3:1-7

1 Timothy

Elders

This sermon examines the character qualities God expects in church elders, emphasizing that reputation—both inside and outside the church—is fundamental to their service.

Hebrews 10:19-25

Encouragement

This sermon examines the biblical imperative to encourage one another, emphasizing that true encouragement affirms who people are, not just what they do. Practical methods include direct affirmation, written notes, phone calls, acts of service, and presence with those who hurt.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Ephesians

Essentials of Unity

This sermon examines how God has provided unity in the church through the Spirit and calls believers to maintain it through humility, gentleness, patience, and loving endurance rather than consumer preferences.

1 Peter 3:8-12 · Ephesians 4:26

Fight Fair

This sermon teaches believers how to handle conflict with dignity and care, preserving relationships through fair fighting practices that honor both parties as siblings in Christ.

Final Fellowship Devotional

A farewell reflection on a 45-year-old church building being demolished, celebrating its faithful service while reminding the congregation that people, not buildings, are what matter in ministry.

2 Timothy 2:14-26

2 Timothy

Gentle Instruction

This sermon examines how believers should represent God's character by avoiding fruitless arguments and instead gently instructing others in truth with kindness, trusting God to lead people to repentance.

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.

John 8 · John 17

Undenominational Christianity

Give Me Jesus...Only

This sermon lays the foundation for undenominational Christianity by asserting that Jesus must be the center of faith, not doctrinal distinctives or institutional labels. True unity among believers comes through shared faith in Christ's sacrifice and obedience to him, not through adherence to denominational identities.

Acts 2:42-47 · Acts 4:32-35

Acts

Giving in Acts

This sermon examines giving in Acts as an expression of love and unity within the church. True giving comes from a heart that reflects God's generosity and prioritizes meeting the needs of others.

Acts 10:1-48 · Leviticus 11

God's Grace

God welcomes all people into his kingdom without favoritism. The church must open its arms to all races and cultures, just as God has opened his arms to both Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:1-13

Ephesians

God's Intention for the Church

The church exists as a demonstration of God's wisdom to the spiritual realm by revealing his unity across all people. Believers must prioritize God's glory over personal preferences, building community through prayer, small groups, and self-denial.

Ephesians 3:7-12 · Ephesians 1:4

Ephesians

God's Plan Unfolded

God's plan before time began centers on Jesus bringing Jews and Gentiles together as one household. The church's primary purpose is to demonstrate God's multifaceted wisdom to spiritual forces in the heavenly realms, revealing a reconciliation that only God could accomplish.

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.

2 John

Hospitality

John warns believers against extending hospitality to false teachers who deny Jesus came in the flesh, emphasizing that truth and love both demand discernment and refusal to support those who diminish Christ's person and work.

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.

Romans 14:19-21

How to Win

This sermon examines how Christians should handle conflict in church communities by seeking cooperation and, when necessary, choosing to lose rather than pursuing win-lose competition that damages relationships and fellowship.

1 Corinthians 14:13-25 · Isaiah 28

Is God Really Among You?

The assembly should manifest God's presence through intelligible, God-focused worship that encourages the body and convicts unbelievers of God's truth, requiring hearts prepared to worship rather than seek personal preference or emotional satisfaction.

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.

Colossians 1:24-2:5

Colossians

I've Got a Secret

God's hidden mystery—that Gentiles and Jews share equally in Christ—has been revealed. All people can belong to God's family through faith in Jesus alone, with no other requirements or intermediaries.

Matthew 20:20-28 · 1 Timothy 3:1

Leadership Authority

Words shape our understanding of leadership. The New Testament does not connect 'authority' with elders; instead, leadership is about shepherding, care, persuasion, and service—never dictation.

Acts 20:17 · Acts 20:25-31

Leadership Words

This sermon examines the New Testament Greek words for church leaders—elder, overseer, and shepherd—to recover their true biblical meanings and call congregations to allow leaders to fulfill their authentic function of serving, protecting, and caring for God's people.

