Love is hardly mere sentiment. In Christ love is active and alive!
Scripture Reference: I Corinthians 13:1-13 Listen to sermon...

The world expects us to operate on the basis of fear, but God tells us the love casts out fear.
Scripture Reference: I John 4:7-21 Listen to sermon...

The day of our salvation is not where following Jesus ends. Imitating Jesus is central to the Christian life.
Scripture Reference: I John 3:1-7 Listen to sermon...

Being saved means walking toward the Light, and that requires humility.
Scripture Reference: I John 1:1-2:2 Listen to sermon...

God expects His children to keep on keeping on, to live in hope, and to have godly fear–just like the women at the tomb.
Scripture Reference: Mark 16:1-8 Listen to sermon...

When the crowd offered praise to Jesus on Palm Sunday, they said a whole lot more than they knew they were saying.
Scripture Reference: Mark 11:1-11 Listen to sermon...

Do not despair. God's providential care for us is never hindered.
Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 34:11-16 Listen to sermon...

When you think of something dramatic, think of new life in the resurrection power of Jesus.
Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:1-10 Listen to sermon...

We seem to talk more about the Ten Commandments than obey them--if only we realized that they are expressions of God's love and His way of creating community!
Scripture Reference: Exodus 20:1-17 Listen to sermon...

We must never assume that God has deserted us. He will, in fact, amaze us with His presence.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Listen to sermon...

We can have titles, but doing something with the gift of God's salvation is what God really wants of us.
Scripture Reference: I Peter 2:9-10 Listen to sermon...

God has the right the expect some things of us. One is silence. Another is worshiping Him, not the experience of worshiping Him.
Scripture Reference: Mark 9:2-9 Listen to sermon...

You dare not ignore two truths–the power of evil and the overpowering reality of Jesus.
Scripture Reference: Mark 1:21-28 Listen to sermon...

We mustn't think of following Jesus as some 'nice little story.' Following Jesus can wreak havoc with our lives, as it did with four fishermen.
Scripture Reference: Mark 1:14-20 Listen to sermon...

In the life of the person who follows Jesus little is more important than learning how to listen--to others and to God.
Scripture Reference: I Samuel 3:1-10 Listen to sermon...

No one and nothing can compare. Some of the most vital words we will ever hear are, “In the beginning God…”
Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:1-4 Listen to sermon...

It's a new year and time to surrender to God, to acknowledge His mystery, and to recognize His gifts to us.
Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 Listen to sermon...

Ultimately, how we respond to the Christ of Christmas is very, very important. Luke gives us at least three ideas about that.
Scripture Reference: Luke 2:8-20 Listen to sermon...

Two facts dominate. Jesus was born. Jesus wants to be born again in your life.
Scripture Reference: Luke 2:1-20 Listen to sermon...

What we must not overlook at Christmas is that Mary taught us a pair of extremely important lessons--how to respond to God and how to be obedient.
Scripture Reference: Luke 1:46b-55 Listen to sermon...

Did you ever wonder why gospel-writer John does not mention the birth of Jesus? Here's a thought…
Scripture Reference: John 1:6-8, 19-28 Listen to sermon...

It may not have occurred to many of us that the First Coming of Jesus has everything in the world to do with the Second Coming of Jesus.
Scripture Reference: II Peter 3:8-15a Listen to sermon...

With this Sunday we enter a season of waiting which will end only with the birth of the Savior.
Scripture Reference: I Corinthians 1:3-9 Listen to sermon...

In God we are up to the challenge–giving thanks in the midst of our most difficult hours.
I Thessalonians 5:12-18 Listen to sermon...

Following the Lord is a demanding, deliberate matter and is only one of many choices we have.
Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Listen to sermon...

Inevitably, we look to other human beings as our examples. Jesus tells us that is a recipe for failure.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:1-12 Listen to sermon...

Living for Jesus requires taking risks. Living in safety was never what He meant as abundant life.
Scripture Reference: I Thessalonians 2:1-8 Listen to sermon...

Perhaps the single most dangerous thing we can do is think we have God under control. When we dare to do that, watch out!
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 45:1-7 Listen to sermon...

