2009 Sermons
These are the sermons preached in 2009 in our Sunday morning worship services. They are in chronological order.
| To listen to a sermon, click on its title. To download a sermon, right-click on its title and then click on ”Save Target As” or ”Save Link As.” | ||
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“Standing on the Promises”
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| Text: Genesis 15:1-21 | Date: 01/04/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: In Genesis 15:6 we find that epic statement: “And he [Abram] believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” That’s what we need more than anything else: righteousness! | ||
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Helping God Along
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| Text: Genesis 16:1-16 | Date: 01/11/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: The roller-coaster ride of faith continues with Abram, as his faith short-circuits again. Bowing to his wife’s pressure, he tries to produce an heir through her servant, Hagar. But our patient and gracious God doesn’t give up on his plan. | ||
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“Is Anything Too Hard for the LORD?”
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| Text: Genesis 17:1-18:15 | Date: 01/18/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Is anything too hard for the LORD? The text for this sermon tells us, NO! | ||
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“Shall Not the Judge of All the Earth Do What is Just?”
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| Text: Genesis 18:16-19:29 | Date: 01/25/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is one of the most terrifying in all the Scriptures…and yet, really, more than anything else, it’s a story about God‘s mercy. | ||
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| Estimated download times: Dialup: 15 min / DSL: 75 sec / Cable: 15 sec. | ||
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When the King Comes
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| Text: Mark 11:1-33 | Date: 02/01/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: God’s long-awaited Messiah/King finally came to his people. What did he find? What will he find when he comes again? | ||
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With or Without You?
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| Text: Mark 12:1-12 | Date: 02/08/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: Jesus elaborates on the terrible and foolish choice of his rejecters in his parable of the wicked tenants. | ||
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Q & A with the K of K
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| Text: Mark 12:13-37 | Date: 02/15/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Hard-ball interviewers thought they could trip Jesus up with their questions, and get him to seal his fate. No one can outwit the King of Kings. | ||
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Tell-Tale Hearts
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| Text: Mark 12:38-44 | Date: 02/22/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: In memorable paragraphs Jesus warns us of religious phonies, and tells us to consider the faith of the widow who gives everything she has to the Lord. | ||
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| To listen to a sermon, click on its title. To download a sermon, right-click on its title and then click on ”Save Target As” or ”Save Link As.” | ||
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Alert to the End
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| Text: Mark 13:1-37 | Date: 03/01/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Jesus looks ahead to the cataclysmic events of the great Temple’s destruction and then the end of the world as we know it. This text can be frightening; it certainly is challenging; but ultimately it’s comforting... so long as we stay awake! | ||
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Love's Extravagance in a Dark World
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| Text: Mark 14:1-11 | Date: 03/08/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: What is the most extravagant gift you’ve ever given? Was it really warranted? In this text we are challenged by Mary’s gift to the Lord Jesus, and amazed again at Judas’ betrayal. | ||
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Rejoicing in the Lord's Redemption
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| Text: Mark 14:12-25 | Date: 03/15/2009 | Speaker: Tim Wagner |
| Description: Every month we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Why do we do it? What is the New Covenant? How do we keep it? Jesus instructs His disciples on the significance of His sacrifice and how we can remember and rejoice in this New Covenant. | ||
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The Stricken Shepherd and the Scattered Sheep
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| Text: Mark 14:26-42 | Date: 03/22/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: When, in your life, have you felt the most alone? It’s a terrible feeling. But that’s what our Lord experienced. As he, the Shepherd, was stricken, his sheep scattered, and he went to the cross alone — all for us. | ||
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| Estimated download times: Dialup: 15 min / DSL: 75 sec / Cable: 15 sec. | ||
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A Grave Injustice
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| Text: Mark 15:1-15 | Date: 3/29/2009 | Speaker: Jared Hendricks |
| Description:
Jesus is on trial before the chief priests of the Jews and Pilate.
He’s delivered over to be crucified, but who really is guilty?
Note: Click here to see an extended version of the video clip which was shown during this sermon. |
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“Hail, King of the Jews!”