Ephesians 4:25-32 · Philippians 2

Let Community Begin with Me

This sermon concludes a series on Christian community by reviewing key lessons and calling listeners to personal change. The central message: authentic community begins when individual believers commit to transforming how they think, relate, and interact with one another.

John 13:34-35

Let's Love Each Other

Jesus commands Christians to love each other as he has loved us—a distinguishing mark that will attract the watching world. This love is not optional but defines Christian identity and witness.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 · Acts 20

Looking for Elders

This sermon examines the character qualities God expects in men who serve as elders and deacons, emphasizing that these are observable character traits—such as faithfulness, temperance, gentleness, and caring leadership—rather than rigid qualifications, with reputation both inside and outside the church as the fundamental concern.

Lord's Supper Devotional

This devotional challenges worshipers to recognize communion as a communal act, not merely individual reflection, and suggests practical ways to affirm community while honoring Jesus through shared worship.

Philippians 2:1-5

Philippians

Moving From "Me" to "We"

This sermon examines how Christian community requires thinking in terms of the group rather than individual preferences. Through humility, like-mindedness, concern for others, and Jesus's example, believers learn to prioritize corporate unity over personal interests.

1 Peter 5:1-4 · 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Ordination of Elders

This sermon celebrates the ordination of four elders at Park Avenue Church after years of prayer and congregational discernment, emphasizing the mutual responsibility between leaders and congregation to shepherd one another toward Christ.

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.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

1 Thessalonians

Overflowing Love

Paul's joy at Timothy's report of the Thessalonians' faith reveals the vital importance of Christian relationships and specific, bold prayer that trusts God to intervene against Satan's opposition.

Revelation 3:7-13

Patiently Endure

God measures church success not by size or prominence but by faithfulness to his word and refusal to deny Jesus's name. True security and reward belong to those who endure.

Prayer for our Bible School

This sermon spotlights the Bible School program and honors the teachers and supervisors across all five departments—nursery through adult—who systematically guide participants through Scripture.

Prayer Night

This sermon reviews the church's accomplishments in 1999—including the appointment of elders and deacons, mission work, and spiritual growth—and calls the congregation to prayer and vision for the future.

Ephesians 4:1-6 · 1 Corinthians 1:10

Pure and Simple Christianity

This sermon calls the church away from denominationalism toward unity centered solely on Christ, emphasizing the simplicity of the gospel and the essential matters of faith found in Scripture.

Hebrews 1:1-3

Saying What You Mean

This sermon examines barriers to clear communication—indirectness, contradiction, and false assumptions—and offers three factors for healthy dialogue: accepting others' feelings, revealing oneself honestly, and listening deeply, drawing a parallel to how God communicated plainly through Jesus.

1 Timothy 3 · Titus 1

Selecting Elders

This sermon outlines the biblical qualifications for elders and invites the congregation to participate in identifying and nominating men whose character, faith, and servant conduct demonstrate readiness to shepherd the church.

James 2:1-9 · Matthew 18

The Crisis of Community

This sermon examines how churches have lost the meaning of biblical community—personal sharing of lives—and challenges believers to actively practice love toward one another rather than passively waiting to feel connected.

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.

Acts 3:1-12 · Acts 2:1-47

Acts

The Leader

Peter's leadership in the early church demonstrates the power of setting the tone through boldness, modeling example through discipline and prayer, and setting direction by expanding the gospel beyond cultural boundaries. Today's leaders can follow his example of unwavering conviction.

Hebrews 10:24-25

The Need for Community

God created us for relationships and spiritual growth within community. The church assembly exists as a place where believers actively spur one another toward love and good deeds, not through programs but through genuine, intentional encouragement.

1 Corinthians 12:12-20

The Place for Relationships

The church is both a structured organization and a living organism designed by God as a place for family, fellowship, and active encouragement. Believers must consciously balance organizational matters with relational connection.