You may be surprised to know that most of us bear some resemblance to these two biblical figures. Paul tells us what to do about it.
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:1-9 Listen to sermon...

The Lord expects us to walk with Him and that walk means knowing the mind of Christ. Do you?
Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:1-13 Listen to sermon...

It's one thing to think about life and death in abstract ways. It's another to realize that even suffering is a gift from God.
Scripture Reference: Philippians 1:21-30 Listen to sermon...

It's one thing casually to be sorry about something and another to repent for having done it. God knows the difference and we should, too.
Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 33:7-11 Listen to sermon...

Rules and regulations can confine our behavior, or, by the grace of God, they can liberate us truly to live.
Scripture Reference: Romans 12:9-21 Listen to sermon...

It's the best of times. It's the worst of times. Yet the amazing thing is that God is not bound my circumstance.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 51:1-6 Listen to sermon...

Fortunately, you and I are not responsible for judging eternally the rest of humanity. This much, we know, however. While the door to salvation is open for us through Jesus, we must walk through that door.
Scripture Reference: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Listen to sermon...

If you don't know who Jesus is, how in the world will you know how to respond to Him?
Scripture Reference: Romans 10:5-15 Listen to sermon...

God wants us to experience transformation, though it is a difficult process for some.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 32:22-32 Listen to sermon...

Sometimes what a person doesn't say rings more loudly than what he does say. Such was the case when God gave Jacob a dream.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 28:10-19a Listen to sermon...

Trusting in Christ leads to all sorts of new things, including real community.
Scripture Reference: John 15:12-17 Listen to sermon...

We tend to think of this story in terms of Abraham's faithfulness. The better approach may be in terms of God's provision.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 22:1-14 Listen to sermon...

We do well to ask ourselves one question. Who is at the center of our personal universes–God or ourselves?
Scripture Reference: Psalm 8:1-9 Listen to sermon...

God is not in the business of creating an elite following, but a truly "Spirited" following of believers.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 11:24-30 Listen to sermon...

Sometimes we find ourselves like deer, caught in the headlights. The Lord reminds us that there is a time to wait on Him and a time to get going.
Scripture Reference: Acts 1:6-11 Listen to sermon...

Having eternal life means knowing Jesus personally. Jesus said so.
Scripture Reference: John 17:1-11 Listen to sermon...

Fear may knock on our doors, but by God's grace through faith, Jesus will be there to answer.
Scripture Reference: John 14:1-6 Listen to sermon...

When we come to understand what it means that God listens to us, we will seek to repay Him in every way we can.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 Listen to sermon...

There are moments when we may feel as though the end is near. Through Peter the Lord counsels us on how to handle those times.
Scripture Reference: I Peter 1:3-9 Listen to sermon...

It's one thing to be in the presence of Jesus. It's quite another to let Him penetrate your life.
Scripture Reference: Luke 24:13-35 Listen to sermon...

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem may have served this one, primary purpose–to force us to ask, like the crowd, "Who is this?"
Scripture Reference: Matthew 21:1-11 Listen to sermon...

After receiving word of Lazarus' illness, Jesus waited for two days before he went to his house. What does this waiting teach about the way God cares for us?
Scripture Reference: John 11:1-45 Listen to sermon...

We need to take care, lest we make the same mistakes those around Jesus made.
Scripture Reference: John 9:1-41 Listen to sermon...

We do well to recognize how much we complain to God and, more than that, how much God still loves us. Listen to sermon...

We get confused about who the star of the show is. The main character may look like Abram, but it is not. Listen to sermon...

Strange as it may seem, unless you understand from what you have been saved, you may never truly grasp God's grace. Listen to sermon...

We say we crave mountain-top experiences with God. What we tend to forget is that they require significant waiting. Listen to sermon...

If we are going to serve God, then we must serve the real God, and we must do it now. Listen to sermon...

Jesus has called us to act with mercy, not to hound others for our rights, and to love our enemies. Listen to sermon...

God takes sin very, very seriously, which means we must take sin very, very seriously. Listen to sermon...

It's hard to put a value on a human life. It's even harder to put a value on what Jesus did for us. Listen to sermon...

The Beatitudes are about more than following rules. They are about embodying and following Jesus. Listen to sermon...