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| Text: Mark 15:16-47 | Date: 04/05/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: As Jesus is handed over to the cruel Roman soldiers and led to the cross, two truths come into bold relief: mankind’s utter depravity and the absolute majesty of God’s King. | ||
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A Terrifying Joy
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| Text: Mark 16:1-8 | Date: 04/12/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Certain experiences in life can take our breath away. They are so intense, so powerful, so moving. Such was the experience, to the nth degree, of the women at the empty tomb that first Easter morning. They experienced a terrifying joy… | ||
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God’s Foolproof Promise
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| Text: Genesis 20:1-18 | Date: 04/19/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: We’re amazed that Abraham could make the same faithless mistake again… like us. | ||
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| To listen to a sermon, click on its title. To download a sermon, right-click on its title and then click on ”Save Target As” or ”Save Link As.” | ||
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A Laughing Matter
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| Text: Genesis 21:1-7 | Date: 04/26/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Even after Abraham’s ups and downs with his faith, God is faithful, and Isaac is born. God is a God who brings wonderful joy and laughter of soul to all those who trust in him. | ||
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Christ’s Kingdom and the Clash of Culture
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| Text: Acts 10:1-48 | Date: 05/03/2009 | Speaker: Craig Darling |
| Description: God is decisively stirring the hearts of his people to see the world as he perceives it and is sovereignly directing their steps by his Spirit. God uses individuals like us to communicate the gospel of grace as a means of salvation to all who believe. | ||
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Proving the Provider
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| Text: Genesis 22:1-19 | Date: 05/10/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: One of the most dramatic and heart-wrenching stories in the whole Bible: Abraham’s command to sacrifice his son Isaac. But this is much, much more than a great story — we learn about faith, and the ultimate object of our faith: God’s Son. | ||
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A Stake in the ‘Better Country’
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| Text: Genesis 23:1-20 | Date: 05/17/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: As we follow our plot-line of God’s Promise through the book of Genesis, we see Abraham buying a burial plot for his wife Sarah, as she dies. Just as Abraham had at least a stake in the Promised Land, so we too, today, have a stake in the “better country” (Hebrews 11:16) to come. | ||
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| Estimated download times: Dialup: 15 min / DSL: 75 sec / Cable: 15 sec. | ||
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The Invisible Maestro
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| Text: Genesis 24:1-67 | Date: 05/24/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: For God’s promise to carry on, Abraham’s heir, Isaac, needs a wife. Behind the charming story of Genesis 25 is the hand of ”the Invisible Maestro.” | ||
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Jacob and Esau: The Scandal of Grace
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| Text: Genesis 25:19-34 | Date: 05/31/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: When we think of the promise being passed down from Isaac and Rebekah to Jacob, we would assume that Jacob must have been a pretty good guy, particularly because he was the younger of the twins, not the one who would normally receive the birthright, but…? We’re dealing with “the scandal of grace.” | ||
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The God Who Reigns
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| Text: Jonah 1:1-16 | Date: 06/07/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: God reigns over all of creation, over all of the nations, and over all other gods. Yet, Jonah isn't concerned when he disobeys God's commands. Who does Jonah think he is? Then we realize that Jonah is just like us. | ||
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Rock Bottom Religion
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| Text: Jonah 1:17-2:10 | Date: 06/14/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: Even though Jonah is a rebellious prophet, the Lord is merciful to him. | ||
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| To listen to a sermon, click on its title. To download a sermon, right-click on its title and then click on ”Save Target As” or ”Save Link As.” | ||
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The God of Second Chances
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| Text: Jonah 3:1-10 | Date: 06/21/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: We witness what is perhaps the greatest revival in world history, which God performed through Jonah. But Jonah's heart remains unchanged. | ||
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Grace Without Borders
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| Text: Jonah 3:10-4:11 | Date: 06/28/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: The least known chapter in the book of Jonah. | ||
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The God Intent to Bless
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| Text: Genesis 26:1-28:9 | Date: 07/05/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: As we read through these stories of the great patriarchs, Isaac and Jacob, we wonder: are they really such great heroes? Yes, there were times when they revealed a deep faith in the LORD, but yet they certainly don’t seem worthy of God’s great blessing. But God WILL BLESS whom he chooses! | ||
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Grace Enough for the Journey
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| Text: Genesis 28:10-22 | Date: 07/12/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: “I am with you.” These were the Lord’s words to undeserving Jacob in his vision in Genesis. They are also His words to us today through Jesus Christ. How important it is for us to hear these words from the Lord, especially as we go through the trials of life. | ||
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| Estimated download times: Dialup: 15 min / DSL: 75 sec / Cable: 15 sec. | ||
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A Marriage Mishap & Purposes of God
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| Text: Genesis 29:1-35 | Date: 07/19/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Jacob, the deceiver, becomes the deceived, as he seeks his wife. But even through this marriage mishap, the Lord is at work to fulfill his good purposes. | ||
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A Match for the Millennia
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| Text: Genesis 32:22-32 | Date: 07/26/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: How in the world could Jacob ‘wrestle with God’ and yet prevail? He came out of the match not only alive, but transformed and blessed — like everyone else who sees God face to face through personal faith in his Son. | ||
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Reconciling Grace: How Sweet it is!