Acts 1:14 · Acts 2:42

Time of Prayer

This sermon examines how prayer functioned as central to the early church's life and mission in Acts, challenging believers to recover prayer as the apostolic priority—not a secondary activity.

Ephesians 4:29-32

Too Much Talk

This sermon examines how our words either build up or tear down community. Christians must speak about meaningful matters and avoid harsh words, slander, and gossip to strengthen their spiritual family.

1 Timothy 3:8-16

1 Timothy

Traits of Deacons

Deacons must demonstrate character traits of respect, sincerity, sobriety, and integrity—their function differs from overseers (service vs. management), but their character must be equally strong and observable.

1 Timothy 5:1-16

Timothy

Treatment of Members

Paul instructs Timothy on how to treat different groups within the church, with particular emphasis on discerning which widows deserve congregational support based on need, age, character, and lack of family resources.

1 Timothy 5:17-6:2 · Acts 20:17

1 Timothy

Treatment of Members, II

Paul instructs Timothy on honoring and protecting church elders, evaluating their character carefully, and treating all relationships with respect that honors God's name.

1 John 1:5-10

1 John

Walking in the Light

This sermon examines three false claims made by those who separated from the congregation—that they have fellowship with God, are without sin, and have never sinned. John counters each claim by emphasizing that true fellowship with God requires both alignment with God's people and confession of sin.

Ephesians 2:11-22

Ephesians

What We Were Is Not What We Are

Through Christ, what was once lacking in us—access to God, citizenship, covenant promises, and hope—has been completed. We are called to remember our former separation, embrace the peace Christ accomplished through his blood, and live as God's unified family demonstrating reconciliation to the world.

Hebrews 10:19-25 · Leviticus 3

Worship and Edification

Worship encompasses both vertical devotion to God and horizontal encouragement of one another. The assembly must intentionally foster mutual edification, not passive isolation.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 · Hebrews 10:24

Worship and the Lord's Supper

Worship requires both vertical communion with God and horizontal unity with believers, as demonstrated in the Lord's Supper. Paul addresses divisions at Corinth by calling the church to recognize Christ's sacrifice and celebrate their shared salvation together.

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 · 1 Corinthians 7:39-40

God's Desire for Widows

Scripture teaches that widows hold a special place in God's heart and deserve both family and congregational support. Widows also bear responsibility to remain spiritually focused and contribute their gifts to the life of the church.

1 Corinthians 12:14-20 · Ephesians 3

I Shouldn't Have to Change

This sermon exposes the lie that we don't need to change and that others are the problem, calling believers to celebrate differences as God-ordained strengths that build unity in marriage and the church.

Mark 1:40-45

Mark

The Heart of God

This sermon examines Jesus's healing of a leper to reveal God's compassionate heart—a heart that takes our place so we might be restored to community with him and with others.

Romans 15:1-13

Romans

Unity

This sermon examines how believers build unity through sacrificial love and endurance, sustained by the scriptures and the Holy Spirit's gift of hope in Christ.

Acts 6:1-7

Acts

Choices and Priorities

When internal conflict threatens the early church's unity and mission, spiritual leaders must recognize priorities and delegate wisely—ensuring both prayer and preaching flourish while serving others with God's wisdom.

Acts 8:26-40 · Isaiah 53:1-12

Acts

Explaining the Unknown

Philip explains Isaiah's Suffering Servant passage to an Ethiopian official, revealing how Jesus fulfills God's plan to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Through baptism and faith in Jesus, the excluded outsider gains full access to relationship with God.

Acts 21:17-26

Acts

For the Sake of Unity

Unity rooted in common faith in Jesus matters more than personal preferences. Paul's willingness to accommodate Jewish practices while maintaining gospel integrity demonstrates how believers with diverse personalities and convictions can remain unified through patience, compassion, and mutual care.