It is possible that, in our desire to follow God, we not only have done too little, but also have dreamed too little and attempted too little. Listen to sermon...

Baptism has come to mean a great many things, but, based on the baptism of Jesus, it certainly means obedience. Listen to sermon...

Paul's letter to the Ephesians is also a personal letter to all Jesus-followers about all the Lord has done for us. Listen to sermon...

When you consider that the plan of God has hung by a slender thread, the gift of His Son is even more amazing. Listen to sermon...

Like Joseph, we need to learn to live on the other side of fear. Listen to sermon...

Not only was Mary a virgin who gave birth to Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. She is our model for faithful obedience. Listen to sermon...

All our lives are stories that various people have entered. We have the opportunity to invite people to become part of our stories–people like Jesus. Listen to sermon...

Before Advent and Christmas arrive, we need to remember one thing. The shadow of a cross lay across a Bethlehem manger. Listen to sermon...

No matter the size of church building or the number of members, this much is sure. God is in no way diminished, God will never be diminished, and His promises are true. Listen to sermon...

The story of Zaccheus seems like such a sweet tale. Think again. It is a powerfully demanding story of how much it may cost us to follow Jesus. Listen to sermon...

If we ever are tempted to think that flaunting ourselves before God is a good idea, we should think again. The only route to God is through humility. Listen to sermon...

It's true that the gospel is simple, but it is not simplistic. The gospel of Jesus is more deeply profound than anything in the world. Listen to sermon...

Sometimes we feel "stuck" in life, but we should never forget that we have a heavenly future to which God draws all believers. Listen to sermon...

God expects more of us than common sense; what He expects is faith. Listen to sermon...

Revenge is a strong human impulse, but it is possible for love to overcome revenge. Listen to sermon...

Does Jesus want us to be “haters”? Or does He has something else in mind for our discipleship? Listen to sermon...

We may not think of idolatry as a particularly twenty-first century sin, but we should think again. It lurks at our door! Listen to sermon...

People define “salvation” in a great many ways. Jesus defined it in terms of a relationship. Listen to sermon...

Time and money occupy us and cause us stress. Jesus gives us the best advice, however. “Fear not!” Listen to sermon...

When you pray the Lord's Prayer, you do far more than repeat the words Jesus gave us. You trust God absolutely as your Father. Listen to sermon...

Though it looks as though the simple story line is, 'Be more like Mary,' perhaps Jesus' point is more complicated…and more helpful. Listen to sermon...

God tells us to love our neighbors. Realizing who our neighbors are is the thrill and challenge. Listen to sermon...

Being on mission can be summarized in the two words of Jesus: "Follow Me!" Listen to sermon...

When confronted in this passage with all the activity of a Hollywood movie, we need to be careful that we don't miss the main point. Listen to sermon...

Jesus continues to give life, even under the strangest of circumstances. Listen to sermon...

God created the heavens and the earth. We should understand that we humans have always been secondary. Listen to sermon...

The Spirit of God makes us look and sound different, all right. Listen to sermon...

When Jesus gave His disciples their final instructions, they had to realize that He was still among them, but everything had changed. Listen to sermon...

Portion of Scripture may be read as a love letter from God – a love letter that requires our response. Listen to sermon...

Just when we think we have figured out God, He may do a work much larger than we ever imagined. Listen to sermon...

Put yourself in John's shoes. Jesus really, really, really wanted to know if John loved Him and would serve Him. Listen to sermon...

For those who have a personal relationship with Jesus, the Savior's Second Coming is no threat. It's a time of rejoicing. Listen to sermon...

Evidence of the resurrection may not always be convincing, but a personal encounter with Jesus is something else! Listen to sermon...

Incredibly and wonderfully, testimony to Jesus is not limited to what we human beings can do. Listen to sermon...

Two weeks away from Easter, we know this much: God continues to be awake in the world. Listen to sermon...

For a follower of Christ, salvation is not merely a historical event. It is very much present tense and future tense as well. Listen to sermon...

When the Lord invites us to Himself, He invites us to receive His grace and to know His love. Listen to sermon...

There is citizenship... and then there is citizenship. Listen to sermon...