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| Text: Genesis 33:1-20 | Date: 08/02/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Now Jacob’s ready to finally meet Esau (after 20 years!). How is it that upon seeing Esau, Jacob says, “For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God”? | ||
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Triumph Over Temptation
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| Text: Luke 4:1-13 | Date: 08/09/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: Is the Old Testament relevant for us today? Yes, it is. It’s vital for the Christian life. | ||
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| To listen to a sermon, click on its title. To download a sermon, right-click on its title and then click on ”Save Target As” or ”Save Link As.” | ||
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Free from All, Servant of All
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| Text: 1 Corinthians 9:1-17 | Date: 08/16/2009 | Speaker: Tim Wagner |
| Description: The Gospel message is in jeopardy at the Corinthian church. They are ready to discard the Apostle Paul and his teaching. Why are the Corinthians up in arms against Paul? What is Paul’s defense? | ||
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When All Seems Lost
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| Text: Genesis 37:1-36 | Date: 08/23/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Can you imagine how Jacob must have felt when he saw Joseph’s robe of many colors now soaked in blood? But in every sad story, our God is at work for good. | ||
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Revealing the Skeletons
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| Text: Genesis 38:1-30 | Date: 08/30/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: There are no skeletons in the closet when it comes to the Bible. God’s Word always tells it like it is. The story of Judah and Tamar shows us that God is able to work in and through all types of sinners — even us! | ||
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The Secret of Success
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| Text: Genesis 39:1-23 | Date: 09/06/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Everyone wants it, don't they — the secret of success? Joseph found it. | ||
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| Estimated download times: Dialup: 15 min / DSL: 75 sec / Cable: 15 sec. | ||
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Exalted to Save
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| Text: Genesis 40:1-41:57 | Date: 09/13/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Joseph rose from being in a pit to being the Prime Minister. He was exalted to save, just like Jesus. | ||
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We Still Have a Race to Run
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| Text: Hebrews 12:1-17 | Date: 09/20/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: Have we lost the fear of God? Here is what a healthy fear of God looks like. | ||
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“You Sold Me… God Sent Me”
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| Text: Genesis 42:1-45:15 | Date: 09/27/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: The story of Joseph can be summed up by his paradoxical words to his brothers: “You sold me… God sent me.” We never know how God may be at work in and through us even through the most difficult times of our lives. It’s this realization that frees us up to love and serve others. | ||
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The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
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| Text: Genesis 49:8-12 | Date: 10/04/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: One of the amazing qualities of God’s Book is that it tells the future. In his final blessing for his sons, Jacob reveals their future. His words to his son Judah are monumental. They reveal a great coming Ruler - Jesus Christ. | ||
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| To listen to a sermon, click on its title. To download a sermon, right-click on its title and then click on ”Save Target As” or ”Save Link As.” | ||
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Living Toward the Unshakeable Kingdom
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| Text: Hebrews 12:18-29 | Date: 10/11/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: We need to offer God acceptable worship for he is a consuming fire. | ||
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Finishing Well — In Faith
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| Text: Genesis 50:15-26 | Date: 10/18/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Christian life is not just about getting a good start, but even more importantly, finishing well. When Joseph came to the end of his life, he finished well — in faith that God would keep all his promises. | ||
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Our Mission: Promoting God’s Agenda
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| Text: 1 Timothy 1:1-11 | Date: 10/25/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Paul reminds Timothy of the differences between God’s agenda for the church and the self-promoting agenda of some false teachers. We need the same reminder today: focus on God's agenda — the heart of which is love. | ||
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The Niagara of Grace
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| Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17. | Date: 11/01/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: When God saves sinners, it’s not a trickle of grace, it’s a Niagara! Paul presents himself as Exhibit A. | ||
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| Estimated download times: Dialup: 15 min / DSL: 75 sec / Cable: 15 sec. | ||
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Fighting to Stay Afloat
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| Text: 1 Timothy 1:18-20 | Date: 11/08/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Sadly, the rugged coastline of the Christian life is littered with shipwrecks – those who had started out well, keeping careful watch of the lighthouses, but then went their own way. Don't take your voyage with God for granted. | ||
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A Winning Proposition
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| Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-8 | Date: 11/15/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Why is praying for our governmental leaders a top priority? | ||
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Note to Self: Bless the Lord
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| Text: Psalm 103:1-22 | Date: 11/22/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: Do you ever talk to yourself? King David did. In this Thanksgiving message we hear David urging himself and all of creation to bless the Lord. | ||
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The Attractive Woman
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| Text: 1 Timothy 2:9-15 | Date: 11/29/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Paul tells us what makes an attractive woman in the eyes of God. Many see this section as controversial, but like the rest of Scripture, it comes from the wise, loving hand of God, and is for our good. | ||
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| To listen to a sermon, click on its title. To download a sermon, right-click on its title and then click on ”Save Target As” or ”Save Link As.” | ||
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Solid Shepherds
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| Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 | Date: 12/06/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: As Paul continues with very practical commands concerning life in the Church, he addresses the absolutely critical need for qualified leadership. | ||
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Life in the Household
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| Text: 1 Timothy 3:8-16 | Date: 12/13/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: Paul’s prescription for “family life” in the church continues with the qualifications for deacons, and the responsibility of all of us to be the “pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim 3:8-16). | ||
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Good News of Great Joy
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| Text: Luke 2:8-11 | Date: 12/20/2009 | Speaker: Neal Patel |
| Description: The arrival of King Jesus means good news for God’s people, and results in great joy! | ||
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The God Who Speaks & Doesn’t Stutter
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| Text: Psalm 19:1-14 | Date: 12/27/2009 | Speaker: Gary Kirst |
| Description: As we look ahead to the new year, let’s remember how gracious God has been in revealing himself to us, both through the creation, and most perfectly, through his Word. Listen for a very specific (and practical) New Year’s challenge. | ||
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| Estimated download times: Dialup: 15 min / DSL: 75 sec / Cable: 15 sec. | ||
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