Ephesians 3:1-13

Ephesians

God's Purpose for the Church

The church's purpose is to reveal God's wisdom to the spiritual realm by embodying unity across all human divisions. This happens when believers ground their identity in Christ's cross rather than political or cultural preferences.

Ephesians 4:1-16 · John 17

Ephesians

How to Keep Unity

While the Spirit establishes unity in the church, believers must actively maintain it through humility, gentleness, patience, and love—recognizing that all members are equally valued and saved by Christ's blood.

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.

Hebrews 10:19-39

Hebrews

Responses to the Finished Work of Jesus

This sermon examines four proper responses to Jesus's finished work: drawing near to God with confidence, holding fast to hope, gathering in community, and meeting together regularly. Perseverance through suffering requires adjusting our view of time and remembering our identity as believers.

Acts 20:7-12

Acts

The Fortunate One

Through the story of Eutychus's resurrection at Troas, believers are reminded of their identity in Christ and purpose in gathering to break bread—celebrating the God who gives life and sustains hope beyond death.

1 Peter 5:1-5

1 Peter

Elders

Elders shepherd God's flock through example and submission, modeling Christ-centered faithfulness amid persecution. All believers, young and old, must submit to one another as they await Christ's return.

1 Peter 2:4-12

1 Peter

People of God

Peter establishes the identity of believers as God's living stones, called to live consistently in praise despite rejection by the world, trusting that their faithfulness honors God and reflects Christ's resurrection power.

Matthew 28:18-20

Basics

Mission

Jesus commissions his followers to make disciples of all nations, a mission that extends beyond the apostles to every believer in their daily lives and work.

1 Peter 2:4-12

Basics

People of God

Peter teaches that believers are God's people—living stones built into His temple—called to live lives of praise and integrity in a world that rejects Jesus, finding honor not in the world's acceptance but in alignment with Christ.

Luke 24:46-53 · Acts 1

Basics

The Ascension

The ascension confirms Christ's completed work of redemption and his eternal intercession for believers, empowering the church with the Holy Spirit and assuring us that Jesus reigns over all things.

Ephesians 2:11-22 · 1 Peter 1:18-21

Basics

Why Did Jesus Die?

Jesus' death on the cross brings forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity between all peoples. His sacrifice transforms our identity, confidence, relationships, purpose, and understanding of marriage.

Hebrews 10:19-25

Basics

Why Do We Assemble Together?

Christian assembly serves both vertical worship of God and horizontal encouragement of one another. The Hebrew writer calls believers to intentional community that provokes mutual love and good deeds, especially in times of uncertainty.

Acts 20:17 · Acts 20:25-31

Leadership

Leadership Words

This sermon examines the biblical Greek words for church leaders—elder, overseer, shepherd, and deacon—to recover a servant-leadership model grounded in first-century meaning rather than modern business structures.

1 Timothy 3:8-16

1 Timothy

Traits of Deacons

This sermon examines Paul's character requirements for deacons, showing that while deacons and overseers have different functions (serving versus managing), they must possess the same godly character traits including integrity, self-control, and commitment to truth.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 · 1 Corinthians 10:12

1 Corinthians

Attitude Matters

The Lord's Supper calls believers to recognize their equality at the cross and to extend Christ's sacrificial love through shared community, rejecting attitudes of superiority and division.

1 Corinthians 6:1-11 · 1 Corinthians 4:12-13

1 Corinthians

Changing Perspectives

Believers should not sue fellow believers in unjust courts; instead, they must adopt Jesus's perspective—accepting wrongdoing rather than retaliation—and recognize that commitment to God's kingdom contradicts the ways of the world.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

1 Corinthians

No Comparisons

God assigns each member of the body of Christ unique gifts and roles. Comparing ourselves to others or viewing ourselves as superior dishonors God's wisdom; instead, we must value all members equally and share in one another's suffering and joy.

1 Corinthians 10:1-22

1 Corinthians

Partners

The choices we make about our allegiances and partnerships determine our spiritual fellowship. Believers must flee from practices and associations that compromise their singular devotion to Christ and damage the body of believers.