Temptations come to all of us, even Jesus. Sin, however, is not in the temptation, but giving in to the temptation. Listen to sermon...

Faith in God means trusting Him for the long haul, regardless of what the present may look like. Listen to sermon...

The conclusion to the 12:12 series on spiritual gifts. Listen to sermon...

Pruning comes to every Christian. The way it comes depends partly on us. Listen to sermon...

By the grace of God spiritual gifts flow through individuals, but God intends them for use in and through the church. Listen to sermon...

It turns out that Tina Turner was right. Love does have something to do with it -- spiritual gifts, that is. Listen to sermon...

Every Christ-follower possesses spiritual gifts, but it is not enough to possess them. You must use them for Christ's sake. Listen to sermon...

As important as spiritual gifts are, being certain of your personal relationship with Jesus is even more important. In fact, that's the only thing that makes sense of spiritual gifts. Listen to sermon...

What happens after Christmas is very important. Just ask the shepherds, the townsfolk, and Mary. Listen to sermon...

The shepherds learned that when you encounter an angel, you really encounter God. Listen to sermon...

It is possible that what we most have in common with the shepherds is that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Listen to sermon...

What if Jesus was born in the home of a family member? What if He wants to be born again in our lives? Listen to sermon...

Come to think of it, God is the only reason we need for Thanksgiving or thanksgiving! Listen to sermon...

She was homeless; she was poor — she was the richest of all. Listen to sermon...

When you think about heaven, try thinking about a tabernacle, a bride, and all things made fresh. Listen to sermon...

And you thought this passage was about a healing miracle... Listen to sermon...

The word "freedom" is used in some truly unfortunate ways.  In Christ, however, you find the true meaning. Listen to sermon...

We say we know what Jesus is capable of doing. What we must understand is that Jesus is still at work in the lives of those who follow Him. Listen to sermon...

It’s amazing how the Church comes alive every time it gathers around the Lord’s Supper table. Listen to sermon...

Reading the Bible and understanding the Bible are sometimes two very different things, especially when the subject is prayer and healing. Listen to sermon...

Almost from the very beginning the church has had to make decisions about its future–just like individuals. Listen to sermon...

We might be surprised to know how prevalent the sin of idolatry is. Moreover, we need to know how deadly it is. Listen to sermon...

Is it possible that God has some direction about how we can best live our remaining days on earth? Listen to sermon...

Many think they know the definition of “Christian,” but they need to be very careful. Listen to sermon...

In our search for God, we need to be careful that we don’t look in the wrong places. Listen to sermon...

We can ask Jesus for bread, or we can ask Him for miracles, but what if He wants to give us more? Listen to sermon...

God reminds us that worship is too important to make a mistake with. Listen to sermon...

When we come to various 'pivot points' in our lives, we need to know whether God is asking patience, initiative, or something else for His sake. Listen to sermon...

Given that we are all put together differently, it is interesting that the apostle Paul can tell us all the best thing we can do. Listen to sermon...

When Job finished his complaints to God, God had an answer that was wrapped in mystery. Listen to sermon...

It is one of the oldest questions we ask. In truth, what must we do to be born again? Listen to sermon...

Fire and wind ushered in the birth of the church, making us wonder where the drama is today. Listen to sermon...

We are encouraged when other people do things for us. But have you ever considered what the consequences might be of Jesus' praying for us? Listen to sermon...

Life takes on real meaning when vision and idealism meet a personal faith in God. At least, that's what David learned when he encountered Goliath. Listen to sermon...

If we are to know life, we must be connected to Jesus. In John 15, Jesus gives us a picture of what that looks like. Listen to sermon...

Sermon by Dr. Steve Phillips. Listen to sermon...

Sermon by Dr. Steve Phillips. Listen to sermon...

Sermon by Dr. Steve Phillips. Listen to sermon...

Sermon by Dr. Steve Phillips. Listen to sermon...

Sermon by Dr. Steve Phillips. Listen to sermon...

Sermon by Dr. Steve Phillips. Listen to sermon...

Sermon by Dr. Steve Phillips. Listen to sermon...

Sermon by Dr. Steve Phillips. Listen to sermon...