Legends, Fables & Biblical Origins
Questions abound regarding the mysterious life and work of angels and demons. Do people have a guardian angel? Can demons possess a Christian? Are angels and demons really fighting all around us? Answers to these questions abound in our culture . . . but in this message Stephen gives us the answers from the source that matters: Scripture.
Angelmania
People are obsessed with the angelic world today. There are angel books, angel clubs, angel jewels, and angel TV shows. But what does the Bible say about angels? What does God want us to know about these mysterious creatures? Join Stephen in today's message and find out.
Unending Praise
"Unending Praise" based on Romans 16:27 is a fitting culmination to the Book of Romans. The sermon celebrates the integrity of the gospel and the character of the church, as Stephen reflects on the powerful impact of preaching scripture in its entirety. In the final doxology of Paul, Stephen unpacks the profound layers of praise encapsulated in the words "to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever." This message emphasizes the uniqueness of God, the accessibility through Jesus Christ, and the commendable nature of God's wisdom and glory. It's an invitation to embrace this unending praise, affirming the truth of God's word and committing to live it out. As the exposition of Romans concludes, we're left with a heartfelt "Amen," an affirmation of the truth revealed and a commitment to carry these teachings forward. This message is an experience of growth, reflection, and an unwavering dedication to the truth of the gospel.
Let's Final Doxology
Join Stephen as he explores the profound influence of Thomas Ken's Doxology, a hymn of praise that has resonated through the ages. Written by a courageous 17th-century pastor and scholar, this timeless poem has become a cornerstone of Christian worship. Discover the story behind the words "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," and delve into the Greek origins of 'doxa', revealing its evolution from a simple opinion to a declaration of divine glory. This episode isn't just a history lesson; it's an invitation to contemplate your perception of God and the profound reputation of Jesus Christ. It challenges you to align your views with the true nature of Christ. Whether you're seeking to deepen your faith or simply curious about the historical significance of a beloved hymn, this message offers a unique blend of historical insights, spiritual reflection, and practical application. Join us in elevating our perspective of Jesus Christ and celebrating the glory of God through the timeless words of the Doxology.
Resisting the Lull of Laziness
In Luke 19:11-27, you are confronted with the potential responses of diligence, laziness, and defiance in your service to Christ. The parable illustrates that, as a follower of Christ, you are entrusted with divine investments, and your response determines your position in the coming kingdom. Develop a godly perspective of anticipation, recognizing that you are entrusted with divine assets. You are called to engage in service for the Lord until His return, using your talents, responsibilities, and opportunities to honor Him.
Snapshots of Ruin & Rescue
While you probably know the Sunday school song about Zacchaeus the tax collector, chances are you may not understand the extent of his sin and the miraculous nature of his restoration. Only Jesus Christ can deliver the kind of life-transforming grace that would cause the richest cheat in Israel to become a compassionate, benevolent, above-and-beyond kind of follower of Christ.
The Cure for Spiritual Blindness
Physical sight doesn't guarantee spiritual insight. Physical blindness doesn't limit spiritual vision. Jesus demonstrated perhaps the ultimate Messianic power when he restored sight to a believing blind man. But many people in the crowd had perfectly good vision, but couldn't see their Savior standing right in front of them. Stephen Davey teaches on Bartimaeus’ miraculous healing.
How a Camel Illustrates Conversion
We know that there is no works-based test to become a Christian. You don't have to present your bank account to God and prove how poor you are for Him to allow you into heaven. So why does Jesus connect our entrance into God's kingdom with how much money we have? As Stephen Davey explains, it's not a matter of prosperity, it's a matter of priority. Money is not the same as love of money--particularly the love of money that supersedes all other loves. That's the lesson Jesus taught the rich young ruler, and it's a lesson He's still teaching today.
Children: An Endangered Species
If it's a dangerous time to be a child in the 21st century, it was exponentially more so during the days of Jesus. Many children never lived to adulthood, or even to their teenage years. Those who did survive infancy were marginalized in their culture. But Jesus changed all that. Through a simple act of showing interest and care in the lives of children, Jesus began a cause that, to this day, Christians all around the world continue to strive for: protecting and cherishing our children.
The Scoundrel and the Saint
Things--and people--are rarely what they seem to be. Social media has trained us to be more "image conscious." People even arrive to church more concerned with displaying a righteous exterior than experiencing the convicting of the Holy Spirit. And this is nothing new. In Jesus' day, He often rebuked the Pharisees as self-righteous, image-conscious hypocrites. Let's learn to avoid their tragic example.