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

1 Corinthians

Peace

Disruption in worship reflects a competitive spirit that contradicts God's character of peace and order. Paul's instructions restore harmony by calling believers to prioritize unity and the building up of the body over personal spiritual superiority.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 10

Paul's closing words to the Thessalonian church call believers to express joy, maintain prayer, and give thanks—community practices that reflect a Christian mind rooted in God's presence and promises.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 · 1 Thessalonians 4:11

1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Paul's final instructions to the Thessalonian church—to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks—are communal practices that strengthen believers facing persecution and reflect God's will for his people.

Ephesians 1:1-14

Ephesians

Chosen

This sermon examines how believers chosen and blessed by God are called to live as witnesses to Christ's lordship in a world at spiritual war between good and evil.

Ephesians 2:11-22

Ephesians

Family

Jesus breaks down the barriers that divide Jews and Gentiles, creating one unified family in him. Believers must remember their former separation, Christ's reconciling work, and their calling to demonstrate God's unity and love to the world.

Ephesians 3:1-13

Ephesians

God's Intention for the Church

The church's primary calling is to reveal God's wisdom to the heavenly realms by living as a unified, racially diverse community centered on Jesus rather than organizational maintenance or member preferences.

Ephesians 4:7-16

Ephesians

Maturity

Paul teaches that spiritual maturity means prioritizing Christ over self and maintaining unity through the gifts God has distributed to every believer. The mature person discerns truth, resists selfish impulses, and works cooperatively as Christ's body.

Ephesians 4:1-6 · Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians

Unity

This sermon examines how believers maintain the unity God has already established through humility, gentleness, patience, and loving endurance, focusing on what draws the church together rather than what divides it.

Acts 10:1-48 · Leviticus 11

Acts

God's Grace

God opens His kingdom to all people regardless of race or ethnicity. The church must follow Christ's example by welcoming others with open arms, recognizing that faith in Jesus—not cultural status—determines entry into God's family.

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 · 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

God's Increase

True service results in God's praise, not human praise. As Park Avenue Church transitions leadership, believers must remember that all ministers are servants and God alone gives the increase.

1 John 4:7-12 · 1 John 2:19

Transition

Let Us Love

Love is the defining mark of those who know God. This sermon examines how God's sacrificial love in Jesus transforms us to love others supernaturally, not sentimentally—and how this love binds a congregation together.

Ephesians 2:11-22 · Deuteronomy 7:9

Issues

Racial Harmony

God desires racial harmony through Christ alone, who destroyed the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles. Christians must teach children to love all people as God's image-bearers and celebrate the differences that reflect God's creative wisdom.

Acts 4:36-5:11

Acts

Respect

This sermon contrasts Barnabas's genuine generosity with Ananias and Sapphira's fraudulent giving motivated by desire for human praise. God's swift judgment reveals that our choices are ultimately accountable to God, not people, calling believers to authentic holiness and loyalty.

Acts 15:1-35 · Acts 15:24

Acts

Settling a Dispute

This sermon examines how the Jerusalem council resolved a dispute about whether Gentile believers must follow Jewish law. Both sides appealed to objective evidence from Scripture rather than personal preference, and grace—not works—remained central to salvation.

Acts 1:12-26

Acts

Waiting

This sermon examines how the early church waited for God's direction through unified prayer and engagement with Scripture, teaching believers that waiting is active dependence on God rather than passive idleness.

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 · 1 Corinthians 7:25-35

Family

God's Desire for Singles

This sermon examines God's affirmation of singleness as a legitimate calling and gift, urging the church to honor singles as full members of God's family while calling singles to trust God's timing and serve with undivided devotion to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 · 1 Corinthians 7:39-40

Family

God's Desire for Widows

God holds widows in special regard and calls both families and congregations to care for them, while widows themselves are called to continue serving through prayer, mentorship, and good deeds.